bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ESTIMATING OF BRAIN DEVELOPMENT IN NEWBORNS BY FRACTAL ANALYSIS OF SLEEP ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAPHIC (EEG) SIGNAL
Authors: NAMAZI HAMIDREZA , JAFARI SAJAD
Published: November 2018

Analysis of the brain development is one of the major research areas in human neuroscience. In order to analyze the human brain development, scientists employ different brain imaging techniques. One of the typical techniques to measure the brain activity is electroencephalography (EEG). In this paper, we do complexity analysis on the EEG signal recorded from the newborns during their sleep, in different weeks of post conception. We analyze how the nonlinear structure of EEG signal changes for newborns with their ages by using fractal theory. The result of our analysis showed that the EEG signals for newborn in 45 weeks have the highest fractal dimension. The lowest fractal dimension of EEG signal was obtained for newborns in 36 weeks. Based on our analysis, we conclude that the complexity of brain signal significantly changes with the newborn age. The proposed method is not limited to the analysis of the brain development, and can be applied to investigate the brain activity in different tasks.
DECODING OF HAND GESTURES BY FRACTAL ANALYSIS OF ELECTROMYOGRAPHY (EMG) SIGNAL
Authors: NAMAZI HAMIDREZA
Published: November 2018

One of the major research areas in analysis of human movements is to investigate how different movements are related to biosignals. Hand gestures belong to major movements of human that have been considered widely by researchers. Therefore, decoding of different hand’s gestures by analysis of related biosignal is very important to be considered. In this paper, we analyze the complex structure of electromyography (EMG) signal from subjects who did eight hand gestures. For this purpose, we chose fractal dimension as the indicator of complexity. The analysis showed that the EMG signal has the greatest and lowest fractal dimensions in case of fingers flexed together in fist, and pointing index, respectively. The employed method in this research is not limited to the analysis of the influence of hand’s gestures on EMG signal. However, it can be widely applied to analyze the influence of different types of stimuli on different human’s biosignals.
BOX DIMENSION OF A NONLINEAR FRACTAL INTERPOLATION CURVE
Authors: RI SONG-IL
Published: November 2018

In this paper, we present a delightful method to estimate the lower and upper box dimensions of a special nonlinear fractal interpolation curve. We use Rakotch contractibility and monotone property of function in the estimation of upper box dimension, and we use Rakotch contractibility, noncollinearity of interpolation points, nondecreasing property of function, convex (or concave) property of function and differential mean value theorem in the estimation of lower box dimension. In particular, we propose a well-founded conjecture motivated by our results.
METRIC AND DIMENSIONAL PROPERTIES OF THE BADLY APPROXIMABLE SET FOR BETA-TRANSFORMATIONS
Authors: YANG QIANQIAN , WANG SHUAILING
Published: November 2018

For any [Formula: see text], let [Formula: see text] be the [Formula: see text]-transformation dynamical system. For any sequence [Formula: see text], we investigate the following badly approximable set: [Formula: see text] In this paper, we determine the Lebesgue measure and Hausdorff dimension of the set [Formula: see text] completely for any [Formula: see text] and any sequence [Formula: see text].
NUMERICAL STUDY ON KOCH FRACTAL BAFFLE MICROMIXER
Authors: ZHANG SHUAI , CHEN XUEYE , WU ZHONGLI , ZHENG YUE
Published: November 2018

This paper is mainly to study the application of Koch fractal baffle to passive micromixers. It can be determined that the mixing efficiency of secondary Koch fractal baffle (SKFB) micromixer is better than that of primary Koch fractal baffle (PKFB). We compare and analyze the mixing efficiency when the angle between the baffle and the microchannel is [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] with the height 100[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m. With the changing of the angle, it contributes to enhance the chaotic convection of the micromixer. Especially at the angle of [Formula: see text], the vortex caused by the Koch fractal baffle structure is more obvious, the mixing efficiency of micromixer is more than 95% at Re [Formula: see text] 0.05 and 100. When the height of Koch fractal baffle is 50, 75 and [Formula: see text]m, the mixing efficiency of the micromixer gradually increases. The whirling and spiral phenomenon of the streamlines increases the chaotic convection and promotes the improvement of the mixing efficiency. In the direction of microchannel, nine sections which have a significant effect on the mixing efficiency are investigated. The encircling and split phenomenon affected by the chaotic convection is shown in nine sections at Re [Formula: see text] 0.05, 10 and 100.
RUMOR SITUATION RECOGNITION BASED ON MULTIFRACTALS
Authors: YUAN YONGQIN , LIU FENGMING
Published: November 2018

In order to effectively identify rumors and further block their propagation, this present study established a rumor situation identification model based on multifractals and support vector machine (SVM), which considered the fractal theory and the situation of rumor propagation. First, the representative rumors and nonrumors about food safety were selected. The multifractal analysis was used to calculate the generalized fractal dimension spectrum of the two target states. After this, the generalized fractal dimension values were used as the input target eigenvector for the SVM, which was subsequently trained to obtain the best classification results. The experimental results show that the model can quickly and effectively identify rumors from the communication situation, thus providing further help for governance.
ORTHOGONAL EXPONENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF SELF-AFFINE MEASURES IN ℝn
Authors: WANG ZHI-MIN , DONG XIN-HAN , WANG ZHI-YONG
Published: November 2018

For a positive integer [Formula: see text], let [Formula: see text]. Let the self-affine measure [Formula: see text] be generated by an expanding real matrix [Formula: see text] and a finite digit set [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is the [Formula: see text]th column of the [Formula: see text] identical matrix [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we prove that [Formula: see text] contains an infinite orthogonal set of exponential functions if and only if there exists [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] for some [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text].
DFT study on the hydrolysis of metsulfuron-methyl: A sulfonylurea herbicide
Authors: Luo Qiuhan , Li Gang , Xiao Junping , Yin Chunhui , He Yahui , Wang Mingliang , Ma Chensheng , Zhu Caizhen , Xu Jian
Published: November 2018

Sulfonylureas are an important group of herbicides widely used for a range of weeds and grasses control particularly in cereals. However, some of them tend to persist for years in environments. Hydrolysis is the primary pathway for their degradation. To understand the hydrolysis behavior of sulfonylurea herbicides, the hydrolysis mechanism of metsulfuron-methyl, a typical sulfonylurea, was investigated using density functional theory (DFT) at the B3LYP/6-31[Formula: see text]G(d,p) level. The hydrolysis of metsulfuron-methyl resembles nucleophilic substitution by a water molecule attacking the carbonyl group from aryl side (pathway a) or from heterocycle side (pathway b). In the direct hydrolysis, the carbonyl group is directly attacked by one water molecule to form benzene sulfonamide or heterocyclic amine; the free energy barrier is about 52–58[Formula: see text]kcal[Formula: see text]mol[Formula: see text]. In the autocatalytic hydrolysis, with the second water molecule acting as a catalyst, the free energy barrier, which is about 43–45[Formula: see text]kcal[Formula: see text]mol[Formula: see text], is remarkably reduced by about 11[Formula: see text]kcal[Formula: see text]mol[Formula: see text]. It is obvious that water molecules play a significant catalytic role during the hydrolysis of sulfonylureas.
Ablation of amyloid precursor protein increases insulin-degrading enzyme levels and activity in brain and peripheral tissues
Authors: Kulas Joshua A. , Franklin Whitney F. , Smith Nicholas A. , Manocha Gunjan D. , Puig Kendra L. , Nagamoto-Combs Kumi , Hendrix Rachel D. , Taglialatela Giulio , Barger Steven W. , Combs Colin K.
Published: November 2018

The amyloid precursor protein (APP) is a type I transmembrane glycoprotein widely studied for its role as the source of β-amyloid peptide, accumulation of which is causal in at least some cases of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). APP is expressed ubiquitously and is involved in diverse biological processes. Growing bodies of evidence indicate connections between AD and somatic metabolic disorders related to type 2 diabetes, and App−/−mice show alterations in glycemic regulation. We find that App−/−mice have higher levels of insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE) mRNA, protein, and activity compared with wild-type controls. This regulation of IDE by APP was widespread across numerous tissues, including liver, skeletal muscle, and brain as well as cell types within neural tissue, including neurons, astrocytes, and microglia. RNA interference-mediated knockdown of APP in the SIM-A9 microglia cell line elevated IDE levels. Fasting levels of blood insulin were lower in App−/−than App+/+mice, but the former showed a larger increase in response to glucose. These low basal levels may enhance peripheral insulin sensitivity, as App−/−mice failed to develop impairment of glucose tolerance on a high-fat, high-sucrose (“Western”) diet. Insulin levels and insulin signaling were also lower in the App−/−brain; synaptosomes prepared from App−/−hippocampus showed diminished insulin receptor phosphorylation compared with App+/+mice when stimulated ex vivo. These findings represent a new molecular link connecting APP to metabolic homeostasis and demonstrate a novel role for APP as an upstream regulator of IDE in vivo.
Bone Marrow Molecular Markers Associated with Relapsed/Refractory Activated B-Cell-Like Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Wang Di , Liu Peng , Zhang Yue , Liu Hui-Ying , Shen Di , Che Yi-Qun
Published: November 2018

Activated B-cell-like diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (ABC-DLBCL) is a common subtype of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and is very likely to infiltrate the bone marrow. Over 30% of patients are converted to relapsed/refractory DLBCL after first-line rituximab combined with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone therapy, with a poor prognosis. Our aim was to identify molecular markers that might be utilized to predict relapsed/refractory ABC-DLBCL patients. Hence, we collected bone marrow aspirate smears from 202 patients with ABC-DLBCL and detected expression of bone marrow molecular marker proteins by immunocytochemistry. Signal transducer and activator of transcription (Stat)3, nuclear factor (NF)-κB p65, Syk, Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK), and Bcl2 proteins were strongly expressed in bone marrow aspirate smears of ABC-DLBCL patients. The same smear could present positive expression of multiple proteins simultaneously. Positive combinations of protein expression were associated with resistance. The most significant finding was that the Stat3+NF-κB+ group developed resistance, which was significantly higher than that of the Stat3-NF-κB-group (80 vs. 14%). There was a significant difference in two-year relapse-free survival between protein-positive and protein-negative combinations of Stat3-NF-κB (P = 0.005), Bcl2-Stat3 (P = 0.009), Bcl2-Pax5 (P = 0.003), and BTK-Syk (P < 0.001). Thus, we detected key molecules in multiple signaling pathways in bone marrow aspirate smears. At the same time, the results provide further clinical evidence of ABC-DLBCL drug-resistant molecules and provide a theoretical basis for rational second-line treatment after drug resistance.
GPS Radio Occultation Data Assimilation in the AREM Regional Numerical Weather Prediction Model for Flood Forecasts
Authors: Cheng Wei , Xu Youping , Deng Zhiwu , Gu Chunli
Published: November 2018

Based on the Backward Four-Dimensional Variational Data Assimilation (Backward-4DVar) system with the Advanced Regional Eta-coordinate Model (AREM), which is capable of assimilating radio occultation data, a heavy rainfall case study is performed using GPS radio occultation (GPS RO) data and routine GTS data on July 5, 2007. The case study results indicate that the use of radio occultation data after quality control can improve the quality of the analysis to be similar to that of the observations and, thus, have a positive effect when improving 24-hour rainfall forecasts. Batch tests for 119 days from May to August during the flood season in 2009 show that only the use of GPS RO data can make positive improvements in both 24-hour and 48-hour regional rainfall forecasts and obtain a better B score for 24-hour forecasts and better TS score for 48-hour forecasts. When using radio occultation refractivity data and conventional radiosonde data, the results indicate that radio occultation refractivity data can achieve a better performance for 48-hour forecasts of light rain and heavy rain.
Artificially Cultivated Ophiocordyceps sinensis Alleviates Diabetic Nephropathy and Its Podocyte Injury via Inhibiting P2X7R Expression and NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation
Authors: Wang Chao , Hou Xiao-xia , Rui Hong-liang , Li Li-jing , Zhao Jing , Yang Min , Sun Li-jun , Dong Hong-rui , Cheng Hong , Chen Yi-Pu
Published: November 2018

Background/Aims. It is known that chronic low-grade inflammation contributes to the initiation and development of both diabetes and diabetic nephropathy (DN), so we designed this study to investigate the role of P2X7R and NLRP3 inflammasome in DN pathogenesis and the antagonistic effects of artificially cultivated Ophiocordyceps sinensis (ACOS). Methods. A rat model of DN caused by high-fat-diet feeding and low-dose streptozotocin injection and a mouse podocyte injury model induced by high-glucose (HG) stimulation were established, and the intervention effects of ACOS on them were observed. The biological parameters of serum and urine and the pathological manifestations of kidney tissue were examined. The expression of mRNA and protein of P2X7R and NLRP3 inflammasome (NLRP3, ASC, and caspase-1) and downstream effectors (IL-1β and IL-18), as well as podocyte-associated molecules, was determined by real-time quantitative PCR and Western blot assay, respectively. Results. The DN rats showed to have developed insulin resistance, elevated fasting blood glucose, increased urinary protein excretion, and serum creatinine level as well as corresponding glomerular pathological alterations including podocyte damages. ACOS significantly antagonized the above changes. The experiments in vivo and in vitro both displayed that the mRNA and protein expression of P2X7R, NLRP3, ASC, caspase1 (procaspase-1 mRNA in the gene level and active caspase-1 subunit P10 in the protein level), IL-1β, and IL-18 was significantly upregulated and the mRNA and protein expression of podocyte-associated molecules was significantly changed (downregulation of nephrin, podocin, and WT-1 expression and upregulation of desmin expression) indicating podocyte injury in the kidney tissue of DN rats and in the HG-stressed mouse podocytes, respectively. ACOS also significantly antagonized all the above changes. Conclusion. Our research work suggests that P2X7R and NLRP3 inflammasome are involved in the pathogenesis of DN, and ACOS can effectively inhibit the high expression of P2X7R and the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome, which may contribute to the therapeutic effects of Ophiocordyceps sinensis.
New Aspects in the Mechanical Behavior of a Polycarbonate Found by an Experimental Study
Authors: Rey Calderón Alfredo Alán , Díaz Díaz Alberto
Published: November 2018

The aim of this paper was to analyze in detail the mechanical behavior of a polycarbonate by means of uniaxial tensile and compressive tests and to reveal new key aspects that must be taken into account in any predictive model. Uniaxial monotonic and creep‐recovery tests were carried out at a variety of temperatures, stress levels, and load rates to get a complete description of the material response. Prior to mechanical testing, the material was subjected to a thermal rejuvenation in order to eliminate any previous aging and to obtain reliable and useful results. In every test, a complete determination of the strain state was assured by measuring axial and transverse strains with strain gauges. During the tests, significant asymmetry effects and viscous phenomena already reported by other authors were confirmed. The newest finding is that a nonlinear master transverse strain/axial strain curve matches perfectly with the experimental curves. This master curve is temperature‐ and rate‐independent. Another originality of this paper is the disclosure of an instantaneous, hypoelastic‐like behavior at high strain rates. The experimental observations presented in this study should be incorporated by a theoretical model whose aim is to accurately predict the mechanical behavior of polycarbonate subjected to any 3D stress state.
Association of PD-1 and PD-L1 Genetic Polymorphyisms with Type 1 Diabetes Susceptibility
Authors: Qian Chenyue , Guo Heming , Chen Xiaohong , Shi Aiming , Li Sicheng , Wang Xin , Pan Jie , Fang Chen
Published: November 2018

Aims. The programmed death- (PD-) 1/PD-1 ligand (PD-L) pathway plays an important role in regulating T cell activation and maintaining peripheral tolerance. Accumulated studies showed that PD-1/PD-L1 pathway was involved in the development of type 1 diabetes (T1DM). Since the genetic background of type 1 diabetes differs greatly among the different population, we aim to investigate the association of genetic polymorphisms in PD-1 and PD-L1 with T1DM susceptibility in Chinese population.Methods. In total, 166 T1DM patients and 100 healthy controls were enrolled into the study. Genomic DNA was extracted from 4 mL peripheral blood samples collected from each subject. Genotyping of 8 selected SNPs of PD-1 and PD-L1 was carried out by the pyrosequencing PSQ 24 System using PyroMark Gold reagents (QIAGEN).Results. SNP rs4143815 in PD-L1 was significantly associated with T1DM. People carrying the C allele of rs4143815 suffering less risk of T1DM and T1DM patients with G/G genotype showed higher levels of autoantibody (AAB) positive incidence compared with C allele carriers. No significant associations were found in other SNPs.Conclusions. Our results indicate that rs4143815 of PD-L1 is significantly associated with T1DM and may serve as a new biomarker to predict the T1DM susceptibility.
Adult Primary Bone Sarcoma and Time to Treatment Initiation: An Analysis of the National Cancer Database
Authors: Lawrenz Joshua M. , Curtis Gannon L. , Styron Joseph F. , George Jaiben , Anderson Peter M. , Zahler Stacey , Shepard Dale R. , Rubin Brian P. , Nystrom Lukas M. , Mesko Nathan W.
Published: November 2018

Objective. The time to treatment interval (TTI), defined as the period from diagnosis to first definitive treatment, has very limited descriptions toward understanding delays in primary bone sarcoma (PBS) care. Our primary goal was to determine the national standard for time to treatment initiation (TTI) in PBS in adults and to identify characteristics associated with TTI variability. Methods. An analysis of the National Cancer Database identified 15,083 adult patients with PBS diagnosed from 2004 to 2013. Kruskal–Wallis analysis identified differences between covariates regarding TTI and regression modeling identified covariates that independently influenced TTI. Results. The median TTI was 22 days. Approximately 60% of patients were definitively treated in the same center where the index diagnosis was made. Increased TTI was correlated with a transition in care institution (incidence rate ratio (IRR) = 1.89; P<0.001), being uninsured (IRR = 1.36; P<0.001), primary tumor site in the pelvis (IRR = 1.26; P<0.001), Medicaid insurance status (IRR = 1.22; P<0.001), care at an academic center (IRR = 1.14; P<0.001), non-white race (IRR = 1.12; P=0.002), and Medicare insurance status (IRR = 1.08; P=0.017). Decreased TTI was correlated with a diagnosis of chondrosarcoma (IRR = 0.85; P<0.001), having surgery as the index treatment (IRR = 0.88; P<0.001), a primary tumor site of the lower (IRR = 0.91; P=0.001) or upper extremity (IRR = 0.92; P=0.023), and stage II or stage III disease (IRR = 0.91; P=0.010). Conclusions. TTI is associated with tumor, treatment, and socioeconomic and healthcare system characteristics. Transitions in care between institutions are responsible for the greatest increase in TTI. As TTI is more commonly used as a quality metric, physicians need to be aware of the causes for prolonged TTI, as we work to improve national delays in diagnosis and treatment initiation.
Research on Cascading Failure Model of Urban Regional Traffic Network under Random Attacks
Authors: Xing Ruru , Yang Qingfang , Zheng Lili
Published: November 2018

For better describing the network cascading failure caused by random attacks such as traffic accidents, this paper introduces the ORNL-PSerc-Alaska (OPA) model to analyze the urban regional traffic network vulnerability. Firstly, the double-layer network model is built for analyzing the complex characteristics of the regional traffic network. Secondly, the cascading failure model is built to better describe the process of the network cascading failure under random attacks. Finally, by simulating the network failure process, the vulnerability of the traffic network will be pointed out, which provides the theoretical basis for avoiding the network cascading failure under random attacks.
A New Cooperative Anomaly Detection Method for Stacker Running Track of Automated Storage and Retrieval System in Industrial Environment
Authors: Huang Darong , Lin Mengting , Ke Lanyan , Deng Zhenping
Published: November 2018

Considering the complexity and the criticality of the stacker equipment, in order to solve the problem that the stop accuracy of the stacker reduces or even fails to work due to abrasion of the running rail, this paper proposes a cooperative detection method based on Pulse Coupling Neural Network (PCNN) and wavelet transform theory to detect the abnormal points of the stacker running rail in industrial environment by analyzing the variation signals. First of all, considering the fact that the data is mixed up with noises because of the environment at the site and the possibility of the data acquisition equipment breaking down, a noise reduction method for the vibration signal data of stacker is constructed based on PCNN. Then, the basic theory of wavelet transform is introduced and then the rules of judging anomaly points on stackers’ running tracks are discussed based on wavelet transform. In addition, a cooperative detection method based on PCNN and wavelet transform theory is carried out based on the space-time distribution feature of the vibration of the stacker orbits in the industrial environment. Then the rationality of the proposed algorithm is verified by simulation through data provided by State Grid Measuring Center of China. This paper constructs a model of the abnormal point detection of the stackers in an industrial environment. The experimental simulation and example simulation show that the cooperative detection method based on PCNN and wavelet transform theory can effectively detect and locate the anomaly points of the stacker running tracks. The expansibility in engineering applications is promising. Lastly, some conclusions are discussed.
A Two‐Stage Regularization Method for Variable Selection and Forecasting in High‐Order Interaction Model
Authors: Dong Yao , Jiang He
Published: November 2018

Forecasting models with high‐order interaction has become popular in many applications since researchers gradually notice that an additive linear model is not adequate for accurate forecasting. However, the excessive number of variables with low sample size in the model poses critically challenges to predication accuracy. To enhance the forecasting accuracy and training speed simultaneously, an interpretable model is essential in knowledge recovery. To deal with ultra‐high dimensionality, this paper investigates and studies a two‐stage procedure to demand sparsity within high‐order interaction model. In each stage, square root hard ridge (SRHR) method is applied to discover the relevant variables. The application of square root loss function facilitates the parameter tuning work. On the other hand, hard ridge penalty function is able to handle both the high multicollinearity and selection inconsistency. The real data experiments reveal the superior performances to other comparing approaches.
Using Alkali‐Activated Cementitious Materials to Solidify High Organic Matter Content Dredged Sludge as Roadbed Material
Authors: Gu Zhong , Hua Sudong , Zhao Weixing , Li Sisheng , Gao Zhen , Shan Haitao
Published: November 2018

It is difficult to treat dredged sludge with high organic matter content by solidification. A new solidification of dredged sludge with high organic matter content was developed, using cement, fly ash, slag, and phosphogypsum as a solidifier and strong oxidant KMnO4 and GH as additives, to improve the engineering performance of dredged sludge and make it as a roadbed material possible. The properties of the solidified samples were determined in terms of unconfined compressive strength, products of hydration, toxicity characteristics, water stability, freeze‐thaw resistance, and volume stability. The microstructure and hydration products of the dredged sludge after solidification were evaluated by X‐ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and thermogravimetry‐differential scanning calorimetry analysis. Experimental results showed that the strength of the solidified samples has been significantly improved after treatment by strong oxidants. The effect of GH is better than that of KMnO4. Hydration products (ettringite) were well formed. After solidification by using the binders and strong oxidant GH, the samples had sufficient strength and good water stability performance, freeze‐thaw resistance performance, and volume stability performance. The leach liquid of the dredged sludge solidified body meets the standard requirements. So, the dredged sludge after solidification can reach the requirement of the roadbed material.
A Form Finding Method for Arch Bridges Using Parametric Level Set Method
Authors: Shen Yadong , Feng Jianhu , Cheng Xiaohan , Wang Xuntao , Zhang Changhao
Published: November 2018

Topology optimization has developed rapidly in the past three decades; as a creative and efficient optimization technique, it has been applied in engineering fields of aerospace and mechanical. However, there are a few attempts in bridge form design. In this paper, the parametric level set method is utilized to solve the form finding of arch bridges. The optimization model for minimizing the structural compliance under the volume constraint is built. Three numerical examples of form finding of arch bridges are studied. Results show that the optimal structures which have well‐distributed stress and smooth force transmission are almost identical with the actual forms of arch bridges. The optimal forms can be treated as alternatives in the preliminary design stage, and topology optimization has a bright prospect in form finding of arch bridges.
Osteogenic Induction of Wharton’s Jelly-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell for Bone Regeneration: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ansari Ayu Suraya , Yazid Muhammad Dain , Sainik Nur Qisya Afifah Veronica , Razali Rabiatul Adawiyah , Saim Aminuddin Bin , Idrus Ruszymah Bt Hj
Published: November 2018

Wharton’s jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSCs) are emerging as a promising source for bone regeneration in the treatment of bone defects. Previous studies have reported the ability of WJ-MSCs to be induced into the osteogenic lineage. The purpose of this review was to systematically assess the potential of WJ-MSC differentiation into the osteogenic lineage. A comprehensive search was conducted in Medline via Ebscohost and Scopus, where relevant studies published between 1961 and 2018 were selected. The main inclusion criteria were that articles must be primary studies published in English evaluating osteogenic induction of WJ-MSCs. The literature search identified 92 related articles, but only 18 articles met the inclusion criteria. These include two animal studies, three articles containing both in vitro and in vivo assessments, and 13 articles on in vitro studies, all of which are discussed in this review. There were two types of osteogenic induction used in these studies, either chemical or physical. The studies demonstrate that WJ-MSCs are able to differentiate into osteogenic lineage and promote osteogenesis. In light of these observations, it is suggested that WJ-MSCs can be a potential source of stem cells for osteogenic induction, as an alternative to bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells.
Synchronous Surgical Treatment of Lower Eyelid Involutional Entropion and Ptosis
Authors: Vasakos D. , Nakos E. , Sioulis C.
Published: November 2018

Background. Involutional entropion and upper eyelid ptosis are common eyelid diseases in the elderly population. They represent a frequent cause of discomfort and often result in significant visual and functional impairment. The surgical management of these disorders includes various treatment options and techniques and is usually carried out in multiple time sessions. Case Report. We report the case of a 72 year old female patient, suffering from right eye involutional lower eyelid entropion and ptosis, who was treated synchronously for both conditions, by applying the lateral tarsal strip procedure and the levator resection technique. Conclusion. The synchronous treatment of involutional entropion and ptosis is an alternative treatment strategy, which could potentially improve surgical outcome, while reducing postoperative recovery time and treatment costs.
Contribution of Neurons and Glial Cells to Complement-Mediated Synapse Removal during Development, Aging and in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Luchena Celia , Zuazo-Ibarra Jone , Alberdi Elena , Matute Carlos , Capetillo-Zarate Estibaliz
Published: November 2018

Synapse loss is an early manifestation of pathology in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and is currently the best correlate to cognitive decline. Microglial cells are involved in synapse pruning during development via the complement pathway. Moreover, recent evidence points towards a key role played by glial cells in synapse loss during AD. However, further contribution of glial cells and the role of neurons to synapse pathology in AD remain not well understood. This review is aimed at comprehensively reporting the source and/or cellular localization in the CNS—in microglia, astrocytes, or neurons—of the triggering components (C1q, C3) of the classical complement pathway involved in synapse pruning in development, adulthood, and AD.
A Novel Agricultural Commodity Price Forecasting Model Based on Fuzzy Information Granulation and MEA-SVM Model
Authors: Zhang Yongli , Na Sanggyun
Published: November 2018

Accurately predicting the price of agricultural commodity is very important for evading market risk, increasing agricultural income, and accomplishing government macroeconomic regulation. With the price index predictions of 6 commodities of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) as examples, this paper proposed a novel agricultural commodity price forecasting model which combined the fuzzy information granulation, mind evolutionary algorithm (MEA), and support vector machine (SVM). Firstly, the time series data of agricultural commodity price index was transformed into fuzzy information granulation particles made up ofLow,R, andUp, which represented the trend and magnitude of price movement. Secondly, MEA algorithm was employed to seek the optimal parameterscandgfor SVM to establish the MEA-SVM model. Finally, FOA price index fluctuation range and change trend in the future were predicted by the MEA-SVM model. The empirical analysis showed that the MEA-SVM model was effective and had higher prediction accuracy and faster calculation speed in the forecasting of agricultural commodity price.
Taguchi Robust Design for Optimizing Surface Roughness of Turned AISI 1045 Steel Considering the Tool Nose Radius and Coolant as Noise Factors
Authors: Abbas Adel T. , Ragab Adham E. , Benyahia Faycal , Soliman Mahmoud S.
Published: November 2018

AISI 1045 has been widely used in many industrial applications requiring good wear resistance and strength. Surface roughness of produced components is a vital quality measure. A suitable combination of machining process parameters must be selected to guarantee the required roughness values. The appropriate parameters are generally defined based on ideal lab conditions since most of the researchers conduct their experiments in closed labs and ideal conditions. However, when repeating these experiments in industrial workshops, different results are obtained. Imperfect conditions such as the absence of a turning tool with definite specifications as shown in know‐how “tool nose radius 0.4 mm” and its replacement with the closest existence tool “tool nose radius 0.8 mm” as well as the interruption of cutting fluid during work as a result of sudden failure in the coolant pump lead to the mentioned different lab‐industrial conditions. These complications are common among normal problems that happened during the metal cutting process in realistic conditions and are called noise factors. In this paper, Taguchi robust design is used to select the optimum combination of the cutting speed, depth of cut, and feed rate to enhance the surface roughness of turned AISI 1045 steel bars while minimizing the effects of the two noise factors. The optimum parameters predicted by the developed model showed good agreement with the experimental results.
Neutrophil Lymphocyte Ratio and Cardiovascular Disease Risk: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Angkananard Teeranan , Anothaisintawee Thunyarat , McEvoy Mark , Attia John , Thakkinstian Ammarin
Published: November 2018

Objective. This systematic review aimed to measure the association between neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Methods. Relevant studies were identified from Medline and Scopus databases. Observational studies with NLR as a study factor were eligible for review. The outcomes of interest were any type of CVD including acute coronary syndrome, coronary artery disease, stroke, or a composite of these cardiovascular events. Mean differences in NLR between CVD and non-CVD patients were pooled using unstandardized mean difference (USMD). Odds ratios of CVD between high and low NLR groups were pooled using a random effects model. Results. Thirty-eight studies (n=76,002) were included. High NLR was significantly associated with the risks of CAD, ACS, stroke, and composite cardiovascular events with pooled ORs of 1.62 (95% CI: 1.38-1.91), 1.64 (95% CI: 1.30, 2.05), 2.36 (95% CI: 1.44, 2.89), and 3.86 (95% CI: 1.73, 8.64), respectively. In addition, mean NLRs in CAD, ACS, and stroke patients were significantly higher than in control groups. Conclusion. High NLR was associated with CAD, ACS, stroke, and composite cardiovascular events. Therefore, NLR may be a useful CVD biomarker.
Alkyl Length Effects on the DNA Transport Properties of Cu (II) and Zn(II) Metallovesicles: An In Vitro and In Vivo Study
Authors: Arroyo Itizia Z. , Gomez Clarissa , Alarcon Hugo , Jimenez Araceli , Pardo Andrew , Montaño Gabriel , Armijos Rodrigo X. , Noveron Juan C.
Published: November 2018

Cationic liposomes with DNA-transportation properties have attracted considerable attention for their ability to deliver medicinal oligonucleotides to mammalian cells. Amongst these are metalloliposomes that use transition metal ions to confer the lipid molecules cationic charge and unique advantages such as redox- and ligand-exchange triggered DNA-release properties. In this study, lipophilic copper (II) and zinc (II) complexes of 1-alkyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane were prepared to investigate their ability to bind and transfect double stranded DNA with mammalian cells in vitro and in vivo. The copper(II)-surfactant complexes Cu(TACN-C8)2 (1), Cu(TACN-C10)2 (2), Cu(TACN-C12)2 (3), Cu(TACN-C14)2 (4), Cu(TACN-C16)2 (5), and Cu(TACN-C18)2 (6) that comprise ligands that vary in the length of the alkyl group and the zinc (II)-surfactant complex of Zn(TACN-C12)2 (7) were synthesized. The critical micelle concentration (CMC) for 1-7 was measured using fluorescence spectroscopy and an evaluation of the transfection efficiency of the complexes was assessed using the pEGFP-N1 plasmid and HEK 293-T cells. An inverse relationship between DNA transfection efficiency and CMC of the Cu(II) metallosurfactants was observed. The highest transfection efficiency of 38% was observed for Cu(TACN-C12)2 corresponding to the surfactant with dodecyl alkyl chain having a CMC of 50 μM. Further, an in vivo experiment using mice models was conducted to test the Cu(TACN-C12)2 (3) and Zn(TACN-C12)2 (7) metallosurfactants delivering a DNA vaccine designed for protection against leishmaniasis disease and the study revealed that the Cu-lipoplex elicited the production of significantly more T cells than the Zn-lipoplex and the control group in vivo.
Intelligence Algorithms for Protein Classification by Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Fan Zichuan , Kong Fanchen , Zhou Yang , Chen Yiqing , Dai Yalan
Published: November 2018

Mass spectrometry (MS) is an important technique in protein research. Effective classification methods by MS data could contribute to early and less-invasive diagnosis and also facilitate developments in the bioinformatics field. As MS data is featured by high dimension, appropriate methods which can effectively deal with the large amount of MS data have been widely studied. In this paper, the applications of methods based on intelligence algorithms have been investigated. Firstly, classification and biomarker analysis methods using typical machine learning approaches have been discussed. Then those are followed by the Ensemble strategy algorithms. Clearly, simple and basic machine learning algorithms hardly addressed the various needs of protein MS classification. Preprocessing algorithms have been also studied, as these methods are useful for feature selection or feature extraction to improve classification performance. Protein MS data growing with data volume becomes complicated and large; improvements in classification methods in terms of classifier selection and combinations of different algorithms and preprocessing algorithms are more emphasized in further work.
Wound Dehiscence after Posterior Sagittal Anorectoplasty in Children with Anorectal Malformations
Authors: Tofft Louise , Salö Martin , Arnbjörnsson Einar , Stenström Pernilla
Published: November 2018

Aim of the Study. To assess the frequency of and identify contributing factors to wound dehiscence after posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP) in children born with anorectal malformations (ARM). Methods. Ethical approval was obtained (DNR 2017/191). Charts of all children with anorectal malformations (ARM) reconstructed with PSARP, limited PSARP, or PSARVUP at a tertiary centre of paediatric surgery between 2001 and 2016 were reviewed. Wound dehiscence within 30 days postoperatively was analysed regarding gender, prematurity, birth weight, type of ARM, other congenital malformations, single- or multistaged reconstruction, age and weight at reconstruction, postoperative antibiotics, and fasting. Multiple regression analysis was performed for risk factors in single-stage PSARP or limited PSARP, presented as odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Main Results. Ninety patients were included, of which 53 (59%) were males. Single-staged PSARP was performed in 40 (44%) patients and 50 (56%) had a multistaged reconstruction with a colostomy. Wound dehiscence was significantly more common among patients without a colostomy; 17 (43%) vs. 11 (22%) (p=0.043). In patients with single-stage PSARP, no single factor was identified to increase the risk for wound dehiscence: cardiac malformations (OR 3.73) (95% CI 0.78-17.88), low weight at surgery (OR 1.56) (95% CI 0.36-6.99), antibiotics < 1 day (OR 1.6) (95% CI 0.43-5.94), or short fasting 0-3 days (OR 4.44) (95% CI 0.47-42.18). Conclusions. A divided colostomy protected against wound dehiscence after PSARP. No risk factor for wound dehiscence after single-staged PSARP was identified. Further studies are needed to establish contributing factors to uncomplicated wound healing after PSARP.
A Study of Machine-Learning Classifiers for Hypertension Based on Radial Pulse Wave
Authors: Luo Zhi-yu , Cui Ji , Hu Xiao-juan , Tu Li-ping , Liu Hai-dan , Jiao Wen , Zeng Ling-zhi , Jing Cong-cong , Qiao Li-jie , Ma Xu-xiang , Wang Yu , Wang Jue , Pai Ching-Hsuan , Qi Zhen , Zhang Zhi-feng , Xu Jia-tuo
Published: November 2018

Objective. In this study, machine learning was utilized to classify and predict pulse wave of hypertensive group and healthy group and assess the risk of hypertension by observing the dynamic change of the pulse wave and provide an objective reference for clinical application of pulse diagnosis in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Method. The basic information from 450 hypertensive cases and 479 healthy cases was collected by self-developed H20 questionnaires and pulse wave information was acquired by self-developed pulse diagnostic instrument (PDA-1). H20 questionnaires and pulse wave information were used as input variables to obtain different machine learning classification models of hypertension. This method was aimed at analyzing the influence of pulse wave on the accuracy and stability of machine learning model, as well as the feature contribution of hypertension model after removing noise by K-means. Result. Compared with the classification results before removing noise, the accuracy and the area under the curve (AUC) had been improved. The accuracy rates of AdaBoost, Gradient Boosting, and Random Forest (RF) were 86.41%, 86.41%, and 85.33%, respectively. AUC were 0.86, 0.86, and 0.85, respectively. The maximum accuracy of SVM increased from 79.57% to 83.15%, and the AUC stability increased from 0.79 to 0.83. In addition, the features of importance on traditional statistics and machine learning were consistent. After removing noise, the features with large changes were h1/t1, w1/t, t, w2, h2, t1, and t5 in AdaBoost and Gradient Boosting (top10). The common variables for machine learning and traditional statistics were h1/t1, h5, t, Ad, BMI, and t2. Conclusion. Pulse wave-based diagnostic method of hypertension has significant value in reference. In view of the feasibility of digital-pulse-wave diagnosis and dynamically evaluating hypertension, it provides the research direction and foundation for Chinese medicine in the dynamic evaluation of modern disease diagnosis and curative effect.
Correction between the Morphology of Acromion and Acromial Angle in Chinese Population: A Study on 292 Scapulas
Authors: Guo Xiaoguang , Ou Min , Yi Gang , Qin Bo , Wang Guoyou , Fu Shijie , Zhang Lei
Published: November 2018

Introduction. The acromion is a small section of the scapula which extends anteriorly from the spine of the scapula and the acromial angle (AA) is a prominent bony point at the junction of the lateral border of the acromion and the spine of the shoulder blade. As is well known, the morphology of the acromion and the acromial angle are important as their anatomical variation may contribute to shoulder pathologies. However, few people have studied the morphology and the association between the acromion and the acromial angle. The study explores the acromion and the acromial angle in the anatomical morphology and the association, providing an anatomical basis for clinical diagnosis and treatment. Material and Methods. A total of 292 dry, intact scapulae (152 right, 140 left) were used in the study. Three types of the acromion were already measured, type I(flat shape), type II (curved shape), and type III (hooked shape), respectively. Three types of the acromial angles were also measured in this study, C shape, L shape, and Double Angle shape. Results. The research result shows that C shape and L shape were the most common, while Double Angle shape was the least common. C shape was often related to type I (flat shape) and L shape was often related to type II (curved shape). Conclusions. The presented data provides precise and well-sorted information about the acromion and the acromial angle variation in Chinese population, contributing to diagnosis and treating in shoulder pathology.
Biodistribution and Acute Toxicity of Intravenous Multifunctional 125I-Radiolabeled Fe3O4-Ag Heterodimer Nanoparticles in Mice
Authors: Zhang Bin , Zhu Jing , Gu Hongwei , Deng Shengming
Published: November 2018

Fe3O4-Ag125I heterostructured radionuclide nanoparticles (NPs) have been developed as a novel type of dual-modality imaging agents for single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, the biodistribution and toxicity of Fe3O4-Ag125I NPs remain largely unknown. Therefore, we investigated the biodistribution and biological action of Fe3O4-Ag125I NPs in mice by acute toxicity experiments (exposures over 7 days). The bioaccumulation of Fe3O4-Ag125I NPs was studied via in vivo experiments. The serum biochemistry and hematology were analyzed to reveal potential functional changes. The histopathological changes were observed by using an electron microscope. Biodistribution analysis revealed that Fe3O4-Ag125I NPs were mainly accumulated in the liver and spleen. The activities of liver enzymes (ALT and AST) were increased in Fe3O4-Ag125I NP-challenged groups compared with the control groups. Collectively, liver and spleen were the major target organs for accumulation of Fe3O4-Ag125I NPs. Damage of liver tissue was observed in the Fe3O4-Ag125I NP-challenged groups compared with the control groups. Further studies on surface coating of Fe3O4-Ag with targeted materials are highly necessary for safe medical applications of Fe3O4-AgNPs as dual-modality imaging agents.
Context‐Based Spectrum Sharing in 5G Wireless Networks Based on Radio Environment Maps
Authors: Kryszkiewicz Paweł , Kliks Adrian , Kułacz Łukasz , Bogucka Hanna , Koudouridis George P. , Dryjański Marcin
Published: November 2018

Dynamic spectrum sharing can provide many benefits to wireless networks operators. However, its efficiency requires sophisticated control mechanisms. The more context information is used by it, the higher performance of networks is expected. A facility for collecting this information, processing it, and controlling base stations managed by various network operators is a so‐called Radio Environment Map (REM) subsystem. This paper proposes REM‐based schemes for the allocation of base stations power levels in 4G/5G networks, while considering interference generated to a licensed network. It is assumed that both networks have different profiles of served users, e.g., area of their positions and movement, which opens opportunities for spectrum sharing. The proposed schemes have been evaluated by means of extensive system‐level simulations and compared with two widely adopted policy‐based spectrum sharing reference schemes. Simulation results show that dynamic schemes utilizing rich context information outperforms static, policy‐based spectrum sharing schemes.