bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accelerated Computing in Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Real-Time Imaging Using Nonlinear Inverse Reconstruction
Authors: Schaetz Sebastian , Voit Dirk , Frahm Jens , Uecker Martin
Published: December 2017

Purpose. To develop generic optimization strategies for image reconstruction using graphical processing units (GPUs) in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to exemplarily report on our experience with a highly accelerated implementation of the nonlinear inversion (NLINV) algorithm for dynamic MRI with high frame rates. Methods. The NLINV algorithm is optimized and ported to run on a multi-GPU single-node server. The algorithm is mapped to multiple GPUs by decomposing the data domain along the channel dimension. Furthermore, the algorithm is decomposed along the temporal domain by relaxing a temporal regularization constraint, allowing the algorithm to work on multiple frames in parallel. Finally, an autotuning method is presented that is capable of combining different decomposition variants to achieve optimal algorithm performance in different imaging scenarios. Results. The algorithm is successfully ported to a multi-GPU system and allows online image reconstruction with high frame rates. Real-time reconstruction with low latency and frame rates up to 30 frames per second is demonstrated. Conclusion. Novel parallel decomposition methods are presented which are applicable to many iterative algorithms for dynamic MRI. Using these methods to parallelize the NLINV algorithm on multiple GPUs, it is possible to achieve online image reconstruction with high frame rates.
Involvement of Machine Learning for Breast Cancer Image Classification: A Survey
Authors: Nahid Abdullah-Al , Kong Yinan
Published: December 2017

Breast cancer is one of the largest causes of women’s death in the world today. Advance engineering of natural image classification techniques and Artificial Intelligence methods has largely been used for the breast-image classification task. The involvement of digital image classification allows the doctor and the physicians a second opinion, and it saves the doctors’ and physicians’ time. Despite the various publications on breast image classification, very few review papers are available which provide a detailed description of breast cancer image classification techniques, feature extraction and selection procedures, classification measuring parameterizations, and image classification findings. We have put a special emphasis on the Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) method for breast image classification. Along with the CNN method we have also described the involvement of the conventional Neural Network (NN), Logic Based classifiers such as the Random Forest (RF) algorithm, Support Vector Machines (SVM), Bayesian methods, and a few of the semisupervised and unsupervised methods which have been used for breast image classification.
A Renormalisation Group Approach to the Universality of Wigner’s Semicircle Law for Random Matrices with Dependent Entries
Authors: Krajewski Thomas
Published: December 2017

We show that if the non-Gaussian part of the cumulants of a random matrix model obeys some scaling bounds in the size of the matrix, then Wigner’s semicircle law holds. This result is derived using the replica technique and an analogue of the renormalisation group equation for the replica effective action.
LPA Gene Polymorphisms and Gene Expression Associated with Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Song Zi-Kai , Cao Hong-Yan , Wu Hai-Di , Zhou Li-Ting , Qin Ling
Published: December 2017

The aim of our study was to investigate the influence of LPA gene polymorphisms for CAD risk and Lp(a) in a case-control study of Chinese Han population. In addition, we further analyzed the effect of LPA gene expression on plasma levels of Lp(a) and CAD risk. First, five SNPs (rs1367211, rs3127596, rs6415085, rs9347438, and rs9364559) in LPA gene were genotyped using the SEQUENOM Mass-ARRAY system in two groups. Second, we used quantitative real-time PCR to examine the mRNA expression levels of LPA gene in 92 cases and 32 controls. Results showed that the frequency of rs6415085-T allele was significantly higher in case group than that in control group (P<0.05). Haplotypes were not associated with CAD risk (P>0.05). And cases with the TT/TG genotype had significantly higher plasma Lp(a) levels compared with those that have the rs6415085 GG genotype (P<0.05). Additionally, the mRNA expression levels in case group are significantly higher than that in control group (P<0.05). Our study confirmed that rs6415085 was associated with CAD and increased plasma Lp(a) levels. And increased mRNA expression level of LPA gene may be a mechanism in development of CAD.
Wushenziye Formula Improves Skeletal Muscle Insulin Resistance in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus via PTP1B‐IRS1‐Akt‐GLUT4 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Tian Chunyu , Chang Hong , La Xiaojin , Li Ji-an
Published: December 2017

Background. Wushenziye formula (WSZYF) is an effective traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Aim. This study aimed to identify the effects and underlying mechanisms of WSZYF on improving skeletal muscle insulin resistance in T2DM. Methods. An animal model of T2DM was induced by Goto‐Kakizaki diabetes prone rats fed with high fat and sugar for 4 weeks. Insulin resistance model was induced in skeletal muscle cell. Results. In vivo, WSZYF improved general conditions and decreased significantly fasting blood glucose, glycosylated serum protein, glycosylated hemoglobin, insulin concentration, and insulin resistance index of T2DM rats. In vitro, WSZYF enhanced glucose consumption in insulin resistance model of skeletal muscle cell. Furthermore, WSZYF affected the expressions of molecules in regulating T2DM, including increasing the expressions of p‐IRS1, p‐Akt, and GLUT4, reducing PTP1B expression. Conclusion. These findings displayed the potential of WSZYF as a new drug candidate in the treatment of T2DM and the antidiabetic mechanism of WSZYF is probably mediated through modulating the PTP1B‐IRS1‐Akt‐GLUT4 signaling pathway.
Use of High-Flow Nasal Cannula Oxygen Therapy in a Pregnant Woman with Dermatomyositis-Related Interstitial Pneumonia
Authors: Shoji Tomohiro , Umegaki Takeshi , Nishimoto Kota , Anada Natsuki , Ando Akiko , Uba Takeo , Kusunoki Munenori , Oku Kanako , Kamibayashi Takahiko
Published: December 2017

A 33-year-old pregnant woman was referred to our hospital with respiratory distress at 30 weeks of gestation. Chest computed tomography (CT) scans revealed pulmonary infiltrates along the bronchovascular bundles and ground-glass opacities in both lungs. Despite immediate treatment with steroid pulse therapy for suspected interstitial pneumonia, the patient’s condition worsened. Respiratory distress was slightly alleviated after the initiation of high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) oxygen therapy (40 L/min, FiO2 40%). We suspected clinically amyopathic dermatomyositis (CADM) complicating rapidly progressive refractory interstitial pneumonia. In order to save the life of the patient, the use of combination therapy with immunosuppressants was necessary. The patient underwent emergency cesarean section and was immediately treated with immunosuppressants while continuing HFNC oxygen therapy. The neonate was treated in the neonatal intensive care unit. The patient’s condition improved after 7 days of hospitalization; by this time, she was positive for myositis-specific autoantibodies and was diagnosed with interstitial pneumonia preceding dermatomyositis. This condition can be potentially fatal within a few months of onset and therefore requires early combination immunosuppressive therapy. This case demonstrates the usefulness of HFNC oxygen therapy for respiratory management as it negates the need for intubation and allows for various treatments to be quickly performed.
Twistor Parametrization of Locally BPS Super-Wilson Loops
Authors: Vergu Cristian
Published: December 2017

We consider the kinematics of the locally BPS super-Wilson loop in N=4 super-Yang-Mills with scalar coupling from a twistorial point of view. We find that the kinematics can be described either as supersymmetrized pure spinors or as a point in the product of two super-Grassmannian manifolds G2∣2(4∣4)×G2∣2(4∣4). In this description of the kinematics the scalar–scalar correlation function appearing in the one-loop evaluation of the super-Wilson loop can be neatly written as a sum of four superdeterminants.
Distribution of Adiponectin Receptors 1 and 2 in the Rat Olfactory Bulb and the Effect of Adiponectin Injection on Insulin Receptor Expression
Authors: Miranda-Martínez Alfredo , Mercado-Gómez Octavio Fabián , Arriaga-Ávila Virginia , Guevara-Guzmán Rosalinda
Published: December 2017

Background. Adiponectin (APN) is an adipocyte-derived hormone that has peripheral beneficial effects. Although its receptors AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 are expressed in the brain, their function in neurons is poorly understood. The aims of this work were to describe the distribution of APN receptors in the olfactory bulb (OB) as well as the possible effects of APN injection on the insulin receptor (InsR) content and Akt kinase. Method. We performed the double immunofluorescence technique to describe the distribution of AdipoRs and the cellular type they were expressing. mRNA transcript and protein content were assessed by RT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. APN injection was performed to analyze its possible effect on the insulin pathway. Results. We found that AdipoRs were localized in all cell layers and in both neurons and astrocytes. We observed the presence of mRNA transcripts and immunoblot analysis confirmed the protein on the intact OB; APN injection in the OB resulted in a slight decrease of the total InsR and Akt phosphorylation and a reduction of phopho-InsR content. Conclusions. These data demonstrated that AdipoRs are expressed in OB regions, and APN injection could act as an insulin pathway modulator in the OB and thus possibly contribute to olfaction physiology.
Operational and Environmental Efficiencies of Japanese Electric Power Companies from 2003 to 2015: Influence of Market Reform and Fukushima Nuclear Power Accident
Authors: Goto Mika , Takahashi Toshifumi
Published: December 2017

This study measures operational and environmental efficiencies of nine incumbent electric power companies (EPCos) in Japan and examines an influence of market reform and Fukushima nuclear power plant accident on efficiencies using a data set from 2003 to 2015. This study applies output‐oriented radial data envelopment analysis (DEA) model to the measurement of efficiencies. Three inputs and three desirable outputs are used for the measurement of operational efficiency, and one undesirable output besides inputs and desirable outputs is used to measure environmental efficiency. EPCos produce not only desirable output, for example, electricity, but also undesirable output, for example, CO2, for their operations. For the measurement of environmental efficiency, this study uses a unique DEA model that assumes occurrence of ecotechnology innovation. The results reveal that environmental efficiency of EPCos is mostly invariant over the period of this study, while operational efficiency decreases in the same period. In addition, the results present that Japanese EPCos make efforts to reduce CO2 emissions by promoting ecotechnology innovation. The Kruskal–Wallis rank sum test indicates differences in operational and environmental efficiencies among EPCos. Such performance differences might become larger as market liberalization advances, which could lead to further structural changes of the industry.
Massage Therapy of the Back Using a Real-Time Haptic-Enhanced Telerehabilitation System
Authors: Ramírez-Fernández Cristina , Meza-Kubo Victoria , García-Canseco Eloísa , Morán Alberto L. , Pabloff Oliver , Bonilla David , Green Nirvana
Published: December 2017

We present the usability evaluation of a haptic-enhanced telerehabilitation system for massage therapy of the back using the Vybe haptic gaming pad and the gesture sensor LEAP motion controller. The evaluated system includes features that allow for (i) administering online therapy programs, (ii) providing self-adjustable and safety treatment of back massages using a virtual environment, and (iii) saving and replaying massage sessions according to a patient’s therapy program. The usability evaluation with 25 older adults and 10 specialists suggests that the haptic telerehabilitation system is perceived with high usability and pleasurable user experience, while providing personalized intensity of haptic therapy in a supervised, real-time, and secure way to treat the patient. Moreover, the specialists totally agree that the system design features, such as save and play, and delimiting therapy zones are the most important for back massage therapy, while the features of regulating feedback intensity and providing/receiving a massage remotely are also important. Finally, based on their comments, five design insights aiming at improving the current version of the system were generated.
Monotone Iterative Technique for a Class of Slanted Cantilever Beam Equations
Authors: Wei Mei , Li Qiang
Published: December 2017

In this paper, we deal with the existence and uniqueness of the solutions of two‐point boundary value problem of fourth‐order ordinary differential equation: u(4)(t) = f(t, u(t), u′(t)),  t ∈ [0,1],  u(0) = u′(0) = u′′(1) = u′′′(1) = 0, where is a continuous function. The problem describes the static deformation of an elastic beam whose left end‐point is fixed and right is freed, which is called slanted cantilever beam. Under some weaker assumptions, we establish a new maximum principle by the perturbation of positive operator and construct the monotone iterative sequence of the lower and upper solutions, and, based on this, we obtain the existence and uniqueness results for the slanted cantilever beam.
Achievements of Diabetes Goals and Their Determinants in Type 2 Diabetic Patients Attending Outpatient Diabetic Clinic in Northern Ethiopia
Authors: Belay Ezra , Abera Abel , Mehari Aman , Gebremeskel Gidey , Endrias Asrat , Endris Kedir
Published: December 2017

Background. The aim of this study was to assess target diabetic goal achievements and to explore variables associated with them.Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2015 and April 2016 on 188 type 2 diabetic patients attending Ayder Referral Hospital’s outpatient diabetic clinic. Glycemic control was assessed using fasting plasma glucose values and total cholesterol and triglyceride were used to evaluate lipid profiles. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were done to identify factors associated with poor glycemic control, hypertension, and dyslipidemia.Result. Mean duration of diabetes was 6.5 years. Combined glycemic, lipid, and blood pressure targets were achieved only in 8.5% of the participants. More males achieved combined targets than females. Separately, while above two-thirds of the patients had poor glycemic control (67%), more than half of the participants have had poor lipid (58.5%) and blood pressure (52.1%) control. A significant portion of the patients (68.1%) had also comorbidities other than hyperglycemia. In bivariate and multivariate analyses, longer duration of diabetes disease (AOR: 3.4;P=0.013) and marked month to month fasting plasma glucose (FPG) variability as measured by large standard deviation (AOR: 2.5;P=0.023) were significantly associated with overall poor mean FPG results. Female sex was also significantly associated with dyslipidemia (AOR: 1.9;P=0.049).Conclusion. The study showed that achievements of combined diabetic goals are generally poor.
Thrombosis in the Surgically Corrected Anomalous Right Coronary Artery after Reimplantation in Aorta
Authors: Bajwa Ata , Gupta Bhanu , Ya’qoub Lina , Laster Steven B. , Thompson Randall
Published: December 2017

A 32-year-old African American female presented with dyspnea, and after several cardiac diagnostic tests, the diagnosis of an anomalous origin of the RCA from the pulmonary trunk was established by multislice coronary CT angiography. She underwent surgical correction with reimplantation of the RCA, from the pulmonary artery to the aortic root. However, 10 days after surgery, she developed frequent episodes of chest pain, and repeat coronary CTA showed a partially occlusive thrombus in the surgically reimplanted RCA. Anticoagulation with warfarin resulted in complete resolution of the patient’s symptoms.
Botanicals as Modulators of Neuroplasticity: Focus on BDNF
Authors: Sangiovanni Enrico , Brivio Paola , Dell’Agli Mario , Calabrese Francesca
Published: December 2017

The involvement of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in different central nervous system (CNS) diseases suggests that this neurotrophin may represent an interesting and reliable therapeutic target. Accordingly, the search for new compounds, also from natural sources, able to modulate BDNF has been increasingly explored. The present review considers the literature on the effects of botanicals on BDNF. Botanicals considered wereBacopa monnieri(L.) Pennell,Coffea arabicaL.,Crocus sativusL.,Eleutherococcus senticosusMaxim.,Camellia sinensis(L.) Kuntze (green tea),Ginkgo bilobaL.,Hypericum perforatumL.,Olea europaeaL. (olive oil),Panax ginsengC.A. Meyer,Rhodiola roseaL.,Salvia miltiorrhizaBunge,Vitis viniferaL.,Withania somnifera(L.) Dunal, andPerilla frutescens(L.) Britton. The effect of the active principles responsible for the efficacy of the extracts is reviewed and discussed as well. The high number of articles published (more than one hundred manuscripts for 14 botanicals) supports the growing interest in the use of natural products as BDNF modulators. The studies reported strengthen the hypothesis that botanicals may be considered useful modulators of BDNF in CNS diseases, without high side effects. Further clinical studies are mandatory to confirm botanicals as preventive agents or as useful adjuvant to the pharmacological treatment.
Preventive Effect of Cashew-Derived Protein Hydrolysate with High Fiber on Cerebral Ischemia
Authors: Wattanathorn Jintanaporn , Thukham-mee Wipawee , Muchimapura Supaporn , Wannanon Panakaporn , Tong-un Terdthai , Tiamkao Somsak
Published: December 2017

This study aimed to determine the protective effect of cashew nut-derived protein hydrolysate with high dietary fiber (AO) in cerebral ischemic rats induced by the occlusion of right middle cerebral artery (Rt.MCAO). Acute toxicity was determined and data showed that LD50of AO > 5000 mg/kg BW. To determine the cerebroprotective effect of AO, male Wistar rats were orally given AO at doses of 2, 10, and 50 mg/kg for 14 days and subjected to Rt.MCAO. Brain infarction volume, neurological score, spatial memory, serum lipid profiles, and C-reactive protein together with the brain oxidative stress status were assessed. All doses of AO significantly decreased brain infarction in cortex, hippocampus, and striatum together with the decreased oxidative stress status. The improvement of spatial memory and serum C-reactive protein were also observed in MCAO rats which received AO at all doses. In addition, the decreased serum cholesterol, TG, and LDL but increased HDL were observed in MCAO rats which received high dose of AO. Taken all together, AO is the potential protectant against cerebral ischemia. The improvement of oxidative stress, inflammation, and dyslipidemia might play roles in the actions. However, further researches are required to understand the precise underlying mechanism.
The Relationship of Motor Coordination, Visual Perception, and Executive Function to the Development of 4–6-Year-Old Chinese Preschoolers’ Visual Motor Integration Skills
Authors: Fang Ying , Wang Jingmei , Zhang Ying , Qin Jinliang
Published: December 2017

Visual motor integration (VMI) is a vital ability in childhood development, which is associated with the performance of many functional skills. By using the Beery Developmental Test Package and Executive Function Tasks, the present study explored the VMI development and its factors (visual perception, motor coordination, and executive function) among 151 Chinese preschoolers from 4 to 6 years. Results indicated that the VMI skills of children increased quickly at 4 years and peaked at 5 years and decreased at around 5 to 6 years. Motor coordination and cognitive flexibility were related to the VMI development of children from 4 to 6 years. Visual perception was associated with the VMI development at early 4 years and inhibitory control was also associated with it among 4-year-old and the beginning of 5-year-old children. Working memory had no impact on the VMI. In conclusion, the development of VMI skills among children in preschool was not stable but changed dynamically in this study. Meanwhile the factors of the VMI worked in different age range for preschoolers. These findings may give some guidance to researchers or health professionals on improving children’s VMI skills in their early childhood.
Instrumental Mechanoreceptoric Palpation in Gastrointestinal Surgery
Authors: Solodova Rozaliia F. , Galatenko Vladimir V. , Nakashidze Eldar R. , Shapovalyants Sergey G. , Andreytsev Igor L. , Sokolov Mikhail E. , Podolskii Vladimir E.
Published: December 2017

Background and Aims. Small gastric or colorectal tumours can be visually undetectable during laparoscopic surgeries, and available methods still do not provide a 100% localisation rate. Thus, new methods for further improvements in tumour localisation are highly desirable. In this study, we evaluated the usage of the Medical Tactile Endosurgical Complex (MTEC) in gastrointestinal surgery for localisation of tumours. The MTEC provides the possibility of instrumental mechanoreceptoric palpation, which serves as an analogue of conventional manual palpation.Methods. Ninety-six elective surgeries were performed, including 48 open surgeries, 43 laparoscopies, and 5 robot-assisted surgeries. The 20 mm version of the MTEC tactile mechanoreceptor was used in open surgeries, and the 10 mm version in laparoscopic and robot-assisted surgeries.Results. The mean time of instrumental mechanoreceptoric palpation was 3 minutes 12 seconds for open surgeries, which constituted the early stage of the learning curve, and 3 minutes 34 seconds for laparoscopic surgeries. No side effects or postoperative complications related to instrumental mechanoreceptoric palpation were observed, and this procedure provided data sufficient for tumour localisation in more than 95% of cases.Conclusion. Instrumental mechanoreceptoric palpation performed using MTEC is a simple, safe, and reliable method for tumour localisation in gastrointestinal laparoscopic surgery.
Putative HIV and SIV G-Quadruplex Sequences in Coding and Noncoding Regions Can Form G-Quadruplexes
Authors: Krafčíková Petra , Demkovičová Erika , Halaganová Andrea , Víglaský Viktor
Published: December 2017

The HIV virus is one of the most studied viruses in the world. This is especially true in terms of gene sequencing, and to date more than 9 thousand genomic sequences of HIV isolates have been sequenced and analyzed. In this study, a series of DNA sequences, which have the potential to form G-quadruplex structures, is analyzed. Several such sequences were found in various coding and noncoding virus domains, including the U3 LTR, tat, rev, env, and vpx regions. Interestingly, a homological sequence to the already well-known HIV integrase aptamer was identified in the minus-strand. The sequences derived from original isolates were analyzed using standard spectral and electrophoretic methods. In addition, a recently developed methodology is applied which uses induced circular dichroism spectral profiles of G-quadruplex-ligand (Thiazole Orange) complexes to determine if G-rich sequences can adopt G-quadruplex structure. Targeting the G-quadruplexes or peptide domains corresponding to the G-rich coding sequence in HIV offers researchers attractive therapeutic targets which would be of particular use in the development of novel antiviral therapies. The analysis of G-rich regions can provide researchers with a path to find specific targets which could be of interest for specific types of virus.
Gut Microbiome and Inflammation: A Study of Diabetic Inflammasome-Knockout Mice
Authors: Pahwa Roma , Balderas Miriam , Jialal Ishwarlal , Chen Xinpu , Luna Ruth Ann , Devaraj Sridevi
Published: December 2017

Aims. Diabetes is a proinflammatory state, evidenced by increased pattern recognition receptors and the inflammasome (NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain (NLRP)) complex. Recent reports have elucidated the role of the gut microbiome in diabetes, but there is limited data on the gut microbiome in NLRP-KO mice and its effect on diabetes-induced inflammation. Methods. Gut microbiome composition and biomarkers of inflammation (IL-18, serum amyloid A) were assessed in streptozotocin- (STZ-) induced diabetic mice on a NLRP3-knockout (KO) background versus wild-type diabetic mice. Results. SAA and IL-18 levels were significantly elevated in diabetic mice (STZ) compared to control (WT) mice, and there was a significant attenuation of inflammation in diabetic NLRP3-KO mice (NLRP3-KO STZ) compared to control mice (p<0.005). Principal coordinate analysis clearly separated controls, STZ, and NLRP3-KO STZ mice. Among the different phyla, there was a significant increase in the Firmicutes : Bacteroidetes ratio in the diabetic group compared to controls. When compared to the WT STZ group, the NLRP3-KO STZ group showed a significant decrease in the Firmicutes : Bacteroidetes ratio. Together, these findings indicate that interaction of the intestinal microbes with the innate immune system is a crucial factor that could modify diabetes and complications.
Determination of Ketorolac in the Effluent from a Hospital Treating Plant and Kinetics Study of Its Photolytic Degradation
Authors: Ortega Soto Hector Hugo , Ramírez García Jorge Javier , Gamboa Suárez Paula , Dávila Estrada Angie Michelle
Published: December 2017

In this work, two specific, sensitive, and rapid analytical methods were developed. One of them was for the determination of ketorolac in a hospital wastewater treatment plant where there is no interference with other organic substances; the other one was for the determination of the degradation kinetics in aqueous medium. Ketorolac was extracted from wastewater samples through solid-phase extraction (SPE) cartridges, then it was identified and quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Ketorolac was detected in concentrations between 0.1376 and 0.2667 μg/L. Photolytic degradation was performed on aqueous solutions of ketorolac tromethamine reference substance, at a concentration of 50 μg/mL. Samples were in direct contact with ultraviolet light in a dark chamber, equipped with two mercury lamps (254 nm) at a radiation source of 15 W. The results of the photolytic degradation were adjusted to a first-order model, obtaining a half-life of 4.8 hrs.
Influence of Al2O3, CaO/SiO2, and B2O3 on Viscous Behavior of High Alumina and Medium Titania Blast Furnace Slag
Authors: Bian Lingtao , Gao Yanhong
Published: December 2017

The effect of Al2O3, CaO/SiO2, and B2O3 on the viscosity of high alumina and medium titania blast furnace slag was analyzed. An increase in CaO/SiO2 ratio from 1.14 to 1.44 resulted in higher slag viscosity and break point temperature. They also increased with increasing Al2O3 content but decreased with adding B2O3 and Al2O3 simultaneously at a fixed CaO/SiO2 ratio of 1.14, which suggested that the effect of B2O3 on viscosity and break point temperature is predominant compared to Al2O3. Apparent activation energies of CaO–SiO2–MgO–Al2O3–TiO2–B2O3 slag were found to be between 74 and 169 kJ/mol.
Zoledronic Acid Regulates Autophagy and Induces Apoptosis in Colon Cancer Cell Line CT26
Authors: Zhu Jinhua , Liu Meihui , Liu Yuanfen , Zhang Yiting , Yang Bing , Zhang Wei
Published: December 2017

Zoledronic acid (ZOL) is the third generation of bisphosphonates, which can inhibit many tumors growth, especially to inhibit the growth of colon cancer. However, the molecular mechanism is still very mysterious. In this study, we observed that ZOL could regulate CT26 colon cancer cells autophagy, promote CT26 cells apoptosis, and inhibit CT26 cells proliferation. Western blotting analysis showed that proapoptosis protein caspase-3 was basically unchanged, whereas the expression of the activated caspase-3 was significantly increased, after CT26 cells were treated with different doses of zoledronic acid. Western blot also showed that ZOL could significantly affect the expression of p-p53 and autophagy-related proteins beclin-1 and p62. In conclusion, the antitumor effect of ZOL on CT26 colon cancer cells in vitro is achieved by apoptosis induction and autophagy regulation, resulting in inhibition of cell proliferation.
The Effect of Chia Seeds (Salvia hispanicaL.) Addition on Quality and Nutritional Value of Wheat Bread
Authors: Romankiewicz Daria , Hassoon Waleed Hameed , Cacak-Pietrzak Grażyna , Sobczyk Małgorzata , Wirkowska-Wojdyła Magdalena , Ceglińska Alicja , Dziki Dariusz
Published: December 2017

The aim of the study was to analyze and characterize the influence of chia seeds (CS) addition (0, 2, 4, 6, and 8%) on wheat bread properties. Bread properties that underwent evaluation included chemical composition, fatty acid composition, total phenolics content, volume, baking losses, crumb texture, and color and sensory analysis. The addition of CS decreased baking losses and the volume of bread. The color of the crumb with CS was much darker as compared with the control sample. The texture analysis showed that the CS caused a decrease in the hardness of the crumb. Most importantly, the addition of CS increased the nutritional value of the bread. Bread with CS contained more dietary fiber and mineral components. Moreover, it has been observed that in comparison to the control product bread with CS was characterized by a rich fatty acids composition and higher level of phenolic compounds. Most importantly, the results showed that the substitution of wheat flour with chia seeds up to 6% did not negatively affect the final product acceptance.
A Dynamic Short-Turning Bus Control for Uncertain Demand
Authors: Zhang Hu , Zhao Shuzhi , Liu Huasheng , Li Jin
Published: December 2017

This paper formulates a dynamic approach for real-time bus control in uncertain demand. This dynamic approach aims to save the total cost for passengers and operators, while improving transit service reliability. An unfixed rolling horizon was implemented to choose the best dynamic approach. Real-time control predicts two discrete variables (arrival time and bus position) and determines the space-time point of buses. Furthermore, controlled actions include stop skipping and bus holding. The holding time starts when a bus serves a station and depends on previous intervals of passenger boarding and alighting at the station. The stop skipping action allows a bus to skip not only stations with a short-turning exception, but also stations with low demand for boarding that have been alighted in the short-turning segment. Stop skipping and bus holding actions for short-turning service both decrease the travel time of served passengers and the running time of buses, thus improving transit service reliability. A genetic algorithm was applied to solve the problem and the validity of the proposed dynamic approach was tested with four different scenarios. The result of these tests shows that a dynamic short-term bus control can significantly reduce total cost and improve transit service reliability.
Design of LPV-Based Sliding Mode Controller with Finite Time Convergence for a Morphing Aircraft
Authors: Wen Nuan , Liu Zhenghua , Sun Yang , Zhu Lingpu
Published: December 2017

This paper proposes a finite time convergence sliding mode control (FSMC) strategy based on linear parameter-varying (LPV) methodology for the stability control of a morphing aircraft subject to parameter uncertainties and external disturbances. Based on the Kane method, a longitudinal dynamic model of the morphing aircraft is built. Furthermore, the linearized LPV model of the aircraft in the wing transition process is obtained, whose scheduling parameters are wing sweep angle and wingspan. The FSMC scheme is developed into LPV systems by applying the previous results for linear time-invariant (LTI) systems. The sufficient condition in form of linear matrix inequality (LMI) constraints is derived for the existence of a reduced-order sliding mode, in which the dynamics can be ensured to keep robust stability and L2 gain performance. The tensor-product (TP) model transformation approach can be directly applied to solve infinite LMIs belonging to the polynomial parameter-dependent LPV system. Then, by the parameter-dependent Lyapunov function stability analysis, the synthesized FSMC is proved to drive the LPV system trajectories toward the predefined switching surface with a finite time arrival. Comparative simulation results in the nonlinear model demonstrate the robustness and effectiveness of this approach.
Morphological and Genetic Diversity of Rhizobia Nodulating Cowpea (Vigna unguiculataL.) from Agricultural Soils of Lower Eastern Kenya
Authors: Ondieki Damaris K. , Nyaboga Evans N. , Wagacha John M. , Mwaura Francis B.
Published: December 2017

Limited nitrogen (N) content in the soil is a major challenge to sustainable and high crop production in many developing countries. The nitrogen fixing symbiosis of legumes with rhizobia plays an important role in supplying sufficient N for legumes and subsequent nonleguminous crops. To identify rhizobia strains which are suitable for bioinoculant production, characterization of rhizobia is a prerequisite. The objective of this study was to assess the morphological and genetic diversity of rhizobia that nodulates cowpea in agricultural soils of lower eastern Kenya. Twenty-eight rhizobia isolates were recovered from soil samples collected from farmers’ fields in Machakos, Makueni, and Kitui counties in lower eastern Kenya and characterized based on morphological characteristics. Thirteen representative isolates were selected and characterized using BOX repetitive element PCR fingerprinting. Based on the dendrogram generated from morphological characteristics, the test isolates were distributed into two major clusters at a similarity of 75%. Phylogenetic tree, based on BOX repetitive element PCR, grouped the isolates into two clusters at 90% similarity level. The clustering of the isolates did not show a relationship to the origin of soil samples, although the isolates were genetically diverse. This study is a prerequisite to the selection of suitable cowpea rhizobia to develop bioinoculants for sustainable crop production in Kenya.
Decreased Expression of Semaphorin3A/Neuropilin-1 Signaling Axis in Apical Periodontitis
Authors: Lin Ying , Xing Quan , Qin Wei , Melo Mary Anne Sampaio de , Zou Rui , Xu Meng , Zhang Xiaolei , Xu Hockin H. K. , Lin Zhengmei
Published: December 2017

Apical periodontitis (AP) is a chronic infection of endodontic origin accompanied with bone destruction around the apical region. Semaphorin3A (Sema3A) and neuropilin-1 (Nrp1) are regarded as a pair of immune regulators in bone metabolism. In this study, we firstly investigated the expression pattern of Sema3A/Nrp1 in apical periodontitis and its correlation with bone destruction. Using rat animal model, we analysed the level of mandibular bone destruction and the expression of Sema3A/Nrp1 on days 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 after pulp exposure. In addition, clinical samples from apical periodontitis patients were obtained to analyse the expression of Sema3A/Nrp1. These results indicated that the bone destruction level expanded from days 7 to 35. The number of positive cells and level of mRNA expression of Sema3A/Nrp1 were significantly decreased from days 7 to 35, with a negative correlation with bone destruction. Moreover, expression of Sema3A/Nrp1 in the AP group was reduced compared to the control group of clinical samples. In conclusion, decreased expression of Sema3A/Nrp1 was observed in periapical lesions and is potentially involved in the bone resorption of the periapical area, suggesting that Sema3A/Nrp1 may contribute to the pathological development of apical periodontitis.
Perianal Comedones: A Rare Incidental Finding
Authors: Powell Priscilla R. , Garza-Chapa Juana Irma , Susa Joseph S. , Weis Stephen E.
Published: December 2017

Comedones occur when an overproliferation of keratinocytes blocks sebum secretion in a pilosebaceous duct. Comedones have multiple possible etiologies and contributing factors. While comedones are common to acne, they are also seen in occupational exposures and are associated with certain syndromes. We describe a particularly rare case of comedones at the perianus that is not associated with any known exposure or disease and is a rare incidental finding.
Practical Fingerprinting Localization for Indoor Positioning System by Using Beacons
Authors: Subedi Santosh , Pyun Jae-Young
Published: December 2017

Recent developments in the fields of smartphones and wireless communication technologies such as beacons, Wi-Fi, and ultra-wideband have made it possible to realize indoor positioning system (IPS) with a few meters of accuracy. In this paper, an improvement over traditional fingerprinting localization is proposed by combining it with weighted centroid localization (WCL). The proposed localization method reduces the total number of fingerprint reference points over the localization space, thus minimizing both the time required for reading radio frequency signals and the number of reference points needed during the fingerprinting learning process, which eventually makes the process less time-consuming. The proposed positioning has two major steps of operation. In the first step, we have realized fingerprinting that utilizes lightly populated reference points (RPs) and WCL individually. Using the location estimated at the first step, WCL is run again for the final location estimation. The proposed localization technique reduces the number of required fingerprint RPs by more than 40% compared to normal fingerprinting localization method with a similar localization estimation error.
Six-Point Subdivision Schemes with Cubic Precision
Authors: Shi Jun , Tan Jieqing , Liu Zhi , Zhang Li
Published: January 2018

This paper presents 6-point subdivision schemes with cubic precision. We first derive a relation between the 4-point interpolatory subdivision and the quintic B-spline refinement. By using the relation, we further propose the counterparts of cubic and quintic B-spline refinements based on 6-point interpolatory subdivision schemes. It is proved that the new family of 6-point combined subdivision schemes has higher smoothness and better polynomial reproduction property than the B-spline counterparts. It is also showed that, both having cubic precision, the well-known Hormann-Sabin’s family increase the degree of polynomial generation and smoothness in exchange of the increase of the support width, while the new family can keep the support width unchanged and maintain higher degree of polynomial generation and smoothness.
Scattering Study of Fermions due to Double Dirac Delta Potential in Quaternionic Relativistic Quantum Mechanics
Authors: Hassanabadi Hassan , Sobhani Hadi , Chung Won Sang
Published: January 2018

We have studied the scattering problem of relativistic fermions from a quaternionic double Dirac delta potential. We have used Dirac equation in the presence of the scalar and vector potentials in the quaternionic formalism of relativistic quantum mechanics to study the problem. The wave functions of different regions have been derived. Then, using the reflection coefficient, transmission coefficient, and the continuity equation, the scattering problem has been investigated in detail. It has been shown that we have faced some fluctuations in the reflection and transmission coefficients.
Preparation and Characterization of Proteinaceous Films from Seven Mexican Common Beans (Phaseolus vulgarisL.)
Authors: Montalvo-Paquini Claudia , Avila-Sosa Raúl , López-Malo Aurelio , Palou Enrique
Published: January 2018

Bean protein concentrate (BPC) as a protein source from seven varieties of Mexican common beans (alubia,flor de mayo,garbancillo,peruano,pinto,mantequilla, andnegro) was utilized for formulating edible films (EF). EF were prepared with BPC (3% w/w) and glycerol as a plasticizer by the casting method; their thickness, water content, soluble matter, protein solubility, color, puncture strength, elongation, water vapor permeability (WVP), and chemical properties (Fourier transform infrared, FTIR, and spectroscopy) were evaluated. Tested EF had an average thickness of0.045±0.001 mm. Good stability was observed since the studied polymers did not exceed 35% of the total soluble matter while protein solubilities were not greater than 3%. EF made fromperuanobean protein presented a lower value of total matter solubility (25.38±2.24%) than the other tested EF. A low value of WVP (2.06±0.25×10-10 g m/Pa s m2) was observed in films fromnegrobean protein, while EF fromflor de mayobean protein exhibited the highest values of puncture strength (17.35±0.82 MPa) and elongation (38.21±0.64%). Most bean protein EF had reddish or brownish color; however, films fromalubiaandperuanobean proteins displayed light yellowish colors. FTIR spectra of EF revealed that glycerol did not react with the studied bean proteins through covalent bonds.
Ending the Sri Lankan Civil War
Authors: Ganguly Sumit
Published: January 2018

The Sri Lankan Civil War erupted in 1983 and dragged on until 2009. The origins of the conflict can be traced to Sri Lanka's colonial era and subsequent postcolonial policies that had significantly constrained the social and economic rights of the minority Tamil population. Convinced that political avenues for redressing extant grievances were unlikely to yield any meaningful results, a segment of the Tamil community turned to violence precipitating the civil war. A number of domestic, regional, and international efforts to bring about a peaceful solution to the conflict all proved to be futile. A military strategy, which involved extraordinary brutality on the part of the Sri Lankan armed forces, brought it to a close. However, few policy initiatives have been undertaken in its wake to address the underlying grievances of the Tamil citizenry that had contributed to the outbreak of the civil war in the first place.
The United Nations & Civil Wars
Authors: Guéhenno Jean-Marie
Published: January 2018

The UN engagement in civil wars was almost nonexistent until the end of the Cold War, but recent experience brings some important lessons: the traditional principles of peacekeeping are ill-suited for civil war, as demands on peacekeepers, in particular the protection of civilians, are expanding. But military force is there to support a political strategy. The UN must focus on politics, using its comparative advantage–its independence–to win the confidence of the parties, while preserving its access to big powers to put pressure on them. However, it is challenged by the growing divisions in the Security Council, the changing nature of conflict, and a crisis of states that reflects long-term trends. This is not a reason for the UN to abandon its role in ending civil wars, but it needs to recalibrate its ambitions and adapt its approach: be less state-centric and more inclusive; more robust militarily; and more disciplined in its priorities.
Screening Piety, Invoking Fervour: The Strange Case of Italy's Televised Mass
Authors: Zordan Davide
Published: January 2018

This paper discusses the television broadcasting of Catholic Masses in Italy today from an interdisciplinary perspective that integrates theology with religion and media studies as well as television studies. After a brief overview of the history of television broadcasting of the Mass and a discussion of its rapid theological acceptance, the paper analyzes the unique success and “proliferation” of televised Masses in Italy. Looking at some of the common characteristics of televised Masses across Italian broadcasting channels, the paper concludes with a reflection on the specificity of (televised) Mass as a ritual action.
Opportunity beliefs and class differences in subjective status injustice during the Great Recession in Iceland
Authors: Oddsson Guðmundur , Bernburg Jón Gunnar
Published: December 2017

Sociologists theorize that opportunity beliefs shape whether individuals see their status in society as just or unjust – a topic that is broadly relevant to research linking social structure to emotions and behaviors. Two prominent theories, however, entail competing propositions. The dominant ideology thesis suggests that believing in opportunity barriers increases subjective status injustice, especially for lower class individuals. In contrast, relative deprivation theory implies that believing in restricted opportunities deters upward comparison among the lower classes, potentially reducing class differences in subjective status injustice. Relationships between class position, opportunity beliefs, and subjective status injustice were studied using survey data gathered during the Great Recession in Iceland. The findings indicate that beliefs in opportunity barriers are widespread, yet few see their social status as unjust. Moreover, only opportunity barriers stemming from political ties and gender increase subjective status injustice, especially so in the case of political ties among lower class individuals. It is likely that this latter sentiment was made particularly significant during the recession by an intense moral discourse condemning nepotism and cronyism. Because these two opportunity constraints are widely condemned in Iceland, we suggest that only opportunity barriers defined as social problems in a given society are salient enough to influence status justice evaluations.
Fast Tracks and Inner Journeys: Crafting Portable Selves for Contemporary Careers
Authors: Petriglieri Gianpiero , Petriglieri Jennifer Louise , Wood Jack Denfeld
Published: December 2017

Through a longitudinal, qualitative study of 55 managers engaged in mobile careers across organizations, industries, and countries, and pursuing a one-year international master’s of business administration (MBA), we build a process model of the crafting of portable selves in temporary identity workspaces. Our findings reveal that contemporary careers in general, and temporary membership in an institution, fuel people’s efforts to craft portable selves: selves endowed with definitions, motives, and abilities that can be deployed across roles and organizations over time. Two pathways for crafting a portable self—one adaptive, the other exploratory—emerged from the interaction of individuals’ aims and concerns with institutional resources and demands. Each pathway involved developing a coherent understanding of the self in relation to others and to the institution that anchored participants to their current organization while preparing them for future ones. The study shows how institutions that host members temporarily can help them craft selves that afford a sense of agentic direction and enduring connection, tempering anxieties and bolstering hopes associated with mobile working lives. It also suggests that institutions serving as identity workspaces for portable selves may remain attractive and extend their cultural influence in an age of workforce mobility.