bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF ATO NANOPARTICLES BY COPRECIPITATION WITH MODIFIED DRYING METHOD
Authors: LIU SHIMIN , LIANG DONGDONG , LIU JINDONG , JIANG WEIWEI , LIU CHAOQIAN , DING WANYU , WANG HUALIN , WANG NAN
Published: March 2017

Antimony-doped tin oxide (ATO) nanoparticles were prepared by coprecipitation by packing drying and traditional direct drying (for comparison) methods. The as-prepared ATO nanoparticles were characterized by TG, XRD, EDS, TEM, HRTEM, BET, bulk density and electrical resistivity measurements. Results indicated that the ATO nanoparticles obtained by coprecipitation with direct drying method featured hard-agglomerated morphology, high bulk density, low surface area and low electrical resistivity, probably due to the direct liquid evaporation during drying, the fast shrinkage of the precipitate, the poor removal efficiency of liquid molecules and the hard agglomerate formation after calcination. Very differently, the ATO product obtained by the packing and drying method featured free-agglomerated morphology, low bulk density, high surface area and high electrical resistivity ascribed probably to the formed vapor cyclone environment and liquid evaporation-resistance, avoiding fast liquid removal and improving the removal efficiency of liquid molecules. The intrinsic formation mechanism of ATO nanoparticles from different drying methods was illustrated based on the dehydration process of ATO precipitates. Additionally, the packing and drying time played key roles in determining the bulk density, morphology and electrical conductivity of ATO nanoparticles.
MORPHOLOGICAL CHANGE IN Cu-DOPED ZnO FROM ROD-LIKE TO FLOWERS-LIKE NANOSTRUCTURES: A VITAL ROLE FOR THE OPTICAL BAND GAP TUNING
Authors: NASEEM SHAH S. , NAEEM M. , RIZWAN ALI S. , MAHMOOD S. , IMRAN ALI S. , BIBI YASMEEN , MASOOD RAZA S. , UL HASSAN NAJAM
Published: March 2017

We demonstrate a morphological change in [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text] 0–5%) samples from rod-like ([Formula: see text] 2%) to flower-like ([Formula: see text] 2%) with increasing Cu concentration. This effect is attributed to Cu induced change in the ZnO growth mode from one-dimensional (forming rod-like) to two-dimensional (forming flower-like) structures. The optical properties of the samples were also found to be well correlated with the observed morphological changes in the samples. Optical bandgap decreases with increasing [Formula: see text], exhibiting a minimum (2.88[Formula: see text]eV) at [Formula: see text] 2% and afterwards it increases slightly up to 3.00[Formula: see text]eV for [Formula: see text] 5%. Our results show an intriguing possibility of bandgap tuning by the sample morphology.
EQUILIBRIUM EQUITY PRICE WITH OPTIMAL DIVIDEND POLICY
Authors: YAMAZAKI AKIRA
Published: March 2017

This paper proposes an equilibrium model for evaluating equity with optimal dividend policy in a jump-diffusion market. In this model, a representative investor having power utility over an aggregate consumption process evaluates the equity as the expected value of the discounted dividends with his stochastic discount factor, while a firm paying the dividends from its own cash reserves manages to maximize the equity price. This situation is formulated as a singular stochastic control problem of jump-diffusion processes. We solve this problem and give the equilibrium equity price and the optimal dividend policy. Numerical examples show that the aggregate consumption process and the investor’s risk aversion have a significant impact on the equity price and the dividend policy. This model provides a structural explanation of equity risk premiums that is consistent with the standard theory of asset pricing.
Diophantine equations in separated variables and lacunary polynomials
Authors: Kreso Dijana
Published: March 2017

We study Diophantine equations of type [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are lacunary polynomials. According to a well-known finiteness criterion, for a number field [Formula: see text] and nonconstant [Formula: see text], the equation [Formula: see text] has infinitely many solutions in [Formula: see text]-integers [Formula: see text] only if [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are representable as a functional composition of lower degree polynomials in a certain prescribed way. The behavior of lacunary polynomials with respect to functional composition is a topic of independent interest, and has been studied by several authors. In this paper, we utilize known results on the latter topic, and develop new ones, in relation to Diophantine applications.
On the rate of p-adic convergence of sums of powers of binomial coefficients
Authors: Lengyel Tamás
Published: March 2017

Let [Formula: see text] be an integer and [Formula: see text] be an odd prime. We study sums and lacunary sums of [Formula: see text]th powers of binomial coefficients from the point of view of arithmetic properties. We develop new congruences and prove the [Formula: see text]-adic convergence of some subsequences and that in every step we gain at least one or three more [Formula: see text]-adic digits of the limit if [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text], respectively. These gains are exact under some explicitly given conditions. The main tools are congruential and divisibility properties of the binomial coefficients and multiple and alternating harmonic sums.
Asymptotic expansions of Lambert series and related q-series
Authors: Banerjee Shubho , Wilkerson Blake
Published: March 2017

We study the Lambert series [Formula: see text], for all [Formula: see text]. We obtain the complete asymptotic expansion of [Formula: see text] near [Formula: see text]. Our analysis of the Lambert series yields the asymptotic forms for several related [Formula: see text]-series: the [Formula: see text]-gamma and [Formula: see text]-polygamma functions, the [Formula: see text]-Pochhammer symbol and the Jacobi theta functions. Some typical results include [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], with relative errors of order [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] respectively.
Recent Progress of Polyurethane-Based Materials for Oil/Water Separation
Authors: Guo Gailan , Liu Libin , Dang Zhao , Fang Wenyuan
Published: March 2017

With the development of society, oil pollution has become more and more serious, it is becoming a global issue to separate oil and water mixture. Currently, a variety of functional materials have been successfully prepared for oil/water separation. Among them, polyurethane is an attractive candidate due to its low cost, wear-resistance and excellent mechanical properties. This report summarizes the design strategy of polyurethane-based materials and their applications in oil/water separation. The progress made so far will guide further development of polyurethane-based materials for oil/water separation.
Preparation of Nano-Convex and Nano-Concave-Patterned Polyimide Surfaces and Their Nano-Tribological Behavior
Authors: Wu Chunxia , Zhang Xiaoliang , Che Hongwei , Mu Jingbo , Wang Guangshuo , Zhang Zhixiao , Cui Guohua
Published: March 2017

In this work, nano-convex-patterned polyimide surface (notated as 1-sample) and nano-concave-patterned polyimide surface (notated as 2-sample) were prepared by self-assembly and etching. Atomic force microscope (AFM) with a colloidal probe was used to examine the adhesion and nano-tribological behavior of the 1-sample and 2-sample. Results suggest that the 1-sample and 2-sample can decrease the surface friction and adhesive forces because of the decreased contact area between the contacting pairs. The friction forces of the 1-sample and 2-sample increased with the increase in sliding velocity and applied load. Moreover, the nano-concave pattern is more effective in reducing the adhesive force than the nano-convex pattern because of its higher surface roughness. However, the nano-convex patterning is more effective in reducing the friction force than the nano-concave patterning because of the smaller area of contact between the 2-sample and the colloidal probe.
On generalized subnormal subgroups of finite metanilpotent groups
Authors: Khalimonchik I. N.
Published: March 2017

In this paper, the description of hereditary saturated lattice formations and lattice subgroup functors in the class of all finite metanilpotent groups was found.
Oral N-acetylcysteine and exercise tolerance in mild chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Hirai Daniel M. , Jones Joshua H. , Zelt Joel T. , da Silva Marianne L. , Bentley Robert F. , Edgett Brittany A. , Gurd Brendon J. , Tschakovsky Michael E. , O’Donnell Denis E. , Neder J. Alberto
Published: March 2017

Heightened oxidative stress is implicated in the progressive impairment of skeletal muscle vascular and mitochondrial function in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Whether accumulation of reactive oxygen species contributes to exercise intolerance in the early stages of COPD is unknown. The purpose of the present study was to determine the effects of oral antioxidant treatment with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on respiratory, cardiovascular, and locomotor muscle function and exercise tolerance in patients with mild COPD. Thirteen patients [forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)-to-forced vital capacity ratio < lower limit of normal (LLN) and FEV1 ≥ LLN) were enrolled in a double-blind, randomized crossover study to receive NAC (1,800 mg/day) or placebo for 4 days. Severe-intensity constant-load exercise tests were performed with noninvasive measurements of central hemodynamics (stroke volume, heart rate, and cardiac output via impedance cardiography), arterial blood pressure, pulmonary ventilation and gas exchange, quadriceps muscle oxygenation (near-infrared spectroscopy), and estimated capillary blood flow. Nine patients completed the study with no major adverse clinical effects. Although NAC elevated plasma glutathione by ~27% compared with placebo ( P < 0.05), there were no differences in exercise tolerance (placebo: 325 ± 47 s, NAC: 336 ± 51 s), central hemodynamics, arterial blood pressure, pulmonary ventilation or gas exchange, locomotor muscle oxygenation, or capillary blood flow from rest to exercise between conditions ( P > 0.05 for all). In conclusion, modulation of plasma redox status with oral NAC treatment was not translated into beneficial effects on central or peripheral components of the oxygen transport pathway, thereby failing to improve exercise tolerance in nonhypoxemic patients with mild COPD.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Acute antioxidant treatment with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) elevated plasma glutathione but did not modulate central or peripheral components of the O2 transport pathway, thereby failing to improve exercise tolerance in patients with mild chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Systems-based analysis of dendritic nonlinearities reveals temporal feature extraction in mouse L5 cortical neurons
Authors: Kalmbach Brian E. , Gray Richard , Johnston Daniel , Cook Erik P.
Published: March 2017

What do dendritic nonlinearities tell a neuron about signals injected into the dendrite? Linear and nonlinear dendritic components affect how time-varying inputs are transformed into action potentials (APs), but the relative contribution of each component is unclear. We developed a novel systems-identification approach to isolate the nonlinear response of layer 5 pyramidal neuron dendrites in mouse prefrontal cortex in response to dendritic current injections. We then quantified the nonlinear component and its effect on the soma, using functional models composed of linear filters and static nonlinearities. Both noise and waveform current injections revealed linear and nonlinear components in the dendritic response. The nonlinear component consisted of fast Na+spikes that varied in amplitude 10-fold in a single neuron. A functional model reproduced the timing and amplitude of the dendritic spikes and revealed that they were selective to a preferred input dynamic (~4.5 ms rise time). The selectivity of the dendritic spikes became wider in the presence of additive noise, which was also predicted by the functional model. A second functional model revealed that the dendritic spikes were weakly boosted before being linearly integrated at the soma. For both our noise and waveform dendritic input, somatic APs were dependent on the somatic integration of the stimulus, followed a subset of large dendritic spikes, and were selective to the same input dynamics preferred by the dendrites. Our results suggest that the amplitude of fast dendritic spikes conveys information about high-frequency features in the dendritic input, which is then combined with low-frequency somatic integration.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY The nonlinear response of layer 5 mouse pyramidal dendrites was isolated with a novel systems-based approach. In response to dendritic current injections, the nonlinear component contained mostly fast, variable-amplitude, Na+spikes. A functional model accounted for the timing and amplitude of the dendritic spikes and revealed that dendritic spikes are selective to a preferred input dynamic, which was verified experimentally. Thus, fast dendritic nonlinearities behave as high-frequency feature detectors that influence somatic action potentials.
Impact of Different Analytic Approaches on the Analysis of the Breast Fibroglandular Tissue Using Diffusion Weighted Imaging
Authors: Choi Yoon Jung , Chen Jeon-Hor , Yu Hon J. , Li Yifan , Su Min-Ying
Published: March 2017

Purpose. This study investigated the impact of the different region of interest (ROI) approaches on measurement of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values in the breast firbroglandular tissue (FT). Methods. Breast MR images of 38 women diagnosed with unilateral breast cancer were studied. Percent density (PD) and ADC were measured from the contralateral normal breast. Four different ROIs were used for ADC measurement. The measured PD and ADC were correlated. Results. Among the four ROIs, the manually placed small ROI on FT gave the highest mean ADC (ADC = 1839 ± 343 [×10−6 mm2/s]), while measurement from the whole breast gave the lowest mean ADC (ADC = 933 ± 383 [×10−6 mm2/s]). The ADC measured from the whole breast was highly correlated with PD with r=0.95. In slice-to-slice comparison, the central slices with more FT had higher ADC values than the peripheral slices did, presumably due to less partial volume effect from fat. Conclusions. Our results indicated that the measured ADC heavily depends on the composition of breast tissue contained in the ROI used for the ADC measurements. Women with low breast density showing lower ADC values were most likely due to the partial volume effect of fatty tissues.
Lie Symmetry and the Bethe Ansatz Solution of a New Quasi-Exactly Solvable Double-Well Potential
Authors: Baradaran M. , Panahi H.
Published: March 2017

We study the Schrödinger equation with a new quasi-exactly solvable double-well potential. Exact expressions for the energies, the corresponding wave functions, and the allowed values of the potential parameters are obtained using two different methods, the Bethe ansatz method and the Lie algebraic approach. Some numerical results are reported and it is shown that the results are in good agreement with each other and with those obtained previously via a different method.
Interleukin-9 Promotes Pancreatic Cancer Cells Proliferation and Migration via the miR-200a/Beta-Catenin Axis
Authors: Hu Bangli , Qiu-lan Huang , Lei Rong-e , Shi Cheng , Jiang Hai-xing , Qin Shan-yu
Published: March 2017

Background. Both IL-9 and miR-200a are involved in the pathogenesis of cancers; however, the role of IL-9 in pancreatic cancer and the possible underlying mechanisms remain unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of IL-9 on pancreatic cancer cells and its interaction with miR-200a. Methods. Pancreatic cancer cells (PANC-1 and AsPC-1) were treated with IL-9 and the expression of miR-200a and β-catenin in pancreatic cancer cells was measured. β-Catenin was examined as a target gene of miR-200a in pancreatic cancer cells. The interaction between IL-9 and miR-200a in pancreatic cancer cells was determined by infecting miR-200a mimics prior to IL-9 treatment and then measuring miR-200a and β-catenin expression. Results. IL-9 significantly promoted the proliferation, invasion, and migration of pancreatic cancer cells; however, the effect on pancreatic cancer cell apoptosis was insignificant. β-Catenin was verified as a target gene of miR-200a in pancreatic cancer cells. Overexpression of miR-200a in pancreatic cancer cells significantly attenuated proliferation and metastasis and reduced β-catenin expression. IL-9 treatment of pancreatic cancer cells decreased miR-200a expression and increased β-catenin expression. The effect of miR-200a on pancreatic cancer cells decreased following IL-9 treatment. Conclusions. IL-9 promotes proliferation and metastasis in pancreatic cancer cells; this effect may partly involve regulation of the miR-200a/β-catenin axis.
Delivery of Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Improves Tear Production in a Mouse Model of Sjögren’s Syndrome
Authors: Aluri Hema S. , Samizadeh Mahta , Edman Maria C. , Hawley Dillon R. , Armaos Helene L. , Janga Srikanth R. , Meng Zhen , Sendra Victor G. , Hamrah Pedram , Kublin Claire L. , Hamm-Alvarez Sarah F. , Zoukhri Driss
Published: March 2017

The purpose of the present study was to test the potential of mouse bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BD-MSCs) in improving tear production in a mouse model of Sjögren’s syndrome dry eye and to investigate the underlying mechanisms involved. NOD mice (n=20) were randomized to receive i.p. injection of sterile phosphate buffered saline (PBS, control) or murine BD-MSCs (1 × 106 cells). Tears production was measured at baseline and once a week after treatment using phenol red impregnated threads. Cathepsin S activity in the tears was measured at the end of treatment. After 4 weeks, animals were sacrificed and the lacrimal glands were excised and processed for histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and RNA analysis. Following BD-MSC injection, tears production increased over time when compared to both baseline and PBS injected mice. Although the number of lymphocytic foci in the lacrimal glands of treated animals did not change, the size of the foci decreased by 40.5% when compared to control animals. The mRNA level of the water channel aquaporin 5 was significantly increased following delivery of BD-MSCs. We conclude that treatment with BD-MSCs increases tear production in the NOD mouse model of Sjögren’s syndrome. This is likely due to decreased inflammation and increased expression of aquaporin 5.
Mimetic Gravity: A Review of Recent Developments and Applications to Cosmology and Astrophysics
Authors: Sebastiani Lorenzo , Vagnozzi Sunny , Myrzakulov Ratbay
Published: March 2017

Mimetic gravity is a Weyl-symmetric extension of General Relativity, related to the latter by a singular disformal transformation, wherein the appearance of a dust-like perfect fluid can mimic cold dark matter at a cosmological level. Within this framework, it is possible to provide a unified geometrical explanation for dark matter, the late-time acceleration, and inflation, making it a very attractive theory. In this review, we summarize the main aspects of mimetic gravity, as well as extensions of the minimal formulation of the model. We devote particular focus to the reconstruction technique, which allows the realization of any desired expansionary history of the universe by an accurate choice of potential or other functions defined within the theory (as in the case of mimeticf(R)gravity). We briefly discuss cosmological perturbation theory within mimetic gravity. As a case study within which we apply the concepts previously discussed, we study a mimetic Hořava-like theory, of which we explore solutions and cosmological perturbations in detail. Finally, we conclude the review by discussing static spherically symmetric solutions within mimetic gravity and apply our findings to the problem of galactic rotation curves. Our review provides an introduction to mimetic gravity, as well as a concise but self-contained summary of recent findings, progress, open questions, and outlooks on future research directions.
Radiographic Findings in Patients with Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw
Authors: Cardoso Camila Lopes , Barros Carolina Arrabal , Curra Cláudia , Fernandes Luciana Maria Paes da Silva Ramos , Franzolin Solange de Oliveira Braga , Júnior Joel Santiago Ferreira , De Antoni Carlos César , Curi Marcos Martins
Published: March 2017

A retrospective study was conducted of the records and panoramic radiographs of 35 patients treated with bisphosphonates (BP) and diagnosed with MRONJ. Panoramic radiography was used for evaluation, by two examiners, the following findings were subject of search: osteolysis (OT), cortical bone erosion (EC), bone sclerosis focal (FS) and diffuse (DS), bone sequestration (BS), thickening of lamina dura (TD), prominence of the inferior alveolar nerve canal (IAN), persisting alveolar sockets (SK), and the presence of a pathological fracture (PF). Medical information and staging were also recorded in order to correlate with radiographic findings. Bone sclerosis was the most frequent alteration, followed by OT and TD. The mandible was more affected than the maxilla. There was no significant difference between genders or significant correlation between the number of injuries with age and duration of BP usage. Considering the association between the radiographic findings and MRONJ staging, EC was predominant in stage 3 and DS in stage 2. IAN and PF demonstrated greater association with stage 3. In conclusion, the higher the clinical staging, the greater the severity of the bone alteration. Panoramic radiographic examination is a useful screening tool in patients submitted to antiresorptive therapy.
Psoralen Inhibited Apoptosis of Osteoporotic Osteoblasts by Modulating IRE1-ASK1-JNK Pathway
Authors: Chen Shuqing , Wang Yongqian , Yang Yubin , Xiang Ting , Liu Jiahui , Zhou Houming , Wu Xinlin
Published: March 2017

Osteoporosis is a common disease causing fracture in older populations. Abnormal apoptosis of osteoblasts contributes to the genesis of osteoporosis. Inhibiting apoptosis of osteoblasts provides a promising strategy to prevent osteoporosis. The proliferation of osteoblasts isolated from osteoporotic patients or healthy subjects was determined by MTT assay. Apoptosis was determined by Annexin V/PI assay. Protein expression was measured by western blot. The proliferation of osteoblasts isolated from osteoporotic patients was inhibited and the apoptosis level of these cells was higher than the osteoblasts from healthy subjects. Incubation with psoralen or estradiol significantly enhanced the proliferation and decreased the apoptosis level of osteoporotic osteoblasts. Western blot demonstrated that psoralen or estradiol treatment downregulated the expression of IRE1, p-ASK, p-JNK, and Bax. Meanwhile, expression of Bcl-2 was upregulated. Pretreatment by IRE1 agonist tunicamycin or JNK agonist anisomycin attenuated the effect of psoralen on osteoporotic osteoblasts. Psoralen inhibited apoptosis of osteoporotic osteoblasts by regulating IRE1-ASK1-JNK pathway.
Seasonal Multifactor Modelling of Weighted-Mean Temperature for Ground-Based GNSS Meteorology in Hunan, China
Authors: Li Li , Wu Suqin , Wang Xiaoming , Tian Ying , He Changyong , Zhang Kefei
Published: March 2017

In this study, radiosonde observations during the period of 2012-2013 from three stations in the Hunan region, China, were used to establish regional Tm models (RTMs) that are a fitting function of multiple meteorological factors (Ts, Es, and Ps). One-factor, two-factor, and three-factor RTMs were assessed by comparing their Tm against the radiosonde-derived Tm (as the truth) during the period of 2013-2014. Statistical results showed that the bias and RMS of the one-factor RTM, in comparison to the BTM result, were reduced by 88% and 28%, respectively. The two-factor and three-factor RTMs showed similar accuracy and both outperformed the one-factor RTM, with an improvement of 7% in RMS. The bias and RMS of all the four seasonal two-factor RTMs were smaller than the yearly two-factor RTM, with the improvements of 3%, 10%, 2%, and 3% in RMS. The improvement of the conversion factors in mean bias and RMS resulting from the seasonal two-factor RTM is 92% and 31%. The bias and RMS of the PWV resulting from the seasonal two-factor RTM are improved by 37% and 12%, respectively. Therefore, the seasonal two-factor RTMs are recommended for the research and applications of GNSS meteorology in the Hunan region, China.
Serum Cytokine Profile in Relation to the Severity of Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Min Xiaoyan , Lu Miao , Tu Su , Wang Xiangming , Zhou Chuanwei , Wang Sen , Pang Sisi , Qian Jin , Ge Yiyue , Guo Yan , Xu Di , Cao Kejiang
Published: March 2017

Objectives. To investigate the potential association of a set of serum cytokines with the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods. A total of 201 patients who underwent coronary angiography for chest discomfort were enrolled. The concentrations of serum IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-9, and IL-17 were determined by xMAP multiplex technology. The CAD severity was assessed by Gensini score (GS). Results. The serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-9, IL-10, and IL-17 were significantly higher in high GS group (GS ≥ 38.5) than those in low GS group (GS < 38.5). Positive correlations were also found between these cytokines and the severity of CAD. After adjustment for other associated factors, three serum cytokines (IL-6, IL-9, and IL-17) and two clinical risk factors (creatinine and LDL-C) were identified as the independent predictors of increased severity of CAD. ROC curve analysis revealed that the logistic regression risk prediction model had a good performance on predicting CAD severity. Conclusions. Combinatorial analysis of serum cytokines (IL-6, IL-9, and IL-17) with clinical risk factors (creatinine and LDL-C) may contribute to the evaluation of the severity of CAD and may help guide the risk stratification of angina patients, especially in primary health facilities and in the catheter lab resource-limited settings.
Poor Sleep Quality Is Associated with Dawn Phenomenon and Impaired Circadian Clock Gene Expression in Subjects with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Huang Yuxin , Wang Haidong , Li Yuan , Tao Xiaoming , Sun Jiao
Published: March 2017

Aims. We investigated whether poor sleep quality is associated with both dawn phenomenon and impaired circadian clock gene expression in subjects with diabetes. Methods. 81 subjects with diabetes on continuous glucose monitoring were divided into two groups according to the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. The magnitude of dawn phenomenon was quantified by its increment from nocturnal nadir to prebreakfast. Peripheral leucocytes were sampled from 81 subjects with diabetes and 28 normal controls at 09:00. Transcript levels of circadian clock genes (BMAL1, PER1, PER2, and PER3) were determined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results. The levels of HbA1c and fasting glucose and the magnitude of dawn phenomenon were significantly higher in the diabetes group with poor sleep quality than that with good sleep quality. Peripheral leucocytes from subjects with poor sleep quality expressed significantly lower transcript levels of BMAL1 and PER1 compared with those with good sleep quality. Poor sleep quality was significantly correlated with magnitude of dawn phenomenon. Multiple linear regression showed that sleep quality and PER1 were significantly independently correlated with dawn phenomenon. Conclusions. Dawn phenomenon is associated with sleep quality. Furthermore, mRNA expression of circadian clock genes is dampened in peripheral leucocytes of subjects with poor sleep quality.
Cardiorespiratory Frequency Monitoring Using the Principal Component Analysis Technique on UWB Radar Signal
Authors: Pittella Erika , Bottiglieri Anna , Pisa Stefano , Cavagnaro Marta
Published: March 2017

In this paper, Principal Component Analysis technique is applied on the signal measured by an ultra wide-band radar to compute the breath and heart rate of volunteers. The measurement set-up is based on an indirect time domain reflectometry technique, using an ultra wide-band antenna in contact with the subject’s thorax, at the heart height, and a vector network analyzer. The Principal Component Analysis is applied on the signal reflected by the thorax and the obtained breath frequencies are compared against measures acquired by a piezoelectric belt, a widely used commercial system for respiratory activity monitoring. Breath frequency results show that the proposed approach is suitable for breath activity monitoring. Moreover, the wearable ultra wide-band radar gives also promising results for heart activity frequency detection.
BAG5 Interacts with DJ‐1 and Inhibits the Neuroprotective Effects of DJ‐1 to Combat Mitochondrial Oxidative Damage
Authors: Qin Li-xia , Tan Jie-qiong , Zhang Hai-nan , Rizwana Kousar , Lu Jia-hong , Tang Jian-guang , Jiang Bo , Shen Xiang-min , Guo Ji-feng , Tang Bei-sha , Tan Li-ming , Wang Chun-yu
Published: March 2017

Loss‐of‐function mutations in gene encoding DJ‐1 contribute to the pathogenesis of autosomal recessive early‐onset familial forms of Parkinson’s disease (PD). DJ‐1 is a multifunctional protein and plays a protective role against oxidative stress‐induced mitochondrial damage and cell death, but the exact mechanism underlying this is not yet clearly understood. Here, using coimmunoprecipitation (Co‐IP) and immunofluorescence methods, we prove that Bcl‐2‐associated athanogene 5 (BAG5), a BAG family member, interacts with DJ‐1 in mammalian cells. Moreover, we show that BAG5 could decrease stability of DJ‐1 and weaken its role in mitochondrial protection probably by influencing dimerization in stress condition. Our study reveals the relationship of BAG5 and DJ‐1 suggesting a potential role for BAG5 in the pathogenesis of PD through its functional interactions with DJ‐1.
Modelling the Evaporation Rate in an Impingement Jet Dryer with Multiple Nozzles
Authors: Ljung Anna-Lena , Andersson L. Robin , Andersson Anders G. , Lundström T. Staffan , Eriksson Mats
Published: March 2017

Impinging jets are often used in industry to dry, cool, or heat items. In this work, a two-dimensional Computational Fluid Dynamics model is created to model an impingement jet dryer with a total of 9 pairs of nozzles that dries sheets of metal. Different methods to model the evaporation rate are studied, as well as the influence of recirculating the outlet air. For the studied conditions, the simulations show that the difference in evaporation rate between single- and two-component treatment of moist air is only around 5%, hence indicating that drying can be predicted with a simplified model where vapor is included as a nonreacting scalar. Furthermore, the humidity of the inlet air, as determined from the degree of recirculating outlet air, has a strong effect on the water evaporation rate. Results show that the metal sheet is dry at the exit if 85% of the air is recirculated, while approximately only 60% of the water has evaporated at a recirculation of 92,5%.
Racial Differences in Expression Levels of miRNA Machinery-Related Genes, Dicer, Drosha, DGCR8, and AGO2, in Asian Korean Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma and Comparative Validation Using the Cancer Genome Atlas
Authors: Kim Jaegil , Park Woo-Jae , Jeong Kwang-Joon , Kang Sun Hee , Kwon Sun Young , Kim Shin , Park Jong-Wook
Published: March 2017

Aberrant regulation of microRNA (miRNA) machinery components is associated with various human cancers, including papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), which is the most common type of thyroid cancer, and a higher prevalent female malignancy. The purpose of this study is to investigate racial differences in mRNA expression levels of four miRNA machinery components, Dicer, Drosha, DGCR8, and AGO2, and their correlations with clinicopathological characteristics. Forty PTC samples from female Asian Korean PTC patients were enrolled. Using qPCR, we examined mRNA expression levels of the components and next validated our results by comparison with results of female white American in the TCGA PTC project. Interestingly, mRNA expression levels of the selected factors were altered in the TCGA PTC samples. However, only Drosha showed a significantly lower expression level in Asian Korean PTC samples. Furthermore, the mRNA expression levels of the four components showed no association with clinicopathological characteristics in both groups. On the other hand, positive correlations were observed between altered mRNA expression levels of Dicer and Drosha and DGCR8 and Drosha in TCGA PTC samples. These findings collectively revealed that altered mRNA expression levels of miRNA machinery components might be responsible for racial differences in the carcinogenesis of PTC.
Thermography Improves Clinical Assessment in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis Treated with Ozone Therapy
Authors: Nowicka Danuta
Published: March 2017

Objective. Treatment of scleroderma is challenging and limited. The aim of our study was to evaluate the usefulness of thermography in assessment of the clinical condition (joints movability and skin thickness) in clinically advanced patients with systemic sclerosis before and after ozone therapy. Method. The study included 42 patients aged 32 to 73 years with advanced systemic sclerosis hospitalized in the university clinic between 2003 and 2006. Thermography and clinical examinations were conducted at baseline and after two series of bath in water with ozone. Results. The comparison of results showed significant increase in skin temperature by 2.5°C, significant increase in interphalangeal joints movability by 18 degrees, and significant decrease in skin score by 14.7 points. The skin temperature was correlated with skin score (r=-0.59) and joints movability (r=+0.8). Conclusions. Ozone therapy shows positive effect on clinical parameters and skin temperature as measured with thermography. The study indicated possibility of introducing ozonotherapy as an independent therapy in cases with low level of progression or during remission periods and as additional treatment in patients with advanced disease requiring immunosuppressive treatment. Thermography is useful in assessment of skin condition showing strong correlation between skin temperature and clinical parameters.
Reliability of Baropodometry on the Evaluation of Plantar Load Distribution: A Transversal Study
Authors: Baumfeld Daniel , Baumfeld Tiago , da Rocha Romário Lopes , Macedo Benjamim , Raduan Fernando , Zambelli Roberto , Alves Silva Thiago Alexandre , Nery Caio
Published: March 2017

Introduction. Baropodometry is used to measure the load distribution on feet during rest and walking. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in plantar foot pressures distribution due to period of working and due to stretching exercises of the posterior muscular chain.Methods. In this transversal study, all participants were submitted to baropodometric evaluation at two different times: before and after the working period and before and after stretching the muscles of the posterior chain.Results. We analyzed a total of 54 feet of 27 participants. After the working period, there was an average increase in the forefoot pressure of 0.16 Kgf/cm2and an average decrease in the hindfoot pressure of 0.17 Kgf/cm2. After stretching the posterior muscular chain, the average increase in the forefoot pressure was 0.56 Kgf/cm2and the hindfoot average pressure decrease was 0.56 Kgf/cm2. These changes were not statistically significant.Discussion. It was reported that the strength of the Achilles tendon generates greater forefoot load transferred from the hindfoot. In our study, no significant variation in the distribution of plantar pressure was observed. It can be inferred that baropodometry was a reliable instrument to determine the plantar pressure, regardless of the tension of the posterior chain muscles.
Computation of Heterojunction Parameters at Low Temperatures in Heterojunctions Comprised of n-Type β-FeSi2 Thin Films and p-Type Si(111) Substrates Grown by Radio Frequency Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Sittimart Phongsaphak , Nopparuchikun Adison , Promros Nathaporn
Published: March 2017

In this study, n-type β-FeSi2/p-type Si heterojunctions, inside which n-type β-FeSi2 films were epitaxially grown on p-type Si(111) substrates, were created using radio frequency magnetron sputtering at a substrate temperature of 560°C and Ar pressure of 2.66×10-1 Pa. The heterojunctions were measured for forward and reverse dark current density-voltage curves as a function of temperature ranging from 300 down to 20 K for computation of heterojunction parameters using the thermionic emission (TE) theory and Cheung’s and Norde’s methods. Computation using the TE theory showed that the values of ideality factor (n) were 1.71 at 300 K and 16.83 at 20 K, while the barrier height (ϕb) values were 0.59 eV at 300 K and 0.06 eV at 20 K. Both of the n and ϕb values computed using the TE theory were in agreement with those computed using Cheung’s and Norde’s methods. The values of series resistance (Rs) computed at 300 K and 20 K by Norde’s method were 10.93 Ω and 0.15 MΩ, respectively, which agreed with the Rs values found through computation by Cheung’s method. The dramatic increment of Rs value at low temperatures was likely attributable to the increment of n value at low temperatures.
Banhasasim-Tang Treatment Reduces the Severity of Esophageal Mucosal Ulcer on Chronic Acid Reflux Esophagitis in Rats
Authors: Shin Mi-Rae , Seo Bu-Il , Son Chang Gue , Roh Seong-Soo , An Hyo-Jin
Published: March 2017

The present study was conducted to evaluate both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of Banhasasim-tang (BHSST) on chronic acid reflux esophagitis (CRE) model. Rat CRE model was established operatively and then treated with BHSST (1 g/kg body weight per day) for 15 days Esophageal pathological changes were analyzed using macroscopic examination and hematoxylin/eosin staining. The antioxidant and inflammatory protein levels were determined using Western blotting. The administration of BHSST significantly reduced both the overexpression of serum reactive oxygen species (ROS) and an excessive formation of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) in esophagus tissue. Thus, the severity of esophageal ulcer was lower in BHSST treated rats than control rats on the gross and histological evaluation. Nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) led to the upregulation of antioxidant enzyme including SOD, GPx-1/2, and HO-1 by binding to antioxidant response element (ARE). Moreover, BHSST administration markedly reduced the expression of inflammatory proteins through mitogen-activated protein kinase- (MAPK-) related signaling pathways and decreased significantly the protein expressions of inflammatory mediators and cytokines by inhibition of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activation. Taken together, these results support the fact that BHSST administration can suppress the development of esophageal mucosal ulcerviaregulating inflammation through the activation of the antioxidant pathway.
Autotransplantation of Ectopic Permanent Maxillary Incisors
Authors: Mohd Mokhtar Sarimah , Abd Jalil Laila , Muhd Noor Nurhidayah
Published: March 2017

The report presents examples of successful cases of autotransplantation of ectopic teeth as donor in the treatment of clinically missing maxillary anterior teeth in young patients. The transplanted teeth were either severely ectopic, inverted, rotated or in an unfavourable position that they are commonly sacrificed as a result. Details of surgical technique as well as clinical and radiographic assessments were discussed.
Improved Biclique Cryptanalysis of the Lightweight Block Cipher Piccolo
Authors: Han Guoyong , Zhang Wenying
Published: March 2017

Biclique cryptanalysis is a typical attack through finding a biclique which is a type of bipartite diagram to reduce the computational complexity. By investigating the subkey distribution and the encryption structure, we find out a weakness in the key schedule of Piccolo-80. A 6-round biclique is constructed for Piccolo-80 and a 7-round biclique for Piccolo-128. Then a full round biclique cryptanalysis of Piccolo is presented. The results of the attacks are with data complexity of 240and 224chosen ciphertexts and with computational complexity of 279.22and 2127.14, respectively. They are superior to other known results of biclique cryptanalytic on Piccolo.
A Novel Secure Transmission Scheme in MIMO Two-Way Relay Channels with Physical Layer Approach
Authors: Liu Qiao , Gong Guang , Wang Yong , Li Hui
Published: March 2017

Security issue has been considered as one of the most pivotal aspects for the fifth-generation mobile network (5G) due to the increasing demands of security service as well as the growing occurrence of security threat. In this paper, instead of focusing on the security architecture in the upper layer, we investigate the secure transmission for a basic channel model in a heterogeneous network, that is, two-way relay channels. By exploiting the properties of the transmission medium in the physical layer, we propose a novel secure scheme for the aforementioned channel mode. With precoding design, the proposed scheme is able to achieve a high transmission efficiency as well as security. Two different approaches have been introduced: information theoretical approach and physical layer encryption approach. We show that our scheme is secure under three different adversarial models: (1) untrusted relay attack model, (2) trusted relay with eavesdropper attack model, and (3) untrusted relay with eavesdroppers attack model. We also derive the secrecy capacity of the two different approaches under the three attacks. Finally, we conduct three simulations of our proposed scheme. The simulation results agree with the theoretical analysis illustrating that our proposed scheme could achieve a better performance than the existing schemes.
Rare Case of a Well-Differentiated Paratesticular Sarcoma of the Spermatic Cord in a 60-Year-Old Patient
Authors: Benna Marwen , Zarraâ Semia , Belaïd Asma , Cherif Aziz , Kochbati Lotfi , Chebil Mohammed , Benna Farouk
Published: March 2017

Introduction. Liposarcomas are tumors that occur mostly in the retroperitoneum. Of all liposarcomas only 3 to 7% are found in the paratesticular region. The spermatic cord is the main site of origin in these cases. The patients ages range from 50 to 60 years. This malignant disease can result in a loss of fertility aside from life-threatening sequelae.Case. We present a case of a liposarcoma of the paratesticular region. A 60-year-old man was referred with a painless mass in the scrotum and the right inguinal region. The patient underwent surgery and the mass was removed along with the right testis, the spermatic cord, and the soft tissues to the internal inguinal ring. Histopathological examination found a well-differentiated liposarcoma of80⁎80 mm. The surgical margins were negative. The adjuvant treatment consisted in radiation therapy of the right inguinoscrotal area to the dose of 54 Gray, 2 Gy per session, 5 times a week.Conclusion. Paratesticular liposarcomas are rare tumors. Surgery with large margin resections was the main treatment in all reported cases. The adjuvant treatment is still unclear especially when the surgical margins are negative. The main factor that indicated this adjuvant treatment was the size of the tumor and the histologic subtype.
Seismic Response Prediction of Buildings with Base Isolation Using Advanced Soft Computing Approaches
Authors: Kaloop Mosbeh R. , Hu Jong Wan
Published: March 2017

Modeling response of structures under seismic loads is an important factor in Civil Engineering as it crucially affects the design and management of structures, especially for the high-risk areas. In this study, novel applications of advanced soft computing techniques are utilized for predicting the behavior of centrically braced frame (CBF) buildings with lead-rubber bearing (LRB) isolation system under ground motion effects. These techniques include least square support vector machine (LSSVM), wavelet neural networks (WNN), and adaptive neurofuzzy inference system (ANFIS) along with wavelet denoising. The simulation of a 2D frame model and eight ground motions are considered in this study to evaluate the prediction models. The comparison results indicate that the least square support vector machine is superior to other techniques in estimating the behavior of smart structures.
Thyroid-Related Protein Expression in the Human Thymus
Authors: Kim Mi Jeong , Oh So Won , Youn Hyewon , Na Juri , Kang Keon Wook , Park Do Joon , Park Young Joo , Jang Ja June , Lee Kyu Eun , Jung Kyeong Cheon , Chung June-Key
Published: March 2017

Radioiodine whole body scan (WBS), related to sodium iodide symporter (NIS) function, is widely used to detect recurrence/metastasis in postoperative patients with thyroid cancer. However, the normal thymic uptake of radioiodine has occasionally been observed in young patients. We evaluated the expression of thyroid-related genes and proteins in the human thymus. Thymic tissues were obtained from 22 patients with thyroid cancer patients of all ages. The expression of NIS, thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR), thyroperoxidase (TPO), and thyroglobulin (Tg) was investigated using immunohistochemistry and quantitative RT-PCR. NIS and TSHR were expressed in 18 (81.8%) and 19 samples (86.4%), respectively, whereas TPO was expressed in five samples (22.7%). Three thyroid-related proteins were localized to Hassall’s corpuscles and thymocytes. In contrast, Tg was detected in a single patient (4.5%) localized to vascular endothelial cells. The expression of thyroid-related proteins was not increased in young thymic tissues compared to that in old thymic tissues. In conclusion, the expression of NIS and TSHR was detected in the majority of normal thymus samples, whereas that of TPO was detected less frequently, and that of Tg was detected rarely. The increased thymic uptake of radioiodine in young patients is not due to the increased expression of NIS.
Study on the Influence of Processing Parameters on Piercing Extrusion Process of Large Diameter Cupronickel Alloy Pipes Using 3D FEM Analysis
Authors: Cai Jun , Wang Kuaishe , Zhang Bing , Wang Wen
Published: March 2017

With the rapid development of the shipping and the power industry, the demand for high-performance cupronickel alloy pipes is greatly increasing. The main processing methods of this alloy include semisolid ingot casting and deformation by hot extrusion. Many defects appear during the hot extrusion process for large diameter cupronickel alloy pipes, which results in considerable problems. Therefore, numerical simulation of hot extrusion for cupronickel alloy pipes before the practical production is of vital significance to properly determine the deformation parameters. In order to obtain the influence of processing parameters on the piercing extrusion process of large diameter cupronickel alloy pipe, metal flowing law under different deformation conditions was simulated and analyzed via employing a 3D FEM code. The results showed that piercing speed had no obvious influence on the cupronickel alloy billet. However, the friction had significant influence on the piercing process of cupronickel alloy billet: with the increase of friction coefficient, the temperature and the load increased.