bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Pricing Strategy of Oligopolistic Competition Food Firms with the Asymmetric Information and Scientific Uncertainty
Authors: Zhao Li , Wang Changwei , Peng Xiaohui , Liu Bin , Ahlstrom David
Published: December 2017

The arguments for and against genetically modified (GM) food focus on the characteristics of the scientific uncertainty and asymmetric information for the GM food. How do these two factors affect the competition and pricing strategy of food firms that separate GM food and conventional food conforming to consumer’s right to know? We explore the issue of pricing strategies between two firms producing horizontally and vertically differentiated foods in the context of asymmetric information and scientific uncertainty. The theoretical results show that there are two separating perfect Bayesian equilibria in which the prices of the conventional food and GM food are strategic complements and the profits of two types of firms are both increasing in the price of GM food. The numerical example shows that a decrease of the expected potential net damage as the most sensitive parameter leads to an increase of the profits of the two firms. Additionally, an increase in product differentiation helps to increase the two firms’ profits. Finally, the decrease in risk aversion as the second sensitive parameter helps to increase both products’ prices and quantities and both firms’ profits. This paper contributes by combining food safety regulation with market mechanisms and competition.
Characterisation of Casein Kinase 1.1 inLeishmania donovaniUsing the CRISPR Cas9 Toolkit
Authors: Martel Daniel , Beneke Tom , Gluenz Eva , Späth Gerald F. , Rachidi Najma
Published: December 2017

The recent adaptation of CRISPR Cas9 genome editing toLeishmaniaspp. has opened a new era in decipheringLeishmaniabiology. The method was recently improved using a PCR-based CRISPR Cas9 approach, which eliminated the need for cloning. This new approach, which allows high-throughput gene deletion, was successfully validated inL. mexicanaandL. major. In this study, we validated the toolkit inLeishmania donovanitargeting the flagellar protein PF16, confirming that the tagged protein localizes to the flagellum and that null mutants lose their motility. We then used the technique to characterise CK1.1, a member of the casein kinase 1 family, which is involved in the regulation of many cellular processes. We showed that CK1.1 is a low-abundance protein present in promastigotes and in amastigotes. We demonstrated that CK1.1 is not essential for promastigote and axenic amastigote survival or for axenic amastigote differentiation, although it may have a role during stationary phase. Altogether, our data validate the use of PCR-based CRISPR Cas9 toolkit inL. donovani, which will be crucial for genetic modification of hamster-derived, disease-relevant parasites.
3D Reconstruction of the Surface Using a Standard Camera
Authors: Martišek Dalibor
Published: December 2017

This paper deals with 3D reconstructions of series of partially focussed images. Some of these methods are known in case of images which were acquired in small field of view (by confocal microscope or CCD camera, e.g.). In this case, recorded images do not differ in any geometrical transformation from each other. In case of larger samples (oversized for microscope or CCD camera), it is necessary to use wider viewing field (standard cameras, e.g.), and taken images primarily differ in scaling but may also differ in shifting and rotation too. These images cannot be used for reconstruction directly; they must be registered; that is, we must determine all transformations which the images differ and eliminate their effects. There are several ways to do this. This paper deals with the registration based on phase correlation. After this registration, it is necessary to identify the sharp parts and to compose a 2D and 3D model. Present methods are very sensitive to noise and their results are not satisfactory in many cases. We introduce a new method for 3D reconstruction which is significantly better.
Inability to Utilize Retrograde Cardioplegia due to a Persistent Left Superior Vena Cava
Authors: Fernando Rohesh J. , Johnson Sean D.
Published: December 2017

A persistent left superior vena cava is a congenital abnormality that affects a minority of the general population. While this finding is not hemodynamically significant in all patients, failure to recognize the altered anatomy in any of these patients can be consequential during procedures such as central venous catheter placement, pacemaker/defibrillator wire placement, and use of retrograde cardioplegia during cardiac surgery. We present a case of an intraoperative diagnosis of a persistent left superior vena cava that altered the original plan to arrest the heart using retrograde cardioplegia. Echocardiography was instrumental in this diagnosis and avoided potentially inadequate myocardial protection during cardiopulmonary bypass.
Investigation of Stability Alarming for Retaining Wall Structures with Damage
Authors: Xu Qian
Published: December 2017

To warn of the stability of retaining wall structures with damage, a simplified mechanical model and a finite element model of this retaining wall-soil coupling system are established. Via finite element model updating, a baseline finite element model of the wall-soil system is acquired. A damage alarming index ERSD (Energy Ratio Standard Deviation) is proposed via the wavelet packet analysis of a virtual impulse response function of dynamic responses to this baseline finite element model. The internal relationships among the alarming index, earth pressure, and damage stability of the wall are analyzed. Then, a damage stability alarming method for the retaining walls is advanced. To verify the feasibility and validity of this alarming method, vibration tests on the baseline finite element model of a pile plate retaining wall are performed. The ERSD is used as an alarm for the damage stability of the wall. Analysis results show that, with an increase in the ERSD, the stability of the wall changes from a stable state to an unstable one. The wall reaches a critical stable state when the alarming index reaches its threshold value. Thus, the damage stability of this pile plate retaining wall can be alarmed via ERSD.
HuoXueJieDu Formula Alleviates Diabetic Retinopathy in Rats by Inhibiting SOCS3-STAT3 and TIMP1-A2M Pathways
Authors: Wang Hongliang , Xing Wei , Tang Shijie , Wang Zhenglin , Lv Tiantian , Wu Yan , Guo Shuzhen , Li Chun , Han Jing , Zhu Ruixin , Wang Wei
Published: December 2017

HuoXueJieDu (HXJD) formula exerts protective effects against diabetic retinopathy (DR) in rats, but its underlying mechanism remains unknown. In the present study, the diabetic rats were established using streptozocin. The administration of HXJD was initiated at 20 weeks after diabetes induction and continued for 12 weeks. Whole genome expression profiles in rat retinas were examined using microarray technology. Differential gene expression and pathway enrichment analysis were conducted on the microarray data, with validation through real-time PCR and immunohistochemical staining. The results showed that 170 genes and several IPA canonical pathways related to inflammation, matrix metabolism, and phototransduction were regulated by HXJD. PCR validation of selected genes, including SOCS3, STAT3, TIMP1, and A2M, confirmed the gene expression changes influenced by HXJD. In addition, the immunohistochemical staining results suggested that critical members of the SOCS3-STAT3 pathway were also affected by HXJD. Taken together, these results indicated that SOCS3-STAT3 and TIMP1-A2M pathways might mediate the alleviation of HXJD activities in rats with diabetic retinopathy.
A Multivariate Methodological Workflow for the Analysis of FTIR Chemical Mapping Applied on Historic Paint Stratigraphies
Authors: Sciutto Giorgia , Oliveri Paolo , Prati Silvia , Catelli Emilio , Bonacini Irene , Mazzeo Rocco
Published: December 2017

In the field of applied researches in heritage science, the use of multivariate approach is still quite limited and often chemometric results obtained are often underinterpreted. Within this scenario, the present paper is aimed at disseminating the use of suitable multivariate methodologies and proposes a procedural workflow applied on a representative group of case studies, of considerable importance for conservation purposes, as a sort of guideline on the processing and on the interpretation of this FTIR data. Initially, principal component analysis (PCA) is performed and the score values are converted into chemical maps. Successively, the brushing approach is applied, demonstrating its usefulness for a deep understanding of the relationships between the multivariate map and PC score space, as well as for the identification of the spectral bands mainly involved in the definition of each area localised within the score maps.
Genetic Polymorphisms: A Novel Perspective on Acute Pancreatitis
Authors: Chen Yong , Xie Chao Lian , Hu Ran , Shen Cheng Yi , Zeng Mei , Wu Chang Qiang , Chen Tian Wu , Chen Chen , Tang Meng Yue , Xue Hua Dan , Jin Zheng Yu , Zhang Xiao Ming
Published: December 2017

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a complex disease that results in significant morbidity and mortality. For many decades, it has compelled researchers to explore the exact pathogenesis and the understanding of the pathogenesis of AP has progressed dramatically. Currently, premature trypsinogen activation and NF-κB activation for inflammation are two remarkable hypotheses for the mechanism of AP. Meanwhile, understanding of the influence of genetic polymorphisms has resulted in tremendous development in the understanding of the advancement of complex diseases. Now, genetic polymorphisms of AP have been noted gradually and many researchers devote themselves to this emerging area. In this review, we comprehensively describe genetic polymorphisms combined with the latest hypothesis of pathogenesis associated with AP.
Genetic Variability of Exotic Sugarcane Genotypes
Authors: Alam M. N. , Nath Ujjal Kumar , Karim K. M. R. , Ahmed M. M. , Mitul R. Y.
Published: December 2017

Sugarcane is the main sugar producing crop in Bangladesh. However, improvement of this crop through breeding is limited due to lack of genetic diversity. Therefore, genetic variability and diversity assessment are necessarily important for the foreign introduced materials. Experiment was conducted with 9 exotic sugarcane genotypes at Regional Station, Bangladesh Sugar Crop Research Institute, Gazipur, during 2012-13, following RCBD. Data were collected on different growth and yield contributing characters. Individual cane weight exhibited high genotypic coefficient of variation and phenotypic coefficient of variation. Leaf blade length, leaf blade width, fresh leaf weight, dried leaf weight, number of tillers, millable cane, bud size, cane diameter, internodes number, internode length, plant height, stalk length, brix%, and individual cane weight showed high heritability. Individual cane weight showed highly significant and positive correlation with cane diameter, internode length, and stalk length, whereas path coefficient analysis revealed that cane diameter had maximum positive direct effect on individual cane weight followed by internode length, number of tillers, and chlorophyll content. Results indicate that the genotypes should be selected on the basis of individual cane weight, cane diameter, and millable canes number for future breeding to get higher sugarcane yield in respect to juice and brix content.
Adipose-Derived Stromal Cells for Treatment of Patients with Chronic Ischemic Heart Disease (MyStromalCell Trial): A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study
Authors: Qayyum Abbas Ali , Mathiasen Anders Bruun , Mygind Naja Dam , Kühl Jørgen Tobias , Jørgensen Erik , Helqvist Steffen , Elberg Jens Jørgen , Kofoed Klaus Fuglsang , Vejlstrup Niels Groove , Fischer-Nielsen Anne , Haack-Sørensen Mandana , Ekblond Annette , Kastrup Jens
Published: December 2017

We aimed to evaluate the effect of intramyocardial injections of autologous VEGF-A165-stimulated adipose-derived stromal cells (ASCs) in patients with refractory angina. MyStromalCell trial is a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study including sixty patients with CCS/NYHA class II-III, left ventricular ejection fraction > 40%, and at least one significant coronary artery stenosis. Patients were treated with ASC or placebo in a 2 : 1 ratio. ASCs from the abdomen were culture expanded and stimulated with VEGF-A165. At 6 months follow-up, bicycle exercise tolerance increased significantly in time duration 22 s (95%CI −164 to 208 s) (P=0.034), in watt 4 (95%CI −33 to 41, 0.048), and in METs 0.2 (95%CI −1.4 to 1.8) (P=0.048) in the ASC group while there was a nonsignificant increase in the placebo group in time duration 9 s (95%CI −203 to 221 s) (P=0.053), in watt 7 (95%CI −40 to 54) (P=0.41), and in METs 0.1 (95%CI −1.7 to 1.9) (P=0.757). The difference between the groups was not significant (P=0.680, P=0.608, and P=0.720 for time duration, watt, and METs, resp.). Intramyocardial delivered VEGF-A165-stimulated ASC treatment was safe but did not improve exercise capacity compared to placebo. However, exercise capacity increased in the ASC but not in the placebo group. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01449032.
Retroperitoneal Necrotizing Fasciitis from Fournier’s Gangrene in an Immunocompromised Patient
Authors: Weimer Samuel B. , Matthews Marc R. , Caruso Daniel M. , Foster Kevin N.
Published: December 2017

Introduction. Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a devastating soft tissue disease causing fulminant clinical deterioration, and extension into the retroperitoneum has a high mortality rate. This disease process demands a strong clinical suspicion for early identification which must be coupled with frequent wide surgical debridements and intravenous antibiotics for improved outcomes. Various clinical risk factors may render a weakness in the patient’s immune status including diabetes mellitus, chronic renal failure, obesity, and autoimmune disorders, such as a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.Case Report. A 55-year-old male presented with hypotension requiring a large intravenous fluid resuscitation and vasopressors. He was diagnosed with the human immunodeficiency virus upon presentation. A computerized tomographic scan revealed air and fluid in the perineum and pelvis, ascending into the retroperitoneum. Multiple surgical debridements to his perineum, deep pelvic structures, and retroperitoneum were completed. After colostomy placement, antibiotic administration, and wound care, he was closed using split-thickness skin grafting.Conclusion. NF is a sinister and fulminant disease requiring prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention. The best chance for survival occurs with emergent surgical debridement and appropriate intravenous antibiotics. While retroperitoneal NF is consistent with uniformly poor outcomes, patients are best treated in an American Burn Association-verified burn center.
MicroRNA-31 Function as a Suppressor Was Regulated by Epigenetic Mechanisms in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Wei Jun , Wang Zijian , Wang Zhixiang , Yang Yong , Fu Changlai , Zhu Jianqing , Jiang Danbin
Published: December 2017

Gastric cancer is one of the most lethal malignancies worldwide. The aberrant expression of microRNA-31 (miR-31) has been reported in gastric cancer; however, its regulation mechanisms are still unclear. Here, we confirmed that miR-31 expression was significantly decreased in gastric cancer tissue and cell lines. Ectopic expression of miR-31 potentially suppresses proliferation and induced early apoptosis in gastric cancer cells. Furthermore, miR-31 expression was regulated as a result of epigenetic mechanisms. The downregulation of miR-31 was associated with promoter DNA methylation status in gastric cancer and cell lines. Moreover, we found that HDAC2 was the direct target of miR-31 by binding to 3′-UTR from the results of luciferase reporter assays, qRT-PCR, and western blotting. HDAC2 played an activation role in tumor growth, whose expression is upregulated and inversely associated with miR-31 levels. All the results suggested that miR-31 function as a crucial tumor suppressor was regulated by epigenetic mechanisms in gastric cancer. We found an epigenetic pathway loop, DNA methylation-miRNA expression-target gene-tumor progression in gastric cancer, and also provided implications for molecular diagnosis and therapeutics of gastric malignancies by detecting miR-31 as a potential target.
Impacted Metallic Spring Requiring Cervical Esophagotomy: A Case Report and Review of the Literature on Foreign Body Removal
Authors: Stoner Patrick , Hilgenfeldt Eric , Schlachterman Alexander
Published: December 2017

Foreign body ingestion is a commonly encountered problem and can cause significant morbidity and mortality. When removal of a foreign body from the upper gastrointestinal tract is indicated, endoscopy is the modality of choice and has a high reported success rate. However, in less than 1% of cases, endoscopic removal of a foreign body is unsuccessful and surgical intervention is necessary. We report a unique case of a large, sharp metallic spring swallowed by an incarcerated patient which subsequently became lodged in his upper thoracic esophagus. This spring was unable to be removed endoscopically due to risk of perforation and cervical esophagotomy was needed for its successful removal, illustrating the limitations of endoscopic techniques in removal of foreign bodies and the role surgical intervention has in these rare instances.
Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Hypertension: A Cross-Sectional Study in Urban Varanasi
Authors: Singh Shikha , Shankar Ravi , Singh Gyan Prakash
Published: December 2017

Hypertension is a major public health problem and important area of research due to its high prevalence and being major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and other complications.Objectives. (1) To assess the prevalence of hypertension and its associated factors and (2) to estimate awareness, treatment, and adequacy of control of hypertension among study subjects.Methods and Materials. A community based cross-sectional study with multistage sampling design was conducted among urban population of Varanasi. A modified WHO STEPS interview schedule on 640 study subjects aged 25–64 years was used.Results. The prevalence of hypertension was 32.9% (male: 40.9%, female: 26.0%). Mean systolic and diastolic BP were 124.25 ± 15.05 mmHg and 83.45 ± 9.49 mmHg, respectively. Higher odds of being hypertensive were found in male subjects, eldest age group, married subjects, subjects of upper socioeconomic status, illiterate subjects, and retired subjects. Tobacco and alcohol consumption, overweight, obesity, and abdominal obesity were also associated with hypertension. Out of the total hypertensive 211 subjects, only 81 (38.4%) were aware about their hypertension status; out of those, 57 (70.4%) were seeking treatment and 20 (35.08%) had their blood pressure adequately controlled.Conclusion. Around one-third of the subjects were hypertensive and half of the study subjects were prehypertensive in this area. The awareness, treatment, and control of high blood pressure were also very low.
Surgical Outcomes of 27-Gauge Pars PLana Vitrectomy for Symptomatic Vitreous Floaters
Authors: Lin Zhong , Zhang Rui , Liang Qi Hua , Lin Ke , Xiao Yu Shu , Moonasar Nived , Wu Rong Han
Published: December 2017

Purpose. To report the surgical outcomes of 27-gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for symptomatic vitreous floaters.Methods. 47 eyes of 47 patients (39 males, 83.0%) with symptomatic vitreous floaters who underwent 27-gauge PPV and followed up for more than 6 months were included. The mean age was 34.7 ± 13.5 years.Results. No operative complication occurred. At first day postoperatively, the intraocular pressure (IOP) was significantly lower than that at other time points (8.6 ± 2.7 mmHg,p<0.001). 28 (59.6%) eyes had transient hypotony (IOP < 8 mmHg). All were recovered within 1 week postoperatively. The BCVA of 41 eyes (41/47, 87.2%) remained unchanged or improved. Postoperative complications occurred in two eyes: one (2.1%) had endophthalmitis and one (2.1%) had retinal detachment. No clinical significant cataract was observed in the 42 postoperative phakic eyes. 91.5% of the patients were satisfied with the surgery outcome. Besides, 91.3% of the patients felt that the floaters were removed completely or only had an acceptable residual.Conclusion. Visual acuity of most patients remained unchanged or improved following 27-gague pars plana vitrectomy for symptomatic vitreous floaters, resulting in high patient satisfaction. However, this treatment should be performed with great caution since severe postoperative complications may still occur. This trial is registered withNCT03049163.
External Electric Field Effect on Shallow Donor Impurity States in Zinc-Blende InxGa1−xN/GaN Symmetric Coupled Quantum Dots
Authors: Wang Guang-Xin , Zhang Li-Li , Wei Huan
Published: December 2017

Based on the effective-mass approximation and variational procedure, the ground-state donor binding energy in a cylindrical zinc-blende InxGa1-xN/GaN symmetric coupled quantum dots (SCQDs) is investigated in the presence of the external electric field. Numerical results show that the donor binding energy increases firstly until a maximum value, and then it begins to drop quickly in all the cases with decreasing the dot radius. As the thickness of left dot and right dot decreases, the donor binding energy increases monotonically at first, reaches a maximum value, and then drops rapidly for an impurity ion located at the right dot center and the middle barrier center. Moreover, the donor binding energy for an impurity ion located at the center of the left dot is insensitive to the variation of dot thickness for large dot thickness due to the Stark effect. Meanwhile, the impurity position plays an important role on the change of the donor binding energy under the external electric field. In particular, the impurity position corresponding to the peak value of the donor binding energy is shifted toward the left QD with increasing the external electric field strength.
Gene Expression Changes in Long-Term In Vitro Human Blood-Brain Barrier Models and Their Dependence on a Transwell Scaffold Material
Authors: Gaston Joel D. , Bischel Lauren L. , Fitzgerald Lisa A. , Cusick Kathleen D. , Ringeisen Bradley R. , Pirlo Russell K.
Published: December 2017

Disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is the hallmark of many neurovascular disorders, making it a critically important focus for therapeutic options. However, testing the effects of either drugs or pathological agents is difficult due to the potentially damaging consequences of altering the normal brain microenvironment. Recently, in vitro coculture tissue models have been developed as an alternative to animal testing. Despite low cost, these platforms use synthetic scaffolds which prevent normal barrier architecture, cellular crosstalk, and tissue remodeling. We created a biodegradable electrospun gelatin mat “biopaper” (BP) as a scaffold material for an endothelial/astrocyte coculture model allowing cell-cell contact and crosstalk. To compare the BP and traditional models, we investigated the expression of 27 genes involved in BBB permeability, cellular function, and endothelial junctions at different time points. Gene expression levels demonstrated higher expression of transcripts involved in endothelial junction formation, including TJP2 and CDH5, in the BP model. The traditional model had higher expression of genes associated with extracellular matrix-associated proteins, including SPARC and COL4A1. Overall, the results demonstrate that the BP coculture model is more representative of a healthy BBB state, though both models have advantages that may be useful in disease modeling.
Detecting Web-Based Botnets Using Bot Communication Traffic Features
Authors: Hsu Fu-Hau , Ou Chih-Wen , Hwang Yan-Ling , Chang Ya-Ching , Lin Po-Ching
Published: December 2017

Web-based botnets are popular nowadays. A Web-based botnet is a botnet whose C&C server and bots use HTTP protocol, the most universal and supported network protocol, to communicate with each other. Because the botnet communication can be hidden easily by attackers behind the relatively massive HTTP traffic, administrators of network equipment, such as routers and switches, cannot block such suspicious traffic directly regardless of costs. Based on the clients constituent of a Web server and characteristics of HTTP responses sent to clients from the server, this paper proposes a traffic inspection solution, called Web-based Botnet Detector (WBD). WBD is able to detect suspicious C&C (Command-and-Control) servers of HTTP botnets regardless of whether the botnet commands are encrypted or hidden in normal Web pages. More than 500 GB real network traces collected from 11 backbone routers are used to evaluate our method. Experimental results show that the false positive rate of WBD is 0.42%.
Association Study of Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor 1 (TNFR1) Gene Polymorphisms with Schizophrenia in the Polish Population
Authors: Suchanek-Raif Renata , Kucia Krzysztof , Kowalczyk Małgorzata , Raif Paweł , Paul-Samojedny Monika , Fila-Daniłow Anna , Kowalski Jan
Published: December 2017

Schizophrenia is a devastating mental disorder with undetermined aetiology. Previous research has suggested that dysregulation of proinflammatory cytokines and their receptors plays a role in developing schizophrenia. We examined the association of the three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; rs4149576, rs4149577, and rs1860545) in the tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFR1) gene with the development and psychopathology of paranoid schizophrenia in the Polish Caucasian sample consisting of 388 patients and 657 control subjects. The psychopathology was assessed using a five-factor model of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). SNPs were genotyped using the TaqMan 5′-exonuclease allelic discrimination assay. The SNPs tested were not associated with a predisposition to paranoid schizophrenia in either the entire sample or after stratification according to gender. However, rs4149577 and rs1860545 SNPs were associated with the intensity of the PANSS excitement symptoms in men, which may contribute to the risk of violent behavior. Polymorphisms in the TNFR1 gene may have an impact on the symptomatology of schizophrenia in men.
Comparison of Different Contrast Agents in Detecting Cardiac Right-to-Left Shunt in Patients with a Patent Foramen Ovale during Contrast-Transthoracic Echocardiography
Authors: Zhao Enfa , Cheng Gesheng , Zhang Yushun , Li Yang , Wang Yingli
Published: December 2017

The aim of this study is to evaluate the ability of two different contrast agents to detect cardiac right-to-left shunting in patients with a patent foramen ovale during contrast transthoracic echocardiography and transesophageal echocardiography. Eighty-four patients who had migraines or experienced cryptogenic stroke were prospectively enrolled. Contrast echocardiography of the right portion of the heart was performed using an injection of either (i) 8 ml of agitated saline, 1 ml of blood, and 1 ml of air (ASB) or (ii) 4 ml of vitamin B6 and 6 ml of sodium bicarbonate solution (VSBS). All patients underwent contrast echocardiography with different contrast agents successively before undergoing transesophageal echocardiography. The diagnostic sensitivity of VSBS and ASB for cardiac shunting diagnosis was 94.23% and 78.85%, respectively. The diagnostic sensitivity in the VSBS group was significantly higher than that in the ASB group (χ2=5.283, P=0.022). The observed semiquantitative shunt grading suggests that the positive rate in the VSBS group was higher than that in the ASB group (Z=-1.998, P=0.046). The use of vitamin B6 and sodium bicarbonate solution as a TTE contrast agent yielded a high sensitivity compared with ASB. However, further trials with large sample size are required to confirm this finding.
The Effect of High Loaded Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes in Natural Rubber and Their Nonlinear Material Constants
Authors: Elango Natarajan , Gupta N. Srinivasa , Lih Jiun Yu , Golshahr Alireza
Published: December 2017

The aim of this paper is to study the high load of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in natural rubber (NR) matrix. Firstly, the rubber matrix, fillers, and crosslinker are thoroughly mixed together in two-roll mill. Rheological tests are done from which scorch time, cure time, and cure index are estimated. The kneaded mixer is then compression molded, dumb bell samples as per ASTM D412 are prepared, and tensile strength, tensile modulus, elongation at break, and hardness are measured. It is noticed that NR/30% MWCNT has shown the highest tensile strength of 23.38 MPa and Shore A hardness of 90, which is 78.18% and 91.5%, respectively, higher than the unfilled NR. The increase in strength and hardness, the ductility loss, and decrease in elongation at break are observed upon increase in filler. FTIR, SEM, and AFM examinations are done and the results show high dispersion of nanofillers and strong interfacial interaction with rubber, which is responsible for overall enhancement in mechanical properties of the nanocomposites. Furthermore, the nonlinear material constants are evaluated through extended tube model and corresponding nonlinear material constants of different filler compositions are presented for the designers to use them in their component design and analysis.
A New Shooting Bouncing Ray Method for Composite Scattering from a Target above the Electrically Large Scope Sea Surface
Authors: Peng Peng , Lixin Guo
Published: December 2017

A new shooting and bouncing ray (SBR) simulator based on the hybrid scheme of GO/PO/SDFM/EEC method is developed for the accurate prediction of composite scattering from a low altitude target above the electrically very‐large‐scale sea surface. It can adequately deal with the complex local electromagnetic interactions between the target and the large scope sea surface. The method is compared with the exact computational electromagnetic solver FEKO‐MLFMM to validate its accuracy and efficiency. Then, it is applied to simulate the bistatic and monostatic scattering characteristics of an airplane above the electrically large sea surface at X‐band, for different sea states. The results reveal the contributions from the target, sea surface, and interactions, which are of significance for radar target detection and remote sensing in real maritime environments.
Hierarchical Sliding Mode Algorithm for Athlete Robot Walking
Authors: Nguyen Van Dong Hai , Huynh Xuan-Dung , Nguyen Minh-Tam , Vladu Ionel Cristian , Ivanescu Mircea
Published: December 2017

Dynamic equations and the control law for a class of robots with elastic underactuated MIMO system of legs, athlete Robot, are discussed in this paper. The dynamic equations are determined by Euler-Lagrange method. A new method based on hierarchical sliding mode for controlling postures is also introduced. Genetic algorithm is applied to design the oscillator for robot motion. Then, a hierarchical sliding mode controller is implemented to control basic posture of athlete robot stepping. Successful simulation results show the motion of athlete robot.
Antidepressant‐Like Effect of Selected Egyptian Cultivars of Flaxseed Oil on a Rodent Model of Postpartum Depression
Authors: El Tanbouly Nebal , El Sayed Abeer Mohamed , Ali Zeinab Y. , Abdel Wahab Samia , El Gayed Sabah H. , Ezzat Shahira M. , El Senousy Amira Safwat , Choucry Mouchira A. , Abdel-Sattar Essam
Published: December 2017

Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) is a multipurpose crop with health promoting potential. This study was undertaken to investigate the fatty acid profile and yield of fixed oil of six Egyptian flaxseed cultivars. The selected cultivars with the highest content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) (G9 and G10) were assessed for their antidepressant‐like effect in rat model of postpartum depression (PPD) induced by hormone‐simulated pregnancy followed by hormone withdrawal and compared to fluoxetine. As compared to control group, administration of G9 and G10 (270 mg/kg/day, p.o) for two weeks during the postpartum period can alleviate anxiety and depressive‐like behaviors and biochemical changes in PPD‐induced rats. This was confirmed by evaluation of anxiety‐like behaviors (elevated plus maze, open field test, and forced swim test tests), in addition to biochemical analysis (brain monoamine oxidase‐A, corticosterone level, proinflammatory cytokines, and hippocampal redox state). In conclusion, flaxseed oil of Egyptian cultivars G9 and G10 exhibited significant antidepressant‐like effect in rat model of PPD without affecting locomotor activity. At the treatment doses, the antidepressant‐like activity of Giza 9 oil is comparable to fluoxetine.
Role of Cholinergic Anti‐Inflammatory Pathway in Treatment of Intestinal Ischemia‐Reperfusion Injury by Electroacupuncture at Zusanli
Authors: Geng Yanxia , Chen Dong , Zhou Jiang , Jiang Hua , Zhang Haidong
Published: December 2017

Electroacupuncture (EA) at Zusanli is a widely used method for the treatment of intestinal ischemic disease. The current study attempts to investigate the possible mechanism from the point of cholinergic anti‐inflammatory pathway (CAP) in rats. Thirty rats were divided into five groups: control group, I/R group, EA group (I/R + EA), PNU group (I/R + α7 nAChR agonist), and α‐BGT group (I/R + EA + α7 nAChR antagonist). EA and medicine injection were performed immediately after ischemia. After 2 h of reperfusion, blood and intestine samples were collected and intestinal histopathological score, mRNA expression of mucosal α7 nAChR and NF‐κBp65, and serum cytokine levels (IL‐6, TNF‐α) were examined. Compared with the I/R group, the EA group and PNU group could significantly attenuate the mucosal damage, promote α7 nAChR mRNA expression, and reduce levels of NF‐κBp65, IL‐6, and TNF‐α. Compared with the EA group, α7 nAChR mRNA was decreased, while concentrations of NF‐κBp65, IL‐6, and TNF‐α increased in the α‐BGT group. EA at Zusanli could inhibit NF‐κBp65 and proinflammatory cytokines production after intestinal I/R injury; its mechanism may be related to the cholinergic anti‐inflammatory pathway.
Efficacy and Safety of the TCM Qi‐Supplementing Therapy in Patients with Myasthenia Gravis: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Yang Xi-qian , Liu Ling , Yang Wen-yu , Dong Huan-huan , Yang Yi-ran , Li Yun
Published: December 2017

Background. The Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Qi‐supplementing therapy has been used widely for treating myasthenia gravis (MG) in China. The purpose of this meta‐analysis was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Qi‐supplementing therapy as an adjunctive therapy in MG patients. Methods. Seven electronic databases were searched through June 2016. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the add‐on effect of Qi‐supplementing therapy in MG patients were included. The outcome measures were the total effective rate, relapse rate, and adverse events. Results. Twenty‐three RCTs involving 1,691 MG patients were included. The included studies were of low‐to‐moderate quality. Meta‐analysis showed that Qi‐supplementing therapy combined with Western medicine (WM) significantly improved the total response rate and reduced the relapse risk during 6–24 months of follow‐up. Subgroup analysis showed that Qi‐supplementing therapy only affected the total response rate within the first 6 months of treatment. Moreover, the rate of adverse events was lower with the addition of Qi‐supplementing therapy to WM than with WM only. Conclusions. Short‐term Qi‐supplementing therapy combined with WM appears to be superior to WM for improving the total response rate and reducing the relapse rate. However, more high‐quality RCTs are warranted owing to methodological flaws of previous trials.
Snake Venom PLA2, a Promising Target for Broad-Spectrum Antivenom Drug Development
Authors: Xiao Huixiang , Pan Hong , Liao Keren , Yang Mengxue , Huang Chunhong
Published: December 2017

Snakebite envenomation is a neglected global health problem, causing substantial mortality, disability, and psychological morbidity, especially in rural tropical and subtropical zones. Antivenin is currently the only specific medicine for envenomation. However, it is restricted by cold storage, snakebite diagnosis, and high price. Snake venom phospholipase A2s (svPLA2s) are found in all kinds of venomous snake families (e.g., Viperidae, Elapidae, and Colubridae). Along with their catalytic activity, svPLA2s elicit a wide variety of pharmacological effects that play a pivotal role in envenomation damage. Hence, neutralization of the svPLA2s could weaken or inhibit toxic damage. Here we overviewed the latest knowledge on the distribution, pathophysiological effects, and inhibitors of svPLA2s to elucidate the potential for a novel, wide spectrum antivenom drug targeting svPLA2s.
Online Modelling and Calculation for Operating Temperature of Silicon-Based PV Modules Based on BP-ANN
Authors: Zhu Honglu , Lian Weiwei , Lu Lingxing , Kamunyu Peter , Yu Cao , Dai Songyuan , Hu Yang
Published: December 2017

The operating temperature of silicon-based solar modules has a significant effect on the electrical performance and power generation efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) modules. It is an important parameter for PV system modeling, performance evaluation, and maximum power point tracking. The analysis shows that the results of physics-based methods always change with seasons and weather conditions. It is difficult to measure all the needed variables to build the physics-based model for the calculation of operating temperature. Due to the above problem, the paper proposes an online method to calculate operating temperature, which adopts the back propagation artificial neural network (BP-ANN) algorithm. The comparative analysis is carried out using data from the empirical test platform, and the results show that both the BP-ANN and the support vector machine (SVM) method can reach good accuracy when the dataset length was over six months. The SVM method is not suitable for the temperature modeling because its computing time is too long. To improve the performance, wind speed should be taken as one of the models’ input if possible. The proposed method is effective to calculate the operating temperature of silicon-based solar modules online, which is a low-cost soft-sensing solution.
Reversible Shaping of Microwells by Polarized Light Irradiation
Authors: Pirani Federica , Angelini Angelo , Frascella Francesca , Descrovi Emiliano
Published: December 2017

In the last years, stimuli-responsive polymeric materials have attracted great interest, due to their low cost and ease of structuration over large areas combined with the possibility to actively manipulate their properties. In this work, we propose a polymeric pattern of soft-imprinted microwells containing azobenzene molecules. The shape of individual elements of the pattern can be controlled after fabrication by irradiation with properly polarized light. By taking advantage of the light responsivity of the azobenzene compound, we demonstrate the possibility to reversibly modulate a contraction-expansion of wells from an initial round shape to very narrow slits. We also show that the initial shape of the microconcavities can be restored by flipping the polarization by 90°. The possibility to reversibly control the final shape of individual elements of structured surfaces offers the opportunity to engineer surface properties dynamically, thus opening new perspectives for several applications.
In Vitro Aberrometric Assessment of a Multifocal Intraocular Lens and Two Extended Depth of Focus IOLs
Authors: Camps Vicente J. , Tolosa Angel , Piñero David P. , de Fez Dolores , Caballero María T. , Miret Juan J.
Published: December 2017

Purpose. To analyze the “in vitro” aberrometric pattern of a refractive IOL and two extended depth of focus IOLs.Methods. A special optical bench with a Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor (SH) was designed for the measurement. Three presbyopia correction IOLs were analyzed: Mini WELL (MW), TECNIS Symfony ZXR00 (SYM), and Lentis Mplus X LS-313 MF30 (MP). Three different pupil sizes were used for the comparison: 3, 4, and 4.7 mm.Results. MW generated negative primary and positive secondary spherical aberrations (SA) for the apertures of 3 mm (−0.13 and +0.12 μm), 4 mm (−0.12 and +0.08 μm), and 4.7 mm (−0.11 and +0.08 μm), while the SYM only generated negative primary SA for 4 and 4.7 mm apertures (−0.12 μm and −0.20 μm, resp.). The MP induced coma and trefoil for all pupils and showed significant HOAs for apertures of 4 and 4.7 mm.Conclusions.In an optical bench, the MW induces negative primary and positive secondary SA for all pupils. The SYM aberrations seem to be pupil dependent; it does not produce negative primary SA for 3 mm but increases for higher pupils. Meanwhile, the HOAs for the MW and SYM were not significant. The MP showed in all cases the highest HOAs.
Automatic Target Recognition Strategy for Synthetic Aperture Radar Images Based on Combined Discrimination Trees
Authors: Zhao Xiaohui , Jiang Yicheng , Stathaki Tania
Published: December 2017

A strategy is introduced for achieving high accuracy in synthetic aperture radar (SAR) automatic target recognition (ATR) tasks. Initially, a novel pose rectification process and an image normalization process are sequentially introduced to produce images with less variations prior to the feature processing stage. Then, feature sets that have a wealth of texture and edge information are extracted with the utilization of wavelet coefficients, where more effective and compact feature sets are acquired by reducing the redundancy and dimensionality of the extracted feature set. Finally, a group of discrimination trees are learned and combined into a final classifier in the framework of Real-AdaBoost. The proposed method is evaluated with the public release database for moving and stationary target acquisition and recognition (MSTAR). Several comparative studies are conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. Experimental results show the distinctive superiority of the proposed method under both standard operating conditions (SOCs) and extended operating conditions (EOCs). Moreover, our additional tests suggest that good recognition accuracy can be achieved even with limited number of training images as long as these are captured with appropriately incremental sample step in target poses.
First Passage Time of a Markov Chain That Converges to Bessel Process
Authors: Kounta Moussa
Published: December 2017

We investigate the probability of the first hitting time of some discrete Markov chain that converges weakly to the Bessel process. Both the probability that the chain will hit a given boundary before the other and the average number of transitions are computed explicitly. Furthermore, we show that the quantities that we obtained tend (with the Euclidian metric) to the corresponding ones for the Bessel process.
Randomized Control Trial for Reduction of Body Weight, Body Fat Patterning, and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Overweight Worksite Employees in Delhi, India
Authors: Shrivastava Usha , Fatma Mahrukh , Mohan Smriti , Singh Padam , Misra Anoop
Published: December 2017

Background. We studied the impact of the multicomponent interventions on body weight and cardiometabolic risk factors in overweight individuals working in corporate worksites.Methods. Overweight (BMI ≥ 23 kg/m2) subjects were recruited from four randomised worksites [two active intervention (n, recruited, 180, completed 156) and two control (n, recruited 130, completed 111)]. Intensive intervention was given at intervention worksite.Results. High prevalence (%) of obesity (90.9, 80.2), abdominal obesity (93.5, 84.3), excess skinfold thickness (70.3, 75.9), and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) levels (56.8, 63.7) were seen in the intervention and the control group, respectively. At the end of intervention, the following significant changes were observed in the intervention group: decrease in weight, BMI, waist circumference, serum triglycerides, and increase in HDL-c. Weight loss of more than 5% was seen in 12% and 4% individuals in the intervention and control groups, respectively. Most importantly, the sum of all the skinfold measurements (mm) in the intervention group decreased significantly more than the control group (12.51 ± 10.38 versus 3.50 ± 8.18, resp.).Conclusion. This multicomponent worksite trial showed a reduction in weight, excess subcutaneous fat, and cardiometabolic risk factors after 6 months of active intervention in overweight Asian Indians.Trial Registration. This trial is registered withNCT03249610.
Elevated Serum miR-7, miR-9, miR-122, and miR-141 Are Noninvasive Biomarkers of Acute Pancreatitis
Authors: Lu Pan , Wang Feng , Wu Jia , Wang Cheng , Yan Jing , Li Zhuo-ling , Song Jia-xi , Wang Jun-jun
Published: December 2017

Background. It has been reported that several microRNAs (miRNAs), such as miR-141, miR-9, and miR-122, are involved in the regulation of pancreatitis-related proteins or that their levels change in acute pancreatitis (AP) animal models. However, the serum levels, as well as the clinical diagnostic and prognostic values, of these miRNAs in AP patients remain unclear. Furthermore, as a pancreas- (islet) enriched miRNA, miR-7 was reported to be downregulated in AP patients, which requires further verification. Methods. The levels of miR-7, miR-9, miR-122, and miR-141 were examined and compared using qRT-PCR among 80 severe AP patients, 80 mild AP patients, and 74 healthy controls. Results. The serum levels of these four miRNAs were increased markedly in the AP patients compared with the controls, and these levels decreased significantly after effective therapy. Particularly, the level of miR-7 was higher in severe AP patients than in mild AP patients. ROC curve analysis demonstrated that four miRNAs could be used as potential biomarkers for AP. Moreover, these miRNAs showed strong positive correlations with CRP, which may be associated with inflammation. Conclusions. The serum miR-7, miR-9, miR-122, and miR-141 levels were increased in AP patients. These 4 miRNAs may represent diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for AP.
Quality of Life in Workers and Stress: Gender Differences in Exposure to Psychosocial Risks and Perceived Well-Being
Authors: De Sio Simone , Cedrone Fabrizio , Sanità Donatella , Ricci Pasquale , Corbosiero Paola , Di Traglia Mario , Greco Emilio , Stansfeld Stephen
Published: December 2017

Background. Quality of working life is the result of many factors inherent in the workplace environment, especially in terms of exposure to psychosocial risks. Objectives. The purpose of this study is to assess the quality of life with special attention to gender differences. Methods. The HSE-IT questionnaire and the WHO-5 Well-Being Index were administered to a group of workers (74 males and 33 females). The authors also used Cronbach’s alpha test to assess the internal consistency of both questionnaires and the Mann–Whitney test to evaluate the significance of gender differences in both questionnaires. Results. The HSE-IT highlighted the existence of work-related stress in all the population with a critical perception regarding the domain “Relationships.” Furthermore, gender analysis highlighted the presence of two additional domains in the female population: “Demand” (p = 0,002) and “Support from Managers” (p = 0,287). The WHO-5 highlighted a well-being level below the standard cut-off point with a significant gender difference (p=0.009) for males (18, SD = 6) as compared to females (14, SD = 6,4). Cronbach’s alpha values indicated a high level of internal consistency for both of our scales. Conclusions. The risk assessment of quality of working life should take into due account the individual characteristics of workers, with special attention to gender.