bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regular Antenatal Attendance and Education Influence the Uptake of Intermittent Preventive Treatment of Malaria in Pregnancy: A Cross-Sectional Study at the University Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
Authors: Addai-Mensah Otchere , Annani-Akollor Max Efui , Fondjo Linda Ahenkorah , Sarbeng Kwadwo , Anto Enoch Odame , Owiredu Eddie-Williams , Arthur Shanice Nglokie
Published: December 2018

Background. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the use of Insecticide Treated Bed-Nets and Intermittent Preventive Treatment (IPT) with Sulphadoxine-Pyrimethamine (SP) as interventions in curbing malaria during pregnancy. However, increasing evidence shows a gap in coverage where not all pregnant women receive the recommended SP dose. This study evaluated the factors influencing uptake of IPTp-SP among pregnant women in Kumasi, Ghana. Methodology. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 280 pregnant women attending the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Hospital in Kumasi, Ghana. Validated structured questionnaires were administered to obtain sociodemographic, medical/reproductive information, and IPTp-SP uptake among participants. Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS 25.0 statistics. Results. The mean age of respondents was 29.7±4.9 years. Of the 280 women interviewed, 74.6% attended the antenatal care (ANC) clinic at least four times with only 31.8% completing the recommended doses. Tertiary education [aOR=3.15, 95% CI (0.94 -10.97), and p=0.042] and ≥ 4 ANC visits [aOR=24.6, 95% CI (5.87-103.07), p<0.0001] had statistically significant higher odds of completing the recommended IPTp-SP dose. However, participants employed by the formal sector [aOR=0.28, 95% CI (0.09 - 0.79), p=0.016] and participants with more than four children [aOR=0.14, 95% CI (0.03 - 0.63), and p=0.011] had statistically significant lower odds of completing the recommended IPT dose. Conclusion. ANC attendance is critical in IPTp uptake. The results emphasize the need for the Health Policy Makers in Kumasi to encourage pregnant women, especially women working in the formal sector and women having more than four children to patronize ANC attendance to ensure high coverage of the recommended IPTp dose.
Recurrence of Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Obstruction Requiring Alcohol Septal Ablation after Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation
Authors: Kitahara Hideki , Matsuura Kaoru , Sugiura Atsushi , Yoshimura Akiko , Muramatsu Takahiro , Tamura Yusaku , Nakayama Takashi , Fujimoto Yoshihide , Matsumiya Goro , Kobayashi Yoshio
Published: December 2018

Left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction is sometimes observed in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS). It is still controversial how to manage the remaining severe AS, when LVOT obstruction is well-controlled by medical therapy. We report a case with acute recurrence of LVOT obstruction requiring emergent alcohol septal ablation (ASA) after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), even in a stable state on beta-blockers. For the ASA procedure, transesophageal echocardiography was useful to clearly observe the perfusion area of the target septal branch by injecting microbubble contrast. Since it took some time to cause the recurrence of LVOT obstruction in this case, careful evaluation should be done after TAVI in high-risk patients for LVOT obstruction before terminating the TAVI procedure.
Hybrid Natural and Forced Active Balancing Control of Battery Packs State of Charge Based on Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles
Authors: Wei Yewen , Dai Shuailong , Wang Jiayu , Shan Zhifei , Min Jie
Published: December 2018

Battery packs are widely used in electric vehicles, and their state-of-charge is one of the essential issues that affect the performances, whilst the balance between parallel and series cell of the battery pack always has an obvious effect. To enhance the working performance of the lithium-based power battery pack, a hybrid natural and forced active balancing control (HNFABC) strategy is proposed and adopted to the balancing circuit that is proposed in this work. These converters, which are advantageous in natural balancing and forced equalization, accelerate the balance speed of natural equilibrium in the final stage and protect the battery from being repeatedly charged and discharged. Simulation and experimental results show that HNFABC is not only simpler than other traditional balance control strategies but also faster in the equalization process. The idea of combining natural equilibrium and forced equilibrium can be inspired to be used in some related industries.
A Geostatistical Investigation into the Effective Spatiotemporal Coverage of Road Weather Information Systems in Alberta, Canada
Authors: Wang Xu , Gu Lian , Kwon Tae J. , Qiu Tony Z.
Published: December 2018

Inclement weather acutely affects road surface and driving conditions and can negatively impact traffic mobility and safety. Highway authorities have long been using road weather information systems (RWISs) to mitigate the risk of adverse weather on traffic. The data gathered, processed, and disseminated by such systems can improve both the safety of the traveling public as well as the effectiveness of winter road maintenance operations. As the road authorities continue to invest in expanding their existing RWIS networks, there is a growing need to determine the optimal deployment strategies for RWISs. To meet such demand, this study presents an innovative geostatistical approach to quantitatively analyze the spatiotemporal variations of the road weather and surface conditions. With help of constructed semivariograms, this study quantifies and examines both the spatial and temporal coverage of RWIS data. A case study of Alberta, which is one of the leaders in Canada in the use of RWISs, was conducted to indicate the reliability and applicability of the method proposed herein. The findings of this research offer insight for constructing a detailed spatiotemporal RWIS database to manage and deploy different types of RWISs, optimize winter road maintenance resources, and provide timely information on inclement road weather conditions for the traveling public.
Principles of Valgus Intertrochanteric Osteotomy (VITO) after Femoral Neck Nonunion
Authors: Banaszek D. , Spence D. , O’Brien P. , Lefaivre K.
Published: December 2018

Nonunion is a relatively rare, yet challenging problem after fracture of the femoral neck. Risk factors include verticality of the fracture line and presence of comminution of the posteromedial calcar, as well as quality of reduction. Treatment options consist of valgus intertrochanteric osteotomy versus arthroplasty. Treatment should be tailored to the individual patient, taking into account patient age and activity demands. This review outlines the principles and technical considerations for valgus osteotomy of the proximal femur in the setting of femoral neck nonunion.
Enhanced Quenching Effect of Neonicotinoid Pesticides on Time-Resolved Terbium Luminescence in Presence of Surfactants
Authors: Ruiz-Medina A. , Soler-Gallardo M. I. , Llorent-Martínez E. J.
Published: December 2018

A luminescence analytical method for the quantification of neonicotinoid pesticides (acetamiprid, clothianidin, dinotefuran, imidacloprid, nitenpyram, thiacloprid, and thiamethoxam) in water samples is proposed. The method is based on the quenching effect that these analytes produce on the time-resolved luminescence signal of terbium ions (excitation/emission wavelengths of 256/545 nm/nm). An enhancement on the analytical signal is observed when surfactants are used in the system. The use of a 0.01 mol·L−1 sodium dodecyl sulfate produced approximately a 30% increase in the sensitivity of the method. Under the optimum conditions, the method presented detection limits between 0.03 and 0.23 µg·mL−1. Interference studies were performed for ions commonly present in waters, observing no interferences. In addition, recovery experiments were performed in different waters, well, spring, and swamp, observing recovery yields close to 100%, with relative standard deviations lower than 4% in all cases. No sample treatment except a filtration step was required. Hence, this method may represent an alternative to other existing methods for the quick and simple analysis of these ubiquitous insecticides in environmental waters.
Experimental and Application Study on Underpinning Engineering of Bridge Pile Foundation
Authors: Yan Lei , Wang Gang , Chen Min , Yue Kefeng , Li Qingning
Published: December 2018

In order to study the theory and application of the pile foundation underpinning technology, 3 local node models of underpinning structures with a similarity ratio of 1/1 were made and the progressive repeated static loading tests were conducted. The shear and antislip properties of the joint are studied, and the improved formula for calculating the shear capacity is proposed. The results show that a planting bar plays a major role in shear resistance, and the hoop rate can improve the shear capacity of the interface. The new formula for calculating the shear‐bearing capacity is proposed, and the calculation results of the formula of shear‐bearing capacity are in good agreement with the experiment results. It is completely feasible to use this formula to calculate the shear‐bearing capacity of the pile foundation underpinning structure. During the test, the bearing capacity of the model is good, which proves the reliability of the underpinning technology is good, and it can provide experimental and theoretical basis for the underpinning of similar projects.
Changes of the Fatty Acid Profile in Erythrocyte Membranes of Patients following 6-Month Dietary Intervention Aimed at the Regression of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
Authors: Maciejewska Dominika , Marlicz Wojciech , Ryterska Karina , Banaszczak Marcin , Jamioł-Milc Dominika , Stachowska Ewa
Published: December 2018

Background. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is closely related to the metabolism disorders of fatty acids. The pathogenesis of the disease includes an increased concentration of FFA in blood, an increase in the biosynthesis of fatty acids, and disorders in the process ofβ-oxidation.Objective. The aim of the study was to analyze the fatty acids in erythrocyte membranes among 55 patients with NAFLD who were subjected to a 6-month dietary intervention in order to reduce fatty liver.Materials and Methods. Basic anthropometric and biochemical measurements were performed. The profile of fatty acids was measured in the membranes of erythrocytes and analyzed by gas chromatography. The dietary compliance was evaluated using 72-diary questionnaires, anthropometric measurements.Results. With the reduction of fatty liver (p<0.01), the patients’ biochemical and anthropometric parameters were significantly improved. A significant decrease in the concentration of alanine aminotransferase (p<0.01) and asparagine aminotransferase (p<0.01) was observed, along with a decrease in the amount of insulin (p<0.05) and insulin resistance (p<0.05). Significant changes in terms of the fatty acid profile were observed among patients who followed the dietary intervention. There was a noticeable tendency in terms of the reduction palmitic acid (p<0.055) and a significant reduction of stearic acid (p<0.05). Significant changes in the profile of fatty acids were also associated with the reductionof palmitoleic (p<0.05) and oleic acids (p<0.05). Another statistically significant change observed was the increase in polyunsaturated fatty acids. In particular (p<0.01) the rise of eicosapentaenoic (p<0.055) and docosahexaenoic acids (p<0.55) was noted.Conclusion. The profile of fatty acids turned out to be a potential biomarker of the liver changes during NAFLD regression. Further research is needed to fully elucidate the usefulness and applicability of our findings in the management of NAFLD.
Simulation of Knowledge Transfer Process Model Between Universities: A Perspective of Cluster Innovation Network
Authors: Wei Fang , Limin Xiao
Published: December 2018

Combined with the basic properties of the cluster innovation network, with the cluster innovation network, which can be composed of different universities that have knowledge potential difference as the research object, the knowledge transfer process is divided into four stages: knowledge externalization, knowledge sharing, knowledge innovation, and knowledge internalization, and the article constructs a knowledge transfer process model through introducing explicit knowledge and tacit knowledge conversion effect mechanism. According to the theory of complex adaptive system, the principle of network connection oriented the knowledge potential difference and the characteristic of the explicit knowledge and tacit knowledge within universities. We research the knowledge transfer process of universities using the system simulation method and focus on the evolution mechanism of the cluster innovation network’s knowledge level at knowledge externalization and knowledge sharing stage. It further reveals the basic topology structure and dynamic evolution law of universities cluster innovation network. We find that both knowledge externalization efficiency and knowledge learning ability have positive correlation with the general knowledge level of network. The evident small‐world network characteristic emerges during the dynamic evolution of universities cluster innovation network. Meanwhile, there exists a coupling evolution between the knowledge level of universities and the topology structure of the cluster innovation network.
A New Memristor‐Based 5D Chaotic System and Circuit Implementation
Authors: Wang Rui , Li Mingjin , Gao Zhaoling , Sun Hui
Published: December 2018

This paper proposes a new 5D chaotic system with the flux‐controlled memristor. The dynamics analysis of the new system can also demonstrate the hyperchaotic characteristics. The design and analysis of adaptive synchronization for the new memristor‐based chaotic system and its slave system are carried out. Furthermore, the modularized circuit designs method is used in the new chaotic system circuit implementation. The Multisim simulation and the physical experiments are conducted, compared, and matched with each other which can demonstrate the existence of the attractor for the new system.
A Preliminary Study on Discriminant Analysis of Syndrome Types in the Recovery Period of Stroke in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Authors: Gan Zhichao , Zhang Dongxue , Huang Zhihui , Chen Lanrong
Published: December 2018

Objective. The purpose of this study is to understand the distribution of syndrome types, the data of four diagnostic information variables, and the correlative degree and diagnostic value of four diagnosis indexes and syndromes in patients with the recovery period of ischemic stroke through clinical case data. Methods. This study developed a unified clinical case collection table, following the clinical research design, measurement, and evaluation methods, using Chi-Square test, logistic regression analysis, and diagnostic test evaluation methods for data screening, analysis, and testing. Results. According to the comprehensive comparison, analysis, and evaluation, the study concluded that the specificity, sensitivity, positive likelihood ratio, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, accuracy, and Youden index of “thick fur, slippery pulse” was the highest. Conclusion. “thick fur, slippery pulse” is the best combination to diagnose the phlegm-stasis in channels during the recovery period of ischemic stroke.
Characterization of Complex Image Spatial Structures Based on Symmetrical Weibull Distribution Model for Texture Pattern Classification
Authors: Liu Jinping , He Jiezhou , Tang Zhaohui , Xu Pengfei , Zhang Wuxia , Gui Weihua
Published: December 2018

Texture pattern classification has long been an essential issue in computer vision (CV). However, texture is a kind of perceptual concept of human beings in scene observation or content understanding, which cannot be defined or described clearly in CV. Visually, the visual appearance of the complex spatial structure (CSS) of texture pattern (TP) generally depends on the random organization (or layout) of local homogeneous fragments (LHFs) in the imaged surface. Hence, it is essential to investigate the latent statistical distribution (LSD) behavior of LHFs for distinctive CSS feature characterization to achieve good classification performance. This work presents an image statistical modeling‐based TP identification (ISM‐TPI) method. It firstly makes a theoretical explanation of the Weibull distribution (WD) behavior of the LHFs of the imaged surface in the imaging process based on the sequential fragmentation theory (SFT), which consequently derives a symmetrical WD model (SWDM) to characterize the LSD of the TP’s SS. Multidirectional and multiscale TP features are then characterized by the SWDM parameters based on the oriented differential operators; in other words, texture images are convolved with multiscale and multidirectional Gaussian derivative filters (GDFs), including the steerable isotropic GDFs (SIGDFs) and the oriented anisotropic GDFs (OAGDFs), for the omnidirectional and multiscale SS detail exhibition with low computational complexity. Finally, SWDM‐based TP feature parameters, demonstrated to be directly related to the human vision perception system with significant physical perception meaning, are extracted and used to TP classification with a partial least squares‐discriminant analysis‐ (PLS‐DA‐) based classifier. The effectiveness of the proposed ISM‐TPI method is verified by extensive experiments on three texture image databases. The classification results demonstrate the superiority of the proposed methods over several state‐of‐the‐art TP classification methods.
Glucose and Lactate Transport in Pancreatic Cancer: Glycolytic Metabolism Revisited
Authors: Cameron Miles E. , Yakovenko Anastasiya , Trevino Jose G.
Published: December 2018

Membrane transporters fulfill essential roles in maintaining normal cellular function in health. In cancer, transporters likewise facilitate the aberrant characteristics typical of proliferating tumor cells. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is remarkable in its aggressiveness, and its metabolism is supported by a variety of membrane transporters. Glucose transporter 1 is upregulated in pancreatic cancer, enables rapid cellular uptake of glucose, and contributes to the invasiveness and metastatic ability of the disease. Likewise, the machinery of glycolysis, enzymes such as pyruvate kinase type M2 and hexokinase 2, is particularly active and ultimately leads to both lactate and tumor formation. Lactic acid channels and transporters include monocarboxylate transporters 1 and 4, connexin43, and CD147. In conjunction with glucose transporters and glycolytic metabolism, lactic acid transport helps perpetuate tumor cell metabolism and contributes to the formation of the unique tumor microenvironment in pancreatic cancer. These transporters may serve as potential therapeutic targets.
Minimization of Drug Shortages in Pharmaceutical Supply Chains: A Simulation‐Based Analysis of Drug Recall Patterns and Inventory Policies
Authors: Azghandi Rana , Griffin Jacqueline , Jalali Mohammad S.
Published: December 2018

The drug shortage crisis in the last decade not only increased health care costs but also jeopardized patients’ health across the United States. Ensuring that any drug is available to patients at health care centers is a problem that official health care administrators and other stakeholders of supply chains continue to face. Furthermore, managing pharmaceutical supply chains is very complex, as inevitable disruptions occur in these supply chains (exogenous factors), which are then followed by decisions members make after such disruptions (internal factors). Disruptions may occur due to increased demand, a product recall, or a manufacturer disruption, among which product recalls—which happens frequently in pharmaceutical supply chains—are least studied. We employ a mathematical simulation model to examine the effects of product recalls considering different disruption profiles, e.g., the propagation in time and space, and the interactions of decision makers on drug shortages to ascertain how these shortages can be mitigated by changing inventory policy decisions. We also measure the effects of different policy approaches on supply chain disruptions, using two performance measures: inventory levels and shortages of products at health care centers. We then analyze the results using an approach similar to data envelopment analysis to characterize the efficient frontier (best inventory policies) for varying cost ratios of the two performance measures as they correspond to the different disruption patterns. This analysis provides insights into the consequences of choosing an inappropriate inventory policy when disruptions take place.
The Tunnel Structural Mode Frequency Characteristics Identification and Analysis Based on a Modified Stochastic Subspace Identification Method
Authors: Zhou Biao , Xie Xiongyao , Wang Xiaojian
Published: December 2018

With the rapid development of underground engineering in China, the heavy structural maintenance work followed is expected to be a great challenge in the future. The development also provides a promising application prospect for the newly developed vibration‐based health assessment and monitoring methods. However, the fact that tunnels are embedded in soil makes collecting and identifying the vibration characteristics more difficult, especially for the online monitoring. In this paper, a new identification method that combines the natural excitation technique (NExT) and stochastic subspace identification (SSI) method is developed. The new method is compared with the traditional SSI method, and mode frequency analysis is made based on a series of field tests carried out at the subway and power tunnel. It is found that both stability and efficiency of the mode frequency identification have been greatly improved, and it more suitable for online monitoring. Meanwhile, a mathematical model is used to analyze the original mode characteristics and the influence of soil coupling. The results are also compared with the field tests results by using the NExT‐SSI method, and some recommendations are also made for how to choose the vibration modals for vibration‐based monitoring in the tunnel.
Quality of Health Information on the Internet for Prostate Cancer
Authors: Chang Dwayne T. S. , Abouassaly Robert , Lawrentschuk Nathan
Published: December 2018

Introduction. To compare (1) the quality of prostate cancer health information on the Internet, (2) the difference in quality between websites appearing earlier or later in the search, and (3) the sources of sponsorship for each of these websites. Materials and methods. The top 150 listed websites on the Google search engine for each of the 11 search terms related to prostate cancer were analysed. Quality was assessed on whether the website conforms to the principles of the Health On the Net Foundation. Each of these websites was then reviewed to determine the main source of sponsorship. Statistical analysis was performed to determine if the proportion of HON accreditation varied among the different cohorts of listed websites and among the 11 search terms used. Results. In total, 1650 websites were analysed. Among these, 10.5% websites were HON-accredited. The proportion of HON-accredited websites for individual search terms ranged from 3.3% to 19.3%. In comparison with the search term of “Prostate cancer,” four search terms had statistically significant odds ratio of the rate of HON accreditation. Websites 51–150 were statistically less likely to have HON accreditation than websites 1–50. The top three website sponsors were journal/universities (28.8%), commercial (28.1%), and physician/surgeon (26.9%). Conclusions. The lack of validated and unbiased websites for prostate cancer is concerning especially with increasing use of the Internet for health information. Websites sponsored or managed by the government and national departments were most likely to provide impartial health information for prostate cancer. We need to help our patients identify valid and unbiased online health resources.
Radiation Necrosis, Pseudoprogression, Pseudoresponse, and Tumor Recurrence: Imaging Challenges for the Evaluation of Treated Gliomas
Authors: Zikou Anastasia , Sioka Chrissa , Alexiou George A. , Fotopoulos Andreas , Voulgaris Spyridon , Argyropoulou Maria I.
Published: December 2018

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common primary malignant type of brain neoplasm in adults and carries a dismal prognosis. The current standard of care for GBM is surgical excision followed by radiation therapy (RT) with concurrent and adjuvant temozolomide-based chemotherapy (TMZ) by six additional cycles. In addition, antiangiogenic therapy with an antivascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agent has been used for recurrent glioblastoma. Over the last years, new posttreatment entities such as pseudoprogression and pseudoresponse have been recognized, apart from radiation necrosis. This review article focuses on the role of different imaging techniques such as conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), dynamic contrast enhancement (DCE-MRI) and dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSE-MRI) perfusion, magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), and PET/SPECT in differentiation of such treatment-related changes from tumor recurrence.
Nitrate Reductase Inhibition Induces Lipid Enhancement of Dunaliella Tertiolecta for Biodiesel Production
Authors: Benhima Redouane , El Arroussi Hicham , Kadmiri Issam M. , El Mernissi Najib , Wahby Imane , Bennis Iman , Smouni AbdelAziz , Bendaou Najib
Published: December 2018

Nitrogen stress increases lipids content in microalgae, the main feedstock for algal biodiesel. Sodium tungstate was used in this study to implement nitrogen stress by inhibiting nitrate reductase (NR) inDunaliella tertiolecta. The reduction of NR activity was accompanied by reduction of chlorophyll and accumulation of lipids. One-stage and two-stage culture strategies were compared. One-stage culture raised total lipids from 18% (control) to 39% (w: w); however, two-stage culture raised lipids to 50% in which neutral lipids were enhanced 2.14 times. To assess the quality of biodiesel produced, fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) composition was studied. It showed a slight variation of unsaturation. In addition, some physical proprieties of biodiesel were estimated and showed that higher heating values were improved by tungstate treatment. In this study, we tried to shed light on some biological impact of NR inhibition in microalgae cells using sodium tungstate which could be exploited in the improvement of biodiesel production.
A Multiview Formal Model of Use Case Diagrams Using Z Notation: Towards Improving Functional Requirements Quality
Authors: El Miloudi Khadija , Ettouhami Aziz
Published: December 2018

We propose a new formal model of UML use case diagram using Z notation to address some of its shortcomings. UML use case diagram has therefore become commonly used to structure functional requirements and the greatest challenge facing the software developer nowadays is to deliver a high quality product meeting customers’ requirements. However, the major disadvantage of UML models is their imprecision. In addition, they are basically in a form of semiformal modelling representations and associated natural language requirements and lack any mechanism to rigorously check consistency which results in its models being subject to ambiguity. This paper reports on the first formal modelling approach of use case diagrams in a multiview context. The approach is divided into two steps. In the first step, a formal model of UML use case diagram is proposed using Z notation. Then, a multiview consistency checking is presented. This approach guarantees software consistency, improving requirements quality.
Liraglutide Enhances the Activity of the ACE-2/Ang(1–7)/Mas Receptor Pathway in Lungs of Male Pups from Food-Restricted Mothers and Prevents the Reduction of SP-A
Authors: Fandiño J. , Vaz A. A. , Toba L. , Romaní-Pérez M. , González-Matías L. , Mallo F. , Diz-Chaves Y.
Published: December 2018

In utero growth restriction and being born small for gestational age are risk factors for respiratory morbidity. IUGR (in utero growth retardation) is associated to overall reduction in lung weight, surfactant content and activity, impaired maturation of the alveolar type II cells, and decreased alveolar formation. The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) may be a key target underlying pathophysiological lung alterations. GLP-1 and agonists of its receptor modulate the expression levels of different components of RAS and also are very important for lung maturation and the production of surfactant proteins. The aim of this study was to elucidate the effects of IUGR induced by perinatal food restriction of the mother in the lung function of pups at early stages of life (PD21) and to determine if liraglutide had any effect during gestational period. Sprague-Dawley pregnant rats were randomly assigned to 50% food restriction (MPFR) or ad libitum control (CT) groups at day of pregnancy 12 (GD12). From GD14 to parturition, pregnant MPFR and CT rats were treated with liraglutide or vehicle. At postnatal day 21 and before weaning, 20 CT and 20 FR male pups were sacrificed and lungs were analyzed by RT-PCR. Liraglutide restored surfactant protein A (SP-A) mRNA expression in pup lungs from food-restricted mothers. Surfactant protein B (SP-B) mRNA expression is not affected by neither IUGR nor liraglutide treatment. Moreover, liraglutide modulated different elements of RAS, increasing angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and MasR mRNA expression only in pups from food-restricted mothers (MPFR), despite food restriction had not any direct effect at this early stage. Liraglutide also increased endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression in MPFR lungs, reflecting the activation of MasR by angiotensin 1–7. In conclusion, liraglutide prevented the alteration in lung function induced by IUGR and promoted the positive effects of ACE2-Ang(1–7)-MasR in restoring lung function.
Stochastic P-Bifurcation of a Bistable Viscoelastic Beam with Fractional Constitutive Relation under Gaussian White Noise
Authors: Li Yajie , Wu Zhiqiang , Zhang Guoqi , Wang Feng
Published: December 2018

In this paper, we study the stochastic P-bifurcation problem for axially moving of a bistable viscoelastic beam with fractional derivatives of high order nonlinear terms under Gaussian white noise excitation. First, using the principle for minimum mean square error, we show that the fractional derivative term is equivalent to a linear combination of the damping force and restoring force, so that the original system can be simplified to an equivalent system. Second, we obtain the stationary Probability Density Function (PDF) of the system’s amplitude by stochastic averaging, and using singularity theory, we find the critical parametric condition for stochastic P-bifurcation of amplitude of the system. Finally, we analyze the types of the stationary PDF curves of the system qualitatively by choosing parameters corresponding to each region within the transition set curve. We verify the theoretical analysis and calculation of the transition set by showing the consistency of the numerical results obtained by Monte Carlo simulation with the analytical results. The method used in this paper directly guides the design of the fractional order viscoelastic material model to adjust the response of the system.
Blood Pressure in relation to 24-Hour Urinary Sodium and Potassium Excretion in a Uruguayan Population Sample
Authors: Moliterno Paula , Álvarez-Vaz Ramón , Pécora Matias , Luzardo Leonella , Borgarello Luciana , Olascoaga Alicia , Marino Carmen , Noboa Oscar , Staessen Jan A. , Boggia José
Published: December 2018

Many public health policies in Latin America target an optimized sodium and potassium intake. The aims of this study were to assess the sodium and potassium intake using 24-hour urinary analysis and to study their association with blood pressure in a Uruguayan population cohort using cluster analysis. A total of 149 participants (aged 20–85 years) were included in the study, and office blood pressure, anthropometric measurements, biochemical parameters in the blood, and 24-hour urine samples were obtained. The overall mean sodium and potassium excretion was 152.9 ± 57.3 mmol/day (8.9 ± 3.4 g/day of salt) and 55.4 ± 19.6 mmol/day, respectively. The average office systolic/diastolic blood pressure was 124.6 ± 16.7/79.3 ± 9.9 mmHg. Three compact spherical clusters were defined in untreated participants based on predetermined attributes, including blood pressure, age, and sodium and potassium excretion. The major characteristics of the three clusters were (1) high systolic blood pressure and moderate sodium excretion, (2) moderate systolic blood pressure and very high sodium excretion, and (3) low systolic blood pressure and low sodium excretion. Participants in cluster three had systolic blood pressure values that were 23.9 mmHg (95% confidence interval: −29.5 to −1.84) lower than those in cluster one. Participants in cluster two had blood pressure levels similar to those in cluster one (P = 0.32) and worse metabolic profiles than those in cluster one and three (P < 0.05). None of the clusters showed high blood pressure levels and high sodium excretion. No linear association was found between blood pressure and urinary sodium excretion (r < 0.14; P > 0.47). An effect of sodium and potassium intake on blood pressure levels was not found at the population level using regression or cluster analysis.
Predicting Missing Links Based on a New Triangle Structure
Authors: Bai Shenshen , Li Longjie , Cheng Jianjun , Xu Shijin , Chen Xiaoyun
Published: December 2018

With the rapid growth of various complex networks, link prediction has become increasingly important because it can discover the missing information and predict future interactions between nodes in a network. Recently, the CAR and CCLP indexes have been presented for link prediction by means of different triangle structure information. However, both indexes may lose the contributions of some shared neighbors. We propose in this work a new index to make up the weakness and then improve the accuracy of link prediction. The proposed index focuses on a new triangle structure, i.e., the triangle formed by one seed node, one common neighbor, and one other node. It emphasizes the importance of these triangles but does not ignore the contribution of any common neighbor. In addition, the proposed index adopts the theory of resource allocation by penalizing large‐degree neighbors. The results of comparison with CN, AA, RA, ADP, CAR, CAA, CRA, and CCLP on 12 real‐world networks show that the proposed index outperforms the compared methods in terms of AUC and ranking score.
The Oxygen Generation Performance of Hollow-Structured Oxygen Candle for Refuge Space
Authors: Wang Weixiang , Jin Longzhe , Gao Na , Wang Jianlin , Liu Mingyang
Published: December 2018

To improve oxygen generation performance, we dissected and analyzed the incompletely reacted oxygen candles and thus proposed the concept of the hollow-structured oxygen candle. We calculated the surface area ratio and designed the mold for hollow-structured oxygen candles at a radius of 0, 5, 9, 12, 15.5, and 20 mm. The structural stability of the oxygen candles was tested by the loading experiment. The oxygen generation rate (OGR) and other properties were explored by combustion experiments. The composition of the oxygen candles and the residual solids after combustion were observed with scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results show that, with the increase of the hollow-structure radius (r), the stability of the hollow-structured oxygen candles gradually weakens, and the oxygen candles cannot be made when r is 20 mm. The hollow structure has a positive influence on the combustion of the oxygen candles, and the extent of combustion reaction can increase to 98.3% at the most, a 28.9% increase compared with that of solid-structured oxygen candles. The analysis of the morphology of cobalt(II,III) oxide and the macroscopic and microscopic morphology of the oxygen candles before and after combustion validates the rationality of the concept of the hollow-structured oxygen candle. The best performance of the oxygen candles is obtained when r = 9 mm, where the highest extent of combustion reaction is 98.3%. The total oxygen generated is 48.75 L, and the average rate is 9.2 L/min. The test of the oxygen candles with r = 9 mm after combustion by the X-ray diffractometer (XRD) shows that these oxygen candles fully reacted. This study provides a basis for optimizing the performance of oxygen candles and for the development of the oxygen supply system fitted with the oxygen candle in spaceflight, submarine, and underground space.
Beyond Query-Oriented Highlighting: Investigating the Effect of Snippet Text Highlighting in Search User Behavior
Authors: Zhang Hui
Published: December 2018

Search users rely on result captions including titles, snippets, and URLs to decide whether they should read and click a particular result or not. Snippet usually serves as a query-dependent summary of its corresponding landing page and is therefore treated as one of the most important factors in search interaction process. Although there exist many efforts in improving snippet generation algorithms and incorporating more powerful interaction functions into snippets, little attention is paid to the effect of text highlighting in user behaviors. The highlighting of query terms in search snippets has been regarded as a matter of course and whether there exists a better way in snippet text highlighting remains uninvestigated. In this paper, we try to find out whether the default strategy of highlighting query terms employed by most commercial search engines is the best for search users. Through carefully designed experiments, we show that the retrieval efficiency can be affected by different term-highlighting strategies without changes in snippet contents. We also propose an automatic method which adopts CRF to learn to highlight terms based on word embedding, Wikipedia, and snippet content information. Experimental results show that the proposed method could predict highlighted terms selected by crowd workers with moderate performance.
Stability Analysis of Mathematical Model including Pathogen-Specific Immune System Response with Fractional-Order Differential Equations
Authors: Daşbaşı Bahatdin
Published: December 2018

In this study, the mathematical model examined the dynamics between pathogen and specific immune system cells (memory T cells) for diseases such as chronic infection and cancer in which nonspecific immune system cells are inadequate to destroy the pathogen and has been suggested by using a system of the fractional-order differential equation with multi-orders. Qualitative analysis of the proposed model reveals the equilibrium points giving important ideas about the proliferation of the pathogen and memory T cells. According to the results of this analysis, the possible scenarios are as follows: the absence of both pathogen and memory T cells, only the existence of pathogen, and the existence of both pathogen and memory T cells. The qualitative analysis of the proposed model has expressed the persistent situations of the disease where the memory T cells either do not be able to respond to the pathogen or continue to exist with the disease-causing pathogen in the host. Results of this analysis are supported by numerical simulations. In the simulations, the time-dependent size of the tumor population under the pressure of the memory T cells was tried to be estimated.
Weak Target Detection Method of Passive Bistatic Radar Based on Probability Histogram
Authors: Hu Panhe , Bao Qinglong , Chen Zengping
Published: December 2018

Passive bistatic radar (PBR) has attracted widespread attention for its capabilities in dealing with the threat of electronic countermeasure, stealth technology, and antiradiation missile. However, passive detection methods are limited by unknown characteristics of the uncooperative illuminators, and conventional radar signal processing algorithms cannot be conducted accurately, especially when the carrier frequency of the transmitting signal is agile and the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in the scattered wave of target is low. To address the above problems, this paper presents a novel weak target detection method based on probability histogram, which is then tested by a field experiment. Preliminary results indicate the feasibility of the proposed method in weak target detection.
Is Intensity Inhomogeneity Correction Useful for Classification of Breast Cancer in Sonograms Using Deep Neural Network?
Authors: Lee Chia-Yen , Chen Guan-Lin , Zhang Zhong-Xuan , Chou Yi-Hong , Hsu Chih-Chung
Published: December 2018

The sonogram is currently an effective cancer screening and diagnosis way due to the convenience and harmlessness in humans. Traditionally, lesion boundary segmentation is first adopted and then classification is conducted, to reach the judgment of benign or malignant tumor. In addition, sonograms often contain much speckle noise and intensity inhomogeneity. This study proposes a novel benign or malignant tumor classification system, which comprises intensity inhomogeneity correction and stacked denoising autoencoder (SDAE), and it is suitable for small-size dataset. A classifier is established by extracting features in the multilayer training of SDAE; automatic analysis of imaging features by the deep learning algorithm is applied on image classification, thus allowing the system to have high efficiency and robust distinguishing. In this study, two kinds of dataset (private data and public data) are used for deep learning models training. For each dataset, two groups of test images are compared: the original images and the images after intensity inhomogeneity correction, respectively. The results show that when deep learning algorithm is applied on the sonograms after intensity inhomogeneity correction, there is a significant increase of the tumor distinguishing accuracy. This study demonstrated that it is important to use preprocessing to highlight the image features and further give these features for deep learning models. In this way, the classification accuracy will be better to just use the original images for deep learning.
Rota-Baxter Leibniz Algebras and Their Constructions
Authors: Zhang Liangyun , Li Linhan , Zheng Huihui
Published: December 2018

In this paper, we introduce the concept of Rota-Baxter Leibniz algebras and explore two characterizations of Rota-Baxter Leibniz algebras. And we construct a number of Rota-Baxter Leibniz algebras from Leibniz algebras and associative algebras and discover some Rota-Baxter Leibniz algebras from augmented algebra, bialgebra, and weak Hopf algebra. In the end, we give all Rota-Baxter operators of weight 0 and -1 on solvable and nilpotent Leibniz algebras of dimension ≤3, respectively.
Is the Wedged Insole an Effective Treatment Option When Compared with a Flat (Placebo) Insole: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Zhang Bingbing , Yu Xing , Liang Long , Zhu Liguo , Dong Xiaopeng , Xiong Yang , Pan Quan , Sun Yongsheng
Published: December 2018

Background. Using the lateral wedge insole is a conservative management strategy for knee osteoarthritis. The theoretical basis for this intervention is to correct femorotibial angle, thereby reducing pain and optimising function. Objective. This systematic review evaluates the evidence on the effectiveness of wedge insole compared with flat insole for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. Methods. A systematic review was performed, searching published (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CNKI, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science) and unpublished literature from their inception to April 2018. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the use of wedge insole with a flat insole were included. Risk of bias and clinical relevance were assessed, and outcomes were analysed through meta‐analysis. Result. From a total of 413 citations, 8 studies adhered to the a priori eligibility criteria. The WOMAC pain was shown to be statistically nonsignificant change with the use of wedge insole (SMD=0.07), and low heterogeneity (I2=22%) and a 95% CI that crossed zero (95% CI: −0.09 to 0.24). The 5 independent trials were not significant in improving pain score (SMD = −0.02, 95% CI: −0.19 to 0.16). This review also revealed no significance in improving Lequesne index (SMD = −0.27, 95% CI: −0.72 to 0.19). The meta‐analysis from the 2 independent trials was significant in improving femorotibial angle (SMD = −0.41, 95% CI: −0.73 to ‐0.09). In conclusion, this meta‐analysis suggested that lateral wedge insoles can improve femorotibial angle but are of no benefit with pain and functions in knee osteoarthritis.
Dynamics Feature and Synchronization of a Robust Fractional‐Order Chaotic System
Authors: Yang Xuan-Bing , He Yi-Gang , Li Chun-Lai
Published: December 2018

Exploring the dynamics feature of robust chaotic system is an attractive yet recent topic of interest. In this paper, we introduce a three‐dimensional fractional‐order chaotic system. The important finding by analysis is that the position of signal x3 descends at the speed of 1/c as the parameter b increases, and the signal amplitude of x1, x2 can be controlled by the parameter m in terms of the power function with the index −1/2. What is more, the dynamics remains constant with the variation of parameters b and m. Consequently, this system can provide rich encoding keys for chaotic communication. By considering the properties of amplitude and position modulation, the partial projective synchronization and partial phase synchronization are realized with linear control scheme. The distribution map of optimal synchronization region in the control‐parameter space is charted by defining the power consumption of controller. Numerical simulations are executed to confirm the theoretical analysis.
Influence of Bifurcation Structures Revealed by Refinement of a Nonlinear Conductance in JosephsonJunction Element
Authors: Miino Yuu , Ueta Tetsushi
Published: December 2018

We conduct a bifurcation analysis of a single‐junction superconducting quantum interferometer with an external flux. We approximate the current‐voltage characteristics of the conductance in the equivalent circuit of the JJ by using two types of functions: a linear function and a piecewise linear (PWL) function. We describe a method to compute the local stability of the solution orbit and to solve the bifurcation problem. As a result, we reveal the bifurcation structure of the systems in a two‐dimensional parameter plane. By making a comparison between the linear and PWL cases, we find a difference in the shapes of their bifurcation sets in the two‐dimensional parameter plane even though there are no differences in the one‐dimensional bifurcation diagrams or the trajectories. As for the influence of piecewise linearization, we discovered that grazing bifurcations terminate the calculation of the local bifurcations, because they drastically change the stability of the periodic orbit.