bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamical spatial curvature as a fit to Type Ia supernovae
Authors: Desgrange Célia , Heinesen Asta , Buchert Thomas
Published: June 2019

Few statements in cosmology can be made without assuming a cosmological model within which to interpret data. Statements about cosmic acceleration are no exception to this rule, and the inferred positive volume acceleration of our universe often quoted in the literature is valid in the context of the standard Friedmann–Lemaître–Robertson–Walker (FLRW) class of spacetimes. Using the Joint Light-curve Analysis (JLA) catalogue of supernovae Type Ia (SNIa), we examine the fit of a class of exact scaling solutions with dynamical spatial curvature formulated in the framework of a scalar averaging scheme for relativistic inhomogeneous spacetimes. In these models, global volume acceleration may emerge as a result of the nonlocal variance between expansion rates of clusters and voids, the latter gaining volume dominance in the late-epoch universe. We find best-fit parameters for a scaling model of backreaction that are reasonably consistent with previously found constraints from SNIa, CMB, and baryon acoustic oscillations data. The quality of fit of the scaling solutions is indistinguishable from that of the ΛCDM model and the timescape cosmology from an Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) perspective. This indicates that a broad class of models can account for the [Formula: see text] expansion history.
Nuclear structure and α-decay study of Og isotopes
Authors: Swain R. R. , Sahu B. B. , Moharana P. K. , Patra S. K.
Published: June 2019

We have examined the binding energy, root-mean-square radii and two neutrons separation energies for the recently accepted super-heavy element [Formula: see text] established as Og using the axially deformed relativistic mean field (RMF) model with NL3 force parameter set. The calculation is extended to various isotopes of [Formula: see text] element, starting from [Formula: see text] till [Formula: see text]. The most stable isotope is found to be at [Formula: see text]. Also, the [Formula: see text]-decay energy [Formula: see text] and hence the half-lives [Formula: see text] is carried out by taking three different empirical formulae for the [Formula: see text]-decay chains of [Formula: see text] supporting the possible shell closure at daughter nuclei [Formula: see text] and/ or 184 and at parent nucleus of [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text].
Long-Term Stability of Optical Properties of Colloidal CdSe Nanocrystals in Polymer Matrices
Authors: Azhniuk Yu. M. , Lopushansky V. V. , Gomonnai A. V. , Lopushanska B. V. , Raevskaya A. E. , Dzhagan V. M. , Stroyuk O. L. , Zahn D. R. T.
Published: June 2019

Properties of CdSe nanocrystals (NCs) fabricated in aqueous solutions at relatively mild conditions in the presence of gelatine and stabilized in polymer (gelatine, gelatine + polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinyl alcohol) matrices are characterized by Raman, optical absorption and photoluminescence spectroscopies. The effect of heating of the reaction mixture on the average NC size is discussed.
Photocurrent Switching on Electrophoretic CdSe QD Electrodes with Different Ligands
Authors: Aniskevich Y. , Malashchonak M. , Antanovich A. , Prudnikau A. , Ragoisha G. , Streltsov E.
Published: June 2019

Photoelectrochemical behavior of oleate- and sulfide-capped CdSe QD films fabricated via electrophoretic deposition has been investigated in Na2SO3 aqueous electrolyte. The oleate substitution for sulfide led to considerable increase in photocurrent efficiency. Films of the both types show photocurrent switching under 465-nm light irradiation. The photocurrent direction switching potential strongly depends on the particle size demonstrating negative shift of the potential with size: from 0.0[Formula: see text]V for 2.4[Formula: see text]nm to [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]V for 6.3[Formula: see text]nm.
One-Step Route to Grow ZnO Hexangular Tube Structures
Authors: Eadi S. B. , Hong S.-K.
Published: June 2019

We present a systematic study of hexangular ZnO nanotube growth using zinc nitrate and NaOH as starting materials by varying solution concentration. ZnO nanotubes were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and growth mechanism was discussed. Supersaturation near ZnO surface is higher and leads to the [Formula: see text]-axis preferential growth. Low-magnification and high-resolution TEM micrographs revealed that best growth conditions for ZnO nanotube arrays were at 5[Formula: see text]mM zinc nitrate and 1[Formula: see text]mL of 1[Formula: see text]M NaOH. The growth morphology is largely determined by varying the NaOH concentration.
Preparation and Morphology of CdZnS Thin Films
Authors: Sadovnikov S. I.
Published: June 2019

Thin films based on limited solid solutions of cadmium and zinc sulfides have been synthesized by a one-stage epitaxial layer-by-layer deposition from an ammonium-containing aqueous solution of cadmium and zinc chlorides and thiocarbamide on a glass substrate. The thickness control of sulfide layers was carried out by selection of reagent concentrations and the deposition conditions. The relationship between the synthesis conditions of CdxZn[Formula: see text]S thin films and the size of sulfide nanoparticles in these films is established. The films contain two phases: hexagonal (space group [Formula: see text]) phase with [Formula: see text] structure of wurtzite type and cubic (space group [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text]) phase with [Formula: see text] structure of sphalerite type. It is shown that the CdxZn[Formula: see text]S film consists of separate [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]nm agglomerates which are a collection of smaller nanometer-sized particles. The dependence of the band gap of the synthesized films on their thickness is found.
SOURCES OF INNOVATION CAPABILITY AND PERFORMANCE OF ICT AGGLOMERATED MSMEs IN NIGERIA
Authors: AWOLEYE OLUSESAN MICHAEL , ILORI OLUGBENGA MATTHEW , OYEBISI TIMOTHY OYEDEPO
Published: June 2019

It has been established in both developed and emerging economies that geographic concentration of firms contributed in no small ways to the growth of country’s economy. However, in developing countries like Nigeria, what constitutes innovation capability needed to transform local innovation system towards indigenisation of ICT products among the ICT clustered firms is not known; and where data are available, they are somewhat outdated. This paper therefore presented empirical evidences on Innovation capability among agglomerated MSMEs in Nigeria. The research adapted the 6th Community Innovation Survey (CIS) on 228 owners of ICT clustered enterprises. It was found that nontechnical innovations were more prevalent in the clusters. It was also discovered that firms with appropriate mix of both internal and external sources of Innovation Capability performed better. The research thus added to the body of knowledge in development literature on the role of capability mix in innovation management.
Asymptotic zero distribution for a class of extremal polynomials
Authors: Díaz González A. , López Lagomasino G. , Pijeira Cabrera H.
Published: June 2019

We consider extremal polynomials with respect to a Sobolev-type [Formula: see text]-norm, with [Formula: see text] and measures supported on compact subsets of the real line. For a wide class of such extremal polynomials with respect to mutually singular measures (i.e. supported on disjoint subsets of the real line), it is proved that their critical points are simple and contained in the interior of the convex hull of the support of the measures involved and the asymptotic critical point distribution is studied. We also find the [Formula: see text]th root asymptotic behavior of the corresponding sequence of Sobolev extremal polynomials and their derivatives.
Internet of things search engine
Authors: Tran Nguyen Khoi , Sheng Quan Z. , Babar M. Ali , Yao Lina , Zhang Wei Emma , Dustdar Schahram
Published: June 2019

Tracing the complicated yet still relatively unripe area of the Internet of Things search engine---from concepts, to classification, and open issues.
Optimal Schedule for All-to-All Personalized Communication in Multiprocessor Systems
Authors: Saha Dibakar , Sinha Koushik
Published: June 2019

In this article, we address the problem of finding an optimal schedule for all-to-all personalized message communication among the processors in a multiprocessor system where every processor has a unique message for every other processor. When there are
n
processors and ⌊
n
/2⌋ parallel databus or channels for message communications, there exist algorithms that require
O
(
n
2
) time for assigning the databus/channels to the processor-pairs to obtain a schedule with minimum number of time slots. However, in recent massively parallel processing systems with a huge number of processors, the number
k
of available databus/channels is usually much smaller than ⌊
n
/2⌋. Thus, in each round of communication, only
k
processor-pairs (
k
< ⌊
n
/2⌋) can exchange their messages in parallel. We address this general case of all-to-all personalized communication and present a new technique for scheduling the channels among processor-pairs where only
k
< ⌊
n
/2⌋ databus/channels are available. We show that the proposed technique is optimal for all values of
n
other than 2
k
<
n
< 3
k
. For 2
k
<
n
< 3
k
, we show that the required number of rounds may be more than the lower bound of ⌈
n
/(
n
−1)2
k
⌉ by at most 11%, and proving the optimality of our technique remains as an open problem in this case.
Taking a long look at QUIC
Authors: Kakhki Arash Molavi , Jero Samuel , Choffnes David , Nita-Rotaru Cristina , Mislove Alan
Published: June 2019

Google's Quick UDP Internet Connections (QUIC) protocol, which implements TCP-like properties at the application layer atop a UDP transport, is now used by the vast majority of Chrome clients accessing Google properties but has no formal state machine specification, limited analysis, and ad-hoc evaluations based on snapshots of the protocol implementation in a small number of environ-merits. Further frustrating attempts to evaluate QUIC is the fact that the protocol is under rapid development, with extensive rewriting of the protocol occurring over the scale of months, making individual studies of the protocol obsolete before publication.

Given this unique scenario, there is a need for alternative techniques for understanding and evaluating QUIC when compared with previous transport-layer protocols. First, we develop an approach that allows us to conduct analysis across multiple versions of QUIC to understand how code changes impact protocol effectiveness. Next, we instrument the source code to infer QUIC's state machine from execution traces. With this model, we run QUIC in a large number of environments that include desktop and mobile, wired and wireless environments and use the state machine to understand differences in transport-and application-layer performance across multiple versions of QUIC and in different environments. QUIC generally outperforms TCP, but we also identified performance issues related to window sizes, re-ordered packets, and multiplexing large number of small objects; further, we identify that QUIC's performance diminishes on mobile devices and over cellular networks.
GOTO rankings considered helpful
Authors: Berger Emery , Blackburn Stephen M. , Brodley Carla , Jagadish H. V. , McKinley Kathryn S. , Nascimento Mario A. , Shin Minjeong , Wang Kuansan , Xie Lexing
Published: June 2019

Seeking to improve rankings by utilizing more objective data and meaningful metrics.
The IL-6-neutralizing sIL-6R-sgp130 buffer system is disturbed in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Aparicio-Siegmund Samadhi , Garbers Yvonne , Flynn Charlotte M. , Waetzig Georg H. , Gouni-Berthold Ioanna , Krone Wilhelm , Berthold Heiner K. , Laudes Matthias , Rose-John Stefan , Garbers Christoph
Published: June 2019

Serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) are increased in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). IL-6 exerts its pleiotropic effects via the IL-6 α-receptor (IL-6R), which exists in membrane-bound and soluble (sIL-6R) forms and activates cells via the β-receptor glycoprotein 130 (gp130). The nonsynonymous single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs2228145 (Asp358Ala) within the IL6R locus is associated with T2D. The aim of this study was to determine whether sIL-6R in combination with soluble gp130 (sgp130) is able to form an IL-6-neutralizing buffer in healthy subjects and whether this is disturbed in T2D. We found that sIL-6R-sgp130 indeed forms an IL-6-neutralizing buffer in the serum of healthy humans, whose capacity is controlled by the SNP of the IL-6R. Circulating sIL-6R-sgp130 levels were lower in T2D subjects ( P < 0.001), whereas IL-6 was high and inversely correlated with sIL-6R ( r = −0.57, P < 0.001), indicating a severe disturbance of the buffer. This phenomenon is also observed in sex- and age-matched patients with both T2D and atherosclerosis but not in patients with atherosclerosis alone. In conclusion, sIL-6R and sgp130 serum levels were significantly lower in T2D patients compared with healthy subjects or atherosclerosis patients, although IL-6 levels were high. These data suggest that disturbance of the protective buffer may be closely associated with T2D pathophysiology.
Aberrant Histone Methylation in Patients with Graves’ Disease
Authors: Yan Ni , Mu Kaida , An Xiao-fei , Li Ling , Qin Qiu , Song Rong-hua , Yao Qiu-ming , Shao Xiao-qing , Zhang Jin-an
Published: June 2019

Background. Graves’ disease (GD) is an organ-specific autoimmune disease. Accumulated data have indicated that aberrant epigenetic modifications are associated with many autoimmune disorders. However, it remains unknown whether histone methylation plays a role in the pathogenesis of GD. In the present study, we aimed to assess histone modification patterns in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from GD patients. The rate (degree) of H3K4 and H3K9 methylation and the expressions of histone-modifying genes were investigated.Methods. A total of 68 GD patients and 32 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. Global histone H3K4/H3K9 methylation of PBMCs was evaluated by the EpiQuik™ global histone H3K4/H3K9 methylation assay kit. The expressions of histone methyltransferases (HMTs) and histone demethylases (HDMs) at the mRNA level were determined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction.Results. Global histone H3K9 methylation in PBMCs of GD patients was significantly decreased compared with that in the healthy controls (P=0.007). The expressions of HMTs (SUV39H1 and SUV39H2) at the mRNA level were significantly decreased in PBMCs from GD patients compared with healthy controls (P<0.001), whereas the SETD1A expression at the mRNA level was significantly increased in GD patients compared with healthy controls (P=0.004). In addition, the expressions of HDMs, including JHDM2A and JMJD2A, at the mRNA level were significantly increased in GD patients compared with healthy controls (P<0.001; P=0.007). Moreover, the mRNA expression levels of JARID1A and LSD1 did not significantly differ in GD patients and healthy controls (P>0.05).Conclusions. These findings firstly suggested that the histone methylation was aberrant in PBMCs of GD patients, which could be possibly attributed to the deregulation of epigenetic modifier genes. Abnormal histone methylation modification may be involved in the pathogenesis of GD.
Adaptive Learning Emotion Identification Method of Short Texts for Online Medical Knowledge Sharing Community
Authors: Gan Dan , Shen Jiang , Xu Man
Published: June 2019

The medical knowledge sharing community provides users with an open platform for accessing medical resources and sharing medical knowledge, treatment experience, and emotions. Compared with the recipients of general commodities, the recipients in the medical knowledge sharing community pay more attention to the intensity or overall evaluation of emotional vocabularies in the comments, such as treatment effects, prices, service attitudes, and other aspects. Therefore, the overall evaluation is not a key factor in medical service comments, but the semantics of the emotional polarity is the key to affect recipients of the medical information. In this paper, we propose an adaptive learning emotion identification method (ALEIM) based on mutual information feature weight, which captures the correlation and redundancy of features. In order to evaluate the proposed method’s effectiveness, we use four basic corpus libraries crawled from the Haodf’s online platform and employ Taiwan University NTUSD Simplified Chinese Emotion Dictionary for emotion classification. The experimental results show that our proposed ALEIM method has a better performance for the identification of the low-frequency words’ redundant features in comments of the online medical knowledge sharing community.
Fault Mechanism Analysis for Manufacturing System Based on Catastrophe Model
Authors: Zhu Jianhua , Lai Chaoan , Sun Yanming
Published: June 2019

Fault analysis is important in both research and industry. Current fault analysis tasks are mainly concerned with fault prediction and classification and do not focus enough on fault evolution mechanisms. In this paper, we propose a fault analysis method based on catastrophe theory for manufacturing system to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of real time monitoring of potential fault and causes analysis. The key advantages of our proposed method are (i) utilizing catastrophe theory and big data analysis to establish the fault cusp catastrophe model of manufacturing system and create the internal fault evolution mechanism of manufacturing system by the cusp catastrophe model and, (ii) with the established catastrophe model, fulfilling fault monitoring and accurate preventive control of the manufacturing system and ensuring the healthy operation of the manufacturing system.
Upper Limb Meromelia with Oligodactyly and Brachymesophalangy of the Foot: An Unusual Association
Authors: Özdemir Meltem , Kavak Rasime Pelin , Eraslan Önder
Published: June 2019

Meromelia is a rare skeletal abnormality characterized by the partial absence of at least one limb. Several mechanisms have been postulated to explain the etiopathogenesis of the disorder. Most of the cases of meromelia are reported to be sporadic. It can occur either in isolation or with other congenital malformations. VACTERL association, gastroschisis, atrial septal defect, proximal femoral focal deficiency, and fibular hemimelia are the congenital abnormalities reported to be in association with meromelia. However, no other congenital abnormalities in association with meromelia have been recorded to date. We herein present an unusual case of bilateral upper limb meromelia accompanied by unilateral oligodactyly and brachymesophalangy of the foot.
Characterization of the Angiogenic Potential of Human Regulatory Macrophages (Mreg) after Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury In Vitro
Authors: Hummitzsch Lars , Zitta Karina , Rusch Rene , Cremer Jochen , Steinfath Markus , Gross Justus , Fandrich Fred , Berndt Rouven , Albrecht Martin
Published: June 2019

Ischemia/reperfusion- (I/R-) induced organ damage represents one of the main causes of death worldwide, and new strategies to reduce I/R injury are urgently needed. We have shown that programmable cells of monocytic origin (PCMO) respond to I/R with the release of angiogenic mediators and that transplantation of PCMO results in increased neovascularization. Human regulatory macrophages (Mreg), which are also of monocytic origin, have been successfully employed in clinical transplantation studies due to their immunomodulatory properties. Here, we investigated whether Mreg also possess angiogenic potential in vitro and could represent a treatment option for I/R-associated illnesses. Mreg were differentiated using peripheral blood monocytes from different donors (N=14) by incubation with M-CSF and human AB serum and stimulation with INF-gamma. Mreg cultures were subjected to 3 h of hypoxia and 24 h of reoxygenation (resembling I/R) or the respective nonischemic control. Cellular resilience, expression of pluripotency markers, secretion of angiogenic proteins, and influence on endothelial tube formation as a surrogate marker for angiogenesis were investigated. Mreg showed resilience against I/R that did not lead to increased cell damage. Mreg express DHRS9 as well as IDO and display a moderate to low expression pattern of several pluripotency genes (e.g., NANOG, OCT-4, and SOX2). I/R resulted in an upregulation of IDO (p<0.001) while C-MYC and KLF4 were downregulated (p<0.001andp<0.05). Proteome profiling revealed the secretion of numerous angiogenic proteins by Mreg of which several were strongly upregulated by I/R (e.g., MIP-1alpha, 19.9-fold; GM-CSF, 19.2-fold; PTX3, 5.8-fold; IL-1β, 5.2-fold; and MCP-1, 4.7-fold). The angiogenic potential of supernatants from Mreg subjected to I/R remains inconclusive. While Mreg supernatants from 3 donors induced tube formation, 2 supernatants were not effective. We suggest that Mreg may prove beneficial as a cell therapy-based treatment option for I/R-associated illnesses. However, donor characteristics seem to crucially influence the effectiveness of Mreg treatment.
Bilateral Femoral Neck Fracture in a Postpartum Woman: Beware of the Risk Factors
Authors: Sahan Ismail , De Deken Julie , Anagnostakos Konstantinos
Published: June 2019

Bilateral femoral neck fractures pose a rare injury. Literature data describe this entity in association with epileptic seizures, renal osteodystrophy, electric shock, pregnancy-associated transient osteoporosis, and hypocalcemic seizure. In the present work, we report on a rare case of a 28-year-old woman who suffered from such an injury 3 days postpartum. The patient had two predisposing factors (epilepsy history, transient osteoporosis) that were neglected as possible risk factors by the treating physicians. Awareness of the factors might have prevented the emergence of this injury.
Soil Moisture Response to Short-Term Inorganic Fertilization on Tef (Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter) Crop Varieties in Northern Ethiopia
Authors: Tesfahunegn Gebreyesus Brhane
Published: June 2019

Little is known about soil nutrient practice effects on soil moisture under cereal cropping systems. The objective of this research was to evaluate soil moisture content (SMC) response to short-term nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilizer rates applied on tef crop varieties and their interactions. A rain-fed fertilizer experiment using tef varieties as the test crop was conducted for two years (2012-2013) in the Chromic Cambisols of northern Ethiopia. The experimental design was laid down in randomized complete block design with three replications. Two treatment factors, namely, fertilizer (four N + P rates) and variety (three tef varieties), were tested. Soil samples were taken at different tef crop growth stages or days after sowing time (DAS) to determine SMC using the gravimetric method. Data were analyzed at a probability level of 0.05. The fertilizer treatments significantly affected the SMC determined at the different tef growth stages and cropping seasons. The highest SMC was determined at 33 DAS (51 m3·m−3), but SMC decreased with increasing fertilizer rates. A higher SMC response to local tef variety than improved variety was found across all the growth stages and cropping seasons. There were also significant differences in SMC among the treatment interactions determined at the different growth stages and across the years. The paired mean differences in SMC due to the treatments between the two years were strongly correlated (r > 0.90, P=0.001). For SMC response being effective to fertilizer and its interaction effect with variety, it is suggested that soil management practices that improve moisture such as organic sources should be integrated with the inorganic fertilizer in the conditions of Chromic Cambisols in northern Ethiopia.
Knowledge of the Glasgow Coma Scale among Nurses in a Tertiary Hospital in Ghana
Authors: Alhassan Afizu , Fuseini Abdul-Ganiyu , Musah Ajara
Published: June 2019

Background. Knowledge of the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is recognized as an asset to all clinical nurses. However, many studies in different countries have reported low levels of knowledge of the GCS among nurses. Little is known about this subject in Ghana. Objectives. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge of Ghanaian nurses about the Glasgow Coma Scale and identify factors associated with their knowledge. Method. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study involving a convenience sample of 115 nurses from a large teaching hospital in Ghana. We collected data using a structured questionnaire and analysed the data using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, independent samples t-test, and one-way ANOVA. Results. A little more than half of the participants (50.4%) had low knowledge of the GCS as a whole. However, with respect to basic theoretical concepts of the GCS, 62.6% of the participants had good knowledge about it, while only 5.2% demonstrated good knowledge on application of the basic knowledge in clinical scenarios. Working in Neurosurgical ward, female gender, and weekly performance of the GCS were associated with higher levels of knowledge. Academic qualification, years of experience as a nurse, and refresher training on GCS were not associated with knowledge. Conclusion. The findings from this study showed that nurses in Ghana have low levels of knowledge about the GCS. A more structured approach to teaching the GCS that is very thorough and done with demonstrations should be implemented to improve nurses’ knowledge on the GCS.
Carnosol Improved Lifespan and Healthspan by Promoting Antioxidant Capacity in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Lin Chunxiu , Zhang Xiaoying , Su Zuanxian , Xiao Jie , Lv Muwen , Cao Yong , Chen Yunjiao
Published: June 2019

Carnosol, a phenolic diterpene, is one of the main constituents of Rosmarinus. It is known to possess a range of bioactivities, including antioxidant, anticancer, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Nevertheless, the antiaging effects of carnosol have received little attention. This study first indicated that carnosol increased the healthspan of Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). First, compared with the control condition, carnosol treatment effectively decreased ROS accumulation under normal or oxidative stress condition, significantly increased several key antioxidant enzyme activities, and significantly decreased MDA content. Second, carnosol effectively prolonged lifespan under normal and stress conditions and slowed aging-related declines, including mobility, age pigmentation, and neurodegenerative disease, but had no effect on fertility and fat deposition. Finally, carnosol-mediated longevity required the upregulated expression of sod-3, sod-5, hsf-1, hsp-16.1, and hsp-16.2 and was dependent on the hsf-1 gene. Increased DAF-16 translocation was observed, but daf-16 was independent of the effects on lifespan induced by carnosol. These results suggested that carnosol might serve as a good source of natural antioxidants, and in particular, carnosol could be explored as a potential dietary supplement to slow aging.
Dietary Glycotoxins Impair Hepatic Lipidemic Profile in Diet-Induced Obese Rats Causing Hepatic Oxidative Stress and Insulin Resistance
Authors: Neves C. , Rodrigues T. , Sereno J. , Simões C. , Castelhano J. , Gonçalves J. , Bento G. , Gonçalves S. , Seiça R. , Domingues M. R. , Castelo-Branco M. , Matafome P.
Published: June 2019

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is caused by excessive liver lipid accumulation, but insulin resistance is specifically associated with impaired lipid saturation, oxidation, and storage (esterification), besides increased de novo lipogenesis. We hypothesized that dietary glycotoxins could impair hepatic lipid metabolism in obesity contributing to lipotoxicity-driven insulin resistance and thus to the onset of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). In diet-induced obese rats with methylglyoxal-induced glycation, magnetic resonance spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and gas chromatography were used to assess liver composition in fatty acyl chains and phospholipids. High-fat diet-induced obesity increased liver lipid fraction and suppressed de novo lipogenesis but did not change fatty acid esterification and saturation or insulin sensitivity. Despite a similar increase in total lipid fraction when supplementing the high-fat diet with dietary glycotoxins, impairment in the suppression of de novo lipogenesis and decreased fatty acid unsaturation and esterification were observed. Moreover, glycotoxins also decreased polyunsaturated cardiolipins and caused oxidative stress, portal inflammation, and insulin resistance in high-fat diet-induced obese rats. Dietary glycated products do not change total lipid levels in the liver of obese rats but dramatically modify the lipidemic profile, leading to oxidative stress, hepatic lipotoxicity, and insulin resistance in obesity and thus contribute to the onset of NASH.
Robust Direct Torque Control with Super‐Twisting Sliding Mode Control for an Induction Motor Drive
Authors: Krim Saber , Gdaim Soufien , Mimouni Mohamed Faouzi
Published: June 2019

A field‐programmable gate array‐ (FPGA‐) based nonlinear Direct Torque Control (DTC) associated with Space Vector Modulation (SVM), Input‐Output Feedback Linearization (IOFL), and second‐order super‐twisting speed controller is proposed to control an induction motor drive. First, the nonlinear IOFL is proposed to achieve a decoupled flux and torque control and the SVM technique is used to control the inverter switching frequency which reduces the torque ripples and noise. Next, to enhance the speed regulation, a super‐twisting speed controller is added to an SVM‐DTC‐IOFL scheme. The nonlinear SVM‐DTC‐IOFL ensures a high dynamic response, good robustness under the external load disturbances. The Lyapunov theory is used to analyze the system stability. Then, this paper presents the interest of implementing the suggested SVM‐DTC‐IOFL using a Field‐Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) circuit. The main interest of the FPGA‐implementation is the reduction of the control loop delay, which is evaluated to a few microseconds, thanks to the parallel processing offered by the FPGA. The performances of the proposed control algorithm are investigated by digital simulation using the Xilinx system generator tool and an experimental implementation utilizing an FPGA‐Virtex‐5‐ML507.
Comparative Study of Wellhole Surrounding Rock under Nonuniform Ground Stress
Authors: Jiang Zhongyu , Zhou Guoqing
Published: June 2019

The stress analysis of the wellhole surrounding rock and the regular failure of the wellhole has always been a concern for the well builders. Firstly, the Hamilton canonical equations are obtained by using the Hamiltonian variational principle in the sector domain, and the zero eigensolution and nonzero eigensolutions of the homogeneous equation are solved. According to the Hamiltonian operator matrix with the orthogonal eigenfunction system, the special solution form of the nonhomogeneous boundary condition equation is obtained. Then, according to the principle of the same coefficient being equal, the relationship equation between the direction eigenvalue and the angle coefficient is obtained, from which the specific expression of the special solution of the equation can be determined. Furthermore, the analytical solution of the wellhole surrounding rock problem under nonuniform ground stress is obtained by using the linear elastic accumulative principle. Finally, a concrete example is given to compare the finite element method and the symplectic algorithm. The results are consistent, which ensures the accuracy and the reliability of the symplectic algorithm. The relationship between the circumferential stress distribution around the hole and the lateral pressure coefficient is further analyzed.
Esophageal Perforation due to Anterior Cervical Spine Hardware Placement: Case Series
Authors: Lee Thomas S. , Appelbaum Eric N. , Sheen Derek , Han Reintine , Wie Benjamin
Published: June 2019

Context.This case series discusses surgical management of esophageal perforations that occurred following cervical spine hardware placement.Purpose.(1) Determine presenting symptoms of esophageal perforation after anterior cervical spine hardware placement. (2) Discuss surgical management of these resulting esophageal perforation complications.Design/Setting.Case series of six patients at a tertiary-care, academic medical center.Patient Sample.Six patients with pharyngoesophageal perforations following anterior cervical spine surgery (ACSS). Outcome Measures.Date of ACSS, indication for ACSS, level of hardware, location of esophageal or pharyngeal injury, symptoms at presentation, surgical intervention, type of reconstruction flap, wound culture flora, and antibiotic choice.Methods.A retrospective review of patients with an esophageal or hypopharyngeal injury in the setting of prior ACSS managed by the otolaryngology service at a tertiary, academic center between January 2015 and January 2019.Results.Six patients who experienced pharyngoesophageal perforation following ACSS are included in this study. Range of presentation was two weeks to eight years following initial hardware placement. Five patients presented with an abscess and all had evidence of perforation on initial CT or esophagram. All patients underwent repair with a sternocleidomastoid flap with two patients eventually requiring an additional pectoralis myofascial flap for a persistent esophageal leak. Five patients eventually attained ability to tolerate oral nutrition. An algorithm detailing surgical reconstructive management is proposed.Conclusions.Esophageal perforations in the setting of prior ACSS are challenging clinical problems faced by otolaryngologists. Consideration should be given to early drainage of abscesses and spine surgery evaluation. Spinal hardware removal is recommended whenever possible. Utilization of a pedicled muscle flap reinforces primary closure and allows coverage of the vertebral bony defect. Nutrition, thyroid repletion, and culture-directed IV antibiotics are necessary to optimize esophageal perforation repair.
Nanoencapsulated Quercetin Improves Cardioprotection during Hypoxia-Reoxygenation Injury through Preservation of Mitochondrial Function
Authors: Lozano Omar , Lázaro-Alfaro Anay , Silva-Platas Christian , Oropeza-Almazán Yuriana , Torres-Quintanilla Alejandro , Bernal-Ramírez Judith , Alves-Figueiredo Hugo , García-Rivas Gerardo
Published: June 2019

The effective delivery of antioxidants to the cells is hindered by their high metabolization rate. In this work, quercetin was encapsulated in poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) nanoparticles. They were characterized in terms of its physicochemical properties (particle size distribution,ζ-potential, encapsulation efficiency, quercetin release and biological interactions with cardiac cells regarding nanoparticle association, and internalization and protective capability against relevant challenges). A better delivery of quercetin was achieved when encapsulated versus free. When the cells were challenged with antimycin A, it resulted in lower mitochondrial O2-(4.65- vs. 5.69- fold) and H2O2rate production (1.15- vs. 1.73- fold). Similarly, under hypoxia-reoxygenation injury, a better maintenance of cell viability was found (77 vs. 65%), as well as a reduction of thiol groups (~70 vs. 40%). Therefore, the delivery of encapsulated quercetin resulted in the preservation of mitochondrial function and ATP synthesis due to its improved oxidative stress suppression. The results point to the potential of this strategy for the treatment of oxidative stress-based cardiac diseases.
Robust H∞ Filtering of Nonhomogeneous Markovian Jump Delay Systems via N‐Step‐Ahead Lyapunov‐Krasovskii Functional Approach
Authors: Wen Jiwei , Nguang Sing Kiong
Published: June 2019

In this paper, we study the robust H∞ filtering problem for a class of nonhomogeneous Markovian jump delay systems (NMJDSs) with an N‐step‐ahead Lyapunov‐Krasovskii functional (NALKF) approach. The N‐step‐ahead approach is utilized to reduce the conservatism of robust H∞ filtering. We aim to design filters such that, for all possible time‐varying transition probabilities and all admissible parameter uncertainties and time‐delays, the filtering error system is mean‐square stable with a smaller estimated error and a lower dissipative level. In terms of linear matrix inequalities, sufficient conditions for the solvability of the addressed problem are developed via a moving horizon method. An illustrative example is included to elucidate advantages of the developed results and the practical potential of NALKF approach for NMJDSs.
VDR Variants rather than Early Pregnancy Vitamin D Concentrations Are Associated with the Risk of Gestational Diabetes: The Ma’anshan Birth Cohort (MABC) Study
Authors: Zhu Beibei , Huang Kun , Yan Shuangqin , Hao Jiahu , Zhu Peng , Chen Yao , Ye Aoxing , Tao Fangbiao
Published: June 2019

Aim. This study investigated the associations among early pregnancy vitamin D concentrations, seasonality, and vitamin D metabolic gene variants and how these variables related alone and in interaction with the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Methods. Research participants were women from the Ma’anshan birth cohort study in China. The overall study included 3110 women to explore the association between early pregnancy vitamin D concentrations and the risk of GDM. In the current analysis, a nested case-control study of 274 GDM cases and 380 controls was conducted to investigate seven vitamin D metabolic gene variants and the risk of GDM. Vitamin D concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay. Genotypes were determined by improved multiple ligase detection reaction. Interactions between genetic variants and vitamin D as predictors of the risk of GDM were evaluated by a pair-wise analysis under a multiplicative interaction model. Results. Vitamin D concentrations were not significantly associated with the risk of GDM (OR=0.79, 95% CI=0.55-1.13) after adjusting for seasonality. Fall-winter conceptions had a 37% decreased risk of GDM compared with spring-summer conceptions (OR=0.63, 95% CI=0.49-0.81), independent of vitamin D concentrations. Two VDR gene variants rs1544410 (OR=2.03, 95% CI=1.17-3.51 for CT versus CC) and rs731236 (OR=2.42, 95% CI=1.29-4.55 for GA versus AA) were significantly associated with the risk of GDM. No interactions among genetic variants and vitamin D concentrations were detected. Conclusion. Early pregnancy vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency was not significantly associated with the risk of GDM. The results of this study emphasize the importance of genetic variants in VDR and conception season as factors that affect the risk of GDM.
The Research on Bus Voltage Stabilization Control of Off‐Grid Photovoltaic DC Microgrid under Impact Load
Authors: Zhang Yu , Lu Ziguang , Lu Quan , Wei Shuhao
Published: June 2019

The solar power generation includes certain randomness and volatility, coupled with dynamic load involved in power fluctuations, which renders microgrid having certain unplanned instantaneous power during the process of real‐time operation, so as to affect the stability of DC bus voltage. This paper, through constructing a model of off‐grid photovoltaic DC microgrid under impact load characteristics, aiming at the fluctuate problems of the DC bus voltage caused by impact load, puts forward a fast response of hybrid energy‐storing system composed of supercapacitors and batteries and superiors peak regulation capability to shave the peak and fill the valley of the microgrid. The researches on the strategy of double closed‐loop voltage stabilization of blended energy storage system are made and the shortcomings of the double closed‐loop voltage control of voltage and electricity are analyzed. And based on this, the tactics of new and double closed‐loop voltage control of inner ring of power and the energy outer ring of DC bus capacitance are put forward and examined by simulation and experiment. The experiments prove that this method can more effectively suppress the influence of the fluctuations of impact load power on the DC bus voltage and further improves the system’s stability.
Effects of Zinc-Free Processing Aids on Silica-Reinforced Tread Compounds for Green Tires
Authors: Kim Nam Chul , Song Sung Ho
Published: June 2019

With the development of “green tires” in the tire industry, the conventional carbon black filler that is used in tread formulations is being replaced with silica. Generally, this requires the addition of a processing aid, containing zinc ion, which acts as a lubricant and dispersing agent. However, because zinc is a heavy metal, zinc-free processing aids (ZFAs) are required to satisfy worldwide environmental concerns. We present herein a series of catalytically synthesized ZFAs and evaluate the effects of replacing zinc ion-containing processing aids (ZCAs) on a silica tread formulation. Interestingly, replacing ZCA with ZFA in a two parts per hundred rubber (phr) by weight formulation improved both its tensile strength and elongation by as much as 31% and 20%, respectively. ZFA-rubber formulations also exhibited a twofold enhancement in fatigue properties over those of ZCA-rubber formulations. Furthermore, pneumatic tires were fabricated from our ZFA-rubber formulation and compared against tires containing ZCAs. The ZFA-rubber composite exhibited improved dry and wet braking and rolling resistance due to enhanced dispersion of silica in the rubber matrix. These results show that rubber composites prepared with ZFAs may be promising in tire engineering applications.
The Appropriate Marker for Astrocytes: Comparing the Distribution and Expression of Three Astrocytic Markers in Different Mouse Cerebral Regions
Authors: Zhang Zengli , Ma Zhi , Zou Wangyuan , Guo Hang , Liu Min , Ma Yulong , Zhang Lixia
Published: June 2019

Astrocytes possess different morphological characteristics depending on the cerebral region in which they are found. However, none of the current astrocytic markers can label all subpopulations successfully. Thus, identifying the appropriate marker for a specific scientific investigation is critical. Here, we compared the distribution and protein expression of three astrocyte markers: NDRG2, GFAP, and S100β, in the cortex, hippocampus, and thalamus. NDRG2- and S100β-positive astrocytes were distributed more uniformly than GFAP-positive astrocytes throughout the whole cerebrum. NDRG2 and S100βimmunoreactivities were the strongest in the dorsal cortex and thalamus, while GFAP immunoreactivity was the strongest in the hippocampus. Moreover, protein expression levels of NDRG2, GFAP, and S100βin adult mice were the highest in the cortex, hippocampus, and thalamus, respectively. We also detected astrocyte morphology and found that, in the corpus callosum and cerebral peduncle, GFAP-positive astrocytes were found with more numerous and longer processes than NDRG2- and S100β-positive astrocytes. These results demonstrate that NDRG2 and S100βare more suitably used to visualize the overall distribution and changes in the number of astrocytes, as well as label astrocytes in the cortex and thalamus. GFAP, however, is more appropriately used to label astrocytes in the corpus callosum, cerebral peduncle, and the hippocampus. These results help to guide researchers in the choice of appropriate astrocyte marker and suggest differences in immunological qualities of astrocytes based on the tissue in which they are found.
EN1 Is a Transcriptional Dependency in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Associated with Brain Metastasis
Authors: Peluffo Guillermo , Subedee Ashim , Harper Nicholas W. , Kingston Natalie , Jovanović Bojana , Flores Felipe , Stevens Laura E. , Beca Francisco , Trinh Anne , Chilamakuri Chandra Sekhar Reddy , Papachristou Evangelia K. , Murphy Katherine , Su Ying , Marusyk Andriy , D'Santos Clive S. , Rueda Oscar M. , Beck Andrew H. , Caldas Carlos , Carroll Jason S. , Polyak Kornelia
Published: June 2019

To define transcriptional dependencies of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), we identified transcription factors highly and specifically expressed in primary TNBCs and tested their requirement for cell growth in a panel of breast cancer cell lines. We found that EN1 (engrailed 1) is overexpressed in TNBCs and its downregulation preferentially and significantly reduced viability and tumorigenicity in TNBC cell lines. By integrating gene expression changes after EN1 downregulation with EN1 chromatin binding patterns, we identified genes involved in WNT and Hedgehog signaling, neurogenesis, and axonal guidance as direct EN1 transcriptional targets. Quantitative proteomic analyses of EN1-bound chromatin complexes revealed association with transcriptional repressors and coactivators including TLE3, TRIM24, TRIM28, and TRIM33. High expression of EN1 correlated with short overall survival and increased risk of developing brain metastases in patients with TNBC. Thus, EN1 is a prognostic marker and a potential therapeutic target in TNBC.

Significance:

These findings show that the EN1 transcription factor regulates neurogenesis-related genes and is associated with brain metastasis in triple-negative breast cancer.
PPARδ Mediates the Effect of Dietary Fat in Promoting Colorectal Cancer Metastasis
Authors: Wang Dingzhi , Fu Lingchen , Wei Jie , Xiong Ying , DuBois Raymond N.
Published: June 2019

The nuclear hormone receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta (PPARδ) is a ligand-dependent transcription factor involved in fatty acid metabolism, obesity, wound healing, inflammation, and cancer. Although PPARδ has been shown to promote intestinal adenoma formation and growth, the molecular mechanisms underlying the contribution of PPARδ to colorectal cancer remain unclear. Here, we demonstrate that activation of PPARδ induces expansion of colonic cancer stem cells (CSC) and promotes colorectal cancer liver metastasis by binding to the Nanog promoter and enhancing Nanog expression. Moreover, PPARδ mediated the effect of a high-fat diet in promoting liver metastasis and induction of colonic CSC expansion. Our findings uncover a novel role of dietary fats in colorectal cancer metastasis and reveal novel mechanisms underlying PPARδ-mediated induction of CSCs and those responsible for the contribution of dietary fats to colorectal cancer progression. These findings may provide a rationale for developing PPARδ antagonists to therapeutically target CSCs in colorectal cancer.

Significance:

These findings show that PPARδ contributes to colorectal cancer metastasis by expanding the CSC population, indicating that antagonists that target PPARδ may be beneficial in treating colorectal cancer.