Failure of Scattering Interference in the Pseudogap State of Cuprate Superconductors

We calculate scattering interference patterns for various electronic states proposed for the pseudogap regime of the cuprate superconductors. The scattering interference models all produce patterns whose wavelength changes as a function of energy, in contradiction to the energy-independent wavelength seen by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) experiments in the pseudogap state. This suggests that the patterns seen in STM local density of states measurements are not due to scattering interference, but are rather the result of some form of ordering.Comment: To be submitted to Phys. Rev.

Expression of an innate immune element (mouse hepcidin-1) in baculovirus expression system and the comparison of its function with synthetic human hepcidin-25

Hepcidin is an innate immune element which decreases the iron absorption from diet and iron releasing from macrophage cell. In contrast to the chemical iron chelators, there has been limited effort applied to the specific use of hepcidin as a new drug for decreasing the iron overload. Hepcidin is produced in different biological systems. For instance, E-coli is used for human hepcidin expression, however, post-translational modification is impaired. We have used a simple baculovirus expression system (BES) to improve the hepcidin folding and activity. Hepcidin Messenger Ribonucleic acid (mRNA) was isolated from mouse liver cells and its complementary Deoxyribonucleic acid (cDNA) was produced and amplified. PFastBac HTB vector was used for recombinant bacmid production. Recombinant baculovirus was produced using SF-9 cell line. The mouse hepcidin-1 protein was expressed in a large quantity and functional tests were performed for this recombinant peptide. The yield of hepcidin in BES was 20 μg/mL and anti-histidine (anti-His) tag antibody was used for the confirmation of hepcidin on western blot nitrocellulose paper. Functional tests showed that mouse hepcidin accumulates iron in the macrophage cell line J774A.1 up to 63%. In addition, our data showed that the mouse hepcidin-1 has less toxicity compared to the synthetic human hepcidin-25 (p = 0.000). © 2011 by School of Pharmacy

A novel diblock copolymer of (monomethoxy poly [ethylene glycol]-oleate) with a small hydrophobic fraction to make stable micelles/polymersomes for curcumin delivery to cancer cells

Curcumin is a potent natural anticancer agent, but its effectiveness is limited by properties such as very low solubility, high rate of degradation, and low rate of absorption of its hydrophobic molecules in vivo. To date, various nanocarriers have been used to improve the bioavailability of this hydrophobic biomaterial. This study investigates the encapsulation of curcumin in a novel nanostructure of monomethoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-oleate (mPEG-OA) and its anticancer effect. Tests were done to determine the critical micelle concentration (CMC), encapsulation efficiency, drug-loading efficiency, and cytotoxicity (against U87MG brain carcinoma cells and HFSF-PI3 cells as normal human fibroblasts) of some nanodevice preparations. The results of fluorescence microscopy and cell-cycle analyses indicated that the in vitro bioavailability of the encapsulated curcumin was significantly greater than that of free curcumin. Cytotoxicity evaluations showed that half maximal inhibitory concentrations of free curcumin and curcumin-loaded mPEG-OA for the U87MG cancer cell line were 48 μM and 24 μM, respectively. The Annexin-V-FLUOS assay was used to quantify the apoptotic effect of the prepared nanostructures. Apoptosis induction was observed in a dose-dependent manner after curcumin-loaded mPEG-OA treatments. Two common self-assembling structures, micelles and polymersomes, were observed by atomic force microscopy and dynamic light scat­tering, and the abundance of each structure was dependent on the concentration of the diblock copolymer. The mPEG-OA micelles had a very low CMC (13.24 μM or 0.03 g/L). Moreover, atomic force microscopy and dynamic light scattering showed that the curcumin-loaded mPEG-OA polymersomes had very stable structures, and at concentrations 1,000 times less than the CMC, at which the micelles disappear, polymersomes were the dominant structures in the dispersion with a reduced size distribution below 150 nm. Overall, the results from these tests revealed that this nanocarrier can be considered as an appropriate drug delivery system for delivering curcumin to cancer cells. © 2014 Erfani-Moghadam et al

Markov Chain Modelling-Based Approach to Reserve Electric Vehicles in Parking Lots for Distribution System Energy Management

Integration of renewable energy resources in distribution networks with intermittent behaviour increases the challenge of power balance in transmission systems. To mitigate the undesired impacts, transmission operator involves distribution operators to get local contribution from their flexible resources. In this paper, we address the flexibility offered by some electric car sharing agents which can serve some reserve capacity to distribution system. A Markov Chain modelling based approach is proposed to support system operator to properly estimate the number of electric vehicles required to be booked in advance as reserve. Underestimation would result in imperfect demand correction, and overestimation would imply extra costs. Using a realistic case under a near future scenario of high PV integration and EV accommodation, we demonstrate the contribution of our approach to this problem of planning or scheduling. Obtained results quantifies the performance of the proposed method in terms of average energy difference based on number of EVs. The results can be used as a basis to decide the appropriate number of EV reservations

TOPSIS-RTCID for range target-based criteria and interval data

[EN] The Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) is receiving considerable attention as an essential decision analysis technique and becoming a leading method. This paper describes a new version of TOPSIS with interval data and capability to deal with all types of criteria. An improved structure of the TOPSIS is presented to deal with high uncertainty in engineering and engineering decision-making. The proposed Range Target-based Criteria and Interval Data model of TOPSIS (TOPSIS-RTCID) achieves the core contribution in decision making theories through a distinct normalization formula for cost and benefits criteria in scale of point and range target-based values. It is important to notice a very interesting property of the proposed normalization formula being opposite to the usual one. This property can explain why the rank reversal problem is limited. The applicability of the proposed TOPSIS-RTCID method is examined with several empirical litreture’s examples with comparisons, sensitivity analysis, and simulation. The authors have developed a new tool with more efficient, reliable and robust outcomes compared to that from other available tools. The complexity of an engineering design decision problem can be resolved through the development of a well-structured decision making method with multiple attributes. Various decision approches developed for engineering design have neglected elements that should have been taken into account. Through this study, engineering design problems can be resolved with greater reliability and confidence.Jahan, A.; Yazdani, M.; Edwards, K. (2021). TOPSIS-RTCID for range target-based criteria and interval data. International Journal of Production Management and Engineering. 9(1):1-14. https://doi.org/10.4995/ijpme.2021.13323OJS11491Ahn, B.S. (2017). 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Comparative analysis of normalization procedures in TOPSIS method: with an application to Turkish deposit banking market. Informatica, 25, 185-208. https://doi.org/10.15388/Informatica.2014.10Celik, E., Erdogan, M., Gumus, A. (2016). An extended fuzzy TOPSIS-GRA method based on different separation measures for green logistics service provider selection. International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, 13, 1377-1392. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13762-016-0977-4Dymova, L., Sevastjanov, P., Tikhonenko, A. (2013). A direct interval extension of TOPSIS method. Expert Systems With Applications, 40, 4841-4847. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eswa.2013.02.022Garca-Cascales, M.S., Lamata, M.T. (2012). On rank reversal and TOPSIS method. Mathematical and Computer Modelling, 56, 123-132. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mcm.2011.12.022Hafezalkotob, A., Hafezalkotob, A. (2015). Comprehensive MULTIMOORA method with target-based attributes and integrated significant coefficients for materials selection in biomedical applications. Materials & Design, 87, 949-959. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matdes.2015.08.087Hafezalkotob, A., Hafezalkotob, A. (2016). Interval MULTIMOORA method with target values of attributes based on interval distance and preference degree: biomaterials selection. Journal of Industrial Engineering International, 13, 181-198. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40092-016-0176-4Hafezalkotob, A., Hafezalkotob, A. (2017). Interval target-based VIKOR method supported on interval distance and preference degree for machine selection. Engineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence, 57, 184-196. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engappai.2016.10.018Hafezalkotob, A., Hafezalkotob, A., Sayadi, M.K. (2016). Extension of MULTIMOORA method with interval numbers: An application in materials selection. Applied Mathematical Modelling, 40, 1372-1386. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apm.2015.07.019Hajiagha, S.H.R., Hashemi, S.S., Zavadskas, E.K., Akrami, H. (2012). Extensions of LINMAP model for multi criteria decision making with grey numbers. Technological and Economic Development of Economy, 18, 636-650. https://doi.org/10.3846/20294913.2012.740518Hazelrigg, G.A. (2003). Validation of engineering design alternative selection methods. Engineering Optimization, 35, 103-120. https://doi.org/10.1080/0305215031000097059Hu, J., Du, Y., Mo, H., Wei, D., Deng, Y. (2016). A modified weighted TOPSIS to identify influential nodes in complex networks. Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, 444, 73-85. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physa.2015.09.028Huang, Y., Jiang, W. (2018). Extension of TOPSIS Method and its Application in Investment. Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering, 43, 693-705. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13369-017-2736-3Jahan, A. (2018). Developing WASPAS-RTB method for range target-based criteria: toward selection for robust design. Technological and Economic Development of Economy, 24, 1362-1387. https://doi.org/10.3846/20294913.2017.1295288Jahan, A., Bahraminasab, M., Edwards, K.L. (2012). A target-based normalization technique for materials selection. Materials & Design, 35, 647-654. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matdes.2011.09.005Jahan, A., Edwards, K.L. (2013). VIKOR method for material selection problems with interval numbers and target-based criteria. Materials & Design, 47, 759-765. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matdes.2012.12.072Jahan, A., Edwards, K.L. (2015). A state-of-the-art survey on the influence of normalization techniques in ranking: Improving the materials selection process in engineering design. Materials & Design, 65, 335-342. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matdes.2014.09.022Jahan, A., Edwards, K.L., Bahraminasab, M. (2016). Multi-criteria decision analysis for supporting the selection of engineering materials in product design, Oxford, Butterworth-Heinemann.Jahan, A., Mustapha, F., Ismail, M.Y., Sapuan, S.M., Bahraminasab, M. (2011). A comprehensive VIKOR method for material selection. Materials & Design, 32, 1215-1221. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matdes.2010.10.015Jahan, A., Zavadskas, E.K. (2018). ELECTRE-IDAT for design decision-making problems with interval data and target-based criteria. Soft Computing, 23, 129-143. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00500-018-3501-6Jahanshahloo, G.R., Hosseinzadeh Lotfi, F., Davoodi, A.R. (2009). Extension of TOPSIS for decision-making problems with interval data: Interval efficiency. Mathematical and Computer Modelling, 49, 1137-1142. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mcm.2008.07.009Jahanshahloo, G.R., Lotfi, F.H., Izadikhah, M. (2006). An algorithmic method to extend TOPSIS for decision-making problems with interval data. Applied Mathematics and Computation, 175, 1375-1384. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amc.2005.08.048Kasirian, M., Yusuff, R. (2013). An integration of a hybrid modified TOPSIS with a PGP model for the supplier selection with interdependent criteria. International Journal of Production Research, 51, 1037-1054. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207543.2012.663107Kuo, T. (2017). A modified TOPSIS with a different ranking index. European Journal of Operational Research, 260, 152-160. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejor.2016.11.052Liang, D., Xu, Z. (2017). The new extension of TOPSIS method for multiple criteria decision making with hesitant Pythagorean fuzzy sets. Applied Soft Computing, 60, 167-179. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asoc.2017.06.034Liao, H., Wu, X. (2019). DNMA: A double normalization-based multiple aggregation method for multi-expert multi-criteria decision making. Omega, 94. 102058. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.omega.2019.04.001Liu, H.C., You, J.X., Zhen, L., Fan, X.J. (2014). 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Numerical methods for interval and fuzzy number comparison based on the probabilistic approach and Dempster- Shafer theory. Information Sciences, 177, 4645-4661. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ins.2007.05.001Shanian, A., Savadogo, O. (2009). A methodological concept for material selection of highly sensitive components based on multiple criteria decision analysis. Expert Systems With Applications, 36, 1362-1370. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eswa.2007.11.052Shen, F., Ma, X., Li, Z., Xu, Z., Cai, D. (2018). An extended intuitionistic fuzzy TOPSIS method based on a new distance measure with an application to credit risk evaluation. Information Sciences, 428, 105-119. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ins.2017.10.045Shishank, S., Dekkers, R. (2013). Outsourcing: decision-making methods and criteria during design and engineering. Production Planning & Control, 24, 318-336. https://doi.org/10.1080/09537287.2011.648544Shouzhen, Z., Yao, X. (2018). 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Application of Screening Analyses for the Stability of Landslide in Seymareh Dam Project

Seymareh dam and hydropower plant project is located in western province of Ilam, in Iran. This concrete arch dam with 178m height and 196 m crest length is to be placed on Seymareh River, the axis of which is located on the north wing of an anticline including Asmari limestone layers. The dramatic variation of dip angle of bedding in this part of anticline has created many fractures that result in slides. In October 1st 2003, when excavation in the left bank was being operated to construct an access road to the valley, a large landslide triggered on the top of power tunnel intake. The landslide complete in November 10th 2003 few hours after an intensive rainfall by leaving some 300000 m3 mass of debris. The sliding was a planar failure on a thin marly limestone of 26° dip and 40 cm thick. Due to the future location of water intake structure at the entrance part of power tunnel, it was quite vital to save this structure from any further movements of the debris left by the landslide. Further investigations showed that this is possible to keep debris in place by flattening the material in forms of stable slopes and berms. In order to decrease the remedial costs, the new recommended method of screening analyses for seismic stability proposed by SP117 Guideline in southern California Earthquake Center (2002) was adopted. Finally using this method, a slope design with almost minimum costs was achieved. This paper contains a description to geotechnical conditions, the history of landslide, and remedy works to protect water intake structure

In-depth description of Electrohydrodynamic conduction pumping of dielectric liquids: physical model and regime analysis

In this work, we discuss the fundamental aspects of Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) conduction pumping of dielectric liquids. We build a mathematical model of conduction pumping that can be applied to all sizes, down to microsized pumps. In order to do this, we discuss the relevance of the Electrical Double Layer (EDL) that appears naturally on nonmetallic substrates. In the process, we identify a new dimensionless parameter related to the value of the zeta potential of the substrate-liquid pair, which quantifies the influence of these EDLs on the performance of the pump. This parameter also describes the transition from EHD conduction pumping to electro-osmosis. We also discuss in detail the two limiting working regimes in EHD conduction pumping: ohmic and saturation. We introduce a new dimensionless parameter, accounting for the electric field enhanced dissociation that, along with the conduction number, allows us to identify in which regime the pump operates.Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades PGC2018-099217-B-I0

The effect of dietary dextrin levels on growth performance, body composition and hepatosomatic index in juvenile Siberian sturgeon, Acipenser baerii

The present study was carried out to determine the ability of Acipenser baerii in utilizing carbohydrate (dextrin) as a non protein energy source substituted with animal oil. A total of 65 juveniles A. baerii with an initial mean weight of 689 ± 62 g were distributed in 15 fiber glass tanks. Five diets were formulated including 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20% of dextrin and fed for 8 weeks. Fish were weighed monthly and growth was evaluated in each treatment. At the end of experiment, body composition and hepatosomatic index were analyzed. There was no significant differences in body weight increase (BWI) and final weight (FW) among different groups (p>0.05). Increase of dextrin levels in diets led to an increase in feed conversation ratio (FCR) in fish fed diets containing 15 and 20% dextrin as compared to that in the control group and in fish fed the diet containing 10% dextrin although the differences were not significant (p>0.05). The specific growth rate (SGR) in all treatments were the same (p>0.05). The highest body protein and lipid were observed in fish fed diets containing 10 and 20% dextrin, respectively (p0.05). In conclusion, juvenile A. baerii can be fed diets with high levels of dietary dextrin as a non protein energy source with no deleterious effects and a partial replacement of cheap carbohydrate with lipid is suggested to obtain the necessary energy in commercial diets

Coenzyme Q10 in the treatment of heart failure: A systematic review of systematic reviews

Introduction: This article is an attempt to provide an overview of systematic reviews to determine the efficacy of CQ10 supplementation in the treatment of patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Method and material: All reviews were identified through a systematic search of the following databases: Cochrane, DARE, Ovid, EMBASE, ISI Web of Knowledge, and PubMed. Check references studies and the quality of the studies was assessed by means of AMSTTAR. No meta-analyses were performed due to the heterogeneity of studies. Result: Extracted data for Seven systematic reviews for primary outcomes, net changes in cardiac output, cardiac index, New York Heart Association functional classification, improved survival, based on existing evidence, there is a case for use of CoQ10 as an adjunctive therapy in congestive heart failure, especially in those patients unable to tolerate mainstream medical therapies. Conclusion: Evidence suggests that the CoQ10 supplement may be a useful tool for managing patients with heart failure. © 201