The Immense Impact of Reverse Edges on Large Hierarchical Networks

Hierarchical networks are frequently encountered in animal groups,gene networks,and artificial engineering systems such as multiple robots,unmanned vehicle systems,smart grids,wind farm networks,and so forth.The structure of a large directed hierarchical network is often strongly influenced by reverse edges from lower-to higher-level nodes,such as lagging birds’howl in a flock or the opinions of lowerlevel individuals feeding back to higher-level ones in a social group.This study reveals that,for most large-scale real hierarchical networks,the majority of the reverse edges do not affect the synchronization process of the entire network;the synchronization process is influenced only by a small part of these reverse edges along specific paths.More surprisingly,a single effective reverse edge can slow down the synchronization of a huge hierarchical network by over 60%.The effect of such edges depends not on the network size but only on the average in-degree of the involved subnetwork.The overwhelming majority of active reverse edges turn out to have some kind of“bunching”effect on the information flows of hierarchical networks,which slows down synchronization processes.This finding refines the current understanding of the role of reverse edges in many natural,social,and engineering hierarchical networks,which might be beneficial for precisely tuning the synchronization rhythms of these networks.Our study also proposes an effective way to attack a hierarchical network by adding a malicious reverse edge to it and provides some guidance for protecting a network by screening out the specific small proportion of vulnerable nodes.

Crosslink between mutations in mitochondrial genes and brain disorders:implications for mitochondrial-targeted therapeutic interventions

At the present,association of mitochondrial dysfunction and progression of neurological disorders has gained significant attention.Defects in mitochondrial network dynamics,point mutations,deletions,and interaction of pathogenomic proteins with mitochondria are some of the possible underlying mechanisms involved in these neurological disorders.Mitochondrial genetics,defects in mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation machinery,and reactive oxygen species production might share common crosstalk in the progression of these neurological disorders.It is of significant interests to explore and develop therapeutic strategies aimed at correcting mitochondrial abnormalities.This review provided insights on mitochondrial dysfunction/mutations involved in the progression of Alzheimer’s disease,Huntington’s disease,and epilepsy with a special focus on Parkinson’s disease pathology.Along with the deleterious effects of mitochondrial mutations in aforesaid neurological disorders,this paper unraveled the available therapeutic strategy,specifically aiming to improve mitochondrial dysfunction,drugs targeting mitochondrial proteins,gene therapies aimed at correcting mutant mtDNA,peptide-based approaches,and lipophilic cations.

Induced dipole dominant giant electrorheological fluid

Traditional dielectric electrorheological fluid(ER)is based on the interaction of dielectric particle polarization,and the yield stress is low,which cannot meet the application requirements.The giant ER(GER)effect is caused by orientations and interactions of polar molecules adsorbed on the particle surfaces.Despite the high yield stress,these polar molecules are prone to wear and fall off,resulting in a continuous reduction in shear stress of GER liquid,which is also not suitable for application.Here we introduce a new type of ER fluid called induced dipole dominant ER fluid(ID-ER),of which the particles contain oxygen vacancies or conductor microclusters both prepared by high energy ball milling(HEBM)technique.In the electric field E,oxygen vacancies or conductor microclusters form induced dipoles.Because the local electric field E_(loc) in the gaps between particles can be two to three orders of magnitude larger than E,the induced dipole moments must be large.The strong interactions of these induced dipoles make the yield stress of the ID-ER fluid reaching more than 100 kPa.Since there are oxygen vacancies or conductor microclusters everywhere in the particles,the particles will not lose the function due to surface wear during use.The experimental results show that the ID-ER fluid possesses the advantages of high shear stress,low current density,short response time,good temperature stability,long service life,and anti-settlement,etc.The comprehensive performance is much better than the existing ER materials,and also the preparation method is simple and easy to repeat,thus it should be a new generation of ER fluid suitable for practical applications.

Genome-wide identification and analysis of the CNGC gene family in upland cotton under multiple stress conditions

Background The cyclic nucleotide-gated channel(CNGC)gene family plays a significant role in the uptake of both essential and toxic cations,and has a role in enhancing tolerance to various forms of abiotic stresses as well as the modulation of the heavy metal toxicity to plant through the absorption of heavy metals.Results A complete genome-wide identification and functional characterization of the cotton CNGC genes was carried out,in which 55,28,and 29 CNGC genes were identified in Gossypium hirsutum,G.raimondii,and G.arboreum,respectively.The protein encoded by the CNGC genes exhibited GRAVY value below zero,indicating their hydrophilic property.CNGC genes were unevenly distributed in 19 out of 26 chromosomes,in which the highest density were observed on Ah05,with 8 genes.High gene coverage was observed among the diploid cotton species,with CNGC genes mapped on all A chromosomes and on 11 out of 13 of D chromosomes.The majority of CNGC proteins were localized in the endoplasmic reticulum,nucleus,and plasma membrane.Gene expression analysis revealed the up-regulation of Gh_A01G0520(CNGC4)and Gh_D13G1974(CNGC5)across various forms of abiotic stresses.Moreover,down-regulation of Gh_A01G0520(CNGC4)and Gh_D13G1974(CNGC5)in CNGCs silenced plants caused the significantly reduced ability to tolerate drought and salt stresses.All CNGCs silenced plants were recorded to have significantly low content of antioxidants but relatively higher content of oxidant,including MDA and H_(2)O_(2).Furthermore,SPAD,CMS(cell membrane stability),ELWL(excised leaf water loss),SDW(shoot dry matter weight),and RDW(root dry matter weight)were all lower in CNGCs silenced plants compared with the wild type plants.Conclusion Significant reduction in antioxidant content and negative effects of physiological and morphological characters in CNGCs silenced plants has revealed the novel role of CNGC genes in enhancing cell integrity under abiotic stress conditions.These results provide vital information that will expand our understanding of the CNGC gene family in cotton and other plants,thus promoting the integration of these genes in the development of the environmental resilient plants.

基于心脏电生理模型的心律失常机制研究进展

揭示发病机制是心律失常诊断、治疗、药物研发和设备设计的关键.整合当前在心脏分子生物学、生物化学、生理学及解剖学方面的最新成果,构建从离子通道、心肌细胞、心肌纤维、心肌组织、心脏器官到躯体各个层次的多尺度多模态心脏电生理模型,用于系统研究微观局部变化发生、发展、转化为宏观心律失常表现的过程,将彻底改变传统从基因突变、蛋白质表达、细胞电生理、临床表现单独研究心律失常的方式,实现微观与宏观研究的统一,使心脏电生理模型成为系统研究心律失常发病机制的有力手段.本文综述了心脏电生理模型的构建方法和研究进展,讨论了多尺度心脏电生理模型在揭示心律失常机制研究中的作用和地位,给出了基于心脏电生理模型心律失常研究的挑战和重要发展方向.

突触素对窦房结细胞膜电压的影响

利用张恒贵等人构造的兔子窦房结细胞实验模型,通过仿真模拟研究了窦房结中突触素的含量对窦房结膜电压的影响.模拟结果发现,一方面利用该模型可以重现有生理缺陷的窦房结异常搏动现象,这与临床上观察到的,老年人或者长期酗酒者的心脏因窦房结中突触素含量减少导致窦房结不能正常起搏,甚至心脏猝死现象相吻合;另一方面,通过模拟对比分析发现,突触素含量降低的影响主要表现在两个方面,降低钙离子通道的导电性能,减少乙酰胆碱的分泌,这两种影响都直接导致窦房结细胞的振动性能的降低.以上结果将有助于揭示窦房结中突触素减少与心脏体系的异常起搏之间的内在联系,并对预防和诊断心源性猝死或病态窦房结综合症提供一定的理论帮助.

利用Java编程对窦房结体系搏动过程进行视图仿真

目的动态观察窦房结起搏活动随外界刺激的演变过程,揭示传导阻滞与心律失常之间的联系。方法以窦房结细胞模型为研究对象,利用Java语言编程,对窦房结起搏活动进行视图仿真研究。首先,利用其视图功能,将复杂体系各控制参量设置为面板上不同按钮,通过点击按钮观察膜电压随控制参数变化的情况;其次,添加恰当的鼠标响应效果,观察不同条件下的视图效果。结果加入外界刺激对神经系统的调控作用,调节细胞死亡比例或钠电导等控制参量,模拟窦房结体系在体的搏动过程,观察搏动电信号传导受阻现象,与临床观察到的心律失常症状相吻合;利用视图仿真,动态跟踪不同参数条件下,膜电压产生及传导的演变过程,直观形象地模拟了窦房结体系动力学过程。结论利用Java编程的视图仿真可直观了解传导阻滞与心律失常之间的内在联系,模拟过程直观形象,方便明了。

Plasma skincare device based on floating electrode dielectric barrier discharge

A portable skincare plasma-device with a rechargeable battery is presented here. The device comprises two pads made of thin polyimide film as the dielectric layer, namely, the dielectric barrier discharge pad(DBD-pad) for skin-touch and a capacitive ground-pad(G-pad) for hand holding. High AC voltage of approximately 1 kV with frequency of 40 kHz is induced in the DBD-pad that contacts the skin, which serves as the floating electrode, while low voltage is induced on the G-pad. Considering the requirement for impedance matching between the DBDpad capacitance and the inverter along with the need for low skin current less than approximately 5 mA for electrical safety, the electrode area of the DBD-pad is minimized to be smaller than that of the G-pad.

Latitudinal and interannual variations of the spring phytoplankton bloom peak in the East Asian marginal seas

Combined studies of latitudinal and interannual variations of annual phytoplankton bloom peak in East Asian marginal seas(17°–58°N, including the northern South China Sea(SCS), Kuroshio waters, the Sea of Japan and the Okhotsk Sea) are rarely. Based on satellite-retrieved ten-year(2003–2012) median timing of the annual Chlorophyll a concentration(Chl a) climax, here we report that this annual spring bloom peak generally delays from the SCS in January to the Okhotsk Sea in June at a rate of(21.20±2.86) km/d(decadal median±SD). Spring bloom is dominant feature of the phytoplankton annual cycle over these regions, except for the SCS which features winter bloom. The fluctuation of the annual peak timing is mainly within ±48 d departured from the decadal median peak date, therefore this period(the decadal median peak date ±48 d) is defined as annual spring bloom period. As sea surface temperature rises, earlier spring bloom peak timing but decreasing averaged Chl a biomass in the spring bloom period due to insufficient light is evident in the Okhotsk Sea from 2003 to 2012. For the rest of three study domains, there are no significant interannual variance trend of the peak timing and the averaged Chl a biomass. Furthermore this change of spring phytoplankton bloom timing and magnitude in the Okhotsk Sea challenges previous prediction that ocean warming would enhance algal productivity at high latitudes.

Silicone-coated polyimide films deposited by surface dielectric barrier discharges

Hybrid dielectric barrier discharges are investigated for plasma generated on the surface of a dielectric layer, where two conducting electrodes of high voltage and ground are formulated on the upper and bottom surfaces. Using a flexible thin polyimide-film of a thickness ranging from 25 to 125 μm, a plasma is generated with a voltage of about 1 kV and a frequency of 40 kHz.However, the surface of the dielectric layer was etched through a chemical reaction involving plasma oxygen radical species, and thus the polyimide films failed readily, resulting in dielectric breakdown within short operating time ranging from a few minutes to several tens of minutes,based on the film thicknesses of 25 μm and 125 μm, respectively. These plasma erosions were prevented by coating the polyimide surface with a 25 μm thick silicone paste. The siliconecoated film surface was then reinforced remarkably against plasma erosion as the organic polymer was vulnerable to chemical reaction of the plasma species, while the inorganic silicone exhibited a high chemical resistance against plasma erosion.

Enhancing the Surface Properties of a Bioengineered Anterior Cruciate Ligament Matrix for Use with Point-of-Care Stem Cell Therapy

We have previously developed a poly(L-lactic)acid(PLLA)bioengineered anterior cruciate ligament(ACL)matrix that has demonstrated enhanced healing when seeded with primary ACL cells prior to implantation in a rabbit model,as compared with the matrix alone.This suggests that improving cell adhesion on the matrix may beneficially affect the healing response and long-term performance of the bioengineered ACL matrix.One regenerative engineering approach involves enhancing the surface properties of the matrix to support cell adhesion and growth in combination with point-of-care stem cell therapy.Herein,we studied the cell adhesion properties of PLLA braided microfiber matrices enhanced through the physical adsorption of fibronectin and air plasma treatment.We evaluated the kinetics and binding efficiency of fibronectin onto matrices at three time points and three fibronectin concentrations.Incubating the matrix for 120 min in a solution of 25 lgmL1 fibronectin achieved the greatest binding efficiency to the matrix and cellular adhesion.Exposing the matrices to air plasma treatment for 5 min before fibronectin adsorption significantly enhanced the cell adhesion of rabbit bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells(R-BMMSCs)24 h post cell seeding.Finally,cellular proliferation was monitored for up to 21 d,the matrices were exposed to air plasma treatment,and fibronectin adsorption was found to result in enhanced cell number.These findings suggest that exposure to air plasma treatment and fibronectin adsorption enhances the cellular adhesion of PLLA braided microfiber matrices and may improve the clinical efficacy of the matrix in combination with point-of-care stem cell therapies.

Analysis of KCSE Performance in Nakuru County: A Generalized Estimating Equations Approach

In Kenya, the Ministry of Education has set the pass mark for university entry examination as C plus and above. Using publicly available data for 2006-2010, differences in KCSE performance amongst the three types of schools in Kenya—boys only, girls only, and mixed schools—was assessed. A generalized estimating equations marginal model was applied in order to account for association between scores within a school in the five year period. To account for the missing data, multiple imputation was performed followed by estimation and inference. Results indicated that there was a significant difference between the three type of schools in their candidates’ odds of attaining the stipulated minimum university entry grade. However, the odds of success in KCSE did not depend on the year under review as was evident in the slope parameters which was not statistically significant. Although it was clear that same-gender schools perform better than mixed gender schools, there is need to weigh the social benefits of mixed-schools against respective performance in KCSE. This should guide the policy makers on the way forward with regards to the education policy in Nakuru County.

A charge of the erythrocyte test by automated method

New methods of an automated evaluation of the blood rheological parameters: 1) the viscosity, 2) electric conductivity and 3) the charge of erythrocytes have been theoretically and experimentally substantiated by way of registering the Q-factor of the tuned-circuit, containing a capillary with the blood flow. A design of an electronic measuring complex is based on modeling the physical blood conditions in the natural environment.

The electric field and frequency responses of giant electrorheological fluids

The giant electrorheological （ER） fluid is based on the principle of a polar molecule dominated electrorheological （PM-ER） effect. The response of the shear stress for PM-ER fluid in alternate electric fields with triangle/square wave forms for different frequencies has been studied. The results show that the shear stress cannot well follow the rapid change of electric field and the average shear stresses of PM-ER fluids decrease with the increasing frequency of the applied field due to the response decay of the shear stress on applied field. The behavior is quite different from that of traditional ER fluids. However, the average shear stress of PM-ER fluid in a square wave electric field of iE at low frequency can keep at high value. The obtained knowledge must be helpful for the design and operation of PM-ER fluids in the applications.

Biophysical Substantiation of a Surgical Method of Treatment of a Primary Arterial Hypertension

It is shown that flow of a blood in a passive elastic tube essentially unstable process accompanying with a flutter of a stream. Biophysical principles of neuroreflex regulation of an arterial bloodstream in cardiovascular system are considered. It is shown that this regulation has dual-purpose character： reduction of the hydraulic resistance and maintenance stable no flutter stream of blood. The reasons of a primary arterial hypertension occurrence, and also some accompanying it physical and physiological phenomena are considered. The surgical method of treatment of the primary arterial hypertension, connected with denervation of renal arteries is substantiated.

Adsorption of Malachite Green from Aqueous Solutions onto Rice Husks: Kinetic and Equilibrium Studies

A study was done to evaluate the removal of a cationic dye from simulated waste water onto rice husks (RH). Spectroscopic methods such as FTIR and SEM/EDX were used for adsorbent characterization. Experimental dependency on solution pH, initial dye concentration, agitation speed, adsorbentparticle size, temperature of the solution and contact time was evaluated. The adsorption data was tested using both Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. The data fitted well into Langmuir isotherm model with a monolayer adsorption capacity of 6.5 mg/g. Further, the separation factor (RL) value was less than unity indicating a favorable adsorption process. Adsorption kinetics was determined using pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order and intra-particle diffusion models. The results showed that the adsorption of malachite green onto rice husks followed pseudo-second-order model with a determination coefficient of 0.986. This work has revealed that rice husks have a great potential to sequester cationic dyes from aqueous solutions and therefore it can be utilized to clean contaminated effluents.

Effects of vascular endothelial growth factor supplementation and alginate embedding on human oocyte maturation in vitro

Objective:To evaluate whether the use of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)with alginate increases oocyte maturation following in vitro maturation.Methods:This experimental study was performed on 150 immature oocytes(germinal vesicle oocytes)from females who were candidates for assisted reproductive technology.The germinal vesicle oocytes were randomly placed in the control,alginate,and VEGF plus alginate groups.The basic culture medium for oocytes culture(tissue culture medium 199,follicle-stimulating hormone 0.075 IU/mL,and fetal bovine serum 10%)was used in the control,alginate,and VEGF plus alginate groups.For the treatment groups(alginate,and VEGF plus alginate groups),alginate(8%)and VEGF(5 ng/mL)were added to the basic culture medium.After culture,immature oocytes were considered as oocytes unchanged in the nucleus whereas oocytes with a polar body were considered as mature oocytes(metaphaseⅡstage).The mature oocytes in each group were fertilized by intracytoplasmic sperm injection and formed embryos were evaluated by reverse microscope.Results:The oocyte maturation rate(metaphaseⅡ)significantly(P<0.05)increased in the alginate plus VEGF group as compared with the alginate alone and control groups during in vitro maturation.On day 2,the cleavage rates were significantly different in the matured oocytes between the treatment groups and the control group.The percentage of the two-cell stage,four-cell stage and eight-cell embryos was significantly higher in the treatment groups compared with the control group(P<0.05).Conclusions:Supplementation of VEGF with alginate can improve oocyte maturation in culture media.VEGF with alginate may promote the quality of nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation of human oocytes in vitro.

Condition for Successful Square Transformation in Time Series Modeling

In this study we establish the probability density function of the square transformed left-truncated N(1,σ2) error component of the multiplicative time series model and the functional expressions for its mean and variance. Furthermore the mean and variance of the square transformed left-truncated N(1,σ2) error component and those of the untransformed component were compared for the purpose of establishing the interval for σ where the properties of the two distributions are approximately the same in terms of equality of means and normality. From the results of the study, it was established that the two distributions are normally distributed and have means ≌1.0 correct to 1 dp in the interval 0 σ , hence a successful square transformation where necessary is achieved for values of σ such that 0 σ .

Surrounding Plants as Reliable Immune Boosters

Recently, due to the growth of environmental pollution and the increase in the resistance of microorganisms to artificially create chemical drugs, there has been an urgent need for a radical change in the direction of the medical preparations development, for changing chemicals to naturally produced ones based on herbal natural remedies. Since homeopathy is a branch of medicine that includes not only herbal preparations, but also chemical ingredients, our newly developed patent—although it belongs to the field of homeopathy—is its offshoot aimed solely at maintaining the body’s strength without harming it, increasing the survival of the body in a polluted environment removing toxins from the body by strengthening adaptive immune mechanisms. Thus, thyme, cumin, oregano, licorice, and other natural resources of the earth, which are the basis of our patent, successfully fight cold and diseases of the upper respiratory tract. The article presents a methodology for the development of a new herbal preparation, its dosage, and use as the main ingredient in a treatment course in infectious diseases.

Regenerative Engineering for Knee Osteoarthritis Treatment： Biomaterials and Cell-Based Technologies

Knee osteoarthritis （OA） is the most common form of arthritis worldwide. The incidence of this disease is rising and its treatment poses an economic burden. Two early targets of knee OA treatment include the predominant symptom of pain, and cartilage damage in the knee joint. Current treatments have been beneficial in treating the disease but none is as effective as total knee arthroplasty （TKA）. However, while TKA is an end-stage solution of the disease, it is an invasive and expensive procedure, Therefore, innovative regenerative engineering strategies should be established as these could defer or annul the need for a TKA. Several biomaterial and cell-based therapies are currently in development and have shown early promise in both preclinical and clinical studies. The use of advanced biomaterials and stem cells independently or in conjunction to treat knee OA could potentially reduce pain and regenerate fo- cal articular cartilage damage. In this review, we discuss the pathogenesis of pain and cartilage damage in knee OA and explore novel treatment options currently being studied, along with some of their limitations.