bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sexual Dimorphism in Breast Stripe Width and Beak Eco-Morphology in Himalayan Green-Backed Tits (Parus Monticolus)
Authors: Barve Sahas , Dixit Soham , Dhondt André A. , Ishtiaq Farah
Published: October 2017

Quantitative field data on sexual dimorphism is scant for most bird species. In this first field study of a western Himalayan population of Green-backed Tits ( Parus monticolus), we demonstrate that breast stripe width is a dimorphic trait that is a reliable measure to sex this species in the wild. Based on our ability to sex the birds in hand, we describe the sexual dimorphism in eco-morphological variables in our study population. Sexual dimorphism in beak morphology changed from winter to summer due to males having shorter beaks (4.5%) in summer; however, there was little change in female beak measurements. Our study on this Himalayan congener of a widely studied European species can be used to inform studies of the evolutionary ecology of morphological traits in closely-related species inhabiting vastly different habitats.
The Effects of Aiding and Opposing Thermal Buoyancy on Downward Flow around a Confined Circular Cylinder
Authors: Laidoudi Houssem , Bouzit Mohamed
Published: October 2017

In this paper, two-dimensional simulations are carried out to understand the effects of aiding and opposing thermal buoyancy on the downward flow and heat transfer characteristics around a heated/cold circular cylinder confined in vertical channel. The numerical results have been presented and discussed for the range of conditions as: Re = 5 to 40, Ri = -1 to 1 at fixed Pr = 1 and blockage ratio β = 0.2. The steady simulations are performed with a finite volume method based on ANSYS-CFX code. The main results are presented in terms of streamlines and isotherm contours to interpret the obtained phenomena. In addition, the average Nusselt number is computed to determine the role of Reynolds and Richardson numbers on heat transfer rate. It is found that increase in the effect of aiding buoyancy reduces the heat transfer rate but increase in the effect of opposing buoyancy enhances the heat transfer rate. Moreover, for aiding buoyancy condition creates some counter rotating regions in upstream region.
Multi-Modal Integration of EEG-fNIRS for Brain-Computer Interfaces – Current Limitations and Future Directions
Authors: Ahn Sangtae , Jun Sung C.
Published: October 2017

Multi-modal integration, which combines multiple neurophysiological signals, is gaining more attention for its potential to supplement single modality’s drawbacks and yield reliable results by extracting complementary features. In particular, integration of electroencephalography (EEG) and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is cost-effective and portable, and therefore is a fascinating approach to brain-computer interface (BCI). However, outcomes from the integration of these two modalities have yielded only modest improvement in BCI performance because of the lack of approaches to integrate the two different features. In addition, mismatch of recording locations may hinder further improvement. In this literature review, we surveyed studies of the integration of EEG/fNIRS in BCI thoroughly and discussed its current limitations. We also suggested future directions for efficient and successful multi-modal integration of EEG/fNIRS in BCI systems.
Antibody Selection for Cancer Target Validation of FSH-Receptor in Immunohistochemical Settings
Authors: Moeker Nina , Peters Solveig , Rauchenberger Robert , Ghinea Nicolae , Kunz Christian
Published: October 2017

Background: The follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)-receptor (FSHR) has been reported to be an attractive target for antibody therapy in human cancer. However, divergent immunohistochemical (IHC) findings have been reported for FSHR expression in tumor tissues, which could be due to the specificity of the antibodies used. Methods: Three frequently used antibodies (sc-7798, sc-13935, and FSHR323) were validated for their suitability in an immunohistochemical study for FSHR expression in different tissues. As quality control, two potential therapeutic anti-hFSHR Ylanthia® antibodies (Y010913, Y010916) were used. The specificity criteria for selection of antibodies were binding to native hFSHR of different sources, and no binding to non-related proteins. The ability of antibodies to stain the paraffin-embedded Flp-In Chinese hamster ovary (CHO)/FSHR cells was tested after application of different epitope retrieval methods. Results: From the five tested anti-hFSHR antibodies, only Y010913, Y010916, and FSHR323 showed specific binding to native, cell-presented hFSHR. Since Ylanthia® antibodies were selected to specifically recognize native FSHR, as required for a potential therapeutic antibody candidate, FSHR323 was the only antibody to detect the receptor in IHC/histochemical settings on transfected cells, and at markedly lower, physiological concentrations (ex., in Sertoli cells of human testes). The pattern of FSH323 staining noticed for ovarian, prostatic, and renal adenocarcinomas indicated that FSHR was expressed mainly in the peripheral tumor blood vessels. Conclusion: Of all published IHC antibodies tested, only antibody FSHR323 proved suitable for target validation of hFSHR in an IHC setting for cancer. Our studies could not confirm the previously reported FSHR overexpression in ovarian and prostate cancer cells. Instead, specific overexpression in peripheral tumor blood vessels could be confirmed after thorough validation of the antibodies used.
Portfolio Implementation Risk Management Using Evolutionary Multiobjective Optimization
Authors: Quintana David , Denysiuk Roman , Garcia-Rodriguez Sandra , Gaspar-Cunha António
Published: October 2017

Portfolio management based on mean-variance portfolio optimization is subject to different sources of uncertainty. In addition to those related to the quality of parameter estimates used in the optimization process, investors face a portfolio implementation risk. The potential temporary discrepancy between target and present portfolios, caused by trading strategies, may expose investors to undesired risks. This study proposes an evolutionary multiobjective optimization algorithm aiming at regions with solutions more tolerant to these deviations and, therefore, more reliable. The proposed approach incorporates a user’s preference and seeks a fine-grained approximation of the most relevant efficient region. The computational experiments performed in this study are based on a cardinality-constrained problem with investment limits for eight broad-category indexes and 15 years of data. The obtained results show the ability of the proposed approach to address the robustness issue and to support decision making by providing a preferred part of the efficient set. The results reveal that the obtained solutions also exhibit a higher tolerance to prediction errors in asset returns and variance–covariance matrix.
Mechanisms of Sweep on the Performance of Transonic Centrifugal Compressor Impellers
Authors: He Xiao , Zheng Xinqian
Published: October 2017

Transonic centrifugal compressors with high performance are required in the oil and gas industries, modern gas turbine engines, and turbochargers. The sweep of the blades is one of the crucial features that have a significant influence on their performance. This paper numerically investigates mechanisms by which sweep affects the performance of a transonic impeller with twin splitters. Sweep is defined as scaling up or down the shroud chord, and the variation range of the sweep angle has been chosen from −25 to +25°. In the current case, results show that the variation of choke mass flow rate, pressure ratio, and efficiency value is around 1%. If the centrifugal compressor has a higher pressure ratio or a higher front loading, the sweep effect on compressor performance will be even stronger. The essential aerodynamic effect of sweep is the spanwise redistribution of the front loading, resulting in effects on the shock structure, the tip leakage vortex, and the flow separation. On the shroud section, forward sweep restricts the front loading, the shock strength, and the tip leakage vortex, which reduces the loss near the casing. On the hub section, aft sweep suppresses the front loading and the flow separation, which reduces the loss near the hub. It is the delicate balance between controlling the loss near the hub and the loss near the casing that determines the optimal sweep angle design.
Co-Combustion of Fast Pyrolysis Bio-Oil Derived from Coffee Bean Residue and Diesel in an Oil-Fired Furnace
Authors: Hou Shuhn-Shyurng , Huang Wei-Cheng , Lin Ta-Hui
Published: October 2017

The combustion characteristics of co-firing bio-oil produced from the fast pyrolysis process of coffee bean residue and diesel in a 300-kWth oil-fired furnace are investigated. Using bio-oil to completely replace fossil fuels has limitations since bio-oil has undesirable properties, such as high water and oxygen contents, high viscosity, and low heating value. However, a low blend ratio of bio-oil used as a substitute for petroleum-derived oil has advantages; i.e., it can be easily combusted in existing furnaces without modifications. Thus, a promising solution is the partial substitution of diesel with bio-oil, rather than completely replacing it. A furnace test is performed for diesel alone and bio-oil/diesel blends with 5 vol % bio-oil. The results show that excellent stable combustion is observed during the co-firing test. Compared with diesel, with 5 vol % bio-oil content in the blends, both the wall temperature and gas temperature drop only slightly and exhibit similar furnace temperature distribution; meanwhile, comparable NO emissions (smaller than 57 ppm) are obtained, and lower CO2 emissions are achieved because biomass is both carbon neutral and renewable. Moreover, SO2 and CO emissions under these two burning conditions are very low; SO2 and CO emissions are smaller than 6 and 35 ppm, respectively.
Optimal Waveform of the Partial-Respond Signal Based on Minimum Out-of-Band Radiation Criterion
Authors: Shang Wenjing , Xu Yidong , Qi Junwei , Xue Wei , Makarov Sergey
Published: October 2017

This paper presents a novel method designing an optimized waveform with high spectral efficiency based on minimum out-of-band radiation criterion. Introducing the Pan-function model, Fourier series, and constraints, we achieve the numeric solution of the optimized baseband signals. The optimal waveform provides an excellent bandwidth efficiency, and its bit error rate (BER) performance is improved using the minimum cross-correlation function. To verify the proposed model, we present a simulation of the signal modulation and demodulation schemes using MATLAB software. The results are consistent with expected results, verifying the correctness of this method.
Alcohol Dehydrogenation on Kraft Lignin-Derived Chars with Surface Basicity
Authors: García-Mateos Francisco , Moulefera Imane , Rosas Juana , Benyoucef Abdelghani , Rodríguez-Mirasol José , Cordero Tomás
Published: October 2017

The properties of lignin and its potential as a renewable source make it an ideal precursor for carbon products. Specifically, the high content of Na observed in Kraft lignin makes this industrial by-product an interesting precursor for the preparation of catalysts for different applications. In this work, basic activated carbons with different textural properties and surface chemistry were obtained from Kraft lignin by direct carbonization at various temperatures. The influence of a further washing treatment and partial gasification with CO2 was also evaluated. The carbon catalysts were tested as catalysts for the alcohol decomposition reaction. In this sense, 2-propanol, a molecule widely used for testing the acidic-basic character of heterogeneous catalysts, was selectively transformed into acetone, meanwhile, ethanol and methanol yielded mainly acetaldehyde and formaldehyde, respectively.
Preparation of Potassium Dichromate Crystals from the Chromite Concentrate by Microwave Assisted Leaching
Authors: Liu Hua , Guo Shenghui , Peng Jinhui , Yu Duan , Zhang Libo , Dai Linqing
Published: October 2017

In the present investigation, the oxidizing roasting process of chromite with sodium carbonate to prepare potassium dichromate crystals was studied in the microwave field with air, by heating the chromite and sodium carbonate. The chromite and sodium carbonate heated separately at 1000 °C in the microwave oven (frequency: 2.45 GHz; power 1.5 kW) in order to study the microwave absorption properties. The dielectric constant and dielectric loss factor of the chromite and sodium carbonate examined. Then, chromite with sodium carbonate taken in (1:2) ratio and heated at 750 °C. Thus obtained samples were characterized using various techniques includes Powder-XRD (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and X-ray fluorescence (XRF). The XRD pattern reveals the existence of Fe3O4, Fe2O3, NaAlO2, and Na2CrO4. The iron and aluminum were leached out as Fe2O3 and Al(OH)3 respectively. The resulting sample treated with the KCl to prepare potassium dichromate crystals. Finally, potassium dichromate crystals formed.
Frequency and Polarization-Diversified Linear Sampling Methods for Microwave Tomography and Remote Sensing Using Electromagnetic Metamaterials
Authors: Salarkaleji Mehdi , Eskandari Mohammadreza , Chen Jimmy , Wu Chung-Tse
Published: October 2017

Metamaterial leaky wave antennas (MTM-LWAs), one kind of frequency scanning antennas, exhibit frequency-space mapping characteristics that can be utilized to obtain a sufficient field of view (FOV) and reconstruct shapes in both remote sensing and microwave imaging. In this article, we utilize MTM-LWAs to conduct a spectrally encoded three-dimensional (3D) microwave tomography and remote sensing that can reconstruct conductive targets with various dimensions. In this novel imaging technique, we employ the linear sampling method (LSM) as a powerful and fast reconstruction approach. Unlike the traditional LSM using only one single frequency to illuminate a fixed direction, the proposed method utilizes a frequency scanning MTM antenna array able to accomplish frequency-space mapping over the targeted 3D background that includes unknown objects. In addition, a novel technique based on a frequency and polarization hybrid method is proposed to improve the shape reconstruction resolution and stability in ill-posed inverse problems. Both simulation and experimental results demonstrate the unique advantages of the proposed LSM using MTM-LWAs with frequency and polarization diversity as an efficient 3D remote sensing and tomography scheme.
Diesel/CNG Mixture Autoignition Control Using Fuel Composition and Injection Gap
Authors: Firmansyah  , A. Aziz A. , Heikal Morgan , Zainal A. Ezrann
Published: October 2017

Combustion phasing is the main obstacle to the development of controlled auto-ignition based (CAI) engines to achieve low emissions and low fuel consumption operation. Fuel combinations with substantial differences in reactivity, such as diesel/compressed natural gas (CNG), show desirable combustion outputs and demonstrate great possibility in controlling the combustion. This paper discusses a control method for diesel/CNG mixture combustion with a variation of fuel composition and fuel stratification levels. The experiments were carried out in a constant volume combustion chamber with both fuels directly injected into the chamber. The mixture composition was varied from 0 to 100% CNG/diesel at lambda 1 while the fuel stratification level was controlled by the injection phasing between the two fuels, with gaps between injections ranging from 0 to 20 ms. The results demonstrated the suppressing effect of CNG on the diesel combustion, especially at the early combustion stages. However, CNG significantly enhanced the combustion performance of the diesel in the later stages. Injection gaps, on the other hand, showed particular behavior depending on mixture composition. Injection gaps show less effect on combustion phasing but a significant effect on the combustion output for higher diesel percentage (≥70%), while it is contradictive for lower diesel percentage (<70%).
Effects of Climate Change on the Potentially Suitable Climatic Geographical Range of Liriodendron chinense
Authors: Xu Xiang , Zhang Huayong , Xie Ting , Xu Yao , Zhao Lei , Tian Wang
Published: October 2017

Identifying the potentially suitable climatic geographical range for Liriodendron chinense (L. chinense) and predicting its responses to climate change is urgently necessary, as L. chinense is an important tertiary relict tree species. In this study, we simulated the potentially suitable climatic habitat of L. chinense in China using maximum entropy (MaxEnt) modeling. We found that the MaxEnt model was highly accurate with an average training Area Under the Curve (AUC) value of 0.912. Annual precipitation and mean temperature of the driest quarter are the main factors controlling the geographical distribution of L. chinense. Currently, the suitable climatic habitat of L. chinense is mainly located in Southeastern China. Forecasted patterns of predicted suitable climatic habitat show a significant change by the 2050s and 2070s, suggesting that the suitable climatic habitat of L. chinense would shift north with future climate change, based on four Representative Concentrations Pathways for carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The southern extent of the current distribution would become unsuitable for L. chinense, pointing to a threat of extinction and highlighting the urgent need for conservation within the next half century. The potentially suitable climatic habitat of L. chinense was predicted to move further north, but those habitat gains may be inaccessible because of dispersal limitations. Our unique findings offer a climatic suitability map for L. chinense in China, which can help to identify locations where L. chinense may already exist, but has not yet been detected; to recognize locations where L. chinense is likely to spread in the future given forecasted climate change; and to select priority areas for its introduction, cultivation, and conservation.
A DNA Structural Alphabet Distinguishes Structural Features of DNA Bound to Regulatory Proteins and in the Nucleosome Core Particle
Authors: Schneider Bohdan , Božíková Paulína , Čech Petr , Svozil Daniel , Černý Jiří
Published: October 2017

We analyzed the structural behavior of DNA complexed with regulatory proteins and the nucleosome core particle (NCP). The three-dimensional structures of almost 25 thousand dinucleotide steps from more than 500 sequentially non-redundant crystal structures were classified by using DNA structural alphabet CANA (Conformational Alphabet of Nucleic Acids) and associations between ten CANA letters and sixteen dinucleotide sequences were investigated. The associations showed features discriminating between specific and non-specific binding of DNA to proteins. Important is the specific role of two DNA structural forms, A-DNA, and BII-DNA, represented by the CANA letters AAA and BB2: AAA structures are avoided in non-specific NCP complexes, where the wrapping of the DNA duplex is explained by the periodic occurrence of BB2 every 10.3 steps. In both regulatory and NCP complexes, the extent of bending of the DNA local helical axis does not influence proportional representation of the CANA alphabet letters, namely the relative incidences of AAA and BB2 remain constant in bent and straight duplexes.
Exploring the Role of the Spatial Characteristics of Visible and Near-Infrared Reflectance in Predicting Soil Organic Carbon Density
Authors: Guo Long , Chen Yiyun , Shi Tiezhu , Zhao Chang , Liu Yaolin , Wang Shanqin , Zhang Haitao
Published: October 2017

Soil organic carbon stock plays a key role in the global carbon cycle and the precision agriculture. Visible and near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (VNIRS) can directly reflect the internal physical construction and chemical substances of soil. The partial least squares regression (PLSR) is a classical and highly commonly used model in constructing soil spectral models and predicting soil properties. Nevertheless, using PLSR alone may not consider soil as characterized by strong spatial heterogeneity and dependence. However, considering the spatial characteristics of soil can offer valuable spatial information to guarantee the prediction accuracy of soil spectral models. Thus, this study aims to construct a rapid and accurate soil spectral model in predicting soil organic carbon density (SOCD) with the aid of the spatial autocorrelation of soil spectral reflectance. A total of 231 topsoil samples (0–30 cm) were collected from the Jianghan Plain, Wuhan, China. The spectral reflectance (350–2500 nm) was used as auxiliary variable. A geographically-weighted regression (GWR) model was used to evaluate the potential improvement of SOCD prediction when the spatial information of the spectral features was considered. Results showed that: (1) The principal components extracted from PLSR have a strong relationship with the regression coefficients at the average sampling distance (300 m) based on the Moran’s I values. (2) The eigenvectors of the principal components exhibited strong relationships with the absorption spectral features, and the regression coefficients of GWR varied with the geographical locations. (3) GWR displayed a higher accuracy than that of PLSR in predicting the SOCD by VNIRS. This study aimed to help people realize the importance of the spatial characteristics of soil properties and their spectra. This work also introduced guidelines for the application of GWR in predicting soil properties by VNIRS.
Overexpression of Populus trichocarpa Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinase4 Enhances Salt Tolerance in Tobacco
Authors: Yang Chengjun , Wang Ruoning , Gou Luzheng , Si Yongchao , Guan Qingjie
Published: October 2017

Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) is one of the factors of cascade reactions affecting responses to signal pathway of environmental stimuli. Throughout the life of plants, MAPK family members participate in signal transduction pathways and regulate various intracellular physiological and metabolic reactions. To gain insights into regulatory function of MAPK kinase (MAPKK) in Populus trichocarpa under salt stress, we obtained full-length cDNA of PtMAPKK4 and analyzed different expression levels of PtMAPKK4 gene in leaves, stems, and root organs. The relationship between PtMAPKK4 and salt stress was studied by detecting expression characteristics of mRNA under 150 mM NaCl stress using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The results showed that expression of PtMAPKK4 increased under salt (NaCl) stress in leaves but initially reduced and then increased in roots. Thus, salt stress failed to induce PtMAPKK4 expression in stems. PtMAPKK4 possibly participates in regulation of plant growth and metabolism, thereby improving its salt tolerance. We used Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain INVScI to verify subcellular localization of PtMAPKK4 kinase. The yeast strains containing pYES2-PtMAPKK4-GFP plasmid expressed GFP fusion proteins under the induction of d-galactose, and the products were located in nucleus. These results were consistent with network prediction and confirmed location of PtMAPKK4 enzyme in the nucleus. We tested NaCl tolerance in transgenic tobacco lines overexpressing PtMAPKK4 under the control of 35S promoter at germination stage to detect salt tolerance function of PtMAPKK4. Compared withK326 (a wild-type tobacco), lines overexpressing PtMAPKK4 showed a certain degree of improvement in tolerance, germination, and growth. NaCl inhibited growth of overexpressed line and K326 at the seedling stage. However, statistical analysis showed longer root length, higher fresh weight, and lower MDA content in transgenic lines in comparison with that in K326.
Vitamin D in Pain Management
Authors: Helde-Frankling Maria , Björkhem-Bergman Linda
Published: October 2017

Vitamin D is a hormone synthesized in the skin in the presence of sunlight. Like other hormones, vitamin D plays a role in a wide range of processes in the body. Here we review the possible role of vitamin D in nociceptive and inflammatory pain. In observational studies, low vitamin D levels have been associated with increased pain and higher opioid doses. Recent interventional studies have shown promising effects of vitamin D supplementation on cancer pain and muscular pain—but only in patients with insufficient levels of vitamin D when starting intervention. Possible mechanisms for vitamin D in pain management are the anti-inflammatory effects mediated by reduced cytokine and prostaglandin release and effects on T-cell responses. The recent finding of vitamin D-mediated inhibition of Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is especially interesting and exhibits a credible mechanistic explanation. Having reviewed current literature, we suggest that patients with deficient levels defined as 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) levels <30 nmol/L are most likely to benefit from supplementation, while individuals with 25-OHD >50 nmol/L probably have little benefit from supplementation. Our conclusion is that vitamin D may constitute a safe, simple and potentially beneficial way to reduce pain among patients with vitamin D deficiency, but that more randomized and placebo-controlled studies are needed before any firm conclusions can be drawn.
Emerging Therapeutics to Overcome Chemoresistance in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer: A Mini-Review
Authors: Cornelison Robert , Llaneza Danielle , Landen Charles
Published: October 2017

Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer death among women and the most lethal gynecologic malignancy. One of the leading causes of death in high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is chemoresistant disease, which may present as intrinsic or acquired resistance to therapies. Here we discuss some of the known molecular mechanisms of chemoresistance that have been exhaustively investigated in chemoresistant ovarian cancer, including drug efflux pump multidrug resistance protein 1 (MDR1), the epithelial–mesenchymal transition, DNA damage and repair capacity. We also discuss novel therapeutics that may address some of the challenges in bringing approaches that target chemoresistant processes from bench to bedside. Some of these new therapies include novel drug delivery systems, targets that may halt adaptive changes in the tumor, exploitation of tumor mutations that leave cancer cells vulnerable to irreversible damage, and novel drugs that target ribosomal biogenesis, a process that may be uniquely different in cancer versus non-cancerous cells. Each of these approaches, or a combination of them, may provide a greater number of positive outcomes for a broader population of HGSOC patients.
Unresolved Issues for Utilization of Atypical Antipsychotics in Schizophrenia: Antipsychotic Polypharmacy and Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Jeon Sang , Kim Yong-Ku
Published: October 2017

Atypical antipsychotics (AAP) are the prevailing form of schizophrenia treatment today due to their low side effects and superior efficacy. Nevertheless, some issues still need to be addressed. First, there are still a large number of patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS), which has led to a growing trend to resort to AAP polypharmacy with few side effects. Most clinical treatment guidelines recommend clozapine monotherapy in TRS, but around one third of schizophrenic patients fail to respond to clozapine. For these patients, with clozapine-resistant schizophrenia AAP polypharmacy is a common strategy with a continually growing evidence base. Second, AAP generally have great risks for developing metabolic syndrome, such as weight gain, abnormality in glucose, and lipid metabolism. These metabolic side effects have become huge stumbling blocks in today’s schizophrenia treatment that aims to improve patients’ quality of life as well as symptoms. The exact reasons why this particular syndrome occurs in patients treated with AAP is as yet unclear though factors such as interaction of AAP with neurotransmitter receptors, genetic pholymorphisms, type of AAPs, length of AAP use, and life style of schizophrenic patients that may contribute to its development. The present article aimed to review the evidence underlying these key issues and provide the most reasonable interpretations to expand the overall scope of antipsychotics usage.
Theoretical Investigations of the Photophysical Properties of Star-Shaped π-Conjugated Molecules with Triarylboron Unit for Organic Light-Emitting Diodes Applications
Authors: Jin Ruifa , Zhang Xiaofei , Xiao Wenmin , Luo Dongmei
Published: October 2017

The density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT (TD-DFT) methodologies have been applied to explore on a series of star-shaped π-conjugated organoboron systems for organic light-emitting diode (OLED) materials. The compounds under investigation consist of benzene as π-bridge and different core units and triarylboron end groups. Their geometry structures, frontier molecular orbital (FMO) energies, absorption and fluorescence spectra, and charge transport properties have been investigated systematically. It turned out that the FMO energy levels, the band gaps, and reorganization energies optical are affected by the introduction of different core units and triarylboron end groups. The results suggest that the designed compounds are expected to be promising candidates for luminescent materials. Furthermore, they can also serve as hole and/or electron transport materials for OLEDs.
Regulatory T Cells and Tumor-Associated Macrophages in the Tumor Microenvironment in Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer Treated with Intravesical Bacille Calmette-Guérin: A Long-Term Follow-Up Study of a Japanese Cohort
Authors: Miyake Makito , Tatsumi Yoshihiro , Gotoh Daisuke , Ohnishi Sayuri , Owari Takuya , Iida Kota , Ohnishi Kenta , Hori Shunta , Morizawa Yosuke , Itami Yoshitaka , Nakai Yasushi , Inoue Takeshi , Anai Satoshi , Torimoto Kazumasa , Aoki Katsuya , Shimada Keiji , Konishi Noboru , Tanaka Nobumichi , Fujimoto Kiyohide
Published: October 2017

The clinical significance of regulatory T cells (Treg) and tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) in the tumor microenvironment of human bladder cancer remains unclear. The aim of this study is to explore their relevance to oncological features in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). We carried out immunohistochemical analysis of forkhead box P3 (FOXP3, Treg maker), CD204 (TAM marker), and interleukin-6 (IL6) using surgical specimens obtained from 154 NMIBC patients. The Treg and TAM counts surrounding the cancer lesion and IL6-positive cancer cell counts were evaluated against clinicopathological variables. We focused on the ability of the Treg and TAM counts around the cancer lesion to predict outcomes after adjuvant intravesical Bacille Calmette–Guérin (BCG) treatment. High Treg counts were associated with female patients, older age, T1 category, and high tumor grade. TAM count was significantly correlated with Treg count and with IL6-positive cancer cell count. In our analysis of 71 patients treated with BCG, high counts of Treg and TAM were associated with shorter recurrence-free survival, and the former was an independent predictor of recurrence. Poor response to intravesical BCG was associated with Treg and TAM in the tumor microenvironment. Disrupting the immune network can be a supplementary therapeutic approach for NMIBC patients receiving intravesical BCG.
Fungicidal Activity in the Presence of Keratin as an Important Factor Contributing to In Vivo Efficacy: A Comparison of Efinaconazole, Tavaborole, and Ciclopirox
Authors: Tachibana Haruki , Kumagai Naomichi , Tatsumi Yoshiyuki
Published: October 2017

Use of oral antifungals in the treatment of onychomycosis is commonplace; but their use can be limited by safety and patient concerns. Due to their broader safety margins, topical antifungals (efinaconazole, tavaborole, and ciclopirox) are a useful option in the treatment of mild-to-moderate onychomycosis in the USA, but their antifungal activity has yet to be directly compared. This study aims to identify important factors contributing to in vivo efficacies of the three topical antifungals. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined by Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) M38-A2 broth microdilution. The MIC90 values of efinaconazole, tavaborole, and ciclopirox for T. rubrum were 0.0078, 8.0, and 0.50 μg/mL, respectively. The MIC90 values for T. mentagrophytes were 0.016, 8.0, and 0.50 μg/mL, respectively. Efinaconazole showed potent fungicidal activity in keratin-containing medium, whereas tavaborole was fungistatic, and ciclopirox not active. In the guinea pig model of onychomycosis, the therapeutic efficacy of efinaconazole was superior to those of tavaborole and ciclopirox. This study suggests that not only fungistatic activity (MIC), but also fungicidal activity in the presence of keratin, is an important factor contributing to the in vivo efficacy of topical antifungal drugs against onychomycosis.
Three-Dimensional (3D) Printing of Polymer-Metal Hybrid Materials by Fused Deposition Modeling
Authors: Fafenrot Susanna , Grimmelsmann Nils , Wortmann Martin , Ehrmann Andrea
Published: October 2017

Fused deposition modeling (FDM) is a three-dimensional (3D) printing technology that is usually performed with polymers that are molten in a printer nozzle and placed line by line on the printing bed or the previous layer, respectively. Nowadays, hybrid materials combining polymers with functional materials are also commercially available. Especially combinations of polymers with metal particles result in printed objects with interesting optical and mechanical properties. The mechanical properties of objects printed with two of these metal-polymer blends were compared to common poly (lactide acid) (PLA) printed objects. Tensile tests and bending tests show that hybrid materials mostly containing bronze have significantly reduced mechanical properties. Tensile strengths of the 3D-printed objects were unexpectedly nearly identical with those of the original filaments, indicating sufficient quality of the printing process. Our investigations show that while FDM printing allows for producing objects with mechanical properties similar to the original materials, metal-polymer blends cannot be used for the rapid manufacturing of objects necessitating mechanical strength.
Stability of a Monomial Functional Equation on a Restricted Domain
Authors: Lee Yang-Hi
Published: October 2017

In this paper, we prove the stability of the following functional equation ∑ i = 0 n n C i ( − 1 ) n − i f ( i x + y ) − n ! f ( x ) = 0 on a restricted domain by employing the direct method in the sense of Hyers.
Report from the BIT’s 4th Annual World Congress of High-Tech Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine Held in Xi’an, China, 25–27 September 2017
Authors: Litscher Gerhard , Mei Xiaodan
Published: October 2017

High-tech acupuncture is an example of a very successful cross-over between tradition and innovation. “The Annual World Congress of High-Tech Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine” was successfully organized on four occasions, and attracted more than 800 participants from 55 countries [...]
Revealing the Effects of Nanoscale Membrane Curvature on Lipid Mobility
Authors: Kabbani Abir Maarouf , Woodward Xinxin , Kelly Christopher
Published: October 2017

Recent advances in nanoengineering and super-resolution microscopy have enabled new capabilities for creating and observing membrane curvature. However, the effects of curvature on single-lipid diffusion have yet to be revealed. The simulations presented here describe the capabilities of varying experimental methods for revealing the effects of nanoscale curvature on single-molecule mobility. Traditionally, lipid mobility is revealed through fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP), fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS), and single particle tracking (SPT). However, these techniques vary greatly in their ability to detect the effects of nanoscale curvature on lipid behavior. Traditionally, FRAP and FCS depend on diffraction-limited illumination and detection. A simulation of FRAP shows minimal effects on lipids diffusion due to a 50 nm radius membrane bud. Throughout the stages of the budding process, FRAP detected minimal changes in lipid recovery time due to the curvature versus flat membrane. Simulated FCS demonstrated small effects due to a 50 nm radius membrane bud that was more apparent with curvature-dependent lipid mobility changes. However, SPT achieves a sub-diffraction-limited resolution of membrane budding and lipid mobility through the identification of the single-lipid positions with ≤15 nm spatial and ≤20 ms temporal resolution. By mapping the single-lipid step lengths to locations on the membrane, the effects of membrane topography and curvature could be correlated to the effective membrane viscosity. Single-fluorophore localization techniques, such SPT, can detect membrane curvature and its effects on lipid behavior. These simulations and discussion provide a guideline for optimizing the experimental procedures in revealing the effects of curvature on lipid mobility and effective local membrane viscosity.
Effects of Increasing Feed Rate on Tool Deterioration and Cutting Force during End Milling of 718Plus Superalloy Using Cemented Tungsten Carbide Tool
Authors: Razak Nurul , Chen Zhan , Pasang Timotius
Published: October 2017

Understanding how feed rate (ft) affects tool deterioration during milling of Ni-based superalloys is practically important, but this understanding is currently insufficient. In the present study using a 718Plus Ni-based alloy and cemented tungsten carbide tool inserts, milling experiments were conducted with ft = 0.10 mm/tooth under either dry or wet (with coolant) conditions. The results are compared to those based on using ft = 0.05 mm/tooth from previous studies. The milling force (F) was monitored, the cutting tool edge was examined and the flank wear (VBmax) was measured. As would be expected, an increase in ft increased F. It was found that F correlated well with VBmax for the high ft (0.1 mm/tooth) experiments, as opposed to the previously observed poor F-VBmax relationship for the lower ft (0.05 mm/tooth) value. This is explained, supported by detailed failure analysis of the cutting tool edges, by the deterioration mode to be dominantly edge chipping with a low occurrence of fracturing along the flank face when the high ft was used. This dominancy of the deterioration mode means that the tool edge and workpiece contact was consistent and thus resulted in a clear F-VBmax relationship. A clear F-VBmax relationship should then mean monitoring VBmax through monitoring F is possible.
Spiral-Shaped Piezoelectric MEMS Cantilever Array for Fully Implantable Hearing Systems
Authors: Udvardi Péter , Radó János , Straszner András , Ferencz János , Hajnal Zoltán , Soleimani Saeedeh , Schneider Michael , Schmid Ulrich , Révész Péter , Volk János
Published: October 2017

Fully implantable, self-powered hearing aids with no external unit could significantly increase the life quality of patients suffering severe hearing loss. This highly demanding concept, however, requires a strongly miniaturized device which is fully implantable in the middle/inner ear and includes the following components: frequency selective microphone or accelerometer, energy harvesting device, speech processor, and cochlear multielectrode. Here we demonstrate a low volume, piezoelectric micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) cantilever array which is sensitive, even in the lower part of the voice frequency range (300–700 Hz). The test array consisting of 16 cantilevers has been fabricated by standard bulk micromachining using a Si-on-Insulator (SOI) wafer and aluminum nitride (AlN) as a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) and biocompatible piezoelectric material. The low frequency and low device footprint are ensured by Archimedean spiral geometry and Si seismic mass. Experimentally detected resonance frequencies were validated by an analytical model. The generated open circuit voltage (3–10 mV) is sufficient for the direct analog conversion of the signals for cochlear multielectrode implants.
Fingerprinting the Hydrothermal Fluid Characteristics from LA-ICP-MS Trace Element Geochemistry of Garnet in the Yongping Cu Deposit, SE China
Authors: Zhang Yu , Liu Qingquan , Shao Yongjun , Li Hongbin
Published: October 2017

The large Yongping Cu deposit is situated in the eastern Qin-Hang Metallogenic Belt, Southeast China and on the southern side of the Yangtze—Cathaysia suture zone, and is characterized by large stratiform orebodies. Garnet represents the main non-metallic mineral at Yongping, and shows variations in color from dark red to green to light brown with distance from the Shizitou porphyritic biotite granite stock. An in situ elemental analysis using EPMA and LA-ICP-MS and fluid inclusions microthermometric measurement on the Yongping garnet were conducted to constrain the hydrothermal and physicochemical mineralization conditions and the ore origin. The Yongping garnet ranges from nearly pure to impure andradite, is characterized by low concentrations of MnO (0.11–0.71 wt %) with a wide range of Y/Ho (2.1–494.9) and does not exhibit any melting inclusions or fluid-melt inclusions, indicating that they are likely to be resulted from hydrothermal replacements. The Yongping garnet is rich in LREEs, Cs, Th, U and Pb; relatively depleted in HREEs, Rb, Sr and Ba; but exhibits distinct Eu anomalies (δEu of the dark red, green and light brown garnet range 2.12–20.54, 0.74–1.70 and 0.52–0.85, respectively) with the homogenization temperatures and salinities of the fluid inclusions principally ranging from 387–477 °C and 7.8–16.0 wt % NaCl equivalent, respectively. The distinct trace elements and microthermometric characteristics reveal that the garnet was formed in a physicochemical conditions of medium-high temperature, 44–64 MPa pressures, mildly acidic pH levels, and unstable oxygen fugacity, and indicate that they were primarily formed by infiltration metasomatism, quite fitting with the scenario that the preferential entrance of magmatic-hydrothermal fluids derived from the Shizitou stock into the relatively low-pressure fracture zones between the limestone and quartz sandstone in the Yejiawan Formation, and further led to the formation of the Yongping stratiform mineralization.
Melatonin Improves the Photosynthetic Carbon Assimilation and Antioxidant Capacity in Wheat Exposed to Nano-ZnO Stress
Authors: Zuo Zhiyu , Sun Luying , Wang Tianyu , Miao Peng , Zhu Xiancan , Liu Shengqun , Song Fengbin , Mao Hanping , Li Xiangnan
Published: October 2017

The release of nanoparticles into the environment is inevitable, which has raised global environmental concern. Melatonin is involved in various stress responses in plants. The present study investigated the effects of melatonin on photosynthetic carbon (C) assimilation and plant growth in nano-ZnO stressed plants. It was found that melatonin improved the photosynthetic C assimilation in nano-ZnO stressed wheat plants, mainly due to the enhanced photosynthetic energy transport efficiency, higher chlorophyll concentration and higher activities of Rubisco and ATPases. In addition, melatonin enhanced the activities of antioxidant enzymes to protect the photosynthetic electron transport system in wheat leaves against the oxidative burst caused by nano-ZnO stress. These results suggest that melatonin could improve the tolerance of wheat plants to nano-ZnO stress.
Predictors Associated with Increase in Skeletal Muscle Mass after Sustained Virological Response in Chronic Hepatitis C Treated with Direct Acting Antivirals
Authors: Yoh Kazunori , Nishikawa Hiroki , Enomoto Hirayuki , Ishii Akio , Iwata Yoshinori , Miyamoto Yuho , Ishii Noriko , Yuri Yukihisa , Hasegawa Kunihiro , Nakano Chikage , Nishimura Takashi , Aizawa Nobuhiro , Sakai Yoshiyuki , Ikeda Naoto , Takashima Tomoyuki , Takata Ryo , Iijima Hiroko , Nishiguchi Shuhei
Published: October 2017

Aims: We aimed to examine changes in skeletal muscle mass in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients undergoing interferon (IFN)-free direct acting antivirals (DAAs) therapy who achieved sustained virological response (SVR). Patients and methods: A total of 69 CHC patients treated with DAAs were analyzed. We compared the changes in skeletal muscle index (SMI) using bio-impedance analysis at baseline and SMI at SVR. SMI was calculated as the sum of skeletal muscle mass in upper and lower extremities divided by height squared (cm2/m2). Further, we identified pretreatment parameters contributing to the increased SMI at SVR. Results: SMI in males at baseline ranged from 6.73 to 9.08 cm2/m2 (median, 7.65 cm2/m2), while that in females ranged from 4.45 to 7.27 cm2/m2 (median, 5.81 cm2/m2). At SVR, 36 patients (52.2%) had increased SMI as compared with baseline. In the univariate analysis, age (p = 0.0392), hyaluronic acid (p = 0.0143), and branched-chain amino acid to tyrosine ratio (BTR) (p = 0.0024) were significant pretreatment factors linked to increased SMI at SVR. In the multivariate analysis, only BTR was an independent predictor linked to the increased SMI at SVR (p = 0.0488). Conclusion: Pretreatment BTR level can be helpful for predicting increased SMI after SVR in CHC patients undergoing IFN-free DAAs therapy.
The Effect of Piceatannol from Passion Fruit (Passiflora edulis) Seeds on Metabolic Health in Humans
Authors: Kitada Munehiro , Ogura Yoshio , Maruki-Uchida Hiroko , Sai Masahiko , Suzuki Taeko , Kanasaki Keizo , Hara Yuna , Seto Hiromi , Kuroshima Yuka , Monno Itaru , Koya Daisuke
Published: October 2017

Animal studies have shown the beneficial effects of piceatannol on metabolic health; however, there is a lack of human studies designed to examine these effects. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of piceatannol on metabolic health in humans. This randomized, placebo-controlled study was conducted on 39 subjects, including 10 overweight men and 9 overweight women (BMI ≥ 25), as well as 10 non-overweight men and 10 non-overweight women (BMI < 25). Subjects received piceatannol (20 mg/day) or placebo capsules for eight weeks in a random order. The primary outcome was the effect of piceatannol on glucose-metabolism, including insulin sensitivity. The secondary outcomes were the effects on other parameters, including blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), endothelial function, lipids, inflammation, oxidative stress, mood status, and Sirt1 and phospho-AMP-activated kinase (p-AMPK) expression in isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNCs). Supplementation with piceatannol in overweight men reduced serum insulin levels, HOMA-IR, BP and HR. Other groups, including non-overweight men, as well as overweight and non-overweight women, showed no beneficial effects on insulin sensitivity, BP and HR. Furthermore, piceatannol is not associated with other data, including body weight (BW), body composition, endothelial function, lipids, inflammation, oxidative stress, mood status, and Sirt1/p-AMPK expression in PBMNCs. In conclusion, supplementation with piceatannol can improve metabolic health, including insulin sensitivity, BP and HR, in overweight men.