bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A General Novel Parallel Framework for SPH-centric Algorithms
Authors: Huang Kemeng , Ruan Jiming , Zhao Zipeng , Li Chen , Wang Changbo , Qin Hong
Published: June 2019

To date, large-scale fluid simulation with more details employing the Smooth Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) method or its variants is ubiquitous in computer graphics and digital entertainment applications. Higher accuracy and faster speed are two key criteria evaluating possible improvement of the underlying algorithms within any available framework. Such requirements give rise to high-fidelity simulation with more particles and higher particle density that will unavoidably increase computational cost significantly. In this paper, we develop a new general GPGPU acceleration framework for SPH-centric simulations founded upon a novel neighbor traversal algorithm. Our novel parallel framework integrates several advanced characteristics of GPGPU architecture (e.g., shared memory and register memory). Additionally, we have designed a reasonable task assignment strategy, which makes sure that all the threads from the same CTA belong to the same cell of the grid. With this organization, big bunches of continuous neighboring data can be loaded to the shared memory of a CTA and used by all its threads. Our method has thus low global-memory bandwidth consumption. We have integrated our method into both WCSPH and PCISPH, that are two improved variants in recent years, and demonstrated its performance with several scenarios involving multiple-fluid interaction, dam break, and elastic solid. Through comprehensive tests validated in practice, our work can exhibit up to 2.18x speedup when compared with other state-of-the-art parallel frameworks.
Integrative Network Analysis Reveals a MicroRNA-Based Signature for Prognosis Prediction of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Li Li , Gu Haiyan , Chen Lingying , Zhu Ping , Zhao Li , Wang Yuzhuo , Zhao Xiang , Zhang Xingguo , Zhang Yonghu , Shu Peng
Published: June 2019

Background. Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is a heterogeneous disease, which has been recently classified into four molecular subtypes, of which the mesenchymal subtype exhibited the worst prognosis. We aimed to identify a microRNA- (miRNA-) based signature by incorporating the molecular modalities involved in the mesenchymal subtype for risk stratification, which would allow the identification of patients who might benefit from more rigorous treatments. Method. We characterized the regulatory mechanisms underlying the mesenchymal subtype using network analyses integrating gene and miRNA expression profiles from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohort to identify a miRNA signature for prognosis prediction. Results. We identified four miRNAs as the master regulators of the mesenchymal subtype and developed a risk score model. The 4-miRNA signature significantly predicted overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in discovery (p=0.004 and p=0.04) and two independent public datasets (GSE73582: OS, HR: 2.26 (1.26-4.05), p=0.005, PFS, HR: 2.03 (1.34-3.09), p<0.001; GSE25204: OS, HR: 3.07 (1.73-5.46), p<0.001, PFS, HR: 2.59 (1.72-3.88), p<0.001). Moreover, in multivariate analyses, the miRNA signature maintained as an independent prognostic predictor and achieved superior efficiency compared to the currently used clinical factors. Conclusions. In conclusion, our network analysis identified a 4-miRNA signature which has prognostic value superior to currently reported clinical covariates. This signature warrants further testing and validation for use in clinical practice.
Dynamic Mechanical Properties and Constitutive Model of Honeycomb Materials with Random Defects under Impact Loading
Authors: Jun Hu , Jianwei Ren , Wei Ma , Aiguo Wang
Published: June 2019

The study analyzed the influence of random defects on plateau stresses of honeycomb materials with varied relative densities and established a computational model of honeycomb materials considering random defects. The results show that the plateau stress decreases evidently as the random defects increase, which is closely related to the relative density of honeycomb materials. It also set up a functional relationship between relative plateau stresses and random defects as well as that between relative plateau stresses and relative densities. Taken topological structure, random defects and strain rate effect into consideration, and it proposed a dynamic constitutive model of honeycomb materials under low‐middle impact loading. And the proposed constitutive model possesses a better applicability to match the stress‐strain relationship of honeycomb materials in existing impact experiments. The proposed constitutive model could make a theoretical foundation in material design and practical application of honeycombs containing random defects.
A Central Potential with a Massive Scalar Field in a Lorentz Symmetry Violation Environment
Authors: Vitória R. L. L. , Belich H.
Published: June 2019

We investigate the behaviour of a massive scalar field under the influence of a Coulomb-type and central linear central potentials inserted in the Klein-Gordon equation by modifying the mass term in the spacetime with Lorentz symmetry violation. We consider the presence of a background constant vector field which characterizes the breaking of the Lorentz symmetry and show that analytical solutions to the Klein-Gordon equation can be achieved.
Occurrence and Origin of H2S from Volcanic Reservoirs in Niudong Area of the Santanghu Basin, NW China
Authors: Ma Xiangxian , Zheng Guodong , Liang Minliang , Xie Dianhe , Martinelli Giovanni , Sajjad Wasim , Xu Wang , Fan Qiaohui , Li Liwu , Du Li , Zhao Yidong
Published: June 2019

A series of samples including natural gas, formation water, and rocks were collected from volcanic rock reservoirs in the Niudong area of the Santanghu Oilfields and analyzed for their mineral and/or chemical compositions and sulfur and carbon isotopes in order to investigate the occurrence and origin of hydrogen sulfide (H2S). H2S was mostly dissolved in the formation water along with petroleum production in the study area. The δ34S values of on-well H2S samples varied in a range of 9.2‰ to 20.5‰, probably indicating thermochemical sulfate reduction (TSR) and/or thermal decomposition of organic sulfur-bearing compounds (TDS) as the genetic process for H2S. However, the chemical composition of formation waters from the Kalagang Formation (C2k) and their coefficient of desulfurization also revealed that TSR could be the main principle for H2S formation. Considering the regional geological background, especially the tectonic structures and thermal evolution features of the basin, it was concluded that H2S in the study area was dominantly produced by thermal genesis with TSR as a domain through interactions between hydrocarbons and aqueous sulfate dissolved from sulfate minerals.
Investigations on Polymeric Nanoparticles for Ocular Delivery
Authors: Mittal Neeraj , Kaur Gurpreet
Published: June 2019

In the present investigation, an attempt was made to formulate timolol maleate (TML) loaded polymeric nanoparticles of flax seed gum (FX) and chitosan (CH) for ocular delivery using ionic gelation method. The process of nanoparticle preparation was optimized using 2-factor, 3-level central composite experimental design. The optimal concentration of FX and CH that yielded nanoparticles with minimum particle size (267.06 ± 8.65 nm) and maximum encapsulation efficiency (74.96 ± 4.78%) was found to be 0.10% w/v and 0.08% w/v, respectively. The formulated nanoparticles revealed considerable bioadhesive strength and exhibited sustained release of drug in in vitro diffusion studies. The ex vivo transcorneal penetration study revealed higher corneal penetration of TML compared to marketed eye drops. The confocal scanning laser microscopy (CSLM) studies also confirmed the ability of nanoparticles to penetrate into deeper layers of cornea. The histopathological studies revealed corneal biocompatibility of nanoparticles. The nanoparticles were found to reduce the intra ocular pressure (IOP) in rabbits for prolonged period when compared to conventional eye drops. The results of the present study suggested a promising role of polymeric nanoparticles for ocular drug delivery in treatment of glaucoma.
Peer Review of Manuscripts: A Valuable yet Neglected Educational Tool for Early-Career Researchers
Authors: McNair Robert , Le Phuong Hai Anh , Cseri Levente , Szekely Gyorgy
Published: June 2019

With the number of publications being all-time high, academic peer review is imperative to ensure high-quality research content. The wider involvement of postgraduate, early-career researchers (ECRs) has been proposed on several platforms to address the unsustainability of the peer review process caused by a lack of peer reviewers. A survey involving 1203 academics and ECRs in ten countries revealed their attitudes towards the involvement of ECRs in the peer review process. The trends and motives were identified, with emphasis on the peer review being an oft-neglected tool in the skill development of ECRs. In light of the survey results, the transferrable skills that ECRs acquire from performing peer reviews at a crucial stage in their career development are systematically explored. The findings call for further engagement of ECRs in the peer review process under supervisory mentoring.
Rehabilitation Technology: Assistance from Hospital to Home
Authors: Martinez-Martin Ester , Cazorla Miguel
Published: June 2019

Rehabilitation is essential for disabled people to achieve the highest level of functional independence, reducing or preventing impairments. Nonetheless, this process can be long and expensive. This fact together with the ageing phenomenon has become a critical issue for both clinicians and patients. In this sense, technological solutions may be beneficial since they reduce the costs and increase the number of patients per caregiver, which makes them more accessible. In addition, they provide access to rehabilitation services for those facing physical, financial, and/or attitudinal barriers. This paper presents the state of the art of the assistive rehabilitation technologies for different recovery methods starting from in-person sessions to complementary at-home activities.
Optimization of Sparse Concentric Ring Arrays for Low Sidelobe
Authors: Chen Kesong , Li Yafei , Shi Jiajia
Published: June 2019

To lower the peak sidelobe level (PSLL) of sparse concentric ring arrays, a method with multiple design constraints that embed a function model into modified real genetic algorithm (MGA) and select the grid ring radii as optimization individual to synthesize sparse concentric ring arrays is proposed. The multiple constraints include the array aperture, the minimum element spacing, and the number of elements. The proposed method dynamically calculates the ratio of element on each ring, and it has a faster convergence rate than other algorithms. The MGA uses real number to code the optimization variable, and it reduces the complexity of coding and improves the search efficiency. Finally, the results demonstrate the accuracy and effectiveness of the algorithm.
Stem Cells and Platelet-Rich Plasma Enhance the Healing Process of Tendinitis in Mice
Authors: Fedato Rosangela Alquieri , Francisco Júlio César , Sliva Gabriel , de Noronha Lúcia , Olandoski Márcia , Faria Neto Jose Rocha , Ferreira Priscila Elias , Simeoni Rossana Baggio , Abdelwahid Eltyeb , de Carvalho Katherine Athayde Teixeira , Guarita-Souza Luiz César
Published: June 2019

Objective. Achilles tendon pathologies occur frequently and have a significant socioeconomic impact. Currently, there is no evidence on the best treatment for these pathologies. Cell therapy has been studied in several animal models, and encouraging results have been observed with respect to tissue regeneration. This study is aimed at evaluating the functional and histological effects of bone marrow stem cell or platelet-rich plasma implantation compared to eccentric training in the treatment of Achilles tendinopathy in rats.Methods.Fourty-one male Wistar rats received collagenase injections into their bilateral Achilles tendons (collagenase-induced tendinopathy model). The rats were randomly divided into four groups: stem cells (SC), platelet-rich plasma (PRP), stem cells+platelet-rich plasma (SC+PRP), and control (eccentric training (ET)). After 4 weeks, the Achilles tendons were excised and subjected to biomechanical and histological analyses (Sirius red and hematoxylin-eosin staining).Results.Biomechanical assessments revealed no differences among the groups in ultimate tensile strength or yield strength of the tendons (p=0.157), but there were significant differences in the elastic modulus (MPa;p=0.044) and maximum tensile deformation (p=0.005). The PRP group showed the greatest maximum deformation, and the SC group showed the highest Young’s modulus (elasticity) measurement. In histological analysis (hematoxylin-eosin and Sirius red staining), there were no differences among the groups.Conclusion.PRP and SC+PRP yielded better biomechanical results than eccentric training, showing that these treatments offer better tend function outcomes. This theoretical rationale for the belief that cell therapies can serve as viable alternatives to current treatments chronic fibrotic opens the door for opportunities to continue this research.
Measuring and Fitting the Relationship between Socioeconomic Development and Environmental Pollution: A Case of Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei Region, China
Authors: Meng Ming , Pang Tingting , Fan Liguo
Published: June 2019

The Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei (BTH) region is a top urban agglomeration of China but has the problem of severe environmental pollution. Most of the current researches on the sustainable development of this region only concentrate on the environmental pollution itself and ignore its relationship to the socioeconomic development. In this research, an entropy-based coupling model, a polynomial equation with partial least squares algorithm, and socioeconomic and environmental data in 2006–2015 were used to measure and fit the above relationship. Empirical analysis led to the following conclusions. (1) Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei presented similar socioeconomic development modes but different environmental pollution modes. (2) The social economy of the BTH region has been developing at the expense of environmental pollution, but the environmental cost has been decreasing year by year. (3) At present, the BTH region has huge potential to improve its environment. (4) Increasing the investment in the treatment of industrial pollution in Tianjin and mitigating the soot (dust) emissions in Tianjin and Hebei are the major environmental policy directions. (5) Controlling the development of smelting and pressing of ferrous metals and other building material sectors in Hebei is the major economic policy direction.
Luteolin-7-glucoside Promotes Human Epidermal Stem Cell Proliferation by Upregulatingβ-Catenin, c-Myc, and Cyclin Expression
Authors: Wan Dapeng , Fu Yi , Le Yingying , Zhang Ping , Ju Jihui , Wang Benyuan , Zhang Guangliang , Wang Zhaodong , Su Hao , Wang Ling , Hou Ruixing
Published: June 2019

Skin epidermal stem cells (EpSCs) play critical roles in skin homeostasis and the repair of skin injury. Luteolin-7-glucoside (L7G) has been reported to accelerate skin wound healing through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidative activity. But its effect on EpSCs is not clear. In the present study, we examined the effect of L7G on the proliferation of human EpSCs and explored the mechanisms involved. MTT assay showed that L7G promoted EpSC proliferation in a dose- and time-dependent manner. BrdU incorporation assay and Ki67 immunofluorescence staining confirmed the proproliferative effect of L7G on EpSCs. Cell cycle analysis showed that treatment of EpSCs with L7G decreased the cell number in the G1 phase and increased the cell number in the S phase. In addition, L7G significantly enhanced EpSC migration. Mechanistic studies showed that L7G significantly induced the expression ofβ-catenin and c-Myc, as well as cyclins D1, A2, and E1which are critical for G1/S phase transition. L7G stimulated EpSC proliferation throughβ-catenin and c-Myc. We further examined the effect of L7G on EpSC proliferation in skin tissues by treatment of human skin explants with L7G and examined the number of EpSCs by immunohistochemical stain of EpSC markersα6integrin andβ1integrin. We found that treatment of human skin tissue explants with L7G significantly increased the thickness of the epidermis and increased the numbers ofα6integrin-positive andβ1integrin-positive cells at the basal layer of the epidermis. Taken together, these results indicate that L7G promotes EpSC proliferation through upregulatingβ-catenin, c-Myc, and cyclin expression. L7G can be used to expand EpSCs for generating epidermal autografts and engineered skin equivalents.
Prevention of Osteoporosis in the Ovariectomized Rat by Oral Administration of a Nutraceutical Combination That Stimulates Nitric Oxide Production
Authors: Rajfer Rebecca A. , Flores Manuel , Abraham Andrea , Garcia Eduardo , Hinojosa Natalhy , Desai Mina , Artaza Jorge N. , Ferrini Monica G.
Published: June 2019

Osteoporosis represents an imbalance between bone formation and bone resorption. As a result of low estrogen levels, it is markedly prevalent during menopause, thus making such patients susceptible to fractures. Both bone formation and resorption are modulated by nitric oxide (NO). Currently, there are no risk-free pharmaceutical prevention therapies for osteoporosis. COMB-4, a nutraceutical combination of Paullinia cupana, Muira puama, ginger, and L-citrulline, known to activate the NO-cGMP pathway, was reported to accelerate fracture healing in the rat. To determine whether COMB-4 could be effective in preventing menopausal osteoporosis, it was compared to estradiol (E2) in an ovariectomized (OVX) rat osteoporosis model. Nine-month-old female Sprague Dawley rats were divided into SHAM, OVX, OVX+E2, and OVX+COMB-4. After 100 days of treatment, bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) were measured by DXA scan. TRAP staining was performed in the femur and lumbar vertebrae. TRACP 5b and osteocalcin levels were assayed in the serum. MC3T3-E1 cells were differentiated into osteoblasts and treated with COMB-4 for one week in order to evaluate calcium deposition by Alizarin staining, cGMP production by ELISA, and upregulation of the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) enzymes by RT-PCR. OVX resulted in a decrease in BMD, BMC, and serum osteocalcin and an increase in serum TRACP 5b. Except for an increase in BMC with COMB-4, both E2 and COMB-4 reverted all bone and serum markers, as well as the number of osteoclasts in the vertebrae, to SHAM levels. Incubation of MC3T3-E1 cells with COMB-4 demonstrated an increase in the three NOS isoforms, cGMP, and calcium deposition. COMB-4 increased BMD in OVX rats by inhibiting bone resorption and increasing calcium deposition presumably via activation of the NO-cGMP pathway. It remains to be determined whether COMB-4 could be a potential nutraceutical therapy for the prevention of premenopausal bone loss.
Study on Reservoir Properties and Critical Depth in Deep Coal Seams in Qinshui Basin, China
Authors: Zheng Guiqiang , Sun Bin , Lv Dawei , Pan Zhejun , Lian Huiqing
Published: June 2019

Coalbed methane (CBM) reservoir properties and relationship of properties with burial depth were studied based on the data derived from 204 deep CBM production wells in Qinshui Basin, China. Through the study, it is found that permeability and porosity decrease with the increase of burial depth and the decreasing trend shows step‐change characteristics at a critical burial depth. They also show divisional characteristics at certain burial depth. Gas content, geostress, and geotemperature increase with the increase of burial depth, and the increasing trend shows step‐change characteristics and also have divisional characteristics at certain burial depth. Based on the previous study on the reservoir property changes with burial depth, three series of critical depth using different parameters are obtained through simulating the critical depth using the BP neural network method. It is found that the critical depth is different when using different parameters. Combined the previous study with the normalization of three different parameter types, the critical depth in Qinshui Basin was defined as shallow coal seam is lower than 650 m and transition band is 650–1000 m, while deep coal seam is deeper than 1000 m. In deep coal seams, the geological conditions and recovery becomes poor, so it can be defined as unfavorable zones. Therefore, other development means, for example, CO2 injection, need to be used to accelerate the deep coal methane development.
Stem cells in Osteoporosis: From Biology to New Therapeutic Approaches
Authors: Paspaliaris Vasilis , Kolios George
Published: June 2019

Osteoporosis is a systemic disease that affects the skeleton, causing reduction of bone density and mass, resulting in destruction of bone microstructure and increased risk of bone fractures. Since osteoporosis is a disease affecting the elderly and the aging of the world’s population is constantly increasing, it is expected that the incidence of osteoporosis and its financial burden on the insurance systems will increase continuously and there is a need for more understanding this condition in order to prevent and/or treat it. At present, available drug therapy for osteoporosis primarily targets the inhibition of bone resorption and agents that promote bone mineralization, designed to slow disease progression. Safe and predictable pharmaceutical means to increase bone formation have been elusive. Stem cell therapy of osteoporosis, as a therapeutic strategy, offers the promise of an increase in osteoblast differentiation and thus reversing the shift towards bone resorption in osteoporosis. This review is focused on the current views regarding the implication of the stem cells in the cellular and physiologic mechanisms of osteoporosis and discusses data obtained from stem cell-based therapies of osteoporosis in experimental animal models and the possibility of their future application in clinical trials.
Numerical Simulation of the Influence of Geological CO2 Storage on the Hydrodynamic Field of a Reservoir
Authors: Mi Zhaoxu , Wang Fugang , Yang Zhijie , Li Xufeng , Diao Yujie , Ma Xin , Tian Hailong
Published: June 2019

CO2 geological storage in deep saline aquifers is an effective way to reduce CO2 emissions. The injection of CO2 inevitably causes a significant pressure increase in reservoirs. When there exist faults which cut through a deep reservoir and shallow aquifer system, there is a risk of the shallow aquifer being impacted by the changes in reservoir hydrodynamic fields. In this paper, a radial model and a 3D model are established by TOUGH2-ECO2N for the reservoir system in the CO2 geological storage demonstration site in the Junggar Basin to analyze the impact of the CO2 injection on the deep reservoir pressure field and the possible influence on the surrounding shallow groundwater sources. According to the results, the influence of CO2 injection on the reservoir pressure field in different periods and different numbers of well is analyzed. The result shows that the number of injection wells has a significant impact on the reservoir pressure field changes. The greater the number of injection wells is, the greater the pressure field changes. However, after the cessation of CO2 injection, the number of injection wells has little impact on the reservoir pressure recovery time. Under the geological conditions of the site and the constant injection pressure, although the CO2 injection has a significant influence on the pressure field in the deep reservoir, the impact on the shallow groundwater source area is minimal and can be neglected and the existing shallow groundwater sources are safe in the given project scenarios.
High-Molecular-Weight Glutenin 1Bx17 and 1By18 Subunits Encoded byGlu-B1iEnhance Rheological Properties and Breadmaking Quality of Wheat Dough
Authors: Guo Haoyu , Wu Jisu , Lu Yuxia , Yan Yueming
Published: June 2019

The elasticity of wheat dough is mainly determined by high-molecular-weight glutenin subunits (HMW-GSs) encoded byGlu-1loci. In this study, we performed the first comprehensive study on the effects ofGlu-B1i-encoded 1Bx17 and 1By18 subunits on dough rheological properties and breadmaking quality by using a pair ofGlu-B1near-isogenic lines (NILs) ZM-NIL1 and ZM-NIL2. Comparative analysis of basic quality parameters, rapid visco analyzer (RVA) and farinograph parameters, and C-cell and loaf parameters showed that ZM-NIL2 containingGlu-B1i-encoded 1Bx17 and 1By18 subunits had better dough rheological properties and breadmaking quality than ZM-NIL1 carryingGlu-B1c-encoded 1Bx7 and 1By9 subunits, including significantly increased protein and gluten content, development time and stability, and loaf volume and score. Particularly, 1Bx17 and 1By18 subunits could significantly enhance bread texture, including significant increase in slice brightness, slice area, circumference, cell contrast, cell extension, and cell quantity. These results demonstrate that 1Bx17 and 1By18 subunits have a significant contribution to dough rheological properties and breadmaking quality.
Spin Polarization Oscillations and Coherence Time in the Random Interaction Approach
Authors: Pereyra P.
Published: June 2019

We study the time evolution of the survival probability and the spin polarization of a dissipative nondegenerate two-level system in the presence of a magnetic field in the Faraday configuration. We apply the Extended Gaussian Orthogonal Ensemble approach to model the stochastic system-environment interaction and calculate the survival and spin polarization to first and second order of the interaction picture. We present also the time evolution of the thermal average of these quantities as functions of the temperature, the magnetic field, and the energy-levels density, for ρ(ϵ)∝ϵs, in the subohmic, ohmic, and superohmic dissipation forms. We show that the behavior of the spin polarization calculated here agrees rather well with the time evolution of spin polarization observed and calculated, recently, for the electron-nucleus dynamics of Ga centers in dilute (Ga,N)As semiconductors.
Total Delay in Treatment of Tuberculosis and Associated Factors among New Pulmonary TB Patients in Selected Health Facilities of Gedeo Zone, Southern Ethiopia, 2017/18
Authors: Awoke Netsanet , Dulo Bedado , Wudneh Feven
Published: June 2019

Background. TB is an infectious disease caused by the bacillus Mycobacterium TB complex. It is a major public health concern causing devastating illness in millions of people each year and one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide following HIV pandemic. It demands huge costs each year for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of TB. Global TB control progress depends on major advances in early diagnosis and treatment. Despite progress in providing diagnosis and preventive treatment of TB, big detection and treatment gaps remained with delayed diagnosis and treatment of TB especially in resource-limited countries. This is mainly because of factors related to the patient and health care system including sociodemographic, economic, and cultural barriers to accessing TB care. Objective. The study conducted in Gedeo Zone, Southern Ethiopia, had the primary purpose of identifying the median delay in starting a correct TB treatment and the associated factors for such a delay in patients newly diagnosed with PTB in selected health facilities of Gedeo Zone, Southern Ethiopia, 2017/18. Methods. Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted among new pulmonary TB patients in selected health institution of Gedeo Zone, Southern Ethiopia, 2017, from October, 2017, to May, 2018. All new pulmonary TB patients who fulfill the inclusion criteria during the study period were included in the study after informed consent was obtained from the participants. Data was cleaned, coded, and entered into SPSS version 20 for analysis. A frequency for variables was calculated. Chi-square was used to screen the possible potential associated factors and multivariate analysis was used to ascertain the association between variables. All statistical tests values of p<0.05 were considered as statistically significant. Result. The median total in treatment of TB was 60 days. Among the total study participants, 50.9% of the participants have unacceptable/longer total delay in TB treatment. Being of female gender, not attending formal education, having rural residency, having poor knowledge of TB, having home distance >10Km from the nearest health facility, visiting nonformal health care provider, and taking antibiotic treatment before TB diagnosis empirically were identified as significant independently associated factors for unacceptable total treatment in TB. Conclusions. There was higher median total delay in treatment of TB (60 days) and an overall prevalence of 50.9% unacceptable/longer total delay in treatment of TB. Female gender, rural residence, not attending formal education, visiting nonformal health facility as first health care seeking, having poor knowledge of TB, and having antibiotic treatment before TB diagnosis were identified as independent significant associated factors.
Experimental Investigation of a Planar Antenna with Band Rejection Features for Ultra-Wide Band (UWB) Wireless Networks
Authors: Khan Muhammad Irshad , Khattak Muhammad Irfan , Witjaksono Gunawan , Barki Zaka Ullah , Ullah Sadiq , Khan Imran , Lee Byung Moo
Published: June 2019

The Federal Communication Commission (FCC) has authorized the use of unlicensed ultra-wide band (UWB) spectrum in the frequency range from 3.1 to 10.6 GHz for a variety of short-range applications, including wireless monitors and printers, camcorders, radar imaging, and personal area networks (PANS). However, the interference between coexisting narrowband channels and UWB signals that share the same spectrum should be avoided by designing UWB antennas with band notch characteristics. This work presents a printed monopole antenna (PMA) with slots of different shapes etched in the radiating element to obtain band rejection in the three coexisting communication bands, i.e., Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), and International Telecommunication Union (ITU). A rectangular slot is etched to reject the WiMAX band (3.01-3.68 GHz), an upturned C slot stops the WLAN band (5.18-5.73 GHz) while an inverted-U slot halts the ITU frequency band (7.7-8.5 GHz). The proposed antenna occupies a volume of 32 x 30 x 1.6 mm3 and it radiates efficiently (>90%) with a satisfactory gain (>1.95 dBi) in the unnotched UWB frequency range. The simulations are performed in High Frequency System Simulator (HFSS), while the measurements are conducted in antenna measurement facility and found in close agreement with the former.
Disk-Integrated Lunar Brightness Temperatures between 89 and 190 GHz
Authors: Burgdorf Martin J. , Buehler Stefan A. , Hans Imke , Prange Marc
Published: June 2019

Measurements of the disk-integrated brightness temperature of the Moon at 89, 157, 183, and 190 GHz are presented for phase angles between -80° and 50° relative to full Moon. They were obtained with the Microwave Humidity Sounder (MHS) on NOAA-18 from 39 instances when the Moon appeared in the deep space view of the instrument. Polynomials were fitted to the measured values and the maximum temperature and the phase angle of its occurrence were determined. A comparison of these results with the predictions from three different models or rather parametrical expressions by Keihm, Mo & Kigawa, and Yang et al. revealed significantly larger phase lags for the lower frequencies in the measurements with MHS. As the Moon has appeared thousands of times in the field of view of all microwave sounders combined, this investigation demonstrates the potential of weather satellites for fine tuning models and establishing the Moon as extremely accurate calibration reference.
ELL2 Is Downregulated and Associated with Galactose-Deficient IgA1 in IgA Nephropathy
Authors: Liu Youxia , Zheng Jie , Zhao Na , Jia Junya , Yan Tiekun
Published: June 2019

Background. Galactose-deficient IgA1 (Gd-IgA1) is an important causal factor in IgA nephropathy; however, the underlying mechanism for the production of Gd-IgA1 is unknown. The elongation factor for RNA polymerase II (ELL2), which encoded a key component of the superelongation complex (SEC), drives secretory-specific Ig mRNA production. Methods. We enrolled 21 patients with IgAN, 18 healthy controls, and 20 patients with non-IgAN glomerulonephritis. The differential expression of ELL2 was compared using publically available data from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets. The relationship between ELL2 expressions and galactose-deficient IgA1 (Gd-IgA1) levels in serum were also studied. At last, the results were validated by shELL2 treatment experiment. Results. We found that the number of CD19+ B cells was increased in IgAN patients compared to healthy controls. The expression level of ELL2 in patients with IgAN was significantly lower than that of healthy control and disease control. Consistent with present results, the lower ELL2 expression in IgAN patients was observed in microarray expression profiles from GEO datasets. Pearson correlation analysis showed that ELL2 expression negatively correlated with Gd-IgA1 levels. Furthermore, in an in vitro experiment, we found that loss of ELL2 function in human B lymphoma DAKIKI cells, an IgA1-producing cell line, increased the levels of Gd-IgA1, which confirmed that ELL2 modulated the levels of Gd-IgA1. Conclusion. Our findings implied that decreased ELL2 expression was negatively correlated with the numbers of B cells and aberrant glycosylation of IgA1 in IgAN.
Production and Evaluation of an Avian IgY Immunotoxin against CD133+ for Treatment of Carcinogenic Stem Cells in Malignant Glioma: IgY Immunotoxin for the Treatment of Glioblastoma
Authors: Chavez-Cortez Elda-Georgina , Vargas Felix Gustavo , Rangel López Edgar , Sotelo Julio , Martínez-Canseco Carlos , Pérez-de la Cruz Verónica , Pineda Benjamin
Published: June 2019

Background. Glioblastoma is the most common malignant tumor of Central Nervous System. Despite the research in therapeutics, the prognosis is dismal. Malignant glioma stem cells (MGSCs) are a major cause of treatment failure and increasing tumor recurrence. In general, cancer stem cells (CSCs) express prominin-1 (CD133), considered as a potential therapeutic target. In this study, we produced an avian immunotoxin directed against the subpopulation of CD133+ CSCs within a malignant glioma. We used the avian IgY because it has various advantages as increased affinity to mammal antigens and inexpensive obtention of large amounts of specific antibodies (approximately 1 mg/per egg). The design, production, purification and use of IgY anti CD133 immunotoxin constitute an original goal of this research.Methods. The immunodominant peptide of CD133 was designed to immunize hens; also, the extracellular domain of CD133 was cloned to probe the IgY antibodies. In parallel, a recombinant abrin A chain was produced inE. coliin order to join it to the Fc domain of the anti-CD133 IgY to conform the immunotoxin. This anti-CD133 IgY anti-tumor immunotoxin was testedin vitroandin vivo. Results. The cytotoxicity of the immunotoxinin vitroshowed that IgY-abrin immunotoxin reduced 55% cell viability. After subcutaneous MGSCs implantation, the animals treated intraperitoneally or intratumorally with the IgY-abrin immunotoxin showed more than 50% decrease of tumor volume.Conclusion. Results showed that the IgY-abrin immunotoxin had cytotoxic activity against CD133+ MGSCs and provides a novel approach for the immunotherapy of glioblastoma.
Modeling Dynamics of Prey-Predator Fishery Model with Harvesting: A Bioeconomic Model
Authors: Raymond Charles , Hugo Alfred , Kung’aro Monica
Published: June 2019

A mathematical model is proposed and analysed to study the dynamics of two-prey one predator system of fishery model with Holling type II function response. The effect of harvesting was incorporated to both populations and thoroughly analysed. We study the ecological dynamics of the Nile perch, cichlid, and tilapia fishes as prey-predator system of lake Victoria fishery in Tanzania. In both cases, by nondimensionalization of the system, the equilibrium points are computed and conditions for local and global stability of the system are obtained. Condition for local stability was obtained by eigenvalue approach and Routh-Hurwitz Criterion. Moreover, the global stability of the coexistence equilibrium point is proved by defining appropriate Lyapunov function. Bioeconomic equilibrium is analysed and numerical simulations are also carried out to verify the analytical results. The numerical results indicate that the three species would coexist if cichlid and tilapia fishes will not be overharvested as these populations contribute to the growth rates of Nile perch population. The fishery control management should be exercised to avoid overharvesting of cichlid and tilapia fishes.
Effect of Aging on the Lower Limb Kinematics in Karate Practitioners: Comparing Athletes and Their Senseis
Authors: Branco Marco A. C. , VencesBrito António M. V. , Rodrigues-Ferreira Mário A. , Branco Gonçalo A. C. , Polak Ewa , Cynarski Wojciech J. , Jacek Wąsik
Published: June 2019

With the life expectancy increasing, older adult population has gained the attention of many researchers. Aging is known to lead to a general decline in bodily functions, which affect the quality of life. The aim of this study was to analyze how the aging process affects veteran active karate practitioners, in the kinematic and temporal structure of the frontal kick. Nine black belt karate practitioners over 50 years old and 24 black belt karate practitioners, aged between 20 and 30 years old, all male, performed the frontal kick mae-geri. Results showed that knee is the structure that holds most differences between young and veterans, both for linear and for angular variables during the mae-geri performance. Statistical differences were found in linear velocity for the knee; linear acceleration of the knee, hip, and RASIS; maximum angular velocity for knee and hip; maximum angular acceleration for ankle and hip; and in the range of motion of knee. The temporal variables show differences, between groups, in maximum linear velocity, maximum linear acceleration, and maximum angular acceleration. However, no differences were found between groups for the time before contact in the maximum linear and angular acceleration, which allow us to remark both the effects of the aging process and the effect of training. This study corroborates the ability of older people to achieve benefits from sports practice, achieving higher efficiency than the younger adults in task execution, but using different motor control strategies.
Exosomes Derived from Mesenchymal Stem Cells Ameliorate Hypoxia/Reoxygenation-Injured ECs via Transferring MicroRNA-126
Authors: Pan Qunwen , Wang Yan , Lan Qing , Wu Weiquan , Li Zhenxuan , Ma Xiaotang , Yu Liming
Published: June 2019

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) show protective effects on ischemia/reperfusion- (I/R-) induced endothelial cell (EC) injury and vascular damage. Stem cell-released exosomes (EXs) could modulate target cell functions by delivering their cargos, and exert therapeutic effects as their mother cells. miR-126 is an important regulator of EC functions and angiogenesis. In this study, we determined whether EXs released from MSC-EXs provided beneficial effects on hypoxia/reoxygenation- (H/R-) injured ECs by transferring miR-126. MSCs were transfected with a miR-126 mimic or miR-126 short hairpin RNA to obtain miR-126-overexpressing MSC-EXs (MSC-EXsmiR-126) and miR-126 knockdown MSC-EXs (MSC-EXsSimiR-126). For functional studies, H/R-injured ECs were coincubated with various MSC-EXs. The viability, migration, tube formation ability, and apoptosis of ECs were measured. miR-126 and proangiogenic/growth factor (VEGF, EGF, PDGF, and bFGF) expressions were detected by qRT-PCR. Akt, p-Akt, p-eNOS, and cleaved caspase-3 expressions were examined by western blot. The PI3K inhibitor (LY294002) was used in pathway analysis. We found that overexpression/knockdown of miR-126 increased/decreased the proliferation of MSCs, as well as miR-126 expression in their derived MSC-EXs. MSC-EXsmiR-126 were more effective in promoting proliferation, migration, and tube formation ability of H/R-injured ECs than MSC-EXs. These effects were associated with the increase in p-Akt/Akt and p-eNOS, which could be abolished by LY294002. Besides, MSC-EXsmiR-126 were more effective than MSC-EXs in reducing the apoptosis of ECs, coupled with the decrease in cleaved caspase-3. Moreover, compared to MSC-EXs, MSC-EXsmiR-126 significantly upregulated the level of VEGF, EGF, PDGF, and bFGF in H/R-injured ECs. Downregulation of miR-126 in MSC-EXs inhibited these effects of MSC-EXs. The results suggest that MSC-EXs could enhance the survival and angiogenic function of H/R-injured ECs via delivering miR-126 to ECs and subsequently activate the PI3K/Akt/eNOS pathway, decrease cleaved caspase-3 expression, and increase angiogenic and growth factors.
Methylation Marks of Blood Leukocytes of Native Hucul Mares Differentiated in Age
Authors: Ząbek T. , Semik-Gurgul E. , Szmatoła T. , Gurgul A. , Fornal A. , Bugno-Poniewierska M.
Published: June 2019

Horses are one of the longest-living species of farm animals. Advanced age is often associated with a decrease in body condition, dysfunction of immune system, and late-onset disorders. Due to this, the search for new solutions in the prevention and treatment of pathological conditions of the advanced age of horses is desirable. That is why the identification of aging-related changes in the horse genome is interesting in this respect. In the recent years, the research on aging includes studies of age-related epigenetic effects observed on the DNA methylation level. We applied reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS) to uncover a range of age DMR sites in genomes of blood leukocytes derived from juvenile and aged horses of native Hucul breed. Genes colocated with age-related differentially methylated regions (age DMRs) are the members of pathways involved in cellular signal transduction, immune response, neurogenesis, differentiation, development, and cancer progression. A positive correlation was found between methylation states and gene expression in particular loci from our data set. Some of described age DMR-linked genes were also reported elsewhere. Obtained results contribute to the knowledge about the molecular basis of aging of equine blood cells.
Ethnobotanical Study of Indigenous Medicinal Plants of Jazan Region, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Tounekti Taieb , Mahdhi Mosbah , Khemira Habib
Published: June 2019

For a long time, the people of Saudi Arabia have been using medicinal plants (MPs) as conventional medicine to heal diverse human and livestock diseases. The present work is the first study on ethnobotanical uses of 124 MPs species used by the local tribal communities of Jazan province in the Southwest of Saudi Arabia. Ethnobotanical data were collected by interviewing 174 local informants using semistructured interviews. Informants of different ages, from several settlements belonging to several tribal communities, were interviewed. It is worth noticing that the age of informants and their knowledge of MPs were positively correlated, whereas the educational level and MP knowledge of participants were negatively correlated. To find out if there was agreement in the use of certain plants in the treatment of given ailments, we used Informant Consensus Factor (ICF). To determine the most frequently used plant species for treating a particular ailment category by local people we used the fidelity level (FL%). The Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC) was used to indicate the local importance of a species and the relative importance (RI) level was used to check the therapeutic potentials of the cited plants. A total of 124 MPs belonging to 103 genera and 48 families were collected and identified. The majority of these plants were shrubs (45%), perennial herbs (21%), annual herbs (19%), or trees (18%). The Asteraceae (10.48%), Fabaceae (7.25%), and Apocynaceae (7.25%) families were the most represented. Leaves, fruits, and whole plant (24%, 18%, and 16%, respectively) were the most used plant parts in formulating traditional medicines.Ziziphus spina-christiandCalotropis procerawith the highest RI level (2.0) were found to have the highest range of therapeutic uses. They were followed byDatura stramonium(1.86),Withania somnifera,andAloe vera(1.81). The ICF ranged from 0.02 to 0.42 covering 12 disease categories with a prevalence of disease categories related to skin and hair problems (ICF=0.42) having 75 species cited, while 73 species were cited for gastrointestinal tract (GIT) disorders (ICF = 0.40).Senna alexandrina(67%),Tribulus terrestris(64%),Pulicaria undulata(60%),Leptadenia pyrotechnica(55%), andRumex nervosus(55%) had the highest FL which indicates their good healing potential against specific diseases. The high-FL species are the most promising candidate plants for in-depth pharmacological screening and merit further consideration. Accordingly, Jazan flora has good ethnobotanical potential. Unfortunately, many MP species are endangered by drought, overgrazing, and overexploitation. Some protection measures should be undertaken to prevent these species from becoming extinct. Natural reserves and wild nurseries are typical settings to retain medically important plants in their natural habitats, while botanic gardens and seed banks are important paradigms forex situconservation.
Generalized Diffusion Equation Associated with a Power-Law Correlated Continuous Time Random Walk
Authors: Shi Long
Published: June 2019

In this work, a generalization of continuous time random walk is considered, where the waiting times among the subsequent jumps are power-law correlated with kernel function M(t)=tρ(ρ>-1). In a continuum limit, the correlated continuous time random walk converges in distribution a subordinated process. The mean square displacement of the proposed process is computed, which is of the form 〈x2(t)〉∝tH=t1/(1+ρ+1/α). The anomy exponent H varies from α to α/(1+α) when -1<ρ<0 and from α/(1+α) to 0 when ρ>0. The generalized diffusion equation of the process is also derived, which has a unified form for the above two cases.
Combination of Radar and Rain Gauge Information to Map the Snowy Region in Jeju Island, Korea: A Case Study
Authors: Ku Jung Mo , Yoo Chulsang
Published: June 2019

Hallasan Mountain is located at the center of Jeju Island, Korea. Even though Hallasan Mountain has a height of just 1,950 m, the temperature during the winter decreases below −20 degrees Celsius. On the contrary, the temperature on the coastal areas remains just above freezing. Therefore, large snowfalls in the mountain and rainfall in the coastal areas are very common in Jeju Island. Most of the rain gauges are available around highly populated coastal areas, and snow measurements are available at just four locations on the coastal areas. Therefore, it is practically impossible to distinguish the rainfall and snowfall in Jeju Island. Fortunately, two radars (Seongsan and Gosan radars) operate on Jeju Island, which fully covers Hallasan Mountain. This study proposes a method of using both the radar and rain gauge information to map the snowy region in Jeju Island, including Hallasan Mountain. As a first step, this study analyzed the Z-R and Z-S relationships to derive a fixed threshold of radar reflectivity to separate snowfall from rainfall, and, in the second step, this study additionally considered the observed rain rate information to implement the problem of using the fixed threshold. This proposed method was applied to radar reflectivity data collected during November 1, 2014, to April 30, 2015, and the results indicate that the method considering both the radar and rain gauge information was satisfactory. This method also showed good performance, especially when the rain rate was very low.