bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Structure and Flexural Properties of Typha Leaves
Authors: Liu Jingjing , Zhang Zhihui , Yu Zhenglei , Liang Yunhong , Li Xiujuan , Ren Luquan
Published: October 2017

The Typha leaf has a structure of lightweight cantilever beam, exhibiting excellent mechanical properties with low density. Especially, the leaf blade evolved high strength and low density with high porosity. In this paper, the structure of Typha leaf was characterized by microcomputed tomography (Micro-CT) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the relationship with flexural properties was analyzed. The three-point bending test was performed on leaves to examine flexural properties, which indicated that the flexural properties vary from the base to the apex in gradient. The cross-sectional geometry shape of the leaf blade presented a strong influence on the optimized flexural stiffness. The load carrying capacity of the leaf depended on the development level of the epidermal tissue, the vascular bundle, the mechanical tissue, and the geometric properties. The investigation can be the basis for lightweight structure design and the application in the bionic engineering field.
The Application of Dextran Sedimentation as an Initial Step in Neutrophil Purification Promotes Their Stimulation, due to the Presence of Monocytes
Authors: Quach Alex , Ferrante Antonio
Published: October 2017

The purification of human neutrophils forin vitrostudies is challenging as they are easily activated through ex vivo manipulations. The technique of erythrocyte sedimentation combined with density gradient centrifugation remains widely practiced and was the subject of this study. Since in the sedimentation step the leukocytes are incubated with dextran, we have raised the likelihood that cellular activation would occur with mediator release leading to neutrophil activation. By comparing the activity of neutrophils purified from whole blood by the classical 2-step method of dextran sedimentation followed by low-density Ficoll-Hypaque (1.077 g/mL) medium, and the 1-step high-density Ficoll-Hypaque (1.114 g/mL) gradient centrifugation, we found that neutrophils from the 2-step method had a significant increase in cell surface CD11b expression and CD62L shedding and a marked increase in adhesion. Decreased random migration and chemotaxis and raised baseline oxidative burst activity were also observed. The effect was not specific to dextran, as using Ficoll for erythrocyte sedimentation replicated the elevated neutrophil adherence. Through the depletion of monocytes, lymphocytes, and platelets prior to sedimentation, we deduced that monocytes were responsible for the neutrophil activation. Our findings suggest that care needs to be exercised in choosing the method of neutrophil purification for functional studies.
Beating Heart Motion Accurate Prediction Method Based on Interactive Multiple Model: An Information Fusion Approach
Authors: Liang Fan , Xie Weihong , Yu Yang
Published: October 2017

Robot-assisted motion compensated beating heart surgery has the advantage over the conventional Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) in terms of reduced trauma to the surrounding structures that leads to shortened recovery time. The severe nonlinear and diverse nature of irregular heart rhythm causes enormous difficulty for the robot to realize the clinic requirements, especially under arrhythmias. In this paper, we propose a fusion prediction framework based on Interactive Multiple Model (IMM) estimator, allowing each model to cover a distinguishing feature of the heart motion in underlying dynamics. We find that, at normal state, the nonlinearity of the heart motion with slow time-variant changing dominates the beating process. When an arrhythmia occurs, the irregularity mode, the fast uncertainties with random patterns become the leading factor of the heart motion. We deal with prediction problem in the case of arrhythmias by estimating the state with two behavior modes which can adaptively “switch” from one to the other. Also, we employed the signal quality index to adaptively determine the switch transition probability in the framework of IMM. We conduct comparative experiments to evaluate the proposed approach with four distinguished datasets. The test results indicate that the new proposed approach reduces prediction errors significantly.
Lumbar Spondylodiscitis Caused byBurkholderia cepaciain a Previously Healthy Patient
Authors: Jaafar Danielle , Rizkallah Maroun , Atallah Firas , Bachour Falah , Barakat Angelique , Maalouf Ghassan , Matta Matta
Published: October 2017

Burkholderia cepaciaspondylodiscitis is a rare entity that has been reported in only four cases. We hereby report the case of a 43-year-old, previously healthy, woman who was found to have aB. cepaciaspondylodiscitis after a cholecystectomy. She was treated with a three-month regimen of ceftazidime and ciprofloxacin with complete clinical, biological, and radiological remission.
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Rebuilt Subchondral Bone In Vivo and Activated Wnt5a/Ca2+ Signaling In Vitro
Authors: Yu Lai , Liu Shuitao , Zhao Zhe , Xia Lin , Zhang Haochong , Lou Jing , Yang Jun , Xing Gengmei , Xing Gengyan
Published: October 2017

Background. This study aimed to identify the optimal extracorporeal shock wave (ESW) intensity and to investigate its effect on subchondral bone rebuilt in vivo and Wnt5a/Ca2+ signaling in vitro using an osteoarthritis (OA) rat model and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs), respectively. Methods. OA rats treated with (OA + ESW group) or without (OA group) ESW (n=12/group) were compared with healthy controls (control group, n=12). Gait patterns and subchondral trabecular bone changes were measured. Western blot and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction detected protein expression and gene transcription, respectively. Results. The gait disturbances of OA + ESW group were significantly improved compared with the OA group at 6th and 8th weeks. The micro-CT analysis indicated that the BMD, BSV/BV, BV/TV, Tr.S, and Tr.Th are significantly different between OA group and OA + ESW group. Expression of Wnt5a was increased rapidly after ESW treatment at 0.6 bar and peaked after 30 min. Conclusions. ESW were positive for bone remodeling in joint tibial condyle subchondral bone of OA rat. ESW prevented histological changes in OA and prevented gait disturbance associated with OA progression. Optimal intensity of ESW induced changes in BMMSCs via activation of the Wnt5a/Ca2+ signaling pathway.
Chemical Analysis and Evaluation of Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Photoprotective Activities of Schinopsis brasiliensis Engl. (Anacardiaceae)
Authors: Lima-Saraiva Sarah Raquel Gomes de , Oliveira Fernanda Granja da Silva , Junior Raimundo Gonçalves de Oliveira , Araújo Camila de Souza , Oliveira Ana Paula de , Pacheco Alessandra Gomes Marques , Rolim Larissa Araújo , Amorim Elba Lúcia Cavalcanti de , César Francine Celise Siqueira , Almeida Jackson Roberto Guedes da Silva
Published: October 2017

Schinopsis brasiliensis Engl. is a native plant of Caatinga which has high concentrations of compounds capable of absorbing ultraviolet light, suggesting its potential application for the development of sunscreen preparations. After its identification and collection, this vegetable drug was submitted to a physicochemical analysis through the preparation of ethanolic extract. The phytochemical screening and analysis of extracts were carried out by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) evaluation. The antioxidant activity of the extract was evaluated by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method and β-carotene bleaching test. Inhibitory hemolytic activity and morphological deformation of erythrocytes induced by H2O2 were also demonstrated and the antimicrobial activity was analyzed by the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) method. For the in vitro determination of the sun protection factor (SPF), the spectrophotometric method was used. From the analyses carried out with this species, this plant showed significant results for the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, as well as sunscreen action. Important flavonoids were identified. These data are an important step for the development of new photoprotective cosmetic with Caatinga species, revealing importance and representing another incentive for the preservation of the species involved and analyzed in the study.
A Systems Medicine Approach: Translating Emerging Science into Individualized Wellness
Authors: Bland J. S. , Minich D. M. , Eck B. M.
Published: October 2017

In today’s aging society, more people are living with lifestyle-related noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and cancer. Numerous opinion-leader organizations recommend lifestyle medicine as the first-line approach in NCD prevention and treatment. However, there is a strong need for a personalized approach as “one-size-fits-all” public health recommendations have been insufficient in addressing the interindividual differences in the diverse populations. Advancement in systems biology and the “omics” technologies has allowed comprehensive analysis of how complex biological systems are impacted upon external perturbations (e.g., nutrition and exercise), and therefore is gradually pushing personalized lifestyle medicine toward reality. Clinicians and healthcare practitioners have a unique opportunity in advocating lifestyle medicine because patients see them as a reliable source of advice. However, there are still numerous technical and logistic challenges to overcome before personal “big data” can be translated into actionable and clinically relevant solutions. Clinicians are also facing various issues prior to bringing personalized lifestyle medicine to their practice. Nevertheless, emerging ground-breaking research projects have given us a glimpse of how systems thinking and computational methods may lead to personalized health advice. It is important that all stakeholders work together to create the needed paradigm shift in healthcare before the rising epidemic of NCDs overwhelm the society, the economy, and the dated health system.
Antioxidant and Anti‐Inflammatory Effects of Herbal Formula SC‐E3 in Lipopolysaccharide‐Stimulated RAW 264.7 Macrophages
Authors: Lee Soo Chil , Kwon Young-Won , Park Ju-Yeon , Park Sung Yun , Lee Ju-Hee , Park Sun-Dong
Published: October 2017

SC‐E3 is a novel herbal formula composed of five oriental medicinal herbs that are used to treat a wide range of inflammatory diseases in Korean traditional medicine. In this study, we sought to determine the effects of SC‐E3 on free radical generation and inflammatory response in lipopolysaccharide‐ (LPS‐) treated RAW 264.7 macrophages and the molecular mechanism involved. The ethanol extract of SC‐E3 showed good free radical scavenging activity and inhibited LPS‐induced reactive oxygen species generation. SC‐E3 significantly inhibited the production of the LPS‐induced inflammatory mediators, nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2, by suppressing the expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase‐2, respectively. SC‐E3 also prevented the secretion of the proinflammatory cytokines, IL‐1β, TNF‐α, and IL‐6, and inhibited LPS‐induced NF‐κB activation and the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. Furthermore, SC‐E3 induced the expression of heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) by promoting the nuclear translocation and transactivation of Nrf2. Taken together, these results suggest that SC‐E3 has potent antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory effects and that these effects are due to the inhibitions of NF‐κB and MAPK and the induction of Nrf2‐mediated HO‐1 expression in macrophages. These findings provide scientific evidence supporting the potential use of SC‐E3 for the treatment and prevention of various inflammatory diseases.
Mechanisms of P‐Glycoprotein Modulation by Semen Strychni Combined with Radix Paeoniae Alba
Authors: Liu Li-Li , Guan Yong-Mei , Lu Xue-Ping , Liang Xin-Li , Chen Li-Hua
Published: October 2017

Semen Strychni has been extensively used as a Chinese herb, but its therapeutic window is narrowed by the strong toxicity of the compound, which limits its effectiveness. Radix Paeoniae Alba has been reported to reduce the toxic effects and increase the therapeutic effects of Semen Strychni, but the underlying mechanism remains unknown. This research aimed to explore the mechanism through which P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) is modulated by Semen Strychni combined with Radix Paeoniae Alba in vitro. An MTT assay was used to study cytotoxicity in an MDCK‐MDR1 cell model. Rh123 efflux and accumulation were measured to assess P‐gp function. The expression levels of MDR1 mRNA and P‐gp protein in MDCK‐MDR1 cells were investigated. A P‐gp ATPase activity assay kit was applied to detect the effect on P‐gp ATPase activity. Semen Strychni combined with Radix Paeoniae Alba could induce P‐gp‐mediated drug transport by inhibiting brucine and strychnine transport in MDCK‐MDR1 cells, enhancing the P‐gp efflux function, upregulating the P‐gp expression and MDR1 mRNA levels, and stimulating P‐gp ATPase activity.
Association between Recipient IL-15 Genetic Variant and the Prognosis of HBV-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma after Liver Transplantation
Authors: Zhang Tao , Liu Yuan , Peng Xu , Fan Junwei , Peng Zhihai
Published: October 2017

Objective. To investigate the association of donor and recipient IL-15 genetic variants with HCC recurrence and prognosis after LT. Methods. A total of 112 liver transplant patients with HBV-related HCC were enrolled. IL-15 rs10519613 and rs13122930 were genotyped in donors and recipients. Results. Recipient IL-15 rs10519613 polymorphism was found to be significantly related to HCC recurrence after LT. In multivariate analysis, tumor thrombus, UCSF criteria, and recipient IL-15 rs10519613 genotypes were independent predictive factors of HCC recurrence after LT. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis demonstrated that patients with recipient IL-15 rs10519613 CA/AA genotypes had a decreased disease-free survival and overall survival than those with the CC genotype. Recipient IL-15 rs10519613 genetic variant could improve survival prediction when combined with the UCSF criteria. Furthermore, Cox proportional hazard regression analysis revealed that tumor size (p=0.012, p=0.623), tumor thrombus (p=0.011, p=0.015), UCSF criteria (p=0.471, p=0.013), and recipient IL-15 rs10519613 genotype (p=0.039, p=0.008) were independent factors of predicting DFS and OS. Conclusions. Recipient IL-15 rs10519613 polymorphism was associated with HCC recurrence after LT and might be a potential genetic marker for the clinical outcome of HCC patients treated with LT.
Complex Problems in Entrepreneurship Education: Examining Complex Problem‐Solving in the Application of Opportunity Identification
Authors: Baggen Yvette , Mainert Jakob , Kretzschmar André , Lans Thomas , Biemans Harm J. A. , Niepel Christoph , Greiff Samuel
Published: October 2017

In opening up the black box of what entrepreneurship education (EE) should be about, this study focuses on the exploration of relationships between two constructs: opportunity identification (OI) and complex problem‐solving (CPS). OI, as a domain‐specific capability, is at the core of entrepreneurship research, whereas CPS is a more domain‐general skill. On a conceptual level, there are reasons to believe that CPS skills can help individuals to identify potential opportunities in dynamic and nontransparent environments. Therefore, we empirically investigated whether CPS relates to OI among 113 masters students. Data is analyzed using multiple regressions. The results show that CPS predicts the number of concrete ideas that students generate, suggesting that having CPS skills supports the generation of detailed, potential business ideas of good quality. The results of the current study suggest that training CPS, as a more domain‐general skill, could be a valuable part of what should be taught in EE.
New Insights into the Mechanisms of Chinese Herbal Products on Diabetes: A Focus on the “Bacteria-Mucosal Immunity-Inflammation-Diabetes” Axis
Authors: Gao Zezheng , Li Qingwei , Wu Xuemin , Zhao Xuemin , Zhao Linhua , Tong Xiaolin
Published: October 2017

Diabetes, especially type 2, has been rapidly increasing all over the world. Although many drugs have been developed and used to treat diabetes, side effects and long-term efficacy are of great challenge. Therefore, natural health product and dietary supplements have been of increasing interest alternatively. In this regard, Chinese herbs and herbal products have been considered a rich resource of product development. Although increasing evidence has been produced from various scientific studies, the mechanisms of action are lacking. Here, we have proposed that many herbal monomers and formulae improve glucose homeostasis and diabetes through the BMID axis; B represents gut microbiota, M means mucosal immunity, I represents inflammation, and D represents diabetes. Chinese herbs have been traditionally used to treat diabetes, with minimal side and toxic effects. Here, we reviewed monomers such as berberine, ginsenoside,M. charantiaextract, and curcumin and herbal formulae such as Gegen Qinlian Decoction, Danggui Liuhuang Decoction, and Huanglian Wendan Decoction. This review was intended to provide new perspectives and strategies for future diabetes research and product.
Finite‐Time Stability of Uncertain Nonlinear Systems with Time‐Varying Delay
Authors: Hu Jingting , Sui Guixia , Du Shengli , Li Xiaodi
Published: October 2017

The problem of finite‐time stability for a class of uncertain nonlinear systems with time‐varying delay and external disturbances is investigated. By using the Lyapunov stability theory, sufficient conditions for the existence of finite‐time state feedback controller for this class of systems are derived. The results can be applied to finite‐time stability problems of linear time‐delay systems with parameter uncertainties and external disturbances. Finally, two numerical examples are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the obtained theoretical results.
H∞ Control for T‐S Fuzzy Singularly Perturbed Switched Systems
Authors: Wang Qianjin , Zhou Linna , Dai Wei , Ma Xiaoping
Published: October 2017

This paper is concerned with the design of fuzzy controller with guaranteed H∞ performance for a class of Takagi‐Sugeno (T‐S) fuzzy singularly perturbed switched systems. First, by using the average dwell time approach together with the piecewise Lyapunov function technique, a state feedback controller that depends on the singular perturbation parameter ε is developed. This controller is shown to work well for all ε ∈ (0, ε0]. Then, for sufficiently small ε, an ε‐independent controller design method is proposed. Furthermore, under the ε‐independent controller, the ε‐bound estimation problem of the overall switched closed‐loop system is solved. Finally, an inverted pendulum system is used to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of the obtained results.
Future Directions and Molecular Basis of Ventilator Associated Pneumonia
Authors: Aykac Kubra , Ozsurekci Yasemin , Tanir Basaranoglu Sevgen
Published: October 2017

Mechanical ventilation is a lifesaving treatment and has complications such as ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) that lead to high morbidity and mortality. Moreover VAP is the second most common hospital-acquired infection in pediatric intensive care units. Although it is still not well understood, understanding molecular pathogenesis is essential for preventing and treating pneumonia. A lot of microbes are detected as a causative agent of VAP. The most common isolated VAP pathogens in pediatric patients areStaphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa,and other gram negative bacteria. All of the bacteria have different pathogenesis due to their different virulence factors and host reactions. This review article focused on mechanisms of VAP with molecular pathogenesis of the causative bacteria one by one from the literature. We hope that we know more about molecular pathogenesis of VAP and we can investigate and focus on the management of the disease in near future.
Dissection of Factors Affecting the Variability of the Peptide Bond Geometry and Planarity
Authors: Balasco Nicole , Esposito Luciana , Thind Amarinder Singh , Guarracino Mario Rosario , Vitagliano Luigi
Published: October 2017

Proteins frequently assume complex three-dimensional structures characterized by marginal thermodynamic stabilities. In this scenario, deciphering the folding code of these molecular giants with clay feet is a cumbersome task. Studies performed in last years have shown that the interplay between backbone geometry and local conformation has an important impact on protein structures. Although the variability of several geometrical parameters of protein backbone has been established, the role of the structural context in determining these effects has been hitherto limited to the valence bond angle τ (NCαC). We here investigated the impact of different factors on the observed variability of backbone geometry and peptide bond planarity. These analyses corroborate the notion that the local conformation expressed in terms of (ϕ,ψ) dihedrals plays a predominant role in dictating the variability of these parameters. The impact of secondary structure is limited to bond angles which involve atoms that are usually engaged in H-bonds and, therefore, more susceptible to the structural context. Present data also show that the nature of the side chain has a significant impact on angles such as NCαCβ and CβCαC. In conclusion, our analyses strongly support the use of variability of protein backbone geometry in structure refinement, validation, and prediction.
A Joint Representation of Rényi’s and Tsalli’s Entropy with Application in Coding Theory
Authors: Wondie Litegebe , Kumar Satish
Published: October 2017

We introduce a quantity which is called Rényi’s-Tsalli’s entropy of order ξ and discussed some of its major properties with Shannon and other entropies in the literature. Further, we give its application in coding theory and a coding theorem analogous to the ordinary coding theorem for a noiseless channel is proved. The theorem states that the proposed entropy is the lower bound of mean code word length.
An Overview: Distribution, Production, and Diversity of Local Landraces of Buckwheat in Nepal
Authors: Luitel Dol Raj , Siwakoti Mohan , Jha Pramod Kumar , Jha Ajay Kumar , Krakauer Nir
Published: October 2017

Buckwheat is a sixth staple food crop after rice, wheat, maize, finger millet, and barley in Nepal. It is considered as an alternate cereal and poor man’s crop, representing an important food supply in remote places of Himalayas. It is the best crop in higher altitude in terms of adaptation to different climatic variables and easily fitted to different cropping patterns due to short duration. It is cultivated on marginal land in 61 out of 75 districts of Nepal from some 60 m to 4500 m asl, especially hilly and mountain districts like Rukum, Rolpa, Jajarkot, Dolpa, Humla, Jumla, Kalikot, Kavre, Dolakha, and Okhaldhunga. Sweet buckwheat varieties are generally grown in midhill and Terai but Tartary buckwheat varieties are grown in higher altitude. There are altogether 19 local landraces of sweat buckwheat and 37 for Tartary buckwheat listed from Nepal. The largest producers are China, USA, and Russia and Japan is principal user of global buckwheat grown in the world. In Nepal, it is cultivated in 10510 ha area with production of 10355 t/yr and yield of 0.983 t/ha. It has also medicinal value used in different forms including all its parts so the demand of buckwheat is increasing.
Cytoprotective Effects of Citicoline and Homotaurine against Glutamate and High Glucose Neurotoxicity in Primary Cultured Retinal Cells
Authors: Davinelli Sergio , Chiosi Flavia , Di Marco Roberto , Costagliola Ciro , Scapagnini Giovanni
Published: October 2017

Citicoline and homotaurine are renowned compounds that exhibit potent neuroprotective activities through distinct molecular mechanisms. The present study was undertaken to demonstrate whether cotreatment with citicoline and homotaurine affects cell survival in primary retinal cultures under experimental conditions simulating retinal neurodegeneration. Primary cultures were obtained from the retina of fetal rats and exposed to citicoline plus homotaurine (100 μM). Subsequently, neurotoxicity was induced using excitotoxic levels of glutamate and high glucose concentrations. The effects on retinal cultures were assessed by cell viability and immunodetection of apoptotic oligonucleosomes. The results showed that a combination of citicoline and homotaurine synergistically decreases proapoptotic effects associated with glutamate‐ and high glucose‐treated retinal cultures. This study provides an insight into the potential application of citicoline and homotaurine as a valuable tool to exert neuroprotective effects against retinal damage.
Phytochemical and Pharmacological Review of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta (Lindl.) Schlechter
Authors: Osafo Newman , Mensah Kwesi Boadu , Yeboah Oduro Kofi
Published: October 2017

Ethnopharmacological Relevance. Cryptolepis sanguinolenta is a scrambling thin-stemmed shrub found in Africa. Traditionally in West Africa, it is employed in the treatment of malaria, diarrhea, and respiratory conditions. This review discusses the traditional importance as well as the phytochemical, ethnomedical, pharmacological, and toxicological importance of this plant. Materials and Methods. Excerpta Medica Database, Google Scholar, Springer, and PubMed Central were the electronic databases used to search for and filter primary studies on Cryptolepis sanguinolenta. Results. The detailed review of various studies conducted on C. sanguinolenta and some of its constituents gives an important body of proof of its potential therapeutic benefits and also of its use as a source of lead compounds with therapeutic potentials. Conclusion. The review on C. sanguinolenta is important in identifying grey areas in the research on this medicinal plant and also provides comprehensive data thus far to continue research on this plant.
Assessment of Availability and Human Health Risk Posed by Arsenic Contaminated Well Waters from Timis-Bega Area, Romania
Authors: Senila Marin , Levei Erika , Cadar Oana , Senila Lacrimioara Ramona , Roman Marius , Puskas Ferenc , Sima Mihaela
Published: October 2017

Mobilization of As from geological materials into ground and drinking water sources may represent an important threat to human health. The objective of this study was to assess the As concentration and availability in underground water used as drinking water sources. Water samples were collected from public and private wells in Timis-Bega area of Pannonian Basin, West Romania. Total-dissolved As measured after “classical” filtration of water samples was in the range of 0.10–168 μg L−1, thus exceeding the guideline value in majority of the samples. The aim of this study was also to assess the “truly dissolved” concentrations of As considered as available concentrations, in well waters, after passive sampling by Diffusive Gradients in Thin-films (DGT). The results showed that over 70% of total-dissolved As is in available forms. The obtained data were used to evaluate the risks of using the wells as drinking water source. Hazard quotients for ingestion and dermal pathways and hazard index (HI) for exposure to As were calculated. The HI values > 1 found that majority of samples indicated a health risk for local residents.
Correlations between Antioxidant Activity and Alkaloids and Phenols of Maca (Lepidium meyenii)
Authors: Gan Jin , Feng Ying , He Zhao , Li Xian , Zhang Hong
Published: October 2017

The antioxidant capacity of maca has been considered to be the basis for other bioactivities, and revealing the active antioxidant compounds would help to elucidate a variety of bioactive compounds. In this study, the correlation between the antioxidant activity of maca and secondary metabolites, including ferric reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP), hydroxyl radical scavenging ability (HRSA), lipid peroxidation inhibition ability (LPIA), total phenolic contents (TPCs), total alkaloid contents (TACs), and total sterol contents (TSCs), was investigated by measuring. Chloroform was selected to be an efficient extraction solvent for antioxidant compounds in maca by polarity fractions test. The results showed that TPC exhibited significant linear correlations (P<0.05) to FRAP and LPIA, while TAC had significant linear correlations (P<0.05) to FRAP, HRSA, and LPIA. These results suggested that alkaloids and phenols were the most important substances for the antioxidation of maca, of which the antioxidant effect of alkaloids seemed to be higher than that of phenols.
Dynamic Response Analysis of Cable of Submerged Floating Tunnel under Hydrodynamic Force and Earthquake
Authors: Wu Zhiwen , Mei Guoxiong
Published: October 2017

A simplified analysis model of cable for submerged floating tunnel subjected to parametrically excited vibrations in the ocean environment is proposed in this investigation. The equation of motion of the cable is obtained by a mathematical method utilizing the Euler beam theory and the Galerkin method. The hydrodynamic force induced by earthquake excitations is formulated to simulate real seaquake conditions. The random earthquake excitation in the time domain is formulated by the stochastic phase spectrum method. An analytical model for analyzing the cable for submerged floating tunnel subjected to combined hydrodynamic forces and earthquake excitations is then developed. The sensitivity of key parameters including the hydrodynamic, earthquake, and structural parameters on the dynamic response of the cable is investigated and discussed. The present model enables a preliminary examination of the hydrodynamic and seismic behavior of cable for submerged floating tunnel and can provide valuable recommendations for use in design and operation of anchor systems for submerged floating tunnel.
Young Children’s Risk-Taking: Mothers’ Authoritarian Parenting Predicts Risk-Taking by Daughters but Not Sons
Authors: Wood Erin E. , Kennison Shelia M.
Published: October 2017

We investigated how mothers’ parenting behaviors and personal characteristics were related to risk-taking by young children. We tested contrasting predictions from evolutionary and social role theories with the former predicting higher risk-taking by boys compared to girls and the latter predicting that mothers would influence children’s gender role development with risk-taking occurring more in children parented with higher levels of harshness (i.e., authoritarian parenting style). In our study, mothers reported their own gender roles and parenting styles as well as their children’s risk-taking and activities related to gender roles. The results were only partially consistent with the two theories, as the amount of risk-taking by sons and daughters did not differ significantly and risk-taking by daughters, but not sons, was positively related to mothers’ use of the authoritarian parenting style and the girls’ engagement in masculine activities. Risk-taking by sons was not predicted by any combination of mother-related variables. Overall, mothers who were higher in femininity used more authoritative and less authoritarian parenting styles. Theoretical implications as well as implications for predicting and reducing children’s risk-taking are discussed.
CD56-Negative Aggressive NK Cell Leukemia Relapsing as Multiple Cranial Nerve Palsies: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Guerreiro M. , Príncipe F. , Teles M. J. , Fonseca S. , Santos A. H. , Fonseca E. , Gomes P. , Marques C. , Lima M.
Published: October 2017

Background. Aggressive natural killer cell leukemia (ANKL) is extremely rare and habitually manifests as a systemic disease with multiorgan failure that rapidly evolves to death. The neoplastic natural killer (NK) cells usually harbor the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) with a latent viral infection pattern type II; they often have a cytoplasmic CD3ε+and surface CD3−, CD2+, and CD56+immunophenotype, and they show complex genetic abnormalities affecting multiple tumor suppressor genes and oncogenes. We present a rare case of CD56-negative ANKL and review the clinical and laboratorial criteria for the diagnosis, as well as the available therapies.Case Presentation. A European 36-year-old male presented with acute onset fever, pallor, weakness, and jaundice. He had hepatosplenomegaly, severe pancytopenia, hepatic cytolysis, and very high serum lactic dehydrogenase levels. The bone marrow studies resulted in the diagnosis of an EBV-positive, CD56-negative ANKL. The patient failed to respond to gemcitabine and cisplatin-based polychemotherapy, dying three months later with leukemic meningitis and multiple cranial nerves palsies.Conclusions. The diagnosis of ANKL is difficult and requires both clinical suspicion and an extensive laboratorial approach. Absence of CD56 expression on the neoplastic NK cells may impose difficulties in the diagnosis, which requires morphological, immunophenotypic, histopathological, immunohistochemical, cytogenetic, and molecular studies.
Foot Complications in a Representative Australian Inpatient Population
Authors: Lazzarini Peter A. , Hurn Sheree E. , Kuys Suzanne S. , Kamp Maarten C. , Ng Vanessa , Thomas Courtney , Jen Scott , Wills Jude , Kinnear Ewan M. , d’Emden Michael C. , Reed Lloyd F.
Published: October 2017

We investigated the prevalence and factors independently associated with foot complications in a representative inpatient population (adults admitted for any reason with and without diabetes). We analysed data from the Foot disease in inpatients study, a sample of 733 representative inpatients. Previous amputation, previous foot ulceration, peripheral arterial disease (PAD), peripheral neuropathy (PN), and foot deformity were the foot complications assessed. Sociodemographic, medical, and foot treatment history were collected. Overall, 46.0% had a foot complication with 23.9% having multiple; those with diabetes had higher prevalence of foot complications than those without diabetes (p<0.01). Previous amputation (4.1%) was independently associated with previous foot ulceration, foot deformity, cerebrovascular accident, and past surgeon treatment (p<0.01). Previous foot ulceration (9.8%) was associated with PN, PAD, past podiatry, and past nurse treatment (p<0.02). PAD (21.0%) was associated with older age, males, indigenous people, cancer, PN, and past surgeon treatment (p<0.02). PN (22.0%) was associated with older age, diabetes, mobility impairment, and PAD (p<0.05). Foot deformity (22.4%) was associated with older age, mobility impairment, past podiatry treatment, and PN (p<0.01). Nearly half of all inpatients had a foot complication. Those with foot complications were older, male, indigenous, had diabetes, cerebrovascular accident, mobility impairment, and other foot complications or past foot treatment.
The Results of Hemivertebra Resection by the Posterior Approach in Children with a Mean Follow-Up of Five Years
Authors: Erturer Ramazan Erden , Kilinc Bekir Eray , Gokcen Bahadir , Erdogan Sinan , Kara Kursat , Ozturk Cagatay
Published: October 2017

Aim. To evaluate the radiologic and clinical results of patients who underwent deformity correction and stabilization for congenital spinal deformities using pedicle screws after hemivertebra resection. Material and Method. Nine patients, mean age 9.2, who underwent posterior hemivertebrectomy and transpedicular fixation for congenital spinal deformity and had longer than five years of follow-up were evaluated retrospectively. The hemivertebrae were located in the thoracic region in 4 patients and thoracolumbar transition region in 5 patients. The patients were evaluated radiologically and clinically in the postoperative period. Results. Mean length of follow-up was 64.2 months. The mean operating time was 292 minutes. The mean blood loss was 236 mL. The average hospitalization time was 7 days. The amount of correction on the coronal planes was measured as 31%. The mean segmental kyphosis angle was 45.7 degrees preoperatively and it was measured 2.7 degrees in the follow-up period. There were no statistically significant differences between the early postoperative period and final follow-up X-rays with respect to coronal and sagittal plane deformities. Conclusion. The ability to obtain a sufficient and balanced correction in the cases accompanied by long compensator curvatures that have a structural character in hemivertebra may require longer fusion levels.
Relative and Absolute Interrater Reliabilities of a Hand-Held Myotonometer to Quantify Mechanical Muscle Properties in Patients with Acute Stroke in an Inpatient Ward
Authors: Lo Wai Leung Ambrose , Zhao Jiang Li , Li Le , Mao Yu Rong , Huang Dong Feng
Published: October 2017

Introduction. The reliability of using MyotonPRO to quantify muscles mechanical properties in a ward setting for the acute stroke population remains unknown. Aims. To investigate the within-session relative and absolute interrater reliability of MyotonPRO. Methods. Mechanical properties of biceps brachii, brachioradialis, rectus femoris, and tibialis anterior were recorded at bedside. Participants were within 1 month of the first occurrence of stroke. Relative reliability was assessed by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Absolute reliability was assessed by standard error of measurement (SEM), SEM%, smallest real difference (SRD), SRD%, and the Bland-Altman 95% limits of agreement. Results. ICCs of all studied muscles ranged between 0.63 and 0.97. The SEM of all muscles ranged within 0.30–0.88 Hz for tone, 0.07–0.19 for decrement, 6.42–20.20 N/m for stiffness, and 0.04–0.07 for creep. The SRD of all muscles ranged within 0.70–2.05 Hz for tone, 0.16–0.45 for decrement, 14.98–47.15 N/m for stiffness, and 0.09–0.17 for creep. Conclusions. MyotonPRO demonstrated acceptable relative and absolute reliability in a ward setting for patients with acute stroke. However, results must be interpreted with caution, due to the varying level of consistency between different muscles, as well as between different parameters within a muscle.
Multiple Positive Solutions for Quadratic Integral Equations of Fractional Order
Authors: Ding Hui-Sheng , Liu Man-Man , Nieto Juan J.
Published: October 2017

In this paper, the existence of multiple positive solutions for a class of quadratic integral equation of fractional order is obtained, by utilizing Avery-Henderson and Leggett-Williams multiple fixed point theorems on cones. An example is given to illustrate the applicability of our results. We believe that this is a first result concerning the existence of multiple solutions for such quadratic integral equation of fractional order.
Noninteractive Verifiable Outsourcing Algorithm for Bilinear Pairing with Improved Checkability
Authors: Ren Yanli , Dong Min , Niu Zhihua , Du Xiaoni
Published: October 2017

It is well known that the computation of bilinear pairing is the most expensive operation in pairing-based cryptography. In this paper, we propose a noninteractive verifiable outsourcing algorithm of bilinear pairing based on two servers in the one-malicious model. The outsourcer need not execute any expensive operation, such as scalar multiplication and modular exponentiation. Moreover, the outsourcer could detect any failure with a probability close to 1 if one of the servers misbehaves. Therefore, the proposed algorithm improves checkability and decreases communication cost compared with the previous ones. Finally, we utilize the proposed algorithm as a subroutine to achieve an anonymous identity-based encryption (AIBE) scheme with outsourced decryption and an identity-based signature (IBS) scheme with outsourced verification.
AdS Black Hole with Phantom Scalar Field
Authors: Zhang Limei , Zeng Xiaoxiong , Li Zhonghua
Published: October 2017

We present an AdS black hole solution with Ricci flat horizon in Einstein-phantom scalar theory. The phantom scalar fields just depend on the transverse coordinates x and y, which are parameterized by the parameter α. We study the thermodynamics of the AdS phantom black hole. Although its horizon is a Ricci flat Euclidean space, we find that the thermodynamical properties of the black hole solution are qualitatively the same as those of AdS Schwarzschild black hole. Namely, there exists a minimal temperature and the large black hole is thermodynamically stable, while the smaller one is unstable, so there is a so-called Hawking-Page phase transition between the large black hole and the thermal gas solution in the AdS space-time in Poincare coordinates. We also calculate the entanglement entropy for a strip geometry dual to the AdS phantom black holes and find that the behavior of the entanglement entropy is qualitatively the same as that of the black hole thermodynamical entropy.
Detecting Triple-Vessel Disease with Cadmium Zinc Telluride-Based Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography Using the Intensity Signal-to-Noise Ratio between Rest and Stress Studies
Authors: Fang Yu-Hua Dean , Su Tzu-Pei , Chang Chi-Jen , Ho Kung-Chu , Su May , Yen Tzu-Chen
Published: October 2017

The purpose of this study was to investigate if a novel parameter, the stress-to-rest ratio of the signal-to-noise ratio (RSNR) obtained with a cadmium zinc telluride (CZT) SPECT scanner, could be used to distinguish triple-vessel disease (TVD) patients. Methods. One hundred and two patients with suspected coronary artery disease were retrospectively involved. Each subject underwent a Tl-201 SPECT scan and subsequent coronary angiography. Subjects were separated into TVD (n=41) and control (n=61) groups based on coronary angiography results using 50% as the stenosis cutoff. The RSNR was calculated by dividing the stress signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) by the rest SNR. Summed scores were calculated using quantitative perfusion SPECT (QPS) for all subjects. Results. The RSNR in the TVD group was found to be significantly lower than that in the control group (0.83 ± 0.15 and 1.06 ± 0.17, resp.; P<0.01). Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis showed that RSNR can detect TVD more accurately than the summed difference score with higher sensitivity (85% versus 68%), higher specificity (90% versus 72%), and higher accuracy (88% versus 71%). Conclusion. The RSNR may serve as a useful index to assist the diagnosis of TVD when a fully automatic quantification method is used in CZT-based SPECT studies.
Effect of MT3 on Retinal and Choroidal TGF-β2 and HAS2 Expressions in Form Deprivation Myopia of Guinea Pig
Authors: Li Tao , Zhou Xiaodong , Li Bing , Jiang Bo
Published: October 2017

Purpose. To confirm its dose-dependent effect on form deprivation myopia and evaluate the effect of MT3 at different tissue concentrations on changes in mRNA and protein expression for TGF-β2 and HAS2. Methods. MT3 was intravitreally injected into deprived eyes at two-day intervals. Refraction was measured by streak retinoscopy after cycloplegia. The axial dimensions were measured by A-scan ultrasound. The quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot were used to detect the changes of TGF-β2 and HAS2 expressions in the retina and choroid of guinea pigs. Results. MT3 treatment produced a significant dose-dependent reduction in relative myopia compared to FD group (both p<0.001). There were statistically significant increases in retinal and choroidal mRNA levels for both TGF-β2 and HAS2 after injections of 10 μM of MT3, when compared to the FD group. There were no significant differences in retinal and choroidal TGF-β2 protein expression levels between the MT3 treatment groups and FD group (all p>0.05). The injections of 10 μM of MT3 caused a marked decrease in retinal HAS2 protein expression level, when compared to the FD group (p=0.001). Conclusion. MT3 can inhibit form deprivation myopia, and MT3 treatment can result in changes of retinal and choroidal TGF-β2 and HAS2 mRNA and protein expressions.
Evans Syndrome Complicated by Intratubular Hemoglobin Cast Nephropathy
Authors: González Iván , Rais Rehan , Gaut Joseph P. , Dehner Louis P.
Published: October 2017

Evans syndrome (ES) is a rare autoimmune disorder whose exact pathophysiology is unknown. It is characterized by the simultaneous or subsequent development of autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) and immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). Intravascular hemolysis, with hemoglobinemia, is known to produce acute kidney injury; however, the development of intratubular hemoglobin casts (hemoglobin cast nephropathy) in the setting of acute hemolysis is uncommon. Likewise, the association of ES and acute renal failure is equally uncommon. We present a case of a 7-year-old girl with ES who developed acute kidney injury in the setting of intravascular hemolysis and had widespread intratubular hemoglobin casts.
Set-Valued Haezendonck-Goovaerts Risk Measure and Its Properties
Authors: Feng Yu , Dong Yichuan , Liu Jia-Bao
Published: October 2017

We propose a new set-valued risk measure, which is called set-valued Haezendonck-Goovaerts risk measure. First, we construct the set-valued Haezendonck-Goovaerts risk measure and then provide an equivalent representation. The properties of the set-valued Haezendonck-Goovaerts risk measure are investigated, which show that the set-valued Haezendonck-Goovaerts risk measure is coherent. Finally, an example of set-valued Haezendonck-Goovaerts risk measure is given, which exhibits the fact that the set-valued average value at risk is a particular case of the set-valued Haezendonck-Goovaerts risk measures.
Acoustic Emission Characteristics and Failure Mechanism of Fractured Rock under Different Loading Rates
Authors: Zhang Yongzheng , Wang Gang , Jiang Yujing , Wang Shugang , Zhao Honghua , Jing Wenjun
Published: October 2017

To study the loading rate dependence of acoustic emissions and the failure mechanism of fractured rock, biaxial compression tests performed on granite were numerically simulated using the bonded particle model in Particle Flow Code (PFC). Uniaxial tests on a sample containing a single open fracture were simulated under different loading rates ranging from 0.005 to 0.5 m/s. Our results demonstrate the following. (1) The overall trends of stress and strain changes are not affected by the loading rate; the loading rate only affects the strain required to reach each stage. (2) The strain energy rate and acoustic emission (AE) events are affected by the loading rate in fractured rock. With an increase in the loading rate, AE events and the strain energy rate initially increase and then decrease, forming a fluctuating trend. (3) Under an external load, the particles within a specimen are constantly squeezed, rotated, and displaced. This process is accompanied by energy dissipation via the production of internal tensile and shear cracks; their propagation and coalescence result in the formation of a macroscopic rupture zone.
Drilling Performance of Rock Drill by High-Pressure Water Jet under Different Configuration Modes
Authors: Liu Songyong , Li Hongsheng , Chang Huanhuan
Published: October 2017

In the rock drilling progress, the resistant force results in tools failure and the low drilling efficiency; thus, it is necessary to reduce the tools failure and enhance the drilling efficiency. In this paper, different configuration modes of drilling performance assisted with water jet are explored based on the mechanism and experiment analysis of rock drilling assisted with water jet. Moreover, the rotary sealing device with high pressure is designed to achieve the axial and rotation movement simultaneously as well as good sealing effect under high-pressure water jet. The results indicate that the NDB and NFB have better effects on drilling performance compared with that of NSB. Moreover, the high-pressure water jet is helpful not only to reduce the drill rod deflection, but also to reduce the probability of drill rod bending and improve the drill rod service life.