bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human Activity Recognition as Time-Series Analysis
Authors: Kim Hyesuk , Kim Incheol
Published: October 2015

We propose a system that can recognize daily human activities with a Kinect-style depth camera. Our system utilizes a set of view-invariant features and the hidden state conditional random field (HCRF) model to recognize human activities from the 3D body pose stream provided by MS Kinect API or OpenNI. Many high-level daily activities can be regarded as having a hierarchical structure where multiple subactivities are performed sequentially or iteratively. In order to model effectively these high-level daily activities, we utilized a multiclass HCRF model, which is a kind of probabilistic graphical models. In addition, in order to get view-invariant, but more informative features, we extract joint angles from the subject’s skeleton model and then perform the feature transformation to obtain three different types of features regarding motion, structure, and hand positions. Through various experiments using two different datasets, KAD-30 and CAD-60, the high performance of our system is verified.
Sea‐Urchin‐Like ZnO Nanoparticle Film for Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Ma Cheng-Wen , Chang Chia-Ming , Huang Po-Cheng , Yang Yao-Joe
Published: October 2015

We present novel sea‐urchin‐like ZnO nanoparticles synthesized using a chemical solution method. Solution approaches to synthesizing ZnO nanostructures have several advantages including low growth temperatures and high potential for scaling up. We investigated the influence of reaction times on the thickness and morphology of sea‐urchin‐like ZnO nanoparticles, and XRD patterns show strong intensity in every direction. Dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) were developed using the synthesized ZnO nanostructures as photoanodes. The DSSCs comprised a fluorine‐doped tin oxide (FTO) glass with dense ZnO nanostructures as the working electrode, a platinized FTO glass as the counter electrode, N719‐based dye, and I‐/I3‐liquid electrolyte. The DSSC fabricated using such nanostructures yielded a high power conversion efficiency of 1.16% with an incident photo‐to‐current efficiency (IPCE) as high as 15.32%. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was applied to investigate the characteristics of DSSCs. An improvement in the electron transport in the ZnO photoanode was also observed.
The Investigation of Virginiamycin-Added Fungal Fermentation on the Size and Immunoreactivity of Heat-Sensitive Soy Protein
Authors: Chen Liyan , Vadlani Praveen V. , Madl Ronald L. , Wang Weiqun , Shi Yongcheng , Gibbons William R.
Published: October 2015

The usage of soy protein for young monogastric animals is restricted due to potential allergens and high molecular weight. The investigation of fungi fermentation effect on soy protein has been interrupted by substrate sterilization. Virginiamycin at 0.05% was added together withAspergillus oryzaefor solid state fermentation (SSF) in unsterilized soy meal (SM). When compared toA. oryzaeSSF alone, virginiamycin did not cause the interference of fungal fermentation but elucidated the protein degradation. SDS-PAGE results showed that bothαandα′ subunits ofβ-conglycinin were degraded significantly. In addition, western blot results showed that the immunoreactive signals of soy protein were considerably reduced in virginiamycin-added fermentation with unsterilized SM. Furthermore, fungal fermentation increased total protein and essential amino acid contents, suggesting the value enhancement of SM products. Taken together, this study demonstrated for the first time that virginiamycin could help investigate fermentation effect on heat-sensitive soy protein. Fermented SM has several potential applications in feed industry.
On the Shape Simulation of Aggregate and Cement Particles in a DEM System
Authors: He Huan , Stroeven Piet , Pirard Eric , Courard Luc
Published: October 2015

Aggregate occupies at least three-quarters of the volume of concrete, so its impact on concrete’s properties is significant. Both size and shape of aggregate influence workability, mechanical properties, and durability of concrete. On the other hand, the shape of cement particles plays also an important role in the hydration process due to surface dissolution in the hardening process. Additionally, grain dispersion, shape, and size govern the pore percolation process that is of crucial importance for concrete durability. Discrete element modeling (DEM) is commonly employed for simulation of concrete structure. To be able to do so, the assessed grain shape should be implemented. The approaches for aggregate and cement structure simulation by a concurrent algorithm-based DEM system are discussed in this paper. Both aggregate and cement grains were experimentally analyzed by X-ray tomography method recently. The results provide a real experimental database, for example, surface area versus volume distribution, for simulation of particles in concrete technology. Optimum solutions are obtained by different simplified shapes proposed for aggregate and cement, respectively. In this way, more reliable concepts for aggregate structure and fresh cement paste can be simulated by a DEM system.
Sediment Deposition Risk Analysis and PLSR Model Research for Cascade Reservoirs Upstream of the Yellow River
Authors: Yang Jie , Ma Jing , Hu De-xiu , Wang Lu , Yin Ji-na , Ren Jie
Published: October 2015

It is difficult to effectively identify and eliminate the multiple correlation influence among the independent factors by least-squares regression. Focusing on this insufficiency, the sediment deposition risk of cascade reservoirs and fitting model of sediment flux into the reservoir are studied. The partial least-squares regression (PLSR) method is adopted for modeling analysis; the model fitting is organically combined with the non-model-style data content analysis, so as to realize the regression model, data structure simplification, and multiple correlations analysis among factors; meanwhile the accuracy of the model is ensured through cross validity check. The modeling analysis of sediment flux into the cascade reservoirs of Long-Liu section upstream of the Yellow River indicates that partial least-squares regression can effectively overcome the multiple correlation influence among factors, and the isolated factor variables have better ability to explain the physical cause of measured results.
Alternative Composite Nanosorbents Based on Turkish Perlite for the Removal of Cr(VI) from Aqueous Solution
Authors: Edebali Serpil
Published: October 2015

New nanocomposite sorbents were synthesized and used for Cr(VI) removal from aqueous solution by modifying Turkish perlite with α‐MnO2 (PAM) and γ‐Fe2O3 (PGI) nanoparticles. Nanocomposite sorbents were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and FTIR. The effects of several parameters such as contact time, amount of sorbent, pH, and concentration were investigated and it was found that the sorption capacity for Cr(VI) was found to be highly pH dependent. Also the experimental data were evaluated in terms of different isotherm models. The data of PGI were well fit to DR isotherm model whereas PAM data were well described with Temkin isotherm model. The sorption capacities were found to be 8.64 and 7.6 mg g−1 for PGI and PAM, respectively. This confirms that these nanocomposites retain the constituent nanoparticle properties while being macroscopic particles suitable for chromium removal in water treatment.
Combined Numerical-Statistical Analyses of Damage and Failure of 2D and 3D Mesoscale Heterogeneous Concrete
Authors: Wang Xiaofeng , Jivkov Andrey P.
Published: October 2015

Generation and packing algorithms are developed to create models of mesoscale heterogeneous concrete with randomly distributed elliptical/polygonal aggregates and circular/elliptical voids in two dimensions (2D) or ellipsoidal/polyhedral aggregates and spherical/ellipsoidal voids in three dimensions (3D). The generation process is based on the Monte Carlo simulation method wherein the aggregates and voids are generated from prescribed distributions of their size, shape, and volume fraction. A combined numerical-statistical method is proposed to investigate damage and failure of mesoscale heterogeneous concrete: the geometrical models are first generated and meshed automatically, simulated by using cohesive zone model, and then results are statistically analysed. Zero-thickness cohesive elements with different traction-separation laws within the mortar, within the aggregates, and at the interfaces between these phases are preinserted inside solid element meshes to represent potential cracks. The proposed methodology provides an effective and efficient tool for damage and failure analysis of mesoscale heterogeneous concrete, and a comprehensive study was conducted for both 2D and 3D concrete in this paper.
Physical and Mechanical Properties of Composites Made with Aluminous Cement and Basalt Fibers Developed for High Temperature Application
Authors: Reiterman Pavel , Holčapek Ondřej , Jogl Marcel , Konvalinka Petr
Published: October 2015

Present paper deals with the experimental study of the composition of refractory fiber-reinforced aluminous cement based composites and its response to gradual thermal loading. Basalt fibers were applied in doses of 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 4.0% in volume. Simultaneously, binder system based on the aluminous cement was modified by fine ground ceramic powder originated from the accurate ceramic blocks production. Ceramic powder was dosed as partial replacement of used cement of 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25%. Influence of composition changes was evaluated by the results of physical and mechanical testing; compressive strength, flexural strength, bulk density, and fracture energy were determined on the different levels of temperature loading. Increased dose of basalt fibers allows reaching expected higher values of fracture energy, but with respect to results of compressive and flexural strength determination as an optimal rate of basalt fibers dose was considered 0.25% in volume. Fine ground ceramic powder application led to extensive increase of residual mechanical parameters just up to replacement of 10%. Higher replacement of aluminous cement reduced final values of bulk density but kept mechanical properties on the level of mixtures without aluminous cement replacement.
A Novel IKP-Based Biometric Recognition Using Mobile Phone Camera
Authors: Xu Xue-Miao , Lai Xiao-Zheng , Jin Qiang , Yuan Xue-Han , Lai Sheng-Li , Lin Yan-Wen , Huang Jian-Wen
Published: October 2015

This paper explores an inner-knuckle-print (IKP) biometric recognition, based on mobile phone. Since IKP characteristics are captured by using mobile phone camera, the greatest challenge is that IKP images from the same hand have different illumination, posture, and background. In order to construct autonomous and robust recognition, we present a range of techniques as follows. Firstly, the hand region is preprocessed by using mean shift (MS) andK-means clustering. Secondly, the region of interest (ROI) of IKP is segmented and normalized. Thirdly, the IKP feature is extracted by using 2D Gabor filter with proper orientation and frequency. Finally, histogram of orientation gradient (HOG) algorithm is applied for matching. According to the experimental results, the proposed method is capable of achieving considerable recognition accuracy.
Effect of the Addition of Essential Oils and Functional Extracts of Clove on Physicochemical Properties of Chitosan-Based Films
Authors: Reyes-Chaparro Paola , Gutierrez-Mendez Nestor , Salas-Muñoz Erika , Ayala-Soto Juan Guillermo , Chavez-Flores David , Hernández-Ochoa León
Published: October 2015

Mechanical and barrier properties of chitosan films prepared with essential oils of clove and functional extract were studied. The films made with functional extracts (esters E6and E7) presented the significant increment of extensibility compared with the untreated chitosan films. In the case of punction test, the films made with the esters E6and E7resisted more the applied strength before tearing up compared with the chitosan control film (without any treatment). Thermogravimetric analysis values were determined for the chitosan control film and chitosan film treated with clove essential oil obtaining 112.17°C and 176.73°C, respectively. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to determine their morphology by analyzing their surfaces and phase arrangement; AFM was also used to observe the porosity in chitosan-based antimicrobial films and the chitosan films incorporating functional extracts. The water vapour permeability (WVP) data showed that incorporating the functional extract to the formulation of films has a positive effect on water vapour barrier properties. In general, the incorporation of essential oils and functional extract of clove at 20% in chitosan films caused microstructural changes that were dependent on the different affinity of components.
Approximate Kelvin-Voigt Fluid Driven by an External Force Depending on Velocity with Distributed Delay
Authors: Guo Yantao , Cheng Shuilin , Tang Yanbin
Published: October 2015

We consider the approximate 3D Kelvin-Voigt fluid driven by an external force depending on velocity with distributed delay. We investigate the long time behavior of solutions to Navier-Stokes-Voigt equation with a distributed delay external force depending on the velocity of fluid on a bounded domain. By a prior estimate and a contractive function, we give a sufficient condition for the existence of pullback attractor of NSV equation.
Experimental Immunization Based onPlasmodiumAntigens Isolated by Antibody Affinity
Authors: Kamali Ali N. , Marín-García Patricia , Azcárate Isabel G. , Puyet Antonio , Diez Amalia , Bautista José M.
Published: October 2015

Vaccines blocking malaria parasites in the blood-stage diminish mortality and morbidity caused by the disease. Here, we isolated antigens from total parasite proteins by antibody affinity chromatography to test an immunization against lethal malaria infection in a murine model. We used the sera of malaria self-resistant ICR mice to lethalPlasmodium yoelii yoelii17XL for purification of their IgGs which were subsequently employed to isolate blood-stage parasite antigens that were inoculated to immunize BALB/c mice. The presence of specific antibodies in vaccinated mice serum was studied by immunoblot analysis at different days after vaccination and showed an intensive immune response to a wide range of antigens with molecular weight ranging between 22 and 250 kDa. The humoral response allowed delay of the infection after the inoculation to high lethal doses ofP. yoelii yoelii17XL resulting in a partial protection against malaria disease, although final survival was managed in a low proportion of challenged mice. This approach shows the potential to prevent malaria disease with a set of antigens isolated from blood-stage parasites.
Observer Based Robust Position Control of a Hydraulic Servo System Using Variable Structure Control
Authors: Kolsi-Gdoura E. , Feki M. , Derbel N.
Published: October 2015

This paper deals with the position control of a hydraulic servo system rod. Our approach considers the surface design as a case of virtual controller design using the backstepping method. We first prove that a linear surface does not yield to a robust controller with respect to the unmatched uncertainty and perturbation. Next, to remedy this deficiency, a sliding controller based on the second-order sliding mode is proposed which outperforms the first controller in terms of chattering attenuation and robustness with respect to parameter uncertainty only. Next, based on backstepping a nested variable structure design method is proposed which ensures the robustness with respect to both unmatched uncertainty and perturbation. Finally, a robust sliding mode observer is appended to the closed loop control system to achieve output feedback control. The stability and convergence to reference position with zero steady state error are proven when the controller is constructed using the estimated states. To illustrate the efficiency of the proposed methods, numerical simulation results are shown.
Recent Developments in Multiscale and Multiphase Modelling of the Hydraulic Fracturing Process
Authors: Sheng Yong , Sousani Marina , Ingham Derek , Pourkashanian Mohamed
Published: October 2015

Recently hydraulic fracturing of rocks has received much attention not only for its economic importance but also for its potential environmental impact. The hydraulically fracturing technique has been widely used in the oil (EOR) and gas (EGR) industries, especially in the USA, to extract more oil/gas through the deep rock formations. Also there have been increasing interests in utilising the hydraulic fracturing technique in geological storage of CO2in recent years. In all cases, the design and implementation of the hydraulic fracturing process play a central role, highlighting the significance of research and development of this technique. However, the uncertainty behind the fracking mechanism has triggered public debates regarding the possible effect of this technique on human health and the environment. This has presented new challenges in the study of the hydraulic fracturing process. This paper describes the hydraulic fracturing mechanism and provides an overview of past and recent developments of the research performed towards better understandings of the hydraulic fracturing and its potential impacts, with particular emphasis on the development of modelling techniques and their implementation on the hydraulic fracturing.
An Improved Nonlinear Grey Bernoulli Model Combined with Fourier Series
Authors: Chia-Nan Wang , Van-Thanh Phan
Published: October 2015

Grey forecasting is a dynamic forecasting model and has been widely used in various fields. In recent years, many scholars have proposed new procedures or new models to improve the precision accuracy of grey forecasting for the fluctuating data sets. However, the prediction accuracy of the grey forecasting models existing may not be always satisfactory in different scenario. For example, the data are highly fluctuating are with lots of noise. In order to deal with this issue, a Fourier Nonlinear Grey Bernoulli Model (1, 1) (abbreviated as F-NGBM (1, 1)) is proposed to enhance the forecasting performance. The proposed model was established by using Fourier series to modify the residual errors of Nonlinear Grey Bernoulli Model (1, 1) (abbreviated as (NGBM (1, 1)). To verify the effectiveness of the proposed model, fluctuation data of the numerical example in Wang et al.’s paper (Wang et al. 2011) and practical application are used. Both of these simulation results demonstrate that the proposed model could forecast more precisely than several different kinds of grey forecasting models. For future direction, this proposed model can be applied to forecast the performance with the high fluctuation data in the different industries.
Gait Recognition Using GEI and AFDEI
Authors: Luo Jing , Zhang Jianliang , Zi Chunyuan , Niu Ying , Tian Huixin , Xiu Chunbo
Published: October 2015

Gait energy image (GEI) preserves the dynamic and static information of a gait sequence. The common static information includes the appearance and shape of the human body and the dynamic information includes the variation of frequency and phase. However, there is no consideration of the time that normalizes each silhouette within the GEI. As regards this problem, this paper proposed the accumulated frame difference energy image (AFDEI), which can reflect the time characteristics. The fusion of the moment invariants extracted from GEI and AFDEI was selected as the gait feature. Then, gait recognition was accomplished using the nearest neighbor classifier based on the Euclidean distance. Finally, to verify the performance, the proposed algorithm was compared with the GEI + 2D-PCA and SFDEI + HMM on the CASIA-B gait database. The experimental results have shown that the proposed algorithm performs better than GEI + 2D-PCA and SFDEI + HMM and meets the real-time requirements.
Erythropoietin Exacerbates Inflammation and Increases the Mortality of Histoplasma capsulatum‐Infected Mice
Authors: Locachevic Gisele Aparecida , Pereira Priscilla Aparecida Tartari , Secatto Adriana , Fontanari Caroline , Galvão Alyne Fávero , Prado Morgana Kelly Borges , Zoccal Karina Furlani , Petta Tânia , Moraes Luiz Alberto Beraldo , Ramos Simone Gusmão , de Castro Fabíola Attie , Sorgi Carlos Artério , Faccioli Lúcia Helena
Published: October 2015

Erythropoietin (EPO) is a key hormone involved in red blood cell formation, but its effects on nonerythroid cells, such as macrophages, have not been described. Macrophages are key cells in controlling histoplasmosis, a fungal infection caused by Histoplasma capsulatum (Hc). Considering that little is known about EPO’s role during fungal infections and its capacity to activate macrophages, in this study we investigated the impact of EPO pretreatment on the alveolar immune response during Hc infection. The consequence of EPO pretreatment on fungal infection was determined by evaluating animal survival, fungal burden, activation of bronchoalveolar macrophages, inflammatory mediator release, and lung inflammation. Pretreatment with EPO diminished mononuclear cell numbers, increased the recruitment of F4/80+/CD80+ and F4/80+/CD86+ cells to the bronchoalveolar space, induced higher production of IFN‐γ, IL‐6, MIP‐1α, MCP‐1, and LTB4, reduced PGE2 concentration, and did not affect fungal burden. As a consequence, we observed an increase in lung inflammation with extensive tissue damage that might account for augmented mouse mortality after infection. Our results demonstrate for the first time that EPO treatment has a deleterious impact on lung immune responses during fungal infection.
User Satisfaction Evaluation of the EHR4CR Query Builder: A Multisite Patient Count Cohort System
Authors: Soto-Rey Iñaki , N’Dja Aurèle , Cunningham James , Newe Axel , Trinczek Benjamin , Lafitte Caroline , Sedlmayr Brita , Fritz Fleur
Published: October 2015

The Electronic Health Records for Clinical Research (EHR4CR) project aims to develop services and technology for the leverage reuse of Electronic Health Records with the purpose of improving the efficiency of clinical research processes. A pilot program was implemented to generate evidence of the value of using the EHR4CR platform. The user acceptance of the platform is a key success factor in driving the adoption of the EHR4CR platform; thus, it was decided to evaluate the user satisfaction. In this paper, we present the results of a user satisfaction evaluation for the EHR4CR multisite patient count cohort system. This study examined the ability of testers (n=22andn=16from 5 countries) to perform three main tasks (around 20 minutes per task), after a 30-minute period of self-training. The System Usability Scale score obtained was 55.83 (SD: 15.37), indicating a moderate user satisfaction. The responses to an additional satisfaction questionnaire were positive about the design of the interface and the required procedure to design a query. Nevertheless, the most complex of the three tasks proposed in this test was rated as difficult, indicating a need to improve the system regarding complicated queries.
Protein Phosphatase 2A Mediates Oxidative Stress Induced Apoptosis in Osteoblasts
Authors: Huang Chong-xin , Lv Bo , Wang Yue
Published: October 2015

Osteoporosis is one of the most common bone diseases, which is characterized by a systemic impairment of bone mass and fragility fractures. Age‐related oxidative stress is highly associated with impaired osteoblastic dysfunctions and subsequent osteoporosis. In osteoblasts (bone formation cells), reactive oxygen species (ROS) are continuously generated and further cause lipid peroxidation, protein damage, and DNA lesions, leading to osteoblastic dysfunctions, dysdifferentiations, and apoptosis. Although much progress has been made, the mechanism responsible for oxidative stress induced cellular alternations and osteoblastic toxicity is still not fully elucidated. Here, we demonstrate that protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), a major protein phosphatase in mammalian cells, mediates oxidative stress induced apoptosis in osteoblasts. Our results showed that lipid peroxidation products (4‐HNE) may induce dramatic oxidative stress, inflammatory reactions, and apoptosis in osteoblasts. These oxidative stress responses may ectopically activate PP2A phosphatase activity, which may be mediated by inactivation of AKT/mTOR pathway. Moreover, inhibition of PP2A activity by okadaic acid might partly prevent osteoblastic apoptosis under oxidative conditions. These findings may reveal a novel mechanism to clarify the role of oxidative stress for osteoblastic apoptosis and provide new possibilities for the treatment of related bone diseases, such as osteoporosis.
A Pilot Comparative Study of 26 Biochemical Markers in Seminal Plasma and Serum in Infertile Men
Authors: Feng Rui-Xiang , Lu Jin-Chun , Zhang Hong-Ye , Lü Nian-Qing
Published: October 2015

Introduction. The relationships of the biochemical components in seminal plasma and serum, and their origins and physiological effects in male reproductive system have been poorly understood.Methods. Based on the calibration and quality control measures, 26 biochemical markers, in seminal plasma and serum samples from 36 male infertility patients with nonazoospermia were detected and compared.Results. Only PA was undetectable in all seminal plasma samples. There were significant differences of all other 24 biochemical markers in seminal plasma and serum (P<0.05) except for UA (P=0.214). There were rich proteins in seminal plasma, and globulin accounted for about 90%. There were also abundant enzymes in seminal plasma, and the activities of ALT, AST, AKP, GGT, LDH, CK, andαHBDH in seminal plasma were significantly higher than those in serum while ADA was inversely lower. There were relatively low levels of Glu, TG, TC, and hsCRP in seminal plasma, but Glu was undetectable in 8 of 36 cases.Conclusions. The differences of the levels of biochemical markers in seminal plasma and serum might be associated with the selective secretion of testis, epididymis and male accessory glands, and the specific environment needed for sperm metabolism and function maintenance.
Survival of Unstressed and Acid-, Cold-, and Starvation-Stress-AdaptedListeria monocytogenesin Ham Extract with Hops Beta Acids and Consumer Acceptability of HBA on Ready-to-Eat Ham
Authors: Wang Li , Shen Cangliang
Published: October 2015

The efficacy of hops beta acids (HBA) against unstressed and stress-adaptedListeria monocytogenesin ham extract and the consumers’ acceptability of HBA on ready-to-eat (RTE) hams were investigated. Unstressed or acid-, cold-, or starvation-stress-adaptedL. monocytogeneswas inoculated (1.3–1.5 log CFU/mL) into 10% ham extract, without (control) or with HBA (4.44 or 10.0 µg/mL). Survival/growth of the pathogen during storage (7.2°C, 26 days) was monitored periodically. Sensory evaluation (30 participants, 9-point hedonic scale) was performed with hams dipped into 0.05, 0.11, and 0.23% HBA solution. Ham extracts without HBA supported rapid growth of unstressed and stress-adapted cells with growth rates of 0.39–0.71 log CFU/mL/day and lag phases of 0–3.26 days. HBA inhibited growth of unstressedL. monocytogenesby slowing (P<0.05) growth rate (0.24–0.29 log CFU/mL/day) and increasing (P<0.05) length of the lag phase (3.49–12.98 days) compared to control. Acid-, cold-, or starvation-stress-adapted cells showed cross protection against HBA with greater (P<0.05) growth rates (0.44–0.66 log CFU/mL/day) and similar or shorter lag phases (0–5.44 days) than unstressed cells. HBA did not (P>0.05) affect sensory attributes of RTE ham. These results are useful for RTE meat processors to develop operational protocols using HBA to controlL. monocytogenes.
Cortical Structural Connectivity Alterations in Primary Insomnia: Insights from MRI-Based Morphometric Correlation Analysis
Authors: Zhao Lu , Wang Enfeng , Zhang Xiaoqi , Karama Sherif , Khundrakpam Budhachandra , Zhang Hongju , Guan Min , Wang Meiyun , Cheng Jingliang , Shi Dapeng , Evans Alan C. , Li Yongli
Published: October 2015

The etiology and maintenance of insomnia are proposed to be associated with increased cognitive and physiological arousal caused by acute stressors and associated cognitive rumination. A core feature of such hyperarousal theory of insomnia involves increased sensory processing that interferes with the onset and maintenance of sleep. In this work, we collected structural magnetic resonance imaging data from 35 patients with primary insomnia and 35 normal sleepers and applied structural covariance analysis to investigate whether insomnia is associated with disruptions in structural brain networks centered at the sensory regions (primary visual, primary auditory, and olfactory cortex). As expected, insomnia patients showed increased structural covariance in cortical thickness between sensory and motor regions. We also observed trends of increased covariance between sensory regions and the default-mode network, and the salience network regions, and trends of decreased covariance between sensory regions and the frontoparietal working memory network regions, in insomnia patients. The observed changes in structural covariance tended to correlated with poor sleep quality. Our findings support previous functional neuroimaging studies and provide novel insights into variations in brain network configuration that may be involved in the pathophysiology of insomnia.
Discrimination and Proper Use of Polygoni Multiflori Radix, Cynanchi Wilfordii Radix, and Cynanchi Auriculati Radix in Korea: A Descriptive Review
Authors: Lee Beom-Joon , Lee Kyungjin
Published: October 2015

Polygoni Multiflori Radix (PMR), Cynanchi Wilfordii Radix (CWR), and Cynanchi Auriculati Radix (CAR) are very popular herbal medicines in Traditional Korean Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Kampo Medicine. However, the plant origins, efficacies, and traditional uses of these herbal medicines differ. In Korea, PMR is calledHa Su O(He Shou Wuin China), and CWR is calledBaek Ha Su OorBaek Su O(Bai Shou Wuin China).Baek Su Orefers to CWR in Korea and CAR in China. CAR has not been used as a traditional herbal medicine, and it cannot be legally used as a food or food ingredient in Korea. However, CAR is cultivated in Korea and imported from China. Because the morphology of CWR and CAR is very similar, they are often confused and misused in Korea. This review discusses the reasons for the confusion and misuse of these substances in Korea and provides the exact plant origins, efficacies, uses, components, and toxicities of PMR, CWR, and CAR so that they can be correctly understood and used.
The Protective Effects of Curcumin on Obesity-Related Glomerulopathy Are Associated with Inhibition of Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Activation in Podocytes
Authors: Liu Bao-li , Chen Yi-pu , Cheng Hong , Wang Yan-yan , Rui Hong-liang , Yang Min , Dong Hong-rui , Han Dan-nuo , Dong Jing
Published: October 2015

The present study investigated the effects of curcumin, one of the most important active ingredients of turmeric, on podocyte injuryin vitroand obesity-related glomerulopathy (ORG)in vivo. Cellular experimentsin vitroshowed that curcumin significantly antagonized leptin-induced downregulation of the mRNA and protein expression of podocyte-associated molecules including nephrin, podocin, podoplanin, and podocalyxin. Animal experimentsin vivoshowed that curcumin significantly reduced the body weight, Lee’s index, abdominal fat index, urinary protein excretion, and average glomerular diameter and significantly upregulated the mRNA and protein expressions of the above podocyte-associated molecules in ORG mice. Furthermore, the experimentsin vitroandin vivoboth displayed that curcumin could downregulate the mRNA and protein expressions of Wnt1, Wnt2b, Wnt6, andβ-catenin and upregulate the phosphorylation level ofβ-catenin protein in podocytes and renal tissue. In conclusion, curcumin is able to alleviate the harmful reaction of leptin on podocytes and reduce the severity of ORG. The above protective effects are associated with the inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling activation in podocytes.
Calibration on MEPDG Low Temperature Cracking Model and Recommendation on Asphalt Pavement Structures in Seasonal Frozen Region of China
Authors: Ma Hongyan , Wang Dongsheng , Zhou Changjun , Feng Decheng
Published: October 2015

In order to implement the Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG) to design and maintain asphalt pavements in China, it is necessary to calibrate transfer functions of distresses in MEPDG with local conditions, including traffics, environment, and materials as well as measured pavement distresses data in field. Comprehensive single factor sensitivity analyses of factors that influence thermal cracking of asphalt pavements were conducted utilizing the MEPDG low temperature cracking (LTC) model. Additionally, multiple factor sensitivity analyses were carried out as well, based on which pavement structures with sound thermal cracking resistance were recommended for seasonal frozen regions in China. Finally, the field data of thermal cracks on typical asphalt pavements in China was utilized to calibrate the LTC model in MEPDG. An improvement was proposed on MEPDG LTC model, after which was applied, the predicted thermal cracking from MEPDG LTC model agrees well with measured thermal cracking in China.
The Content of Secondary Metabolites and Antioxidant Activity of Wild Strawberry Fruit (Fragaria vescaL.)
Authors: Dyduch-Siemińska Magdalena , Najda Agnieszka , Dyduch Jan , Gantner Magdalena , Klimek Kamila
Published: October 2015

Chemical analyses carried out in 2011–2013 aimed at evaluating the contents of flavonoids, free phenolic acids, tannins, anthocyanins, and antioxidant activity (%) by means of DPPH radical neutralization ability in fresh and air-dried fruits of three wild strawberry cultivars. Examinations revealed differences in contents of biologically active substances determined in raw versus dried material depending on the cultivar. Mean concentrations of flavonoids and tannins were highest in raw fruits of “Baron von Solemacher” cv., which amounted to 1.244 mg·g−1and 6.09%, respectively. Fresh fruits of “Regina” cv. were characterized by the highest average content of phenolic acids and anthocyanins: 4.987 mg·g−1and 0.636 mg·100 g−1. The pattern of mean contents of biologically active substances analyzed in air-dried fruits was similar. Significant differences in abilities to neutralize the DPPH radical to diphenylpicrylhydrazine by extracts made of examined wild strawberry fruits were also indicated.
Natural Products: Insights into Leishmaniasis Inflammatory Response
Authors: Rodrigues Igor A. , Mazotto Ana Maria , Cardoso Verônica , Alves Renan L. , Amaral Ana Claudia F. , Silva Jefferson Rocha de Andrade , Pinheiro Anderson S. , Vermelho Alane B.
Published: October 2015

Leishmaniasis is a vector‐borne disease that affects several populations worldwide, against which there are no vaccines available and the chemotherapy is highly toxic. Depending on the species causing the infection, the disease is characterized by commitment of tissues, including the skin, mucous membranes, and internal organs. Despite the relevance of host inflammatory mediators on parasite burden control, Leishmania and host immune cells interaction may generate an exacerbated proinflammatory response that plays an important role in the development of leishmaniasis clinical manifestations. Plant‐derived natural products have been recognized as bioactive agents with several properties, including anti‐protozoal and anti‐inflammatory activities. The present review focuses on the antileishmanial activity of plant‐derived natural products that are able to modulate the inflammatory response in vitro and in vivo. The capability of crude extracts and some isolated substances in promoting an anti‐inflammatory response during Leishmania infection may be used as part of an effective strategy to fight the disease.
A Domain-Specific Architecture for Elementary Function Evaluation
Authors: Sharma Anuroop , Anand Christopher Kumar
Published: October 2015

We propose a Domain-Specific Architecture for elementary function computation to improve throughput while reducing power consumption as a model for more general applications: support fine-grained parallelism by eliminating branches, and eliminate the duplication required by coprocessors by decomposing computation into instructions which fit existing pipelined execution models and standard register files. Our example instruction architecture (ISA) extension supports scalar and vector/SIMD implementations of table-based methods of calculating all common special functions, with the aim of improving throughput by (1) eliminating the need for tables in memory, (2) eliminating all branches for special cases, and (3) reducing the total number of instructions. Two new instructions are required, a table lookup instruction and an extended-precision floating-point multiply-add instruction with special treatment for exceptional inputs. To estimate the performance impact of these instructions, we implemented them in a modified Cell/B.E. SPU simulator and observed an average throughput improvement of 2.5 times for optimized loops mapping single functions over long vectors.
Synthesis and Microwave Absorption Properties of Core‐Shell Structured Co3O4‐PANI Nanocomposites
Authors: Xu Hongyan , Hai Zhenyin , Diwu Jiangtao , Zhang Qiang , Gao Libo , Cui Danfeng , Zang Junbin , Liu Jun , Xue Chenyang
Published: October 2015

The core‐shell structured Co3O4‐PANI nanocomposites have been successfully prepared using an in situ polymerization method, while the core Co3O4 nanoparticles were synthesized by carbon‐assisted method using degreasing cotton as a template. The obtained samples were characterized by XRD, TEM, FTIR, and XPS. The results indicated that the amorphous PANI was well covered on the surface of the spinel Co3O4 and the Co3O4‐PANI with core‐shell structure was formed with particle size of about 100 nm. The interfacial interaction of the core‐shell nanocomposite greatly enhances the microwave absorption properties. The maximum reflection loss of Co3O4‐PANI is up to −45.8 dB at 11.7 GHz with a thickness of 2.5 mm and the adsorption bandwidth with the reflection loss below −10 dB reaches 14.1 GHz ranging from 3.9 to 18 GHz when the thickness is between 2 and 5.5 mm. Therefore, the facilely synthesized and low‐cost Co3O4‐PANI nanocomposite with superior microwave absorption properties can be a promising nanomaterial for high efficient microwave absorption.
How to Choose In Vitro Systems to Predict In Vivo Drug Clearance: A System Pharmacology Perspective
Authors: Wang Lei , Chiang ChienWei , Liang Hong , Wu Hengyi , Feng Weixing , Quinney Sara K. , Li Jin , Li Lang
Published: October 2015

The use of in vitro metabolism data to predict human clearance has become more significant in the current prediction of large scale drug clearance for all the drugs. The relevant information (in vitro metabolism data and in vivo human clearance values) of thirty-five drugs that satisfied the entry criteria of probe drugs was collated from the literature. Then the performance of different in vitro systems includingEscherichia colisystem, yeast system, lymphoblastoid system and baculovirus system is compared after in vitro-in vivo extrapolation. Baculovirus system, which can provide most of the data, has almost equal accuracy as the other systems in predicting clearance. And in most cases, baculovirus system has the smaller CV in scaling factors. Therefore, the baculovirus system can be recognized as the suitable system for the large scale drug clearance prediction.
Development of the 1.2 T~1.5 T Permanent Magnetic Resonance Imaging Device and Its Application for Mouse Imaging
Authors: Wang Guangxin , Xie Huantong , Hou Shulian , Chen Wei , Zhao Qiang , Li Shiyu
Published: October 2015

By improving the main magnet, gradient, and RF coils design technology, manufacturing methods, and inventing new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) special alloy, a cost-effective and small animal specific permanent magnet-type three-dimensional magnetic resonance imager was developed. The main magnetic field strength of magnetic resonance imager with independent intellectual property rights is 1.2~1.5 T. To demonstrate its effectiveness and validate the mouse imaging experiments in different directions, we compared the images obtained by small animal specific permanent magnet-type three-dimensional magnetic resonance imager with that obtained by using superconductor magnetic resonance imager for clinical diagnosis.
Influence of Alternation of Sulfate Attack and Freeze-Thaw on Microstructure of Concrete
Authors: Yang Huaquan , Shen Xiaoming , Rao Meijuan , Li Xiang , Wang Xiaodong
Published: October 2015

The effects of sulfate attack and freeze-thaw alternation on the concrete microstructure were systemically investigated by advanced test methods such as water absorption method, air void analysis, XRD, and SEM. The experimental results indicated that freeze-thaw damage is the major effective factor in the sulfate attack and freeze-thaw alternation test. In the alternation test, average aperture of capillary pores of specimens was smaller, pores uniformity was better, and water absorption rate was lower than those specimens used in the single freeze-thaw damage test. The average aperture and uniformity of pores could be improved by adding fly ash and slag. Damage was accumulated in many cycles of freeze-thaw and microcracks increased during the test. At the same time, the hydration products of the concrete developed into expansive gypsum, AFt, and TSA without any strength during sulfate attack. The results of the microstructure analysis form XRD and SEM are in accordance with that of AFt, about 3 μm length, around which other hydration products decomposed by C-S-H after sulfate attack resulted in loss of concrete strength.
Finite Element Analysis on the Creep Constitutive Equation of High Modulus Asphalt Concrete
Authors: Wang Xiu-shan , Fan Tao-tao , Kitmeng Lum
Published: October 2015

In order to obtain the viscoelastic constitutive relation of High Modulus Asphalt Concrete (HMAC), the constitutive relationship is used to carry on the various numerical calculation, utilize integral transforming in its Bailey-Norton creep rule, and establish new practical model. Combining with the collection data from creep tests of uniaxial compression, regression calculation is carried out with 1STOPT fitting software; thus the creep parameters of High Modulus Asphalt Concrete in different temperatures were obtained, which can be used in HMAC creep model.
Static Output Feedback Control for Discrete-Time Switched Systems via Improved Path-Following Method
Authors: Chen Jian , Lin Chong
Published: October 2015

This paper focuses on the problems of static output feedback control andH∞controller design for discrete-time switched systems. Based on piecewise quadratic Lyapunov functions and a new linearization method, new sufficient conditions for system stability andH∞controller design are obtained. Then, an improved path-following algorithm is built to solve the problems. Finally, the merits and effectiveness of the proposed method are shown by two numerical examples.
Sensory Neuropeptides and Endogenous Opioids Expression in Human Dental Pulp with Asymptomatic Inflammation: In Vivo Study
Authors: Chavarria-Bolaños Daniel , Flores-Reyes Hector , Lombana-Sanchez Nelson , Cerda-Cristerna Bernardino , Pozos-Guillen Amaury
Published: October 2015

Purpose. This study quantified the expression of substance P (SP), calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP), β‐endorphins (β‐End), and methionine‐enkephalin (Met‐Enk) in human dental pulp following orthodontic intrusion. Methods. Eight patients were selected according to preestablished inclusion criteria. From each patient, two premolars (indicated for extraction due to orthodontic reasons) were randomly assigned to two different groups: the asymptomatic inflammation group (EXPg), which would undergo controlled intrusive force for seven days, and the control group (CTRg), which was used to determine the basal levels of each substance. Once extracted, dental pulp tissue was prepared to determine the expression levels of both neuropeptides and endogenous opioids by radioimmunoassay (RIA). Results. All samples from the CTRg exhibited basal levels of both neuropeptides and endogenous opioids. By day seven, all patients were asymptomatic, even when all orthodontic‐intrusive devices were still active. In the EXPg, the SP and CGRP exhibited statistically significant different levels. Although none of the endogenous opioids showed statistically significant differences, they all expressed increasing trends in the EXPg. Conclusions. SP and CGRP were identified in dental pulp after seven days of controlled orthodontic intrusion movement, even in the absence of pain.
Automatic Finger Interruption Detection in Electroluminescence Images of Multicrystalline Solar Cells
Authors: Tseng Din-Chang , Liu Yu-Shuo , Chou Chang-Min
Published: October 2015

This study provides an automatic method for detecting finger interruptions in electroluminescence (EL) images of multicrystalline solar cells. The proposed method is a supervised classification method. We obtain regions of interest (ROI) by separating theELimage to several regions. The fingers within eachROIare candidates for defect detection. We horizontally scan eachROIregion and extract features from each finger pixel. In the training stage, we record a set of features which are extracted from interrupted fingers and noninterrupted fingers. These features are represented as points in a spectral embedding space produced by spectral clustering method. These points will be classified into two clusters: interrupted fingers and noninterrupted fingers. In the classification stage, we firstly detect the position of fingers in anELimage and obtain features from each finger. The set of features in each finger combined with known features in the training stage will be represented as points in the spectral embedding space and then will be classified to the cluster with nearer cluster centroid of known features. Experimental results show that the proposed method can effectively detect finger interruptions on a set ofELimages of various solar cells.
Evaluation of the Performance and Microstructure of Ecofriendly Construction Bricks Made with Fly Ash and Residual Rice Husk Ash
Authors: Hwang Chao-Lung , Huynh Trong-Phuoc
Published: October 2015

This research presents the engineering performance and the microstructural characterization of ecofriendly construction bricks that were produced using a binder material made from a mixture of class-F fly ash (FA) and residual rice husk ash (RHA). Unground rice husk ash (URHA) was used as a partial fine aggregate substitute (0–40%). The solid bricks of 220 × 105 × 60 mm in size were prepared by mixing FA and RHA with an alkaline solution and fine aggregates, formed by compressing the mixture in a steel mold under 35 MPa of forming pressure, and then cured at 35°C and 50% relative humidity until the required testing ages. The tests of compressive strength, water absorption, and bulk density were conducted in accordance with relevant Vietnamese standards in order to estimate the effect of the URHA content on the engineering performance of the hardened bricks. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were performed to determine the microstructure and the phase composition of the brick samples. The results show that properties of these bricks conformed to relevant Vietnamese standards. Therefore, FA and RHA are potential candidate materials for producing ecofriendly construction bricks using geopolymerization technology.