bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polar bear research: has science helped management and conservation?
Authors: Vongraven Dag , Derocher Andrew E. , Bohart Alyssa M.
Published: July 2018

Wildlife management is predicated upon the use of scientific research to assist decision-making. However, assessment of the effectiveness of the management–research relationship is rarely undertaken. Polar bears (Ursus maritimus) have benefitted from an international agreement that required each of the countries within the species’ range to manage them using the best available scientific data. The objective of this paper is to conduct a systematic review of peer-reviewed literature on polar bears to describe research trends and to assess how effectively research has met management needs. We analyzed 1191 peer-reviewed scientific papers from 1886–2016 covering 24 research topics. Annual counts of papers within each research topic were assessed for temporal trends, spatial coverage, and the extent to which they have facilitated management and monitoring needs. The annual number of papers increased from <10 in the early 1960s to >50 in recent years with a mean of 2.2 papers per subpopulation per year with great variation between the 19 global subpopulations. We conclude that there is an imbalance in the geographic and thematic focus of peer-reviewed research in recent years, and that only four subpopulations appear to have had a research focus covering most parameters essential for conservation and sound management.
Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines as Personalized Therapy in Human Cancers
Authors: Wang Sumei , Long Shunqin , Wu Wanyin
Published: July 2018

Although lots of great achievements have been gained in the battle against cancer during the past decades, cancer is still the leading cause of death in the world including in developing countries such as China. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is popular in Chinese and East Asian societies as well as some other Western countries and plays an active role in the modern healthcare system including patients with cancer, which may act as a potential effective strategy in treating human cancers. In this review, we aimed to introduce the mechanisms of TCM compound, as an option of individualized therapy, in treating cancer patients from the perspective of both Chinese and Western medicine. In the view of traditional Chinese medicine theory, individualized treatment for human cancers based on syndrome type benefits the cancer patients with personalized conditions. Balancing Qi, Xue, Yin and Yang, eliminating phlegm and removing dampness is how TCM compound functions on cancer patients. While in the view of Western medicine, inhibiting cancer cell growth and metastasis as well as improving immune status is how herbal compounds act on cancer patients. We also summarized the applications of TCM compound in human cancers, which will shed light on the clinical application of TCM compound on patients with cancer. TCM compound could be used as a complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in human cancers. It could be applied in cancer patients with cancer-related fatigue (CRF). In addition, it is a good method for alleviating the side effects of both radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Therefore, TCM compound plays a critical role in treating patients with cancer, which has a promising strategy in the field of cancer management.
The electromagnetic form factors of Λ hyperon in e+e−→Λ̄Λ
Authors: Yang Yongliang , Lu Zhun
Published: July 2018

We study the electromagnetic form factors of [Formula: see text] hyperon in the time-like region using the experimental data in the exclusive production of [Formula: see text] pair in electron–positron annihilation. We present a pQCD inspired parametrization of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] with only two parameters, and we consider a suppression mechanism of the electric form factor [Formula: see text] compared to the magnetic form factor [Formula: see text]. The parameters are determined through fitting our parametrization to the data of the effective form factor [Formula: see text] from the DM2, BaBar and BESIII Collaborations in the reaction [Formula: see text]. We use the parametrizations for [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] to calculate the Born cross-sections as well as the ratio [Formula: see text]. Except the threshold region, our parametrization can describe the known behavior of the existing data of effective form factor, Born cross-section and the ratio [Formula: see text] from the BaBar, DM2 and BESIII Collaborations. We also predict the double spin polarization observables [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text] which could provide more information on the size of the lambda EMFFs as well as their phase angles.
Computational investigations of mechanic, electronic and lattice dynamic properties of yttrium based compounds
Authors: Yıldız Gökçen Dikici , Yıldız Yasin Göktürk , AL Selgin , İyigör Ahmet , Arıkan Nihat
Published: July 2018

Electronic, mechanic and lattice dynamic properties of yttrium-based compounds, X3Y, where X = Pd, Pt and Rh were investigated using the density functional theory. The electronic band calculations demonstrated that X3Y compounds are metallic at the cubic crystal structures. The calculated elastic constants using the energy-strain method indicate that the three materials are mechanically stable. The calculated bulk modulus and Young’s modulus values suggest that the Pt3Y is stiffer than that of the other two. The type of bonding and ductility in the X3Y compounds were also evaluated based on their B/G ratios, Cauchy pressures (C[Formula: see text]–C[Formula: see text]) and band structure calculations. These compounds were found to be ductile in nature. The density functional perturbation theory was used to derive full phonon frequencies and total and projected phonon density of states. The computed full phonon spectra for X3Y compounds show that these compounds in the L12 phase are dynamically stable. Debye temperature and specific heat of these compounds were also calculated and evaluated using quasi harmonic approximation.
Soliton interactions and modulation instability for the N-coupled complex short pulse equations in an optical fiber
Authors: Wang Yu-Feng , Guo Bo-Ling
Published: July 2018

Under investigation in this paper are the N-coupled complex short pulse (N-CSP) equations, which describe the propagation of simultaneous N ultrashort pulses in a nonlinear fiber medium. Through the Hirota method, the m-bright-n-dark [Formula: see text] soliton solutions are obtained. Elastic and inelastic interactions between the mixed-type solitons are derived through the asymptotic analysis. As an example, the oblique interactions and the bound states of the 2-bright-1-dark and 1-bright-2-dark solitons for 3-CSP equations are analyzed graphically. Finally, the condition of the modulation instability of the plane-wave solutions for 2-CSP equations is given through the linear stability analysis.
Dynamical analysis and passive control of a new 4D chaotic system with multiple attractors
Authors: Wang Long , Ding Mei
Published: July 2018

This paper constructs a new 4D chaotic system from the Sprott B system. The system is dissipative, chaotic with two saddle foci. The bifurcation diagrams verify that the system exists multiple attractors with different initial values, including two strange attractors, two periodic attractors. Furthermore, we apply the passive control to control the system. A controller is designed for driving the system to the origin. The simulations show our theoretical results visually.
A Generic Framework for Semantic Annotation of Images
Authors: Helmy Tarek
Published: July 2018

Advanced digital capturing technologies have led to the explosive growth of images on the Web. To retrieve the desired image from a huge amount of images, textual query is handier to represent the user's interest than providing a visually similar image as a query. Semantic annotation of images' has been identified as an important step towards more efficient manipulation and retrieval of images. The aim of the semantic annotation of images is to annotate the existing images on the Web so that the images are more easily interpreted by searching programs. To annotate the images effectively, extensive image interpretation techniques have been developed to explore the semantic concept of images. But, due to the complexity and variety of backgrounds, effective image annotation is still a very challenging and open problem. Semantic annotation of Web contents manually is not feasible or scalable too, due to the huge amount and rate of emerging Web content. In this paper, we have surveyed the existing image annotation models and developed a hierarchical classification-based image annotation framework for image categorization, description and annotation. Empirical evaluation of the proposed framework with respect to its annotation accuracy shows high precision and recall compared with other annotation models with significant time and cost. An important feature of the proposed framework is that its specific annotation techniques, suitable for a particular image category, can be easily integrated and developed for other image categories.
Dimension on non-essential submodules
Authors: Davoudian Maryam
Published: July 2018

In this paper, we introduce and study the concepts of non-essential Krull dimension and non-essential Noetherian dimension of an [Formula: see text]-module, where [Formula: see text] is an arbitrary associative ring. These dimensions are ordinal numbers and extend the notion of Krull dimension. They respectively rely on the behavior of descending and ascending chains of non-essential submodules. It is proved that each module with non-essential Krull dimension (respectively, non-essential Noetherian dimension) has finite Goldie dimension. We also show that a semiprime ring [Formula: see text] with non-essential Noetherian dimension is uniform.
Room Temperature Deposition of SiNx and Plasma Polymer Layers for Flexible Multilayer Barrier Films by Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition Processes
Authors: Yong Sang Heon , Ahn Hyung June , Kim Sun Jung , Park Jang Soon , Kwon Sungyool , Cho Sung Min , Jung Donggeun , Chae Heeyeop
Published: July 2018

In this work, silicon nitride (SiNx) films were deposited on plastic substrates at room temperature close to 30[Formula: see text]C on polyethylenenaphthalate (PEN) films in an inductively coupled plasma (ICP) reactor with trisilylamine (TSA, N(SiH[Formula: see text]) precursor and ammonia for flexible moisture barrier films. Moisture barrier property is improved as SiNx layer gets thicker, but cracks are found at thicker films above 300[Formula: see text]nm or more. And the barrier performance of the thicker layers is degraded significantly. In order to improve both flexibility and barrier property, plasma polymer (PP) layers were deposited at room temperature and introduced between the SiNx layers. The water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of a single SiNx film, [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]g/(m[Formula: see text]), is reduced to [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]g/(m[Formula: see text]) with SiNx/PP/SiNx/PP/SiNx alternating five-layer structure. After 1000 times bending in 1.5[Formula: see text]cm of bending radius, the WVTR increases by 41% with five-layer structure, while that of single-layer structure increases by 69%. This work demonstrated that the SiNx and PP layers can be deposited at room temperature for flexible moisture barrier films.
Corporate Financial and Investment Policies in the Presence of a Blockholder on the Board
Authors: Agrawal Anup , Nasser Tareque
Published: July 2018

We examine the relation between the presence of an independent director who is a blockholder (IDB) and corporate policies, risk-taking, and market valuation. After accounting for endogeneity, firms with an IDB have significantly (1) lower levels of cash holdings, payout and research and development (R&D) expenditures, (2) higher levels of capital expenditures, and (3) lower risk. The market appears to value IDB presence and the associated decrease in dividend yield. About 75% of the IDBs in our sample are individual investors, who drive most of our results. Our findings suggest that IDB presence plays a valuable role in shaping some corporate policies and allocating corporate resources.
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conditions of symplectite formation in the eclogites from the Western Gneiss Region (Norway)
Authors: Martin Céline
Published: July 2018

Symplectite, defined as plagioclase + Ca-pyroxene (±amphibole) intergrowths after omphacite, and kelyphite, defined as amphibole + plagioclase coronas around garnet, are common features of retrogressed eclogites. These textures are related to exhumation under (ultra) high pressure towards the surface, but the estimation of the pressure–temperature (
P
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) of symplectite formation is difficult because of the narrowness of pyroxene and plagioclase lamellas, and the compositional variability of the phases. Retrogressed eclogites from Norwegian localities with different eclogite peak conditions have been chosen to investigate the formation of symplectite and associated kelyphite. Thermobarometry calculations show that symplectite crystallizes as soon as the rocks enter the stability field of plagioclase and continues crystallizing until they have reached amphibolite facies. Symplectite yields a pressure range from 18 to 10 kbar, and a temperature range from 700 to 550°C. Amphibole found in the symplectite assemblage crystallizes later, at lower pressures and temperatures (10–4 kbar, 680–420°C). Kelyphite is always associated with well-developed symplectite, when the former omphacite is totally transformed into symplectite. These features likely testify to the influence of an external fluid during retrogression. Samples with limited symplectite and no kelyphite are likely retrogressed with an internal fluid.
Saturated fatty acid combined with lipopolysaccharide stimulates a strong inflammatory response in hepatocytes in vivo and in vitro
Authors: Li Yanchun , Lu Zhongyang , Ru Ji Hyun , Lopes-Virella Maria F. , Lyons Timothy J. , Huang Yan
Published: July 2018

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease and consumption of high-fat diet (HFD) is a risk factor for NAFLD. The HFD not only increases intake of saturated fatty acid (SFA) but also induces metabolic endotoxemia, an HFD-associated increase in circulating lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Although it is known that SFA or LPS promote hepatic inflammation, a hallmark of NAFLD, it remains unclear how SFA in combination with LPS stimulates host inflammatory response in hepatocytes. In this study, we performed both in vivo and in vitro experiments to investigate the effect of SFA in combination with LPS on proinflammatory gene expression in hepatocytes. Our animal study showed that feeding low-density lipoprotein-deficient mice HFD enriched with SFA and injection of low-dose LPS cooperatively stimulated IL-6 expression in livers. To understand how SFA and LPS interact to promote IL-6 expression, our in vitro studies showed that palmitic acid (PA), a major SFA, and LPS exerted synergistic effect on the expression of IL-6 in hepatocytes. Furthermore, coculture of hepatocytes with macrophages resulted in a greater IL-6 expression than culture of hepatocytes without macrophages in response to the combination of PA and LPS. Finally, we observed that LPS and PA increased ceramide production by cooperatively stimulating ceramide de novo synthesis, which played an essential role in the synergistic stimulation of proinflammatory gene expression by LPS and PA. Taken together, this study showed that SFA in combination with LPS stimulated a strong inflammatory response in hepatocytes in vivo and in vitro.
Comparison of the MicroRNA Expression Profiles of Male and Female Avian Primordial Germ Cell Lines
Authors: Lázár Bence , Anand Mahek , Tóth Roland , Várkonyi Eszter Patakiné , Liptói Krisztina , Gócza Elen
Published: July 2018

Primordial germ cells (PGCs) are the precursors of adult germ cells, and among the embryonic stem-like cells in the bird embryo, only they can transmit the genetic information to the next generation. Despite the wide range of applications, very little is known about the mechanism that governs primordial germ cell self-renewal and differentiation. As a first step, we compared 12 newly established chicken PGC lines derived from two different chicken breeds, performing CCK-8 proliferation assay. All of the lines were derived from individual embryos. A significant difference was found among the lines. As microRNAs have been proved to play a key role in the maintenance of pluripotency and the cell cycle regulation of stem cells, we continued with a complex miRNA analysis. We could discover miRNAs expressing differently in PGC lines with high proliferation rate, compared to PGC lines with low proliferation rate. We found that gga-miR-2127 expresses differently in female and male cell lines. The microarray analysis also revealed high expression level of the gga-miR-302b-3p strand (member of the miR-302/367 cluster) in slowly proliferating PGC lines compared to the gga-miR-302b-5p strand. We confirmed that the inhibition of miR-302b-5p significantly increases the doubling time of the examined PGC lines. In conclusion, we found that gga-miR-181-5p, gga-miR-2127, and members of the gga-miR-302/367 cluster have a dominant role in the regulation of avian primordial germ cell proliferation.
A Comparative Study on Fracture Characteristics of the Red Sandstone under Water and Nitrogen Gas Fracturing
Authors: Gao Yanan , Gao Feng , Wang Zekai , Hou Peng
Published: July 2018

Because of the disadvantages in fracturing with the water‐base fracturing fluids and the development of reservoir reconstruction technology, nonaqueous fracturing fluid plays a more and more important role in the worldwide exploitation of unconventional natural gas. In this paper, the fracturing experiments of the red sandstone by using water and nitrogen gas are firstly carried out, and the breakdown pressures and failure patterns of the red sandstone specimens under different fracturing fluids are compared. Then, based on the governing equations, the fracturing experiments with water and nitrogen gas are modeled by using a finite element method software—COMSOL Multiphysics. The conclusions can be obtained as follows: (1) The breakdown pressure of the nitrogen gas fracturing is 60% that of the water fracturing. The ultralow viscosity property of nitrogen gas is the reason for this phenomenon. (2) Compared with the water fracturing, the nitrogen gas fracturing causes greater volumetric strain and a more complex fracture pattern in terms of the number, length, and width of the cracks. (3) The numerical results are close to the experimental data. It implies that numerical modeling in this study can be used as a tool for predicting the breakdown pressure and rupture time. (4) After a sensitive study based on the numerical modeling, it can be found that the loading rate will influence the seepage range which dominates the pore pressure distribution and affects the breakdown pressure for the water fracturing. However, for the nitrogen gas fracturing, the breakdown pressure almost does not change with the loading rate as the nitrogen gas can easily penetrate the specimen from the radial direction.
Comparison of Hydration Properties of Cement‐Carbon Steel Slag and Cement‐Stainless Steel Slag Blended Binder
Authors: Fathy Saly , Liping Guo , Ma Rui , Chunping Gu , Wei Sun
Published: July 2018

This article investigates the effect of carbon steel slag (CS) and stainless steel slag (SS) on the hydration of cement (OPC). Two slags were used to replace cement at a replacement ratio of 15% (CS15 and SS15) and 30% (CS30 and SS30), respectively, by binder weight. Test results demonstrated that the hydration rate of OPC‐CS binder is similar to that of OPC‐SS binder at 3 days but higher than the latter at later ages. The negative effect of steel slag (CS) on the strength of cement mortar can be neglected when its replacement ratio does not exceed 15%. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetry (TG) show that the incorporation of SS tends to decrease calcium hydroxide (CH) content more than the incorporation of CS in the cement matrix. BSE (backscattered electron)/EDX (energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy) analyses estimate the average Si/Ca ratio of CS30 and SS30 at 90 days to be 0.41(Ca/Si = 2.44) and 0.45(Ca/Si = 2.22), respectively, compared to 0.43 (Ca/Si = 2.33) for pure cement.
Factors That Predict the Growth of Residual Nonfunctional Pituitary Adenomas: Correlations between Relapse and Cell Cycle Markers
Authors: Matoušek Petr , Buzrla Petr , Reguli Štefan , Krajča Jan , Dvořáčková Jana , Lipina Radim
Published: July 2018

Introduction. Nonfunctional pituitary adenomas are treated surgically, and even partial resection can improve or eliminate clinical symptoms. Notably, progression requires further intervention, which presents an increased risk, especially in older patients. This study investigated whether the histopathological characteristics of nonfunctional adenomas could predict recurrence. Materials and Methods. Data were obtained retrospectively from 30 patients who underwent surgery for the partial resection of pituitary adenomas. Remnant tumor growth was observed in 17 patients, while the residual tumor was unchanged more than 7 years after surgery in 13 patients. Statistical analysis was performed to investigate correlations between remnant tumor progression and tumor histopathological findings, including protein expression of p21, p27, p53, and Ki-67. Results and Discussion. Remnant tumors that demonstrated regrowth showed significantly higher protein expression of p21 and Ki-67. Expression of the p53 tumor suppressor was also higher in this group, but the difference was at the limit of statistical significance. Conclusion. Tumors with high expression of p21 and p53 and with a high Ki-67 index were more likely to show residual pituitary adenoma progression. Such cases should undergo frequent radiological examination and timely reoperation, and radiosurgery should be considered.
AMPK Activation Mediated by Hinokitiol Inhibits Adipogenic Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells through Autophagy Flux
Authors: Lee Ju-Hee , Jeong Jae-Kyo , Park Sang-Youel
Published: July 2018

Background and Purpose. Hinokitiol, a natural monopenoid present in the essential oil ofCalocedrus formosanaheartwood, exerts potent anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and neuroprotective effects on various cells. However, the antiobesity effect of hinokitiol on adipocytes is unclear.Experimental Approach. In this study, we observed that hinokitiol affected the differentiation to adipocytes in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Hinokitiol was treated with 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine, insulin, and dexamethasone to induce differentiation and maturing adipocytes in cultured MSCs.Key Results. Hinokitiol treatment of MSCs decreased their differentiation to mature adipocytes and increased AMPK phosphorylation in a concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, we confirmed that the antiadipogenic effect of hinokitiol was associated with autophagy. The levels of LC3-II decreased and those of p62 increased in hinokitiol-treated MSCs. The treatment of hinokitiol-treated MSCs with the autophagy activator, rapamycin, restored the hinokitiol-induced decrease in the adipocyte differentiation of MSCs. The inhibition of AMPK phosphorylation also suppressed hinokitiol-mediated inhibition of autophagy and antiadipogenic effects.Conclusions and Implications. Taken together, these results indicated that AMPK activation and autophagy flux inhibition mediated by hinokitiol inhibited lipid accumulation and differentiation of MSCs to adipocytes and also suggest that differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells may be regulated by using the modulator of autophagy flux and AMPK signals including hinokitiol.
A New High-Performance Gadonanotube-Polymer Hybrid Material for Stem Cell Labeling and Tracking by MRI
Authors: Moghaddam Sakineh E. , Hernández-Rivera Mayra , Zaibaq Nicholas G. , Ajala Afis , da Graça Cabreira-Hansen Maria , Mowlazadeh-Haghighi Saghar , Willerson James T. , Perin Emerson C. , Muthupillai Raja , Wilson Lon J.
Published: July 2018

A gentle, rapid method has been developed to introduce a polyacrylic acid (PAA) polymer coating on the surface of gadonanotubes (GNTs) which significantly increases their dispersibility in water without the need of a surfactant. As a result, the polymer, with its many carboxylic acid groups, coats the surface of the GNTs to form a new GNT-polymer hybrid material (PAA-GNT) which can be highly dispersed in water (ca. 20 mg·mL−1) at physiological pH. When dispersed in water, the new PAA-GNT material is a powerful MRI contrast agent with an extremely short water proton spin-lattice relaxation time (T1) which results in a T1-weighted relaxivity of 150 mM−1·s−1 per Gd3+ ion at 1.5 T. Furthermore, the PAA-GNTs have been used to safely label porcine bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells for magnetic resonance imaging. The labeled cells display excellent image contrast in phantom imaging experiments, and transmission electron microscopy images of the labeled cells reveal the presence of highly dispersed PAA-GNTs within the cytoplasm with 1014 Gd3+ ions per cell.
Second Screen Engagement of Event Spectators
Authors: Cerny Tomas , Donahoo Michael Jeff
Published: July 2018

An effective means of engaging spectators at live events involves providing real-time information from a variety of sources. Consumers demand personalized experience; thus, a single channel perspective fails. Modern entertainment must extend to spectator mobile devices and adapt content to individual interests. Moreover, such systems should take advantage of venue screens to engage in sharing live information, aggregated social media, etc. We propose a second screen application, providing each audience member a personalized perspective, involving mobile devices equipped with Wi-Fi, and spanning to venue screens in hotels, halls, arenas, elevators, etc. Such a system engages both local audience and remote spectators. Our work provides a case study involving experience from the deployment of such an application at the ACM-ICPC World Finals with audiences at the event and around the world. We analyze and categorize its features, consider its impact on the audience, and measure its demands.
Effect of Gravity and Task Specific Training of Elbow Extensors on Upper Extremity Function after Stroke
Authors: Khallaf Mohamed E.
Published: July 2018

Background.In individuals with hemiparetic stroke, reaching with the paretic arm can be impaired by abnormal muscle coactivation. Prior trails for improving upper extremity functions after stroke have underestimated the role of gravitational force in motor planning and execution.Objective.The aims this trial were to study the effect of gravity as a facilitator for elbow extension and to estimate the immediate and retention effects of task specific training of elbow extensors on upper extremity function after stroke.Methods.Twenty-six right handed patients with first ever stroke represented the sample of the study. The participants were randomly assigned into two equal groups. The study group received treatment through two phases. Phase one included training for the elbow extensors in an antigravity position. Phase two included a set of task specific exercise for 16 weeks. The control group received traditional passive stretch and range of motion exercises. Manual dexterity and upper limb function were assessed by Nine-Hole Peg Test and Fugl-Meyer upper extremity. Goniometry was used for measuring elbow extension and forearm supination active ranges of motion.Results.Significant improvements were observed in Nine-Hole Peg Test, Fugl-Meyer upper extremity, and ranges of motion at postintervention and follow-up compared to preintervention at P≤0.05.Conclusions.The results of this study provide an evidence that antigravity positions can be used as a centrally presented facilitator of elbow extension. Additionally, task specific training was effective in improving upper extremity function and elbow extension range of motion.
Second-Order Sliding Mode Disturbance Observer-Based Adaptive Fuzzy Tracking Control for Near-Space Vehicles with Prescribed Tracking Performance
Authors: Fu Bin , Chen Kang , Guo Hang
Published: July 2018

An adaptive fuzzy fault-tolerant tracking controller is developed for Near-Space Vehicles (NSVs) suffering from quickly varying uncertainties and actuator faults. For the purpose of estimating and compensating the mismatched external disturbances and modeling errors, a second-order sliding mode disturbance observer (SOSMDO) is constructed. By introducing the norm estimation approach, the negative effects of the quickly varying multiple matched disturbances can be handled. Meanwhile, a hierarchical fuzzy system (HFS) is employed to approximate and compensate the unknown nonlinearities. Several performance functions are introduced and the original system is transformed into one incorporating the desired performance criteria. Then, an adaptive fuzzy tracking control structure is established for the transformed system, and the predefined transient tracking performance can be guaranteed. The rigorous stability of the closed-loop system is proved by using the Lyapunov method. Finally, simulation results are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.
Experimental and Numerical Study of the Failure Behavior of Intermittent Rock Joints Subjected to Direct Shear Load
Authors: Fan Xiang , Li Kaihui , Lai Hongpeng , Zhao Qihua , Sun Zhenhua
Published: July 2018

Two series of intermittent rock joints containing three joints arranged along the central shear axis were considered in this study. The failure behavior under direct shear loads was investigated by means of both physical tests and numerical simulations. The cracking behavior was found to be distinctly associated with the joint arrangement. Several types of main and secondary cracks were identified. The variation trends of the crack initiation stress ratio with inclination angle were analyzed and found to be partly different for the two series of intermittent joints. The whole fracturing process was characterized by three phases. Not all samples have to experience all three phases. The second phase is alternative and can be reflected by the shearing curve. Hence, two types of shearing curves, including single and double peaks, were identified. The double peak is due to the extrusion or sawteeth cutting in the second phase. Moreover, the numerical micromechanical analysis was performed to explain the shear behavior using the contact force and microcrack within the specimen. Based on the numerically measured local stresses, maximum and minimum principal stresses around the middle joint at crack initiation stress and peak shear stress were analyzed.
Improvement of Adipose Macrophage Polarization in High Fat Diet-Induced Obese GHSR Knockout Mice
Authors: Yuan Fang , Ma Jian , Xiang Xinxin , Lan He , Xu Yanhui , Zhao Jing , Li Yin , Zhang Weizhen
Published: July 2018

Purpose. Adipose tissue inflammation is the key linking obesity to insulin resistance. Over 50% of the interstitial cells in adipose tissue are macrophages, which produce inflammatory cytokines and therefore play an important role in the progression of insulin resistance. Within this classification view, macrophage biology is driven by two polarization phenotypes, M1 (proinflammatory) and M2 (anti-inflammatory). The unique functional receptor of ghrelin, growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR), is a classic seven-transmembrane G protein-coupled receptor that is linked to multiple intracellular signaling pathways. Knockout of GHSR improves the obesity and glucose metabolic disorders, suggesting a crucial role of ghrelin activity in insulin resistance. Here, we discussed whether macrophage polarization phenotypes in adipose tissue were changed in GHSR knockout (GHSR-/-) mice. Methods. GHSR-/- mice were fed with normal chow diet (NCD) or high fat diet (HFD). Markers of different macrophage polarization phenotypes were detected by real-time RT-PCR. Results. The size of adipocytes decreased and interstitial cells, especially infiltrated macrophages, reduced in epididymal adipose tissue of GHSR-/- mice fed with HFD. Compared with wild type mice, the mRNA levels of inflammatory adipokines such as resistin, IL-6, and PAI-1 were significantly lower in epididymal adipose tissue of GHSR-/- mice, whereas anti-inflammatory adipokine, adiponectin, was significantly higher. M1 markers, MCP-1, TNF-α, and iNOS, were significantly lower in epididymal adipose tissue of GHSR-/- mice, whereas M2 markers, Arg-1, Mgl-1, were Mrc1, were significantly higher. Conclusion. The GHSR-/- mice fed with HFD showed suppressed adipose inflammation, reduced macrophage infiltration, and enhanced M2 polarization of macrophages in adipose tissue, which improved insulin sensitivity.
Protective Role ofγδT Cells in Different Pathogen Infections and Its Potential Clinical Application
Authors: Zhao Yueshui , Lin Ling , Xiao Zhangang , Li Mingxing , Wu Xu , Li Wanping , Li Xiaobing , Zhao Qijie , Wu Yuanlin , Zhang Hanyu , Yin Jianhua , Zhang Lingling , Cho Chi Hin , Shen Jing
Published: July 2018

γδT cells, a subgroup of T cells based on theγδTCR, when compared with conventional T cells (αβT cells), make up a very small proportion of T cells. However, its various subgroups are widely distributed in different parts of the human body and are attractive effectors for infectious disease immunity.γδT cells are activated and expanded by nonpeptidic antigens (P-Ags), major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules, and lipids which are associated with different kinds of pathogen infections. Activation and proliferation ofγδT cells play a significant role in diverse infectious diseases induced by viruses, bacteria, and parasites and exert their potential effector function to effectively eliminate infection. It is well known that many types of infectious diseases are detrimental to human life and health and give rise to high incidence of illnesses and death rate all over the world. To date, there is no comprehensive understanding of the correlation betweenγδT cells and infectious diseases. In this review, we will focus on the various subgroups ofγδT cells (mainly Vδ1 T cells and Vδ2 T cells) which can induce multiple immune responses or effective functions to fight against common pathogen infections, such asMycobacterium tuberculosis,Listeria monocytogenes, influenza viruses, HIV, EBV, and HBV. Hopefully, the gamma-delta T cell study will provide a novel effective way to treat infectious diseases.
Increased Risk of Dementia in Patients with Antidepressants: A Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies
Authors: Wang Yao-Chin , Tai Po-An , Poly Tahmina Nasrin , Islam Md Mohaimenul , Yang Hsuan-Chia , Wu Chieh-Chen , Li Yu-Chuan (Jack)
Published: July 2018

Antidepressants are the most commonly and widely used medication for its effectiveness in the treatment of anxiety and depression. A few epidemiological studies have documented that antidepressant is associated with increased risk of dementia so far. Here, our aim is to assess the association between antidepressant use and risk of dementia in elderly patients. We searched articles through MEDLINE, EMBASE, Google, and Google Scholar from inception to December 1, 2017, that reported on the association between antidepressant use and dementia risk. Data were collected from each study independently, and study duplication was checked by at least three senior researchers based on a standardized protocol. Summary relative risk (RR) with 95% CI was calculated by using a random-effects model. We selected 9 out of 754 unique abstracts for full-text review using our predetermined selection criteria, and 5 out of these 9 studies, comprising 53,955 participants, met all of our inclusion criteria. The overall pooled RR of dementia was 1.75 (95% CI: 1.033–2.964) for SSRIs whereas the overall pooled RR of dementia was 2.131 (95% CI: 1.427–3.184) for tricyclic use. Also, MAOIs showed a high rate of increase with significant heterogeneity. Our findings indicate that antidepressant use is significantly associated with an increased risk of developing dementia. Therefore, we suggest physicians to carefully prescribe antidepressants, especially in elder patients. Additionally, treatment should be stopped if any symptoms related to dementia are to be noticed.
New Branch of Intuitionistic Fuzzification in Algebras with Their Applications
Authors: Abdul-Ghani Samaher Adnan , Khalil Shuker Mahmood , Ulrazaq Mayadah Abd , Jawad Al-Musawi Abu Firas Muhammad
Published: July 2018

The intuitionistic fuzzification in ρ-algebras about the concepts of ideals and subalgebras given with several related characterizations is considered. Some new concepts like intuitionistic fuzzy ρ-ideal (IFρi), intuitionistic fuzzy ρ-subalgebra (IFρs), ρ-homomorphism, and intuitionistic fuzzy ρ¯-ideal (IFρ¯i) are introduced and some of their descriptions are given in this work. Further, we show some applications on the family of all intuitionistic fuzzy ρ-subalgebras IFρS(R) in ρ-algebra like the binary relations ≈μ, ≈ν and Γr on IFρS(R). Also, their equivalence classes are given and studied.
Task‐Oriented Multilevel Cooperative Access Control Scheme for Environment with Virtualization and IoT
Authors: Dong Jian , Zhu Hui , Song Chao , Li Qiang , Xiao Rui
Published: July 2018

With the development of cloud computing technology and the proliferation of the Internet of Things (IoT) terminals, more and more scenes need the collaboration of virtual machines and IoT terminals to resolve. However, there are many severe challenges on the security of virtual machines and IoT terminals. Based on Bell‐LaPadula Model (BLP), a task‐oriented multilevel cooperative access control scheme virtualization and reality BLP, named VR‐BLP, is proposed. Specifically, tasks are created for each user of the platform and tasks and users are divided into multiple levels to provide more granularities to limit access between virtual machines and IoT terminals. Moreover, with network isolation cooperating with process isolation and shared memory isolation mechanisms, VR‐BLP is implemented to enhance the security isolations between tasks. Performance evaluations show that VR‐BLP enhanced the security of environment with virtualization and IoT without causing significant performance penalty.
A Novel Deep Learning Approach for Recognizing Stereotypical Motor Movements within and across Subjects on the Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Sadouk Lamyaa , Gadi Taoufiq , Essoufi El Hassan
Published: July 2018

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent difficulties including repetitive patterns of behavior known as stereotypical motor movements (SMM). So far, several techniques have been implemented to track and identify SMMs. In this context, we propose a deep learning approach for SMM recognition, namely, convolutional neural networks (CNN) in time and frequency-domains. To solve the intrasubject SMM variability, we propose a robust CNN model for SMM detection within subjects, whose parameters are set according to a proper analysis of SMM signals, thereby outperforming state-of-the-art SMM classification works. And, to solve the intersubject variability, we propose a global, fast, and light-weight framework for SMM detection across subjects which combines a knowledge transfer technique with an SVM classifier, therefore resolving the “real-life” medical issue associated with the lack of supervised SMMs per testing subject in particular. We further show that applying transfer learning across domains instead of transfer learning within the same domain also generalizes to the SMM target domain, thus alleviating the problem of the lack of supervised SMMs in general.
Analysis and Study of Diabetes Follow-Up Data Using a Data-Mining-Based Approach in New Urban Area of Urumqi, Xinjiang, China, 2016-2017
Authors: Li Yukai , Li Huling , Yao Hua
Published: July 2018

The focus of this study is the use of machine learning methods that combine feature selection and imbalanced process (SMOTE algorithm) to classify and predict diabetes follow-up control satisfaction data. After the feature selection and unbalanced process, diabetes follow-up data of the New Urban Area of Urumqi, Xinjiang, was used as input variables of support vector machine (SVM), decision tree, and integrated learning model (Adaboost and Bagging) for modeling and prediction. The experimental results show that Adaboost algorithm produces better classification results. For the test set, the G-mean was 94.65%, the area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.9817, and the important variables in the classification process, fasting blood glucose, age, and BMI were given. The performance of the decision tree model in the test set is relatively lower than that of the support vector machine and the ensemble learning model. The prediction results of these classification models are sufficient. Compared with a single classifier, ensemble learning algorithms show different degrees of increase in classification accuracy. The Adaboost algorithm can be used for the prediction of diabetes follow-up and control satisfaction data.
Female Genital Mutilation: Health Consequences and Complications—A Short Literature Review
Authors: Klein Elliot , Helzner Elizabeth , Shayowitz Michelle , Kohlhoff Stephan , Smith-Norowitz Tamar A.
Published: July 2018

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a procedure performed on women in developing countries and is underreported; it involves cutting or altering the female genitalia. The health consequences of FGM include bacterial and viral infections, obstetrical complications, and psychological problems. In this study, we report FGM societal importance, ramifications, classifications, cultural significance, prevalence, complications, implications, and treatment. Although efforts have been made to eradicate FGM, the dynamics that perpetuate the practice have societal roots. Intervention methods to promote change from within the community are necessary for successful eradication of the practice. For prevention, further studies are needed to develop programs that raise awareness.
Research on the Hybrid ANP-FCE Approach of Urban Community Sustainable Construction Problem
Authors: Zou Tong , Su Yikun , Wang Yaowu
Published: July 2018

As an important component of urban construction, the development of the community is of great significance to the sustainable construction of the entire society. The previous studies mainly focused on quantitative research and were limited by the data collectability, affecting the scientificity of the index system. Therefore, based on the theory of sustainable development, through the review of previous literature, combined with relevant experts' opinions and community development goals and other factors, a qualitative evaluation index system for community sustainable development capacity was established. The ANP (analytic network process) method is mainly used to determine the weight of each indicator, and FCE (fuzzy comprehensive evaluation) is proposed to determine every indicator’s membership. Then the hybrid fuzzy evaluation is promoted to evaluate the selected community as the empirical study. In this paper, the indicator selection is not limited by objective factors, and the evaluation system is more accurate; the application of ANP method makes the results of weight more scientific; meanwhile, fuzzy comprehensive evaluation can be suitable for solving various nondeterministic problems. This study transforms qualitative research into quantitative research; it provides an effective evaluation method for local managers and decision makers to carry out community sustainable construction.
Remission of Spontaneous Canine Tumors after Systemic Cellular Viroimmunotherapy
Authors: Cejalvo Teresa , Perisé-Barrios Ana Judith , del Portillo Isabel , Laborda Eduardo , Rodriguez-Milla Miguel A. , Cubillo Isabel , Vázquez Fernando , Sardón David , Ramirez Manuel , Alemany Ramon , del Castillo Noemí , García-Castro Javier
Published: July 2018

Dogs with spontaneous tumors treated in veterinary hospitals offer an excellent opportunity for studying immunotherapies, including oncolytic viruses. Oncolytic viruses have advanced into the clinic as an intratumorally administered therapeutic; however, intravenous delivery has been hindered by neutralization in the blood. To circumvent this hurdle, mesenchymal stem cells have been used as a "Trojan horse." Here, we present the treatment of 27 canine patients with cancer with canine mesenchymal stem cells infected with ICOCAV17, a canine oncolytic adenovirus. No significant adverse effects were found. The response rate was 74%, with 14.8% showing complete responses, including total remissions of lung metastasis. We detected virus infection, stromal degeneration, and immune cell infiltration in tumor biopsies after 4 weeks of treatment. The increased presence of antiadenoviral antibodies in the peripheral blood of treated dogs did not appear to prevent the clinical benefit of this therapy. These data indicate that oncolytic viruses loaded in mesenchymal stem cells represent an effective cancer immunotherapy.

Significance: The classical clinical limitations of antitumoral viroimmunotherapy can be overcome by use of mesenchymal stem cells.

Graphical Abstract: http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/canres/78/17/4891/F1.large.jpg. Cancer Res; 78(17); 4891–901. ©2018 AACR.
LINC00152 Promotes Invasion through a 3′-Hairpin Structure and Associates with Prognosis in Glioblastoma
Authors: Reon Brian J. , Takao Real Karia Bruno , Kiran Manjari , Dutta Anindya
Published: July 2018

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNA) are increasingly implicated in oncogenesis. Here, it is determined that LINC00152/CYTOR is upregulated in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and aggressive wild-type IDH1/2 grade 2/3 gliomas and upregulation associates with poor patient outcomes. LINC00152 is similarly upregulated in over 10 other cancer types and associates with a poor prognosis in 7 other cancer types. Inhibition of the mostly cytoplasmic LINC00152 decreases, and overexpression increases cellular invasion. LINC00152 knockdown alters the transcription of genes important to epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). PARIS and Ribo-seq data, together with secondary structure prediction, identified a protein-bound 121-bp stem-loop structure at the 3′ end of LINC00152 whose overexpression is sufficient to increase invasion of GBM cells. Point mutations in the stem-loop suggest that stem formation in the hairpin is essential for LINC00152 function. LINC00152 has a nearly identical homolog, MIR4435-2HG, which encodes a near identical hairpin, is equally expressed in low-grade glioma (LGG) and GBM, predicts poor patient survival in these tumors, and is also reduced by LINC00152 knockdown. Together, these data reveal that LINC00152 and its homolog MIR4435-2HG associate with aggressive tumors and promote cellular invasion through a mechanism that requires the structural integrity of a hairpin structure.

Implications: Frequent upregulation of the lncRNA, LINC00152, in glioblastoma and other tumor types combined with its prognostic potential and ability to promote invasion suggests LINC00152 as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target. Mol Cancer Res; 16(10); 1470–82. ©2018 AACR.