bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ANFIS Controller-Based Cascaded Nonisolated Bidirectional DC–DC Converter
Authors: Buvana D. , Jayashree R.
Published: March 2018

The development of bidirectional DC–DC converters has become important because of their requirement in energy-storage systems. The simple structure of nonisolated bidirectional DC–DC converter types includes multilevel, switched-capacitor, buck-boost, and coupled inductor type. In multilevel and switched-capacitor types, if large voltage gain must be provided, more switches and capacitors are required. Since the leakage inductor energy cannot be recycled, voltage stresses on the switches are present. Therefore, the control strategy is easily implemented in the system operation. This paper presents a cascaded nonisolated dc–dc switched coupled converter for enhancement of the switching operation. For the optimal switching performances, an Artificial Intelligence (AI) technique is utilized. The AI technique is the Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) for generating the optimal control pulses to enhance the performance of boost and buck switch. In addition, the proposed technique is utilized in cascaded nonisolated DC–DC switched coupled converter to reduce the losses. In the ANFIS technique, the error voltage and change in error voltage are given as inputs. At the same time, the ANFIS controller is employed to reduce the error value and produce the optimized gain pulses. In the buck and boost switch mode of operation, it is enhanced with the help of the proposed technique. Moreover, the operating principle and voltage conversion ratio are discussed. It is seen that the implementation of the proposed controller improves the efficiency of the system and also reduces the voltage drop across the switching operation. Then the proposed ANFIS technique with bidirectional converter topology was implemented in MATLAB/Simulink working platform and the output performance is analyzed. Then the proposed circuit performance is compared to the existing circuit such as proportional integral derivative (PID), artificial neural network (ANN) and Fuzzy, respectively.
SYNTHESIS OF Ni–Bi–P HOLLOW MICROSPHERES WITH OUTSTANDINGLY HIGH ACTIVITY TOWARD THE CATALYTIC REDUCTION OF p-NITROPHENOL
Authors: MENG XIANGRUI , HAO MEIFENG , JIANG YIWEI , SUN XIANGZHENYUE , WANG YAN , MIAO YUQING
Published: March 2018

A simple wet-explosion method was employed to synthesize the Ni–Bi–P composite microspheres. The hollow structure was obtained possibly due to the violent evolution of gas bubbles when the reaction reagents were mixed. The hollow microspheres of Ni–Bi–P exhibited outstanding high catalytic activity for the reduction of [Formula: see text]-nitrophenol ([Formula: see text]-NP) to form [Formula: see text]-aminophenol in the presence of NaBH4 within only 1[Formula: see text]s. Due to the space limitation, the hollow structure of Ni–Bi–P microspheres helps to accommodate and confine the molecules of NaBH4 and [Formula: see text]-NP within the small space where NaBH4 and [Formula: see text]-NP contact closely at Ni–Bi–P catalysts. The synergetic action of Ni, Bi and P elements also contributes the enhanced catalytic activity.
EXPANSION FORMULAS FOR EUROPEAN QUANTO OPTIONS IN A LOCAL VOLATILITY FX-LIBOR MODEL
Authors: HOK JULIEN , NGARE PHILIP , PAPAPANTOLEON ANTONIS
Published: March 2018

We develop an expansion approach for the pricing of European quanto options written on LIBOR rates (of a foreign currency). We derive the dynamics of the system of foreign LIBOR rates under the domestic forward measure and then consider the price of the quanto option. In order to take the skew/smile effect observed in fixed income and FX markets into account, we consider local volatility models for both the LIBOR and the FX rate. Because of the structure of the local volatility function, a closed form solution for quanto option prices does not exist. Using expansions around a proxy related to log-normal dynamics, we derive approximation formulas of Black–Scholes type for the price, that have the benefit of giving very rapid numerical procedures. Our expansion formulas have the major advantage that they allow for an accurate estimation of the error, using Malliavin calculus, which is directly related to the maturity of the option, the payoff, and the level and curvature of the local volatility function. These expansions also illustrate the impact of the quanto drift adjustment, while the numerical experiments show an excellent accuracy.
Effect of molecular solvents of varying polarity on the self-assembly of 1-n-dodecyl-3-methylimidazolium octylsulfate ionic liquid
Authors: Kapoor Utkarsh , Shah Jindal K.
Published: March 2018

Large-scale molecular dynamics simulations consisting of more than 88,000–106,000 atoms for approximately 250 ns (including equilibration and production) were conducted to assess the effect of polar, nonpolar and amphiphilic molecular solvents on the nanoscale structuring of 1-[Formula: see text]-dodecyl-3-methylimidazolium [C[Formula: see text]mim] octylsulfate [C8SO4] ionic liquid (IL). Water [H2O], [Formula: see text]-octane [C8H[Formula: see text]] and 1-octanol [C8H[Formula: see text]OH] are employed as examples of polar, nonpolar, and amphiphilic molecules, respectively. The results indicate that each of these molecular solvents modify the nanosegregation behavior of the ionic liquid in a unique way. Water induces a high order of structuring of the ionic liquid as indicated by extremely high nematic order parameter for the system. In addition, the morphology of the neat ionic liquid is transformed from layer-like to that of bilayer-like in which the polar and nonpolar domains alternate. The presence of water also causes the stretching of the nonpolar domain, thus, increasing its size. At the concentration examined in this work, [Formula: see text]-octane is found to be only partially miscible with the ionic liquid. The polar network is maintained; however, the continuous cationic nonpolar domain is split into multiple domains. [Formula: see text]-octane is accommodated in the ionic liquid nonpolar domain. Similarly, the amphiphilicity of 1-octanol leads to an increase in the number of cationic as well as anionic domains. The overall nonpolar domain length, however, remains nearly identical to that found for the pure ionic liquid. Additional characterization of structural features of the three systems is discussed in terms of one-dimensional number densities, nematic order parameters for the overall systems and their components and structure factors.
A Method for the Numerical Solution of a Boundary Value Problem for a Linear Differential Equation with Interval Parameters
Authors: Gasilov Nizami A. , Kaya Müjdat
Published: March 2018

In many real life applications, the behavior of the system is modeled by a boundary value problem (BVP) for a linear differential equation. If the uncertainties in the boundary values, the right-hand side function and the coefficient functions are to be taken into account, then in many cases an interval boundary value problem (IBVP) arises. In this study, for such an IBVP, we propose a different approach than the ones in common use. In the investigated IBVP, the boundary values are intervals. In addition, we model the right-hand side and coefficient functions as bunches of real functions. Then, we seek the solution of the problem as a bunch of functions. We interpret the IBVP as a set of classical BVPs. Such a classical BVP is constructed by taking a real number from each boundary interval, and a real function from each bunch. We define the bunch consisting of the solutions of all the classical BVPs to be the solution of the IBVP. In this context, we develop a numerical method to obtain the solution. We reduce the complexity of the method from [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text] through our analysis. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach and the numerical method by test examples.
Radiation from charged particles due to explicit symmetry breaking in a gravitational field
Authors: Tamburini Fabrizio , De Laurentis Mariafelicia , Licata Ignazio
Published: March 2018

The paradox of a free falling radiating charged particle in a gravitational field is a well-known fascinating conceptual challenge that involves classical electrodynamics and general relativity (GR). We discuss this paradox considering the emission of radiation as a consequence of an explicit space/time symmetry breaking involving the electric field within the trajectory of the particle seen from an external observer. This occurs in certain particular cases when the relative motion of the charged particle does not follow a geodesic of the motion dictated by the explicit Lagrangian formulation of the problem and thus from the metric of spacetime. The problem is equivalent to the breaking of symmetry within the spatial configuration of a radiating system like an antenna: when the current is not conserved at a certain instant of time within a closed region, then emission of radiation occurs [D. Sinha and G. A. J. Amaratunga, Phys. Rev. Lett. 114(7) (2015) 147701]. Radiation from a system of charges is possible only when there is explicit breaking of symmetry in the electric field in space and time.
Multi-stage switching phenomenon in ultra-thin Ag films embedded into SrCoO3 multilayer films constructed resistive switching memory devices
Authors: Mao Shuangsuo , Zhang Xuejiao , Sun Bai , Li Bing , Zhu Shouhui , Zheng Pingping , Zheng Liang , Xia Yudong
Published: March 2018

In this work, Ti and SrCoO3 (SCO) have been used for preparing the resistance random access memory (RRAM) with Ti/(SCO/Ag)[Formula: see text]/SCO/Ti ([Formula: see text], 1, 2, 3) structures. It is found that the as-prepared device with Ti/SCO/Ti ([Formula: see text]) structure represents the nonobvious resistive switching effect. However, it displays a more obvious resistive switching effect in the Ti/SCO/Ag/SCO/Ti ([Formula: see text]) device. In particular, a multi-stage switching phenomenon is observed when ultra-thin Ag films was embedded into SrCoO3 multilayer films. Finally, the multi-stage switching effect is explained by the model of conductive filaments formed step-by-step.
Smart microcapsules for precise delivery systems
Authors: Trojanowska Anna , Marturano Valentina , Bandeira Nuno A. G. , Giamberini Marta , Tylkowski Bartosz
Published: March 2018

Photosensitive microcapsules are important targets for medical, pharmaceutical, agriculture, consumer goods and chemical companies. In this study, we report the development of UV-sensitive capsules containing vanillin as a model encapsulated active material. Polyamide microcapsule shells containing azobenzene moieties in the main chain of the polymer were fabricated by oil-in-water interfacial polymerization method. Triggered perfume release and morphological variations of the microcapsule shell during UV light irradiation were observed by means of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and optical microscopy.
The Behavior of High-Frequency Traders Under Different Market Stress Scenarios
Authors: Megarbane Nicolas , Saliba Pamela , Lehalle Charles-Albert , Rosenbaum Mathieu
Published: March 2018

This empirical study on European stocks gives evidence about the practices of high frequency traders (HFTs) under market stress. In the absence of significant news, whatever the market conditions, they are the main contributors to liquidity with a participation of 80% in the market depth. They constitute 60% of the traded amounts, with an aggressive/passive ratio around 53%. We identify a change of regime in the presence of scheduled news that goes beyond the expected reaction to volatility variations. Moreover, in extreme situations, when non-HFTs have time to adjust their tactics, they act as liquidity providers in place of HFTs.
Rehydration of eclogites and garnet-replacement processes during exhumation in the amphibolite facies
Authors: Hyppolito Thais , Cambeses Aitor , Angiboust Samuel , Raimondo Tom , García-Casco Antonio , Juliani Caetano
Published: March 2018

EPMA and LA-ICP-MS trace-element maps have been acquired from amphibolitized eclogites from the Diego de Almagro Metamorphic Complex (Chile). Several garnet growth pulses and garnet resorption stages are revealed by major elements chemical zoning and by heterogeneous Y and rare earth element (REE) behaviour, associated with subduction and exhumation of these rocks. Distribution of REE in prograde garnet is texturally and chemically coupled with the breakdown of REE-bearing minerals while formation of epidote and titanite generations during amphibolitization is recorded by complex textures involving new garnet generation and overprinting phases. The latest overprint stage is characterized by fine-grained intergrowth between garnet and epidote micro-veins, phengite, hornblende, albite and titanite. Garnet cracks have been gradually re-equilibrated during this event witnessing short-scale dissolution–transport–precipitation. Pseudosection modelling shows that local variability in water content during amphibolitization controls garnet stability at the expense of epidote. Overprinting microstructures are explained by the effect of locally-derived aqueous fluids that trigger the ‘unlocking’ of elements from the reacting eclogite-facies paragenesis. These findings highlight the microscopic characteristics of amphibolitization processes documented in exhumed eclogite-facies terranes and shed light on the importance of thorough micro-chemical investigations while undertaking pressure–temperature (PT) estimates on rocks with strong textural disequilibrium.
Organic Agriculture, Food Security, and the Environment
Authors: Meemken Eva-Marie , Qaim Matin
Published: March 2018

Organic agriculture is often perceived as more sustainable than conventional farming. We review the literature on this topic from a global perspective. In terms of environmental and climate change effects, organic farming is less polluting than conventional farming when measured per unit of land but not when measured per unit of output. Organic farming, which currently accounts for only 1% of global agricultural land, is lower yielding on average. Due to higher knowledge requirements, observed yield gaps might further increase if a larger number of farmers would switch to organic practices. Widespread upscaling of organic agriculture would cause additional loss of natural habitats and also entail output price increases, making food less affordable for poor consumers in developing countries. Organic farming is not the paradigm for sustainable agriculture and food security, but smart combinations of organic and conventional methods could contribute toward sustainable productivity increases in global agriculture.
Developmental differences in focal adhesion kinase expression modulate pulmonary endothelial barrier function in response to inflammation
Authors: Ying Lihua , Alvira Cristina M. , Cornfield David N.
Published: March 2018

Compromised pulmonary endothelial cell (PEC) barrier function characterizes acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), a cause of substantial morbidity and mortality. Survival from ARDS is greater in children compared with adults. Whether developmental differences intrinsic to PEC barrier function contribute to this survival advantage remains unknown. To test the hypothesis that PEC barrier function is more well-preserved in neonatal lungs compared with adult lungs in response to inflammation, we induced lung injury in neonatal and adult mice with systemic lipopolysaccharide (LPS). We assessed PEC barrier function in vivo and in vitro, evaluated changes in the expression of focal adhesion kinase 1 (FAK1) and phosphorylation in response to LPS, and determined the effect of FAK silencing and overexpression on PEC barrier function. We found that LPS induced a greater increase in lung permeability and PEC barrier disruption in the adult mice, despite similar degrees of inflammation and apoptosis. Although baseline expression was similar, LPS increased FAK1 expression in neonatal PEC but increased FAK1 phosphorylation and decreased FAK1 expression in adult PEC. Pharmacologic inhibition of FAK1 accentuated LPS-induced barrier disruption most in adult PEC. Finally, in response to LPS, FAK silencing markedly impaired neonatal PEC barrier function, whereas FAK overexpression preserved adult PEC barrier function. Thus, developmental differences in FAK expression during inflammatory injury serve to preserve neonatal pulmonary endothelial barrier function compared with that of adults and suggest that intrinsic differences in the immature versus pulmonary endothelium, especially relative to FAK1 phosphorylation, may contribute to the improved outcomes of children with ARDS.
Anodal tDCS over Primary Motor Cortex Provides No Advantage to Learning Motor Sequences via Observation
Authors: Apšvalka Dace , Ramsey Richard , Cross Emily S.
Published: March 2018

When learning a new motor skill, we benefit from watching others. It has been suggested that observation of others’ actions can build a motor representation in the observer, and as such, physical and observational learning might share a similar neural basis. If physical and observational learning share a similar neural basis, then motor cortex stimulation during observational practice should similarly enhance learning by observation as it does through physical practice. Here, we used transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS) to address whether anodal stimulation to M1 during observational training facilitates skill acquisition. Participants learned keypress sequences across four consecutive days of observational practice while receiving active or sham stimulation over M1. The results demonstrated that active stimulation provided no advantage to skill learning over sham stimulation. Further, Bayesian analyses revealed evidence in favour of the null hypothesis across our dependent measures. Our findings therefore provide no support for the hypothesis that excitatory M1 stimulation can enhance observational learning in a similar manner to physical learning. More generally, the results add to a growing literature that suggests that the effects of tDCS tend to be small, inconsistent, and hard to replicate. Future tDCS research should consider these factors when designing experimental procedures.
Characterization and Comparative Analysis of the Complete Chloroplast Genome of the Critically Endangered Species Streptocarpus teitensis (Gesneriaceae)
Authors: Kyalo Cornelius M. , Gichira Andrew W. , Li Zhi-Zhong , Saina Josphat K. , Malombe Itambo , Hu Guang-Wan , Wang Qing-Feng
Published: March 2018

Streptocarpus teitensis (Gesneriaceae) is an endemic species listed as critically endangered in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red list of threatened species. However, the sequence and genome information of this species remains to be limited. In this article, we present the complete chloroplast genome structure of Streptocarpus teitensis and its evolution inferred through comparative studies with other related species. S. teitensis displayed a chloroplast genome size of 153,207 bp, sheltering a pair of inverted repeats (IR) of 25,402 bp each split by small and large single-copy (SSC and LSC) regions of 18,300 and 84,103 bp, respectively. The chloroplast genome was observed to contain 116 unique genes, of which 80 are protein-coding, 32 are transfer RNAs, and four are ribosomal RNAs. In addition, a total of 196 SSR markers were detected in the chloroplast genome of Streptocarpus teitensis with mononucleotides (57.1%) being the majority, followed by trinucleotides (33.2%) and dinucleotides and tetranucleotides (both 4.1%), and pentanucleotides being the least (1.5%). Genome alignment indicated that this genome was comparable to other sequenced members of order Lamiales. The phylogenetic analysis suggested that Streptocarpus teitensis is closely related to Lysionotus pauciflorus and Dorcoceras hygrometricum.
Antiaging of Cucurbitane Glycosides from Fruits of Momordica charantia L.
Authors: Cao Xueli , Sun Yujuan , Lin Yanfei , Pan Yanjun , Farooq Umer , Xiang Lan , Qi Jianhua
Published: March 2018

Methanol extracts of Momordica charantia L. fruits are extensively studied for their antiaging activities. A new cucurbitane‐type triterpenoid (1) and nine other known compounds (2–10) were isolated, and their structures were determined according to their spectroscopic characteristics and chemical derivatization. Biological evaluation was performed on a K6001 yeast bioassay system. The results indicated that all the compounds extended the replicative lifespan of K6001 yeast significantly. Compound 9 was used to investigate the mechanism involved in the increasing of the lifespan. The results indicated that this compound significantly increases the survival rate of yeast under oxidative stress and decreases ROS level. Further study on gene expression analysis showed that compound 9 could reduce the levels of UTH1 and SKN7 and increase SOD1 and SOD2 gene expression. In addition, it could not extend the lifespan of the yeast mutants of Uth1, Skn7, Sod1, and Sod2. These results demonstrate that compound 9 exerts antiaging effects via antioxidative stress and regulation of UTH1, SKN7, SOD1, and SOD2 yeast gene expression.
Perceptions about Authentic Leadership Development: South African Occupational Therapy Students’ Camp Experience
Authors: Hendricks Fatima , Toth-Cohen Susan
Published: March 2018

Background. Twenty-three years into democracy, concern is deepening regarding the slow progress of Occupational Therapy (OT) in South Africa, especially with regard to diversity and inclusion within OT. Methods. This study explores authentic leadership development primarily among Black OT students attending a pilot Occupational Therapy Association of South Africa (OTASA) National Student Leadership Camp. It seeks to ascertain their perceptions on leadership and leadership development. This descriptive pilot study employs in-depth interviews and subsequent content analysis, with 12 OT students from six university OT programs in South Africa. Findings. Four categories of participant perceptions on authentic leadership development emerged from the analysis: (1) perceptions about oneself as a leader based on personal narrative, self-awareness, self-control, and psychological capital; (2) perceptions about others, specifically current leaders, with regard to their moral crisis, including continuing inequality, insincerity, greed, and selfishness; (3) goals and aspirations for leadership development via student camps; and (4) effects of leadership on the system. Conclusions. Recommendations for future practice include promotion of storytelling as a means of personal reflection for authentic leadership development and focused investment in camps for developing student leadership skills and building authentic leadership knowledge.
Determination of Residual Stress and Design of Process Parameters for Composite Cylinder in Filament Winding
Authors: Kang Chao , Shi Yaoyao , Deng Bo , Yu Tao , Sun Pengcheng
Published: March 2018

As there is increasing usage of composite components with a closed‐end shape, filament winding technology has been applied extensively in engineering practice. However, the residual stresses are readily caused by process parameters in composite manufacturing process. Hence, it is necessary to design the reasonable process parameters for obtaining the expected residual stresses. This study proposed a reverse derivation method to design the winding tension based on the residual stress model of the composite cylinder. To analyze the development of residual stresses, the thermal deformation behavior and a micromechanics model of resin shrinkage are considered to calculate thermal strains and instantaneous shrinkage strains of the hoop wound cylinder during the curing process. Combining the contribution of winding tension to the stresses, the simple model of residual stresses is established based on the superposition principle. Then inversely solving the analytic model, the design method of winding tension is illustrated to guarantee that the hoop wound cylinder with an inner liner has a uniform residual hoop stress. The model accuracy of residual stresses is validated by the destructive slitting experiment. The result indicates that the present model can be used to estimate the residual stresses and design the winding tension for the hoop wound cylinder.
Natural History of Postoperative Adding-On in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: What Are the Risk Factors for Progressive Adding-On?
Authors: Qin Xiaodong , Xia Chao , Xu Leilei , Sheng Fei , Yan Huang , Qiu Yong , Zhu Zezhang
Published: March 2018

Purpose. To investigate the natural history of distal adding-on in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and to identify risk factors for its progression. Methods. Sixty-one AIS patients with distal adding-on occurrence were included. We further classify distal adding-on into progressive and nonprogressive group according to its natural evolution. The first radiograph indicating initiation of adding-on (primary adding-on) and the last follow-up radiograph were compared in terms of the deviation of the first vertebra below instrumentation from the CSVL and the angulation of the first disc below instrumentation. Compared to primary adding-on, progressive adding-on was defined as a further increase of deviation > 5 mm or a further increase of angulation > 5°. Risk factors associated with the progression of adding-on were analyzed. Results. Among 61 patients diagnosed with distal adding-on, 24 (39.3%) were progressive and 37 (60.7%) were nonprogressive. Lower Risser grade, open triradiate cartilage, and lowest instrumented vertebra (LIV) proximal to Substantially Stable Vertebra (SSV) were found to be significantly associated with the progressive adding-on. Besides, the distal adding-on was more likely to progress for patients with higher left shoulders than right ones after surgery. Conclusions. The risk factors for the progression of adding-on included skeletal immaturity, LIV proximal to SSV, and higher left shoulders after surgery.
The Interaction between Bmal1 and Per2 in Mouse BMSC Osteogenic Differentiation
Authors: Zhuo Haiya , Wang Yuhong , Zhao Qing
Published: March 2018

The circadian clock is a system that controls endogenous time of organisms, and it regulates the physiology and behavior of bodies. The transcription factors Brain and Muscle ARNT-like Protein 1 (BMAL1) and Period2 (Per2) are components of the circadian clock, and they play vital roles in circadian clock function. Both Bmal1−/− mice and Per2−/− mice display obvious bone volume changes. In this study, we inhibited the expression of Bmal1 in bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) using a lentiviral vector harboring RNAi sequences, which increased the osteogenic differentiation capability of BMSCs. We also suppressed Per2 gene expression using an adenovirus vector harboring RNAi sequences, and similarly, the osteogenic differentiation ability of BMSCs was enhanced. Furthermore, when both Bmal1 and Per2 gene expression was suppressed in BMSCs by lentiviral and adenoviral interference, the osteogenic differentiation capability was stronger than that in BMSCs following single-gene inhibition. Our data support that both Bmal1 and Per2 play negative roles in BMSC osteogenic differentiation and that Bmal1 and Per2 have a synergistic effect on the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs.
Symplectic Approach of Three-Dimensional Palatini Theory Plus a Chern-Simons Term
Authors: Escalante Alberto , Cavildo-Sánchez Prihel
Published: March 2018

Using the symplectic framework of Faddeev-Jackiw, the three-dimensional Palatini theory plus a Chern-Simons term [P-CS] is analyzed. We report the complete set of Faddeev-Jackiw constraints and we identify the corresponding generalized Faddeev-Jackiw brackets. With these results, we show that although P-CS produces Einstein’s equations, the generalized brackets depend on a Barbero-Immirzi-like parameter. In addition, we compare our results with those found in the canonical analysis showing that both formalisms lead to the same results.
Development of Two Analytical Methods Based on Reverse Phase Chromatographic and SDS-PAGE Gel for Assessment of Deglycosylation Yield in N-Glycan Mapping
Authors: Eckard Anahita D. , Dupont David R. , Young Johnie K.
Published: March 2018

N-lined glycosylation is one of the critical quality attributes (CQA) for biotherapeutics impacting the safety and activity of drug product. Changes in pattern and level of glycosylation can significantly alter the intrinsic properties of the product and, therefore, have to be monitored throughout its lifecycle. Therefore fast, precise, and unbiased N-glycan mapping assay is desired. To ensure these qualities, using analytical methods that evaluate completeness of deglycosylation is necessary. For quantification of deglycosylation yield, methods such as reduced liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and reduced capillary gel electrophoresis (CGE) have been commonly used. Here we present development of two additional methods to evaluate deglycosylation yield: one based on LC using reverse phase (RP) column and one based on reduced sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE gel) with offline software (GelAnalyzer). With the advent of rapid deglycosylation workflows in the market for N-glycan profiling replacing overnight incubation, we have aimed to quantify the level of deglycosylation in a selected rapid deglycosylation workflow. Our results have shown well resolved peaks of glycosylated and deglycosylated protein species with RP-LC method allowing simple quantification of deglycosylation yield of protein with high confidence. Additionally a good correlation, ≥0.94, was found between deglycosylation yields estimated by RP-LC method and that of reduced SDS-PAGE gel method with offline software. Evaluation of rapid deglycosylation protocol from GlycanAssure™ HyPerformance assay kit performed on fetuin and RNase B has shown complete deglycosylation within the recommended protocol time when evaluated with these techniques. Using this kit, N-glycans from NIST mAb were prepared in 1.4 hr and analyzed by hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC) ultrahigh performance LC (UHPLC) equipped with a fluorescence detector (FLD). 37 peaks were resolved with good resolution. Excellent sample preparation repeatability was found with relative standard deviation (RSD) of <5% for peaks with >0.5% relative area.
Robust System Design Using BILP for Wireless Indoor Positioning Systems
Authors: Maneerat Kriangkrai , Kaemarungsi Kamol
Published: March 2018

In wireless indoor positioning system designs, reference node (RN) failures during the online phase cause received signal strength values to be unavailable. This leads to accuracy performance degradation and a lack of system reliability in smart office systems. Moreover, the major design concern in the reliability of indoor positioning systems under the faulty RNs during the online phase has not been yet investigated in previous works. To address these gaps, we propose a novel mathematical formulation using a Binary Integer Linear Programming (BILP) approach that employs the Simulated Annealing (SA) solution technique. The proposed robust system design aims to put in place a suitable number of RNs and to determine their optimum locations, which may be located on a single floor or on multiple floors. In particular, the proposed system design provisions to support robust operation both during a normal situation and when there are some RN failures. Experimental results and comparative performance evaluation revealed that the proposed robust system design outperformed other system designs and was able to achieve the highest location accuracy performance in both fault-free and RN-failure scenarios. Specifically, when nine of the RNs in a three-story building failed, the proposed system design achieved 84.6%, 54.7%, and 32.9% more accurate performance than the Uniform, the MSMR, and the PhI-Uni, respectively.
An Exploitability Analysis Technique for Binary Vulnerability Based on Automatic Exception Suppression
Authors: Jiang Zhiyuan , Feng Chao , Tang Chaojing
Published: March 2018

To quickly verify and fix vulnerabilities, it is necessary to judge the exploitability of the massive crash generated by the automated vulnerability mining tool. While the current manual analysis of the crash process is inefficient and time-consuming, the existing automated tools can only handle execute exceptions and some write exceptions but cannot handle common read exceptions. To address this problem, we propose a method of determining the exploitability based on the exception type suppression. This method enables the program to continue to execute until an exploitable exception is triggered. The method performs a symbolic replay of the crash sample, constructing and reusing data gadget, to bypass the complex exception, thereby improving the efficiency and accuracy of vulnerability exploitability analysis. The testing of typical CGC/RHG binary software shows that this method can automatically convert a crash that cannot be judged by existing analysis tools into a different crash type and judge the exploitability successfully.
Skin-Derived Stem Cells for Wound Treatment Using Cultured Epidermal Autografts: Clinical Applications and Challenges
Authors: Brockmann Inga , Ehrenpfordt Juliet , Sturmheit Tabea , Brandenburger Matthias , Kruse Charli , Zille Marietta , Rose Dorothee , Boltze Johannes
Published: March 2018

The human skin fulfills important barrier, sensory, and immune functions—all of which contribute significantly to health and organism integrity. Widespread skin damage requires immediate treatment and coverage because massive skin loss fosters the invasion of pathogens, causes critical fluid loss, and may ultimately lead to death. Since the skin is a highly immunocompetent organ, autologous transplants are the only viable approach to permanently close a widespread skin wound. Despite the development of tissue-saving autologous transplantation techniques such as mesh and Meek grafts, treatment options for extensive skin damage remain severely limited. Yet, the skin is also a rich source of stem and progenitor cells. These cells promote wound healing under physiological conditions and are potential sources for tissue engineering approaches aiming to augment transplantable tissue by generating cultured epidermal autografts (CEAs). Here, we review autologous tissue engineering strategies as well as transplantation products based on skin-derived stem cells. We further provide an overview of clinical trial activities in the field and discuss relevant translational and clinical challenges associated with the use of these products.
Removal of Nitrate in Simulated Water at Low Temperature by a Novel Psychrotrophic and Aerobic Bacterium, Pseudomonas taiwanensis Strain J
Authors: He Tengxia , Ye Qing , Sun Quan , Cai Xi , Ni Jiupai , Li Zhenlun , Xie Deti
Published: March 2018

Low temperatures and high pH generally inhibit the biodenitrification. Thus, it is important to explore the psychrotrophic and alkali-resisting microorganism for degradation of nitrogen. This research was mainly focused on the identification of a psychrotrophic strain and preliminary explored its denitrification characteristics. The new strain J was isolated using the bromothymol blue solid medium and identified as Pseudomonas taiwanensis on the basis of morphology and phospholipid fatty acid as well as 16S rRNA gene sequence analyses, which is further testified to work efficiently for removing nitrate from wastewater at low temperature circumstances. This is the first report that Pseudomonas taiwanensis possessed excellent tolerance to low temperature, with 15°C as its optimum and 5°C as viable. The Pseudomonas taiwanensis showed unusual ability of aerobic denitrification with the nitrate removal efficiencies of 100% at 15°C and 51.61% at 5°C. Single factor experiments showed that the optimal conditions for denitrification were glucose as carbon source, 15°C, shaking speed 150 r/min, C/N 15, pH≥7, and incubation quantity 2.0 × 106 CFU/mL. The nitrate and total nitrogen removal efficiencies were up to 100% and 93.79% at 15°C when glucose is served as carbon source. These results suggested that strain J had aerobic denitrification ability, as well as the notable ability to tolerate the low temperature and high pH.
Effect of Heat Stress on Sperm DNA: Protamine Assessment in Ram Spermatozoa and Testicle
Authors: Hamilton Thais Rose dos Santos , Siqueira Adriano Felipe Perez , Castro Letícia Signori de , Mendes Camilla Mota , Delgado Juliana de Carvalho , de Assis Patrícia Monken , Mesquita Leonardo Pereira , Maiorka Paulo César , Nichi Marcílio , Goissis Marcelo Demarchi , Visintin José Antonio , Assumpção Mayra Elena Ortiz D. Ávila
Published: March 2018

Sperm DNA fragmentation is considered one of the main causes of male infertility. The most accepted causes of sperm DNA damage are deleterious actions of reactive oxygen species (ROS), defects in protamination, and apoptosis. Ram sperm are highly prone to those damages due to the high susceptibility to ROS and to oxidative stress caused by heat stress. We aimed to evaluate the effects of heat stress on the chromatin of ejaculated and epididymal sperm and the activation of apoptotic pathways in different cell types in ram testis. We observed higher percentages of ejaculated sperm with increased chromatin fragmentation in the heat stress group; a fact that was unexpectedly not observed in epididymal sperm. Heat stress group presented a higher percentage of spermatozoa with DNA fragmentation and increased number of mRNA copies of transitional protein 1. Epididymal sperm presented greater gene expression of protamine 1 on the 30th day of the spermatic cycle; however, no differences in protamine protein levels were observed in ejaculated sperm and testis. Localization of proapoptotic protein BAX or BCL2 in testis was not different. In conclusion, testicular heat stress increases ram sperm DNA fragmentation without changes in protamination and apoptotic patterns.
Experimental Results of a Differential Angle-of-Arrival Based 2D Localization Method Using Signals of Opportunity
Authors: Aziz M. A. , Allen C. T.
Published: March 2018

This paper presents a study of differential AoA (Angle-of-Arrival) based 2D localization method utilizing FM radio signals (88 MHz–108 MHz) as Signals of Opportunity (SOP). Given prior knowledge of the transmitters’ position and signal characteristics, the proposed technique utilizes triangulation to localize receiver’s 2D position. Dual antenna interferometry provides the received signals’ AoA required for triangulation. Reliance on precise knowledge of antenna system’s orientation is removed by utilizing differential Angle of Arrivals (dAoAs). The 2D localization accuracy is improved by utilizing colocated transmitters, a concept proposed in this paper as supertowers. Analysis, simulation, and ground-based experiments have been presented; results showed that when the SNR (Signal-to-Noise Ratio) is higher than 45 dB, the proposed method localizes the receiver’s 2D position with an error of less than 15 m.
Long-Term Follow-Up of Adamantinoma of the Tibia Complicated by Metastases and a Second Unrelated Primary Cancer: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Southam Brendan R. , Crawford Alvin H. , Billmire David A. , Geller James , Von Allmen Daniel , Schumaier Adam P. , Szabo Sara
Published: March 2018

Adamantinoma is a rare, low-grade malignant tumor of the bone which grows slowly and typically occurs in the diaphysis of long bones, particularly in the tibia. Adamantinomas have the potential for local recurrence and may metastasize to the lungs, lymph nodes, or bone. We report a case of a 14-year-old female with a tibial adamantinoma who underwent wide resection with limb salvage and has subsequently been followed up for 18 years. The patient went on to have both a local soft tissue recurrence 5 years after the resection and metastases to both an inguinal lymph node and the right lower lobe of the lung 8 years after that recurrence, all of which have been treated successfully with marginal resections. Unique to this case, the patient was also incidentally found to have chromophobe-type renal cell carcinoma when undergoing a partial nephrectomy to resect a presumed metastasis of her adamantinoma. Genetic testing has not revealed any known genetic predisposition to cancer.
Kinect Sensor-Based Long-Distance Hand Gesture Recognition and Fingertip Detection with Depth Information
Authors: Ma Xuhong , Peng Jinzhu
Published: March 2018

Gesture recognition is an important part of human-robot interaction. In order to achieve fast and stable gesture recognition in real time without distance restrictions, this paper presents an improved threshold segmentation method. The improved method combines the depth information and color information of a target scene with hand position by the spatial hierarchical scanning method; the ROI in the scene is thus extracted by the local neighbor method. In this way, the hand can be identified quickly and accurately in complex scenes and different distances. Furthermore, the convex hull detection algorithm is used to identify the positioning of fingertips in ROI, so that the fingertips can be identified and located accurately. The experimental results show that the hand position can be obtained quickly and accurately in the complex background by using the improved method, the real-time recognition distance interval can be reached by 0.5 m to 2.0 m, and the fingertip detection rates can be reached 98.5% in average. Moreover, the gesture recognition rates are more than 96% by the convex hull detection algorithm. It can be thus concluded that the proposed method achieves good performance of hand detection and positioning at different distances.
Mito‐TEMPO Alleviates Renal Fibrosis by Reducing Inflammation, Mitochondrial Dysfunction, and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress
Authors: Liu Yuqing , Wang Yundan , Ding Wei , Wang Yingdeng
Published: March 2018

Background. Renal fibrosis is a common pathological symptom of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Many studies support that mitochondrial dysfunction and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress are implicated in the pathogenesis of CKD. In our study, we investigated the benefits and underlying mechanisms of Mito‐TEMPO on renal fibrosis in 5/6 nephrectomy mice. Methods. Mice were randomly divided into five groups as follows: control group, CKD group, CKD + Mito‐TEMPO (1 mg·kg−1·day−1) group, CKD + Mito‐TEMPO (3 mg·kg−1·day−1) group, and Mito‐TEMPO group (3 mg·kg−1·day−1). Renal fibrosis was evaluated by PAS, Masson staining, immunohistochemistry, and real‐time PCR. Oxidative stress markers such as SOD2 activity and MDA level in serum and isolated mitochondria from renal tissue were measured by assay kits. Mitochondrial superoxide production was evaluated by MitoSOX staining and Western blot. Mitochondrial dysfunction was assessed by electron microscopy and real‐time PCR. ER stress‐associated protein was measured by Western blot. Results. Impaired renal function and renal fibrosis were significantly improved by Mito‐TEMPO treatment. Furthermore, inflammation cytokines, profibrotic factors, oxidative stress markers, mitochondrial dysfunction, and ER stress were all increased in the CKD group. However, these effects were significantly ameliorated in the Mito‐TEMPO treatment group. Conclusions. Mito‐TEMPO ameliorates renal fibrosis by alleviating mitochondrial dysfunction and endoplasmic reticulum stress possibly through the Sirt3‐SOD2 pathway, which sheds new light on prevention of renal fibrosis in chronic kidney disease.
Changes in Resting-State Connectivity following Melody-Based Therapy in a Patient with Aphasia
Authors: Bitan Tali , Simic Tijana , Saverino Cristina , Jones Cheryl , Glazer Joanna , Collela Brenda , Wiseman-Hakes Catherine , Green Robin , Rochon Elizabeth
Published: March 2018

Melody-based treatments for patients with aphasia rely on the notion of preserved musical abilities in the RH, following left hemisphere damage. However, despite evidence for their effectiveness, the role of the RH is still an open question. We measured changes in resting-state functional connectivity following melody-based intervention, to identify lateralization of treatment-related changes. A patient with aphasia due to left frontal and temporal hemorrhages following traumatic brain injuries (TBI) more than three years earlier received 48 sessions of melody-based intervention. Behavioral measures improved and were maintained at the 8-week posttreatment follow-up. Resting-state fMRI data collected before and after treatment showed an increase in connectivity between motor speech control areas (bilateral supplementary motor areas and insulae) and RH language areas (inferior frontal gyrus pars triangularis and pars opercularis). This change, which was specific for the RH, was greater than changes in a baseline interval measured before treatment. No changes in RH connectivity were found in a matched control TBI patient scanned at the same intervals. These results are compatible with a compensatory role for RH language areas following melody-based intervention. They further suggest that this therapy intervenes at the level of the interface between language areas and speech motor control areas necessary for language production.
Operator of Time and Generalized Schrödinger Equation
Authors: Prvanović Slobodan
Published: March 2018

The equation describing the change of the state of the quantum system with respect to energy is introduced within the framework of the self-adjoint operator of time in nonrelativistic quantum mechanics. In this proposal, the operator of time appears to be the generator of the change of the energy, while the operator of energy that is conjugate to the operator of time generates the time evolution. Two examples, one with discrete time and the other with continuous one, are given and the generalization of Schrödinger equation is proposed.
Genetic Variability of the Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Peptide Gene Is Involved in the Premature Coronary Artery Disease in a Chinese Population with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Ma Xiaowei , Huang Jia , Lu Difei , Gu Nan , Lu Ran , Zhang Jianwei , Zhang Hong , Li Jianping , Zhang Junqing , Guo Xiaohui
Published: March 2018

Background. Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) is closely related to diabetes and obesity, both of which are confirmed to increase the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). Our study aimed to investigate whether the polymorphisms in GIP genes could affect the risk of cardiovascular disease in type 2 diabetic patients in the Chinese Han population. Methods. We selected and genotyped two haplotype-tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (tag-SNPs) (rs2291725 C>T, rs8078510 G>A) of GIP gene based on CHB data in HapMap Phase II database (r2<0.8). The case-control study of Chinese Han population involved 390 diabetic patients with CAD as positive group and 276 diabetic patients without CAD as control group. Allele and genotype frequencies were compared between the two groups. Results. In dominant inheritance model, the carriers of T/T or T/C had a lower risk of CAD (OR = 0.635, 95% CI = 0.463–0.872, p=0.005), even after adjustment other CAD risk factors (gender, age, BMI, smoking status, dyslipidemia, hypertension history, and diabetic duration) (OR′ = 0.769, 95% CI′ = 0.626–0.945, p′=0.013). The allele A at rs8078510 was associated with decreased risk of CAD (OR = 0.732, p=0.039). p=0.018 in subgroup analysis, individuals with higher BMI (≥24 kg/m2) had increased risk for CAD when carrying C/C at rs2291725 (OR′ = 1.291, 95% CI′ = 1.017–1.639, p′=0.036). In age < 55 men and age < 65 women, the carriers of allele C at rs2291725 had a higher risk of CAD than noncarriers (OR = 1.627, p=0.015). Carriers of allele G in rs8078510 had higher susceptibility to CAD (OR = 2.049, 95% = CI 1.213–3.463, p=0.007). p=0.004; in addition, allele G in rs8078510 would bring higher CAD risk to the carriers who ever smoked (OR = 1.695, 95% CI = 1.080–2.660, p=0.021). Conclusion. The genetic variability of GIP gene is associated with CAD and it may play a role in the premature CAD in the Chinese Han population with type 2 diabetes.