bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Double Knockout of Peroxiredoxin 4 (Prdx4) and Superoxide Dismutase 1 (Sod1) in Mice Results in Severe Liver Failure
Authors: Homma Takujiro , Kurahashi Toshihiro , Lee Jaeyong , Nabeshima Atsunori , Yamada Sohsuke , Fujii Junichi
Published: June 2018

Mice that are deficient in superoxide dismutase 1 (Sod1), an antioxidative enzyme, are susceptible to developing liver steatosis. Peroxiredoxin 4 (Prdx4) catalyzes disulfide bond formation in proteins via the action of hydrogen peroxide and hence decreases oxidative stress and supports oxidative protein folding for the secretion of lipoproteins. Because elevated reactive oxygen species induce endoplasmic reticulum stress, this negative chain reaction is likely involved in the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases and more advanced steatohepatitis (NASH). In the current study, we generated Prdx4 and Sod1 double knockout (DKO; Prdx4−/ySod1−/−) mice and examined whether the combined deletion of Prdx4 and Sod1 aggravated liver pathology compared to single knockout and wild‐type mice. The secretion of triglyceride‐rich lipoprotein was strikingly impaired in the DKO mice, leading to aggravated liver steatosis. Simultaneously, the activation of caspase‐3 in the liver was observed. The hyperoxidation of Prdxs, a hallmark of oxidative stress, occurred in different isoforms that are uniquely associated with Sod1−/− and Prdx4−/y mice, and the effect was additive in DKO mouse livers. Because DKO mice spontaneously develop severe liver failure at a relatively young stage, they have the potential for use as a model for hepatic disorders and for testing other potential treatments.
Molecular Cloning and Characterization of a Novelα-Amylase from Antarctic Sea Ice BacteriumPseudoalteromonassp. M175 and Its Primary Application in Detergent
Authors: Wang Xiaofei , Kan Guangfeng , Ren Xiulian , Yu Geng , Shi Cuijuan , Xie Qiuju , Wen Hua , Betenbaugh Michael
Published: June 2018

A novel cold-adapted and salt-tolerantα-amylase gene (amy175) from Antarctic sea ice bacteriumPseudoalteromonassp. M175 was successfully cloned and expressed. The open reading frame (ORF) ofamy175 had 1722 bp encoding a protein of 573 amino acids residues. Multiple alignments indicated Amy175 had seven highly conserved sequences and the putative catalytic triad (Asp244, Glu286, and Asp372). It was the first identified member of GH13_36 subfamily which contained QPDLN in the CSR V. The recombinant enzyme (Amy175) was purified to homogeneity with a molecular mass of about 62 kDa on SDS-PAGE. It had a mixed enzyme specificity ofα-amylase andα-glucosidase. Amy175 displayed highest activity at pH 8.0 and 25°C and exhibited extreme salt-resistance with the maximum activity at 1 M NaCl. Amy175 was strongly stimulated by Mg2+, Ni2+, K+, 1 mM Ca2+, 1 mM Ba2+, 1 mM Pb2+, 1 mM sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS), and 10% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) but was significantly inhibited by Cu2+, Mn2+, Hg2+, 10 mMβ-mercaptoethanol (β-ME), and 10% Tween 80. Amy175 demonstrated excellent resistance towards all the tested commercial detergents, and wash performance analysis displayed that the addition of Amy175 improved the stain removal efficiency. This study demonstrated that Amy175 would be proposed as a novelα-amylase source for industrial application in the future.
Metallic Nanoantioxidants as Potential Therapeutics for Type 2 Diabetes: A Hypothetical Background and Translational Perspectives
Authors: Lushchak Oleh , Zayachkivska Alina , Vaiserman Alexander
Published: June 2018

Hyperglycemia‐induced overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is an important contributor to type 2 diabetes (T2D) pathogenesis. The conventional antioxidant therapy, however, proved to be ineffective for its treatment. This may likely be due to limited absorption profiles and low bioavailability of orally administered antioxidants. Therefore, novel antioxidant agents that may be delivered to specific target organs are actively developed now. Metallic nanoparticles (NPs), nanosized materials with a dimension of 1–100 nm, appear very promising for the treatment of T2D due to their tuned physicochemical properties and ability to modulate the level of oxidative stress. An excessive generation of ROS is considered to be the most common negative outcome related to the application of NPs. Several nanomaterials, however, were shown to exhibit enzyme‐like antioxidant properties in animal models. Such NPs are commonly referred to as “nanoantioxidants.” Since NPs can provide specifically targeted or localized therapy, their use is a promising therapeutic option in addition to conventional therapy for T2D. NP‐based therapies should certainly be used with caution given their potential toxicity and risk of adverse health outcomes. However, despite these challenges, NP‐based therapeutic approaches have a great clinical potential and further translational studies are needed to confirm their safety and efficacy.
Optimal Design of Transportation Networks with Automated Vehicle Links and Congestion Pricing
Authors: Ye Yipeng , Wang Hua
Published: June 2018

We propose a bi-level network design model comprising automated vehicle (AV) links and congestion pricing to improve traffic congestion. As upper-level road planners strive to minimize total travel-time costs by optimizing both the network design and the congestion pricing, lower-level travelers make choices about their routes to minimize their individual travel costs. Our proposed model integrates a network design and congestion pricing to improve traffic congestion and we use a relaxation-based method to solve the model. We conducted a series of numerical tests to analyze the proposed model and solution method. Our results indicate that network design is more effective than congestion pricing when the AV market penetration is high and the opposite is true when AV penetration is low. More importantly, we find that a network design of automated vehicle links with congestion pricing is superior to a single network design or congestion pricing, especially when both AVs and conventional vehicles have a relatively large market penetration.
Robust Stability in Discrete Control Systems via Linear Controllers with Single and Delayed Time
Authors: Hernández-Galván B. L. , López-Rentería J. A. , Aguirre-Hernández B. , Fernández-Anaya G.
Published: June 2018

In this work, a discrete feedback of single and a delayed time is introduced in a LTI control discrete system, yielding a monoparametric family of LTI systems. A polynomial approach technique to compute the maximal robust stability interval of the monoparametric system with single and delayed time controller is developed by using the zero exclusion principle and the boundary crossing theorem. Illustrative examples are given to show the technique.
The Imbalance between Foxp3+Tregs and Th1/Th17/Th22 Cells in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Autoimmune Hepatitis
Authors: Liang Ma , Liwen Zhang , Yun Zhuang , Yanbo Ding , Jianping Chen
Published: June 2018

This study is aimed at examining the potential role of regulatory T- (Treg-) Th1-Th17-Th22 cells in the pathogenic process of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). The numbers of Foxp3+Tregs and Th1, Th17, and Th22 cells were measured in 32 AIH patients using flow cytometry. Moreover, a murine model of experimental autoimmune hepatitis (EAH) was also established and used to investigate the function of Treg-Th1-Th17-Th22 cells in disease progression. AIH patients undergoing an active state had significantly decreased numbers of CD3+CD4+CD25+Foxp3+Tregs and increased numbers of CD3+CD4+CD25−Foxp3+T, CD3+CD4+IFN-γ+Th1, CD3+CD4+IL-17+Th17, and CD3+CD4+IL-2+Th22 cells as well as higher levels of Th1/Th17/Th22-type cytokines compared to AIH patients in remission and HC. Additionally, the numbers of CD3+CD4+CD25+Foxp3+Tregs were negatively correlated with the numbers of Th1-Th17-Th22 cells. Also, the serum levels of IL-17A and IL-22 were correlated positively with liver injury (ALT/AST), whereas the serum levels of IL-10 were correlated negatively with hypergammaglobulinaemia (IgG, IgM) in AIH patients. Interestingly, the percentages of spleen Tregs, expression of Foxp3 mRNA, and liver IL-10 levels decreased, whereas the percentages of spleen Th1-Th17-Th22 cells, expression of T-bet/AHR/RORγt mRNA, and liver IFN-γ, IL-17, and IL-22 levels increased in the murine model of EAH. Our findings demonstrated that an imbalance between Tregs and Th1-Th17-Th22 cells might contribute to the pathogenic process of AIH.
Experimental Study on Thermal Damage and Energy Evolution of Sandstone after High Temperature Treatment
Authors: Zhang Rong-rong , Jing Lai-wang , Ma Qin-yong
Published: June 2018

Thermal damage and energy evolution characteristics in process of impact failure of sandstone after high temperature treatment were studied by split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) system. The ultrasonic P‐wave velocity, density, porosity, peak stress, ET/E0, thermal damage, fracture, and energy evolution characteristics of sandstone with temperature during the experimental process were explored. Results show that, with the increase of temperature, the ultrasonic P‐wave velocity and density decrease, while the porosity increases. It is found that the peak stress and ET/E0 decrease with the increase of temperature, and the decreasing trend is fitted with the simple cubic equation. Above 600°C, dynamic peak stress and ET/E0 decrease rapidly. The thermal damage of rock increases with the increase of temperature, which is in accordance with the logistic curve model. The thresholds of damage strain energy release rate are 200°C and 800°C in this research. Its total input strain energy decreases with the increase of processing temperature and decreases sharply when the temperature is over 600°C. The variation of total input strain energy has small change at the range from 400°C to 600°C.
Socioecology of the Canine Population in the Province of El Jadida, Morocco
Authors: Bouaddi K. , Bitar A. , Ferssiwi A. , Bouslikhane M. , Fitani A. , Mshelbwala P. P. , Audu S. W.
Published: June 2018

Understanding the socioecology of domestic dog populations is essential for effective disease control, especially canine rabies. In Morocco, since 1986, the control efforts and plans put in place by the government have failed to eradicate this disease; this is because the management of the canine population was not taken into account during the establishment of these plans. It is against the background that this study was designed to estimate the dog population and determine its socioecological characteristics, as well as investigate the attitude of the inhabitants towards the dogs. A stratified random sampling was conducted using a structured questionnaire from May to December 2016. A total of 1931 households were interviewed, comprising 27.4% in urban areas and 72.6% in rural areas. A total of 3719 dogs were counted alongside a human population of 11302 for a dog : human ratio of 1 : 2.42 in rural areas and 1 : 46.58 in urban areas. The majority of dogs (92%) in rural areas were not vaccinated against rabies. In urban areas, about 88.5% were vaccinated against rabies. In addition, 78.5% of dogs in rural areas were free roaming, with more than 53% of births being abandoned by their owners, resulting in a large stray and feral dog population and increasing the potential for continued transmission of rabies virus. There was strong association between breed and rabies vaccination (p<0.05) and confinement with body condition score.
Dynamic Route Network Planning Problem for Emergency Evacuation in Restricted-Space Scenarios
Authors: Hong Yi , Li Deying , Wu Qiang , Xu Hua
Published: June 2018

We investigate a dynamic route planning problem in restricted-space evacuation, namely, the Multiobjective Dynamic Route Network Planning (MODRNP) problem. It models the multisource to multidestination evacuation in restricted-space scenarios, with the objectives of minimizing the whole evacuation delay and maximizing the evacuation efficiency. We study the problem in 3D scenarios, which can provide intuition vision for the geographic space and contribute to the evacuation plan and implementation. Based on the auxiliary graph transformation, we propose a heuristic algorithm referred to the classical problem, Minimum Weighted Set Cover. We finally conduct extensive experiments to evaluate the performance of the proposed algorithm and give an application instance on a typical kind of restricted-space scenarios. The results indicate that the proposed algorithm outperforms the existing alternatives in terms of the utilization as well as timeliness.
Reference Value Selection in a Perturbation Theory Applied to Nonuniform Beams
Authors: Martin Blake , Salehian Armaghan
Published: June 2018

The Lindstedt‐Poincaré method is applied to a nonuniform Euler‐Bernoulli beam model for the free transverse vibrations of the system. The nonuniformities in the system include spatially varying and piecewise continuous bending stiffness and mass per unit length. The expression for the natural frequencies is obtained up to second‐order and the expression for the mode shapes is obtained up to first‐order. The explicit dependence of the natural frequencies and mode shapes on reference values for the bending stiffness and the mass per unit length of the system is determined. Multiple methods for choosing these reference values are presented and are compared using numerical examples.
A Three-Term Conjugate Gradient Algorithm with Quadratic Convergence for Unconstrained Optimization Problems
Authors: Wu Gaoyi , Li Yong , Yuan Gonglin
Published: June 2018

This paper further studies the WYL conjugate gradient (CG) formula with βkWYL≥0 and presents a three-term WYL CG algorithm, which has the sufficiently descent property without any conditions. The global convergence and the linear convergence are proved; moreover the n-step quadratic convergence with a restart strategy is established if the initial step length is appropriately chosen. Numerical experiments for large-scale problems including the normal unconstrained optimization problems and the engineer problems (Benchmark Problems) show that the new algorithm is competitive with the other similar CG algorithms.
Exploration of Muscle Fatigue Effects in Bioinspired Robot Learning from sEMG Signals
Authors: Wang Ning , Xu Yang , Ma Hongbin , Liu Xiaofeng
Published: June 2018

To investigate the effects of muscle fatigue on bioinspired robot learning quality in teaching by demonstration (TbD) tasks, in this work, we propose to first identify the emerging muscle fatigue phenomenon of the human demonstrator by analyzing his/her surface Electromyography (sEMG) recordings and then guide the robot learning curve with this knowledge in mind. The time‐varying amplitude and frequency sequences determining the subband sEMG signals have been estimated and their dominant values over short time intervals have been explored as fatigue‐indicating features. These features are found carrying muscle fatigue cues of the human demonstrator in the course of robot manipulation. In robot learning tasks requiring multiple demonstrations, the fatiguing status of human demonstrator can be acquired by tracking the changes of the proposed features over time. In order to model data from multiple demonstrations, Gaussian mixture models (GMMs) have been employed. According to the identified muscle fatigue factor, a weight has been assigned to each of the demonstration trials in training stage, which is therefore termed as weighted GMMs (W‐GMMs) algorithm. Six groups of data with various fatiguing status, as well as their corresponding weights, are taken as input data to get the adapted W‐GMMs parameters. After that, Gaussian mixture regression (GMR) algorithm has been applied to regenerate the movement trajectory for the robot. TbD experiments on Baxter robot with 30 human demonstration trials show that the robot can successfully accomplish the taught task with a generated trajectory much closer to that of the desirable condition where little fatigue exists.
Systems Pharmacological Approach to Investigate the Mechanism of Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma for Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Song Zhenyan , Yin Fang , Xiang Biao , Lan Bin , Cheng Shaowu
Published: June 2018

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma (ATR) is widely used to treat memory and cognition dysfunction. This study aimed to confirm evidence regarding the potential therapeutic effect of ATR on Alzheimer’s disease (AD) using a system network level based in silico approach. Study results showed that the compounds in ATR are highly connected to AD‐related signaling pathways, biological processes, and organs. These findings were confirmed by compound‐target network, target‐organ location network, gene ontology analysis, and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis. Most compounds in ATR have been reported to have antifibrillar amyloid plaques, anti‐tau phosphorylation, and anti‐inflammatory effects. Our results indicated that compounds in ATR interact with multiple targets in a synergetic way. Furthermore, the mRNA expressions of genes targeted by ATR are elevated significantly in heart, brain, and liver. Our results suggest that the anti‐inflammatory and immune system enhancing effects of ATR might contribute to its major therapeutic effects on Alzheimer’s disease.
Mechanical Behavior of Asphalt Mastics Produced Using Waste Stone Sawdust
Authors: Al-Khateeb Ghazi G. , Khedaywi Taisir S. , Irfaeya Motaz F.
Published: June 2018

This study intended to evaluate the use of waste stone sawdust filler with asphalt binders and compare the mechanical properties of the waste filler‐asphalt mastic with those of the asphalt mastic produced using the typical limestone filler. The mastics were prepared at four filler‐to‐asphalt ratios by volume of asphalt binder: 0.05, 0.10, 0.20, and 0.30. A dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) strain‐controlled frequency sweep test was used to evaluate the properties of the control asphalt binder and the mastics. The test used a constant strain of 10% and loading frequencies of 10, 5.6, 3.1, 1.78, 1.0, 0.56, 0.31, 0.178, and 0.1 Hz and was conducted at wide range of temperatures: 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, and 70°C. The test measured the complex shear modulus (G∗) value and the phase angle for the binder and the mastics. The findings of this study showed that the stone sawdust filler demonstrated higher resistance to fatigue and rutting behavior than the limestone filler. However, the elastic behavior of the two asphalt mastics was nearly similar and increased with the increase in volume ratio. It was also found that the best‐fit model described the relationship between the volume ratio and each of |G∗|/sin  δ and |G∗|cos δ, and the mastic‐to‐binder modulus ratio was the exponential model with high coefficient of determination (r2). The differences in the G∗ value between the limestone filler and the stone sawdust filler were relatively insignificant particularly at low loading frequencies and high temperatures. Finally, the mastic‐to‐binder modulus ratio decreased with the increase in loading frequency.
A Practical Method for Timetable Rescheduling in Subway Networks during the End-of-Service Period
Authors: Xu Wenkai , Zhao Peng , Ning Liqiao
Published: June 2018

This study proposes a biobjective optimization method for timetable rescheduling during the end-of-service period of a subway network, taking all stakeholders’ interests into consideration. We seek to minimize the total transfer waiting time for all transfer passengers, meanwhile minimizing the deviation to the scheduled timetable. The ε-constraint method and linearization techniques are utilized to obtain the approximate Pareto optimal solutions within limited seconds, allowing for figuring out the trade-off between the two objectives. The method is validated by numerical experiments for different delay scenarios based on a real-world case: the Beijing subway network.
Potential Phototoxicity of Indocyanine Green in Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells after Angiography under Ambient Illumination
Authors: Sato Tomohito , Karasawa Yoko , Ishikawa Sho , Taguchi Manzo , Muraoka Tadashi , Ito Masataka , Takeuchi Masaru
Published: June 2018

Indocyanine green (ICG) angiography is an indispensable inspection to diagnose and treat for chorioretinal diseases. In this study, we investigated the phototoxicity of ICG on RPE cells at the levels of residual ICG after angiography under ambient light. After incubation of ARPE‐19 cells in a colorless medium containing 0 to 10 μg/mL ICG for 24 hours in the dark or under 2000 lx illumination from a fluorescent lamp, cell viability decreased and cell death rate increased in cultures with more than 5.0 μg/mL ICG under illumination. In culture with 10 μg/mL ICG under illumination, morphology of cells changed to be oval and TUNEL‐ and malondialdehyde‐positive cells increased compared to other cultures with ICG in the dark or without ICG under illumination. Furthermore, the level of intracellular reactive oxygen species was also elevated. On the other hand, toxicity of ICG denatured by illumination was not observed. Blocking green to red light overlapping wavelengths of ICG absorbance exhibited decreased cell death rate. The present study indicated that ICG at the estimated intravenous concentrations after ICG angiography induces potential phototoxicity on human RPE cells via oxidative damage under continuous ambient illumination and that the cytotoxicity is reduced by blocking green to red light wavelengths.
Experimental Study on Acoustic Emission of Weakly Cemented Sandstone considering Bedding Angle
Authors: Wang Hong , Yang Tianhong , Zuo Yujun
Published: June 2018

Uniaxial compression experiments and acoustic emission (AE) tests were conducted on weakly consolidated sandstone samples with bedding angle of 0°, 45°, and 90° collected from Xiaojihan coal mine in Shaanxi Province, China; the acoustic emission (AE) characteristics of bedding sandstone were investigated, including the influencing mechanism of bedding angle on characteristics, spatial distribution, and b value changes of AE activity. According to the research, AE ringing counting rate and energy rate are the highest and energy release is intense during the loading process when the bedding angle is 0°, and these values decrease and the energy release is gentle with rising of the angle. Based on spatial distribution, the number of AE events was the largest and cluster phenomenon occurs between the bedding plane when the bedding inclination was 0°, which decreased and sprouted along the plane of bedding plane at 45° and which was smaller and evenly distributed in the space at 90°. With the increase of bedding angle, the proportion of large‐scale microcracks decreases and the variation range of microcracks narrows down. Therefore, under the same uniaxial compression conditions, the b value increases by the increase of bedding angle. The research results offer reliable reference to carry out monitoring work on acoustic emission and microseism of mine with layer rock (rock mass).
Rutin as a Potent Antioxidant: Implications for Neurodegenerative Disorders
Authors: Enogieru Adaze Bijou , Haylett William , Hiss Donavon Charles , Bardien Soraya , Ekpo Okobi Eko
Published: June 2018

A wide range of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and prion diseases, share common mechanisms such as neuronal loss, apoptosis, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Intervention strategies using plant‐derived bioactive compounds have been offered as a form of treatment for these debilitating conditions, as there are currently no remedies to prevent, reverse, or halt the progression of neuronal loss. Rutin, a glycoside of the flavonoid quercetin, is found in many plants and fruits, especially buckwheat, apricots, cherries, grapes, grapefruit, plums, and oranges. Pharmacological studies have reported the beneficial effects of rutin in many disease conditions, and its therapeutic potential in several models of NDs has created considerable excitement. Here, we have summarized the current knowledge on the neuroprotective mechanisms of rutin in various experimental models of NDs. The mechanisms of action reviewed in this article include reduction of proinflammatory cytokines, improved antioxidant enzyme activities, activation of the mitogen‐activated protein kinase cascade, downregulation of mRNA expression of PD‐linked and proapoptotic genes, upregulation of the ion transport and antiapoptotic genes, and restoration of the activities of mitochondrial complex enzymes. Taken together, these findings suggest that rutin may be a promising neuroprotective compound for the treatment of NDs.
Hydrogen Sulfide Biochemistry and Interplay with Other Gaseous Mediators in Mammalian Physiology
Authors: Giuffrè Alessandro , Vicente João B.
Published: June 2018

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has emerged as a relevant signaling molecule in physiology, taking its seat as a bona fide gasotransmitter akin to nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO). After being merely regarded as a toxic poisonous molecule, it is now recognized that mammalian cells are equipped with sophisticated enzymatic systems for H2S production and breakdown. The signaling role of H2S is mainly related to its ability to modify different protein targets, particularly by promoting persulfidation of protein cysteine residues and by interacting with metal centers, mostly hemes. H2S has been shown to regulate a myriad of cellular processes with multiple physiological consequences. As such, dysfunctional H2S metabolism is increasingly implicated in different pathologies, from cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases to cancer. As a highly diffusible reactive species, the intra‐ and extracellular levels of H2S have to be kept under tight control and, accordingly, regulation of H2S metabolism occurs at different levels. Interestingly, even though H2S, NO, and CO have similar modes of action and parallel regulatory targets or precisely because of that, there is increasing evidence of a crosstalk between the three gasotransmitters. Herein are reviewed the biochemistry, metabolism, and signaling function of hydrogen sulfide, as well as its interplay with the other gasotransmitters, NO and CO.
Effect of Tai Chi Synergy T1 Exercise on Autonomic Function, Metabolism, and Physical Fitness of Healthy Individuals
Authors: Tai Hsu-Chih , Chou Yi-Sheng , Tzeng I-Shiang , Wei Cheng-Yu , Su Chun-Hsien , Liu Wen-Chen , Kung Woon-Man
Published: June 2018

Objectives. Tai Chi synergy T1 exercise is an aerobic exercise derived mainly from Tai Chi exercise. It is also derived from the Eight Trigrams Palms, form and will boxing, mantis boxing, Qigong, and Yoga, with a total of 16 sessions in 63 minutes. In this study, we investigated its effects on autonomic modulation, metabolism, immunity, and physical function in healthy practitioners. Method. We recruited a total of 26 volunteers and 23 control participants. Heart rate variability (HRV), blood pressure, and body mass index (BMI) were recorded before and after practicing Tai Chi synergy T1 exercise and regular walking for 10 weeks, respectively. Serum glucose, cholesterol, and peripheral blood including B and T cell counts were also measured. They underwent one‐minute bent‐knee sit‐ups, sit and reach test, and three‐minute gradual step test. Results. Tai Chi synergy T1 exercise enhanced parasympathetic modulation and attenuated sympathetic nerve control with increased very low frequency (VLF) and high frequency (HF) but decreased low frequency (LF) compared to the control group. Metabolic profiles including serum glucose, cholesterol, and BMI significantly improved after exercise. The exercise enhanced innate and adaptive immunity by increasing the counts of CD3+ T cells, CD19+ B cells, and CD16+CD56+ NK cells but decreasing the CD3+ cytotoxic T cell count. All monitored parameters including physical fitness and physical strength improved after the exercise. Conclusion. Tai Chi synergy T1 exercise improves autonomic modulation, body metabolism, physical fitness, and physical strength after 10 weeks of practice.
Investigation of Cortical Signal Propagation and the Resulting Spatiotemporal Patterns in Memristor‐Based Neuronal Network
Authors: Ding Ke , Rostami Zahra , Jafari Sajad , Hatef Boshra
Published: June 2018

Complexity is the undeniable part of the natural systems providing them with unique and wonderful capabilities. Memristor is known to be a fundamental block to generate complex behaviors. It also is reported to be able to emulate synaptic long‐term plasticity as well as short‐term plasticity. Synaptic plasticity is one of the important foundations of learning and memory as the high‐order functional properties of the brain. In this study, it is shown that memristive neuronal network can represent plasticity phenomena observed in biological cortical synapses. A network of neuronal units as a two‐dimensional excitable tissue is designed with 3‐neuron Hopfield neuronal model for the local dynamics of each unit. The results show that the lattice supports spatiotemporal pattern formation without supervision. It is found that memristor‐type coupling is more noticeable against resistor‐type coupling, while determining the excitable tissue switch over different complex behaviors. The stability of the resulting spatiotemporal patterns against noise is studied as well. Finally, the bifurcation analysis is carried out for variation of memristor effect. Our study reveals that the spatiotemporal electrical activity of the tissue concurs with the bifurcation analysis. It is shown that the memristor coupling intensities, by which the system undergoes periodic behavior, prevent the tissue from holding wave propagation. Besides, the chaotic behavior in bifurcation diagram corresponds to turbulent spatiotemporal behavior of the tissue. Moreover, we found that the excitable media are very sensitive to noise impact when the neurons are set close to their bifurcation point, so that the respective spatiotemporal pattern is not stable.
Do Different LED Colours Influence Sand Fly Collection by Light Trap in the Mediterranean?
Authors: Gaglio Gabriella , Napoli Ettore , Arfuso Francesca , Abbate Jessica Maria , Giannetto Salvatore , Brianti Emanuele
Published: June 2018

Light traps represent the most used attractive system to collect and monitor phlebotomine sand flies. Recent studies have suggested that light traps can be easily upgraded by the use of light-emitting diode (LED) with positive effects on trap design, weight, and battery life. However, scant data on the effect of different LED colours on the attractiveness to phlebotomine sand fly species are available in literature. In this study, the capture performances of light traps equipped with different LED colours on phlebotomine sand fly species indigenous in the Mediterranean area were evaluated. Phlebotomine sand fly collections were performed using a classical light trap (CLT), equipped with a traditional incandescent lamp, and five Laika 4.0 light traps supplied, each with LED of different colours and wavelengths: (i) white; (ii) red; (iii) green; (iv) blue; (v) UV. Light traps were set for three consecutive nights fortnightly from May to October 2017 and climate data recorded using a meteorological station. A total of 411 phlebotomine sand flies (191 males and 220 females), belonging to three different species, namely, Phlebotomus perniciosus (n= 298, 141 males and 157 females), Sergentomyia minuta (n=110, 48 males and 62 females), and Phlebotomus neglectus (n=3, 2 males and 1 females) were collected. Abundance of capture was influenced by colours of LED and time. The highest number of phlebotomine sand flies was captured on June (P<0.01) and by UV LED (P<0.01). As regard to species, P. perniciosus was mainly captured by UV LED on June (P<0.01). No effect of time (P>0.05) or LED colour (P>0.05) was recorded for S. minuta and P. neglectus. According to the results of the present study light trap equipped with UV LED can represent an effective tool for the capture of sand fly species in the Mediterranean area.
Developing a Video Buffer Framework for Video Streaming in Cellular Networks
Authors: Jabbar Saba Qasim , Kadhim Dheyaa Jasim , Li Yu
Published: June 2018

This work proposes a new video buffer framework (VBF) to acquire a favorable quality of experience (QoE) for video streaming in cellular networks. The proposed framework consists of three main parts: client selection algorithm, categorization method, and distribution mechanism. The client selection algorithm was named independent client selection algorithm (ICSA), which is proposed to select the best clients who have less interfering effects on video quality and recognize the clients’ urgency based on buffer occupancy level. In the categorization method, each frame in the video buffer is given a specific number for better estimation of the playout outage probability, so it can efficiently handle so many frames from different videos at different bitrates. Meanwhile, at the proposed distribution mechanism, a predetermined threshold value is selected for lower and upper levels of playout outage probability. Then, the control unit at the base station will distribute the radio resources and decide the minimum rate requirement based on clients’ urgency categories. Simulation results showed that the VBF grantees fairness of resources distribution among different clients within the same cellular network while minimizing the interruption duration and controlling the video buffer at an acceptable level. Also, the results showed that the system throughput of the proposed framework outperforms other existing algorithms such as playout buffer and discontinuous reception aware scheduling (PBDAS), maximum carrier‐to‐interface ratio (MAX‐CIR), and proportional fair (PF) due to enhancing the quality of experience for video streaming by increasing the radio resources in fairness manner.
Study of Ion‐Acoustic Solitary Waves in a Magnetized Plasma Using the Three‐Dimensional Time‐Space Fractional Schamel‐KdV Equation
Authors: Guo Min , Fu Chen , Zhang Yong , Liu Jianxin , Yang Hongwei
Published: June 2018

The study of ion‐acoustic solitary waves in a magnetized plasma has long been considered to be an important research subject and plays an increasingly important role in scientific research. Previous studies have focused on the integer‐order models of ion‐acoustic solitary waves. With the development of theory and advancement of scientific research, fractional calculus has begun to be considered as a method for the study of physical systems. The study of fractional calculus has opened a new window for understanding the features of ion‐acoustic solitary waves and can be a potentially valuable approach for investigations of magnetized plasma. In this paper, based on the basic system of equations for ion‐acoustic solitary waves and using multi‐scale analysis and the perturbation method, we have obtained a new model called the three‐dimensional(3D) Schamel‐KdV equation. Then, the integer‐order 3D Schamel‐KdV equation is transformed into the time‐space fractional Schamel‐KdV (TSF‐Schamel‐KdV) equation by using the semi‐inverse method and the fractional variational principle. To study the properties of ion‐acoustic solitary waves, we discuss the conservation laws of the new time‐space fractional equation by applying Lie symmetry analysis and the Riemann‐Liouville fractional derivative. Furthermore, the multi‐soliton solutions of the 3D TSF‐Schamel‐KdV equation are derived using the Hirota bilinear method. Finally, with the help of the multi‐soliton solutions, we explore the characteristics of motion of ion‐acoustic solitary waves.
Laboratory Testing on Energy Absorption of High‐Damping Rubber in a New Bolt for Preventing Rockburst in Deep Hard Rock Mass
Authors: Chen Lu , Li Qingwen , Yang Jianming , Qiao Lan
Published: June 2018

With the increase in mining depth, the deep hard rock mass is under threat of rockburst under high geostress, high temperature, high osmotic pressure, and strong disturbance. To reduce the probability and strength of rockburst, a new energy‐absorbing bolt for guaranteeing the stability of deep hard rock mass was developed utilizing the energy absorption characteristic of high‐damping rubber. To analyze the practicability and obtain the quantified behaviors of this new energy‐absorbing bolt, a series of impact tests on specimens of high‐damping rubber, granite, and granite–rubber composite specimens was carried out by a split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) method. Further, considering the different working depths with different rock temperatures, the dynamic energy‐absorbing characteristics of high‐damping rubber under different temperatures were tested. The testing results show that the new energy‐absorbing bolt can consume the storage energy in host rock effectively, and the environmental temperature will produce certain effects on the energy‐consuming rate. In addition, the optimal energy‐absorbing thickness–diameter ratio of high‐damping rubber was confirmed by SHPB tests.
Blockchain Based Credibility Verification Method for IoT Entities
Authors: Qu Chao , Tao Ming , Zhang Jie , Hong Xiaoyu , Yuan Ruifen
Published: June 2018

With the fast development of mobile Internet, Internet of Things (IoT) has been found in many important applications recently. However, it still faces many challenges in security and privacy. Blockchain (BC) technology, which underpins the cryptocurrency Bitcoin, has played an important role in the development of decentralized and data intensive applications running on millions of devices. In this paper, to establish the relationship between IoT and BC for device credibility verification, we propose a framework with layers, intersect, and self-organization Blockchain Structures (BCS). In this new framework, each BCS is organized by Blockchain technology. We describe the credibility verification method and show how it provide the verification. The efficiency and security analysis are also given in this paper, including its response time, storage efficiency, and verification. The conducted experiments have been shown to demonstrate the validity of the proposed method in satisfying the credible requirement achieved by Blockchain technology and certain advantages in storage space and response time.
Comparative Effects of Umbilical Cord- and Menstrual Blood-Derived MSCs in Repairing Acute Lung Injury
Authors: Ren Haitao , Zhang Qiang , Wang Jinfu , Pan Ruolang
Published: June 2018

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can effectively relieve acute lung injury (ALI) in several in vivo models. However, the underlying mechanisms and optimal sources of MSCs are unclear. In the present study, we investigated the effects of umbilical cord- (UC-) and menstrual blood- (MB-) derived MSCs on ALI. MSCs were transplanted into a lipopolysaccharide-induced ALI mouse model, and the therapeutic effects were determined by histological, cellular, and biochemical analyses. Our results showed that both UCMSC and MBMSC transplantation inhibited the inflammatory response and promoted lung tissue repair. UCMSC treatment resulted in reduced damage and inflammation in the lung tissue and enhanced protection of lung function. Furthermore, we found that UCMSCs secreted higher levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-10 and keratinocyte growth factor) in ALI-related conditions, which may be due to the greater therapeutic capacity of UCMSCs compared with MBMSCs. These findings suggest that MSCs protected the lipopolysaccharide-induced ALI model by regulating inflammation, most likely via paracrine factors. Moreover, MSCs derived from the UC may be a promising alternative for ALI treatment.
Optimal Design and Simulation of a Microsuction Cup Integrated with a Valveless Piezoelectric Pump for Robotics
Authors: Hu Bingshan , Yu Hongliu
Published: June 2018

The traditional suction mechanism with an air pump in robotics is difficult to miniaturize. Integrating a piezoelectric pump into a suction cup is an effective method to achieve miniaturization. In this paper, a novel suction cup with a piezoelectric micropump is designed. The micropump is valveless and the suction cup is designed with a laminated structure in order to facilitate miniaturizing and manufacturing. A systematic optimization design method of the suction cup is introduced which addresses the static and dynamic driving characteristics of the piezoelectric actuator and the rectifying efficiency of diffuser/nozzle’s optimization. The design is verified via simulation using an improved equivalent electric network model. Static lumped parameters in this model are calculated by the finite element method instead of the traditional analytic method, and the diffuser/nozzle’s flow resistance is computed by integrating and introducing rectifying efficiency coefficient. Simulation results indicate that the suction cup can generate a stable negative pressure, and the equivalent electric network model can improve the simulation efficiency and accuracy. The maximum steady‐state negative pressure of the suction cup can also be effectively improved after optimization.
A Vibration‐Isolating Blast Technique with Shock‐Reflection Device for Dam Foundation Excavation in Complicated Geological Conditions
Authors: Hu Haoran , Lu Wenbo , Yan Peng , Chen Ming , Gao Qidong
Published: June 2018

Under complicated geological conditions, the vibration in the dam foundation caused by blasting can lead to further deterioration of the foundation rock mass and adversely affect the safety of foundation. In order to effectively control the vibration in dam foundation rock mass, a new bench blasting technique with shock‐reflection device is proposed. It introduces a shock‐reflection device consisting of high wave impedance block and cushion material, which is placed at the bottom of vertical borehole. This shock‐reflection device can effectively reflect the explosion shock wave from vertical direction to horizontal direction after detonation, which can make blasting energy concentrated on the rock mass above dam foundation, so the vibration in the foundation can be controlled. Field blasting experiment was carried out to contrast the blasting induced vibration in foundation rock by bench blasting with shock‐reflection device and conventional bench blasting. The results indicate that the vibration in the foundation rock can be reduced by 30%~57%. In addition, the vibration at the bottom of the borehole is also demonstrated by numerical simulation, with results similar to the field experiments. The production experiment results show that the new blasting technique can replace the conventional excavation method of dam foundation in complicated geological conditions, and the new blasting technique has been successfully applied to the Baihetan dam foundation excavation.
Effect of Freeze-Thaw on a Midtemperate Soil Bacterial Community and the Correlation Network of Its Members
Authors: Juan Yinghua , Jiang Nan , Tian Lulu , Chen Xiaodong , Sun Wentao , Chen Lijun
Published: June 2018

Freeze-thaw (FT) events can influence soil functions. However, the overall impact of FTs on soil bacterial communities, especially in temperate regions, remains unclear. In this study, soil samples were collected from a midtemperate region in the northeast of China, and three incubation tests were then designed with varied FT amplitudes (i.e., at a freezing temperature of −15, −9, and −3°C, respectively), frequencies of FT cycles (i.e., under one, six, and 15 FT cycles, respectively) and soil water content (SWC) values (i.e., at 10 and 30% SWC, respectively). High-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA gene amplicons was performed and the functional profile was further predicted based on these data, in addition to examinations of bulk microbial properties. Data analyses suggested that, first of all, the FT amplitude significantly influenced the bulk microbial properties and bacterial community (composition and function); certain taxa showed a nonlinear response to the three amplitudes. Next, compared to a single FTC, multiple FT cycles had only minor effects on the bacterial functional capabilities, although the bulk microbial properties changed significantly after multiple FT cycles. In addition, the bacterial response to FTs was influenced by the SWC, characterized by the significantly different bacterial community structures (composition and function) and the opposite trends of enzyme activities. Finally, RDA plots and a correlation network assembled data from all soil samples across the three tests and suggested that bacterial response trajectories changed because some species were influenced mainly by other species (i.e., biotic environment) during FT processes.
The Effect of Parkinson’s Disease on Patients Undergoing Lumbar Spine Surgery
Authors: Steinberger Jeremy , Gilligan Jeffrey , Skovrlj Branko , Sarkiss Christopher A. , Guzman Javier Z. , Cho Samuel K. , Caridi John M.
Published: June 2018

Study Design. Retrospective Database Analysis. Objective. The purpose of this study was to assess characteristics and outcomes of patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) undergoing lumbar spine surgery for degenerative conditions. Methods. The Nationwide Inpatient Sample was examined from 2002 to 2011. Patients were included for study based on ICD-9-CM procedural codes for lumbar spine surgery and substratified to degenerative diagnoses. Incidence and baseline patient characteristics were determined. Multivariable analysis was performed to determine independent risk factors increasing incidence of lumbar fusion revision in PD patients. Results. PD patients account for 0.9% of all degenerative lumbar procedures. At baseline, PD patients are older (70.7 versus 58.9, p<0.0001) and more likely to be male (58.6% male, p<160.0001). Mean length of stay (LOS) was increased in PD patients undergoing lumbar fusion (5.1 days versus 4.0 days, p<0.0001) and lumbar fusion revision (6.2 days versus 4.8 days, p<180.0001). Costs were 7.9% (p<0.0001) higher for lumbar fusion and 25.2% (p<0.0001) higher for lumbar fusion revision in PD patients. Multivariable analysis indicates that osteoporosis, fluid/electrolyte disorders, blood loss anemia, and insurance status are significant independent predictors of lumbar fusion revision in patients with PD. Conclusion. PD patients undergoing lumbar surgery for degenerative conditions have increased LOS and costs when compared to patients without PD.
Investigation of Drilling Parameters Using Grey Relational Analysis and Response Surface Methodology of Biaxial Glass Fibre Reinforced with Modified Epoxy Resin Composite
Authors: Priya I Infanta Mary , Vinayagam B. K.
Published: June 2018

This research work attempts to study the most prominent factor of the drilling operations performed on different thicknesses of biaxial glass fibre reinforced with graphene platelet nanopowder and epoxy composite using three different drills. Damages are induced in the workpieces to analyse the effect of changed cutting parameters and different tool materials for varied thicknesses of the plates during the drilling process. The resultant drilled hole exhibited surface irregularities that are measured using SURFCOM 1400G. The circularity deviations of the holes are measured using a coordinate measuring machine. Image-processing technique is used to calculate the area of maximum diameter of the damaged zone. Using these data, delamination at entry and exit is calculated. Utilizing response surface methodology and grey relational analysis, the varied operations are carried out and analysed with different tool materials for common cutting parameters. It is found that the lesser thickness workpiece with selected HSS drill under high speed and low feed rate is the best variable option.