bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synchronization Stability Analysis of Medical Cyber-Physical Cloud System Considering Multi-Closed-Loops
Authors: Liu Li , Xie Guoqi , Li Renfa
Published: November 2018

Medical cyber-physical system (MCPS) is usually used in hospitals to provide continuous services (e.g., glycemic monitor and alarm) for patients. In this paper, we introduce cloud computing to integrate multiple MCPSs of hospitals to construct medical cyber-physical cloud system (MCPCS). Such complex MCPCS need stability analysis to guarantee collaboration among multiple MCPSs. We treat the MCPCS as a complex network, where each MCPS is considered as a node. Then, we introduce the Lyapunov stability theory for synchronization stability analysis of MCPCS by considering multi-closed-loops. For different network types, the dynamic equations of MCPSs were improved through introducing feedback in the multi-closed-loops. For the problem that different networks cause different delays, we select three networks to solve sufficient conditions for the synchronization stability of MCPCS. Experiments are performed to confirm the efficiency of sufficient conditions and the synchronization stability of MCPCS.
Computing Multicriteria Shortest Paths in Stochastic Multimodal Networks Using a Memetic Algorithm
Authors: Dib Omar , Dib Mohammad , Caminada Alexandre
Published: November 2018

The human mobility is nowadays always organized in a multimodal context. However, the transport system has become more complex. Consequently, for the sake of helping passengers, building Advanced Travelers Information Systems (ATIS) has become a certain need. Since passengers tend to consider several other criteria than the travel time, an efficient routing system should incorporate a multi-objective analysis. Besides, the transport system may behave in an uncertain manner. Integrating uncertainty into routing algorithms may thus provide more robust itineraries. The main objective of this paper is to propose a Memetic Algorithm (MA) in which a Genetic Algorithm (GA) is combined with a Hill Climbing (HC) local search procedure in order to solve the multicriteria shortest path problem in stochastic multimodal networks. As transport modes, railway, bus, tram and metro are considered. As optimization criteria, stochastic travel time, travel cost, number of transfers and walking time are taken into account. Experimental results have been assessed by solving real life itinerary problems defined on the transport network of the city of Paris and its suburbs. Results indicate that unlike classical deterministic algorithms and pure GA and HC, the proposed MA is efficient enough to be integrated within real world journey-planning systems.
Interaction between gravitational radiation and electromagnetic radiation
Authors: Jones Preston , Singleton Douglas
Published: November 2018

In this review paper, we investigate the connection between gravity and electromagnetism from Faraday to the present day. The particular focus is on the connection between gravitational and electromagnetic radiation. We discuss electromagnetic radiation produced when a gravitational wave passes through a magnetic field. We then discuss the interaction of electromagnetic radiation with gravitational waves via Feynman diagrams of the process [Formula: see text]. Finally, we review recent work on the vacuum production of counterpart electromagnetic radiation by gravitational waves.
Quantum Markovianity as a supervised learning task
Authors: Shrapnel Sally , Costa Fabio , Milburn Gerard
Published: November 2018

Supervised learning algorithms take as input a set of labeled examples and return as output a predictive model. Such models are used to estimate labels for future, previously unseen examples, drawn from the same generating distribution. In this paper, we investigate the possibility of using supervised learning to estimate the dimension of a non-Markovian quantum environment. Our approach uses an ensemble learning method, the Random Forest Regressor, applied to classically simulated datasets. Our results indicate this is a promising line of research.
Magnetic Properties of the Spins-5/2 and 3/2 Ising Octahedral Chain: A Monte Carlo Simulation
Authors: Jabar A. , Masrour R.
Published: November 2018

Spins-5/2 and 3/2 Ising octahedral chain with regularly alternating monomeric and square plaquette sites is investigated using Monte Carlo simulations. The ground state phase diagrams of octahedral chain have been found for different blocks [Formula: see text] and for a several reduced crystal fields. The magnetization and magnetic susceptibilities of the mixed spins Ising octahedral chain have been obtained. The variation of reduced the transition temperatures with 1/[Formula: see text] has been determined. The magnetic hysteresis cycles of the mixed spins Ising octahedral chain for several blocks, [Formula: see text], for several reduced crystal fields and reduced exchanges interactions for a weak a zero crystal field have been investigated.
Large Spin Hall Angle in β-W Thin Films Grown on CoFeB without Oxygen Plasma
Authors: Bansal Rajni , Nirala Gurudeo , Kumar Akash , Chaudhary Sujeet , Muduli P. K.
Published: November 2018

We report on growth optimization and magnetodynamic properties of [Formula: see text]-W/Co[Formula: see text]Fe[Formula: see text]B[Formula: see text] system. We show that a relatively low growth rate of [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]Å/s is essential for the stabilization of the [Formula: see text] phase of tungsten. The low growth rate allows for the residual oxygen present in the chamber to get incorporated into the growing film, which helps in the stabilization of [Formula: see text]-phase tungsten as evidenced by X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Using these optimized growth conditions, we achieved the [Formula: see text] phase in tungsten thin films up to a thickness of 60[Formula: see text]nm. The ferromagnetic resonance measurements of [Formula: see text]-W/Co[Formula: see text]Fe[Formula: see text]B[Formula: see text] show a linear behavior of the Gilbert damping constant with the inverse of the thickness of the CoFeB layer, from which, we calculated spin mixing conductance to be [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m[Formula: see text]. Using the inverse spin Hall effect measurements, we obtained a large spin Hall angle of [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text]-W, which is achieved without using oxygen plasma during growth of tungsten.
IoT boot integrity measuring and reporting
Authors: Broström Tom , Zhu John , Robucci Ryan , Younis Mohamed
Published: November 2018

The current era can be characterized by the massive reliance on computing platforms in almost all domains, such as manufacturing, defense, healthcare, government. However, with the increased productivity, flexibility, and effectiveness that computers provide, comes the vulnerability to cyber-attacks where software, or even firmware, gets subtly modified by a hacker. The integration of a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) opts to tackle this issue by aiding in the detection of unauthorized modifications so that devices get remediation as needed. Nonetheless, the use of a TPM is impractical for resource-constrained devices due to power, space and cost limitations. With the recent proliferation of miniaturized devices along with the push towards the Internet-of Things (IoT) there is a need for a lightweight and practical alternative to the TPM. This paper proposes a cost-effective solution that incorporates modest amounts of integrated roots-of-trust logic and supports attestation of the integrity of the device's boot-up state. Our solution leverages crypto-acceleration modules found on many microprocessor and microcontroller based IoT devices nowadays, and introduces little additional overhead. The basic concepts have been validated through implementation on an SoC with an FPGA and a hard microcontroller. We report the validation results and highlight the involved tradeoffs.
Spatiotemporal clustering in urban transportation
Authors: Fei Xiqi , Gkountouna Olga
Published: November 2018

Public buses are an important part of the urban transportation mix. However, a considerable disadvantage of buses is their slow speed, which is in part due to frequent stops, but also due to the lack of segregation from other vehicles in traffic. As such, assessing bus routes and the respective sections that are prone to congestion is an important aspect of route planning, scheduling, and the creation of dedicated bus lanes. In this work we use bus tracking data from the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, to discover speed patterns of specific bus routes in relation to the road network throughout the day. Specifically, we focus on using these patterns to identify free flow segments, bus stop locations, traffic light locations and road segments prone to congestion.
Characterization of renal NaCl and oxalate transport in Slc26a6−/− mice
Authors: Knauf Felix , Velazquez Heino , Pfann Victoria , Jiang Zhirong , Aronson Peter S.
Published: November 2018

The apical membrane Cl−/oxalate exchanger SLC26A6 has been demonstrated to play a role in proximal tubule NaCl transport based on studies in microperfused tubules. The present study is directed at characterizing the role of SLC26A6 in NaCl homeostasis in vivo under physiological conditions. Free-flow micropuncture studies revealed that volume and Cl− absorption were similar in surface proximal tubules of wild-type and Slc26a6−/− mice. Moreover, the increments in urine flow rate and sodium excretion following thiazide and furosemide infusion were identical in wild-type and Slc26a6−/− mice, indicating no difference in NaCl delivery out of the proximal tubule. The absence of an effect of deletion of SLC26A6 on NaCl homeostasis was further supported by the absence of lower blood pressure in Slc26a6−/− compared with wild-type mice on normal or low-salt diets. Moreover, raising plasma and urine oxalate by feeding mice a diet enriched in soluble oxalate did not affect mean blood pressure. In contrast to the lack of effect of SLC26A6 deletion on NaCl homeostasis, fractional excretion of oxalate was reduced from 1.6 in wild-type mice to 0.7 in Slc26a6−/− mice. We conclude that, although SLC26A6 is dispensable for renal NaCl homeostasis, it is required for net renal secretion of oxalate.
SGLT2 inhibition and renal urate excretion: role of luminal glucose, GLUT9, and URAT1
Authors: Novikov Aleksandra , Fu Yiling , Huang Winnie , Freeman Brent , Patel Rohit , van Ginkel Charlotte , Koepsell Hermann , Busslinger Meinrad , Onishi Akira , Nespoux Josselin , Vallon Volker
Published: November 2018

Inhibitors of the Na+-glucose cotransporter SGLT2 enhance urinary glucose and urate excretion and lower plasma urate levels. The mechanisms remain unclear, but a role for enhanced glucose in the tubular fluid, which may interact with tubular urate transporters, such as the glucose transporter GLUT9 or the urate transporter URAT1, has been proposed. Studies were performed in nondiabetic mice treated with the SGLT2 inhibitor canagliflozin and in gene-targeted mice lacking the urate transporter Glut9 in the tubule or in mice with whole body knockout of Sglt2, Sglt1, or Urat1. Renal urate handling was assessed by analysis of urate in spontaneous plasma and urine samples and normalization to creatinine concentrations or by renal clearance studies with assessment of glomerular filtration rate by FITC-sinistrin. The experiments confirmed the contribution of URAT1 and GLUT9 to renal urate reabsorption, showing a greater contribution of the latter and additive effects. Genetic and pharmacological inhibition of SGLT2 enhanced fractional renal urate excretion (FE-urate), indicating that a direct effect of the SGLT2 inhibitor on urate transporters is not absolutely necessary. Consistent with a proposed role of increased luminal glucose delivery, the absence of Sglt1, which by itself had no effect on FE-urate, enhanced the glycosuric and uricosuric effects of the SGLT2 inhibitor. The SGLT2 inhibitor enhanced renal mRNA expression of Glut9 in wild-type mice, but tubular GLUT9 seemed dispensable for the increase in FE-urate in response to canagliflozin. First evidence is presented that URAT1 is required for the acute uricosuric effect of the SGLT2 inhibitor in mice.
Role of PKC and AMPK in hypertonicity-stimulated water reabsorption in rat inner medullary collecting ducts
Authors: Liwang Josephine K. , Ruiz Joseph A. , LaRocque Lauren M. , Rianto Fitra , Ma Fuying , Wang Yanhua
Published: November 2018

Hypertonicity increases water permeability, independently of vasopressin, in the inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) by increasing aquaporin-2 (AQP2) membrane accumulation. We investigated whether protein kinase C (PKC) and adenosine monophosphate kinase (AMPK) are involved in hypertonicity-regulated water permeability. Increasing perfusate osmolality from 150 to 290 mosmol/kgH2O and bath osmolality from 290 to 430 mosmol/kgH2O significantly stimulated osmotic water permeability. The PKC inhibitors chelerythrine (10 µM) and rottlerin (50 µM) significantly reversed the increase in osmotic water permeability stimulated by hypertonicity in perfused rat terminal IMCDs. Chelerythrine significantly increased phosphorylation of AQP2 at S261 but not at S256. Previous studies show that AMPK is stimulated by osmotic stress. We tested AMPK phosphorylation under hypertonic conditions. Hypertonicity significantly increased AMPK phosphorylation in inner medullary tissues. Blockade of AMPK with Compound C decreased hypertonicity-stimulated water permeability but did not alter phosphorylation of AQP2 at S256 and S261. AICAR, an AMPK stimulator, caused a transient increase in osmotic water permeability and increased phosphorylation of AQP2 at S256. When inner medullary tissue was treated with the PKC activator phorbol dibutyrate (PDBu), the AMPK activator metformin, or both, AQP2 phosphorylation at S261 was decreased with PDBu or metformin alone, but there was no additive effect on phosphorylation with PDBu and metformin together. In conclusion, hypertonicity regulates water reabsorption by activating PKC. Hypertonicity-stimulated water reabsorption by PKC may be related to the decrease in endocytosis of AQP2. AMPK activation promotes water reabsorption, but the mechanism remains to be determined. PKC and AMPK do not appear to act synergistically to regulate water reabsorption.
Functional and anatomical relationships between the medial precentral cortex, dorsal striatum, and head direction cell circuitry. I. Recording studies
Authors: Mehlman Max L. , Winter Shawn S. , Valerio Stephane , Taube Jeffrey S.
Published: November 2018

Head direction (HD) cells fire as a function of the animal’s directional heading and provide the animal with a sense of direction. In rodents, these neurons are located primarily within the limbic system, but small populations of HD cells are found in two extralimbic areas: the medial precentral cortex (PrCM) and dorsal striatum (DS). HD cell activity in these structures could be driven by output from the limbic HD circuit or generated intrinsically. We examined these possibilities by recording the activity of PrCM and DS neurons in control rats and in rats with anterodorsal thalamic nucleus (ADN) lesions, a manipulation that disrupts the limbic HD signal. HD cells in the PrCM and DS of control animals displayed characteristics similar to those of limbic HD cells, and these extralimbic HD signals were eliminated in animals with complete ADN lesions, suggesting that the PrCM and DS HD signals are conveyed from the limbic HD circuit. Angular head velocity cells recorded in the PrCM and DS were unaffected by ADN lesions. Next, we determined if the PrCM and DS convey necessary self-motion signals to the limbic HD circuit. Limbic HD cell activity recorded in the ADN remained intact following combined lesions of the PrCM and DS. Collectively, these experiments reveal a unidirectional functional relationship between the limbic HD circuit and the PrCM and DS; the limbic system generates the HD signal and transmits it to the PrCM and DS, but these extralimbic areas do not provide critical input or feedback to limbic HD cells.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Head direction (HD) cells have been extensively studied within the limbic system. The lesion and recording experiments reported here examined two relatively understudied populations of HD cells located outside of the canonical limbic HD circuit in the medial precentral cortex and dorsal striatum. We found that HD cell activity in these two extralimbic areas is driven by output from the limbic HD circuit, revealing that HD cell circuitry functionally extends beyond the limbic system.
Agmatine preferentially antagonizes GluN2B-containingN-methyl-d-aspartate receptors in spinal cord
Authors: Waataja Jonathan J. , Peterson Cristina D. , Verma Harsha , Goracke-Postle Cory J. , Séguéla Philippe , Delpire Eric , Wilcox George L. , Fairbanks Carolyn A.
Published: November 2018

The role of the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAr) as a contributor to maladaptive neuroplasticity underlying the maintenance of chronic pain is well established. Agmatine, an NMDAr antagonist, has been shown to reverse tactile hypersensitivity in rodent models of neuropathic pain while lacking the side effects characteristic of global NMDAr antagonism, including sedation and motor impairment, indicating a likely subunit specificity of agmatine’s NMDAr inhibition. The present study assessed whether agmatine inhibits subunit-specific NMDAr-mediated current in the dorsal horn of mouse spinal cord slices. We isolated NMDAr-mediated excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) in small lamina II dorsal horn neurons evoked by optogenetic stimulation of Nav1.8-containing nociceptive afferents. We determined that agmatine abbreviated the amplitude, duration, and decay constant of NMDAr-mediated EPSCs similarly to the application of the GluN2B antagonist ifenprodil. In addition, we developed a site-specific knockdown of the GluN2B subunit of the NMDAr. We assessed whether agmatine and ifenprodil were able to inhibit NMDAr-mediated current in the spinal cord dorsal horn of mice lacking the GluN2B subunit of the NMDAr by analysis of electrically evoked EPSCs. In control mouse spinal cord, agmatine and ifenprodil both inhibited amplitude and accelerated the decay kinetics. However, agmatine and ifenprodil failed to attenuate the decay kinetics of NMDAr-mediated EPSCs in the GluN2B-knockdown mouse spinal cord. The present study indicates that agmatine preferentially antagonizes GluN2B-containing NMDArs in mouse dorsal horn neurons.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Our study is the first to report that agmatine preferentially antagonizes the GluN2B receptor subunit of the N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor in spinal cord. The preferential targeting of GluN2B receptor is consistent with the pharmacological profile of agmatine in that it reduces chronic pain without the motor side effects commonly seen with non-subunit-selective NMDA receptor antagonists.
A review and consideration on the kinematics of reach-to-grasp movements in macaque monkeys
Authors: Castiello Umberto , Dadda Marco
Published: November 2018

The bases for understanding the neuronal mechanisms that underlie the control of reach-to-grasp movements among nonhuman primates, particularly macaques, has been widely studied. However, only a few kinematic descriptions of their prehensile actions are available. A thorough understanding of macaques’ prehensile movements is manifestly critical, in light of their role in biomedical research as valuable models for studying neuromotor disorders and brain mechanisms, as well as for developing brain-machine interfaces to facilitate arm control. This article aims to review the current state of knowledge on the kinematics of grasping movements that macaques perform in naturalistic, seminaturalistic, and laboratory settings, to answer the following questions: Are kinematic signatures affected by the context within which the movement is performed? In what ways are kinematics of humans’ and macaques’ prehensile actions similar/dissimilar? Our analysis reflects the challenges involved in making comparisons across settings and species due to the heterogeneous picture in terms of the number of subjects, stimuli, conditions, and hands used. The kinematics of free-ranging macaques are characterized by distinctive features that are exhibited neither by macaques in laboratory setting nor by human subjects. The temporal incidence of key kinematic landmarks diverges significantly between species, indicating disparities in the overall organization of movement. Given such complexities, we attempt a synthesis of the extant body of evidence, intending to generate some significant implications for directions that future research might take to recognize the remaining gaps and pursue the insights and resolutions to generate an interpretation of movement kinematics that accounts for all settings and subjects.
A rapid visuomotor response on the human upper limb is selectively influenced by implicit motor learning
Authors: Gu Chao , Pruszynski J. Andrew , Gribble Paul L. , Corneil Brian D.
Published: November 2018

How do humans learn to adapt their motor actions to achieve task success? Recent behavioral and patient studies have challenged the classic notion that motor learning arises solely from the errors produced during a task, suggesting instead that explicit cognitive strategies can act in concert with the implicit, error-based, motor learning component. In this study, we show that the earliest wave of directionally tuned neuromuscular activity that begins within ~100 ms of peripheral visual stimulus onset is selectively influenced by the implicit component of motor learning. In contrast, the voluntary neuromuscular activity associated with reach initiation, which evolves ~100–200 ms later, is influenced by both the implicit and explicit components of motor learning. The selective influence of the implicit, but not explicit, component of motor learning on the directional tuning of the earliest cascade of neuromuscular activity supports the notion that these components of motor learning can differentially influence descending motor pathways.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Motor learning can be driven both by an implicit error-based component and an explicit strategic component, but the influence of these components on the descending pathways that contribute to motor control is unknown. In this study, we show that the implicit component selectively influences a reflexive circuit that rapidly generates a visuomotor response on the human upper limb. Our results show that the substrates mediating implicit and explicit motor learning exert distinct influences on descending motor pathways.
Homocysteine Modification in Protein Structure/Function and Human Disease
Authors: Jakubowski Hieronim
Published: November 2018

Epidemiological studies established that elevated homocysteine, an important intermediate in folate, vitamin B12, and one carbon metabolism, is associated with poor health, including heart and brain diseases. Earlier studies show that patients with severe hyperhomocysteinemia, first identified in the 1960s, exhibit neurological and cardiovascular abnormalities and premature death due to vascular complications. Although homocysteine is considered to be a nonprotein amino acid, studies over the past 2 decades have led to discoveries of protein-related homocysteine metabolism and mechanisms by which homocysteine can become a component of proteins. Homocysteine-containing proteins lose their biological function and acquire cytotoxic, proinflammatory, proatherothrombotic, and proneuropathic properties, which can account for the various disease phenotypes associated with hyperhomocysteinemia. This review describes mechanisms by which hyperhomocysteinemia affects cellular proteostasis, provides a comprehensive account of the biological chemistry of homocysteine-containing proteins, and discusses pathophysiological consequences and clinical implications of their formation.
Functional Probiotic Assessment andIn VivoCholesterol-Lowering Efficacy ofWeissellasp. Associated with Arid Lands Living-Hosts
Authors: Fhoula Imene , Rehaiem Amel , Najjari Afef , Usai Donatella , Boudabous Abdellatif , Sechi Leonardo Antonio , Hadda-Imene Ouzari
Published: November 2018

The research and the selection of novel probiotic strains from novel niches are receiving increased attention on their proclaimed health benefits to both humans and animals. This study aimed to evaluate the functional properties ofWeissellastrains from arid land living-hosts and to select strains with cholesterol-lowering propertyin vitroandin vivo, for use as probiotics. They were assessed for acid and bile tolerance, antibiotic susceptibility, membrane properties, antibacterial activity, antiadhesive effect against pathogens to host cell lines, and cholesterol assimilationin vitro. Our results showed that the majority of strains revealed resistance to gastrointestinal conditions. All the strains were nonhemolytic and sensitive to most of the tested antibiotics. They also exhibited high rates of autoaggregation and some of them showed high coaggregation with selected pathogens and high adhesion ability to two different cell lines (Caco-2 and MIM/PPk). Particularly,W. halotoleransF99, from camel feces, presented a broad antibacterial spectrum against pathogens, reducedEnterococcus faecalisandEscherichia coliadhesion to Caco-2 cells, and was found to reduce,in vitro, the cholesterol level by 49 %. Moreover,W. halotoleransF99 was evaluated for the carbohydrate utilization as well as the serum lipid metabolism effect in Wistar rats fed a high-cholesterol diet.W. halotoleransF99 showed an interesting growth on different plant-derivative oligosaccharides as sole carbon sources. Compared with rats fed a high-fat (HF) diet withoutWeissellaadministration, total serum cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides levels were significantly (p<0.001) reduced inW. halotoleransF99-treated HF rats, with no significant change in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol HDL-C levels. On the basis of these results, this is the first study to report thatW. halotoleransF99, from camel feces, can be developed as cholesterol-reducing probiotic strain. Further studies may reveal their potential and possible biotechnological and probiotic applications.
Snakehead Consumption Enhances Wound Healing? From Tradition to Modern Clinical Practice: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Sahid Nik Amin , Hayati Firdaus , Rao Challa Venkata , Ramely Rosnelifaizur , Sani Ikhwan , Dzulkarnaen Andee , Zakaria Zaidi , Hassan Syed , Zahari Arman , Ali Aishath Azna
Published: November 2018

Background. Snakehead fish (Channa striatus) is a fresh water fish indigenous to many Asia countries and believed to have medical value. Studies showed that it contains all the essential amino acids and fatty acids able to accelerate wound healing and it has antinociceptive effect. However, little human study has been done to assess the effectiveness of Channa striatus in wound healing. A prospective RCT has been conducted on the effect of Channa striatus spray versus placebo on clean wound to assess its pain control effect and cosmetic outcome. Methodology. One hundred and two patients (102) underwent clean elective surgery; postoperatively they were randomized into two group. One group received Channa striatus extract spray (n=51) another group received placebo (n=51) on daily basis for 2 weeks. They were followed up on 2nd, 4th, and 6th weeks. Pain control effect was assessed based on Visual Analog Pain Score (VAPS) and cosmetic outcome based on Visual Analog Cosmetic Scale (VACS), Wound Evaluation Scale (WES), and Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS). Result. The patient treated with Channa striatus spray displayed a better outcome in terms of pain control compared to placebo. During analysis using repeated measure ANOVA, there was significant difference of patient’s pain score based on VAPS between Channa striatus spray and placebo (F‐stat (df) = 4.80 (2), p‐value = 0.010). For cosmetic outcome it showed a better result in Channa striatus spray group for all the 3‐scoring system, VACS, (F‐stat (df) = 2.68 (2) , p‐value <0.001), WES (F‐stat (df) = 3.09 (2), p‐value = 0.048), and VSS (F‐stat (df) = 1.72 (2) , p‐value = 0.011). Conclusion. Our study suggest that application of Channa striatus extract spray on clean wound has shown a significant better pain score result and cosmetic outcome on week 2, week 4, and week 6 comparatively with placebo.
Screening of Plants Used as Traditional Anticancer Remedies in Mkuranga and Same Districts, Tanzania, Using Brine Shrimp Toxicity Bioassay
Authors: Matata Daniel Z. , Ngassapa Olipa D. , Machumi Francis , Moshi Mainen J.
Published: November 2018

Background. Inadequate specialized cancer hospitals and high costs are contributing factors that delay cancer patients from accessing health care services in Tanzania. Consequently, majority of patients are first seen by Traditional Health Practitioners (THPs) before they access specialized services. This study presents ethnomedical information and preliminary evaluation of 25 plant species claimed by THPs in Mkuranga and Same districts of Tanzania on use for treatment of cancer. Literature search and laboratory investigation results are presented to support evaluation. Methods. This study was a single disease ethnomedical enquiry focusing on plants being used for cancer treatment. Face‐to‐face interviews and questionnaires were administered to eight (8) THPs in Mkuranga and Same districts on the claimed plants and their use for management of cancer. Plants were selected based on being frequently mentioned and emphasis given by THPs. Literature search and brine shrimp toxicity (BST) of methanol : dichloromethane (1:1) extracts was used as surrogates to evaluate strength of the claims. Results. This study reports 25 plant species used by the THPs in two districts of Tanzania. Eight plants (32%) have been reported in the literature to have activity against cancer cells. BST results revealed, 14 (56%) plants exhibited high toxicity against brine shrimps. The most active plants included Croton pseudopulchellus Pax (LC50 4.2 μg/ml), Dalbergia melanoxylon Guill. & Perr. (LC50 6.8 μg/ml), Loranthus micranthus Linn (LC50 4.0 μg/ml), Ochna mossambicensis Klotzsch (LC50 3.3 μg/ml), and Spirostachys africana Sond. (LC50 4.4 μg/ml); their toxicity was comparable to that of Catharanthus roseus (L) G. Don. (LC50 6.7 μg/ml), an established source of anticancer compounds. Nine other plants had LC50 values between (19.8 and 71.6) μg/ml, indicating also potential to yield anticancer. Conclusion. Literature search and BST results provide a strong support of the potential of the claimed plants to yield active anticancer compounds.
Innovative Design of Replacement Device for Vulnerable Parts in the Nuclear Radiation Environment
Authors: Li Qin , Zhao Wu , Zheng Lan-jiang , Chen Ling , Zhang Kai , Guo Xin
Published: November 2018

Vigorously developing nuclear power is the main development direction of current renewable energy. In the nuclear environment, in order to avoid nuclear radiation damage to maintenance personnel and improve the efficiency of nuclear reaction, it is necessary and urgent to realize automatic replacement of vulnerable parts in the electron gun. As the key equipment for the generation and control of nuclear reactions in nuclear reactors, electron guns have been widely used in nuclear power plants of traveling wave reactors. However, the “high-voltage conductive ring” in electron guns is a vulnerable part. It is likely to cause nuclear reactor accidents when the vulnerable part is damaged. Automatic replacement of vulnerable parts is an important part of the entire maintenance equipment. Considering the entire maintenance equipment and the working environment, an innovative design process for vulnerable parts replacement is established. Under the guidance of the process, in order to ensure the continuity of a series of maintenance actions, the technical contradiction resolution theory is first used to conduct the overall analysis of the general direction to obtain the design layout. Then, the contradiction resolution theory and the object-field model analysis are utilized to get and improve the detailed design of the device mechanism. The theory of TRIZ can help us to get the overall mechanical structure design that meets the engineering requirements. The device is designed with a replacement part adjustment scheme to ensure the completion of the maintenance actions. Furthermore, the design provides a solution to the possible jamming phenomenon in the automatic maintenance process and achieves the maximum use efficiency of the storage and replacement of vulnerable parts.
Identification of a Time-Dependent Coefficient in Heat Conduction Problem by New Iteration Method
Authors: Huang Dejian , Li Yanqing , Pei Donghe
Published: November 2018

This paper investigates the problem of identifying unknown coefficient of time dependent in heat conduction equation by new iteration method. In order to use new iteration method, we should convert the parabolic heat conductive equation into an integral equation by integral calculus and initial condition. This method constructs a convergent sequence of function, which approximates the exact solution with a few iterations and does not need complex calculation. Illustrative examples are given to demonstrate the efficiency and validity.
Influences of Process Parameters and Vibration Parameters on the Forming Force in the Ultrasonic‐Assisted Incremental Forming Process
Authors: Bai Lang , Li Yan , Yang Mingshun , Yao Zimeng , Yao Zhiyuan
Published: November 2018

In the field of plastic forming, ultrasonic vibration has the advantages of small forming force and high forming quality, and it has been introduced into a single‐point incremental plastic forming technique with high flexibility and high precision. The ultrasonic vibration single‐point incremental compound forming technology with all the above advantages has been achieved. To reveal the variation tendency of the forming force under ultrasonic vibration and single‐point incremental coupling, the process parameters (layer spacing, tool head radius, and feed rate) and vibration parameters (frequency and amplitude) on the forming force of the composite technology were quantitatively analyzed by theory, simulation, and experiment. The simulation and experimental results showed that ultrasonic vibration can significantly reduce the forming force of the composite technology. Compared with the simulation results, the theoretical results are not only closer to the experimental results but also have a shorter computation time and better prediction effect on the forming force. The change in the process parameters has a linear effect on the forming force, the nonlinearity of the vibratory parameters influences the forming force, and the frequencies and amplitudes in a suitable range allow the forming force to reach a minimum value. These conclusions have some significance for further studies on the ultrasonic vibratory single‐point incremental composite forming technology.
Effects of Initial Shear Stress and Vibration Frequency on the Dynamic Pore‐Water Pressure of Saturated Sands
Authors: Zhang Jian , Cao Jiuting , Huang Sijie
Published: November 2018

The cyclic triaxial system is used to investigate the effects of confining pressure, initial shear stress, vibration frequency, and dynamic stress on the pore‐water pressure characteristics of saturated sand in the Wenchuan area. Results show that the initial shear stress has a remarkable effect on the development of the dynamic pore‐water pressure of saturated sand. The greater the initial shear stress, the slower the development curve of the pore‐water pressure of saturated sand and the higher the number of cycles required to reach the same pore‐water pressure. The larger the initial shear stress, the smaller the dynamic pore‐water pressure when the sample is destroyed. Moreover, the maximum pore‐water pressure ratio decreases linearly with the increase of the consolidation ratio. The normalised relationship curve between the dynamic pore‐water pressure and failure time of vibration is consistent with the development law of the power function. The power function model parameters are affected by the initial shear stress and confining pressure. At the time of isotropic consolidation, the accumulation law of pore‐water pressure presents a growth pattern of “fast‐stable‐intensified.” A modified pore‐water pressure model considering vibration frequency is proposed on the basis of the Seed pore‐water pressure model, and the model parameters are linear with the vibration frequency. When the vibration frequency remains unchanged, the parameter does not change with the confining pressure and dynamic stress. This modified model can predict the change rule of pore‐water pressure with the frequency under isotropic consolidation.
Therapeutic Effect of Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells at Various Passages on Acute Liver Failure in Rats
Authors: Zhang Yongting , Li Yuwen , Li Wenting , Cai Jie , Yue Ming , Jiang Longfeng , Xu Ruirui , Zhang Lili , Li Jun , Zhu Chuanlong
Published: November 2018

Recent studies have described beneficial effects of an infusion of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from Wharton’s jelly tissue, for the treatment of acute liver failure (ALF). However, data on the therapeutic potential of culture-expanded MSCs are lacking. We examined the therapeutic potential of passage five (P5) and ten (P10) human umbilical cord- (hUC-) MSCs via their transplantation into Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats with D-galactosamine (D-GalN) and LPS-induced acute liver failure (ALF). SD rats were randomly divided into three groups: control group, P5 hUC-MSCs group, and P10 hUC-MSCs group. After transplantation, P5 hUC-MSCs provided a significant survival benefit. The analysis of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and total bilirubin (TBIL) levels showed that transplantation with P5 hUC-MSCs was more effective than treatment with P10 hUC-MSCs. P5 hUC-MSCs also successfully downregulated the hepatic activity index (HAI) scores. Compared to P10 hUC-MSCs in vivo, P5 hUC-MSCs significantly enhanced the regeneration and inhibited the apoptosis of hepatocytes. CM-Dil-labeled hUC-MSCs were found to engraft within the recipient liver, whereas the homing of cells to the recipient liver in the P10 hUC-MSCs group was less effective compared to the P5 hUC-MSCs group. Previous studies have shown that the concentration of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) in the injured liver was significantly increased. HGF is commonly known as the ligand of c-Met. The level of c-Met in hUC-MSCs as detected by Western blotting indicated that at a higher passage number, there is a decrease in c-Met. These data suggest that direct transplantation of P5 hUC-MSCs can more efficiently home to an injured liver. Subsequently, the P5 hUC-MSCs can rescue ALF and repopulate the livers of rats through the stimulation of endogenous liver regeneration and inhibition of hepatocellular apoptosis for compensated liver function, which is dependent on the higher level of c-Met than P10 hUC-MSCs.
Oxidation-Reduction Potential in Patients undergoing Transcatheter or Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Heldmaier Kathrin , Stoppe Christian , Goetzenich Andreas , Foldenauer Ann-Christina , Zayat Rachat , Breuer Thomas , Schälte Gereon
Published: November 2018

Background. Aortic valve stenosis has gained increasingly more importance due to its high prevalence in elderly people. More than two decades ago, transcatheter aortic valve replacement emerged for patients who were denied surgery, and its noninferiority has been demonstrated in numerous studies. Oxidative stress has generated great interest because of its sensitivity to cell damage and the possibility of offering early hints of clinical outcomes. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether there is a significant difference between transcatheter (TAVR) or surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) in terms of the changes in oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) and antioxidant capacity. Therefore, we investigated perioperative oxidative stress levels and their influence on clinical outcomes. Methods. A total of 72 patients (50% TAVR versus 50% SAVR) were included in the present study. Static oxidation-reduction potential (sORP) and antioxidant capacity were measured using the RedoxSys™ Diagnostic System (Luoxis Diagnostics, USA) in serum samples drawn before and after surgery, as well as on the first postoperative day. In addition, clinical data were obtained to evaluate the clinical outcome of each case. Results. TAVR patients had higher preoperative sORP levels compared to the SAVR patients and more severe comorbidities. Unlike the TAVR cohort, patients in the SAVR group showed a significant difference in sORP from the pre- to postoperative levels. Capacity demonstrated higher preoperative levels in the SAVR cohort and also a greater difference postoperatively compared to the TAVR cohort. Regression analysis revealed a significant correlation between pre- and postoperative capacity levels (r = -0.9931, p < 0.0001), providing a method of predicting postoperative capacity levels by knowing the preoperative levels. According to the multivariable analysis, both sORP and antioxidant capacity are dependent on time point, baseline value, and type of surgery, with the largest variations observed for time effect and surgery method. Conclusion. A high preoperative sORP level correlated to more severe illness in the TAVR patients. As the TAVR patients did not show significant differences in their preoperative levels, we assume that there was a smaller production of oxidative agents during TAVR due to the less invasive nature of the procedure. Baseline values and development of antioxidant capacity values strengthen this hypothesis. The significant correlation of pre- and postoperative capacity levels might allow high risk patients to be detected more easily and might provide more adequate and individualized therapy preoperatively. This trial is registered with clinicaltrials.gov, identifier: NCT 02488876.
Th1/Th2 Dichotomy in Obese Women with Gestational Diabetes and Their Macrosomic Babies
Authors: Seck A. , Hichami A. , Doucouré S. , Diallo Agne F. , Bassène H. , Ba A. , Sokhna C. , Khan N. A. , Samb A.
Published: November 2018

The aim of the study was to assess T cell differentiation and the modulation of inflammatory cytokines in obese and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) women and their macrosomic newborns. Hence, immediately after delivery, blood samples were collected through the mother’s arm vein and the umbilical cordon vein. Biochemical parameters measured were HbA1C, glucose, insulin, triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (Tchol), HDL cholesterol (HDLchol), and LDL cholesterol (LDLchol). T lymphocytes were purified from the total blood with Ficoll-Paque. The mRNA expression of inflammatory markers in T cells was determined by RT-qPCR. We observed that diabetic mothers exhibited higher HbA1C, glycemia, insulinemia, TG, Tchol, HDLchol, and LDLchol levels than control mothers. Glycemia was not significantly different between macrosomic and control newborns. However, insulinemia was high in macrosomic babies. TG, Tchol, HDLchol, and LDLchol were not significantly different between macrosomic and control babies. In diabetic mothers, mRNA expression of the Th1 cell subtype was significantly increased. Th1 markers were upregulated in babies born to diabetic women than in control newborns. However, expression of two Th2 markers (GATA3 and IL-4) was not significantly different between control and GDM women and between their respective newborns. Interestingly, IL-10 mRNA expression was decreased in diabetic mothers and their offsprings. The Th1/Th2 cytokine ratio was increased in GDM obese mothers and their macrosomic newborns, suggesting a proinflammatory status in these subjects.
Scanning Electron Microscopy Analysis of the Anterior Capsulotomy Edge: A Comparative Study between Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Capsulotomy and Manual Capsulorhexis
Authors: Tognetto Daniele , De Giacinto Chiara , Perrotta Alberto Armando , Candian Tommaso , Bova Alessandro , Rinaldi Silvia , Turco Gianluca
Published: November 2018

Purpose. To compare the capsule edges ultrastructure obtained by two femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) platforms and manual continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis (CCC) using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Setting. Eye Clinic, University of Trieste, Italy. Design. Experimental comparative study. Methods. 150 anterior capsules were collected and divided into three groups as follows: Group 1 (50 capsules) obtained with manual CCC, Groups 2 and 3 (each with 50 capsules) obtained with the Catalys Laser and the LenSx Laser, respectively. All samples were imaged by means of SEM and regularity of the cut surface, and thickness of the capsule edge were evaluated and compared. Results. All femtosecond laser (FSL) capsules were perfectly circular, whereas some alteration of the circular shape was observed in the manual ones. Group 1 showed a smooth and regular capsule edge without any surface irregularity, conversely Groups 2 and 3 showed postage-stamp perforations on the capsule edge. The cut surface irregularity value in Group 2 was 1.4 ± 0.63, while it was 0.7 ± 0.49 in Group 3 (p<0.05). Group 1 had a significantly lower thickness of the capsule edge than the FSL groups (p<0.05). No statistically significant difference in the capsule edge thickness between the FSL groups was found (p=0.244). Conclusions. Despite the presence of slight cut surface irregularities, both FSL capsulotomies showed a better geometry and circularity than the manual ones. Capsulotomy specimens obtained using both FSL capsulotomies showed laser-induced alterations of the capsule edge when compared with smooth and regular edges obtained using manual CCC.
1 ML Wetting Layer upon Ga(As)Sb Quantum Dot (QD) Formation on GaAs Substrate Monitored with Reflectance Anisotropy Spectroscopy (RAS)
Authors: Fouckhardt Henning , Strassner Johannes , Loeber Thomas H. , Doering Christoph
Published: November 2018

III/V semiconductor quantum dots (QD) are in the focus of optoelectronics research for about 25 years now. Most of the work has been done on InAs QD on GaAs substrate. But, e.g., Ga(As)Sb (antimonide) QD on GaAs substrate/buffer have also gained attention for the last 12 years. There is a scientific dispute on whether there is a wetting layer before antimonide QD formation, as commonly expected for Stransky-Krastanov growth, or not. Usually ex situ photoluminescence (PL) and atomic force microscope (AFM) measurements are performed to resolve similar issues. In this contribution, we show that reflectance anisotropy/difference spectroscopy (RAS/RDS) can be used for the same purpose as an in situ, real-time monitoring technique. It can be employed not only to identify QD growth via a distinct RAS spectrum, but also to get information on the existence of a wetting layer and its thickness. The data suggest that for antimonide QD growth the wetting layer has a thickness of 1 ML (one monolayer) only.