bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of the Uridine–Cytidine Kinase Like-1 Protein and IL28B rs12979860 and rs8099917 SNPs on the Development of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Cirrhotic Chronic Hepatitis C Patients—A Pilot Study
Authors: Buivydiene Arida , Liakina Valentina , Kashuba Elena , Norkuniene Jolita , Jokubauskiene Skirmante , Gineikiene Egle , Valantinas Jonas
Published: September 2018

Background and objectives: The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the major causative agent of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the western world. The efficacy of surveillance programs for early detection of HCC is not satisfactory: many tumors are diagnosed at the late, incurable stages. Therefore, there is a need in reliable prognostic markers for the proper follow-up of HCV-positive patients. The aim of the present study was to assess the prognostic value of the uridine–cytidine kinase-like protein 1 (UCKL-1), a putative oncoprotein, together with genetically determined polymorphisms in the interleukin 28B (IL28B) gene (rs12979860, rs8099917) in the development of HCC in HCV-positive cirrhotic patients. Materials and Methods: We included 32 HCV cirrhotic patients, 21 (65.6%) of whom had HCC. The expression of UCKL-1 was assessed in liver tissue sections, using immunohistochemistry. For IL28B rs12979860 and rs8099917 genotype analysis, the corresponding genomic regions were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with appropriate primers. Results: We have found that UCKL-1 expression was significantly increased in HCC (p = 0.003). The presence of rs8099917 TT single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) elevated the chances of HCC manifestation more than sevenfold (OR = 7.3, p = 0.0273). The presence of rs12979860 CC SNP also heightened HCC chances more than sevenfold (OR = 7.5, p = 0.0765). Moreover, in the HCC group, a combination of IL28B rs12979860 non-TT and rs8099917 TT genotypes was observed more often, compared with the non-HCC group. Other combinations of IL28B rs12979860 and rs8099917 SNIPs were associated with a reduced risk of HCC development, approximately at the same extent. Conclusions: The presence of IL28B rs8099917 TT and rs12979860 CC SNPs, but not the intensity of UCKL-1 expression, is strongly associated with increased chances of HCC development in HCV-positive cirrhotic patients.
Study on Interface Structure of Cu/Al Clad Plates by Roll Casting
Authors: Chang Qinghua , Xie Jingpei , Mao Aixia , Wang Wenyan
Published: September 2018

Large scale Atomic/Molecular dynamic Parallel Simulator (LAMMPS) molecular dynamics simulation software was used to simulate the copper and aluminum atom diffusion and changes of interface during heating and cooling process of copper and aluminum composite panels. The structures of the interface were characterized through scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscope (TEM), and the mechanical properties were also tested. The simulation results show that the diffusion rate of copper atom is higher than that of aluminum atom, and that the CuAl2 radial distribution function of the interface at 300 K is consistent with that of pure CuAl2 at room temperature. At 930 K, t = 50 ps Cu atoms spread at a distance of approximately four Al lattice constants around the Al layer, and Al atoms spread to about half a lattice constant distance to the Cu layer. The experimental results show that the thickness of the interface in copper–aluminum composite plate is about 1 μm, and only one kind of CuAl2 with tetragonal phase structure is generated in the interface, which corresponds with the result of molecular dynamics simulation.
Cannabinoid Delivery Systems for Pain and Inflammation Treatment
Authors: Bruni Natascia , Della Pepa Carlo , Oliaro-Bosso Simonetta , Pessione Enrica , Gastaldi Daniela , Dosio Franco
Published: September 2018

There is a growing body of evidence to suggest that cannabinoids are beneficial for a range of clinical conditions, including pain, inflammation, epilepsy, sleep disorders, the symptoms of multiple sclerosis, anorexia, schizophrenia and other conditions. The transformation of cannabinoids from herbal preparations into highly regulated prescription drugs is therefore progressing rapidly. The development of such drugs requires well-controlled clinical trials to be carried out in order to objectively establish therapeutic efficacy, dose ranges and safety. The low oral bioavailability of cannabinoids has led to feasible methods of administration, such as the transdermal route, intranasal administration and transmucosal adsorption, being proposed. The highly lipophilic nature of cannabinoids means that they are seen as suitable candidates for advanced nanosized drug delivery systems, which can be applied via a range of routes. Nanotechnology-based drug delivery strategies have flourished in several therapeutic fields in recent years and numerous drugs have reached the market. This review explores the most recent developments, from preclinical to advanced clinical trials, in the cannabinoid delivery field, and focuses particularly on pain and inflammation treatment. Likely future directions are also considered and reported.
Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Diabetic, and Anti-Alzheimer’s Effects of Prenylated Flavonoids from Okinawa Propolis: An Investigation by Experimental and Computational Studies
Authors: Shahinozzaman Md , Taira Nozomi , Ishii Takahiro , Halim Mohammad A. , Hossain Md Amzad , Tawata Shinkichi
Published: September 2018

Okinawa propolis (OP) and its major ingredients were reported to have anti-cancer effects and lifespan-extending effects on Caenorhabditis elegans through inactivation of the oncogenic kinase, p21-activated kinase 1 (PAK1). Herein, five prenylated flavonoids from OP, nymphaeol-A (NA), nymphaeol-B (NB), nymphaeol-C (NC), isonymphaeol-B (INB), and 3′-geranyl-naringenin (GN), were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and anti-Alzheimer’s effects using in vitro techniques. They showed significant anti-inflammatory effects through inhibition of albumin denaturation (half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 0.26–1.02 µM), nitrite accumulation (IC50 values of 2.4–7.0 µM), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activity (IC50 values of 11.74–24.03 µM). They also strongly suppressed in vitro α-glucosidase enzyme activity with IC50 values of 3.77–5.66 µM. However, only INB and NA inhibited acetylcholinesterase significantly compared to the standard drug donepezil, with IC50 values of 7.23 and 7.77 µM, respectively. Molecular docking results indicated that OP compounds have good binding affinity to the α-glucosidase and acetylcholinesterase proteins, making non-bonded interactions with their active residues and surrounding allosteric residues. In addition, none of the compounds violated Lipinski’s rule of five and showed notable toxicity parameters. Density functional theory (DFT)-based global reactivity descriptors demonstrated their high reactive nature along with the kinetic stability. In conclusion, this combined study suggests that OP components might be beneficial in the treatment of inflammation, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Coarse-Grained Molecular Dynamics Modelling of a Magnetic Polymersome
Authors: Ryzhkov Aleksandr , Raikher Yuriy
Published: September 2018

A coarse-grained molecular dynamics framework is proposed to investigate the equilibrium structure and quasi-static deformational response of a magnetic polymersome, a hollow object whose magnetoactive part is its shell (membrane). In the developed scheme, the shell is modelled as a pair of two concentric interfaces, between which a layer of a linearly viscous fluid filled with magnetic nanoparticles is confined; the thickness of this layer slightly exceeds the nanoparticle diameter. The shell boundaries possess weak bending elasticity, very high surface tension and are impermeable for the nanoparticles. The nanoparticles bear permanent magnetic moments and are translationally and rotationally free inside the layer. The factors favoring the particle aggregation are the magneto-dipole coupling and Zeeman interaction with the external field; the impeding factors are thermal motion and steric restrictions imposed by the boundaries. The volume content of magnetic phase in the shell is sufficiently small (below 11 vol.%) to enable one to clearly observe structure patterns occurring in the basic state and under an applied magnetic field. As shown, both the particle concentration and the level of interparticle interaction strongly affect the extent and type of the aggregation that, in turn, causes overall deformation of the polymersome: stretching along the applied field and shrinking in the transverse plane.
Identifying Past Remains of Morphologically Similar Vole Species Using Molar Shapes
Authors: Navarro Nicolas , Montuire Sophie , Laffont Rémi , Steimetz Emilie , Onofrei Catalina , Royer Aurélien
Published: September 2018

Accurate species identification in fossil remains is a complex task but is a key component for developing good inferences on many, if not all, fundamental questions in macroecology and macroevolution. In the Quaternary, arvicolines are very abundant remains in archeological and paleontological sites in Western Europe and their identification is often based on the first lower molar. The common vole Microtus arvalis (Pallas, 1778) and the field vole Microtus agrestis (Linnaeus, 1761) are commonly found in those deposits. These two species are genetically and ecologically divergent. Nonetheless, their lower molars, on which species identification is done, exhibit a large morphological variation that can potentially lead to some confusion and misinterpretation. Moreover, molecular data suggest that present-day M. agrestis populations are a complex of divergent lineages, some of them being recognized nowadays as valid species. On the basis of extant populations representing a large part of the present-day geographical distribution of these two species, we developed a classification model based on geometric morphometrics of the first lower molar. Our statistical model was then applied on four fossil sites selected to evaluate the relevance of taxonomic determination found in species lists. The model using landmarks describing the overall shape of the first lower molar classifies the two species with the smallest prediction error together with very high individual posterior probabilities. The obtained classification is much better than those arising from shapes of any specific molar part such as the anterior loop, asymmetry or peculiar triangle shape. Discrepancies with expert classification on fossils suggest that existing faunal lists should always be considered cautiously for these two species. Our morphometric model provides a first step towards a rationalized way of revising past collections and expertise for future small mammal assemblages. It will thus help us better understand the paleobiogeographical expansion of these two key species in Quaternary faunas.
Overcoming Limitations of LoRa Physical Layer in Image Transmission
Authors: Jebril Akram H. , Sali Aduwati , Ismail Alyani , Rasid Mohd Fadlee A.
Published: September 2018

As a possible implementation of a low-power wide-area network (LPWAN), Long Range (LoRa) technology is considered to be the future wireless communication standard for the Internet of Things (IoT) as it offers competitive features, such as a long communication range, low cost, and reduced power consumption, which make it an optimum alternative to the current wireless sensor networks and conventional cellular technologies. However, the limited bandwidth available for physical layer modulation in LoRa makes it unsuitable for high bit rate data transfer from devices like image sensors. In this paper, we propose a new method for mangrove forest monitoring in Malaysia, wherein we transfer image sensor data over the LoRa physical layer (PHY) in a node-to-node network model. In implementing this method, we produce a novel scheme for overcoming the bandwidth limitation of LoRa. With this scheme the images, which requires high data rate to transfer, collected by the sensor are encrypted as hexadecimal data and then split into packets for transfer via the LoRa physical layer (PHY). To assess the quality of images transferred using this scheme, we measured the packet loss rate, peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR), and structural similarity (SSIM) index of each image. These measurements verify the proposed scheme for image transmission, and support the industrial and academic trend which promotes LoRa as the future solution for IoT infrastructure.
Implementing Morpholino-Based Nucleic Acid Sensing on a Portable Surface Plasmon Resonance Instrument for Future Application in Environmental Monitoring
Authors: Bagi Andrea , Soelberg Scott D. , Furlong Clement E. , Baussant Thierry
Published: September 2018

A portable surface plasmon resonance (SPR) instrument was tested for the first time for the detection of oligonucleotide sequences derived from the 16S rRNA gene of Oleispira antarctica RB-8, a bioindicator species of marine oil contamination, using morpholino-functionalized sensor surfaces. We evaluated the stability and specificity of morpholino coated sensor surfaces and tested two signal amplification regimes: (1) sequential injection of sample followed by magnetic bead amplifier and (2) a single injection of magnetic bead captured oligo. We found that the sensor surfaces could be regenerated for at least 85 consecutive sample injections without significant loss of signal intensity. Regarding specificity, the assay clearly differentiated analytes with only one or two mismatches. Signal intensities of mismatch oligos were lower than the exact match target at identical concentrations down to 200 nM, in standard phosphate buffered saline with 0.1 % Tween-20 added. Signal amplification was achieved with both strategies; however, significantly higher response was observed with the sequential approach (up to 16-fold), where first the binding of biotin-probe-labeled target oligo took place on the sensor surface, followed by the binding of the streptavidin magnetic beads onto the immobilized targets. Our experiments so far indicate that a simple coating procedure in combination with a relatively cost-efficient magnetic-bead-based signal amplification will provide robust SPR based nucleic acid sensing down to 0.5 nM of a 45-nucleotide long oligo target (7.2 ng/mL).
Polarimetric-Phase-Enhanced Intensity Interrogation Scheme for Surface Wave Optical Sensors with Low Optical Loss
Authors: Wan Yuhang , Zheng Zheng , Cheng Mengxuan , Kong Weijing , Liu Kai
Published: September 2018

A polarimetric-phase-enhanced intensity interrogation scheme leveraging the polarization-dependent sharp phase change induced by the surface wave excitation at a low-optical-loss sensor’s surface is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. Based on a simple setup with no moving parts during interrogation, a polarimetric-phase-enhanced intensity can be obtained by subtracting the reflected intensities of two beam polarization states. Our results show a ~4-fold sensitivity increase compared to traditional intensity detection schemes for similar sensors. As novel surface wave optical sensors are designed and engineered with optimized phase responses, this scheme offers a low-complexity solution for such devices instead of traditional phase interrogation schemes.
GesID: 3D Gesture Authentication Based on Depth Camera and One-Class Classification
Authors: Wang Xuan , Tanaka Jiro
Published: September 2018

Biometric authentication is popular in authentication systems, and gesture as a carrier of behavior characteristics has the advantages of being difficult to imitate and containing abundant information. This research aims to use three-dimensional (3D) depth information of gesture movement to perform authentication with less user effort. We propose an approach based on depth cameras, which satisfies three requirements: Can authenticate from a single, customized gesture; achieves high accuracy without an excessive number of gestures for training; and continues learning the gesture during use of the system. To satisfy these requirements respectively: We use a sparse autoencoder to memorize the single gesture; we employ data augmentation technology to solve the problem of insufficient data; and we use incremental learning technology for allowing the system to memorize the gesture incrementally over time. An experiment has been performed on different gestures in different user situations that demonstrates the accuracy of one-class classification (OCC), and proves the effectiveness and reliability of the approach. Gesture authentication based on 3D depth cameras could be achieved with reduced user effort.
Accelerometric Trunk Sensors to Detect Changes of Body Positions in Immobile Patients
Authors: Rauen Katrin , Schaffrath Judith , Pradhan Cauchy , Schniepp Roman , Jahn Klaus
Published: September 2018

Mobilization, verticalization and position change are mandatory for severely affected neurological patients in early neurorehabilitation in order to improve neurological status and prevent complications. However, with the exception of hospitals and rehabilitation facilities, this activity is not usually monitored and so far the automated monitoring of position changes in immobile patients has not been investigated. Therefore, we investigated whether accelerometers on the upper trunk could reliably detect body position changes in immobile patients. Thirty immobile patients in early neurorehabilitation (Barthel Index ≤ 30) were enrolled. Two tri-axial accelerometers were placed on the upper trunk and on the thigh. Information on the position and position changes of the subject were derived from accelerometer data and compared to standard written documentation in the hospital over 24 h. Frequency and duration of different body positions (supine, sidelying, sitting) were measured. Data are presented as mean ± SEM. Groups were compared using one-way ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis-test. Differences were considered significant if p < 0.05. Trunk sensors detected 100% and thigh sensors 66% of position changes (p = 0.0004) compared to standard care documentation. Furthermore, trunk recording also detected additional spontaneous body position changes that were not documented in standard care (81.8 ± 4.4% of all position changes were documented in standard care documentation) (p < 0.0001). We found that accelerometric trunk sensors are suitable for recording position changes and mobilization of severely affected patients. Our findings suggest that using accelerometers for care documentation is useful for monitoring position changes and mobilization frequencies in and outside of hospital for severely affected neurological patients. Accelerometric sensors may be valuable in monitoring continuation of care plans after intensive neurorehabilitation.
Observations of Turbulence in Free Atmosphere by Balloon-Borne Sensors
Authors: Zhou Lesong , Sheng Zheng , Liao Qixiang
Published: September 2018

In recent years, Thorpe analysis has been used to retrieve the characteristics of turbulence in free atmosphere from balloon-borne sensor data. However, previous studies have mainly focused on the mid-high latitude region, and this method is still rarely applied at heights above 30 km, especially above 35 km. Therefore, seven sets of upper air (>35 km) sounding data from the Changsha Sounding Station (28°12′ N, 113°05′ E), China are analyzed with Thorpe analysis in this article. It is noted that, in the troposphere, Thorpe analysis can better retrieve the turbulence distribution and the corresponding turbulence parameters. Also, because of the thicker troposphere at low latitudes, the values of the Thorpe scale L T and turbulent energy dissipation rate ε remain greater in a larger height range. In the stratosphere below the height of 35 km, the obtained ε is higher, and Thorpe analysis can only be used to analyze the characteristics of large-scale turbulence. In the stratosphere at a height of 35–40 km, because of the interference of sensor noise, Thorpe analysis can only help to retrieve the rough distribution position of large-scale turbulence, while it can hardly help with the calculation of the turbulence parameters.
Embrace or Not? An Empirical Study of the Impact of Globalization on the Country’s Sustainability in the Case of NAFTA
Authors: Wang Hexian , Liu Wei , Zhu Mengyuan , Wang Qing
Published: September 2018

This paper investigates the international trade role in economic development and sustainability. Specifically, a trade agreement is one of the most popular ways for a country to participate in trade, therefore we aim to estimate the relationship between a free trade agreement (FTA) and economic development on a country level, using the North American Free Trade Agreement as an example. Sustainability on an industrial level is also discussed in parallel. To achieve this, a counterfactual analysis is used to generate the welfare with and without the trade agreement to draw inference on the sustainability analysis. We find that the FTA does facilitate a country’s sustainability. However, it is less clear on an industrial level. This finding provides important evidence relating to a country’s sustainable development and has broadened the study scope regarding the impact of participating in an FTA with regard to economic sustainability.
Integration of Seawater Pumped-Storage in the Energy System of the Island of São Miguel (Azores)
Authors: Ioakimidis Christos S. , Genikomsakis Konstantinos N.
Published: September 2018

This paper considers the case of São Miguel in the Azores archipelago as a typical example of an isolated island with high renewable energy potential, but low baseload levels, lack of energy storage facilities, and dependence on fossil fuels that incurs high import costs. Using the Integrated MARKAL-EFOM System (TIMES), a number of scenarios are examined in order to analyze and assess the potential benefits from the implementation of a seawater pumped-storage (SPS) system, in the absence or presence of electric drive vehicles (EDVs) under a grid-to-vehicle (G2V) approach. The results obtained show that the proposed solution increases the penetration of renewable energy in the system, thus reducing the dependence on fossil fuel imports and allowing, at the same time, for the deployment of EDVs as a promising environmentally friendly alternative to conventional vehicles with internal combustion engines.
Urban Housing Price Fluctuations and Regional Systemic Financial Risks: Panel Spatial Economic Models in Jiangsu, China
Authors: Liu Fengyun , Liu Chuanzhe , Ren Honghao
Published: September 2018

The regional systemic financial risks driven by escalating urban housing prices have been of great concern recently. Based on the theoretical analyses on the mechanism of formation of regional systemic financial risk driven by urban housing price fluctuations, this paper builds panel spatial economic models to empirically analyze the relationship between urban housing price fluctuations and regional systemic financial risks, in addition to their spatial linkages, in 13 cities in Jiangsu, a representative province of China. The empirical results show the following. (1) The excessive investment or speculation of local governments, banks, real estate developers, individuals, and families on the housing market stimulate the escalation in urban housing prices, leading to the systemic financial risks; (2) Urban housing prices and the land supply price of local governments have strong spatial contagion effects among cities, which will diffuse risks to adjacent cities, causing regional systemic financial risk; (3) Compared with North Jiangsu, South Jiangsu has more serious investment expansion from real estate developers and stronger spatial contagion effects, suggesting the existence of heavier regional systemic financial risks derived from housing price fluctuations; (4) North Jiangsu has slightly stronger “imitative behavior” among local governments, and fewer “substitution effects” of central cities’ demand to adjacent cities’ demand than does South Jiangsu.
Quantifying the Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Industrial Land Uses through Mining Free Access Social Datasets in the Mega Hangzhou Bay Region, China
Authors: Huang Lingyan , Wu Yani , Zheng Qing , Zheng Qiming , Zheng Xinyu , Gan Muye , Wang Ke , Shahtahmassebi AmirReza , Deng Jingsong , Wang Jihua , Zhang Jing
Published: September 2018

China has experienced rapid industrial growth over the last three decades, leading to diverse social and environmental issues. In the new industrialization era, it is urgent to quantify industrial land use (ILU) dynamics for sustainable industrial management, yet there have been limited attempts to systematically quantify these changes, especially in large-scale areas. Through points-of-interest (POIs), a free access geospatial big data, we developed a new framework for exploring ILU dynamics in the mega Hangzhou Bay region (MHBR). The ILU was identified by using natural language processing to mine the semantic information of industrial POIs from 2005, 2011, and 2016. Then, a two-step approach that integrated statistical analysis and hotspots detection was introduced to quantify the changes. The results revealed that traditional industries such as textile products and apparel manufacturing, unspecific equipment manufacturing, and electrical machinery and components manufacturing were dominant types across MHBR, with the enterprise number reaching 14,543, 9412, and 4374, respectively, in 2016. The growth rates of these traditional industries dropped during 2011–2016, while the growth rates of new industries such as Internet information industry and logistics industry increased remarkably, particularly in Hangzhou and Ningbo. Additionally, traditional industrial factories mainly expanded in the urban periphery and coastal zones, whereas new industries mainly grew in the urban center. Shrinkages in the hotspots of traditional industries between 2011 and 2016 were also observed. Our study provides a detailed spatial view of ILU, indicating that MHBR has undergone an industrial transition from traditional industry to new industry.
Agricultural Drought Risk Evaluation Based on an Optimized Comprehensive Index System
Authors: Deng Menghua , Chen Junfei , Huang Jing , Niu Wenjuan
Published: September 2018

In this study, a new optimized comprehensive drought index system (OCDIS) was developed based on pressure-state-response (PSR) and random forest (RF). Then the pressure, state, response, and integrated agricultural drought risk were evaluated according to the synthetic-weight variable fuzzy set (SW-VFS) model. Finally, the countermeasures in terms of pressure, state, and response were discussed. The proposed index has been implemented in Qujing, Yunnan Province, China. The results showed that of the 10 indices included in the OCDIS, the four most important indices for agricultural drought risk management are reservoir storage capacity, precipitation anomaly percentage, soil moisture, and per capita annual income. The pressure risk and response risk of Malong are relatively higher than other counties. The integrated results indicated that most counties of Quijng have moderate drought risk. The assessment results are consistent with the actual situation of Qujing. The proposed model provides a scientific and objective way to develop the risk index system of agricultural drought. This study can potentially assist government agencies with information on the most important drought impacts and provide the basis for science-informed decision-making.
Assessment of Critical Infrastructure Resilience to Flooding Using a Response Curve Approach
Authors: Murdock Heather J. , De Bruijn Karin M. , Gersonius Berry
Published: September 2018

Following a flood the functioning of critical infrastructure (CI), such as power and transportation networks, plays an important role in recovery and the resilience of the city. Previous research investigated resilience indicators, however, there is no method in the literature to quantify the resilience of CI to flooding specifically or to quantify the effect of measures. This new method to quantify CI resilience to flooding proposes an expected annual disruption (EADIS) metric and curve of disruption versus likelihood. The units used for the EADIS metric for disruption are in terms of people affected over time (person × days). Using flood modelling outputs, spatial infrastructure, and population data as inputs, this metric is used to benchmark CI resilience to flooding and test the improvement with resilience enhancing measures. These measures are focused on the resilience aspects robustness, redundancy and flexibility. Relative improvements in resilience were quantified for a case study area in Toronto, Canada and it was found that redundancy, flexibility, and robustness measures resulted in 44, 30, and 48% reductions in EADIS respectively. While there are limitations, results suggest that this method can effectively quantify CI resilience to flooding and quantify relative improvements with resilience enhancing measures for cities.
Explaining Individual Subjective Well-Being of Urban China Based on the Four-Capital Model
Authors: Zhang Shuai , Liu Binbin , Zhu Dajian , Cheng Mingwang
Published: September 2018

A growing body of literature explains subjective well-being (SWB) from different perspectives. The statement of “built, human, social, and natural capital are necessary determinants of SWB” is named the four-capital model. Based on a cross-sectional dataset in 2013, which included 3293 individuals and covered the urban areas of most provinces in China, this paper employs the four-capital model to explain individual SWB of urban China. We select individual income and household income per capita as proxies of built capital; physical health and education as proxies of human capital; social connection and social trust as proxies of social capital; and air quality as a proxy of natural capital. In the four-capital model, household income per capita and physical health have almost the same and larger positive impacts on individual SWB of urban China; social connection, social trust, and air quality have smaller and diminishing positive impacts on individual SWB of urban China; and individual income and education are statistically insignificant. The empirical results offer guidance on how to achieve human-centered urbanization for China. This paper provides insights into how to further improve human well-being of urban residents in China and the applicability of the four-capital model in explaining SWB at the individual level.
Midaortic syndrome and hypertension in childhood revealed by enuresis: a case report
Authors: Boumaaz Meriem , Asfalou Iliyasse , Raissouni Maha , Benyass Aatif , Zbir El Mehdi
Published: September 2018

Middle aortic syndrome (MAS) results from a diffuse narrowing of the distal thoracic or abdominal aorta commonly involving both the visceral and renal arteries. Congenital, acquired, inflammatory, and infectious etiologies have been described. Symptoms occur within the first three decades of life. Revelation modes are dominated by hypertension, lower extremity claudication, and mesenteric ischemia. We herein report a pediatric case of MAS with an original revelation mode that has never been described before in medical literature.
Occurrence and molecular characterization of metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs) among Acinetobacter baumannii isolates from cancer patients
Authors: Qouzah Husam F. , Hawari Feras , Abu-Qatouseh Luay F. , Shehabi Asem A.
Published: September 2018

Background: During the last decade, the prevalence of carbapenem-resistant infection associated with multidrug resistant (MDR) Acinetobacter baumanniiin patients has been continuously increasing.  This prospective study aimed to determine the occurrence and molecular characterization of metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs) and carbapenem hydrolyzing oxacillinases among A. baumannii isolates from cancer patients over a period of 6-month.

Methods:Antimicrobial susceptibility profile of 70 randomly collected A. baumannii isolates was first determined using disc diffusion test, and second, the MICs of 45 representative multidrug resistant (MDR) isolates were tested to useful drugs in treatment of their infections using E-test.  PCR assays were used to detect the common four types of class D carbapenem hydrolyzing oxacillinases, two types of class A carbapenemases, four types of class B metallo-β –lactamases, and prevalence of Class 1 Integron among MDR isolates.

Results: All 70 isolates were MDR, including 100% resistance to meropenom, aztreonem, piperacillin/tazobactum and 99% to carbapenem.  All isolates carried blaOXA-23 and blaOXA-51, but none carried a blaOXA-24 like or blaOXA-58. The isolates also were positive for NDM-1, NDM, VIM, GES, KPC and SPM at the rates of 29%, 20%, 29%,19%,7% and 2%, respectively.  Class 1 Integron was positive in 82% of A. baumanniiisolates.

The clonal relationship of 42 MDR A. baumanniiisolates using ERIC-PCR and constructed dendrogram showed 3 major genotype clusters of genetically related isolates. These include 4 genotype groups, each composed of 2 isolates with 100 % similarity of DNA bands. 

Conclusion:This study demonstrates that A. baumannii colonize frequently cancer patients in association with antibiotic treatment. The organism is mostly carrying wide spectrum of antibiotic resistance genetic factors, especially many types of ESBLs and MBLs and Class 1 Integron. This fact should be considered when therapy is selected for treatment of patients infected with MDR A. baumannii.

Key words. Acinetobacter baumannii, ESBLs, MBLs, Class 1 Integron, Jordanian cancer patients.
Pharmacokinetics and 48-week safety and efficacy of generic ritonavir tablet-boosted atazanavir in HIV-1-infected Thai adults
Authors:   HIV-NAT 223 study team, Hiransuthikul Akarin , Thammajaruk Narukjaporn , Techatanawat Isariya , Karachot Busarat , Chuasuwan Bancha , Manamuti Chutima , Duereh Mariam , Sawpitiporn Mathus , Sophonphan Jiratchaya , Gatechompol Sivaporn , Avihingsanon Anchalee , Bowonwattanuwong Chureeratana , Ruxrungtham Kiat
Published: September 2018

Background

Ritonavir (RTV) tablets were not available in Thailand until they were manufactured by the Government Pharmaceutical Organization of Thailand. We assessed pharmacokinetics (PK), safety and efficacy of generic RTV-boosted atazanavir (ATV) in virologically suppressed HIV-1-infected Thai adults.

Methods

Virologically suppressed HIV-1-infected Thai adults who currently use ATV (either 200 or 300 mg) with Norvir® soft gel capsule (SGC) 100-mg-based regimen were enrolled into this prospective, 48-week single-arm study. Participants switched from Norvir® SGC to generic RTV. Plasma trough concentration (C) was assessed at trough baseline before switching to generic RTV and week 24 in all participants, with the target ATV C of 0.15 mg/l. trough Plasma HIV-1 RNA and other laboratory safety parameters were assessed until week 48.

Results

Of 100 participants (51% male) enrolled, 50% was using ATV 200 mg and 50% was using 300 mg at the time RTV SGC were changed into generic tablets. All participants used two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) as backbone. There were no significant changes in mean (sd) Ctrough of RTV (0.20 [0.33] versus 0.23 [0.39]; P=0.21) and ATV (0.83 [0.93] versus 0.88 [0.95]; P=0.62) between baseline and week 24. From entry to week 48, median alanine aminotransferase significantly increased from 25 to 30 IU/l ( P=0.001) and total bilirubin significantly decreased from 1.7 to 1.3 ( P=0.04). One study drug related grade 3 adverse event was reported. All but one participant maintained plasma HIV-1 RNA <50 copies/ml after 48 weeks.

Conclusions

Generic RTV-boosted ATV showed adequate levels, good tolerability and great efficacy after 48 weeks.
Scientific Cooperation and Implementation of New Technologies for the Development of Archaeological Heritage
Authors: Valero-Tévar Miguel Angel , Huete-Alcocer Nuria
Published: September 2018

The recent discovery of the site of the Roman villa of Noheda and its outstanding mosaics has entailed a considerable boost for research on the Roman world and, especially, for the understanding of the palaces and large rural complexes of Late Antiquity. Hence, during the excavation process, in addition to the application of the appropriate archaeological methodology, the latest available research and analysis techniques have been used to document these archaeological remains in as much detail as possible. This approach is based on the understanding that only through a meticulous analysis of the data to be collected from the large number of structures and artefacts buried in the stratigraphic sequence can information be properly decoded. The present paper thus aims to provide a concise overview of how technological advances, such as georadar, 3D scanning, laser scanning, photogrammetry, etc., have been combined to achieve optimal results.
Semantic Approaches for the Use of Cultural Data
Authors: Gouveia F. , Lira S.
Published: September 2018

Cultural heritage information, stored increasingly in a digital form in cultural institutions such as museums, archives, and specialized libraries is being used for several applications and by several actors, from public policy, tourism, app developers and software companies, schools and the general public at large. Due to the proliferation of digital cultural content sources there has been a boom in applications, and cultural heritage is seen as a valuable asset for tourism, culture, education and entertainment. The information from those sources must be format independent, multi-lingual to attract a global audience, multi-purpose, and make use of standards, norms and national and international recommendations in order to fulfill different requirements of a diverse range of users, essentially mobile. The authors describe an inventory and content management system and the conceptual and architectural choices that were made to allow its evolution, standards' compliance and multi-purpose use as a cultural data provider. This article also describes current metadata efforts, metadata formats and ontologies specific to the cultural heritage domain and how they have been used to face the current challenges in this area such as providing engaging user experiences.
Solution of Non-Smooth Economic Dispatch Using Interactive Grouped Adaptive Bat Algorithm
Authors: Mahdad Belkacem
Published: September 2018

This article presents the application of new grouped adaptive Bat algorithm (GABA) based metaheuristic method to improve the solution of economic dispatch (ED) problem considering valve point effect, prohibited zones, ramp rate limits and total power loss. The Bat algorithm is a new swarm intelligence algorithm inspired by the echolocation phenomenon in bats. The Bat algorithm is easy to program, and like many metaheuristic methods has an exploration and exploitation phases which require fine adjustment to achieve the near global solution. A grouped search mechanism is introduced to enhance the performances of the original Bat algorithm. The robustness of the proposed algorithm in term of solution quality and convergence characteristic have been demonstrated of three test systems of various complexities 6 units considering simultaneously the prohibited zones, ramp rate limits and total power loss, 13 and 40 units considering valve point effect. Results show clearly the efficiency and superiority of the proposed algorithm compared with various techniques reported in the recent literature.
Suicide Risk on Twitter
Authors: Fodeh Samah Jamal , Boudreaux Edwin D. , Wang Rixin , Silva Dennis , Bossarte Robert , Goulet Joseph Lucien , Brandt Cynthia , Altalib Hamada Hamid
Published: September 2018

While many studies have explored the use of social media and behavioral changes of individuals, few examined the utility of using social media for suicide detection and prevention. The study by Jashinsky et al. identified specific language patterns associated with a set of twelve suicide risk factors. The authors extended these methods to assess the significance of the language used on Twitter for suicide detection. This article quantifies the use of Twitter to express suicide related language, and its potential to detect users at high risk of suicide. The authors searched Twitter for tweets indicative of 12 suicide risk factors. This paper divided Twitter users into two groups: “high risk” and “at risk” based on two of the risk factors (“self-harm” and “prior suicide attempts”) and examined language patterns by computing co-occurrences of terms in tweets which helped identify relationships between suicide risk factors in both groups.
A Multimodal Alarm System for Risk Management in a Clinical Lab
Authors: Cena Federica , Lombardi Ilaria , Soccini Agata Marta , Sarzotti Federico , Re Alessandra , Trizio Marco , Cremasco Margherita Micheletti
Published: September 2018

In this article, the authors aim at finding a way to effectively communicate situations of risk related to work safety, by catching workers' attention without interrupting their main task. They designed a multimodal alarm solution specifically conceived for a biomedical lab, where workers might be intoxicated due to the possible leak of reagents or to excessive exposure to potentially toxic substances. The authors propose a novel multimodal alarm system which makes use of different sensory modalities, touch and vision. In particular, it exploits wearable technologies to improve the effectiveness of the alarm in the context. In details, it offers 1) tactile alarm to catch user attention, 2) different alarm modalities for collective and personal risks, 3) visual cue to provide immediate diagnostic information on the risk source, and more detailed information on the risk nature. In this article, the authors describe a pilot test in the real context of use to inform the design of the system. The results are promising for the development of the solution.
Predicting Credit Rating Migration Employing Neural Network Models
Authors: D'Rosario Michael , Hsieh Calvin
Published: September 2018

Credit rating migration ranks amongst the most pertinent issues concerning institutional lenders and investors alike. There are a number of studies that have employed both parametric and non-parametric methodologies to forecast credit rating migration, employing machine learning methods; and notably, artificial intelligence methods becoming increasingly popular. The present study extends upon research within the extant literature employing a novel estimation method, a neural network modelling technique, herewith the MPANN (multi-layer neural network). Consistent with the extant literature, the present article identifies that the legal framework and system of taxation enacted within a polity are pertinent to predicting rating migration. However, extending upon traditional estimation techniques the study identifies that a number of different model calibrations achieve greater predictive accuracy than traditional parametric regression. Notably, the method is able to achieve superior goodness of fit and predictive accuracy in determining credit rating migration than models employed within the extant literature.
Life Cycle Energy Assessment of a Typical Marble Processing Plant
Authors: Prajwal Bhargav , Mali Harlal S. , Nagar Ravindra
Published: September 2018

This article describes how marble is one of the most important stone resources in terms of durability. It is aesthetically pleasing, and a decorative material used by many architects, as well as plays an important role in the economy of India. Most of the marble processing activities are performed by small and medium scale industries (SMEs) not only in India but worldwide. These industries have low efficiency and productivity due to lack of new technologies, high productivity cost and a lack of proper sustainable waste management systems, thereby increasing the waste generated during the processing stage. There is a significant need within the sector for increasing production efficiency, combined with the need of a substantial reduction in waste generated that can be achieved by endorsing technological innovations. This is in addition to following best available processing practices, incorporating energy saving technologies and modernizing the sectors management and organization structure which will substantially increase efficiency as well as production. This article provides a systematic approach for assessing the current energy and present environment status of a typical SME processing units of Rajasthan area, and proposes measures for meeting cleaner production principles. An evaluation methodology was developed considering the realistic plant operation scenarios. The total energy inputs for processing the products with their appropriate environmental indices like CO2 emissions were calculated. Alternatively, the CO2 emissions were also calculated by Gabi educational software for different industries and the best way of reducing the energy consumption is suggested by following alternate source of energy.
The Heat of Sublimation of Small Cluster Systems
Authors: Melnikov Gennady
Published: September 2018

Within the framework of the cluster model of the structure of disordered condensed media, using the pair potential of Mie interaction with the effective depth of the potential well, the relation was obtained for calculating the heat of sublimation of small cluster systems containing up to 500 particles. It is shown that the heat of sublimation of small clusters, referred to the energy of pair interaction between particles, is a universal function of the number of particles in the cluster system, which can be mathematically represented as the square of the hyperbolic tangent. The proposed model makes it possible to estimate the potential energy of the global minimum of the cluster system.
Preparation and Experimental Study of Graphite Material for Water Lubricated Thrust Bearing of Nuclear Main Pump
Authors: Wang Jian Lei , Zhang Chen , Wang Yun Long , Wang Dong Ping , Jia Qian , Cui Ya Hui , Yuan Xiao Yang
Published: September 2018

Based on technical difficulties of graphite water-lubricated thrust bearing such as preparation and properties detection, this paper investigated graphite bearing systematically from preparation and property testing, three different types of graphite (#1, #2 and #3) were carried out. The result indicated the tribological properties are poor if the graphitization of graphite is too high or low. The pads of water-lubricated thrust bearing are manufactured by the three kinds of graphite, and the start-stop test were carried out on a test platform for half-size bearing of nuclear primary pump. The result of start-stop test were indicated the graphitization have a visible influence on the wear loss mass of graphite pad.
One-Pot Preparation of Carbon Immobilized Nano-Metal Catalysts from Biomass
Authors: Yang Hui Min , Guo Xiao Hui , Yuan Chun Hua , Liu Jin Yan , He Wen Xiu
Published: September 2018

Preparation of carbon supported nanometal catalysts were realized through the carbonization of metal precursor doped carboxymethyl cellulose under nitrogen condition. This carbon supported nanometal catalyst exhibited good activity in the reductive amination of amine. The results suggested a promising one-pot route based on economical and sustainable biomass towards the development of value carbon materials as effective catalyst for C-N bond synthesis reaction.
О глобальной разрешимости задачи Коши для гиперболических систем Монжа-Ампера
Authors: Tunitsky Dmitry Vasilievich
Published: September 2018

Статья посвящена глобальной разрешимости задачи Коши для одного класса нелинейных гиперболических систем двух уравнений первого порядка с двумя независимыми переменными, содержащего квазилинейные системы. Эта задача имеет единственное максимальное по отношению включения многозначное решение, которое обладает свойством полноты. А именно, характеристики различных семейств, лежащие на таком решении и сходящиеся к соответствующей граничной точке, имеют бесконечную длину.
Библиография: 24 наименования.