bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In Vitro
Reconstitution of Functional Type III Protein Export and Insights into Flagellar Assembly
Authors: Terashima Hiroyuki , Kawamoto Akihiro , Tatsumi Chinatsu , Namba Keiichi , Minamino Tohru , Imada Katsumi
Published: June 2018

The type III secretion system (T3SS) forms the functional core of injectisomes, protein transporters that allow bacteria to deliver virulence factors into their hosts for infection, and flagella, which are critical for many pathogens to reach the site of infection. In spite of intensive genetic and biochemical studies, the T3SS protein export mechanism remains unclear due to the difficulty of accurate measurement of protein export
in vivo
. Here, we developed an
in vitro
flagellar T3S protein transport assay system using an inverted cytoplasmic membrane vesicle (IMV) for accurate and controlled measurements of flagellar protein export. We show that the flagellar T3SS in the IMV fully retains export activity. The flagellar hook was constructed inside the lumen of the IMV by adding purified component proteins externally to the IMV solution. We reproduced the hook length control and export specificity switch in the IMV consistent with that seen in the native cell. Previous
in vivo
analyses showed that flagellar protein export is driven by proton motive force (PMF) and facilitated by ATP hydrolysis by FliI, a T3SS-specific ATPase. Our
in vitro
assay recapitulated these previous
in vivo
observations but furthermore clearly demonstrated that even ATP hydrolysis by FliI alone can drive flagellar protein export. Moreover, this assay showed that addition of the FliH
2
/FliI complex to the assay solution at a concentration similar to that in the cell dramatically enhanced protein export, confirming that the FliH
2
/FliI complex in the cytoplasm is important for effective protein transport.

IMPORTANCE
The type III secretion system (T3SS) is the functional core of the injectisome, a bacterial protein transporter used to deliver virulence proteins into host cells, and bacterial flagella, critical for many pathogens. The molecular mechanism of protein transport is still unclear due to difficulties in accurate measurements of protein transport under well-controlled conditions
in vivo
. We succeeded in developing an
in vitro
transport assay system of the flagellar T3SS using inverted membrane vesicles (IMVs). Flagellar hook formation was reproduced in the IMV, suggesting that the export apparatus in the IMV retains a protein transport activity similar to that in the cell. Using this system, we revealed that ATP hydrolysis by the T3SS ATPase can drive protein export without PMF.
A Novel Adaptation Mechanism Underpinning Algal Colonization of a Nuclear Fuel Storage Pond
Authors: MeGraw Victoria E. , Brown Ashley R. , Boothman Christopher , Goodacre Royston , Morris Katherine , Sigee David , Anderson Lizzie , Lloyd Jonathan R.
Published: June 2018

Geochemical analyses alongside molecular techniques were used to characterize the microbial ecology and biogeochemistry of an outdoor spent nuclear fuel storage pond at Sellafield, United Kingdom, that is susceptible to seasonal algal blooms that cause plant downtime. 18S rRNA gene profiling of the filtered biomass samples showed the increasing dominance of a species closely related to the algaHaematococcus pluvialis, alongside 16S rRNA genes affiliated with a diversity of freshwater bacteria, includingProteobacteriaandCyanobacteria. High retention of137Cs and90Sr on pond water filters coincided with high levels of microbial biomass in the pond, suggesting that microbial colonization may have an important control on radionuclide fate in the pond. To interpret the unexpected dominance ofHaematococcusspecies during bloom events in this extreme environment, the physiological response ofH. pluvialisto environmentally relevant ionizing radiation doses was assessed. Irradiated laboratory cultures produced significant quantities of the antioxidant astaxanthin, consistent with pigmentation observed in pond samples. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy suggested that radiation did not have a widespread impact on the metabolic fingerprint ofH. pluvialisin laboratory experiments, despite the 80-Gy dose. This study suggests that the production of astaxanthin-rich encysted cells may be related to the preservation of theHaematococcusphenotype, potentially allowing it to survive oxidative stress arising from radiation doses associated with the spent nuclear fuel. The oligotrophic and radiologically extreme conditions in this environment do not prevent extensive colonization by microbial communities, which play a defining role in controlling the biogeochemical fate of major radioactive species present.

IMPORTANCESpent nuclear fuel is stored underwater in large ponds prior to processing and disposal. Such environments are intensively radioactive but can be colonized by microorganisms. Colonization of such inhospitable radioactive ponds is surprising, and the survival mechanisms that microbes use is of fundamental interest. It is also important to study these unusual ecosystems, as microbes growing in the pond waters may accumulate radionuclides present in the waters (for bioremediation applications), while high cell loads can hamper management of the ponds due to poor visibility. In this study, an outdoor pond at the U.K. Sellafield facility was colonized by a seasonal bloom of microorganisms, able to accumulate high levels of137Cs and90Sr and dominated by the algaHaematococcus. This organism is not normally associated with deep water bodies, but it can adapt to radioactive environments via the production of the pigment astaxanthin, which protects the cells from radiation damage.
Changing epidemiology of assault victims in an emergency department participating in information sharing with police: a time series analysis
Authors: Boyle Adrian A , Martin Michael S , Ahmed Haroon , Snelling Katrina , Dean Jonathon , Price James
Published: June 2018

Introduction

Violent injury places a large burden on the NHS. We had implemented information sharing in our ED in 2007 and aimed to see which patient groups were most affected by information sharing, as this would provide clues as to how this complex intervention works.

Methods

Retrospective time series study of all the assault victims presenting for ED care between 2005 and 2014 at a single ED in England.

Results

10 328 patients presented during the study period. There was a 37% decrease in the number of patients presenting after assault, consistent with national trends. The proportions of people arriving by ambulance, and the proportion of men did not change during the study period. There were no important changes in the age of our assault patients in this study. Greater, disproportionate, decreases in rates of violence were seen in patients who presented at the weekend up (incidence rate ratio (IRR)=0.57, 95% CI 0.50 to 0.64) versus weekdays (IRR=0.72; 95% CI 0.62 to 0.83) There were also disproportionately greater decreases over the study period in patients who were discharged with no hospital follow-up (IRR=0.51, 95% CI 0.45 to 0.56) versus those leading to either an inpatient admission (IRR=1.05, 95% CI 0.84 to 1.31) or outpatient follow-up (IRR=1.23, 95% CI 0.93 to 1.64).

Conclusions

The epidemiology of violent injury at our institution has changed over the last 10 years and is most marked in a reduction of visits at the weekend, and in those who leave without follow up.
Checkpoint Inhibitors in Head and Neck Cancer: Current Knowledge and Perspectives
Authors: Samra Bachar , Tam Eric , Baseri Babak , Shapira Iuliana
Published: June 2018

The emergence of immunotherapy has provided significant clinical improvements in the treatment of metastatic solid tumors. Recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) has dismal prognosis with median survival ranging between 6and12 months. Our aim is to review the current knowledge on the role of the immune system and immune checkpoint inhibitors in HNSCC. We will focus on the landmark trials that led to the regulatory approvals of pembrolizumab and nivolumab, and discuss a few promising contenders in clinical development and highlight the need to identify better biomarkers other than programmed death-ligand 1 to improve patient selection and help predict response.
Evaluation of liver test abnormalities in a patient-centered medical home: Do liver test patterns matter?
Authors: Schreiner Andrew D , Moran William P , Zhang Jingwen , Kirkland Elizabeth B , Heincelman Marc E , Schumann Samuel O , Mauldin Patrick D , Rockey Don C
Published: June 2018

Abnormal liver tests are extremely common in clinical practice, present with varying patterns and degrees of elevation, and can signal liver injury from a variety of causes. Responding to these abnormalities requires complex medical decision-making and merits investigation in primary care. This retrospective study investigates the association of patterns of liver test abnormality with follow-up in primary care. Using administrative data, this study includes patients with abnormal liver tests seen between 2007 and 2016 in a patient-centered medical home. Liver tests examined include serum bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase. Patients entered the cohort on the first liver test elevation. The outcome examined was completion of repeat testing, and the proportions of patients without follow-up were compared by patterns of index abnormality. 9545 patients met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 6155 (64.5%) possessed one liver test abnormality and 3390 (35.5%) possessed multiple abnormalities on index testing. Overall 1119 (11.7%) patients did not have repeat testing performed during the study period. A greater proportion of patients with lone abnormalities lacked repeat testing compared with those patients with multiple abnormalities. Differences in repeat testing appeared when comparing clinical patterns of abnormality, with higher proportions of follow-up in patients with testing suggestive of cholestasis. Over 11% of patients with abnormal liver tests did not undergo repeat testing during the study period. Repeat testing occurred more often in patients with multiple abnormalities and in clinical patterns suggestive of cholestasis. This study highlights a potential opportunity to improve quality of care.
Military Prehospital Emergency Care: defining and professionalising the levels of care provided along the Operational Patient Care Pathway
Authors: Sharpe Danny , McKinlay J , Jefferys S , Wright C
Published: June 2018

The Defence Medical Services aims to provide gold standard care to ill and injured personnel in the deployed environment and its prehospital emergency care (PHEC) systems have been proven to save lives. The authors have set out to demonstrate, using existing literature, consensus and doctrine that the NHS Skills for Health framework can be reflected in military prehospital care and provides an existing model for defining the levels of care our providers can offer. In addition, we have demonstrated how these levels of care support the Operational Patient Care Pathway and add to the body of evidence for the use of specialist PHEC teams to allow the right patient to be transported on the right platform, with the right medical team, to the right place. These formalised levels allow military planners to consider the scope of practice, amount of training and appropriate equipment required to support deployed operations.
Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome with a novel genetic variant inHPS1and subsequent accelerated pulmonary fibrosis: significance for phenocopy diseases
Authors: McElvaney Oliver J , Huizing Marjan , Gahl William A , O’Donovan Paul , Horan Deirdre , Logan P Mark , Reeves Emer P , McElvaney Noel G
Published: June 2018

The Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome (HPS) is a collection of autosomal-recessive disorders characterised by tyrosinase-positive oculocutaneous albinism (OCA), bleeding diatheses and, in selected individuals, early-onset accelerated pulmonary fibrosis, neutropaenia and granulomatous colitis. We describe a young man who presented following a self-directed literature review prompted by severe bleeding complications following minor surgical and dental procedures in the context of OCA. HPS was clinically suspected, with subsequent genetic testing confirming biallelic mutations in theHPS1gene. Of interest, this is the only described HPS type 1 patient with two different (compound heterozygote) splice site variants inHPS1. In addition to detailing a novel genetic result and outlining the progressive clinical course of disease in this case, we discuss the management of HPS, the prognostic value of subtype analysis and the technical difficulties relating to transplantation in the case of HPS-associated advanced pulmonary fibrosis. This case also illustrates the concept of lung phenocopy relationships and the potential for elucidating the pathogenesis of more common pulmonary disorders by studying genetic diseases that result in similar phenotypes. Furthermore, it re-emphasises the importance of the patient voice, particularly with regard to complex diagnoses and rare diseases.
Effect of strength training combined with antioxidant supplementation on muscular performance
Authors: Dutra Maurilio T. , Alex Sávio , Mota Marcio Rabelo , Sales Nathalia B. , Brown Lee E. , Bottaro Martim
Published: June 2018

This was a placebo-controlled randomized study that aimed to investigate the effects of strength training (ST) combined with antioxidant supplementation on muscle performance and thickness. Forty-two women (age, 23.8 ± 2.7 years; body mass, 58.7 ± 11.0 kg; height, 1.63 ± 0.1 m) were allocated into 3 groups: vitamins (n = 15), placebo (n = 12), or control (n = 15). The vitamins and placebo groups underwent an ST program, twice a week, for 10 weeks. The vitamins group was supplemented with vitamins C (1 g/day) and E (400 IU/day) during the ST period. Before and after training, peak torque (PT) and total work (TW) were measured on an isokinetic dynamometer, and quadriceps muscle thickness (MT) was assessed by ultrasound. Mixed-factor ANOVA was used to analyze data and showed a significant group × time interaction for PT and TW. Both the vitamins (37.2 ± 5.4 to 40.3 ± 5.6 mm) and placebo (39.7 ± 5.2 to 42.5 ± 5.6 mm) groups increased MT after the intervention (P < 0.05) with no difference between them. The vitamins (146.0 ± 29.1 to 170.1 ± 30.3 N·m) and placebo (158.9 ± 22.4 to 182.7 ± 23.2 N·m) groups increased PT after training (P < 0.05) and PT was higher in the placebo compared with the control group (P = 0.01). The vitamins (2068.3 ± 401.2 to 2295.5 ± 426.8 J) and placebo (2165.1 ± 369.5 to 2480.8 ± 241.3 J) groups increased TW after training (P < 0.05) and TW was higher in the placebo compared with the control group (P = 0.01). Thus, chronic antioxidant supplementation may attenuate peak torque and total work improvement in young women after 10 weeks of ST.
Hierarchical model detects decadal changes in calibration relationships of single-pass electrofishing indices of abundance of Atlantic salmon in two large Canadian catchments
Authors: Dauphin Guillaume J.R. , Chaput Gérald , Breau Cindy , Cunjak Richard A.
Published: June 2018

Electrofishing is a commonly used technique to assess freshwater fish population abundance, and in many programs, there has been a shift in the sampling methodologies towards less laborious techniques. These new techniques usually only provide an index of abundance and require calibration with other sampling methods such as successive removal to be used for absolute abundance estimation. Using data for juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) collected in 400 sites sampled over 21 years in two large Canadian river catchments with a single sampling protocol, we developed a hierarchical Bayesian model to account for effort, day of sampling, area of the site, and catchment effects on the relationship between the single-pass index of abundance and the fish densities, thereby illustrating the importance of carrying out a calibration exercise on a regular basis. Our work indicates that calibration relationships can change over time even with standardized sampling protocols and that these directional changes in important components of the sampling procedure can bias the estimate of population abundance and misinform the understanding of population dynamics.
Bayesian inference from the conditional genetic stock identification model
Authors: Moran Benjamin M. , Anderson Eric C.
Published: June 2018

Genetic stock identification (GSI) estimates stock proportions and individual assignments through comparison of genetic markers with reference populations. It is used widely in anadromous fisheries to estimate the impact of oceanic harvest on riverine populations. Here, we provide a formal, explicit description of Bayesian inference in the conditional GSI model, documenting an approach that has been widely used in the last 5 years, but not formally described until now. Subsequently, we describe a novel cross-validation method that permits accurate prediction of GSI accuracy when making Bayesian inference from the conditional GSI model. We use cross-validation and simulation of genetic data to confirm the occurrence of a bias in reporting-unit proportions recently reported in Hasselman et al. (2016) . Then, we introduce a novel parametric bootstrap approach to reduce this bias, and we demonstrate the efficacy of our correction. Our methods have been implemented as a user-friendly R package, rubias, which makes use of Rcpp for computational efficiency. We predict rubias will be widely useful for GSI of fish populations.
Automorphisms of the completion of relatively free Lie algebras
Authors: Kofinas C. E.
Published: June 2018

Let [Formula: see text] be a relatively free Lie algebra of finite rank [Formula: see text], with [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] be the completion of [Formula: see text] with respect to the topology defined by the lower central series [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], with [Formula: see text]. We prove that, with respect to the formal power series topology, the automorphism group [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] is dense in the automorphism group [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] if and only if [Formula: see text] is nilpotent. Furthermore, we show that there exists a dense subgroup of [Formula: see text] generated by [Formula: see text] and a finite set of IA-automorphisms if and only if [Formula: see text] is generated by [Formula: see text] and a finite set of IA-automorphisms independent upon [Formula: see text] for all [Formula: see text]. We apply our study to several varieties of Lie algebras.
Orbital dynamics of a two-body system in the context of a nonlocally mixed IR–UV field theory of gravity
Authors: Dirkes Alain
Published: June 2018

We have recently suggested a set of nonlocally extended field equations in which Newton’s constant [Formula: see text] was promoted to a covariant differential operator [Formula: see text] composed by two different contributions. These two terms independently operate in the infrared (IR) and ultraviolet (UV) energy regimes. Considering the recent spectacular direct gravitational radiation measurements, we aim to compute the nonlocally modified orbital dynamics of a two-body system. In a first attempt, we determine the effective Newtonian potential from the nonlocal UV-wave equation to work out the modified Kepler orbits. In addition, we use data obtained from the perihelion precession of Mercury in order to derive an upper bound for the dimensionless UV-parameter [Formula: see text]. Finally, we determine the energy per unit time (power) released by a binary system in the form of gravitational waves. In this context, we observe that in the limit of vanishing UV-parameters, we eventually recover the result obtained in the context of the standard quadrupole formula.
Informed Repurchases, Information Asymmetry and the Market Response to Open Market Share Repurchases
Authors: Lee Bong Soo , Mauck Nathan
Published: June 2018

This paper relates informed repurchases to firm information asymmetry. We propose a new measure of informed repurchases, which is based on causality tests relating repurchase information to firm returns. Our results indicate that informed repurchases show larger abnormal returns surrounding the announcement of an open market share repurchase, which suggests the market at least partially recognizes informed repurchases. This holds after controlling for conventional information asymmetry proxies, such as firm size, number of analysts following, and analyst forecast dispersion, indicating that the market is aware of repurchase specific information not captured by traditional information asymmetry proxies. Informed repurchases demonstrate larger long-term abnormal returns at one, two, and three-year windows than high traditional information asymmetry repurchases.
Rings in which every left zero-divisor is also a right zero-divisor and conversely
Authors: Ghashghaei E. , Koşan M. Tamer , Namdari M. , Yildirim T.
Published: June 2018

A ring [Formula: see text] is called eversible if every left zero-divisor in [Formula: see text] is also a right zero-divisor and conversely. This class of rings is a natural generalization of reversible rings. It is shown that every eversible ring is directly finite, and a von Neumann regular ring is directly finite if and only if it is eversible. We give several examples of some important classes of rings (such as local, abelian) that are not eversible. We prove that [Formula: see text] is eversible if and only if its upper triangular matrix ring [Formula: see text] is eversible, and if [Formula: see text] is eversible then [Formula: see text] is eversible.
Late Wisconsinan grounding zones of the Laurentide Ice Sheet margin off the Québec North Shore (NW Gulf of St Lawrence)
Authors: Lajeunesse P. , Dietrich P. , Ghienne J.-F.
Published: June 2018

Swath bathymetry data and seismic profiles collected in the NW Gulf of St Lawrence reveal a series of wedge-shaped depositional systems interpreted as grounding zone wedges (GZWs). Some segments of the GZWs change locally to form frontal moraines, or morainal banks, and subaqueous ice-contact fans, reflecting changes in either the nature of the ice margin or the rate of sediment input. These grounding zones (GZ) of the ice margin extend laterally along three isobaths at depths of 180 (GZ1), 120 (GZ2) and 80 (GZ3) m (±20 m) along the Québec North Shore shelf, the 120 m-deep GZ2 system being traceable over a distance of >300 km. Associated GZWs can occur in three geometries along a same isobath system: curvilinear, lobate and shelf-break. GZ systems were built during three distinct stages of stabilization of the marine-based southeastern margin of the Laurentide Ice Sheet following its rapid retreat across the deeper waters of the Laurentian Channel in the Gulf of St Lawrence after 14.8 cal ka BP. The occurrence of GZ along distinct isobaths indicates that bathymetry exerted a strong control on ice stabilization during deglaciation by reducing the relative water depth at the ice margin and thereby the buoyancy and rate of iceberg calving. However, fluctuations and re-advances of the ice margin are also recorded by the overprinting of a portion of the GZ2 system by the younger GZ3 system, potentially suggesting an additional response to climate-driven forcing.
Identifying Political Risk Management Strategies in International Construction Projects
Authors: Chang Tengyuan , Hwang Bon-Gang , Deng Xiaopeng , Zhao Xianbo
Published: June 2018

International construction projects are plagued with political risk, and international construction enterprises (ICEs) must manage this risk to survive. However, little attention has been devoted to political risk management strategies in international construction projects. To fill this research gap, a total of 27 possible strategies were identified through a comprehensive literature review and validated by a pilot survey with 10 international experts. Appraisals of these 27 strategies by relevant professionals were collected using questionnaires, 155 of which were returned. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted to explore the interrelationships among these 27 strategies. The results show that all of the 27 strategies are important for political risk management in international construction projects. Moreover, these 27 strategies were clustered into six components, namely, (1) making correct decisions, (2) conducting favorable negotiations, (3) completing full preparations, (4) shaping a good environment, (5) reducing unnecessary mistakes, and (6) obtaining a reasonable response. The 6 components can be regarded as 6 typical management techniques that contribute to political risk management in the preproject phase, project implementation phase, and postevent phases. The findings may help practitioners gain an in‐depth understanding of political risk management strategies in international construction projects and provide a useful reference for ICEs to manage political risks when venturing outside their home countries.
Assessment of Dairy Product Safety Supervision in Sales Link: A Fuzzy-ANP Comprehensive Evaluation Method
Authors: Chen Tingqiang , Wang Shuaibin , Pei Lei , Wang Jining
Published: June 2018

An evaluation index system is developed to assess food safety supervision in the sales links of dairy products. Evaluation research is conducted using the fuzzy-ANP comprehensive evaluation model to assess the product safety supervision of dairy products in the sales link based on 307,705 survey data acquired from 1,501 online and offline dairy businesses in China. Evaluation results show that (1) the overall situation of dairy product safety supervision in the sales link is encumbered by the fact that the online situation of dairy product safety supervision in the sales link is general. It does not achieve a relatively good level; (2) the investment in food safety supervision of dairy products in the sales link is insufficient for the online e-commerce platforms. Especially, the processes of reviewing and approving relevant business sales qualification must be improved; (3) online business types do not directly determine the situation of dairy product safety supervision in the sales link, but the operating environment, sales staff quality, and warehousing management are common regulatory weaknesses; and (4) for offline provinces, the level of economic development can affect the situation of dairy product safety supervision in the sales link. Aside from emphasizing sales qualifications, economically backward provinces should improve the supervision of the operating environment, sales equipment, sanitary status of workers, and other aspects.
Accuracy of Leg Length and Offset Restoration in Femoral Pinless Navigation Compared to Navigation Using a Fixed Pin during Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Weber Markus , Thieme Max , Kaiser Moritz , Völlner Florian , Worlicek Michael , Craiovan Benjamin , Grifka Joachim , Renkawitz Tobias
Published: June 2018

Equalization of biomechanical differences is a major goal in total hip arthroplasty (THA). In the current study we compared the accuracy of restoring leg length and offset using imageless navigation with an osseous fixed pin to a femoral pinless device in 97 minimally invasive THAs through an anterolateral approach in the lateral decubitus position. Leg length and offset differences were evaluated on magnification-corrected radiographs by a blinded observer. A postoperative mean difference of -0.9 mm (95% CI -2.8 mm to 1.1 mm,p= 0.38) between pinless navigation and navigation with a fixed pin was observed for leg length and that of -2.4 mm (95% CI -3.9 mm to -0.9 mm,p= 0.002) was observed for offset, respectively. The number of patients with a residual difference below 5 mm after THA was higher if using a fixed pin than in pinless navigation for both leg length (98.2%, 54/55 to 50.0%, 21/42,p< 0.001) and offset (100.0%, 55/55 to 71.4%, 30/42,p< 0.001). Imageless navigation is a feasible method in intraoperative control of leg length and offset in minimally invasive THA. The use of pins fixed to the bone has a higher precision than pinless devices. This trial is registered withDRKS00000739.
Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Electron Beam‐Welded Joints of Titanium TC4 (Ti‐6Al‐4V) and Kovar (Fe‐29Ni‐17Co) Alloys with Cu/Nb Multi‐Interlayer
Authors: Fang Yong-jian , Jiang Xiao-song , Mo De-feng , Song Ting-feng , Shao Zhen-yi , Zhu De-gui , Zhu Ming-hao , Luo Zhi-ping
Published: June 2018

Electron beam welding of a titanium alloy (Ti‐6Al‐4V) and a kovar alloy (Fe‐29Ni‐17Co) was performed by using a Cu/Nb multi‐interlayer between them. Microstructure and composition of welded joints were analyzed by means of optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and X‐ray diffraction. Mechanical properties of welded joints were evaluated by microhardness and tensile strength tests. Results indicated that in case of 0.22 mm thickness of Nb foil, microstructure of the titanium alloy side was mainly composed of Ti solid solution and some intermetallic compounds such as FeTi and CuTi2, whereas in case of 0.40 mm thickness of Nb foil, the appearance of weld was more uniform and hardness of the weld zone decreased sharply. However, tensile strength of welded joints was increased from 88.1 MPa for the 0.22 mm Nb foil to 150 MPa for the 0.40 mm Nb foil. It was found that thicker Nb foil could inhibit diffusion of Fe atoms towards the titanium alloy side, thus promoting the formation of Ti solid solution and a small amount of CuTi2 and eliminating FeTi. In addition, in both cases, Cu0.5Fe0.5Ti was found in the fusion zone of the titanium alloy side, which had an adverse effect on mechanical properties of welded joints.
Detecting Load Resistance and Mutual Inductance in Series-Parallel Compensated Wireless Power Transfer System Based on Input-Side Measurement
Authors: Sun Longzhao , Sun Mingui , Ma Dianguang , Tang Houjun
Published: June 2018

In wireless power transfer (WPT) system, the variations in load resistance and mutual inductance influence the output voltage and output current, making the system deviate from its desirable operating condition; hence, it is essential to monitor load resistance and mutual inductance. Using input-side measurement to detect load resistance and mutual inductance has great advantages, because it does not need any direct measurements on the receiving side. Therefore, it can remove sensors on the receiving side and eliminate communication system feeding back the load measurements. This paper investigates load resistance and mutual inductance detection method in series-parallel compensated WPT system. By measuring input current and input voltage, the equation for calculating load resistance is deduced; when the operating frequency is lower than or equal to the receiving-side resonant frequency, the rigorous mathematical derivations prove that load resistance can be uniquely determined by using only one measurement of input current and input voltage. Furthermore, the analytical expressions for identifying load resistance and mutual inductance are deduced. Experiments are conducted to verify the proposed method.
Zuo Gui Wan Alters Expression of Energy Metabolism Genes and Prevents Cell Death in High‐Glucose Loaded Mouse Embryos
Authors: Liang Qi , Qu Zhipeng , Liang Yu , Feng QianJin , Niu Xin , Bai Temaka , Wang Yingli , Song Qiang , Adelson David L.
Published: June 2018

Background. Zuo Gui Wan (ZGW) is a classic formula in traditional chinese medicine (TCM). Previous studies have shown that it is beneficial for impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) of adults and the offspring as well. This study aimed to understand the molecular mechanisms of the efficacy of ZGW on IGT. Methods. We used high‐glucose loaded 2‐cell stage mouse embryos as a model and took advantage of single‐cell RNA sequencing technology to analyze the transcriptome of the model with or without ZGW. Differential gene expression analysis was performed with DESeq2. Results. High glucose can downregulate genes in the ribosome pathway, while ZGW can reverse this inhibition and as a result prevent embryo cell death caused by high glucose. Furthermore, high glucose can affect sugar metabolism and influence mitochondrial function, but ZGW can promote sugar metabolism via the tricarboxylic acid cycle mainly through upregulating the genes in the respiratory chain and oxidative phosphorylation. Conclusions. ZGW had a protective effect on embryonic cell death caused by glucose loading. The reversion of inhibition of ribosome pathway and regulation of mitochondrial energy metabolism are main effects of ZGW on high‐glucose loaded embryos. This research not only revealed the global gene regulation changes of high glucose affecting 2‐cell stage embryos but also provided insight into the potential molecular mechanisms of ZGW on the IGT model.
In VivoMRI of Functionalized Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Brain Inflammation
Authors: Tang Tang , Valenzuela Anthony , Petit Fanny , Chow Sarah , Leung Kevin , Gorin Fredric , Louie Angelique Y. , Dhenain Marc
Published: June 2018

Microglia are intrinsic components of the brain immune system and are activated in many central nervous system disorders. The ability to noninvasively image these cells would provide valuable information for both research and clinical applications. Today, most imaging probes for activated microglia are mainly designed for positron emission tomography (PET) and target translocator proteins that also reside on other cerebral cells. The PET images obtained are not specific for microglia-driven inflammation. Here, we describe a potential PET/MRI multimodal imaging probe that selectively targets the scavenger receptor class A (SR-A) expressed on activated microglia. These sulfated dextran-coated iron oxide (SDIO) nanoparticles are avidly taken up by microglia and appear to be nontoxic when administered intravenously in a mouse model. Intravenous administration of this SDIO demonstrated visualization byT2∗-weighted MRI of microglia activated by intracerebral administration of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). The contrast was significantly enhanced by SDIO, whereas there was little to no contrast change in animals treated with nontargeted nanoparticles or untreated controls. Thus, SR-A targeting represents a promising strategy to image activated microglia in the brain.
Nonlinear Robust Backstepping Control for Three-Phase Grid-Connected PV Systems
Authors: Boujmil Mohamed Habib , Badis Afef , Nejib Mansouri Mohamed
Published: June 2018

This paper proposes a cascade control structure for three-phase grid-connected Photovoltaic (PV) systems. The PV system consists of a PV Generator, DC/DC converter, a DC link, a DC/AC fully controlled inverter, and the main grid. For the control process, a new control strategy using nonlinear Backstepping technique is developed. This strategy comprises three targets, namely, DC/DC converter control; tight control of the DC link voltage; and delivering the desired output power to the active grid with unity power factor (PF). Moreover, the control process relies mainly on the formulation of stability based on Lyapunov functions. Maximizing the energy reproduced from a solar power generation system is investigated as well by using the Perturb and Observe (P&O) algorithm. The Energetic Macroscopic Representation (EMR) and its reverse Maximum Control Structure (MCS) are used to provide, respectively, an instantaneous average model and a cascade control structure. The robust proposed control strategy adapts well to the cascade control technique. Simulations have been conducted using Matlab/Simulink software in order to illustrate the validity and robustness of the proposed technique under different operating conditions, namely, abrupt changing weather condition, sudden parametric variations, and voltage dips, and when facing measurement uncertainties. The problem of controlling the grid-connected PV system is addressed and dealt by using the nonlinear Backstepping control.
Study on Vibrational Power Flow Propagation Characteristics in a Laminated Composite Cylindrical Shell Filled with Fluid
Authors: Liu Jingxi , He Wentao , Xie De
Published: June 2018

The characteristics of vibrational power flow in an infinite laminated composite cylindrical shell filled with fluid excited by a circumferential line cosine harmonic force are investigated using wave propagation approach. The harmonic motions of the shell and the fluid filled in the shell are described by Love shell theory and acoustic wave equation, respectively. Under the driving force, the vibrational power flow input into the coupled system and the transmission of the power flow carried by different internal forces (moments) of the shell in the axial direction are established. Numerical computations are implemented to investigate the vibrational power flow input and its propagation. It is found that characteristics of the vibrational power flow vary with different circumferential mode orders and frequencies, and the presence of fluid in the shell significantly affects the vibration of the shell structure. Additionally, parametric investigations are carried out to study the effects of the fiber orientation, modulus ratio E11/E22, and thickness‐to‐radius parameter h/R on input power into the coupled system and propagation power along the shell axial direction. This work will provide some guidance for the vibration control of the laminated composite cylindrical shell.
Evaluation of 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Levels in Central Anatolia, Turkey
Authors: Solak Ibrahim , Cihan Fatma Goksin , Mercan Seher , Kethuda Tugba , Eryılmaz Mehmet Ali
Published: June 2018

Background/Aim. The aim of this study is to evaluate serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels measured within one year at an Education and Research Hospital in Turkey to identify vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency (which is very commonly seen in the society) and to provide a current approach to treatment management. Materials and Methods. This retrospective descriptive study was carried out by examining the data relating to 35,667 individuals. Results. Of the individuals participating in the study, 94.47% had a serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level less than 30 ng/ml, 76.25% had a serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level less than 20 ng/ml, and 32.20% had a serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level less than 10 ng/ml. The mean serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level of all individuals included in the study was 15.2±8.8 ng/ml. The mean serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level was 14.5±8.8 ng/ml among women and 18.1±8.4 ng/ml among men, respectively (p<0.001). Conclusion. Vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency is widespread in the world and in Turkey. The data obtained from this study suggest that without measuring serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level will be cost-effective in every age group (except for those are at risk of toxicity) as in children aged 0-1 year old in Turkey and that making a decision in this direction will make a great contribution to the economy of the country.
The Effect of High Loading Rate on the Behaviour and Mechanical Properties of Coal‐Rock Combined Body
Authors: Gong Fengqiang , Ye Hao , Luo Yong
Published: June 2018

In order to investigate the high loading rate effect on the behaviour and mechanical properties of coal‐rock combined body, the dynamic compressive tests were conducted by using the Split‐Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) device under the loading rate range from 2.7×105 MPa/s to 4.0×105 MPa/s. The stress‐strain curves, dynamic peak stress and strain, elastic modulus, and energy distribution law of coal‐rock combined body under different loading rates were analyzed and discussed. The results show that the dynamic stress‐strain curves of coal‐rock combined body have a double‐peak feature under high loading rate range, which can be divided into the initial bearing stage, the bearing decline stage, the bearing enhance stage, and the unstable stage. The first peak stress of the coal‐rock combined body is independent of the loading rate, while the dynamic compressive strength (the second peak stress) and dynamic peak strain (the second peak strain) have a strong loading rate effect and will generally increase linearly with the loading rate. The first and second elastic moduli of coal‐rock combined body are not sensitive to the loading rate. With the increase of the loading rate, the incident energy and reflective energy of coal‐rock combined body increase rapidly, while the change of transmitted energy is very small. The absorption energy ratio of the coal‐rock combined body shows a good linear law with the incident energy under different loading rates.
Variable Selection and Joint Estimation of Mean and Covariance Models with an Application to eQTL Data
Authors: Lee JungJun , Kim SungHwan , Jhong Jae-Hwan , Koo Ja-Yong
Published: June 2018

In genomic data analysis, it is commonplace that underlying regulatory relationship over multiple genes is hardly ascertained due to unknown genetic complexity and epigenetic regulations. In this paper, we consider a joint mean and constant covariance model (JMCCM) that elucidates conditional dependent structures of genes with controlling for potential genotype perturbations. To this end, the modified Cholesky decomposition is utilized to parametrize entries of a precision matrix. The JMCCM maximizes the likelihood function to estimate parameters involved in the model. We also develop a variable selection algorithm that selects explanatory variables and Cholesky factors by exploiting the combination of the GCV and BIC as benchmarks, together with Rao and Wald statistics. Importantly, we notice that sparse estimation of a precision matrix (or equivalently gene network) is effectively achieved via the proposed variable selection scheme and contributes to exploring significant hub genes shown to be concordant to a priori biological evidence. In simulation studies, we confirm that our model selection efficiently identifies the true underlying networks. With an application to miRNA and SNPs data from yeast (a.k.a. eQTL data), we demonstrate that constructed gene networks reproduce validated biological and clinical knowledge with regard to various pathways including the cell cycle pathway.
Efficacy and Safety of Intravitreal Conbercept, Ranibizumab, and Triamcinolone on 23-Gauge Vitrectomy for Patients with Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Cui Jinglin , Chen Hong , Lu Hang , Dong Fangtian , Wei Dongmei , Jiao Yan , Charles Steve , Gu Weikuan , Wang Lin
Published: June 2018

Introduction. To compare the effect and safety of intravitreal conbercept (IVC), intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR), or intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA) injection on 23-gauge (23-G) pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). Methods. Fifty patients (60 eyes) of varying degrees of PDR were randomly grouped into 3 groups (1 : 1 : 1) (n=20 in each group). The 23-G PPV was performed with intravitreal conbercept or ranibizumab injection 3–7 days before surgery or intravitreal TA injection during surgery. The experiment was randomized controlled, with a noninferiority limit of five letters. Main outcome measures included BCVA, operation time, incidence of iatrogenic retinal breaks, endodiathermy rate, and silicone oil tamponade. Results. At 6 months after surgery, there were no significant differences of BCVA improvements, operation time, incidence of iatrogenic retinal breaks, endodiathermy rate, silicone oil tamponade, vitreous clear-up time, and the incidence of intraoperative bleeding between the IVC and IVR groups (all P values ≥ 0.05), but they were significantly different from the IVTA group (all P values < 0.05). IOP increases did not show significant differences between the IVC and IVR groups, but both were significantly different with the IVTA group. More patients had higher postoperative IOP in the IVTA group. Conclusions. The intravitreal injection of conbercept, ranibizumab, or TA for PDR had a significant different effect on outcomes of 23-G PPV surgery. Conbercept and ranibizumab can reduce difficulty of the operation, improve the success rate of PPV surgery, and decrease the incidence of postoperative complications.
Investigation on the Relationship between Wellhead Injection Pressure and Injection Rate for Practical Injection Control in CO2 Geological Storage Projects
Authors: Bai Bing , Wu Haiqing , Li Xiaochun
Published: June 2018

The existing investigations on the maximum allowable wellhead injection pressure have found the upper limit of wellhead injection pressure, which, however, cannot provide a practical operational designing scheme of wellhead injection parameters for CO2 geological storage projects. Therefore, this work firstly proposes the complete constraint conditions of wellbore injection to realize the whole process of forward and inverse calculations of wellbore pressure and then applies it to explore the relationship between wellhead injection pressure and injection rate. The results show that the wellhead injection pressure and the injection rate are a pair of mutually constrained physical quantities. For a certain injection project, the allowable wellhead injection pressure and injection rate separately form a continuous interval. Change of one quantity within its allowable interval will also change the other within its interval, both jointly forming a closed region. Thus, controlling the wellhead injection parameters in this closed region can simultaneously ensure the effectiveness and safety of injection. Subsequently, this work further studies the factors of impacting the relationship between wellhead injection pressure and injection rate and finds that all the temperature of injected fluid, the parameters of saturation, and the characteristic parameters of reservoirs only change their upper and lower limits to some extent but have no essential effects on their relationship. Application of this theory and method in Shenhua CCS demonstration project obtained the relationship diagram of wellhead injection pressure and injection rate, which found that its actual injection parameters just fall into the closed region of the relationship diagram, effectively verifying the reliability of this work.
Multiple-Event Catastrophe Bond Pricing Based on CIR-Copula-POT Model
Authors: Chao Wen , Zou Huiwen
Published: June 2018

Catastrophe events are attracting increased attention because of their devastating consequences. Aimed at the nonlinear dependency and tail characteristics of different triggered indexes of multiple-event catastrophe bonds, this paper applies Copula function and the extreme value theory to multiple-event catastrophe bond pricing. At the same time, floating coupon and principal payoff structures are adopted instead of fixed coupon and principal payoff structures, to reduce moral hazard and improve bond attractiveness. Furthermore, we develop a CIR-Copula-POT bond pricing model with CIR stochastic rate and estimate flood multiple-event triggered catastrophe bond price using Monte Carlo simulation method. Finally, we implement the sensitivity analysis to show how catastrophe intensity, maturity date, and the dependence affect the prices of catastrophe bonds.