bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Faster Hafnian Formula for Complex Matrices and Its Benchmarking on a Supercomputer
Authors: Björklund Andreas , Gupt Brajesh , Quesada Nicolás
Published: June 2019

We introduce new and simple algorithms for the calculation of the number of perfect matchings of complex weighted, undirected graphs with and without loops. Our compact formulas for the hafnian and loop hafnian of
n
×
n
complex matrices run in
O
(
n
3
2

n
/2

) time, are embarrassingly parallelizable and, to the best of our knowledge, are the fastest exact algorithms to compute these quantities. Despite our highly optimized algorithm, numerical benchmarks on the Titan supercomputer with matrices up to size 56 × 56 indicate that one would require the 288,000 CPUs of this machine for about 6 weeks to compute the hafnian of a 100 × 100 matrix.
Resilient Color Image Watermarking Using Accurate Quaternion Radial Substituted Chebyshev Moments
Authors: Hosny Khalid M. , Darwish Mohamed M.
Published: June 2019

In this work, a new quaternion-based method for color image watermarking is proposed. In this method, a novel set of quaternion radial substituted Chebyshev moments (QRSCMs) is presented for robust geometrically invariant image watermarking. An efficient computational method is proposed for highly accurate, fast, and numerically stable QRSCMs in polar coordinates. The proposed watermarking method consists of three stages. In the first stage, the Arnold transform is used to improve the security of the watermarking scheme by scrambling the binary watermark. In the second stage, the proposed accurate and stable QRSCMs of the host color image are computed. In the third stage, the encrypted binary watermark is embedded into the host image by employing the quantization technique on selected-magnitude QRSCMs where the watermarked color image is obtained by adding the original host color image to the compensation image. Then, the binary watermark can be extracted directly without using the original image from the magnitudes of QRSCMs. Numerical experiments are performed where the performance of proposed method is compared with the existing quaternion moment-based watermarking methods. The comparison clearly shows that the proposed method is very efficient in terms of the visual imperceptibility capability and the robustness under different attacks compared to the existing quaternion moment-based watermarking algorithms.
Tradeoffs in the Efficient Detection of Sign Language Content in Video Sharing Sites
Authors: Monteiro Caio D. D. , Shipman Frank M. , Duggina Satyakiran , Gutierrez-Osuna Ricardo
Published: June 2019

Video sharing sites have become keepers of de-facto digital libraries of sign language content, being used to store videos including the experiences, knowledge, and opinions of many in the deaf or hard of hearing community. Due to limitations of term-based search over metadata, these videos can be difficult to find, reducing their value to the community. Another result is that community members frequently engage in a push-style delivery of content (e.g., emailing or posting links to videos for others in the sign language community) rather than having access be based on the information needs of community members. In prior work, we have shown the potential to detect sign language content using features derived from the video content rather than relying on metadata. Our prior technique was developed with a focus on accuracy of results and are quite computationally expensive, making it unrealistic to apply them on a corpus the size of YouTube or other large video sharing sites. Here, we describe and examine the performance of optimizations that reduce the cost of face detection and the length of video segments processed. We show that optimizations can reduce the computation time required by 96%, while losing only 1% in F1 score. Further, a keyframe-based approach is examined that removes the need to process continuous video. This approach achieves comparable recall but lower precision than the above techniques. Merging the advantages of the optimizations, we also present a staged classifier, where the keyframe approach is used to reduce the number of non-sign language videos fully processed. An analysis of the staged classifier shows a further reduction in average computation time per video while achieving similar quality of results.
LiwePMS
Authors: Li Sumin , Huang Kaixin , Huang Linpeng , Zhu Jiashun
Published: June 2019

Next-generation Storage Class Memory (SCM) offers low-latency, high-density, byte-addressable access and persistency. The potent combination of these attractive characteristics makes it possible for SCM to unify the main memory and storage to reduce the storage hierarchy. Aiming for this, several persistent memory systems were designed. However, the heavy metadata and transaction cost degrade the system performance. Moreover, neither of them pays attention to wear-leveling strategy.

In this article, we present a lightweight persistent memory system, LiwePMS, which allows a fast access to persistent data stored in SCM with wear-aware memory management. LiwePMS makes performance improvement by simplifying the metadata management and the consistency method. LiwePMS abstracts SCM as heap space with container-based dynamic address mapping. Also, LiwePMS implements efficient wear-aware dynamic memory allocator and lightweight transaction mechanism for data consistency in user-space library. The experiments showed that LiwePMS persists key-value records 1.5× faster than Redis RDB mechanism. LiwePMS improves the performance of persistent region operation by more than 45%, 63%, and 1.1× comparing with HEAPO, Mnemosyne, and NVML, respectively. Also, the wear-leveling policy of memory allocator outperforms that of NVMalloc from 35% to 30%, and the transaction method promotes the transaction performance to 1.8× compared to NVML.
Simple Pricing Schemes for the Cloud
Authors: Kash Ian A. , Key Peter , Suksompong Warut
Published: June 2019

The problem of pricing the cloud has attracted much recent attention due to the widespread use of cloud computing and cloud services. From a theoretical perspective, several mechanisms that provide strong efficiency or fairness guarantees and desirable incentive properties have been designed. However, these mechanisms often rely on a rigid model, with several parameters needing to be precisely known for the guarantees to hold. In this article, we consider a stochastic model and show that it is possible to obtain good welfare and revenue guarantees with simple mechanisms that do not make use of the information on some of these parameters. In particular, we prove that a mechanism that sets the same price per timestep for jobs of any length achieves at least 50% of the welfare and revenue obtained by a mechanism that can set different prices for jobs of different lengths, and the ratio can be improved if we have more specific knowledge of some parameters. Similarly, a mechanism that sets the same price for all servers even though the servers may receive different kinds of jobs can provide a reasonable welfare and revenue approximation compared to a mechanism that is allowed to set different prices for different servers.
Economic Theories of Justice
Authors: Fleurbaey Marc
Published: June 2019

Social justice considerations are incorporated into welfare economics via properties of the social welfare function and measures of individual utility. The ethical issues underlying various approaches are illustrated through intriguing paradoxes that have emerged in the literature. Such puzzles point to the tensions among certain important values (such as respecting preferences, giving priority to the worse off, personal responsibility, and informational simplicity) and suggest the relevant ways in which reasonable compromise can be sought. Welfare economics is now able to accommodate a large range of conceptions of justice, including utilitarianism and various forms of egalitarianism and libertarianism.
Exogenous H2S reduces the acetylation levels of mitochondrial respiratory enzymes via regulating the NAD+-SIRT3 pathway in cardiac tissues of db/db mice
Authors: Sun Yu , Teng Zongyan , Sun Xiaojiao , Zhang Linxue , Chen Jian , Wang Bingzhu , Lu Fangping , Liu Ning , Yu Miao , Peng Shuo , Wang Yan , Zhao Dechao , Zhao Yajun , Ren Huan , Cheng Zhongyi , Dong Shiyun , Lu Fanghao , Zhang Weihua
Published: June 2019

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a gaseous molecule, is involved in modulating multiple physiological functions, such as antioxidant, antihypertension, and the production of polysulfide cysteine. H2S may inhibit reactive oxygen species generation and ATP production through modulating respiratory chain enzyme activities; however, the mechanism of this effect remains unclear. In this study, db/db mice, neonatal rat cardiomyocytes, and H9c2 cells treated with high glucose, oleate, and palmitate were used as animal and cellular models of type 2 diabetes. The mitochondrial respiratory rate, respiratory chain complex activities, and ATP production were decreased in db/db mice compared with those in db/db mice treated with exogenous H2S. Liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry analysis showed that the acetylation level of proteins involved in the mitochondrial respiratory chain were increased in the db/db mice hearts compared with those with sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) treatment. Exogenous H2S restored the ratio of NAD+/NADH, enhanced the expression and activity of sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) and decreased mitochondrial acetylation level in cardiomyocytes under hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia. As a result of SIRT3 activation, acetylation of the respiratory complexe enzymes NADH dehydrogenase 1 (ND1), ubiquinol cytochrome c reductase core protein 1, and ATP synthase mitochondrial F1 complex assembly factor 1 was reduced, which enhanced the activities of the mitochondrial respiratory chain activity and ATP production. We conclude that exogenous H2S plays a critical role in improving cardiac mitochondrial function in diabetes by upregulating SIRT3.
Insulin Resistance and Cardiovascular Risks in Different Groups of Hemodialysis Patients: A Multicenter Study
Authors: Duong Tuyen Van , Shih Chun-Kuang , Wong Te-Chih , Chen Hsi-Hsien , Chen Tso-Hsiao , Hsu Yung-Ho , Peng Sheng-Jeng , Kuo Ko-Lin , Liu Hsiang-Chung , Lin En-Tzu , Su Chien-Tien , Yang Shwu-Huey
Published: June 2019

Background. To investigate the association between insulin resistance (IR) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks among hemodialysis patients. Methods. We conducted a cross-sectional study between 2013 and 2017, on 384 hemodialysis patients from seven hospital-based-dialysis centers. HOMA-IR is classified according to median value. The CVD risks were defined by the K/DOQI Guidelines. Logistic regression analysis was used. Results. Patients’ age was 60.9 ± 11.8, 58.1% men, and 40.3% overweight/obese. The median of HOMA-IR was 5.4, 82.8% high systolic blood pressure, and 85.7% hyperhomocysteinemia. In multivariate analysis, IR was significantly associated with higher odds of low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high triglyceride, and impaired fasting glucose in groups of normal weight, overweight/obese, nondiabetes, diabetes, and overall sample. IR linked with elevated high-sensitive C-reactive protein in normal weight patients (odd ratio, OR=2.21, 95% confidence interval, 1.16-4.22, p < .05), with hypoalbuminemia in normal weight patients (OR=8.31, 95% CI, 2.35-29.37, p < .01), in nondiabetes patients (OR=6.59, 95% CI, 1.81-23.95, p < .01), and overall sample (OR=3.07, 1.51-6.23, p < .01). Conclusions. The level of IR and prevalence of CVD risks were high in hemodialysis patients. IR was independently associated with CVD risks.
A Quantitative Method to Measure Low Levels of ROS in Nonphagocytic Cells by Using a Chemiluminescent Imaging System
Authors: Kim Jun-Sub , Jeong Kyuho , Murphy James M. , Rodriguez Yelitza A. R. , Lim Ssang-Taek Steve
Published: June 2019

Chemiluminescence (CL) is one of the most useful methods for detecting reactive oxygen species (ROS). Although fluorescence dyes or genetically encoded biosensors have been developed, CL is still used due to its high sensitivity, ease of use, and low cost. While initially established and used to measure high levels of ROS in phagocytic cells, CL assays are not ideal for measuring low levels of ROS. Here, we developed a newly modified CL assay using a chemiluminescent imaging system for measuring low concentrations of ROS in nonphagocytic cells. We found that dissolving luminol in NaOH, rather than DMSO, increased the H2O2-induced CL signal and that the addition of 4-iodophenylboronic acid (4IPBA) further increased CL intensity. Our new system also increased the rate and intensity of the CL signal in phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate- (PMA-) treated HT-29 colon cancer cells compared to those in luminol only. We were able to quantify ROS levels from both cells and media in parallel using an H2O2standard. A significant benefit to our system is that we can easily measure stimulus-induced ROS formation in a real-time manner and also investigate intracellular signaling pathways from a single sample simultaneously. We found that PMA induced tyrosine phosphorylation of protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs), such as focal adhesion kinase (FAK), protein tyrosine kinase 2 (Pyk2), and Src, and increased actin stress fiber formation in a ROS-dependent manner. Interestingly, treatment with either N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) or diphenyleneiodonium (DPI) reduced the PMA-stimulated phosphorylation of these PTKs, implicating a potential role in cellular ROS signaling. Thus, our newly optimized CL assay using 4IPBA and a chemiluminescent imaging method provides a simple, real-time, and low-cost method for the quantification of low levels of ROS.
SIRT7 Regulates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammatory Injury by Suppressing the NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Authors: Chen Kun-Lin , Li Lian , Li Cheng-Min , Wang Yi-Ru , Yang Fang-Xiao , Kuang Mei-Qian , Wang Gen-Lin
Published: June 2019

Mastitis has severely affected the cattle industry worldwide and has resulted in decreased dairy production and cattle reproduction. Although prevention and treatment methods have been implemented for decades, cattle mastitis is still an intractable disease. Sirtuin 7 (SIRT7) is an NAD+-dependent deacetylase that is involved in various biological processes, including ribosomal RNA synthesis and protein synthesis, DNA damage response, metabolism, and tumorigenesis. However, whether SIRT7 participates in inflammation remains unknown. Our results revealed that SIRT7 is downregulated in tissue samples from mastitic cattle. Therefore, we isolated dairy cow mammary epithelial cells (DCMECs) from breast tissues and developed an in vitro model of lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) induced inflammation to examine SIRT7 function and its potential role in inflammation. We showed that SIRT7 was significantly downregulated in LPS-treated DCMECs. SIRT7 knockdown significantly increased the LPS-stimulated production of inflammatory mediators, like reactive oxygen and nitric oxide, and upregulated TAB1 and TLR4. In addition, SIRT7 knockdown significantly increased the phosphorylation of TAK1 and NF-κBp65 in LPS-treated DCMECs. Moreover, SIRT7 knockdown promoted the translocation of NF-κBp-p65 to the cell nucleus and then increased the secretion of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and IL-6). In contrast, SIRT7 overexpression had the opposite effects when compared to SIRT7 knockdown in LPS-treated DCMECs. In addition, SIRT7 overexpression attenuated LPS-induced DCMEC apoptosis. Taken together, our results indicate that SIRT7 can suppress LPS-induced inflammation and apoptosis via the NF-κB signaling pathway. Therefore, SIRT7 may be considered as a potential pharmacological target for clinical mastitis therapy.
Cytokine Regulation from Human Peripheral Blood Leukocytes CulturedIn Vitrowith Silver Doped Bioactive Glasses Microparticles
Authors: Lima Jefferson Muniz de , Pinheiro Ferreira Edlainne , Bonan Roberta Ferreti , Silva-Teixeira David Nascimento , Goulart Luiz Ricardo , Souza Joelma Rodrigues de , de Medeiros Eliton Souto , Bonan Paulo Rogério Ferreti , Castellano Lúcio Roberto Cançado
Published: June 2019

Bioactive glasses (BG) applications include tissue engineering for bone regeneration, coating for implants, and scaffolds for wound healing. BG can be conjugated to ions like silver, which might add some antimicrobial properties to this biomaterial. The immunomodulatory activity of ion-doped bioactive glasses particles was not investigated before. The aim of this work was to evaluate the cytotoxic and immunomodulatory effect of BG and silver-doped bioactive glass (BGAg) in human peripheral blood cells. BG and BGAg samples belonging to the system 58SiO2•(36-x)CaO·6P2O5·xAg2O, where x = 0 and 1 mol%, respectively, were synthesized via sol–gel method and characterized. Cytotoxicity, modulation of cytokine production (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-4, and IL-10), and oxidative stress response were investigated in human polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) cultures. Cell viability in the presence of BG or BGAg was concentration-dependent. In addition, BGAg presented higher PBMCs toxicity (LC50 = 0.005%) when compared to BG (LC50 = 0.106%). Interestingly, interleukin4 was produced by PBMCs in response to BG and BGAg in absence of phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and did not modulate PHA-induced cytokine levels. Subtoxic concentrations (0.031% for BG and 0.0008% for BGAg) did not change other cytokines in PBMCs nor reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by PMN. However, BG and BGAg particles decreased zymosan-induced ROS levels in PMN. Although ion incorporation increased BG cytotoxicity, the bioactive glass particles demonstrated ain vitroanti-inflammatory potencial. Future studies are needed to clarify the scavenger potential of the BG/BGAg particles/scaffolds as well as elucidate the effect of the anti-inflammatory potential in modulating tissue growthin vivo.
The Immunomodulatory Potential of Wharton’s Jelly Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells
Authors: Vieira Paladino Fernanda , de Moraes Rodrigues Juliana , da Silva Aline , Goldberg Anna Carla
Published: June 2019

The benefits attributed to mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSC) in cell therapy applications are mainly attributed to the secretion of factors, which exhibit immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects and stimulate angiogenesis. Despite the desirable features such as high proliferation levels, multipotency, and immune response regulation, there are important variables that must be considered. Although presenting similar morphological aspects, MSC collected from different tissues can form heterogeneous cellular populations and, therefore, manifest functional differences. Thus, the source of MSC should be a factor to be considered in the development of novel therapies. The following text presents an updated review of recent research outcomes related to Wharton’s jelly mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (WJ-MSC), harvested from umbilical cords and considered novel and potential candidates for the development of cell-based approaches. This text highlights information on how WJ-MSC affect immune responses in comparison with other sources of MSC.
Astragaloside IV Exerts a Myocardial Protective Effect against Cardiac Hypertrophy in Rats, Partially via Activating the Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Nie Pei , Meng Fanjing , Zhang Jinguo , Wei Xiqing , Shen Cheng
Published: June 2019

Previous evidence suggested that astragaloside IV (ASIV) had a cardioprotective effect, but the potential mechanisms were undetermined. This study is aimed at validating the prevention of cardiac hypertrophy in chronic heart failure (CHF) rats and hypertrophy in H9c2 cardiomyocytes by ASIV and at exploring the potential mechanism involved. CHF rat models of abdominal aortic constriction (AAC) were used with the aim of determining the protective effect of ASIV in cardiac hypertrophy in the rats. We proved that ASIV could attenuate cardiac hypertrophy by improving left ventricular function and structure and showed that the expression of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and its downstream gene heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) increased in the high-dose ASIV intervention group. To further investigate the specific mechanism of ASIV, we hypothesized that ASIV might prevent cardiac hypertrophy via activating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. We established a cardiomyocyte hypertrophy model induced by angiotensin II (Ang II), which was then transfected with Nrf2 shRNA, to knock down the expression of the Nrf2 gene. We found that the protective effect of ASIV against Ang II-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy was abolished in the Nrf2 shRNA transfection group, ultimately aggravating cardiomyocyte hypertrophy induced by Ang II, and it is possible that oxidative stress may be involved in this process. Our results demonstrated that ASIV improved cardiac function and inhibited cardiac hypertrophy by upregulating Nrf2, and this effect was partially achieved by stimulating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway, suggesting that ASIV could have therapeutic potential for the treatment of cardiac hypertrophy and CHF.
Vibration Analysis of Cyclic Symmetrical Systems by Quantum Algorithms
Authors: Mahasinghe Anuradha
Published: June 2019

Quantum computers have provided exponentially faster solutions to several physical and engineering problems over existing classical solutions. In this paper we present two quantum algorithms to analyze the forced vibration of a mechanical system with cyclic symmetry. Our main algorithm solves the equation of motion of an undamped and nonelastic rotating system with cyclic symmetry consisting of n sectors, by encoding the displacements of each sector at time t in a quantum state. The runtime of this algorithm is polylog in both n and t, thus exponentially faster than the analogous classical algorithm. Also we consider damped and elastic systems with cyclic symmetry and present another quantum algorithm to solve it in runtime polylog in n and polynomial in t.
Cancer Stem Cells: From Historical Roots to a New Perspective
Authors: Capp Jean-Pascal
Published: June 2019

The relationships between cancer and stemness have a long history that is traced here. From the mid-19th century when the first theory on the embryonic origin of cancer was formulated to works on embryonal carcinoma cells in the mid-20th century, many steps have been crossed leading to the current cancer stem cell theory postulating that tumor growth is supported by a small fraction of the tumoral cells that have stem-like properties. However, in the last fifteen years, many works regularly encourage us to revise the concept of cancer stem cell. This article mentions key results that lead to a new perspective where cancer stem cells are primarily seen as cells exhibiting increased epigenetic plasticity and increased gene expression variability. This perspective suggests new therapeutical interventions consisting in stabilizing gene expression to control cancer cell proliferation and prevent stochastic gene expression variations that could lead to therapeutic resistance.
Prediction Methods for Routine Maintenance Costs of a Reinforced Concrete Beam Bridge Based on Panel Data
Authors: Shi Xiaoli , Zhao Bingbing , Yao Yuling , Wang Feng
Published: June 2019

In order to make informed decisions on routine maintenance of bridges of expressways, the hierarchical regression analysis method was used to quantify factors influencing routine maintenance cost. Two calculation models for routine maintenance cost based on linear regression and time‐series analysis were proposed. The results indicate that the logarithm of the historical routine maintenance cost is the dependent variable and the bridge age is the independent variable. The linear regression analysis was used to obtain a cost prediction model for routine maintenance of a beam bridge, which was combined with the quantity and price, and verified by a physical engineering example. In order to cope with the cost changes and future demands brought about by the emergence of new maintenance technologies, the time‐series analysis method was used to obtain a model to predict the engineering quantities for the routine maintenance of a bridge based on standardized minor repair engineering quantities. Taking into account the actual cost of the minor repair project as well as the time‐series analysis’ sample size demands, the annual engineering quantity was randomly decomposed into four quarterly data quantities, and the time‐series analysis result was verified by physical engineering. These results can improve the calculation accuracy of the routine maintenance costs of reinforced concrete beam bridges. Furthermore, it can have a certain application value for improving the cost measurement module of bridge maintenance management systems.
Extracts from Myrtle Liqueur Processing Waste Modulate Stem Cells Pluripotency under Stressing Conditions
Authors: Cruciani Sara , Santaniello Sara , Fadda Angela , Sale Luana , Sarais Giorgia , Sanna Daniele , Mulas Maurizio , Ginesu Giorgio Carlo , Cossu Maria Laura , Serra Pier Andrea , Ventura Carlo , Maioli Margherita
Published: June 2019

Nutraceuticals present in food are molecules able to exert biological activity for the prevention and treatment of various diseases, in form of pharmaceutical preparations, such as capsules, cream, or pills.Myrtus communisL. is a spontaneous Mediterranean evergreen shrub, widely known for the liqueur obtained from its berries rich in phytochemicals such as tannins and flavonoids. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the properties of myrtle byproducts, residual of the industrial liqueur processing, in Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) induced at oxidative stress by in vitro H2O2treatment. Cells were exposed for 12-24 and 48h at treatment with extracts and then senescence-induced. ROS production was then determined. The real-time PCR was performed to evaluate the expression of inflammatory cytokines and sirtuin-dependent epigenetic changes, as well the modifications in terms of stem cell pluripotency. Theβ-galactosidase assay was conducted to analyze stem cell senescence after treatment. Our results show that industrial myrtle byproducts retain a high antioxidant and antisenescence activity, protecting cells from oxidative stress damages. The results obtained suggest that residues from myrtle liqueur production could be used as resource in formulation of food supplements or pharmaceutical preparations with antioxidant, antiaging, and anti-inflammatory activity.
An Approach to Estimate SCC Growing Rate in Slow Strain Rate Tensile Test Based on EPFEM
Authors: Wang Shuai , Xue He , Cui Yinghao , Yang Fuqiang , Guo Rui
Published: June 2019

The slow strain rate tensile test (SSRT) is a common means to investigate stress corrosion cracking (SCC) in key engineering structural materials of light-water reactors, and it is an important task to real-time monitor the crack growing length and rate of the specimen during the test. Because the specimen is placed in an autoclave with high-pressure and high-temperature water environment-simulated light-water reactor, the current potential drop method, which includes current potential drop (DCPD) and alternating current potential drop (ACPD), is the main means to real-time monitor crack growth rate in the SCC test. As a supplementary means to obtain the crack growth rate during the test, the SSRT process of nickel-based Alloy 600 CT specimens is investigated by using the elastic-plastic finite element method (EPFEM) in this paper. Based on the consideration that both the elastic-plastic deformation and crack length of the specimen would affect the relationship between the load and the displacement of the loading point during the SSRT test, the relationship between the loading point displacement caused by crack propagation ΔLc and plastic deformation ΔLp is separated by EPFEM. Then, the SCC crack growth rate and the real-time crack length are obtained. This proposed approach could be used to improve the test results in the SSRT test.
Parameter Optimisation of Power Regeneration on the Hydraulic Electric Regenerative Shock Absorber System
Authors: Zheng Peng , Wang Ruichen , Gao Jingwei , Zhang Xiang
Published: June 2019

With the increasingly prominent energy issues, regenerative shock absorber has attracted intensive attention in last two decades for the development of structure design. However, the researchers sometimes concentrate on conceptual designs without considering optimal parameter refinements. This paper proposes a regenerative shock absorber called the “hydraulic electric regenerative shock absorber (HERSA)” which includes an analytical regeneration performance parameters optimisation approach to promote the regeneration efficiency and regenerated power. The developed HERSA model is able to convert oscillatory motion into unidirectional rotary motion through the alteration of hydraulic flow while recovering power by a generator. The proposed model is also capable of obtaining the optimal parameters at certain condition, as well as providing the flexibility of different component combinations to match specific system need. The results demonstrate that the proposed model can effectively decide the optimal parameters in the system, and also the recoverable power can achieve average power of 331 W at 1 Hz‐25 mm sinusoidal excitation in the system, which is approximately 65% efficiency. This study can be further used to guide prototype design in future study.
Preparation and Characterization of a Novel Polysaccharide-Iron(III) Complex in Auricularia auricula Potentially Used as an Iron Supplement
Authors: Liu Tong , Liu Tingting , Liu Hongcheng , Fan Hongxiu , Chen Bingyu , Wang Dawei , Zhang Yanrong , Sun Fengjie
Published: June 2019

Iron deficiency anemia has been a widespread disease. As an effective and stable iron supplement, the physiochemical properties of the polysaccharide iron complex have been widely studied. In this study, we characterized a novel polysaccharide-iron(III) complex extracted in an edible fungal species Auricularia auricular (AAPS-iron(III)). The highest iron content (28.40%) in the AAPS-iron(III) complex was obtained under the optimized preparation conditions including an AAPS to FeCl3∙6H2O ratio of 2:3 (w/w), a pH value of 8.0 in solution, a reaction temperature of 50°C, and a reaction time of 3 h. The physical and chemical properties of the AAPS-iron(III) complex were characterized by qualitative and quantitative analyses using scanning electron microscope, particle size distribution, thermogravimetric analyzer, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, circular dichroism, and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance. Result showed that, although the iron was bound to the polysaccharide, it was released under artificial gastrointestinal conditions. The AAPS-iron(III) complex exhibited high stability (under 50-256°C) and water solubility. The AAPS-iron(III) complex also showed high antioxidant activity in vitro, demonstrating an additional health benefit over other typical nonantioxidant iron nutritional supplements. Furthermore, the AAPS-iron(III) complex showed high efficiency on the treatment of the iron deficiency anemia in the model rats. Therefore, the AAPS-iron(III) complex can be used as a nutritional fortifier to supply iron in industrial processing and to assist the treatment of iron deficiency anemia.
Long Noncoding RNAs and Messenger RNAs Expression Profiles Potentially Regulated by ZBTB7A in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Liu Fei , Wei Jiazhang , Hao Yanrong , Tang Fengzhu , Jiao Wei , Qu Shenhong , He Ning , Cai Yonglin , Lan Jiao , Yang Yong , Wang Yongli , Li Min , Weng Jingjin , Li Bing , Lu Jinlong , Han Xing
Published: June 2019

Our previous studies showed that ZBTB7A played an important role in promoting nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) progression. However, molecular mechanisms of different levels of ZBTB7A are still unclear. It is necessary to search molecular markers which are closely connected with ZBTB7A. We selected NPC sublines CNE2 with stably transfecting empty plasmid (negative control, NC) and short hair RNA (shRNA) plasmid targeting ZBTB7A as research objectives. Microarray was used to screen differentially expressed long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) via shRNA-CNE2 versus NC-CNE2. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) was used to validate lncRNAs and mRNAs from the sublines, chronic rhinitis, and NPC tissues. Bioinformatics was used to analyze regulatory pathways which were connected with ZBTB7A. The 1501 lncRNAs (long noncoding RNAs) and 1275 differentially expressed mRNAs were upregulated or downregulated over 2-fold. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis revealed that the upregulated or downregulated carbohydrate and lipid metabolisms probably involved in carcinogenicity of shRNA-CNE2 (P-value cut-off was 0.05). In order to find the molecular mechanisms of ZBTB7A, we validated 12 differentially expressed lncRNAs and their nearby mRNAs by qPCR. Most of the differentially expressed mRNAs are closely connected with carbohydrate and lipid metabolisms in multiply cancers. Furthermore, part of them were validated in NPC and rhinitis tissues by qPCR. As a result, NR_047538, ENST00000442852, and fatty acid synthase (FASN) were closely associated with NPC. ZBTB7A had a positive association with NR_047538 and negative associations with ENST00000442852 and FASN. The results probably provide novel candidate biomarkers for NPC progression with different levels of ZBTB7A.
Identification of Differentially Expressed miRNAs and mRNAs in Vestibular Schwannoma by Integrated Analysis
Authors: Lei Yanhua , Guo Ping , Li Xiuguo , Zhang Yuanyuan , Du Ting
Published: June 2019

Background.Vestibular schwannoma (VS) is benign, slow-growing brain tumor that negatively impacts patient quality of life, which may cause even death. This study aimed to explore key genes and microRNAs (miRNAs) associated with VS.Methods.The mRNA and miRNA expression profiles of VS downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database were included in this study to perform an integrated analysis. The differentially expressed mRNAs (DEmRNAs) and miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) were identified. Then, functional annotation and protein-protein interaction networks (PPI) of DEmRNAs were constructed. DEmiRNA-target DEmRNAs analysis and functional annotation of DEmiRNA-target DEmRNAs were performed.Results.A total of 2627 DEmRNAs (1194 upregulated and 1433 downregulated DEmRNAs) and 21 DEmiRNAs (12 upregulated and 9 downregulated DEmiRNAs) were identified. ISG15, TLE1, and XPC were three hub proteins of VS-specific PPI network. A total of 2970 DEmiRNAs-DEmRNAs pairs were obtained. Among which, hsa-miR-181a-5p, hsa-miR-106-5p, and hsa-miR-34a-5p were the top three DEmiRNAs that covered most DEmRNAs. The functional annotation of DEmiRNA-target DEmRNAs revealed that the DEmiRNA-target DEmRNAs were significantly enriched in cGMP-PKG signaling pathway, adrenergic signaling in cardiomyocytes, and pathways in cancer.Conclusion.The results of this present study may provide a comprehensive understanding for the roles of DEmRNAs and DEmiRNAs in the pathogenesis of VS and developing potential biomarkers of VS.
Bilateral Nephrectomy for Adult Polycystic Kidney Disease Does Not Affect the Graft Function of Transplant Patients and Does Not Result in Sensitisation
Authors: Bellini Maria Irene , Charalmpidis Sotiris , Brookes Paul , Hill Peter , Dor Frank J. M. F. , Papalois Vassilios
Published: June 2019

Background. Native nephrectomy in Adult Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD) patients is a major operation with controversy related to timing and indications. We present our single centre experience in transplanted patients and future candidates for transplantation. Methods. Retrospective analysis from an anonymised database of bilateral nephrectomies for ADPKD patients. Results were reported as median, range, and percentage. Differences between groups were tested using ANOVA and t-test. Surgery was performed between January 2012 and July 2018. Results. Thirty-three patients underwent bilateral native nephrectomy for APKD. 18 had a functioning kidney transplant (transplant group, 55%) while 15 patients were on dialysis (dialysis group, 45%) at the time of surgery; 8 patients of the latter group (24% of the whole cohort) were eventually transplanted. 53% were males, with median age of 55 years (27-71). Indications to surgery were the following: space (symptoms related to the size of the native kidneys or need to create space for transplantation) (59%), recurrent cyst infection (36%), haematuria (15%), pain (24%), and weight loss associated with cystic alteration on imaging (3%). In the transplant group, postoperative kidney function was not affected; haemoglobin serum levels significantly dropped in the whole cohort: 121 (82-150) g/L, versus 108 (58-154) g/L (p<0.001), with 14 patients being transfused perioperatively. Elevation of anti-HLA antibodies was noted in one female patient on dialysis, with no change in DSA levels and no rejection after transplant for all 26 transplanted patients. Median postoperative length of hospital stay was 9 days (6-71). One patient died (3%) after six months. Median follow-up for the whole cohort was 282 days (13-1834). Histopathological examination revealed incidental renal neoplasms in five cases (15%): 1 pT1a papillary renal cell carcinoma and 4 papillary adenomas. Conclusions. Native nephrectomy for ADPKD could be safely performed in case of refractory symptoms, suspect of cancer or to create space for transplantation. It does not affect graft function or DSA status of transplanted patients or the prospect of transplantation of those on the waiting list.
STAT Family Protein Expression and Phosphorylation State during moDC Development Is Altered by Platinum-Based Chemotherapeutics
Authors: de Haas Nienke , de Koning Coco , di Blasio Stefania , Flórez-Grau Georgina , de Vries I. Jolanda M. , Hato Stanleyson V.
Published: June 2019

The STAT signaling pathway is important in dendritic cell (DC) development and function. Tumor cells can induce STAT signaling, thereby inhibiting DC maturation and immunostimulatory functions, leading to hampered efficacy of DC-based immunotherapies. Platinum-based chemotherapeutics can inhibit STAT signaling, thereby making them an interesting tool to improve DC development and function. In this study, we provide a comprehensive overview of STAT expression and phosphorylation during DC differentiation and maturation and investigate the effects of platinum drugs on STAT signaling during these processes. Monocytes were differentiated into monocyte-derived DCs (moDCs) with IL-4 and GM-CSF and matured with cytokines or TLR ligands. STAT expression and phosphorylation were analyzed by western blotting, and moDC viability and phenotype were analyzed by flow cytometry. Platinum drugs were added at day 3 of differentiation or at the start of maturation to investigate regulation of the STAT signaling pathway. All STAT proteins were expressed during moDC differentiation and STAT1, STAT5, and STAT6 were phosphorylated. No significant changes occurred in the expression and phosphorylation state of the STAT proteins during differentiation. After maturation with TLR ligands, the expression of STAT1 increased, but other STAT proteins were not affected. Phosphorylation of STAT1 and STAT3 increased during maturation, where TLR ligands induced significantly higher levels of phosphorylation than cytokines. Platinum drugs cisplatin and oxaliplatin significantly inhibited phosphorylation of STAT6 during differentiation and maturation. Treatment did not affect the phenotype or viability of the cells. As STAT6 is an important regulator of DC function, these findings suggest a role for platinum-based chemotherapeutics to enhance DC function via inhibition of STAT signaling, thereby potentially enhancing efficacy of DC-based immunotherapies.
Testing Bioimpedance to Estimate Body Fat Percentage across Different Hip and Waist Circumferences
Authors: Long Viseth , Short Matthew , Smith Spencer , Sénéchal Martin , Bouchard Danielle R.
Published: June 2019

Many studies have validated the use of bioimpedance analysis (BIA) to quantify body fat percentage (BF%). However, it is unknown if some model types (i.e., hand to hand, foot to foot, and hand to foot) are differing in their validity depending on hip and waist circumferences. The purpose of this study was to compare the difference in BF% between three BIA models (i.e., hand to hand, foot to foot, and hand to foot) against the Bod Pod across different hip and waist circumferences. A total of 92 people aged 19-72 years were recruited in this study. After following the pretesting procedures recommended for BIA measures, BF% was estimated using three BIA models and the Bod Pod. Hip and waist circumferences were obtained using standard procedures and tertiles were computed. The Bland-Altman was plotted and 1-sample T-test as well as correlation between the average measure and the difference between the two measures was tested. Within the entire sample, across all BIA models, the Bland-Altman analysis showed significant difference compared to 0 and a significant difference for the proportional. However, when stratified by tertiles, the two measurements were only significant for the highest tertiles of hip and waist for all BIA apparatus (all p <0.01) and the proportional bias was nonsignificant for all tertiles and across all BIA apparatus. For the highest tertile of waist and hip, the average difference was between 1.67% and 3.29% compared with the Bod Pod estimation. In conclusion, the three BIA models offer a BF% measurement agreeing with the estimation obtained with the Bod Pod with the exception of people having a greater waist or greater hip.
Sensorless Landing Control Strategy of Bistable Permanent Magnet Actuator
Authors: Li Bo , Tan Cao , Wang Geng , Ge Wenqing , Sun Binbin
Published: June 2019

Bistable permanent magnet actuator (BPMA) has been widely used in on/off application. However, the response time and landing performance of on/off actuator are contradictory. Through analyzing the landing control goal of on/off actuator and sensorless technology features of the BPMA, a new sensorless landing control strategy was proposed using armature position detection instead of real‐time displacement estimation or displacement sensor. The feasibility and effectiveness of the method are verified by experiment and simulation, the operation quality of BPMA is effectively improved. The results show that the first bounce decreases by 85.7% and the second bounce is avoided when the iteration converged, compared to the condition without landing control, while the response time increased by 6.8%. Meanwhile, the landing velocity decreased more than 50% and sound intensity at different frequencies reduced more than 4dB with sensorless landing control strategy. Although in this paper the control strategy was employed to a BPMA, its structure can be used to analyze and design a wide range of on/off actuator.
Implementation of Secure Communication via the RF Module for Data Acquisition
Authors: Dudak Juraj , Gaspar Gabriel , Tanuska Pavol
Published: June 2019

Wireless monitoring systems are currently a common part of both industrial and domestic solutions. In case of industrial use, it may be a sensory system at a point where it is not possible to implement a fixed line, or it is necessary to repeatedly change the position, respectively, the location of the measuring probes. This is, in particular, the monitoring of environmental parameters (temperature, humidity) in bulk materials, biomass, or agricultural crops in storage facilities. For domestic use, local weather devices and systems are part of smart households such as lock control (entrance gate, apartment entrance), light control, and HVAC control. Devices that utilize wireless technology for communication include IoT devices as well. This article describes the use of the VirtualWire communication protocol using radio frequency waves with a carrier frequency of 433MHz-900MHz. The main topic of the article is the design and implementation of a secure one-way communication channel. Such a solution consists of a transmitting device with implemented desired sensors and a receiving device that aggregates data from multiple transmitters.
Effects of Oral Ginger Supplementation on the INR
Authors: Rubin Daniel , Patel Vishal , Dietrich Eric
Published: June 2019

Although there are competing options for anticoagulation, many Americans remain on warfarin. Concurrently, the use of alternative medicines is on the rise. With that, the potential for interactions between them is increasing. Ginger has gained popularity in its use. The literature has sparse recent information about the potential conflict between warfarin and ginger. This brief case report discusses the potential scope of the problem as well as the proposed pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions between these two commonly used agents.
Management of Fish Bone-Induced Liver Abscess with Foreign Body Left In Situ
Authors: Burkholder Ryan , Samant Hrishikesh
Published: June 2019

Pyogenic liver abscess, having experienced an evolving pathogenesis over the years, still remains a serious problem with significant morbidity. Iatrogenic and ascending biliary infections are the most common known etiologies for hepatic abscess. Here we report an interesting case of an elderly lady admitted with abdominal pain due to a pyogenic liver abscess in the left liver lobe which was attributed to perforation by an ingested fish bone. The authors also reviewed literature for management for this rare case as there are no standard guidelines. Our patient was successfully treated with antibiotics and percutaneous drainage with foreign body left in situ.
IL-10 Gene-Modified Human Amniotic Mesenchymal Stem Cells Augment Regenerative Wound Healing by Multiple Synergistic Effects
Authors: Xiao Shune , Huang Guangtao , Wei Zairong , Nie Kaiyu , Liu Zhiyuan , Deng Chengliang , Wang Dali
Published: June 2019

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) possess a capacity to enhance cutaneous wound healing that is well characterized. However, the therapeutic effect of MSCs appears to be limited. Modifying MSC target genes to increase necessary biological effects is a promising strategy for wound therapy. Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is an anti-inflammatory cytokine that has a therapeutic effect on wound healing. In this study, we modified human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells (hAMSCs) using recombinant lentiviral vectors for expressing IL-10 and evaluated the therapeutic effects of hAMSCs-IL-10 in wound healing. We elucidated the mechanisms underlying the effects. We found that promoting wound healing was maintained by synergistic effects of hAMSCs and IL-10. hAMSCs-IL-10 showed stronger biological effects in accelerating wound closure, enhancing angiogenesis, modulating inflammation, and regulating extracellular matrix remodeling than hAMSCs. hAMSCs-IL-10 would be better at promoting wound healing and improving healing quality. These data may provide a theoretical foundation for clinical administration of hAMSCs-IL-10 in cutaneous wound healing and skin regeneration.