bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on Objective Evaluation of Recording Audio Restoration Based on Deep Learning Network
Authors: Jin Cong , Zhao Wei , Wang Hongliang
Published: September 2018

There are serious distortion problems in the history audio and video data. In view of the characteristics of audio data repair, the intelligent technology of audio evaluation is explored. As the traditional audio subjective evaluation method requires a large number of personal to audition and evaluation, the tester’s subjective sense of hearing deviation and sample space data limited the impact of the accuracy of the experiment. Based on the deep learning network, this paper designs an objective quality evaluation system for historical audio and video data and evaluates the performance of the system and the audio signal quality from the perspective of feature extraction and network parameter selection. Experiments show that the system has good performance in this experiment; the predictive results and subjective evaluation of the correlation and dispersion indicators are good, up to 0.91 and 0.19.
Analysis of Foveal Microvascular Abnormalities in Diabetic Retinopathy Using Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography with Projection Artifact Removal
Authors: Liu Lun , Jian Gao  , Bao Weili , Hu Chengyang , Xu Yajing , Zhao Bingying , Zheng Jie , Fan Lingling , Sun Yehuan
Published: September 2018

Purpose. To analyze foveal microvascular abnormalities in different stages of diabetic retinopathy (DR) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) with projection artifact removal (PAR).Methods. We analyzed 93 eyes of 59 patients with diabetes—31 with no DR (no DR), 34 with mild to moderate nonproliferative DR (mild DR), and 28 with severe nonproliferative DR to proliferative DR (severe DR)—and 31 age-matched healthy controls. Sections measuring 3 × 3 mm2centered on the fovea were obtained using OCTA. The area, perimeter, and acircularity index (AI) of the foveal avascular zone (FAZ), vessel density within a 300 μm wide region of the FAZ (FD-300), and parafoveal vessel density in the superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP) were calculated using novel built-in software with PAR.Results. There was no statistically significant difference in the FAZ area (p=0.162). There was a statistically significant difference in the FAZ perimeter (p=0.010) and the AI (p<0.001) between the four groups. There was a correlation between the AI and the increasing severity of DR (p=0.010). Statistically significant decreases of vessel density in the FD-300, SCP, and DCP were observed (allp<0.001). There was a difference in parafoveal vessel density in the DCP between the healthy control eyes and the eyes with diabetes without DR (p=0.027). There was a significant correlation between vessel density and increasing severity of DR (p<0.001).Conclusion. Compared with the FAZ area, AI allows a more helpful quantitative assessment of the changes in the FAZ. Vessel density determined using OCTA with PAR might be a useful parameter indicating the progression of DR. Parafoveal vessel density in the DCP after PAR might be a potential early biomarker of DR before appearance of clinically evident retinopathy and needs further investigation.
Mechanical Properties of the Periodontal System and of Dental Constructs Deduced from the Free Response of the Tooth
Authors: Sinescu Cosmin , Duma Virgil-Florin , Dodenciu Dorin , Stratul Stefan , Manole Marius , Draganescu Gheorghe Eugen
Published: September 2018

The biomechanical behaviour of the periodontal ligament (PDL) is still not well understood although this topic has been studied for almost 100 years. This study reports on clinical and mathematical studies to determine the constitutive law of the PDL. A set of mechanical parameters of the tooth-PDL system is obtained, and a new method for the evaluation of these parameters from the free response of the tooth is introduced. This response is produced by repeated impacts applied to the gingival tissue in the apical part of the tooth investigated—with the aid of a Periotest exciter. A Doppler ultrasound probe is utilized to determine the response of the tooth-PDL system. The parameters evaluated from these measurements can be considered as the elastometric properties of the dental system investigated. A modal analysis/system identification method is utilized to estimate these parameters. The investigations are carried out for different teeth abutments, both with and without a dental bridge/fixed partial prosthesis (FPP). The differences between the responses of the systems in these two cases are determined with the new method proposed. They are discussed with regard to the specific purposes of the FPP. The study demonstrates that this method can provide the dentist with the necessary objective evaluations regarding the properties and health of the tooth-PDL system, as well as of the construct that is obtained after installing a dental bridge.
Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Protective Patches on Acupoints to Preserve the Bioenergetic Status against Magnetic Fields
Authors: Molinari Claudio , Stoppa Ian , Limardo Nicola , Uberti Francesca
Published: September 2018

The potentially harmful nature of electromagnetic fields (EMF) and static magnetic fields (SMF) has become a major problem in recent years. All these elements could be combined to produce cellular responses. For example, the orientation of molecules of water or other complex molecules, growth and cell viability, cell morphology, and intracellular metabolic pathways have demonstrated binding to magnetic fields. The effect of EMF and SMF on humans is a topic of great importance, especially because modern technology has introduced artificial magnetic fields such as those generated by power lines, mobile communications, and medical imaging equipment. A relevant problem is certainly that of professional exposure. The aim of this study was the evaluation of the effectiveness of a commercially available device, Skudo® patches (Edil Natura S.r.l., Novara, Italy), in protecting magnetic resonance operators from the influence of magnetic fields such as those present in the workplace. Skudo® patches are designed to protect microareas of the body from external electromagnetic disturbances. In this study, 10 male Italian volunteers aged between 50 and 60 were enrolled in the hospital. All participants were subjected to measurements at 4 specific time points to evaluate the effectiveness of Skudo® to counteract both EMF and SMF magnetic fields by evaluating the level of bioenergetic reactivity. To perform the measurements, a variant of the Ryodoraku method has been used, based upon the assessment of electropermeability. In particular, 12 acupoints were measured, one for each of the main meridians. This study shows that both SMF and EMF cause an alteration of the body’s water system. The application of Skudo® patches determines a regularization of bioenergetic levels related to the water system. The application of Skudo® on the EMF source has suppressed the imbalance effect of the water system found in the subject without any protection.
Occult Orbital Injury with Dagger Fragment with Resulting Pneumocephalus
Authors: Jáñez-García Lucía , Mencía-Gutiérrez Enrique , Gutiérrez-Díaz Esperanza , Moreno-García-Rubio Luis F. , Zarratea-Herreros Laura , Bengoa-González Álvaro , Pérez-Trigo Silvia
Published: September 2018

Penetrating injuries of the cranium are relatively uncommon, only 0.4% of all head injuries. In patients with disturbed conscious level, an extensive examination should be performed in the emergency unit to rule out transorbital penetrating brain injury. A 25-year-old male was attacked with a dagger. He presented with ethylic intoxication and the physical examination demonstrated a small skin injury on the lateral canthus of the left eye with a large periocular hematoma which prevented eyelid opening. Cranial CT scan showed a metallic intraorbital foreign body consisting of a fragment of a dagger which perforated the eyeball, and penetrated through the superomedial wall of the orbit into the anterior cranial fossa. Reconstruction of the eyeball was performed and the fragment was removed. Orbital injuries with a knife in situ are very unusual. Early identification and removal of retained foreign bodies are essential.
Reliability Analysis of the Reconfigurable Integrated Modular Avionics Using the Continuous-Time Markov Chains
Authors: Zhao Changxiao , Wang Peng , Yan Fang
Published: September 2018

The integrated modular avionics (IMA) has been widely deployed on the new designed aircraft to replace the traditional federated avionics. Hosted in different partitions which are isolated by the virtual boundaries, different functions are able to share the common resources in the IMA system. The IMA system can dynamically reconfigure the common resources to perform the hosted functions when some modules fail, which makes the system more robust. Meanwhile, the reliability of the reconfigurable integrated modular avionics becomes more complicated. In this paper, we firstly model the IMA as a joint (m,k)-failure tolerant system with the consideration of its reconfigurable capability. Secondly, the continuous-time Markov chains are introduced to analyze the reliability of the IMA system. Thirdly, we take the comprehensive display function hosted in the IMA system as an example to show the practical use of the proposed reliability analysis model. Through the parameter sensitivity analysis, different failure rate λ and priority order of different modules are chosen to analyze their impact on system reliability, which can provide guidance to improve the reliability of the IMA system during a dynamic reconstruction process and optimize resource allocation.
Comparing ALADIN-CZ and ALADIN-LAEF Precipitation Forecasts for Hydrological Modelling in the Czech Republic
Authors: Vokoun Martin , Hanel Martin
Published: September 2018

Precipitation forecasting has great significance for hydrological modelling, particularly for issuing flood alerts. This study assesses the high-resolution deterministic model ALADIN-CZ (Aire Limitée, Adaptation Dynamique, Development International–Czech Republic) and the ensemble model ALADIN-LAEF (Limited Area Ensemble Forecasting). Verified precipitation data were modified to the form in which they enter the hydrological model used for flood forecasting in the Czech Republic. ALADIN-LAEF, unlike ALADIN-CZ, is currently not considered to be of any value for hydrological predictions in the Czech Republic. In the present paper, we assess the added value of the ensemble model. The most significant rainfall events from the summer seasons during 2011–2015 were selected for the purpose of this study. The results show that ALADIN-LAEF does not have a lower success rate than ALADIN-CZ in predicting significant rainfall events. In fact, for the most verification scores and metrics, ALADIN-LAEF was assessed as more skilful. Surprisingly, the high-resolution ALADIN-CZ does not yield higher success rates than ALADIN-LAEF even at short prediction lead times. This is due to spatial aggregation into hydrological regions, with an area significantly larger than the resolution of the forecasting models. Furthermore, the relationship between synoptic weather types, hydrological regions, and predictability was considered. It was found that the worst prediction results are related to weather situation C (cyclone over central Europe), which dominantly affects Berounka and Lower Elbe catchments.
Tunable Low Threshold Optical Tristability at Terahertz Frequencies via a Pair of Parallel Graphene Layers’ Configuration
Authors: Ye Yunyang , Tang Jiao , Zheng Zhiwei , Zhou Hui , Xie Minzhu , Jiang Leyong , Qian Shengyou
Published: September 2018

We investigate theoretically the optical tristability of transmission at a pair of parallel graphene layers system. We discuss the influence of the graphene sheets on the hysteretic response of the TE-polarized transmitted light. It is demonstrated that the optical tristability in this configuration can be realized due to the giant third-order nonlinear conductivity of graphene and appropriate structure parameters. The tristable behavior of the transmitted light can be controlled via suitably varying the Fermi energy of the graphene. Besides, the optical tristable behavior is strongly dependent on the relaxation time of the graphene and the dispersion characteristics of the surrounding dielectrics. Moreover, the threshold of the optical tristability can be reduced by appropriately increasing the number of graphene layers, making this simple structure a good candidate for dynamic tunable and low threshold optical tristable device in the terahertz (THz) frequencies.
Supercritical Fluid Extraction of Berry Seeds: Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Gustinelli Graziele , Eliasson Lovisa , Svelander Cecilia , Andlid Thomas , Lundin Leif , Ahrné Lilia , Alminger Marie
Published: September 2018

The influence of supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) and solvent extraction of oils from cloudberry, bilberry, and black currant seeds on the yield, chemical properties, and recovery of antioxidant compounds was investigated. SFE was performed for 1 h at 350 bar and at 50°C and 80°C. Fatty acids, vitamin E, carotenoids, and free radical-scavenging activity (DPPH) were assayed. SFE at 80°C resulted in higher oil yields for cloudberry and black currant seeds. The oils were rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) (66.8%–75.9% w/w), with high percentages of linoleic and α-linolenic acids. The black currant seed extracts had the highest concentrations of vitamin E (range, 113.0–241.8 mg/100 g oil) and carotenoids (range, 11.5–32.3 mg/100 g oil) and the highest antioxidant activity. The cloudberry seed oils also had high antioxidant content and activity. These findings indicate the potential of SFE for the recovery of PUFA and antioxidant compounds in berry by-products.
Effects of a Superabsorbent Resin with Boron on Bacterial Diversity of Peat Substrate and Maize Straw
Authors: Wang Yuxin , Wang Chaonan , Zhao Yanan , Wang Pingzhi
Published: September 2018

As a chemical water-saving material, superabsorbent resin is often applied to improve soil physicochemical properties for the purpose of promoting crop growth. In this study, a new type of superabsorbent resin with boron (SARB) was used as a functional material mixed with peat substrate and maize straw in percentages (mass ratio) of 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.15%, and 0.2%, respectively, and high-throughput sequencing technology was used to test bacterial diversity, analyzing and exploring ecological safety of the superabsorbent resin with boron (SARB) in order to provide theoretical support for field applications. The research results show that the superabsorbent resin with boron (SARB) can promote bacterial community diversity in the maize straw. In ten treatments, Proteobacteria accounted for the absolute advantage of the bacterial population in the CT group and in the JG group. However, the superabsorbent resin with boron (SARB) synthesized in the laboratory cannot change the original structure of the bacterial community and has scarcely any toxic effect on the bacterial community in both peat substrate and maize straw, and, indeed, it has a strengthening effect on Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria and a weakening effect on Acidobacteria and Firmicutes to some extent.
Purification, Characterization, and Time-Dependent Adsorption Studies of Ghanaian Muscovite Clay
Authors: Tetteh Samuel , Quashie Andrews , Anang Michael Akrofi
Published: September 2018

Three clay samples (E1, E2, and C1) extracted from different parts of Ghana have been purified by sedimentation. The samples were further characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), cation exchange capacity (CEC), and point of zero charge (pHpzc). PXRD and FT-IR data revealed the samples to be predominantly muscovite clay with percentages ranging from 82.71 to 91.33%. The surfaces were mostly cationic with pHpzc ranging from 5.58 to 6.40. Morphological studies by SEM confirmed the crystalline nature of the surfaces which is suitable for adsorption studies. Time-dependent adsorption studies show that C1 is a good candidate for the adsorption of chlorophenols, methyl orange, and Eriochrome Black T.
Comparison of Initial Clinical Presentations between Primary Hyperparathyroidism Patients from New Brunswick and Changsha
Authors: Meng Lingqiong , Liu Shuying , Al-Dayyeni Aseel , Sheng Zhifeng , Zhou Zhiguang , Wang Xiangbing
Published: September 2018

Purpose. To compare the initial clinical features, laboratory values, and bone mineral density among patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) in Changsha (China) and New Brunswick (USA). Methods. In this retrospective study, we reviewed 169 PHPT patients who presented at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital and 133 PHPT patients who presented at the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University in the same time period. The following characteristics were compared between the groups: age, gender, BMI, serum calcium, alkaline phosphatase (AKP), albumin, intact PTH (iPTH), 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25 (OH) D), fasting blood glucose levels, and bone mineral density (BMD). All these parameters were also compared according to gender and menopausal status. iPTH associations were also assessed along with several other parameters. Results. PHPT patients from Changsha had higher serum calcium, iPTH, and AKP levels but lower 25 (OH) D levels than the patients from New Brunswick (p<0.05). Patients in Changsha had lower T-scores and Z-scores in both the lumbar spine and hip regions than those in New Brunswick (p<0.05). Patients in New Brunswick had lower percentages of parathyroid adenoma and kidney stones. Serum iPTH level was positively correlated with serum calcium and serum AKP levels in both Changsha and New Brunswick (p<0.05). Conclusions. There are distinct biochemical and clinical differences between patients with PHPT in China and the United States. Our study revealed that Asian PHPT patients from Changsha presented more severe PHPT profiles, lower bone mineral density, and higher incidence of renal stones.
Mechanobiology of Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells in Orthodontic Tooth Movement
Authors: Huang Huaming , Yang Ruili , Zhou Yan-heng
Published: September 2018

Periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) possess self-renewal, multilineage differentiation, and immunomodulatory properties. They play a crucial role in maintaining periodontal homeostasis and also participated in orthodontic tooth movement (OTM). Various studies have applied controlled mechanical stimulation to PDLSCs and investigated the effects of orthodontic force on PDLSCs. Physical stimuli can regulate the proliferation and differentiation of PDLSCs. During the past decade, a variety of studies has demonstrated that applied forces can activate different signaling pathways in PDLSCs, including MAPK, TGF-β/Smad, and Wnt/β-catenin pathways. Besides, recent advances have highlighted the critical role of orthodontic force in PDLSC fate through mediators, such as IL-11, CTHRC1, miR-21, and H2S. This perspective review critically discusses the PDLSC fate to physical forcein vitroand orthodontic forcein vivo, as well as the underlying molecular mechanism involved in OTM.
Knockout of Mpv17‐Like Protein (M‐LPH) Gene in Human Hepatoma Cells Results in Impairment of mtDNA Integrity through Reduction of TFAM, OGG1, and LIG3 at the Protein Levels
Authors: Iida Reiko , Ueki Misuzu , Yasuda Toshihiro
Published: September 2018

Human Mpv17‐like protein (M‐LPH) has been suggested to participate in prevention of mitochondrial dysfunction caused by mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) damage. To clarify the molecular mechanism of M‐LPH function, we knocked out M‐LPH in human hepatoma HepG2 using CRISPR‐Cas9 technology. An increase in mtDNA damage in M‐LPH‐KO HepG2 cells was demonstrated by PCR‐based quantitation and 8‐hydroxy‐2 ′‐deoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG) measurement. Furthermore, confocal immunofluorescence analysis and Western blot analysis of mitochondrial extracts demonstrated that M‐LPH‐KO caused reductions in the protein levels of mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM), an essential factor for transcription and maintenance of mtDNA, and two DNA repair enzymes, 8‐oxoguanine DNA glycosylase (OGG1) and DNA ligase 3 (LIG3), both involved in mitochondrial base excision repair (BER). Accordingly, it was suggested that the increase in mtDNA damage was due to a cumulative effect of mtDNA instability resulting from deficiencies of TFAM and diminished ability for BER arising from deficiencies in BER‐related enzymes. These findings suggest that M‐LPH could be involved in the maintenance of mtDNA, and therefore mitochondrial function, by protecting proteins essential for mtDNA stability and maintenance, in an integrated manner.
Autophagy Is Indispensable for the Self‐Renewal and Quiescence of Ovarian Cancer Spheroid Cells with Stem Cell‐Like Properties
Authors: Wang Qian , Bu Shixia , Xin Dedong , Li Boning , Wang Lan , Lai Dongmei
Published: September 2018

Epithelial ovarian cancer has the highest mortality rate of all gynecologic cancers. Cancer stem cells are considered to be the initiating cells of tumors. It is known that spheroid culture promotes ovarian cancer cells to acquire stem cell characteristics and to become stem cell‐like. But the mechanisms remain largely unclear. Our data show that autophagy is sustainably activated in ovarian cancer spheroid cells. Inhibition of autophagy by knockdown of ATG5 abolishes the self‐renewal ability of ovarian cancer spheroid cells. Knockdown of ATG5 prevents ovarian cancer spheroid cells to enter quiescent state. Autophagy is critical for quiescent ovarian cancer spheroid cells to reenter the cell cycle because rapamycin can promote quiescent ovarian cancer spheroid cells to form colonies on soft agar and knockdown of ATG5 can arrest ovarian cancer cells in G0/G1. Autophagy and NRF2 form a positive feedback regulation loop to regulate reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in ovarian cancer spheroid cells. The optimal ROS level, neither too high nor too low, facilitates the self‐renewal marker, NOTCH1, to reach to the highest level. Bafilomycin A1 can impair the self‐renewal of ovarian cancer spheroid cells by disturbing ROS levels.
Retinal Vessel Diameter Changes in Relation to Dark Adaptation and Acute Hyperglycemia
Authors: Kappelgaard Per , Holfort Stig K. , Klefter Oliver N. , Larsen Michael
Published: September 2018

The purpose of this experimental clinical study was to assess the effects of dark adaptation and acute changes in glycemia on retinal vessel diameters in men. The study included 14 patients (mean age 63 years, range 48–74 years) with type 2 diabetes mellitus and minimal or no diabetic retinopathy. Retinal vessel diameters were assessed using infrared photography before and after dark adaptation, first while fasting and then at peak hyperglycemia during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Dark adaptation was accompanied by retinal vasodilatation, both during fasting (mean glycemia 7.6 ± 1.7 mM) and postprandial hyperglycemia (15.7 ± 4.2 mM). When fasting, the increase in vein diameter during dark adaptation was 2.0% after 20 min (P=0.018) and 2.9% after 40 min (P=0.010). When subjects were hyperglycemic, the increase during dark adaptation was 2.8% for retinal vein diameters (P=0.027) and 2.0% for retinal artery diameters after 20 min (P=0.002) and 1.7% for retinal artery diameters after 40 min (P=0.022). For identical conditions of light/dark adaptation, retinal vessels were dilated when subjects were fasting compared to postprandial hyperglycemia. Thus, darkness and fasting were both associated with retinal vasodilation in this short-term experiment in patients with type 2 diabetes. Future studies should determine whether both the stimuli of vasodilation lead to retinal hyperperfusion, which would support that they may be involved in the aggravation of diabetic retinopathy.
Adiponectin and Omentin Levels as Predictive Biomarkers of Preterm Birth in Patients with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Mierzyński Radzisław , Dłuski Dominik , Nowakowski Łukasz , Poniedziałek-Czajkowska Elżbieta , Leszczyńska-Gorzelak Bożena
Published: September 2018

Objective. The aim of this study was to determine any changes in adiponectin and omentin levels in GDM patients who delivered at term and preterm and to evaluate whether adipokines can be useful as a clinical biomarker to predict subsequent preterm delivery. Patients and Methods. The levels of adiponectin and omentin were measured in four groups: (1) women with GDM who delivered at term (n=63); (2) women with GDM who had the symptoms of threatened preterm labor and delivered at term (n=23); (3) women with GDM and spontaneous preterm birth (before 37 completed weeks of gestation) (n=19); (4) women with physiological pregnancy (n=55). Results. In comparison with control group the median adiponectin concentrations were significantly lower in all GDM groups (10737 versus 8879; 7057; 6253 ng/ml, respectively; p<0.01). The median omentin concentrations were also significantly lower in all GDM groups in comparison with control group (469 versus 432; 357; 308 ng/ml, respectively; p<0.01). No significant differences in adiponectin and omentin levels between the GDM, preterm labor, and preterm birth groups were observed. However, there was a trend towards lower adiponectin and omentin levels in preterm birth group. The strong correlations between adiponectin and omentin levels were observed in all groups (R=0.801, p<0.001; R=0.824, p<0.001; R=0.705, p<0.001; R=0.764, respectively; p<0.001). In the univariable logistic regression model, significant correlation between omentin concentrations and preterm birth occurrence was found. Conclusions. Our findings suggest that omentin-1, rather than adiponectin, could be useful as a predictor of preterm birth in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus.
A New Entropy and Its Properties Based on the Improved Axiomatic Definition of Intuitionistic Fuzzy Entropy
Authors: Jiang Dengying , Wang Yaxiong
Published: September 2018

Regarding the problem of the existing intuitionistic fuzzy entropy formulas in ordering the partial entropy, the constraint condition that is consistent with the intuitionistic facts is proposed in this paper, the axiomatic definition of entropy which fully reflects the intuition and fuzziness of intuitionistic fuzzy sets is given, and the improved intuitionistic fuzzy entropy formula is constructed according to the entropy axiomatic definition and its properties are studied. Finally, we compare the improved formula with the existing intuitionistic fuzzy entropy formulas, and the result turns out that the improved formula can solve the problem in the entropy ordering theoretically and practically.
EWSR1 Rearrangement and CD99 Expression as Diagnostic Biomarkers for Ewing/PNET Sarcomas in a Moroccan Population
Authors: Louati Sara , Senhaji Nadia , Chbani Laila , Bennis Sanae
Published: September 2018

Ewing sarcoma/primitive neuroectodermal tumor (Ewing/PNET sarcomas or EPS) are a group of round cell tumors. Malignant round cell tumors form a large and diverse group that includes rhabdomyosarcoma, synovial sarcoma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, neuroblastoma, hepatoblastoma, Wilm’s tumor, desmoplastic small round cell tumor, and other morphologically similar entities. Differential diagnosis of Ewing sarcoma/primitive neuroectodermal tumor (Ewing/PNET sarcomas or EPS) is difficult. In addition to morphology and immunohistochemistry (IHC), differential diagnosis of these tumors is based on molecular analysis of the EWSR1 gene rearrangement using fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) technique. We investigated the diagnostic value of combined CD99 immunostaining and EWSR1 t(22q12) alteration using a dual-color, break-apart rearrangement probe in forty-one formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue samples from pediatric and adult patients diagnosed with EPS. IHC was performed in all cases using the CD99 antibody and showed a positivity of 92.7% in the enrolled cases (38/41) followed by FISH analysis where 48.8% of the cases (20/41) were rearranged. Sensitivity and specificity for IHC assays were 88% and 58%, respectively. Notably, FISH had a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 87%. In addition, CD99 positivity was found to correlate with EWSR1 rearrangement (p<0.05). This report shows that FISH has better sensitivity and specificity than IHC in the Moroccan population, and supports its combination with CD99 immunostaining as diagnostic biomarkers for this rare malignant entity.”
Protective Effects of Yinchenhao Decoction on Cholesterol Gallstone in Mice Fed a Lithogenic Diet by Regulating LXR, CYP7A1, CYP7B1, and HMGCR Pathways
Authors: Meng Yong , Meng Ke , Zhao Xin , Li Donghua , Gao Qiaoying , Wu Shangwei , Cui Yunfeng
Published: September 2018

The study attempted to elucidate whether lipid genes are closely associated with lipid metabolic abnormalities during the lithogenic time and how Yinchenhao Decoction (YCHD) works on the transcriptions of lipid genes against cholesterol gallstone model. C57BL/6J mice fed on lithogenic diet (LD) were used for model establishment and randomized into 5 groups. All groups received LD for different weeks with isometrically intragastric administration of YCHD or NS. Biochemical tests were measured and liver tissues were harvested for histological and genetic detection. It was found that all groups with increasing LD showed a following tendency of gallstone incidence, bile cholesterol, phospholipids, total bile acid, and cholesterol saturation index (CSI). Conversely, YCHD could significantly normalize the levels of gallstone incidence, bile lipids, and CSI (CSI<1). As lithogenic time progressed, ABCG5, ABCG8, PPAR‐α, and ABCB4 were upregulated, and SREBP2, CYP7A1, and CYP7B1 were downregulated, while CYP7A1, CYP7B1, LXR, and HMGCR mRNA were increased 3‐fold under the administration of YCHD. It was concluded that abnormal expressions of the mentioned genes may eventually progress to cholesterol gallstone. CYP7A1, CYP7B1, LXR, and HMGCR mRNA may be efficient targets of YCHD, which may be a preventive drug to reverse liver injury, normalize bile lipids, facilitate gallstone dissolution, and attenuate gallstone formation.
Netrin as a Novel Biomarker and Its Therapeutic Implications in Diabetes Mellitus and Diabetes-Associated Complications
Authors: Yimer Ebrahim M. , Zewdie Kaleab Alemayehu , Hishe Hailemichael Zeru
Published: September 2018

Diabetes is a multifactorial metabolic syndrome and is one of the shared long-lasting illnesses globally. It is linked to long-term microvascular and macrovascular complications that contribute to disability, compromised quality of life, and reduction in lifespan, which eventually leads to death. This disease is not only incurring significant economic burden but also adversely affects the patients, caregivers, communities, and the society at large. The interruption of diabetes progress and its complications is a primary focus of scientific communities. In spite of various diagnostic modalities for diabetes, there is a limited marker to investigate the risk and progress of its complications. Netrin has recently received more attention as a biomarker of diabetes and a broader range of long-term complication. Therefore, the impetus of this review is to exhaustively discuss the role of Netrin as a potential biomarker and its therapeutic implication in diabetes and diverse sets of microvascular and macrovascular complications of diabetes. It also discourses the possible mechanisms of Netrin for the said pharmacological effect for a better understanding of the development and progression of diabetes and its complications in relation to this protein. It enables protective measures to be applied at the subclinical stage and the responses to preventive or therapeutic measures to be scrutinized. Besides, it might also facilitate the appraisal of novel therapeutic options for diabetes and various complications through modifying the endogenous Netrin and provide surrogate endpoints for intervention.
Malaria Vulnerability Map Mobile System Development Using GIS-Based Decision-Making Technique
Authors: Kim Jung-Yoon , Eun Sung-Jong , Park Dong Kyun
Published: September 2018

This paper aimed at improving the lack of GIS information use and compatibility of multiplatform which represented limits that existing malaria risk analysis tools had. For this, the author developed mobile web-based malaria vulnerability map system using GIS information. This system consists of system database construction, malaria risk calculation function, visual expression function, and website and mobile application. This system was developed based on Incheon region only. Database includes information on air temperature and amount of precipitation as well. With regard to malaria risk calculation, guideline provided by Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was followed first and then decision-making technique was used. Calculating criteria value for risk index made it possible to estimate more precise risk. With regard to visual expression function, database constructed earlier and risk information were linked to print out graphic map and graphs so that more intuitive and visible expression can be provided based on animation technique. This system allows a user to check information in real time and can be used anywhere anyplace. Mobile push function is to enhance user’s convenience. Such web map is useful to general users as well as experts.
Design and Performance Evaluation of a Wearable Sensing System for Lower-Limb Exoskeleton
Authors: Yue Chunfeng , Lin Xichuan , Zhang Ximing , Qiu Jing , Cheng Hong
Published: September 2018

Because the target users of the assistive-type lower extremity exoskeletons (ASLEEs) are those who suffer from lower limb disabilities, customized gait is adopted for the control of ASLEEs. However, the customized gait is unable to provide stable motion for variable terrain, for example, flat, uphill, downhill, and soft ground. The purpose of this paper is to realize gait detection and environment feature recognition for AIDER by developing a novel wearable sensing system. The wearable sensing system employs 7 force sensors as a sensing matrix to achieve high accuracy of ground reaction force detection. There is one more IMU sensor that is integrated into the structure to detect the angular velocity. By fusing force and angular velocity data, four typical terrain features can be recognized successfully, and the recognition rate can reach up to 93%.
Relationship between the Optical Properties and Chemical Composition of Urban Aerosol Particles in Lithuania
Authors: Pauraite Julija , Plauškaitė Kristina , Dudoitis Vadimas , Ulevicius Vidmantas
Published: September 2018

In situ investigation results of aerosol optical properties (absorption and scattering) and chemical composition at an urban background site in Lithuania (Vilnius) are presented. Investigation was performed in May-June 2017 using an aerosol chemical speciation monitor (ACSM), a 7-wavelength Aethalometer and a 3-wavelength integrating Nephelometer. A positive matrix factorisation (PMF) was used for the organic aerosol mass spectra analysis to characterise the sources of ambient organic aerosol (OA). Five OA factors were identified: hydrocarbon-like OA (HOA), biomass-burning OA (BBOA), more and less oxygenated OA (LVOOA and SVOOA, respectively), and local hydrocarbon-like OA (LOA). The average absorption (at 470 nm) and scattering (at 450 nm) coefficients during the entire measurement campaign were 16.59 Mm−1 (standard deviation (SD) = 17.23 Mm−1) and 29.83 Mm−1 (SD = 20.45 Mm−1), respectively. Furthermore, the absorption and scattering Angström exponents (AAE and SAE, respectively) and single-scattering albedo (SSA) were calculated. The average AAE value at 470/660 nm was 0.97 (SD = 0.16) indicating traffic-related black carbon (BCtr) dominance. The average value of SAE (at 450/700 nm) was 1.93 (SD = 0.32) and could be determined by the submicron particle (PM1) dominance versus the supermicron ones (PM > 1 µm). The average value of SSA was 0.62 (SD = 0.13). Several aerosol types showed specific segregation in the SAE versus SSA plot, which underlines different optical properties due to various chemical compositions.
Metastasis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma to the Esophagus: Case Report and Review
Authors: Harada Jun-ichiro , Matsutani Takeshi , Hagiwara Nobutoshi , Kawano Yoichi , Matsuda Akihisa , Taniai Nobuhiko , Nomura Tsutomu , Uchida Eiji
Published: September 2018

A follow-up endoscopy in a 71-year-old Japanese man who had undergone a left lateral segmentectomy for HCC two years ago revealed an approximately 2 cm in diameter pedunculated polypoid mass in the middle part of the thoracic esophagus. Immunohistochemical staining of the endoscopic biopsy revealed a metastatic HCC esophageal tumor. As the patient’s disease could be radically removed by preoperative examinations, we resected the metastatic esophageal tumor via right thoracotomy and esophagogastrostomy reconstruction. Histological examination of the resected specimen revealed that the esophageal tumor was compatible with a HCC metastasis. This is an extremely rare case of a solitary metastasis to the esophagus from HCC in the literature.
Application of Fuzzy-Based Hybrid Taguchi Method for Multiobjective Optimization of Product Form Design
Authors: Li Yongfeng , Shieh Meng-Dar , Yang Chih-Chieh , Zhu Liping
Published: September 2018

In today’s competitive market, industrial product form design is moving towards being consumer centric. Affective responses relate to customers’ affective needs and are receiving increasing attention. To design a product form that can appeal to consumers, designers should consider multiple affective responses (MARs). This paper proposes a robust design approach that uses a fuzzy-based hybrid Taguchi method to derive the optimal product form design concerning MARs. First, design analysis is used to identify design variables and MARs. According to the results, a Taguchi experiment is designed in which fuzzy sets are used to measure the MARs; then, signal-to-noise (S/N) ratios are calculated. Subsequently, a fuzzy questionnaire with multiple answers is employed to acquire consumers’ preference weights for MARs, following which Vlsekriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR) is adopted to transform the multiple S/N ratios into a multiperformance characteristic index (MPCI). On the basis of the MPCI, the effects of design variables are identified through analysis of variance and the response table and the response graph are obtained. Consequently, the optimal form design is achieved. A car profile design was used as an example to demonstrate the proposed approach. The results indicate that this approach can effectively improve consumers’ affective response qualities and can be used as a robust design approach to optimize product form design.
Performance Assessment of a Freight Network with Stochastic Capacities
Authors: Xu Xiu-Zhen , Niu Yi-Feng , Li Qing
Published: September 2018

This paper focuses on performance assessment of a freight network with stochastic capacities by using reliability analysis, in which a node denotes a supplier, a transfer center, a distribution center, or a market, while an arc denotes a logistics service provider offering the freight traffic service for a pair of nodes. Due to some uncertainties in real environment (for example, a proportion of vehicles owned by the provider may be reserved by other customers), the available capacity of the provider along each arc is stochastic. Thus, network reliability that at least d units of commodity demand can be successfully delivered from the source to the destination denotes the operational performance of such a freight network. A d‐minimal path–based method is developed to evaluate the freight network reliability. To advance the efficiency of solving d‐minimal paths, an improved model is established by redefining capacity bounds of arcs and minimal paths. Furthermore, a new concept of expected capacity grounded on network reliability is presented to measure the service performance of the freight network. A practical case related to the coal delivery network is studied to demonstrate the implications of both network reliability and expected capacity.
UHF Metamaterial Absorber with Small-Size Unit Cell by Combining Fractal and Coupling Lines
Authors: Fan Shicheng , Song Yaoliang
Published: September 2018

We present a perfect UHF metamaterial absorber by combining coupling lines and fractal lines with a very small unit cell. The proposed absorber consists of a surface metal structure and metallic background plane, separated by a dielectric substrate and air. Simulation results show that the absorber has an absorption peak at 442 MHz with 99.73% absorptivity. The ratio between a lattice constant and resonance wavelength is 1/68, significantly less than the existing absorber. The design principle is introduced in detail according to the absorption mechanism of the proposed absorber. Moreover, the absorption peaks remain high with large angles of incidence for both TE and TM polarizations. Due to the small ratio, it can be widely used in radiation suppression for microwave relay communication such as mobile communication and wireless network by changing the parameters of the structure.
Prevalence and Prognosis of Portopulmonary Hypertension in 223 Liver Transplant Recipients
Authors: Li Jian , Zhuang Qi , Zhang Xueming , Zheng Ying , Qiao Zhiqing , Zhang Jianjun , Shen Xuedong , Shen Jieyan
Published: September 2018

Objective. To investigate the prevalence and prognosis of portopulmonary hypertension (PoPH) in liver transplant recipients. Methods. Patients with advanced liver disease who underwent orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) were included in this retrospective study from January 2012 to June 2015. According to the 2015 European Society of Cardiology (ESC)/European Respiratory Society (ERS) guidelines for the diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension (PH), patients with tricuspid regurgitation velocity (TRV) >3.4 m/s or 2.9 m/s ≤ TRV ≤ 3.4 m/s coexisting with other echocardiographic PH signs were judged as PH. PH patients with portal hypertension and without other known causes of PH were diagnosed as PoPH. Results. A total of 223 (170 males and 53 females) middle-aged (50.9 ± 9 years old) liver transplant recipients were included in this study. Fourteen patients (6.3%) were diagnosed with PoPH, and none of the patients were treated with vasodilators before or after OLT. After OLT, patients were followed up for 26 ± 13.5 months. In total, 8 of 14 (57%) PoPH patients died, and the main cause of death was pulmonary infection. Kaplan–Meier survival curves revealed a significant difference in survival between PoPH and non-PoPH patients (p<0.001), and the median survival time after OLT of PoPH was 11.4 months. Conclusions. The prevalence of PoPH was 6.3% in OLT recipients. The survival of untreated PoPH patients was dismal after OLT.
A Conceptual Framework for the Use of Minimum Redundancy Linear Arrays and Flexible Arrays in Future Smartphones
Authors: Patwari Ashish , Reddy G. Ramachandra
Published: September 2018

This work applies existing array processing principles to devise a new area of application. The properties of minimum redundancy linear arrays (MRLAs) and flexible arrays are studied, keeping in mind the possibility of using them in flexible 5G smartphones of the future. Millimeter frequencies for 5G communications enabled the use of a decent number of array elements, even at the user equipment (UE). MRLAs possess attractive properties among linear sparse arrays and flexible conformal arrays (flexible arrays) operate satisfactorily even when the surface they are built into changes shape. To the best of our knowledge, MRLAs were not applied to smartphones previously. In this work, a 16-element uniform linear array (ULA) and a 7-element MRLA (with the same aperture) are considered for simulations. Array factors of both the arrays in flat and bent positions have been computed using MATLAB. The effect of phase compensation and bending radii on the array pattern were verified. That phase compensation using the projection method (PM) restores the array pattern even for a bent MRLA is a major finding. Possible array processing modes have been suggested for a 5G smartphone in which the array could be made to operate in any of the four configurations: a flat ULA, a bent ULA, a flat MRLA, and a bent MRLA.
Genuine and Secure Identity-Based Public Audit for the Stored Data in Healthcare Cloud
Authors: Zhang Jianhong , Sun Zhibin , Mao Jian
Published: September 2018

Cloud storage has attracted more and more concern since it permits cloud users to save and employ the corresponding outsourced files at arbitrary time, with arbitrary facility and from arbitrary place. To make sure data integrality, numerous public auditing constructions have been presented. However, existing constructions mainly have built on the PKI. In these constructions, to achieve data integrality, the auditor first must authenticate the legality of PKC, which leads to a great burden for the auditor. To eliminate the verification of time-consuming certificate, in this work, we present an efficient identity-based public auditing proposal. Our construction is an identity-based data auditing system in the true sense in that the algorithm to calculate authentication signature is an identity-based signature algorithm. By extensive security evaluation and experimental testing, the consequences demonstrate that our proposal is safe and effective; it can efficiently hold back forgery attack and replay attack. Finally, compared with the two identity-based public auditing proposals, our proposal outperforms the two proposals under the condition of overall considering computational cost, communication overhead, and security strength.
Automatic Recognition of Woven Fabric Pattern Based on TILT
Authors: Xiao Zhitao , Guo Yongmin , Geng Lei , Wu Jun , Zhang Fang , Wang Wen , Liu Yanbei
Published: September 2018

In this paper, an effective method based on Transform Invariant Low-rank Textures (TILT) and HOG is proposed to identify woven fabric pattern. Firstly, the method based on TILT is used to solve the deflection phenomenon in the process of woven fabric image acquisition. Secondly, the yarn floats in the fabric image is localized by the yarns segmentation method based on the 2D spatial-domain gray projection, which is used to segment the weft and warp yarns. Thirdly, HOG is applied to extract distinctive invariant features in the process of feature extraction. According to the HOG feature, the texture features of the woven fabric are acquired. Finally, the yarn floats are classified by Fuzzy C-Means (FCM) clustering to recognize the weft and warp cross. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method can achieve the recognition of the three woven fabrics, plain, twill, and satin, and obtain accurate classification results.