bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metabolic Changes Induced by High-Fat Meal Evoke Different Microvascular Responses in Accordance with Adiposity Status
Authors: Maranhão Priscila Alves , de Souza Maria das Graças Coelho , Panazzolo Diogo Guarnieri , Nogueira Neto José Firmino , Bouskela Eliete , Kraemer-Aguiar Luiz Guilherme
Published: November 2018

Background. Frequently, ingestion of lipids exceeds our daily requirements and constantly exposes humans to circulating lipid overload which may lead to endothelial dysfunction (ED), the earliest marker of atherosclerosis. Nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) technique can detect ED on microcirculation. Using NVC, we aimed to demonstrate if metabolic alterations evoked by high-fat meals can act differently on microvascular endothelial reactivity in lean and women with obesity.Methods.Women, aged between 19 and 40 years, were allocated to control group (CG) and with obesity group (OBG) and were subjected to blood analysis for determination of glucose, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) and NVC evaluation at fasting and 30, 60, 120, and 180-min after high-fat meal ingestion. NVC technique evaluated microvascular reactivity through the following variables: red blood cell velocity (RBCV) at rest and after 1-min ischemia (maximal red blood cell velocity,RBCVmax) and time taken to reach it (TRBCVmax). APvalue ≤0.05 was considered significant.Results.High-fat meal promoted a two-phase response in both groups: one until 60-min, associated with glucose and insulin levels, and the other after 120-min, associated with TG levels. Significant differences between groups were observed concerning insulin and HDL-c concentrations only at fasting and TC, TG, and LDL-c levels in all-time points. Regarding microvascular reactivity, RBCV,RBCVmax, andTRBCVmaxwere significantly different in OBG at 30-min compared to baseline.RBCVmaxandTRBCVmaxwere significantly different in CG at 30-min and 60-min comparing to fasting. In all-time points, OBG presented RBCV,RBCVmax , and TRBCVmaxsignificantly different in comparison to CG.Conclusion.High-fat meal worsened ED on microcirculation in women with obesity and induced impairment of endothelial function in lean ones, reinforcing the association between high-fat meal and atherosclerosis.
Guided Wave Energy Transfer in Composite Sandwich Structures and Application to Defect Detection
Authors: Shoja Siavash , Berbyuk Viktor , Boström Anders
Published: November 2018

In this study, energy transmission of the guided waves propagating in composite sandwich structures is investigated in a wide range of frequencies using numerical simulations. The effects of different potential defects on the guided wave energy transmission are explored in such structures. Furthermore, the accuracy of homogenization methods for finite element modelling of guided wave propagation in sandwich structures is studied with the aim of reducing the computational burden of the simulations in the low range of frequencies. A 2D finite element model is developed and verified by comparing the results with the dispersion curves. In order to examine homogenization methods, the homogenized stiffness matrices of the sandwich material and the laminate skin are calculated using classical laminate theory. Results show that core‐skin debonding causes absence of wave energy leakage from the skin to the core material in that region in a specific range of frequencies. The results are also obtained for the delamination within the skin and compared with the healthy material. Finally, for the guided waves in the low range of frequencies, it is possible to use the homogenization methods to create the finite element models and reduce the solution time.
Antireflection Surfaces for Biological Analysis Using Laser Desorption Ionization Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Yang Jing , Zhang Hongjun , Jia Jia , Zhang Xinrong , Ma Xiaoxiao , Zhong Minlin , Ouyang Zheng
Published: November 2018

Laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry (LDI-MS) is a primary tool for biological analysis. Its success relies on the use of chemical matrices that facilitate soft desorption and ionization of the biomolecules, which, however, also limits its application for metabolomics study due to the chemical interference by the matrix compounds. The requirement for sample pretreatment is also undesirable for direct sampling analysis or tissue imaging. In this study, antireflection (AR) metal surfaces were investigated as sample substrates for matrix-free LDI-MS. They were prepared through ultrafast laser processing, with high light-to-heat energy conversion efficiency. The morphology and micro/nanostructures on the metal surfaces could be adjusted and optimized by tuning the laser fabrication process. The super-high UV absorption at 97% enabled highly efficient thermal desorption and ionization of analytes. The analytical performance for the matrix-free LDI was explored by analyzing a variety of biological compounds, including carbohydrates, drugs, metabolites, and amino acids. Its applicability for direct analysis of complex biological samples was also demonstrated by direct analysis of metabolites in yeast cells.
Chaos and Stability of Spur Gear Transmission System for Locomotive Based on Energy Method and Floquet Theory
Authors: Wang Junguo , Lv Bo , Zhao Yongxiang
Published: November 2018

Considering the internal and external excitations such as time‐varying mesh stiffness (TVMS), backlash, transmission error, torque of the traction motor, and load torque of the wheel/rail, a lumped mass model of the spur gear drive system for a railway locomotive is established. Based on Ma models in the relevant literatures, TVMS is calculated by simplifying a gear tooth as a cantilever beam on the root circle, taking into account the effects of extended tooth contact as well as revised foundation stiffness. The bifurcation diagrams and Lyapunov exponent curves of the model parameters are drawn by the numerical method, and the mechanism of chaos evolution of the gear transmission system is analyzed. According to the Floquet theory, variation curves of the maximum Floquet multiplier with pinion speed and support stiffness ratio are drawn by numerical methods. Combined with the bifurcation diagram of the system, the influences of model parameter on the stability of the system are analyzed, and the evolution laws of periodic motion and bifurcation phenomenon are gained. These research results provide the theoretical evidence of model parameter design of the locomotive transmission system.
Towards More Structure: Comparing TNM Staging Completeness and Processing Time of Text-Based Reports versus Fully Segmented and Annotated PET/CT Data of Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Sexauer Raphael , Weikert Thomas , Mader Kevin , Wicki Andreas , Schädelin Sabine , Stieltjes Bram , Bremerich Jens , Sommer Gregor , Sauter Alexander W.
Published: November 2018

Results of PET/CT examinations are communicated as text-based reports which are frequently not fully structured. Incomplete or missing staging information can be a significant source of staging and treatment errors. We compared standard text-based reports to a manual full 3D-segmentation-based approach with respect to TNM completeness and processing time. TNM information was extracted retrospectively from 395 reports. Moreover, the RIS time stamps of these reports were analyzed. 2995 lesions using a set of 41 classification labels (TNM features + location) were manually segmented on the corresponding image data. Information content and processing time of reports and segmentations were compared using descriptive statistics and modelling. The TNM/UICC stage was mentioned explicitly in only 6% (n=22) of the text-based reports. In 22% (n=86), information was incomplete, most frequently affecting T stage (19%, n=74), followed by N stage (6%, n=22) and M stage (2%, n=9). Full NSCLC-lesion segmentation required a median time of 13.3 min, while the median of the shortest estimator of the text-based reporting time (R1) was 18.1 min (p=0.01). Tumor stage (UICC I/II: 5.2 min, UICC III/IV: 20.3 min, p<0.001), lesion size (p<0.001), and lesion count (n=1: 4.4 min, n=12: 37.2 min, p<0.001) correlated significantly with the segmentation time, but not with the estimators of text-based reporting time. Numerous text-based reports are lacking staging information. A segmentation-based reporting approach tailored to the staging task improves report quality with manageable processing time and helps to avoid erroneous therapy decisions based on incomplete reports. Furthermore, segmented data may be used for multimedia enhancement and automatization.
Implementation Flexibility of Multiperiod Rail Line Design with Consideration of Uncertainties in Population Distribution
Authors: Zhang Kunpeng , Xie Binglei , Liu Ding
Published: November 2018

This paper aims to investigate the implementation flexibility of multiperiod rail line design in a linear monocentric city. Three alternatives (fast-tracking, deferring, and do-nothing-alternative (DNA) of a candidate rail line project) are examined, based on an in-depth uncertainties analysis of the demand side for this candidate rail line project. Conditions for the three alternatives of fast-tracking, deferring, and DNA are analytically explored and an illustrative example is given to demonstrate the application of the proposed models. Insightful findings are reported on the interrelationship between the rail line length and spatial and temporal correlation of population distribution as well as the implication of the correlation in practice. Sensitivity analyses are carried out in several scenarios in another numerical example to show the proposed conditions of three alternatives.
An Inverted Pendulum Model Describing the Lateral Pedestrian‐Footbridge Interaction
Authors: Zhen Bin , Chang Liang , Song Zigen
Published: November 2018

In this paper, the lateral pedestrian‐footbridge interaction is investigated by using the model of an inverted pendulum on a cart. The inverted pendulum and the cart separately represent the synchronous pedestrians and the footbridge. The pivot point of the inverted pendulum is considered to vibrate harmonically to model the walking motion of the pedestrians. The proposed inverted pendulum model avoids the difficulty of the determination of the lateral force induced by the pedestrians applying to the footbridge, which was usually treated based on a semiempirical approach in previous works. Moreover, the model can describe the whole process: how the lateral amplitude of the bridge increases from small to large. Measurement data showed that a normal pedestrian always keeps the ratio of 1/2 between the lateral and vertical step frequencies. The theoretical analysis for the inverted pendulum model indicates that such walking habit of pedestrians is the root of the frequency‐locking phenomenon, which eventually results in excessive lateral vibrations of the bridge. Furthermore, such walking habit also is a key factor in the occurrence of the “jump phenomenon” in the London Millennium Bridge.
Parents’ Experiences and Sexual Topics Discussed with Adolescents in the Accra Metropolis, Ghana: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Baku Elizabeth AKu , Agbemafle Isaac , Kotoh Agnes Millicent , Adanu Richard M. K.
Published: November 2018

Background. Traditionally, discussion about sexuality is subdued in proverbs and is earmarked for adults. However, adolescents also need information about their sexuality to make informed choices regarding sexual behaviours. This study, therefore, seeks to explore the experiences of parents discussing sexuality topics with adolescents in the Accra Metropolis, Ghana. Methods. This was a qualitative study that used focus group discussions (FGDs) and in-depth interviews (IDIs) to assess parents’ experiences in discussing sexuality topics with adolescents. The FGDs, consisting of 8-12 parents each, were conducted for one “all fathers”, then another “all mothers”, and finally “fathers and mothers” groups. Parents who were not part of the FGDs were engaged in IDIs. The data was transcribed and analyzed manually. Results. Most of the parent-adolescent sexual discussions were based on physical changes, personal hygiene, abstinence, abortion, and saying “no” to forced sex. Parents discussed sexuality issues with adolescents to prevent them from premarital sex, pregnancy, and sexually transmitted infections. Parents sourced their knowledge about sexuality from books, television, radio, and personal experiences. Parents always seize opportunities such as television scenes to discuss sexual topics with their children. Although some parents expressed some level of comfort discussing sexual topics with adolescents, many still had difficulties explaining some terminologies related to sex. Preferentially, parents were protective of their girls than the boys when discussing issues on sexuality. Most parents received no sexuality education from their parents but a few reminisced precautionary advices on sex. Parents believed training on sexuality issues will help them to better discuss sexual topics with adolescents. Conclusions. Ghanaian parents preferentially discuss sex with their daughters as a protective tool against irresponsible sexual behaviours. Parents still have challenges discussing adolescent sexuality topics; hence equipping parents to effectively discuss such sensitive topics will improve adolescent reproductive health and sexual behaviour.
Influences of Flow Attack Angles and Flow Directions on Heat Transfer Rate, Pressure Loss, and Thermal Performance in Heat Exchanger Tube with V-Wavy Surface
Authors: Boonloi Amnart , Jedsadaratanachai Withada
Published: November 2018

Numerical investigations on flow and heat transfer characteristics in the heat exchanger tube with the V-wavy surface are presented. The finite volume method with the SIMPLE algorithm is selected to solve the present problem. The effects of flow attack angles (α = 15°, 20°, 25°, 30°, 35°, 40°, 45°, 50°, 55°, and 60°) and flow directions (V-tip pointing downstream known as “V-Downstream” and V-tip pointing upstream known as “V-Upstream”) for the V-wavy surface on flow and heat transfer patterns are considered for both laminar and turbulent regions. The laminar regime is studied in the range Re = 100–1200, while the turbulent region is investigated in the range Re = 3000–10,000. The mechanisms on flow and heat transfer in the test section are reported. The numerical results reveal that the V-wavy surface changes the flow structure in the test section. The vortex flow is produced by the V-wavy surface. The vortex flow disturbs the thermal boundary layer on the heat transfer surface that is the reason for heat transfer and thermal performance enhancements. The optimum flow attack angles of the V-wavy surface for laminar and turbulent regimes are concluded.
Visual Outcomes of Ultrathin-Descemet Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty versus Descemet Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty
Authors: Droutsas Konstantinos , Petrelli Myrsini , Miltsakakis Dimitrios , Andreanos Konstantinos , Karagianni Anastasia , Lazaridis Apostolos , Koutsandrea Chrysanthi , Kymionis George
Published: November 2018

Purpose. To examine the impact of graft thickness (GT) on postoperative visual acuity and endothelial cell density after ultrathin-Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (UT-DSAEK) versus conventional DSAEK. Methods. The medical records of all patients who underwent DSAEK at our institute during a 2-year period were reviewed. After excluding subjects with low visual potential, 34 eyes were divided into two groups based on the postoperative GT as measured with anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT): an UT-DSAEK group (GT ≤ 100 μm, n=13 eyes) and a DSAEK group (GT > 100 μm, n=21 eyes). The groups were compared with regard to best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), subjective refraction, central corneal thickness (CCT), GT, and endothelial cell density (ECD). Results. Preoperative BCVA (logMAR) was 1.035 ± 0.514 and 0.772 ± 0.428 for UT-DSAEK and DSAEK, respectively (P=0.072). At 6 months postoperatively, BCVA was 0.088 ± 0.150 following UT-DSAEK and 0.285 ± 0.158 following DSAEK (P=0.001). Conclusion. DSAEK grafts with a thickness under 100 μm offered better visual outcomes during the early postoperative period.
Integrated Packet Classification to Support Multiple Security Policies for Robust and Low Delay V2X Services
Authors: Wee Jaehyeong , Pak Wooguil
Published: November 2018

One of the key applications in the 5G system is Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X). Ultra-low delay communication is essential for the safety of users and pedestrians in V2X. However, as sophisticated and various cyberattacks are increasing, it becomes hard to satisfy low delay constraints. To protect networks from such attacks, even single network security equipment provides multiple security functions, resulting in the inevitable additive delay in packet processing. In this paper, we suggest a new packet classification paradigm to resolve this issue. The proposed algorithm integrates multiple policy rule-sets into a single rule-set and classifies incoming packets using the integrated rule-set. Thus, it has a unique feature providing high classification performance regardless of the number of security policies. Through extensive performance evaluations, we confirm that the performance improvement is also increased with the total rule-set number increasing without the significant overhead of memory cost. We expect that it will mitigate the delay issue of existing network equipment for upcoming services such as V2X.
Effectiveness of Low to Moderate Physical Exercise Training on the Level of Low-Density Lipoproteins: A Systematic Review
Authors: Albarrati Ali M. , Alghamdi Mansour Saleh M. , Nazer Rakan I. , Alkorashy Maarab M. , Alshowier Nora , Gale Nichola
Published: November 2018

Background. Regular exercise reduces risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) contributes to atherosclerosis formation, which is associated with an increased risk of CVD. The relationship between exercise therapy and lipid levels has been widely studied, but it is established that high-intensity exercise improves lipid profile. However, the effectiveness of low- to moderate-intensity exercise in altering LDL levels is controversial. This review aims to identify the current evidence and existing gaps in literature in this area.Methods. We searched and reviewed various randomized controlled clinical trials in the electronic databases EMBASE, CINAHL, the Web of Science, Cochrane, Pedro, Medline (PubMed), and Google Scholar using the keywords “low and moderate aerobic training,” “exercise”, “low-density lipoproteins,” “cholesterol,” “atherosclerosis,” and “coronary artery diseases markers.” We included studies that involved low- and/or moderate-intensity exercise training in apparently healthy adults over a period of 8 weeks and its effect on LDL levels. We selected a total of 11 studies from 469; nine were randomized controlled trials and two were systematic reviews.Results. Aerobic exercise of both low and moderate intensity resulted in a significant reduction of total cholesterol. Effects on low-density lipoprotein levels were significant, and most of the studies showed changes in the level without significant relation to the type of exercise. At the same time, exercise improved the health status and physical fitness of all the participants in the included studies.Conclusion. This study found that low- and moderate-intensity exercise and low-density lipoprotein levels were not proven to be significantly related, except in a few studies that were limited to dyslipidemia population.
Sublethal Effects of Ionic and Nanogold on the Nematode Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Bosch Suanne , Botha Tarryn Lee , Jordaan Anine , Maboeta Mark , Wepener Victor
Published: November 2018

The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is used as an ecotoxicological model species in both aqueous medium and solid substrates. It is easy and of low cost to maintain in the laboratory and it produces hundreds of offspring within a short period of time. It also has a small body size (1 mm), making it possible for in vivo assays to be conducted in 12-well plates. Engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) are a class of emerging pollutants. Nanogold (nAu) is used in many consumer products and in vivo drug delivery. These materials can be released into the aquatic environment during production or discarding of consumer products. As nAu is insoluble in water, the sediment would become the final depository for the materials. It has become increasingly important to use sediment dwelling organisms to screen for possible toxicity of these ENMs. In this study C. elegans was exposed to a range of concentrations of nAu and ionic gold in M9-media, acting as a substitute for pore water. After 96-hour growth, fertility and reproduction were determined. Internal structure damage and internalisation of particles in C. elegans were determined by using SEM and CytoViva® Darkfield Imaging. From these images the nanomaterials are distributed around the oocytes in the reproductive organs, as well as the pharynx. Results obtained indicate that nAu affects reproduction more than growth due to internal gonad damage, albeit at very high exposure concentrations, indicating no toxicity at environmentally relevant concentrations. Ionic Au is more toxic than nAu and effects fertility and reproduction due to ion release. These results give more information regarding the toxicity and in vivo uptake of nAu and form part of an environmental risk assessment of ENMs.
Prediction of Mechanical Strength Based on Deep Learning Using the Scanning Electron Image of Microscopic Cemented Paste Backfill
Authors: Qin Xuebin , Cui Shifu , Liu Lang , Wang Pai , Wang Mei , Xin Jie
Published: November 2018

The mechanical strength of cemented backfill is an important indicator in mining filling. To study the nonlinear relationship between cemented paste backfill (CPB) and mechanical response, a deep learning technique is employed to establish the end‐to‐end mapping relationship between the scanning electron microscope (SEM) images and mechanical strength. A seven‐layer convolution neural network is set up in the experiment, and the relationship between the SEM image and mechanical strength is established. In addition, the difference between the measured and predicted values is calculated and the mean and variance of the error are analyzed. The average accuracy of the mechanical strength prediction is found to be 8.28%. Thus, the proposed method provides a new technique for the quantitative analysis of mechanical strength of microscale CPB.
Determinantal Representations of Solutions and Hermitian Solutions to Some System of Two-Sided Quaternion Matrix Equations
Authors: Kyrchei Ivan I.
Published: November 2018

Within the framework of the theory of quaternion row-column determinants previously introduced by the author, we derive determinantal representations (analogs of Cramer’s rule) of solutions and Hermitian solutions to the system of two-sided quaternion matrix equations A1XA1⁎=C1 and A2XA2⁎=C2. Since the Moore-Penrose inverse is a necessary tool to solve matrix equations, we use determinantal representations of the Moore-Penrose inverse previously obtained by the theory of row-column determinants.
Survival Mechanisms and Influence Factors of Circulating Tumor Cells
Authors: Wang Wen-Chao , Zhang Xiao-Feng , Peng Jian , Li Xi-Feng , Wang Ai-Li , Bie Ya-Qin , Shi Le-Hua , Lin Mou-Bin , Zhang Xiao-Feng
Published: November 2018

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are cancer cells shed from either the primary tumor or its metastases that circulate in the peripheral blood. The CTCs are regarded as the source of tumor recurrence and metastasis and speculated as the indicators of residual tumors, thereby indicating a poor prognosis. Although CTCs play a vital role in tumor metastasis and recurrence, little is known about the underlying survival mechanisms in the blood circulation. The accumulating evidence has revealed that CTCs might survive in the peripheral blood by overcoming the mechanical damage due to shear stress, resistance to anoikis, evasion of immune destruction, and resistance to chemotherapy. The present review addresses the putative survival mechanisms underlying the formation and migration of CTCs according to their biological characteristics and blood microenvironment. In addition, the relationship between CTCs and microenvironment is illustrated, and the influencing factors related to the interactions of CTCs with various components in the peripheral blood are reviewed with respect to the platelets, immune cells, cytokines, and circulating tumor microemboli (CTM). Furthermore, the recent advances in the new treatment strategies targeting the survival mechanisms of CTCs are also discussed.
Hybrid Secure Authentication and Key Exchange Scheme for M2M Home Networks
Authors: Coruh Uğur , Bayat Oğuz
Published: November 2018

In this paper, we analyzed Sun et al.’s scheme which proposes an M2M (Machine-to-Machine) secure communication scheme by using existing TD SCMA (Time Division-Synchronous Code Division Multiple Access) networks. They offer a password-based authentication and key establishment protocol for mutual authentication. Moreover, their proposed secure channel establishment protocol uses symmetric cryptography and one-way hash algorithms and they considered using their protected channel model for mobile users and smart home networks. In this paper, we propose to complete the missing part of Sun et al.’s scheme. This can occur by addressing privacy-preserving and message modification protection. Moreover, improvements can be made to MITM (Man-In-The-Middle) attack resistance, anomaly detection and DoS (Denial-of-Service) attacks with timing. ECDH (Elliptic Curve Diffie Hellman) cryptography based protected cipher-key exchange operation used on initial setup and key-injection operations to provide secure user registration, user password change and home gateway network join phases. We simulated both the proposed and Sun et al.’s schemes. We analyzed Sun et al.’s scheme for performance, network congestion and resource usage. Missing privacy-preserving was analyzed and compared with the GLARM scheme, and the storage cost of each phase was analyzed according to Ferrag et al.’s survey proposal. In Sun et al.’s scheme, future work for the security architecture of the home network is related to Li et al.’s protocol being implemented in our proposed design.
Explicit Solutions to the (3+1)-Dimensional Kudryashov-Sinelshchikov Equations in Bubbly Flow Dynamics
Authors: Chukkol Y. B. , Mohamad M. N. B. , Muminov Mukhiddin
Published: November 2018

A modified tanh-coth method with Riccati equation is used to construct several explicit solutions of (3+1)-dimensional Kudryashov-Sinelshchikov equations in bubble gas liquid flow. The solutions include solitons and periodic solutions. The method applied can be used in further works to obtain entirely new solutions to many other nonlinear evolution equations.
Prevalence, Antimicrobial Susceptibility Pattern, and Associated Factors of Urinary Tract Infections among Adult Diabetic Patients at Metu Karl Heinz Referral Hospital, Southwest Ethiopia
Authors: Gutema Tesfaye , Weldegebreal Fitsum , Marami Dadi , Teklemariam Zelalem
Published: November 2018

Urinary tract infection causes considerable morbidity in diabetic patients and if complicated, can cause severe renal damage and life-threatening infections. The escalating antimicrobial resistance rate among bacteria over the past years is another concern in the treatment of urinary tract infections. This study investigated the prevalence, antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of the isolates and associated factors of urinary tract infection among adult diabetic patients attending Metu Karl Heinz Referral Hospital, Southwest Ethiopia. An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 233 adult diabetic patients selected using simple random sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Clean-catch midstream urine samples were investigated for the presence of pathogenic bacteria and their antimicrobial susceptibility pattern using recommended culture methods. Data were entered, cleaned, and analyzed using the Statistical Program for Social Sciences version 21.0. Statistical significance was set at ap-value < 0.05. The prevalence of urinary tract infection was 16.7% (95%, CI: 12.0, 21.5). The predominant isolates wereEscherichia coli(25.6%) andKlebsiellaspp. (20.5%).E. coliisolates showed higher sensitivity to ceftriaxone (80%), ciprofloxacin (70%), and gentamycin (70%), but resistant to tetracycline (60%).Staphylococcus aureuswas sensitive to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (85.7%), and gentamycin (57.1%), while resistant to tetracycline (85.7%), nitrofurantoin (85.7%), and ampicillin (71.4%). The odds of developing urinary tract infections were significantly higher in diabetic females (AOR: 3.56, 95% CI: 1.44, 8.76), those who were not able to read and write (AOR: 2.55, 95% CI: 1.19, 5.49) and those with a history of urinary tract infection (AOR: 2.31, 95% CI: 1.09, 4.90) compared with their counterparts. In this study, the prevalence of urinary tract infection among diabetic patients was relatively comparable with the previous studies conducted in Ethiopia. Management of urinary tract infection in diabetic patients should be supported with culture and antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
Vascular Protection by Ethanol Extract of Morus alba Root Bark: Endothelium‐Dependent Relaxation of Rat Aorta and Decrease of Smooth Muscle Cell Migration and Proliferation
Authors: Panth Nisha , Paudel Keshav Raj , Gong Dal-Seong , Oak Min-Ho
Published: November 2018

Morus alba (white mulberry) is native to the northern part of Korea and popularly used as a traditional medicine due to its numerous health benefits against human’s disease. However, the possibility that M. alba may also affect the cardiovascular system remains unexplored. This study sought to investigate the vascular protective effects of the root bark extract of M. alba (MAE). Vascular reactivity was performed in organ baths using isolated rat thoracic aorta, while platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) induced proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) were studied by 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐5‐(3‐carboxymethoxyphenyl)‐2‐(4‐sulfophenyl)‐2H‐tetrazolium (MTS) and wound healing assay, respectively. MAE evoked a concentration dependent vasorelaxation following endothelium‐dependent pathway. However, vessel relaxations in response to MAE were markedly reduced after endothelium removal; treatment of endothelial nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, guanylyl cyclase inhibitor, and nonspecific potassium channel inhibitor, however, was not altered by cyclooxygenase inhibitor. Furthermore, MAE also significantly blunted contractile response to vasoconstrictor agent, phenylephrine. Taken together, the current evidence revealed that MAE is a potent endothelium‐dependent vasodilator and this effect was involved in, at least in part, nitric oxide cyclic‐guanosine monophosphate (NO‐cGMP) pathway in combination with potassium (K+) channel activation. Moreover, MAE inhibited proliferation and migration of VSMCs induced by PDGF. Therefore, MAE could be a promising candidate of natural medicine for preventing and controlling cardiovascular diseases linked with endothelial dysfunction.
The Conjugate Gradient Viscosity Approximation Algorithm for Split Generalized Equilibrium and Variational Inequality Problems
Authors: Li Meixia , Che Haitao , Tan Jingjing
Published: November 2018

In this paper, we study a kind of conjugate gradient viscosity approximation algorithm for finding a common solution of split generalized equilibrium problem and variational inequality problem. Under mild conditions, we prove that the sequence generated by the proposed iterative algorithm converges strongly to the common solution. The conclusion presented in this paper is the generalization, extension, and supplement of the previously known results in the corresponding references. Some numerical results are illustrated to show the feasibility and efficiency of the proposed algorithm.
Simultaneous Quantification of Six Bioactive Components in Decoction of Ziziphi spinosae Semen Using Ultrahigh Performance Liquid Chromatography Coupled with Triple-Quadrupole Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Liu Xiao , Zhu Xiaochai , Zhu Hui , Xie Li , Ma Jia , Xu Yinghui , Zhou Qigang , Wu Zejun , Cai Baochang
Published: November 2018

This paper was conducted to develop a method containing ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple-quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry for simultaneous quantification of six bioactive components in the decoction of Ziziphi spinosae Semen. Analysis was performed on an Agilent ZORBAX Extend-C18 column (2.1 × 100 mm, 1.8 μm) and eluted with a mobile phase system consisting of acetonitrile and water under a gradient program with a flow rate of 0.3 ml/min. The injection volume was 2 μl. Multiple-reaction monitoring scanning detection was employed for quantification with an electrospray ion source in the negative ion mode. All the six compounds showed good linearities (r≥0.9996). The LODs of the six bioactive compounds were 0.039 ng/ml, 0.092 ng/ml, 3.112 ng/ml, 2.131 ng/ml, 0.099 ng/ml, and 0.071 ng/ml for spinosin, 6‴-feruloylspinosin, jujuboside A, jujuboside B, camelliaside B, and betulinic acid, respectively. The LOQs were 0.118 ng/ml, 0.276 ng/ml, 9.336 ng/ml, 6.393 ng/ml, 0.299 ng/ml, and 0.213 ng/ml for spinosin, 6‴-feruloylspinosin, jujuboside A, jujuboside B, camelliaside B, and betulinic acid, respectively. According to our knowledge, it was the first time to establish a method with high efficiency and accuracy for the quantification of six bioactive components in the decoction of Ziziphi spinosae Semen, which would provide references for quality control and evaluation of Ziziphi spinosae Semen.
Ameliorative Effect of Dangguibuxue Decoction against Cyclophosphamide-Induced Heart Injury in Mice
Authors: Liu Kun , Ren Xiu-mei , You Qing-sheng , Gu Ming-Ming , Wang Fei , Wang Shuo , Ma Chun-Hui , Li Wei-Nan , Ye Qing
Published: November 2018

Dangguibuxue decoction (DBD), a kind of Chinese herbal medicine, has been widely used to treat blood deficiency disease in China. In this experiment, we studied the effects of the Dangguibuxue decoction (DBD) on the myocardial injury induced by cyclophosphamide in mice. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatine kinase (CK), and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) in serum were detected by commercial kits. Total white blood cell (WBCs), platelets, and cytokines pathological changes of heart tissue were also examined. In addition, the protein levels of the NF-кB pathway were detected to reveal its mechanism. The results showed that DBD significantly decreased the levels of ALT, AST, CK, and LDH and increased WBCs in CTX-induced mice. In addition, DBD significantly alleviated pathological changes of heart tissue. DBD significantly reduced the protein expressions of NF-кB signaling pathway. In summary, DBD can be considered an effective drug to alleviate CTX-induced heart damage in mice.
A Bayesian Adaptive Design in Cancer Phase I Trials Using Dose Combinations in the Presence of a Baseline Covariate
Authors: Diniz Márcio Augusto , Kim Sungjin , Tighiouart Mourad
Published: November 2018

A Bayesian adaptive design for dose finding of a combination of two drugs in cancer phase I clinical trials that takes into account patients heterogeneity thought to be related to treatment susceptibility is described. The estimation of the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) curve is a function of a baseline covariate using two cytotoxic agents. A logistic model is used to describe the relationship between the doses, baseline covariate, and the probability of dose limiting toxicity (DLT). Trial design proceeds by treating cohorts of two patients simultaneously using escalation with overdose control (EWOC), where at each stage of the trial, the next dose combination corresponds to the α quantile of the current posterior distribution of the MTD of one of two agents at the current dose of the other agent and the next patient’s baseline covariate value. The MTD curves are estimated as function of Bayes estimates of the model parameters at the end of trial. Average DLT, pointwise average bias, and percent of dose recommendation at dose combination neighborhoods around the true MTD are compared between the design that uses the covariate and the one that ignores the baseline characteristic. We also examine the performance of the approach under model misspecifications for the true dose-toxicity relationship. The methodology is further illustrated in the case of a prespecified discrete set of dose combinations.
A Structured Light RGB-D Camera System for Accurate Depth Measurement
Authors: Tran Van Luan , Lin Huei-Yung
Published: November 2018

The ability to reliably measure the depth of the object surface is very important in a range of high-value industries. With the development of 3D vision techniques, RGB-D cameras have been widely used to perform the 6D pose estimation of target objects for a robotic manipulator. Many applications require accurate shape measurements of the objects for 3D template matching. In this work, we develop an RGB-D camera based on the structured light technique with gray-code coding. The intrinsic and extrinsic parameters of the camera system are determined by a calibration process. 3D reconstruction of the object surface is based on the ray triangulation principle. We construct an RGB-D sensing system with an industrial camera and a digital light projector. In the experiments, real-world objects are used to test the feasibility of the proposed technique. The evaluation carried out using planar objects has demonstrated the accuracy of our RGB-D depth measurement system.
Impact of Intravenous Fluid Challenge Infusion Time on Macrocirculation and Endothelial Glycocalyx in Surgical and Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Pouska Jiri , Tegl Vaclav , Astapenko David , Cerny Vladimir , Lehmann Christian , Benes Jan
Published: November 2018

(i) Purpose. The fluid challenge (FC) is a well-established test of preload reserve. Only limited data exist in regard to the FC efficacy based on infusion time. Slow administration may be associated with lack of effect based on fluid redistribution and external conditions changes. On the contrary, fast administration may lead to brisk fluid overload and damage to the endothelium and endothelial glycocalyx (EG). The aim of this trial was to compare the FC infusion time on its hemodynamic effects and EG. (ii) Methods. Prospective randomized single-center trial of fast (5-10 minutes) versus slow (20-30 minutes) administration of 500ml balanced crystalloid FC in spinal surgery (cohort OR) and septic shock (cohort SEP) patients. Hemodynamic response was assessed using standard monitoring and blood flow measurements; damage to EG was assessed using the perfused boundary region (PBR) via intravital microscopy monitoring in the sublingual region within relevant time points ranging up to 120 minutes. (iii) Results. Overall, 66 FCs in 50 surgical and 16 septic patients were assessed. Fluid administration was associated with increase of PBR in general (1.9 (1.8-2.1) vs. 2.0 (1.8-2.2); p= 0.008). These changes were transient in OR cohort whereas they were long-lasting in septic fluid responders. The rate of fluid responsiveness after fast versus slow administration was comparable in global population (15 (47%) vs. 17 (50%); p=0.801) as well as in both cohorts. (iv) Conclusions. Fluid challenge administration was associated with increased PBR (and presumable EG volume changes) which normalized within the next 60 minutes in surgical patients but remained impeded in septic fluid responders. The fluid responsiveness rate after fast and slow FC was comparable, but fast administration tended to induce higher, though transient, response in blood pressure.
Prognostic Characteristics of MACC1 Expression in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Jeong Hoiseon , Jung Jiyoon , Oh Hwa Eun , Choi Jung-Woo , Lee Eung Seok , Kim Young-Sik , Lee Ju-Han
Published: November 2018

Recent studies have shown that overexpression of metastasis-associated in colon cancer 1 (MACC1) is significantly associated with adverse prognoses of patients with different kinds of cancer. However, the exact survival effect of MACC1 on epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) patients has not yet been established. Thus, the objective of this study was to explore the prognostic role of MACC1 mRNA in EOC by using Kaplan-Meier (KM) plotter and ONCOMINE database. Our results indicated that MACC1 mRNA high expression was significantly associated with unfavorable overall survival (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.51 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.21 – 1.88), P = 0.00025) and progression-free survival (HR = 1.53 (95% CI: 1.24 – 1.89), P = 5.8e-05) in EOC patients. We also found that the expression of MACC1 mRNA in EOC was 2.5 times higher than that in normal surface ovarian epithelium, which was statistically significant (P = 2.86e-7). Our results suggest that MACC1 expression might be a biomarker for poor prognosis in individual EOC patients.
Constructions of L∞ Algebras and Their Field Theory Realizations
Authors: Hohm Olaf , Kupriyanov Vladislav , Lüst Dieter , Traube Matthias
Published: November 2018

We construct L∞ algebras for general “initial data” given by a vector space equipped with an antisymmetric bracket not necessarily satisfying the Jacobi identity. We prove that any such bracket can be extended to a 2-term L∞ algebra on a graded vector space of twice the dimension, with the 3-bracket being related to the Jacobiator. While these L∞ algebras always exist, they generally do not realize a nontrivial symmetry in a field theory. In order to define L∞ algebras with genuine field theory realizations, we prove the significantly more general theorem that if the Jacobiator takes values in the image of any linear map that defines an ideal there is a 3-term L∞ algebra with a generally nontrivial 4-bracket. We discuss special cases such as the commutator algebra of octonions, its contraction to the “R-flux algebra,” and the Courant algebroid.
Multipopulation Spin Models: A View from Large Deviations Theoretic Window
Authors: Opoku Alex Akwasi , Osabutey Godwin
Published: November 2018

This paper studies large deviations properties of vectors of empirical means and measures generated as follows. Consider a sequence X1,X2,…,Xn of independent and identically distributed random variables partitioned into d-subgroups with sizes n1,…,nd. Further, consider a d-dimensional vector mn whose coordinates are made up of the empirical means of the subgroups. We prove the following. (1) The sequence of vector of empirical means mn satisfies large deviations principle with rate n and rate function I, when the sequence X1,X2,…,Xn is Rl valued, with l≥1. (2) Similar large deviations results hold for the corresponding sequence of vector of empirical measures Ln if Xi’s, i=1,2,…,n, take on finitely many values. (3) The rate functions for the above large deviations principles are convex combinations of the corresponding rate functions arising from the large deviations principles of the coordinates of mn and Ln. The probability distributions used in the convex combinations are given by α=(α1,…,αd)=limn→∞1/n(n1,…,nd). These results are consequently used to derive variational formula for the thermodynamic limit for the pressure of multipopulation Curie-Weiss (I. Gallo and P. Contucci (2008), and I. Gallo (2009)) and mean-field Pott’s models, via a version of Varadhan’s integral lemma for an equicontinuous family of functions. These multipopulation models serve as a paradigm for decision-making context where social interaction and other socioeconomic attributes of individuals play a crucial role.
Black Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa(Michx.) Elliot) Fruits and Functional Drinks Differ Significantly in Their Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Denev Petko , Kratchanova Maria , Petrova Ivalina , Klisurova Daniela , Georgiev Yordan , Ognyanov Manol , Yanakieva Irina
Published: November 2018

Black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) fruits are among the richest sources of polyphenols and anthocyanins in plant kingdom and suitable raw material for production of functional foods. The popularity of chokeberries is not only due to their nutritional value but also to the constantly emerging evidence for their health-promoting effects. The current study presents detailed information about the content and composition of sugars, organic acids, and polyphenols in 23 aronia samples grown under the climatic conditions of Bulgaria, in 2016 and 2017. Sorbitol was found to be the main carbohydrate of fresh aronia fruits. Its content was in the range 6.5–13 g/100 g fresh weight (FW), representing 61%–68% of low-molecular-weight carbohydrates. Organic acids were represented by substantial amounts of quinic acid (average content 404.4 mg/100 g FW), malic acid (328.1 mg/100 g FW), and ascorbic acid (65.2 mg/100 g FW). Shikimic acid, citric acid, oxalic acid, and succinic acid were found as minor components. Chokeberries were particularly rich in proanthocyanidins, anthocyanins, and hydroxycinnamic acids. The total polyphenol content of aronia fruits varied between 1022 mg/100 g FW and 1795 mg/100 g FW and ORAC antioxidant activity from 109 µmol TE/g to 191 µmol TE/g FW. We also investigated the relationship between the chemical composition of berries and chemical compositions and antioxidant activity of aronia functional drinks—juices and nectars. The differences in the chemical composition of the fruits resulted in functional foods that differ significantly in their chemical composition and antioxidant activity. Additionally, we demonstrated that temperature of juice pressing and nectar extraction has a profound effect on the polyphenol content and composition of these products. This is very important since differences in the chemical composition of raw chokeberries and variation of technological parameters during processing could result in functional foods with different chemical composition, rendering different biological activity.
Machine-Learning Approach to Optimize SMOTE Ratio in Class Imbalance Dataset for Intrusion Detection
Authors: Seo Jae-Hyun , Kim Yong-Hyuk
Published: November 2018

The KDD CUP 1999 intrusion detection dataset was introduced at the third international knowledge discovery and data mining tools competition, and it has been widely used for many studies. The attack types of KDD CUP 1999 dataset are divided into four categories: user to root (U2R), remote to local (R2L), denial of service (DoS), and Probe. We use five classes by adding the normal class. We define the U2R, R2L, and Probe classes, which are each less than 1% of the total dataset, as rare classes. In this study, we attempt to mitigate the class imbalance of the dataset. Using the synthetic minority oversampling technique (SMOTE), we attempted to optimize the SMOTE ratios for the rare classes (U2R, R2L, and Probe). After randomly generating a number of tuples of SMOTE ratios, these tuples were used to create a numerical model for optimizing the SMOTE ratios of the rare classes. The support vector regression was used to create the model. We assigned each instance in the test dataset to the model and chose the best SMOTE ratios. The experiments using machine-learning techniques were conducted using the best ratios. The results using the proposed method were significantly better than those of previous approach and other related work.