bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Valuation Heterogeneity on Equilibrium Prices in Supply Chain Networks
Authors: Nakkas Alper , Xu Yi
Published: June 2018

This paper studies bargaining in two‐sided supply chain networks where manufacturers on the demand side purchase an input from suppliers on the supply side. The manufacturers may have heterogeneous valuations on the input sold by the suppliers. In such a supply chain network, a manufacturer and a supplier must have a business relationship or “link” to bargain and trade with each other. However, a firm on one side of the supply chain network might not have a business relationship with every firm on the other side of the supply chain network. We show that valuation heterogeneity, supply and demand balance, and network structure are the main factors that influence the equilibrium prices, trading pattern, and surplus allocation in such a supply chain network. Valuation heterogeneity among manufacturers can mitigate unfavorable supply and demand balance to protect some surplus for the manufacturers and leads to higher price dispersion in the supply chain network. We demonstrate that bargaining effectively takes place in smaller subnetworks in a general supply chain network and develop an algorithm to decompose the general network into these smaller subnetworks, which simplifies the analysis of the general supply chain network significantly. We then identify types of supply chain networks that are efficient so that only manufacturers with the highest valuations are able to trade and types of links that can be added into a supply chain network to improve its efficiency.
Reinhold and the Promise of a Higher Metaphysics
Authors: Goh Kienhow
Published: June 2018

While Reinhold was no doubt interested in harnessing Kantian practical reason as a rational ground for our fundamental religious convictions, it remains unclear as to whether he reserves any role for theoretical or speculative reason in moral faith, and if so, what. This paper argues that he continues to assign an important role to speculative reason in the establishment and dissemination of a “religion of reason” in his efforts across three major texts of the Jena period (namely, the 1786–1787 Letters on the Kantian Philosophy, the 1789 Attempt at the New Theory of the Human Power of Representation, and the 1790 first edition of Contributions to the Correction of the Misunderstandings of Previous Philosophers) to outline a “new metaphysics” that accounts for supersensible objects (God, the soul, freedom, and the physical, the moral and the intelligible world) in terms of forms of reason. It shows how Reinhold develops a unified account of speculative and practical reason by extending the former's role to include that of producing ideas that pertain to the practical postulates and narrowing the latter's role to that of imparting objective reality and further content to the ideas.
Multiple miscarriages in two sisters of Thai origin with the rare Pk phenotype caused by a novel nonsense mutation at the B3GALNT1 locus
Authors: Ricci Hagman J. , Hult A. K. , Westman J. S. , Hosseini‐Maaf B. , Jongruamklang P. , Saipin J. , Bejrachandra S. , Olsson M. L.
Published: June 2018

Objectives

To determine the genetic background underlying the Pk phenotype in two Thai sisters suffering from multiple spontaneous abortions.

Background

The P antigen is carried by globoside, an abundant glycosphingolipid in the red blood cell (RBC) membrane. Inactivating mutations in the 3‐β‐N‐acetylgalactosaminyltransferase gene (B3GALNT1) give rise to the rare Pk phenotype, which lack the P and PX2 antigens. Consequently, naturally occurring anti‐P may cause recurrent miscarriages following the cytotoxic attack of the globoside‐rich fetal portion of the placenta.

Methods/Materials

P/P1/PX2/Pk antigens on RBCs and their corresponding antibodies were detected by haemagglutination and flow cytometry. The B3GALNT1 coding region was sequenced, and an allele‐specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was developed.

Results

The two sisters had suffered 8 and 11 miscarriages, most of which occurred in the first trimester. Anti‐P and anti‐PX2 were identified in their plasmas, and the RBCs typed as P–PX2–Pk+, i.e. had the Pk phenotype. Sequencing revealed homozygosity for a nonsense mutation, c.420T>G, in B3GALNT1. This substitution introduces a premature stop codon, p.Tyr140Ter, which is predicted to abolish enzymatic activity. Screening of 384 Thai donors indicated an allele frequency of 0·13%.

Conclusion

We describe a novel nonsense mutation (c.420T>G) in B3GALNT1 (GLOB*01N·13), which was added to the 12 alleles already known in the GLOB system.
Slow wave contraction frequency plateaux in the small intestine are composed of discrete waves of interval increase associated with dislocations
Authors: Parsons Sean P. , Huizinga Jan D.
Published: June 2018

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

What is the nature of slow wave‐driven contraction frequency gradients in the small intestine?

What is the main finding and its importance?

Frequency plateaux are composed of discrete waves of increased interval, each wave associated with a contraction dislocation. Smooth frequency gradients are generated by localized neural modulation of wave frequency, leading to functionally important wave turbulence. Both patterns are emergent properties of a network of coupled oscillators, the interstitial cells of Cajal.

A gut‐wide network of interstitial cells of Cajal generates electrical oscillations (slow waves) that orchestrate waves of muscle contraction. In the small intestine there is a gradient in slow wave frequency from high at the duodenum to low at the terminal ileum. Time‐averaged measurements of frequency have suggested either a smooth or a stepped (plateaued) gradient. We measured individual contraction intervals from diameter maps of the mouse small intestine to create interval maps (IMaps). The IMaps showed that each frequency plateau was composed of discrete waves of increased interval. Each interval wave originated at a terminating contraction wave, a ‘dislocation’, at the proximal boundary of the plateau. In a model chain of coupled phase oscillators, interval wave frequency increased as coupling decreased or as the natural frequency gradient or noise increased. Injuring the intestine at a proximal point, to destroy coupling, suppressed distal steps, which then reappeared with gap junction block by carbenoxolone. This lent further support to our previous hypothesis that lines of dislocations were fixed by points of low coupling strength. Dislocations, induced by electrical field pulses in the intestine and by equivalent phase shift in the model, were associated with interval waves. When the enteric nervous system was active, IMaps showed a chaotic, turbulent pattern of interval change, with no frequency steps or plateaux. This probably resulted from local, stochastic release of neurotransmitters. Plateaux, dislocations, interval waves and wave turbulence arise from a dynamic interplay between natural frequency and coupling in the network of interstitial cells of Cajal.
Membrane potential oscillations are not essential for spontaneous firing generation in L4 Aβ‐afferent neurons after L5 spinal nerve axotomy and are not mediated by HCN channels
Authors: Djouhri L. , Smith T. , Alotaibi M. , Weng X.
Published: June 2018

New findings

What is the central question of this study?

Is spontaneous activity (SA) in L4 dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons induced by L5 spinal nerve axotomy associated with membrane potential oscillations in these neurons, and if so, are these membrane oscillations mediated by HCN channels?

What is the main finding and its importance?

Unlike injured L5 DRG neurons, which have been shown to be incapable of firing spontaneously without membrane potential oscillations, membrane potential oscillations are not essential for SA generation in conducting ‘uninjured’ L4 neurons, and they are not mediated by HCN channels. These findings suggest that the underlying cellular mechanisms of SA in injured and ‘uninjured’ DRG neurons induced by spinal nerve injury are distinct.

The underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms of peripheral neuropathic pain are not fully understood. However, preclinical studies using animal models suggest that this debilitating condition is driven partly by aberrant spontaneous activity (SA) in injured and uninjured dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, and that SA in injured DRG neurons is triggered by subthreshold membrane potential oscillations (SMPOs). Here, using in vivo intracellular recording from control L4‐DRG neurons, and ipsilateral L4‐DRG neurons in female Wistar rats that had previously undergone L5 spinal nerve axotomy (SNA), we examined whether conducting ‘uninjured’ L4‐DRG neurons in SNA rats exhibit SMPOs, and if so, whether such SMPOs are associated with SA in those L4 neurons, and whether they are mediated by hyperpolarization‐activated cyclic nucleotide gated (HCN) channels. We found that 7 days after SNA: (a) none of the control A‐ or C‐fibre DRG neurons showed SMPOs or SA, but 50%, 43% and 0% of spontaneously active cutaneous L4 Aβ‐low threshold mechanoreceptors, Aβ‐nociceptors and C‐nociceptors exhibited SMPOs, respectively, in SNA rats with established neuropathic pain behaviors; (b) neither SMPOs nor SA in L4 Aβ‐neurons was suppressed by blocking HCN channels with ZD7288 (10 mg kg−1, i.v.); and (c) there is a tendency for female rats to show greater pain hypersensitivity than male rats. These results suggest that SMPOs are linked to SA only in some of the conducting L4 Aβ‐neurons, that such oscillations are not a prerequisite for SA generation in those L4 A‐ or C‐fibre neurons, and that HCN channels are not involved in their electrogenesis.
Standardization and Modularization Driven by Minimizing Overall Process Effort
Authors: Sered Yuval , Reich Yoram
Published: June 2018

Faster Product development is a major goal for companies in competitive markets. Product platform architectures support planning for addressing diverse markets and fulfilling future market desires. Applying standardization or modularization on product platform components leverages current product design effort across future products, reducing overall development costs. This work introduces a method for focusing engineering effort when applying standardization or modularization on product platform components. The method calculates the total design effort from current to future generations of the platform, as obtained by standardization or modularization of components. By comparing the total design cost of different simulations, we can direct the design team to standardization or modularization opportunities. This process has been successfully applied to two different product platforms. One is External-Drum Plate-setter for the digital prepress printing market (introduced here) and the other is TOW anti-tank missile launching system for the military market.
Increasing the Scope of Implemented Shape Grammars: A Shape Grammar Interpreter for Curved Shapes
Authors: McCormack Jay P. , Cagan Jonathan
Published: June 2018

The complexity of shape grammars being produced continues to surpass the technology behind implementing them. One step towards implementing more useful shape grammars is the creation of a subshape matching technique for shapes composed of curved lines that lie in a plane. An interpreter with this ability allows for the practical implementation in general of two-dimensional grammars as well as opening the door for new applications of shape grammars. Our method for matching shapes consisting of curved lines is outlined and some examples from the Buick brand shape grammar, which was implemented by our interpreter, are shown. The emergent properties of shape grammars are also explored and considered using the new technique.
What’s new in musculoskeletal ultrasound in pediatric rheumatology?
Authors: Spârchez Mihaela , Fodor Daniela
Published: June 2018

Musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) has become almost indispensable in the rheumatology settings nowadays, allowing early diagnosis, careful guidance during procedures such as joint injections and therapy monitoring. Nonetheless, the applicability of MSUS in pediatric population is still limited. Recently, a standardized MSUS examination procedure in pediatric patients with rheumatic diseases, definitions for synovitis and the sonographic features of joints in healthy children has been developed. Also, important data on age-related  vascularization and ossification of joints in children have been published. Much work still needs to be done in the field. As juvenile idiopathic arthritis seems to be the most common use of MSUS in pediatric rheumatology, specific definitions and assessment techniques for enthesitis, tenosynovitis, bone and cartilage damage in children are very much expected. In this article, we will review briefly the current evidence-based knowledge regarding MSUS potential applications in the pediatric rheumatology clinical practice, along with an overview of the recent information about US appearance of musculoskeletal structures in healthy children.
The Mobile Innovation Network Australasia
Authors: Schleser Max
Published: June 2018

This report profiles the Mobile Innovation Network Australasia (MINA), detailing screenings, workshops and related activities, and reflecting on new varieties of small-format filmmaking.
The Misplaced Public of New Zealand Media: Notes Toward a Future Media Scene
Authors: Devadas Vijay , Nicholls Brett
Published: June 2018

This paper interrogates what we believe is an increasingly urgent task: to think about ways of revitalising public life in New Zealand beyond traditional defenses of public broadcasting. The concept of the public in public broadcasting is what is at stake: we argue that the public is an empty signifier, one that can be mobilised in the service of neoliberal power brokers to legitimise media monopolies and the closure of media spaces meant for civic discussions, and by activists, academics, politicians and media pundits, who call for a return to notions of the modern public sphere as a way to fight against the increasing commercialisation of media. We find that this debate falls short for it fails to recognise that we live in liquid times (Bauman 2007), and argue that we need to shift the discussion from the public sphere to that of citizen publics. This, we believe, entails a new commitment to rights and to democratic processes that creates a scene, breaks habitus, and engages in writing scripts. It is through this new commitment that we conclude by providing notes for a future media scene in New Zealand.
Et in Arcadia Ego: New Zealand's Rural Landscape in Visual Culture and Early Amateur Film
Authors: Hickman Rosina
Published: June 2018

Often overlooked within histories of cinema, amateur films or home movies, which record personal, local and everyday experience, both relate to and deviate from other contemporary forms of visual culture. In New Zealand, for example, idealised images of pastoral landscapes that ignore the social realities of rural life have a long history across a wide range of media. Home movies reveal a somewhat different view of rural history. Less concerned with scenery than with the scene of daily life, amateur films document specific concrete experiences in a particular time and place, yet upon closer examination appear to share, if not the iconography or aesthetics of professional media, at least some of the wider aspirations of cultural discourses in circulation.
Synonymy in the genus Trichotrombidium (Acari: Microtrombidiidae)
Authors: Hakimitabar Masoud , Saboori Alireza
Published: June 2018

In this paper, we give new metric data of the T. muscarum lectotype and paralectotypes deposited in the South Australian Museum (SAM). T. rafieiae Saboori, 2002 was synonymized with T. muscarum.
Complete Genome Sequence of Klebsiella quasipneumoniae Strain S05, a Fouling-Causing Bacterium Isolated from a Membrane Bioreactor
Authors: Kitajima Masaaki , Ishizaki So , Jang Jeonghwan , Ishii Satoshi , Okabe Satoshi
Published: June 2018

We report here the complete genome sequence of
Klebsiella quasipneumoniae
strain S05, a bacterium capable of producing membrane fouling-causing soluble substances and capable of respiring on oxygen, nitrate, and an anodic electrode. The genomic information of strain S05 should help predict metabolic pathways associated with these unique biological properties of this bacterium.
Low Levels of T Cell Exhaustion in Tuberculous Lung Granulomas
Authors: Wong Eileen A. , Joslyn Louis , Grant Nicole L. , Klein Edwin , Lin Philana Ling , Kirschner Denise E. , Flynn JoAnne L.
Published: June 2018

The hallmarks of pulmonary
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
infection are lung granulomas. These organized structures are composed of host immune cells whose purpose is to contain or clear infection, creating a complex hub of immune and bacterial cell activity, as well as limiting pathology in the lungs.
Tasting the Tree of Life: Development of a Collaborative, Cross-Campus, Science Outreach Meal Event
Authors: Clement Wendy L. , Elliott Kathryn T. , Cordova-Hoyos Okxana , Distefano Isabel , Kearns Kate , Kumar Raagni , Leto Ashley , Tumaliuan Janis , Franchetti Lauren , Kulesza Evelyn , Tineo Nicole , Mendes Patrice , Roth Karen , Osborn Jeffrey M.
Published: June 2018

Communicating about science with the public can present a number of challenges, from participation to engagement to impact. In an effort to broadly communicate messages regarding biodiversity, evolution, and tree-thinking with the campus community at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ), a public, primarily undergraduate institution, we created a campus-wide, science-themed meal, “Tasting the Tree of Life: Exploring Biodiversity through Cuisine.” We created nine meals that incorporated 149 species/ingredients across the Tree of Life. Each meal illustrated a scientific message communicated through interactions with undergraduate biology students, informational signs, and an interactive website. To promote tree-thinking, we reconstructed a phylogeny of all 149 ingredients. In total, 3,262 people attended the meal, and evaluations indicated that participants left with greater appreciation for the biodiversity and evolutionary relatedness of their food. A keynote lecture and a coordinated social media campaign enhanced the scientific messages, and media coverage extended the reach of this event. “Tasting the Tree of Life” highlights the potential of cuisine as a valuable science communication tool.
Introducing Students to the Challenges of Communicating Science by Using a Tool That Employs Only the 1,000 Most Commonly Used Words
Authors: Pruneski Justin A.
Published: June 2018

Overcoming the complex and technical language used in science is a major barrier to scientists being able to communicate their work with the general public. This can lead to misunderstanding and mistrust of science, with many negative consequences. Scientists are increasingly seeking to improve their ability to communicate their work effectively with a variety of audiences. As such, students should recognize the challenges and importance of communicating science with nonscientists. This short classroom activity takes advantage of a free, web-based tool, called Simple Writer (
https://xkcd.com/simplewriter/
), which facilitates the writing and revising of text using only the 1,000 most commonly used words in English. Students are asked to write a paragraph in response to a prompt and use the Simple Writer tool to convert it into a form using only the 1,000 most commonly used words, while still maintaining the same message. By experiencing the difficulty of converting a relatively simple paragraph to meet to this criteria, students gain an appreciation for the challenge of removing jargon from scientific and other technical writing. Beyond the initial activity, the Simple Writer platform can be used in various other ways to engage students in learning science and developing essential writing skills.
ComSciCon-Triangle: Regional Science Communication Training for Graduate Students
Authors: O’Keeffe Kayleigh , Bain Reggie
Published: June 2018

The ability of scientists to effectively communicate their research, and scientific ideas in general, with a variety of audiences is critical in both academic and non-academic careers. There is currently a dearth of formal and informal science communication training opportunities for graduate students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. This curriculum paper introduces ComSciCon-Triangle, a graduate student–organized science communication workshop for graduate students in STEM at research universities in the Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, region. Started in 2015, this annual workshop aims to empower graduate students to be more engaged in communicating their research with the public as well as with fellow scientists. Each workshop consists of interactive panel discussions with invited science communicators (science writers, academics, filmmakers, etc.), informal networking opportunities with invited guests and other attendees, and hands-on sessions for improving oral and written communication skills. Analyzing pre- and post-survey data from all ComSciCon-Triangle attendees from 2015 to 2017, we find that workshop attendees feel significantly more confident in their ability to communicate scientific ideas with both the general public and with other scientists, and more confident submitting a written piece to a popular science publication or journal. We discuss how ComSciCon-Triangle serves as a model for local science communication workshops “for graduate students, organized by graduate students.”
CD8 T Cell Responses to an Immunodominant Epitope within the Nonstructural Protein NS1 Provide Wide Immunoprotection against Bluetongue Virus in IFNAR
−/−
Mice
Authors: Marín-López Alejandro , Calvo-Pinilla Eva , Barriales Diego , Lorenzo Gema , Brun Alejandro , Anguita Juan , Ortego Javier
Published: June 2018

Conventional vaccines have controlled or limited BTV expansion in the past, but they cannot address the need for cross-protection among serotypes and do not allow distinguishing between infected and vaccinated animals (DIVA strategy). There is a need to develop universal vaccines that induce effective protection against multiple BTV serotypes. In this work we have shown the importance of the nonstructural protein NS1, conserved among all the BTV serotypes, in CD8 T cell-mediated protection against multiple BTV serotypes when vectorized as a recombinant MVA vaccine.
Influence of mild Cr3+ doping on the structural, optical, photochromic, and thermochromic reversibility of nano-titania systems
Authors: Khanam Rizwin , Mohanta Dambarudhar
Published: June 2018

We report on the effect of chromium doping on the band gap lowering of nano-titania (TiO2) and subsequent implications as regards coloration characteristics mediated via photochromism and thermochromism processes. As can be found in the X-ray diffractograms, the sol-gel derived, Cr3+-doped nano-TiO2 systems have exhibited an anatase phase with the evidence of peak shifting towards a lower diffraction angle. The average crystallite size decreases, whereas lattice unit cell parameters and, consequently, cell volume, tend to increase with the inclusion of Cr3+ into the titania host. To be specific, 1% Cr-doped titania system showed nearly 5.8% cell expansion as compared to its un-doped counterpart. As revealed from the optical absorption spectroscopy, a narrowing of band gap is observed for the Cr doped nano-titania system: 3.18 eV for the un-doped system, and 2.61 and 2.41 eV for 0.3% and 1% Cr doping cases, respectively, considering direct band-to-band transitions. Moreover, doping led noticeable lowering of the exponent (n value), from its normal value, which suggests inclusion of adequate non-parabolicity feature to the energy band scheme. The photochromic feature, for a given incident radiation, demonstrates a lowered transmission response with increasing Cr content. A reversible thermochromism response has also been demonstrated for doped nano-titania systems subjected to heating with temperature varying between 0–55 °C. The Cr3+ doped nano-titania and similar systems would find scope in smart windows, display components, photocatalysis, etc., when a select coloration is desired.
Bouncing universe in the contexts of generalized cosmic Chaplygin gas and variable modified Chaplygin gas
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Tanwi , Debnath Ujjal
Published: June 2018

In this work, we have considered the Friedmann–Robertson–Walker model of the universe where bounce occurs and the universe is filled with generalized cosmic Chaplygin gas or variable modified Chaplygin gas. We have studied the stability analysis through dynamical system for both models and found the critical points in flat, open, and closed universe. In the presence of a scalar field, the dynamical behavior of scale factor and Hubble parameter is described in both models. Finally, we have analyzed the energy conditions for both the models in bouncing universe.
A comparative study on magnetic and non-magnetic particles in nanofluid propagating over a wedge
Authors: Hassan Mohsan , Ellahi Rahmat , Bhatti Muhammad Mubashir , Zeeshan Ahmed
Published: June 2018

The purpose of this paper is to investigate convective heat and mass transfer of nanofluid in the context of improving physical properties through magnetic and non-magnetic nanomaterials under the magnetic influence. For this, three magnetic nanoparticles: cast iron, pure iron, and magnetite and three non-magnetic: gold, silver, and copper are taken into account. The physical problem for homogenous nanofluid is modeled by employing the magnetic interaction between nanoparticles through Lorentz force into fundamental equations of thermo-hydrodynamic and correlations models that support effective physical properties. The governing equations in dimensionless form are taken to analyse the nanofluid flow as well as heat profile. The impact of interesting physical parameters like particle volume fraction and magnetic field on patterns of velocity and the temperature are graphically demonstrated and discussed. The effect of concentration and size of nanoparticles on shear stress and heat transfer at the wall are examined through numerical values shown in table form. The results show that the heat transfer rate of a base fluid is enhanced by deploying nanoparticles and further improved by taking small-size magnetic nanoparticles.
Linear energy stable methods for an epitaxial growth model with slope selection
Authors: Seyfarth Gregory M. , Vollmayr-Lee Benjamin
Published: June 2018

We consider a phase field model for molecular beam epitaxial growth with slope selection with the goal of determining linear energy stable time integration methods for the dynamics. Stable methods for this model have been found via a concave-convex splitting of the dynamics, but this approach generally leads to a nonlinear update equation. We seek a linear energy stable method to allow for simple and efficient time marching with fast Fourier transforms. Our approach is to parametrize a class of semi-implicit methods and perform unconditional von Neumann stability analysis to identify the region of stability in parameter space. Since unconditional von Neumann stability does not ensure energy stability, we perform extensive numerical tests and find strong agreement between the predicted and observed stable regions of parameter space. This analysis elucidates a novel feature that the stability region in parameter space differs for a mono-domain system (single equilibrium slope) versus a many-domain system (coarsening facets from an initially flat surface). The utility of these steps is then demonstrated by a comparison of the coarsening dynamics for isotropic and anisotropic variants of the model.
Majority-vote model on directed Small-World-Voronoi–Delaunay random lattices
Authors: Brenda R. S. C. , Lima F. W. S.
Published: June 2018

We investigate the critical properties of the nonequilibrium majority-vote model in two-dimensions on directed small-world lattice with quenched connectivity disorder. The disordered system is studied through Monte Carlo simulations: the critical noise ([Formula: see text]), as well as the critical exponents [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] for several values of the rewiring probability [Formula: see text]. We find that this disordered system does not belong to the same universality class as the regular two-dimensional ferromagnetic model. The majority-vote model on directed small-world lattices presents in fact a second-order phase transition with new critical exponents which do not depend on [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text]), but agree with the exponents of the equilibrium Ising model on directed small-world Voronoi–Delaunay random lattices.
A Wideband Extended-Dynamic-Range Successive Detection Logarithmic Amplifier Based on 0.15 μm GaAs pHEMT Technology
Authors: Javadifar Nader , Dousti Massoud , Hajghassem Hassan
Published: June 2018

This paper puts forward an extended-dynamic-range successive detection logarithmic amplifier (SDLA) for [Formula: see text]-band (18–26.5[Formula: see text]GHz) applications. A novel single-transistor power detection unit (PDU) is used instead of a conventional rectifier to effectively improve the dynamic range–bandwidth product of the amplifier. Circuit analysis and mathematical modeling are performed for the proposed PDU and the SDLA, respectively. Transistor level design is carried out for the whole circuit using 0.15[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m GaAs pseudomorphic high electron mobility transistor (pHEMT) technology. The SDLA presents a wide dynamic range of 75[Formula: see text]dB with a [Formula: see text] 1.5[Formula: see text]dB logarithmic error, over the entire band of interest, and consumes 340[Formula: see text]mW from [Formula: see text] 2.5[Formula: see text]V and –0.8[Formula: see text]V power supplies. All requirements are verified in post-layout simulation using ADS software. Thermal simulation and statistical yield analysis are performed to ensure the robustness of the proposed architecture.
A Power Series Based Inverse-Kinematics Solution of Humanoid Robot Finger with Coupled Joints
Authors: Jiang Li , Sun Bingqian , Gu Haiwei
Published: June 2018

Inverse-kinematics is an emphasis and difficulty in the design and application of the humanoid robot hand with coupled joints because of nonlinearity induced by trigonometric transcendental function. In this paper, a power series based inverse-kinematics algorithm is presented, by which the transcendental equation including trigonometric function can be converted into an algebraic equation. An approximate solution is derived first by means of power series expansions; with 1D linear interpolation for errors compensating, the final solution with small error can then be achieved. For robot with linearly coupled joints, the algorithms based on power series expanded to quadratic and quartic terms are used to calculate the accurate joint angles. For robot with nonlinearly coupled joints, the specific procedures are proposed to select appropriate transmission ratio. Simulation and experimental results demonstrate effectiveness of the proposed inverse kinematics method.
Bianchi type-III holographic dark energy model with quintessence
Authors: Vijaya Santhi M. , Rao V. U. M. , Gusu Daba Meshesha , Aditya Y.
Published: June 2018

In this study, we investigate an anisotropic Bianchi type-[Formula: see text] space-time in the presence of matter and holographic dark energy components within the framework of general relativity. We obtained the solution of the field equations by assuming (i) the expansion scalar [Formula: see text] in the model is proportional to shear scalar [Formula: see text], (ii) hybrid expansion law for average scale factor (keeping an eye on the recent scenario of accelerating nature of the universe). We develop cosmological parameters like deceleration and equation of state parameters. These parameters are plotted versus redshift [Formula: see text] for different values of power component of average scale factor [Formula: see text]. We observe that the equation of state varies in quintessence region ([Formula: see text]) and ultimately tends to [Formula: see text]CDM model ([Formula: see text]). The deceleration parameter exhibits a smooth transition from early decelerated epoch to present accelerated era. In addition, we establish the correspondence between our holographic dark energy model and quintessence scalar field. We also express the self-interacting potential [Formula: see text] and scalar field [Formula: see text] of quintessence model as functions of cosmic time [Formula: see text], which describes the accelerated expansion of the universe.
Molecular dynamics study on the microstructure of CH3COOLi solutions with different concentrations
Authors: Tan Guoyu , Zheng Jiaxin , Pan Feng
Published: June 2018

Due to the toxic and flammable problems of organic electrolytes, the study on concentrated aqueous system for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) has attracted wide attention. In this paper, by molecular dynamics simulations, the CH3COOLi aqueous system is considered as the potential concentrated aqueous system for LIBs, and all the variations of the microstructure of the aqueous system from dilution to concentration are analyzed. The details of microstructure are discussed, especially the interactions concerning anions. Among them, the first peak of RDF (radial distribution function) between the Li[Formula: see text] ion and the oxygen atom in CH3COOLi is 2.9[Formula: see text]Å, which does not change from dilution to concentration. This RDF information further indicates that when the concentration increases, the microstructures of small components formed by any two clusters do not change much, but at the same time, the spatial structures constructed by many small components are gradually built up from a broader perspective.
Risk of Immune-Related Pancreatitis in Patients with Solid Tumors Treated with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: Systematic Assessment with Meta-Analysis
Authors: Su Qiang , Zhang Xiao-chen , Zhang Chen-guang , Hou Yan-li , Yao Yu-xia , Cao Bang-wei
Published: June 2018

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the risk of immune-related pancreatitis associated with the treatment by immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) for solid tumors. Eligible studies were selected from multiple databases including phase II/III randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with ICIs in solid tumor patients. The data were analyzed with Stata version 12.0 software. After excluding ineligible studies, a total of 15 clinical trials were considered eligible for the meta-analysis, which included 9099 patients. Compared with chemotherapy or placebo, the risk ratio (RR) for all-grade lipase elevation after CTLA-4 inhibitor treatment was 1.05 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01–2.24, p=0.047). However, the risk for pancreatitis after ICI treatment in any subgroup was not significantly higher than that after control therapy. In addition, compared with ipilimumab/nivolumab alone, the RR for all-grade and high-grade lipase elevation under combination treatment of nivolumab and ipilimumab was 6.43 (95% CI: 1.43–28.99, p=0.015) and 6.44 (95% CI: 1.39–29.79, p=0.017), respectively, and the RR for all-grade amylase elevation under combination treatment was 6.08 (95% CI: 1.51–24.44, p=0.011). Our meta-analysis has demonstrated that both CTLA-4 inhibitors alone and combination treatment of nivolumab and ipilimumab could increase the risk of amylase or lipase elevation, but not significantly increase the risk of pancreatitis when compared with controls.
Can a Traditional Korean Manual Therapy Be a Complementary and Alternative Strategy for Cervicogenic Dizziness? A Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Shin Seungwon , Kim Jinyoung , Yu Ami , Seo Hyung-Sik , Shin Mi-Ran , Hong Seung-Ug , Jung Chan Yung , Kim Koh-Woon , Cho Jae-Heung , Lee Euiju
Published: June 2018

Cervicogenic dizziness is dizziness triggered by movement or positioning of the cervical spine and is often accompanied by neck pain or stiffness. This is a prospective, pragmatic, assessor‐blind, randomized controlled trial aimed at testing the efficacy and safety of adjuvant Chuna Manual Therapy (CMT) in patients with cervicogenic dizziness under usual care treatments. Fifty patients with cervicogenic dizziness will be randomly allocated to CMT or usual care (UC) groups in a 1 : 1 ratio. Extensive screening procedures, including examinations for central nervous system problems and nystagmus, will be applied to exclude other dizziness‐inducing disorders. The eligible participants will receive 12 sessions of CMT plus UC or only UC over 6 weeks. CMT includes mandatory and discretionary techniques, whereas UC includes electrotherapy, thermotherapy, and patient education. The efficacy will be evaluated primarily as Dizziness Handicap Inventory score. The severity and frequency of dizziness, the level of neck pain or stiffness, and the cervical range of motion will also be evaluated. Safety will be assessed by adverse events. The data will be statistically analyzed at p < 0.05. Trial Registration. This trial was registered with Clinical Research Information Service (CRIS) in Korea, KCT0002565, on 29 November 2017, https://cris.nih.go.kr/cris/search/search_result_st01_kren.jsp?seq=9610<ype=&rtype=.
Optical and Electrical Properties of TiO2/Co/TiO2Multilayer Films Grown by DC Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Valluzzi Marcos G. , Valluzzi Lucas G. , Meyer Marcos , Hernández-Fenollosa María A. , Damonte Laura C.
Published: June 2018

Transparent oxide multilayer films of TiO2/Co/TiO2were grown on glass substrate by DC magnetron sputtering technique. The optical and electrical properties of these films were analyzed with the aim of substituting ITO substrate in optoelectronic devices. The samples were characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM). The effect of Co interlayer thickness (4, 8, and 12 nm) on the transmittance spectra yielded an optical absorption edge shift. The work function of these films was determined by KPFM technique allowing us to predict the Fermi level shift by extending the model for pure materials to our multilayer system. The Fermi level and optical absorption edge seem to be correlated and shifted toward lower energies when Co interlayer thickness is increased.
The Analysis of the Influence of Various Factors on the Development of Stress Corrosion Defects in the Main Gas Pipeline Walls in the Conditions of the European Part of the Russian Federation
Authors: Afanasyev A.V. , Mel’nikov A. A. , Konovalov S. V. , Vaskov M. I.
Published: June 2018

This paper considers the factors influencing the formation and development of stress corrosion defects detected during the inspection and overhaul of the main gas pipeline section. The surveyed gas pipeline is made of large diameter steel pipes made by controlled rolling, produced by various companies, with the predominance of pipes produced by the Khartsyzsk Pipe Plant (KhPP). The correlation between the geometric parameters of defects is described, which makes it possible to estimate the depth of cracks by external parameters. Mechanical tests by cyclic loading of samples containing cracks, based on the site operation data for the last 11 years, showed no crack growth in the absence of a corrosive medium. Micro-X-ray spectral analysis of metal and corrosion products showed no trace of the influence of hydrogen sulphide and nonmetallic inclusions (sulphides) on the development process of SCC. According to the results of the research, the process of development of stress corrosion on the main gas pipelines located in the European part of the Russian Federation is described. The organization operating the gas pipeline is recommended to take into consideration the results of this work during drawing up their repair plan.
Removal of High-Concentration Sulfate Ions from the Sodium Alkali FGD Wastewater Using Ettringite Precipitation Method: Factor Assessment, Feasibility, and Prospect
Authors: Fang Ping , Tang Zi-jun , Chen Xiong-bo , Huang Jian-hang , Tang Zhi-xiong , Cen Chao-ping
Published: June 2018

The feasibility of removal of sulfate ions from the sodium alkali FGD wastewater using the ettringite precipitation method was evaluated. Factors affecting the removal of sulfate ions, such as NaAlO2 dosage, Ca(OH)2 dosage, solution temperature, anions (Cl−, NO3− and F−), and heavy metal ions (Mg2+ and Mn2+), were investigated, and the optimal experimental conditions for the removal of sulfate ions were determined. Experimental results indicate that the ettringite precipitation method can effectively remove SO42− with removal efficiency of more than 98%. All the investigated factors have influences on the removal of sulfate ions, and among them, the dosage of reagents, solution temperature, and fluoride ions have the strongest influence. In addition, the method can effectively synergistically remove F− and heavy metal ions with removal efficiencies of more than 90% and 99%, respectively; meanwhile, Cl− and NO3− also can be removed minimally by the method. The result of actual wastewater treatment shows that the method is feasible for treating high-concentration sulfate wastewater. The ettringite precipitation method has the potential to be a commercial application in the future.
Common Fixed Point Results for GeneralizedαspContractive Mappings and Applications
Authors: Zoto Kastriot , Vardhami Ilir
Published: June 2018

A class ofg-αsp-admissible mappings and general typeg-αspcontraction mappings onb-metric-like space are defined. Some fixed point results dealing with such a class of contractions are obtained. The generalized contractions considered in this work cover and unify many particular types of contractions. Finally, we present application to the existence of solutions for a system of integral equations by means ofb-metric-like spaces.
A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study of the Association between Liver Enzymes and Lipid Levels
Authors: Deb Subrata , Puthanveetil Prasanth , Sakharkar Prashant
Published: June 2018

Background. To examine the association between low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels and liver enzyme functions. Methods. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 1999 to 2012 was used to examine the association between liver enzymes and lipid levels amongst adults in the United States. Results. Sixteen percent adults had ALT > 40 U/L, 11% had AST > 40 U/L, and 96% had ALP > 120 U/L. Age, gender, and race/ethnicity showed significant association with LDL, HDL, and triglycerides levels. LDL greater than borderline high was associated with little over two times higher odds of elevated ALT (OR: 2.33, 95% CI: 2.17, 2.53, p≤0.001) and AST (OR: 2.79, 95% CI: 2.55, 3.06, p≤0.001). High HDL was associated with 50% higher odds for elevated ALT (OR: 1.51, 95% CI: 1.39, 1.64, p≤0.001) and over two-and-half fold elevated AST (OR: 2.77, 95% CI: 2.47, 3.11, p≤0.001). LDL-C, HDL-C, and triglycerides were found to be good predictor of elevated ALT, AST, and ALP levels. Similarly, old age and female gender were significant predictor of elevated ALT and AST (p≤0.001). Conclusions. Underlying hepatic pathophysiology from dyslipidemia deserves further exploration due to its potential effects on hepatic drug metabolism/detoxification.
Normal Families and Growth of Meromorphic Functions with Their Kth Derivatives
Authors: Qi Jianming , Meng Fanning , Yuan Wenjun
Published: June 2018

Relying on the normal family theory, we mainly study uniqueness problems of meromorphic functions and their kth derivatives and estimate sharply the growth order of their meromorphic functions. Our theorems improve some previous results.
Microbiological Quality and Risk Assessment for Aflatoxins in Groundnuts and Roasted Cashew Nuts Meant for Human Consumption
Authors: Adetunji Modupeade Christianah , Alika Ogechi Precious , Awa Ngozi Precious , Atanda Olusegun Oladimeji , Mwanza Mulunda
Published: June 2018

Nuts are one of the commonly consumed snacks but poor handling and storage practices can make them prone to foodborne infections. The study aimed at assessing the microbiological quality and risk assessment for aflatoxins in groundnuts and cashew nuts consumed in selected locations in Nigeria. The moisture content, colony counts, incidence of pathogenic bacteria, aflatoxin contamination, and risk assessment for aflatoxins were evaluated using standard methods. The moisture content and total viable count ranged from 5.00–8.60% and 5.5–89 × 103 cfug−1, respectively, while the fungal count was between 4–24 × 103and 1.0–4.5 × 102 cfug−1, respectively. Eleven fungal species belonging to 5 genera were isolated from the nuts, withAspergillus flavus, Rhizopus oryzae, andFusarium oxysporumhaving the highest percentage occurrence of 50%. In addition, the aflatoxin concentration ranged 0.1–6.8 and 29–33.78 ng kg−1for cashew nuts and groundnuts, respectively. The margin of exposure (MOE) to aflatoxin contamination was 6.10 for groundnuts and 1000 for cashew nuts and the nuts consumers were at a risk of exposure to foodborne diseases and aflatoxin contamination with mean exposure values of 27.96 and 0.17 ng kg−1bwday−1, respectively. The risk of primary liver cancer for groundnuts and cashew nuts consumers was also estimated to be 1.38 and 0.01 canceryear−1100,000−1person, respectively. This calls for mitigation measures from appropriate governmental organizations.
Probabilistic Analysis of Tunnel Face Stability below River Using Bayesian Framework
Authors: Liu Weiping , Luo Xiaoyan , Huang Jinsong , Hu Lina , Fu Mingfu
Published: June 2018

A key issue in assessment on tunnel face stability is a reliable evaluation of required support pressure on the tunnel face and its variations during tunnel excavation. In this paper, a Bayesian framework involving Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) simulation is implemented to estimate the uncertainties of limit support pressure. The probabilistic analysis for the three-dimensional face stability of tunnel below river is presented. The friction angle and cohesion are considered as random variables. The uncertainties of friction angle and cohesion and their effects on tunnel face stability prediction are evaluated using the Bayesian method. The three-dimensional model of tunnel face stability below river is based on the limit equilibrium theory and is adopted for the probabilistic analysis. The results show that the posterior uncertainty bounds of friction angle and cohesion are much narrower than the prior ones, implying that the reduction of uncertainty in cohesion and friction significantly reduces the uncertainty of limit support pressure. The uncertainty encompassed in strength parameters are greatly reduced by the MCMC simulation. By conducting uncertainty analysis, MCMC simulation exhibits powerful capability for improving the reliability and accuracy of computational time and calculations.
State Fusion of Decentralized Optimal Unbiased FIR Filters
Authors: Fan Xuefeng , Liu Fei
Published: June 2018

The paper presents a decentralized fusion strategy based on the optimal unbiased finite impulse response (OUFIR) filter for discrete systems with correlated process and measurement noise. We extend OUFIR filter to apply in the model with control inputs. Taking it as local filters, cross covariance between any two is calculated; then it is expressed to the fast iterative form. Finally based on cross covariance, optimal weights are utilized to fuse local estimates and the overall outcome is obtained. The numerical examples show that the proposed filter exhibits better robustness against temporary modeling uncertainties than the fusion Kalman filter used commonly.