bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uniform-in-time transition from discrete dynamics to continuous dynamics in the Cucker–Smale flocking
Authors: Ha Seung-Yeal , Zhang Xiongtao
Published: May 2018

We study a uniform-in-time convergence from the discrete-time (in short, discrete) Cucker–Smale (CS) model to the continuous-time CS model, which is valid for the whole time interval, as time-step tends to zero. Classical theory yields the convergence results which are valid only in any finite-time interval. Our uniform convergence estimate relies on two quantitative estimates “asymptotic flocking estimate” and “uniform[Formula: see text]-stability estimate with respect to initial data”. In the previous literature, most studies on the CS flocking have been devoted to the continuous-time model with general communication weights, whereas flocking estimates have been done for the discrete-time model with special network topologies such as the complete network with algebraically decaying communication weights and rooted leaderships. For the discrete CS model with a regular and algebraically decaying communication weight, asymptotic flocking estimate has been extensively studied in the previous literature. In contrast, for a general decaying communication weight, corresponding flocking dynamics has not been addressed in the literature due to the difficulty of extending the Lyapunov functional approach to the discrete model. In this paper, we present asymptotic flocking estimate for the discrete model using the Lyapunov functional approach. Moreover, we present a uniform [Formula: see text]-stability estimate of the solution for the discrete CS model with respect to initial data. We combine asymptotic flocking estimate and uniform stability to derive a uniform-in-time convergence from the discrete CS model to the continuous CS model, as time-step tends to zero.
Solutions to aggregation–diffusion equations with nonlinear mobility constructed via a deterministic particle approximation
Authors: Fagioli Simone , Radici Emanuela
Published: May 2018

We investigate the existence of weak type solutions for a class of aggregation–diffusion PDEs with nonlinear mobility obtained as large particle limit of a suitable nonlocal version of the follow-the-leader scheme, which is interpreted as the discrete Lagrangian approximation of the target continuity equation. We restrict the analysis to bounded, non-negative initial data with bounded variation and away from vacuum, supported in a closed interval with zero-velocity boundary conditions. The main novelties of this work concern the presence of a nonlinear mobility term and the non-strict monotonicity of the diffusion function. As a consequence, our result applies also to strongly degenerate diffusion equations. The results are complemented with some numerical simulations.
Crime modeling with truncated Lévy flights for residential burglary models
Authors: Pan Chaohao , Li Bo , Wang Chuntian , Zhang Yuqi , Geldner Nathan , Wang Li , Bertozzi Andrea L.
Published: May 2018

Statistical agent-based models for crime have shown that repeat victimization can lead to predictable crime hotspots (see e.g. M. B. Short, M. R. D’Orsogna, V. B. Pasour, G. E. Tita, P. J. Brantingham, A. L. Bertozzi and L. B. Chayes, A statistical model of criminal behavior, Math. Models Methods Appl. Sci. 18 (2008) 1249–1267.), then a recent study in one-space dimension (S. Chaturapruek, J. Breslau, D. Yazdi, T. Kolokolnikov and S. G. McCalla, Crime modeling with Lévy flights, SIAM J. Appl. Math. 73 (2013) 1703–1720.) shows that the hotspot dynamics changes when movement patterns of the criminals involve long-tailed Lévy distributions for the jump length as opposed to classical random walks. In reality, criminals move in confined areas with a maximum jump length. In this paper, we develop a mean-field continuum model with truncated Lévy flights (TLFs) for residential burglary in one-space dimension. The continuum model yields local Laplace diffusion, rather than fractional diffusion. We present an asymptotic theory to derive the continuum equations and show excellent agreement between the continuum model and the agent-based simulations. This suggests that local diffusion models are universal for continuum limits of this problem, the important quantity being the diffusion coefficient. Law enforcement agents are also incorporated into the model, and the relative effectiveness of their deployment strategies are compared quantitatively.
Uniform time of existence of the smooth solution for 3D Euler-α equations with periodic boundary conditions
Authors: Zang Aibin
Published: May 2018

After reformulating the incompressible Euler-[Formula: see text] equations in 3D periodic domain, one obtains that there exists a unique classical solution of Euler-[Formula: see text] equations in uniform time interval independent of [Formula: see text]. It is shown that the solutions of the Euler-[Formula: see text] converge to the corresponding solutions of Euler equation in [Formula: see text] in space, uniformly in time. It also follows that the [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] solutions of Euler-[Formula: see text] equations exist in any fixed sub-interval of the maximum existing interval for the Euler equations provided that initial velocity is regular enough and [Formula: see text] is sufficiently small.
The kinetic theory of the mesoscopic spacetime
Authors: Padmanabhan T.
Published: May 2018

At the mesoscopic scales — which interpolate between the macroscopic, classical, geometry and the microscopic, quantum, structure of spacetime — one can identify the density of states of the geometry, which arises from the existence of a zero-point length in the spacetime. This spacetime discreteness also associates an internal degree of freedom with each event, in the form of a fluctuating vector of constant norm. The equilibrium state, corresponding to the extremum of the total density of states of geometry plus matter, leads precisely to Einstein’s equations. In fact, the field equation can now be reinterpreted as a zero-heat-dissipation principle. The analysis of fluctuations around the equilibrium state (which is described by Einstein’s equations), will provide new insights about the quantum gravity.
Multi-Criteria Decision-Making for Heterogeneous Multiprocessor Scheduling
Authors: Saroja S. , Revathi T. , Auluck Nitin
Published: May 2018

This paper proposes a new tri-objective scheduling algorithm called Heterogeneous Reliability-Driven Energy-Efficient Duplication-based (HRDEED) algorithm for heterogeneous multiprocessors. The goal of the algorithm is to minimize the makespan (schedule length) and energy consumption, while maximizing the reliability of the generated schedule. Duplication has been employed in order to minimize the makespan. There is a strong interest among researchers to obtain high-performance schedules that consume less energy. To address this issue, the proposed algorithm incorporates energy consumption as an objective. Moreover, in order to deal with processor and link failures, a system reliability model is proposed. The three objectives, i.e., minimizing the makespan and energy, while maximizing the reliability, have been met by employing a method called Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). TOPSIS is a popular Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) technique that has been employed to rank the generated Pareto optimal schedules. Simulation results demonstrate the capability of the proposed algorithm in generating short, energy-efficient and reliable schedules. Based on simulation results, we observe that HRDEED algorithm demonstrates an improvement in both the energy consumption and reliability, with a reduced makespan. Specifically, it has been shown that the energy consumption can be reduced by 5–47%, and reliability can be improved by 1–5% with a 1–3% increase in makespan.
A Poincaré covariant noncommutative spacetime
Authors: Much Albert , David Vergara J.
Published: May 2018

We interpret, in the realm of relativistic quantum field theory, the tangential operator given by Coleman and Mandula [All possible symmetries of the [Formula: see text] matrix, Phys. Rev. 159 (1967) 1251–1256] (see also [Much, Pottel and Sibold, Preconjugate variables in quantum field theory and their applications, Phys. Rev. D 94(6) (2016) 065007]) as an appropriate coordinate operator. The investigation shows that the operator generates a Snyder-like noncommutative spacetime with a minimal length that is given by the mass. By using this operator to define a noncommutative spacetime, we obtain a Poincaré invariant noncommutative spacetime and in addition solve the soccer-ball problem. Moreover, from recent progress in deformation theory we extract the idea of how to obtain, in a physical and mathematically well-defined manner, an emerging noncommutative spacetime. This is done by a strict deformation quantization known as Rieffel deformation (or warped convolutions). The result is a noncommutative spacetime combining a Snyder and a Moyal-Weyl type of noncommutativity that in addition behaves covariant under transformations of the whole Poincaré group.
Growth rate of ample heights and the Dynamical Mordell–Lang conjecture
Authors: Sano Kaoru
Published: May 2018

We provide an explicit formula on the growth rate of ample heights of rational points under iteration of endomorphisms of smooth projective varieties over number fields. As an application, we give a positive answer to a variant of the Dynamical Mordell–Lang conjecture for pairs of étale endomorphisms, which is also a variant of the original one stated by Bell, Ghioca, and Tucker in their monograph.
Sums of weighted averages of gcd-sum functions
Authors: Kiuchi Isao , Saad eddin Sumaia
Published: May 2018

Let [Formula: see text] be the greatest common divisor of the integers [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we give several interesting asymptotic formulas for weighted averages of the [Formula: see text]-sum function [Formula: see text] and the function [Formula: see text] for any positive integers [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], namely [Formula: see text] with any fixed integer [Formula: see text] and any arithmetical function [Formula: see text]. We also establish mean value formulas for the error terms of asymptotic formulas for partial sums of [Formula: see text]-sum functions [Formula: see text]
Perfect powers that are sums of squares in a three term arithmetic progression
Authors: Koutsianas Angelos , Patel Vandita
Published: May 2018

We determine primitive solutions to the equation [Formula: see text] for [Formula: see text], making use of a factorization argument and the Primitive Divisors Theorem due to Bilu, Hanrot and Voutier.
Algorithm to identify circulating tumor cell clusters using in vivo flow cytometer
Authors: Pang Kai , Wei Dan , Hai Pengfei , Yang Zhangru , Weng Xiaofu , Wei Xunbin
Published: May 2018

Recent studies in oncology have addressed the importance of detecting circulating tumor cell clusters because circulating tumor cell clusters might survive and metastasize more easily than single circulating tumor cells. Signals with larger peak widths detected by in vivo flow cytometer (IVFC) have been used to identify cell clusters in previous studies. However, the accuracy of this criterion might be greatly degraded by variance in blood flow and the rolling behaviors of circulating tumor cells. Here, we propose a criterion and algorithm to distinguish cell clusters from single cells. In this work, we first used area-based and volume-based models for single fluorescent cells. Simulating each model, we analyzed the corresponding morphology of IVFC signals from cell clusters. According to the Rayleigh criterion, the valley between two adjacent peak signals from two distinguishable cells should be lower than 73.5% of the peak values. A novel signal processing algorithm for IVFC was developed based on this criterion. The results showed that cell clusters can be reliably identified using our proposed algorithm. Intravital imaging was also performed to further support our algorithm. With enhanced accuracy, IVFC is a powerful tool to study circulating cell clusters.
Charges for Water and Access: What Explains the Differences Among West Virginian Municipalities?
Authors: Erfanian Elham , Collins Alan R.
Published: May 2018

Examining both spatial and non-spatial econometric analyses with a dataset of 125 municipal water utilities, we investigate utility cost and community factors that explain variation in residential user charges and monthly access charges for water. The results of water charges model are consistent with the theory of water cost determination as water source, debt, and economies of size plus scale influence residential consumer charges for water. Both models (water charges and minimum monthly access) displayed positive spillover effects, although the only variable in either model with a significant indirect effect is water charges on minimum monthly access charges. Based upon model results, ground water use by utilities lowers water charges and is estimated to save residential customers in West Virginia over $3.6 million annually. West Virginia households typically pay far below the OECD standard of 3 to 5% of household income for municipal water, which may explain why socioeconomic factors do not influence minimum monthly charges for access.
Metrics and Methods for Comparing Water Utility Rate Structures
Authors: Honey-Rosés Jordi , Pareja Claudio
Published: May 2018

Utility managers must design rate structures that meet multiple objectives: full cost recovery, fairness, economic efficiency, and resource conservation. To reach these multiple goals, the design of an optimal rate structure would ideally include detailed information on cost of service, demand elasticity, and preferences of the customer base within each utility. However this information is often unavailable, especially when analyzing utilities at regional or national scales. In this absence, the comparison or benchmarking of rate structures across utilities may reveal insights regarding the features, management, or performance of one utility relative to another. We review the metrics and methods available to water utility managers for comparing rate structures with publicly available information. By presenting the full range of metrics available to utility managers, we aim to facilitate the comparison of water rate structures, and ensure that the analysts can select the metric that best fits their needs. To illustrate how these metrics may help generate insight, we use them to compare the rate structures of five municipalities in Canada. Despite the contextual differences, we find that the rates tend to converge at a single metric, the Canadian standard of 25[Formula: see text]m3/month, suggesting that there is a “looking over the shoulder effect” in which managers are probably cognizant of the metrics used to compare them to others. We suggest that the design or re-design of rate structures can be informed by the metrics that compare rates across utilities, despite the limitations of working with only publicly available information.
Analysis of the Critical Safety Thickness for Pretreatment of Mined‐Out Areas Underlying the Final Slopes of Open‐Pit Mines and the Effects of Treatment
Authors: Tao Zhigang , Li Mengnan , Zhu Chun , He Manchao , Zheng Xiaohui , Yu Shibo
Published: May 2018

Where a mined‐out area underlies a slope, it is a direct threat to slope safety and stability. This is of particular concern where a mined‐out area underlies the slope of an open‐pit mine, and it has a serious impact on the design and safety measures used for the mine. If a mined‐out area underlying the final slope of an open‐pit mine is not treated adequately and at the appropriate time, it may cause the slip failure of the final slope during the service life of the mine, posing a serious threat to the safety of personnel and equipment during the stripping phase. In light of the potential for such problems, this paper analyzes the instability mode and failure characteristics of an open‐pit slope near a mined‐out area in China using geological field survey and the polar stereographic projection method. The scale span method, in combination with engineering analogy and consideration of open‐pit mining technology, is then used to determine the critical safety thickness at which pretreatment of mined‐out areas should be carried out. A pretreatment process to infill the mined‐out area during construction of open‐pit mine steps is put forward, and its effects on slope stability and reliability are comprehensively evaluated. The results show that circular sliding is the most appropriate instability mode for a slope near a mined‐out area. The failure initiates through breakage in the roof of the mined‐out area, which induces subduction sliding of the free face of the slope at the left boundary of the mined‐out area and subsequent failure of the entire regional slope. Comprehensive analysis methods are used to determine that the critical safety thickness at which a mined‐out area under the final open‐pit slope should be pretreated is 24 m. The recommended treatment countermeasure is to transfer filling slurry into the mined‐out area through drilling holes in benches. This can satisfy the stability and reliability requirements for the slope under different working conditions.
Group versus Individual Care in Patients with Long-Standing Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes: A One-Year Prospective Noninferiority Study in a Tertiary Diabetes Clinic
Authors: Singer Joelle , Levy Sigal , Shimon Ilan
Published: May 2018

Aims. To explore the feasibility and noninferiority of group care in a diabetes outpatient clinic in comparison with individual care. Methods. In this prospective, randomized, nonblinded, one center (university hospital) trial, 60 patients (28 with type 1 and 32 with type 2 diabetes) with a mean duration of diabetes of 22.5 ± 11.7 years were randomly assigned to group (6 patients per group) or individual care for one year. The primary endpoints were the change in HbA1c and visits to outpatient clinics. The secondary endpoints were changes in body mass index, blood pressure levels, waist circumference, non-HDL cholesterol, diabetes-related and well-being index questionnaires, and the number of hospitalizations. Results. Group care was not inferior to individual care for any of the above parameters except for the number of visits to a primary care physician. Conclusion. Group care is feasible in a diabetes clinic and is as effective as individual care. Implementation of group care may facilitate access to specialized care to a larger population of patients with diabetes type 1 and 2.
Potential of the Novel PTA Score to Identify Patients with Peritonsillar Inflammation Profiting from Medical Treatment
Authors: Spiekermann Christoph , Roth Johannes , Vogl Thomas , Stenner Markus , Rudack Claudia
Published: May 2018

Peritonsillar inflammation is a common characteristic of both peritonsillar abscess (PTA) and peritonsillitis (PC). The aim of the present study was to apply the PTA score as an objective criterion to identify patients with peritonsillar inflammation (PI) who might profit from medical treatment. Hence, the recently developed PTA score was applied retrospectively on patients suffering from acute tonsillitis, peritonsillitis, and peritonsillar abscess. Analysis of the clinical data, the follow-up, and the initial PTA score was performed. Patients with peritonsillar inflammation show significant higher PTA score values compared to patients with acute tonsillitis without peritonsillar inflammation and healthy controls. Patients with a PTA score ≤ 2 profited from medical treatment consisting of antibiotics in 92.3% of the cases. In 89.2% of the patients with a PTA score > 2, pus was detected during abscess relief. Patients with peritonsillar inflammation who profited from medical treatment had significantly reduced PTA score values and a reduced duration of hospitalization compared to the patients with abscess relief. Thus, the PTA score has the potential as an objective criterion to identify patients with peritonsillar inflammation profiting from medical treatment. Hence, application of the PTA score helps to determine an optimal, individualized treatment approach and might reduce utilization of medical resources.
Excavation Method of Reducing Blasting Vibration in Complicated Geological Conditions
Authors: Xie Lixiang , Lu Wenbo , Gu Jincai , Wang Gaohui
Published: May 2018

Drilling and blasting method as a common excavation method is widely used in the underground engineering construction. However, in the complicated geological conditions, the path of blasting excavation available has limitation, and then the larger blasting vibration is produced, which influence the stability and safety of the protected structure. To effectively reduce the blasting vibration by optimizing the blasting excavation method, firstly, the site test on blasting vibration is conducted to obtain the blasting vibration data; secondly, the LS‐DYNA software is applied to simulate the vibration generated by blasting in site test, based on back analysis on the blasting vibration, the mechanical parameters of the rock mass are obtained, and they are used to simulate six different types of blasting excavation method. According to the analysis on them, the reasonable blasting excavation method is proposed to reduce the blasting vibration which can satisfy the blasting safety regulation.
Nanoscale Pore Structure Characterization and Permeability of Mudrocks and Fine-Grained Sandstones in Coal Reservoirs by Scanning Electron Microscopy, Mercury Intrusion Porosimetry, and Low-Field Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
Authors: Zhang Na , Zhao Fangfang , Guo Pingye , Li Jiabin , Gong Weili , Guo Zhibiao , Sun Xiaoming
Published: May 2018

Porosity and permeability of two typical sedimentary rocks in coal bearing strata of underground coal mines in China, i.e., mudrocks and fine-grained sandstones, were comprehensively investigated by multiple experimental methods. Measured porosity averages of the helium gas porosity (φg), MIP porosity (φMIP), water porosity (φw), and NMR porosity (φNMR) of the twelve investigated rock samples range from 1.78 to 16.50% and the measured gas permeabilities (Kg) range from 0.0003 to 2.4133 mD. Meanwhile, pore types, pore morphologies, and pore size distributions (PSD) were determined by focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM), mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), and low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). FIB-SEM image analyses showed that the mineral matrix pores including interparticle (interP) and intraparticle (intraP) pores with varied morphologies are the dominant pore types of the investigated rock samples while very few organic matter (OM) pores were observed. Results of the MIP and the full water-saturated NMR measurements showed that the PSD curves of the mudrock samples mostly present a unimodal pattern and nanopores with pore diameter less than 0.1 μm are their predominant pore type, while the PSD curves of the fine-grained sandstone samples are featured by a bimodal distribution. Furthermore, comparison of the full water-saturated and irreducible-water-saturated NMR measurements indicated that pores in the mudrocks are solely adsorption pores (normally pore size < 0.1 μm) whereas apart from a fraction of adsorption pores, a large part of the pores in the sandstone sample with relatively high porosity are seepage pores (normally pore size > 0.1 μm). Moreover, the PSD curves of NMR quantitatively converted from the NMR T2 spectra by T2Pc and weighted arithmetic mean (WAM) methods are in good agreement with the PSD curves of MIP. Finally, the applicability of three classic permeability estimation models based on MIP and NMR data to the investigated rock samples was evaluated.
Laterality of Poststroke Cortical Motor Activity during Action Observation Is Related to Hemispheric Dominance
Authors: Liew Sook-Lei , Garrison Kathleen A. , Ito Kaori L. , Heydari Panthea , Sobhani Mona , Werner Julie , Damasio Hanna , Winstein Carolee J. , Aziz-Zadeh Lisa
Published: May 2018

Background.Increased activity in the lesioned hemisphere has been related to improved poststroke motor recovery. However, the role of the dominant hemisphere—and its relationship to activity in the lesioned hemisphere—has not been widely explored.Objective.Here, we examined whether the dominant hemisphere drives the lateralization of brain activity after stroke and whether this changes based on if the lesioned hemisphere is the dominant hemisphere or not.Methods.We used fMRI to compare cortical motor activity in the action observation network (AON), motor-related regions that are active both during the observation and execution of an action, in 36 left hemisphere dominant individuals. Twelve individuals had nondominant, right hemisphere stroke, twelve had dominant, left-hemisphere stroke, and twelve were healthy age-matched controls. We previously found that individuals with left dominant stroke show greater ipsilesional activity during action observation. Here, we examined if individuals with nondominant, right hemisphere stroke also showed greater lateralized activity in the ipsilesional, right hemisphere or in the dominant, left hemisphere and compared these results with those of individuals with dominant, left hemisphere stroke.Results.We found that individuals with right hemisphere stroke showed greater activity in the dominant, left hemisphere, rather than the ipsilesional, right hemisphere. This left-lateralized pattern matched that of individuals with left, dominant hemisphere stroke, and both stroke groups differed from the age-matched control group.Conclusions.These findings suggest that action observation is lateralized to the dominant, rather than ipsilesional, hemisphere, which may reflect an interaction between the lesioned hemisphere and the dominant hemisphere in driving lateralization of brain activity after stroke. Hemispheric dominance and laterality should be carefully considered when characterizing poststroke neural activity.
GA Based Adaptive Singularity‐Robust Path Planning of Space Robot for On‐Orbit Detection
Authors: Wu Jianwei , Bin Deer , Feng Xiaobing , Wen Zhongpu , Zhang Yin
Published: May 2018

As a new on‐orbit detection platform, the space robot could ensure stable and reliable operation of spacecraft in complex space environments. The tracking accuracy of the space manipulator end‐effector is crucial to the detection precision. In this paper, the Cartesian path planning method of velocity level inverse kinematics based on generalized Jacobian matrix (GJM) is proposed. The GJM will come across singularity issue in path planning, which leads to the infinite or incalculable joint velocity. To solve this issue, firstly, the singular value decomposition (SVD) is used for exposition of the singularity avoidance principle of the damped least squares (DLS) method. After that, the DLS method is improved by introducing an adaptive damping factor which changes with the singularity. Finally, in order to improve the tracking accuracy of the singularity‐robust algorithm, the objective function is established, and two adaptive parameters are optimized by genetic algorithm (GA). The simulation of a 6‐DOF free‐floating space robot is carried out, and the results show that, compared with DLS method, the proposed method could improve the tracking accuracy of space manipulator end‐effector.
Precise Study on Size-Dependent Properties of Magnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for In Vivo Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Chen Ling , Xie Jun , Wu Haoan , Li Jianzhong , Wang Zhiming , Song Lina , Zang Fengchao , Ma Ming , Gu Ning , Zhang Yu
Published: May 2018

Developing a biocompatible contrast agent with high stability and favorable magnetism for sensitive detection of malignant tumors using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) remains a great demand in clinical. Nowadays, the fine control of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticle (MION) sizes from a few nanometers to dozens of nanometers can be realized through a thermal decomposition method of iron precursors. This progress allows us to research accurately on the size dependence of magnetic properties of MION, involving saturation magnetization (Ms), specific absorption rate (SAR), and relaxivity. Here, we synthesized MION in a size range between 14 and 26 nm and modified them with DSPE-PEG2000 for biomedical use. The magnetic properties of PEGylated MION increased monotonically with MION size, while the nonspecific uptake of MION also enhanced with size through cell experiments. The MION with the size of 22 nm as a T2-weighted contrast agent presented the best contrast-enhancing effect comparing with other sizes in vivo MRI of murine tumor. Therefore, the MION of 22 nm may have potential to serve as an ideal MRI contrast agent for tumor detection.
Protein Hydrolyzates from Changbai Mountain Walnut (Juglans mandshurica Maxim.) Boost Mouse Immune System and Exhibit Immunoregulatory Activities
Authors: Li Jing , Wang Ji , Liu Chunlei , Fang Li , Min Weihong
Published: May 2018

The Changbai Mountain walnut (Juglans mandshurica Maxim.) is a rich source of essential amino acids. Walnut dregs are byproducts of edible oil production and primarily used as fodder and fertilizers. We systematically examined the effect of three types of walnut protein hydrolyzates—albumin, glutelin, and globin—on the immune system of mice and aimed to provide the theoretical basis for developing and utilizing J. mandshurica Maxim. protein resources. In comparison with the normal control mice, those treated with different doses of walnut proteins showed improved immune indices, including organ index, spleen lymphocyte proliferation, macrophage activity, number of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, immunoglobulin A (IgA) and secretory IgA content, and mRNA and protein expression levels of cytokine factors. Our results indicated that these walnut proteins may have positive effects on the immune system and perform their immunomodulatory functions by inducing splenic enlargement. These findings support the use of walnut proteins as nutritional sources to boost the immune system.
Damage Identification in Structures Based on Energy Curvature Difference of Wavelet Packet Transform
Authors: Wang Pengbo , Shi Qinghe
Published: May 2018

Damage identification is of tremendous significance in engineering structures. One key issue in damage identification is to determine an index that is sensitive to the structural damage. Current damage identification indices are generally focused on dynamic characteristics such as the natural frequencies, modal shapes, frequency responses, or their mathematical combinations. In this study, based on the wavelet packet transform, we propose a novel index, the energy curvature difference (ECD) index, to identify the damage in structures. The ECD index is the summation of component energy curvature differences after a signal is decomposed using WPT. Moreover, two numerical examples are used to demonstrate the feasibility and validity of the proposed ECD index for damage identification. Stiffness reduction is employed to simulate the structural damage. The damage can be identified by the ECD index curve plot. The results of the examples indicate that the proposed ECD index is sensitive to low damage levels because even 5% stiffness reduction can be apparently identified. The proposed ECD index can be employed to effectively identify structural damage.
Kinetics and Characteristics of Soybean Oil and Protein Extracted by AOT Reverse Micelle Technology
Authors: Zhang Lifen , Chen Fusheng , Zhang Wen , Wu Qian
Published: May 2018

The mass transfer process of soybean oil extracted by AOT reverse micelle was determined. Meanwhile, the physicochemical properties of oil and structural properties of protein were also investigated by gas chromatography (GC), Fourier infrared spectrum (FTIR), and amino acid analyzer. The results indicated that the mass transfer model can be set up as 1+2(1-x)-3(1-x)2/3=0.248•exp⁡(-720.8/T)•t. The reaction probably belongs to internal diffusion. The oil extracted by AOT reverse micelle was in better quality according to physicochemical analysis. The soybean protein almost retained its original structure in AOT reverse micelle by FTIR and amino acid analysis. Therefore, AOT reverse micelle is an attractive procedure for extracting oil and protein simultaneously.
Comparison of Aggressive Surgical Treatment and Palliative Treatment in Elderly Patients with Poor-Grade Intracranial Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Zheng Kuang , Zhao Bing , Tan Xian-Xi , Li Ze-Qun , Xiong Ye , Zhong Ming , Chen Si-Yan
Published: May 2018

Objective. To compare the current treatment approach in elderly patients with poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and identify the independent predictors of the outcome after aggressive surgical treatment. Method. This prospective, multicenter cohort study included 104 poor-grade aneurysmal SAH elderly patients, 60 years or older, treated in our institution from October 2010 to March 2013. Patients were grouped according to three treatment arms. Neurological outcome was assessed using the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) at baseline and at a 12-month follow-up. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed using the following factors: sex, age, smoking history, breathing ability, alcohol consumption, cerebral hernia, aneurysm location, aneurysm diameter, WFNS grade, CT Fisher grade, treatment approach, and the timing of the aneurysm surgery. Results. At the 12-month follow-up, patients in the coiling group and clipping group had better prognosis than patients in the palliative treatment group. Univariate analysis confirmed that the treatment approach, WFNS grade, CT Fisher grade, and age are critical factors for neurological outcomes in poor-grade SAH. Multivariate analysis indicated that WFNS grade V, CT Fisher grades 3–5, and palliative treatment were independent predictors of poor prognoses. Conclusion. Aggressive surgical treatment improves the prognoses in poor-grade aneurysm elderly patients with SAH. Elderly Patients of WFNS grade IV and CT Fisher grades 1-2 are more likely to have a better outcome.
Case Study of Ground-Based Glaciogenic Seeding of Clouds over the Pyeongchang Region
Authors: Yang Ha-Young , Chang Ki-Ho , Chae Sanghee , Jung Eunsil , Seo Seongkyu , Jeong Jin-Yim , Lee Jung-Ho , Ro Yonghun , Kim Baek-Jo
Published: May 2018

Ground-based glaciogenic seeding experiments were conducted at the Daegwallyeong Cloud Physics Observation Site (CPOS) from 2012 to 2015 for the target area Yongpyeong, which lies 9 km away. The preseeding (NOSEED) and seeding (SEED) periods were defined based on the simulation results of AgI concentration (>10 L−1) in the Weather Research and Forecast (WRF) model with the modified Morrison scheme in microphysics. It was difficult to determine whether snow enhancement via seeding occurred over the entire target area due to uncertainties associated with limitations such as observations and numerical model based on only two points (seeding and target sites). However, in three of four cases, the vertical reflectivity from micro rain radar, total concentration, and average size of snow particles observed at PARSIVEL and precipitation increased in the seeding effect time. In two of four cases, the simulated increased precipitation during the seeding effect time was also observed. In one case that did not show changes after seeding, it is analyzed that a sufficient cloud depth was not supplied to the seeding region due to the blocking effect of the Taebaek Mountains.
Uterine Necrosis after Uterine Artery Embolization for Symptomatic Fibroids
Authors: Mutiso Steve Kyende , Oindi Felix Mwembi , Hacking Nigel , Obura Timona
Published: May 2018

Introduction. Uterine artery embolization (UAE) is a minimally invasive intervention that is used in the treatment of fibroids. UAE can lead to complications including postembolization syndrome, postprocedure pain, infection, endometrial atrophy leading to secondary amenorrhea, and uterine necrosis. Uterine necrosis after UAE is very rare and hence poses a clinical dilemma for any clinician in its identification and management. We document a case of uterine necrosis after UAE and conduct a literature review on its causation, clinical features, and management principles. Case. A patient presented one month after UAE with abdominal pain and abdominal vaginal discharge. Her work-up revealed features of possible uterine necrosis with sepsis and she was scheduled for a laparotomy and a subtotal hysterectomy was performed. She was subsequently managed with broad spectrum antibiotic and recovered well. Conclusion. Uterine necrosis after UAE is a rare occurrence and we hope the documentation of this case will add to the body of knowledge around it. Theories that explain its occurrence include the use of small particles at embolization, the use of Contour-SE a spherical poly-vinyl alcohol, and lack of collateral supply to the uterus. Its symptoms may be nonspecific but unremitting abdominal pain is invariably present. Finally although conservative management may be successful at times, surgical management with hysterectomy will be required in some cases. The prognosis is good after diagnosis and surgical management.
A Novel Approach to Enhance the Physical Layer Channel Security of Wireless Cooperative Vehicular Communication Using Decode‐and‐Forward Best Relaying Selection
Authors: Ghourab Esraa M. , Azab Mohamed , Feteiha Mohamed F. , El-Sayed Hesham
Published: May 2018

This paper proposes a novel approach to enhance wireless vehicle‐to‐vehicle channel‐secrecy capacity by imposing signal transmission diversity. This work exploits cooperative vehicular relaying to extract the associated underlying multipath and Doppler diversity using precoding techniques. We evaluated the capacity and diversity gain for the presented approach to ensure its effectiveness and efficiency. The abundance of moving vehicles, operating in an ad hoc fashion, can eliminate the need to establish a dedicated relaying infrastructure. A relay selection scheme is deployed, taking advantage of the potentially large number of available relaying vehicles. Further, we derivate a closed‐form mathematical expression for the channel‐secrecy capacity, diversity order gain, and the intercept probability. We used the direct transmission scenario as a reference to assess our analysis. Our analytical and simulation results for the presented model showed that channel‐secrecy capacity and performance‐indicators improved significantly.
The Role of Brachytherapy in the Treatment of Breast Cancer
Authors: Kauer-Dorner Daniela , Berger Daniel
Published: May 2018

Radiotherapy plays an important part in the management of breast cancer. Especially after breast-conserving surgery, external whole breast irradiation, occasionally with an additional local boost, is an integral part of breast conservation. Besides external radiation techniques, brachytherapy (BT) has long been among the treatment options, especially with regard to local boost application. With the emerging implementation of accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI), BT in general and interstitial multi-catheter BT in particular, are gaining an increasing role in the management of a selected group of early breast cancer patients. APBI is an approach to reduce the irradiated area to the former tumor bed rather than treating the whole breast tissue in patients with a low baseline local recurrence risk. After a variety of phase I-III clinical studies, it is clearly evident that APBI will play a role in the treatment of this selected patient group. In this review, we focus on the clinical development and different available techniques of breast BT and provide a preview of prospects for its use.
MicroRNA-29c Increases the Chemosensitivity of Pancreatic Cancer Cells by Inhibiting USP22 Mediated Autophagy
Authors: Huang Limin , Hu Chaoquan , Cao Hui , Wu Xiaoliang , Wang Rongpin , Lu He , Li Hong , Chen Hui
Published: May 2018

Background/Aims: Pancreatic cancer (PC) is an aggressive malignancy with a poor survival rate. Despite advances in the treatment of PC, the efficacy of therapy is limited by the development of chemoresistance. Here, we examined the role of microRNA-29c (miR-29c) and the involvement of autophagy and apoptosis in the chemoresistance of PC cells in vivo and in vitro. Methods: We employed qRT-PCR, western blot and immunofluorescence to examine the expression level of miR-29c, USP22 and autophagy relative protein. In addition, we used MTT assay to detect cell proliferation and transwell assay to measure migration and invasiveness. The apoptosis was determined using annexin V-FITC/PI apoptosis detection kit by flow cytometry. Luciferase reporter assays confirmed the relationship between USP22 and miR-29c. Results: miR-29c overexpression in the PC cell line PANC-1 enhanced the effect of gemcitabine on decreasing cell viability and inducing apoptosis and inhibited autophagy, as shown by western blotting, immunofluorescence staining, colony formation assays, and flow cytometry. Ubiquitin specific peptidase (USP)-22, a deubiquitinating enzyme known to induce autophagy and promote PC cell survival, was identified as a direct target of miR-29c. USP22 knockdown experiments indicated that USP22 suppresses gemcitabine-induced apoptosis by promoting autophagy, thereby increasing the chemoresistance of PC cells. Luciferase reporter assays confirmed that USP22 is a direct target of miR-29c. A xenograft mouse model demonstrated that miR-29c increases the chemosensitivity of PC in vivo by downregulating USP22, leading to the inhibition of autophagy and induction of apoptosis. Conclusions: Taken together, these findings reveal a potential mechanism underlying the chemoresistance of PC cells mediated by the regulation of USP22-mediated autophagy by miR-29c, suggesting potential targets and therapeutic strategies in PC.
Comparative Analyses of Subgingival Microbiome in Chronic Periodontitis Patients with and Without IgA Nephropathy by High Throughput 16S rRNA Sequencing
Authors: Cao Yali , Qiao Min , Tian Zhigang , Yu Yan , Xu Baohua , Lao Wansheng , Ma Xuguo , Li Wenge
Published: May 2018

Background/Aims: Periodontitis is a prevalent chronic inflammatory disease caused by enhanced inflammation induced by dysbiotic microbes forming on subgingival tooth sites, which may disturb the balance of the microbial composition in the biofilm and finally result in the progressive destruction of the periodontal ligament and alveolar bone with periodontal pocket formation and/or gingival recession. Methods: To elucidate the correlation between subgingival microbiome and IgAN incidence in CP (chronic periodontitis at severe levels) patients, subgingival plaque samples were collected from CP patients without IgAN (Control) and CP patients with IgAN (Disease). 16S rRNA sequencing and comparative analyses of plaque bacterial microbiome between Control and Disease were performed. Results: Subgingival microbial diversity in Disease was a little higher than that in Control. Besides, significant differences were found in subgingival microbiome between Disease and Control. Compared with that in Control, at phylum level, the abundances of Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria were significantly higher while the abundances of Bacteroidetes, Fusobacteria, Spirochaetae, Synergistetes, and Saccharibacteria were significantly lower in Disease; at class level, the abundances of Betaproteobacteria, Bacilli, Actinobacteria, Flavobacteriia, and Gammaproteobacteria were significantly higher while the abundances of Bacteroidia, Fusobacteriia, Negativicutes, Clostridia, and Spirochaetes were significantly lower in Disease; at genus level, the abundances of Bergeyella, Capnocytophaga, Actinomyces, Corynebacterium, Comamonas, Lautropia, and Streptococcus were significantly higher while the abundances of Treponema and Prevotella were significantly lower in Disease. Conclusions: Our data indicated a correlation between the changes in subgingival microbial structure and IgAN incidence in CP patients, which might be used to predict IgAN incidence in CP patients.
Paeoniflorin Attenuates Inflammatory Pain by Inhibiting Microglial Activation and Akt-NF-κB Signaling in the Central Nervous System
Authors: Hu Bo , Xu Guangtao , Zhang Xiaomin , Xu Long , Zhou Hong , Ma Zhenyi , Shen Xiaohua , Zhu Jia , Shen Ruilin
Published: May 2018

Background/Aims: Paeoniflorin (PF) is known to have anti-inflammatory and paregoric effects, but the mechanism underlying its analgesic effect remains unclear. The aim of this study was to clarify the effect of PF on Freund’s complete adjuvant (CFA)-induced inflammatory pain and explore the underlying molecular mechanism. Methods: An inflammatory pain model was established by intraplantar injection of CFA in C57BL/6J mice. After intrathecal injection of PF daily for 8 consecutive days, thermal and mechanical withdrawal thresholds, the levels of inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6, microglial activity, and the expression of Akt-NF-κB signaling pathway in the spinal cord tissue were detected by animal ethological test, cell culture, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, immunofluorescence histochemistry, and western blot. Results: PF inhibited the spinal microglial activation in the CFA-induced pain model. The production of proinflammatory cytokines was decreased in the central nervous system after PF treatment both in vivo and in vitro. PF further displayed a remarkable effect on inhibiting the activation of Akt-NF-κB signaling pathway in vivo and in vitro. Conclusion: These results suggest that PF is a potential therapeutic agent for inflammatory pain and merits further investigation.
Activation of TGF-β1/α-SMA/Col I Profibrotic Pathway in Fibroblasts by Galectin-3 Contributes to Atrial Fibrosis in Experimental Models and Patients
Authors: Shen Hua , Wang Jing , Min Jie , Xi Wang , Gao Yang , Yin Liang , Yu Yue , Liu Kai , Xiao Jian , Zhang Yu-feng , Wang Zhi-nong
Published: May 2018

Background/Aims: This study aimed to evaluate whether galectin-3 (Gal-3) contributes actively to atrial fibrosis both in patients and experimental atrial fibrillation (AF) models. Methods: Mouse HL-1 cardiomyocytes were subjected to rapid electrical stimulation (RES) to explore Gal-3 expression and secretion levels by western blotting (WB) and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Neonatal rat cardiac fibroblasts were treated with conditioned culture medium and recombinant human Gal-3 to evaluate the activation of the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1/α-smooth muscle actin (SMA)/collagen I (Col I) profibrotic pathway (WB) and fibroblast proliferation with a Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8). Furthermore, in the rapid atrial pacing (RAP) rabbit AF model, atrial Gal-3 expression and its effects on the profibrotic pathway were evaluated (WB and Masson’s trichrome staining). Moreover, 44 consecutive patients who underwent single mitral valve repair/replacement were included, consisting of 28 patients with persistent AF (PeAF) and 16 with sinus rhythm (SR). Coronary sinus blood was also sampled to test circulating Gal-3 levels (ELISA), and atrial myocardium Gal-3 and its downstream TGF-β1/α-SMA pathway were also measured by WB and immunohistochemical staining. Results: Gal-3 expression in HL-1 cells and its secretion level in culture medium were greatly increased after 24 h RES. Treatment of neonatal rat cardiac fibroblasts with conditioned media collected from the RES group or recombinant human Gal-3 protein (10 and 30 µg/mL) for 72 h induced the activation of the TGF-β1/α-SMA/Col I profibrotic pathway. RAP increased Gal-3 levels and activated the TGF-β1/α-SMA/Col I pathway in rabbit left atria, while the Gal-3 inhibitor N-acetyllactosamine, injected at 4.5 mg/kg every 3 days, mitigated these adverse changes. Furthermore, Gal-3 levels in coronary sinus blood samples and myocardial Gal-3 expression levels were higher in the PeAF patients than in the SR patients, and higher level profibrotic pathway activation was also confirmed. Conclusions: Activation of Gal-3 expression in the atria can subsequently activate the TGF-β1/α-SMA/Col I pathway in cardiac fibroblasts, which may enhance atrial fibrosis.