bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Platelet-Rich Plasma, Hydroxyapatite, and Chitosan in the Bone and Cartilaginous Regeneration of Femoral Trochlea in Rabbits: Clinical, Radiographic, and Histomorphometric Evaluations
Authors: Segundo Francisco Alipio de Sousa , Costa Edla Iris de Sousa , Azevedo Adílio Santos de , Araújo Ana Lucélia de , Silva Ana Clara de França , de Lima Gabriel Goetten , de Sá Marcelo Jorge Cavalcanti
Published: June 2018

The aim of this study was to evaluate the trochlear bone and cartilaginous regeneration of rabbits using the association of PRP, chitosan, and hydroxyapatite. Hole was made in rabbit troches, one hole in each animal remained empty (group C), and one was filled by a combination of PRP, chitosan, and hydroxyapatite (group T). Clinical-orthopedic, radiographic, and histomorphometric evaluations were performed. Clinical-orthopedic evaluation showed lameness of two members of the T group and one member of group C. The radiographic evaluation showed that the T group showed absence of subchondral bone reaction (33%). The presence of moderate subchondral bone reaction was more frequently reported in group C with 67%. Microscopic evaluation revealed a presence of tissue neoformation, composed of connective tissue. Microscopic findings were similar in both groups, with a difference in the amount of neoformed tissue being perceptible, which was confirmed after the morphometric analysis, which revealed a significant difference in the quantity of newly formed tissue at the bone/cartilage/implant interface. The composite base of the association of chitosan, hydroxyapatite, and platelet-rich plasma favored bone and cartilage healing.
X-Linked Chronic Granulomatous Disease: Initial Presentation with Intracranial Hemorrhage from Vitamin K Deficiency in Infant
Authors: Boonyawat Boonchai , Suksawat Yiwa , Pacharn Punchama , Suwanpakdee Piradee , Traivaree Chanchai
Published: June 2018

Vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB) is a life-threatening condition and can be found in children as early as neonatal period with early onset intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). Here, we reported a 1-year-old boy who initially presented with intracranial hemorrhage secondary to vitamin K deficiency since 3 months of age and later found to have XL-CGD which was complicated by malabsorption due to severe vaccine-associated mycobacterial disease.
Teeth and Covariates: Association with Risk of Falls
Authors: Kohli Shivani , Wui Vun Aaron Lam , Daryl Philip Christopher , Muhammad Aadil Cassamally , Ramalingam Mahenthiran
Published: June 2018

Purpose. Falls occur commonly in geriatric populations and undesirably influence their life, morbidity, and mortality. The aim of this study was to analyze the association between the number of teeth present among the elderly population and covariates in relation to the risk of falls. Materials and Methods. This study was conducted at various old age homes in the Klang Valley region of Malaysia involving the geriatric population aged 60 years and above. A detailed questionnaire consisting of sociodemographic data including sex, age, household income, and dental variables such as the number of teeth and chewing difficulty was obtained. The Tinetti test (TT) was used to evaluate the patients’ ability to walk, to maintain postural balance, and to determine their risk of falling. The short version of the Geriatric Depression Scale was used to assess depression among the participants, and the Barthel Scale was used to analyze the subject’s ability to perform the activities of daily living (ADL). Results. Statistically significant association was observed in relation to the number of teeth present and risk of falls (p<0.05). Subjects who had 19 teeth or less in total had moderate to highest risk of falls (p=0.001) in comparison with subjects who had 20 teeth or more. Those aged 70 years and above showed the highest risk of falls (p=0.001) in comparison with the subjects aged between 60 and 69 years. Subjects with depression (p=0.03) and presence of illness related to fall showed statistically significant difference (p=0.001) in comparison with those who did not suffer from the same. Compromised ADL (p=0.001) (which included ability to perform several tasks like indoor mobility, climbing stairs, toilet use, and feeding) and low monthly income (p=0.03) was also observed among subjects who had higher risk of falls. Conclusion. According to the results achieved, there was a high statistically significant association observed between the number of teeth present, age, depression, ADL, and presence of illness in relation to the risk of falling among the geriatric population. Henceforth, oral rehabilitation of elderly patients with less number of teeth may reduce their risk of falls.
A Secure and Privacy-Aware Smart Health System with Secret Key Leakage Resilience
Authors: Zhang Yinghui , Lang Pengzhen , Zheng Dong , Yang Menglei , Guo Rui
Published: June 2018

With the development of the smart health (s-health), data security and patient privacy are becoming more and more important. However, some traditional cryptographic schemes can not guarantee data security and patient privacy under various forms of leakage attacks. To prevent the adversary from capturing the part of private keys by leakage attacks, we propose a secure leakage-resilient s-health system which realizes privacy protection and the safe transmission of medical information in the case of leakage attacks. The key technique is a promising public key cryptographic primitive called leakage-resilient anonymous Hierarchical Identity-Based Encryption. Our construction is proved to be secure against chosen plaintext attacks in the standard model under the Diffie-Hellman exponent assumption and decisional linear assumption. We also blind the public parameters and ciphertexts by using double exponent technique to achieve the recipient anonymity. Finally, the performance analysis shows the practicability of our scheme, and the leakage rate of the private key approximates to 1/6.
ABS‐DDoS: An Agent‐Based Simulator about Strategies of Both DDoS Attacks and Their Defenses, to Achieve Efficient Data Forwarding in Sensor Networks and IoT Devices
Authors: González-Landero Franks , García-Magariño Iván , Lacuesta Raquel , Lloret Jaime
Published: June 2018

Sensor networks and Internet of Things (IoT) are useful for many purposes such as military defense, sensing in smart homes, precision agriculture, underwater monitoring in aquaculture, and ambient‐assisted living for healthcare. Efficient and secure data forwarding is essential to maintain seamless communications and to provide fast services. However, IoT devices and sensors usually have low processing capabilities and vulnerabilities. For example, attacks such as the Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) can easily hinder sensor networks and IoT devices. In this context, the current approach presents an agent‐based simulation solution for exploring strategies for defending from different DDoS attacks. The current work focuses on obtaining low‐consuming defense strategies in terms of processing capabilities, so that these can be applied in sensor networks and IoT devices. The experimental results show that the simulator was useful for (a) defining defense and attack strategies, (b) assessing the effectiveness of defense strategies against attack ones, and (c) defining efficient defense strategies with low response times.
Inference of Crosstalk Effects between DNA Methylation and lncRNA Regulation in NSCLC
Authors: Tang Binhua
Published: June 2018

Intercellular crosstalk effects between DNA methylation and lncRNA regulation remain elusive in lung carcinoma epigenetics. We present an application toolkit MetLnc in integration and annotation for group-wise NSCLC tissue-based DNA methylation and lncRNA profiling resources, to comprehensively analyze differentially methylated loci and lncRNAs through genome-wide analysis. Together with multiple analytic functions, MetLnc acts as an efficient approach on epigenetic omics integration and interrogation. Via the benchmark with group-wise NSCLC tissue profiling and TCGA cohort resources, we study differentially methylated CpG loci and lncRNAs as meaningful clues for inferring crosstalk effects between DNA methylation and lncRNA regulation; together we conclude with investigated biomarkers for further epigenetics and clinical trial research.
Brain Tumours: Rise in Glioblastoma Multiforme Incidence in England 1995–2015 Suggests an Adverse Environmental or Lifestyle Factor
Authors: Philips Alasdair , Henshaw Denis L. , Lamburn Graham , O’Carroll Michael J.
Published: June 2018

Objective. To investigate detailed trends in malignant brain tumour incidence over a recent time period. Methods. UK Office of National Statistics (ONS) data covering 81,135 ICD10 C71 brain tumours diagnosed in England (1995–2015) were used to calculate incidence rates (ASR) per 100k person–years, age–standardised to the European Standard Population (ESP–2013). Results. We report a sustained and highly statistically significant ASR rise in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) across all ages. The ASR for GBM more than doubled from 2.4 to 5.0, with annual case numbers rising from 983 to 2531. Overall, this rise is mostly hidden in the overall data by a reduced incidence of lower-grade tumours. Conclusions. The rise is of importance for clinical resources and brain tumour aetiology. The rise cannot be fully accounted for by promotion of lower–grade tumours, random chance or improvement in diagnostic techniques as it affects specific areas of the brain and only one type of brain tumour. Despite the large variation in case numbers by age, the percentage rise is similar across the age groups, which suggests widespread environmental or lifestyle factors may be responsible. This article reports incidence data trends and does not provide additional evidence for the role of any particular risk factor.
Serum Levels of IL-33 and Correlation with IL-4, IL-17A, and Hypergammaglobulinemia in Patients with Autoimmune Hepatitis
Authors: Liang Ma , Liwen Zhang , Yun Zhuang , Yanbo Ding , Jianping Chen
Published: June 2018

This study investigated the role of IL-33 in the pathogenesis of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). The levels of IL-33/sST2 and Th1/Th2/Th17-type cytokines were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in serum samples obtained from 30 AIH patients and 20 healthy controls (HCs). In addition, a murine model of experimental AIH (EAIH) was established to investigate the role of IL-33 in disease progression. The serum levels of IL-33, sST2, Th17 cytokines (IL-17A), Th1 cytokines (IFN-γ, TNF-α), and Th2 cytokines (IL-4) were significantly elevated in AIH patients compared to HCs. Following immunosuppression therapy, serum levels of IL-33 and sST2 were significantly decreased. Additionally, the serum levels of IL-33 in AIH patients were correlated positively with markers of hypergammaglobulinemia (IgG, IgM, and IgA) and liver injury (γ-GT/ALP). Also, the serum levels of IL-33 in AIH patients were correlated positively with proinflammatory cytokine levels (IL-17A and IL-4). Interestingly, treatment of EAIH mice with a specific IL-33 neutralizing antibody significantly reversed the increasing trend in serum ALT/AST and inhibited the production of the type 2 (IL-4) and type 17 cytokines (IL-17) but not the type 1 cytokine (IFN-γ). Our findings highlight the possible role of the IL-33/sST2 axis in the progression of AIH, opening a new door for developing a novel therapeutic strategy for AIH.
One-Step Solid Extraction for Simultaneous Determination of Eleven Commonly Used Anticancer Drugs and One Active Metabolite in Human Plasma by HPLC-MS/MS
Authors: Gao Shouhong , Tao Zhengbo , Zhou Jingya , Wang Zhipeng , Yun Yunlei , Li Mingming , Zhang Feng , Chen Wansheng , Miao Yejun
Published: June 2018

Therapeutic drug monitoring for anticancer drugs could timely reflectin vivodrug exposure, and it was a powerful tool for adjusting and maintaining drug concentration into a reasonable range, so that an enhanced efficacy and declined adverse reactions could be achieved. A liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method had been developed and fully validated for simultaneous determination of paclitaxel, docetaxel, vinblastine, vinorelbine, pemetrexed, carboplatin, etoposide, cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide, gemcitabine, irinotecan, and SN-38 (an active metabolite of irinotecan) in human plasma from cancer patients after intravenous drip of chemotherapy drugs. One-step solid-phase extraction was successfully applied using an Ostro sample preparation 96-well plate for plasma samples pretreated with acetonitrile containing 0.1% formic acid. Chromatographic separation was achieved on an Atlantis T3-C18column (2.1 × 100 mm, 3.0 μm) with gradient elution using a mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile and 10 mM ammonium acetate plus 0.1% formic acid in water, and the flow rate was 0.25 mL/min. The Agilent G6410A triple quadrupole liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry system was operated under the multiple reaction monitoring mode with an electrospray ionization in the positive mode. Linear range was 25.0–2500.0 ng for paclitaxel, 10.0–1000.0 ng for docetaxel and SN-38, 100.0–10000.0 ng for vinorelbine and pemetrexed, 10.0–10000.0 ng for vinblastine and irinotecan, 1.0–1000.0 ng for cyclophosphamide and ifosfamide, 50.0–5000.0 ng for carboplatin, etoposide, and gemcitabine. Linearity coefficients of correlation were >0.99 for all analytes. The intraday and interday accuracy and precision of the method were within ±15.0% and less than 15%. The mean recovery and matrix effect as well as stability of all the analytes ranged from 56.2% to 98.9% and 85.2% to 101.3% as well as within ±15.0%. This robust and efficient method was successfully applied to implement therapeutic drug monitoring for cancer patients in clinical application.
Nonlocal Coherent Denoising of RF Data for Ultrasound Elastography
Authors: Khavari P. , Asif A. , Boily M. , Rivaz H.
Published: June 2018

Ultrasound elastography infers mechanical properties of living tissues from ultrasound radiofrequency (RF) data recorded while the tissues are undergoing deformation. A challenging yet critical step in ultrasound elastography is to estimate the tissue displacement (or, equivalently the time delay estimate) fields from pairs of RF data. The RF data are often corrupted with noise, which causes the displacement estimator to fail in many in vivo experiments. To address this problem, we present a nonlocal, coherent denoising approach based on Bayesian estimation to reduce the impact of noise. Despite incoherent denoising algorithms that smooth the B-mode images, the proposed denoising algorithm is used to suppress noise while maintaining useful information such as speckle patterns. We refer to the proposed approach as COherent Denoising for Elastography (CODE) and evaluate its performance when CODE is used in conjunction with the two state-of-art elastography algorithms, namely: (i) GLobal Ultrasound Elastography (GLUE) and (ii) Dynamic Programming Analytic Minimization elastography (DPAM). Our results show that CODE substantially improves the strain result of both GLUE and DPAM.
A Consistent Discrete Version of a Nonautonomous SIRVS Model
Authors: Mateus Joaquim , Silva César M. , Vaz S.
Published: June 2018

A family of discrete nonautonomous SIRVS models with general incidence is obtained from a continuous family of models by applying Mickens nonstandard discretization method. Conditions for the permanence and extinction of the disease and the stability of disease-free solutions are determined. Concerning extinction and persistence, the consistency of those discrete models with the corresponding continuous model is discussed: if the time step is sufficiently small, when we have extinction (permanence) for the continuous model, we also have extinction (permanence) for the corresponding discrete model. Some numerical simulations are carried out to compare the different possible discretizations of our continuous model using real data.
Control Method for Sampled-Data Systems with Multiple Channels Based on Deadband-Triggered Scheme
Authors: Liu Ying-Ying , Chu Yun-kai
Published: June 2018

A new deadband-triggered scheme is proposed to investigate the control problems for sampled-data systems with multiple transmitting channels. Sampled-data systems simultaneously contain continuous-time and discrete-time signals, which make the systems hybrid. In the sampled-data systems with multiple channels, the every state signals are transmitting at different channels. The deadband communication constraint is adopted to reduce the usage of communication resources. When the difference between the previous value and the most present value is lager than a given threshold of deadband, then the node of channels transmits the most present value. Furthermore, by use of Lyapunov functional method and input delay approach, the new stability analysis and stabilization conditions for the sampled-data with multiple channels on the basis of deadband-triggered scheme are proposed. Numerical simulations and experiments show the validity and usefulness of the derived conditions. The proposed deadband-triggered scheme is beneficial to further reduce the load of the communication data.
Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis for a Distal Radius Fracture with Forearm Skin Problem
Authors: Naito Kiyohito , Sugiyama Yoichi , Kinoshita Mayuko , Zemirline Ahmed , Taleb Chihab , Dilokhuttakarn Thitinut , Liverneaux Philippe , Kaneko Kazuo
Published: June 2018

In this study, we performed osteosynthesis for a distal radius fracture using a minimally invasive approach for a patient with skin disorder of the forearm and obtained favorable results. This case report may provide new findings confirming the usefulness of this surgical approach for distal radius fractures. Blister formation on the right forearm was observed in a 53-year-old female who was diagnosed with a distal fracture of the right radius and underwent splinting in a local hospital, and she was referred to our hospital 2 days after the injury. Minimally invasive locking plate osteosynthesis was performed, and there was no skin lesion at this incision site. Postoperatively, there were no complications in soft tissues and the operative scar was almost unrecognizable. We reported volar locking plate osteosynthesis using the minimally invasive approach in a patient with skin disorder of the forearm. Such patients are rarely encountered. However, this minimally invasive approach is extremely useful for utilizing the advantages of volar locking plate fixation without being affected by the soft tissue environment.
Mining Big Neuron Morphological Data
Authors: Aghili Maryamossadat , Fang Ruogu
Published: June 2018

The advent of automatic tracing and reconstruction technology has led to a surge in the number of neurons 3D reconstruction data and consequently the neuromorphology research. However, the lack of machine-driven annotation schema to automatically detect the types of the neurons based on their morphology still hinders the development of this branch of science. Neuromorphology is important because of the interplay between the shape and functionality of neurons and the far-reaching impact on the diagnostics and therapeutics in neurological disorders. This survey paper provides a comprehensive research in the field of automatic neurons classification and presents the existing challenges, methods, tools, and future directions for automatic neuromorphology analytics. We summarize the major automatic techniques applicable in the field and propose a systematic data processing pipeline for automatic neuron classification, covering data capturing, preprocessing, analyzing, classification, and retrieval. Various techniques and algorithms in machine learning are illustrated and compared to the same dataset to facilitate ongoing research in the field.
Acute Hemolytic Transfusion Reaction in Group B Recipient Associated with Group A Apheresis Platelet Donor: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Shachner Tracy R. , Clark Christopher T.
Published: June 2018

Acute hemolytic transfusion reaction is a known but rare potential adverse event related to platelet transfusion. Most reported cases of platelet-related hemolytic transfusion reaction have resulted from transfusion of platelets from group O donor to group A recipient. We identified only one prior case report in the literature of hemolytic transfusion reactions resulting from transfusion of apheresis platelets from group A donor to group B recipient. In that case report, two platelet units were obtained from a single donation and transfused into two separate patients. Both patients exhibited acute hemolytic reactions. The donor is reported to have high anti-B titers, as well as report of probiotic use. We report a case of acute hemolytic reaction in group B recipient following transfusion of apheresis platelets from group A donor with high-titer anti-B but unknown status of probiotic use. This case demonstrates that while low, there still exists potential risk for hemolysis from out-of-group A plasma transfusion.
Effect of Ionic Liquids on the Physical Properties of the Newly Synthesized Conducting Polymer
Authors: Lee Dong Uk , Jeong Jin Yeong , Han Ji Woong , Kwon Gi-Chung , Attri Pankaj , Kim In Tae
Published: June 2018

Conducting polymer has many applications in electronics, optical devices, sensors, and so on; however, there is still a massive scope of improvement in this area. Therefore, towards this aim, in this study, we synthesized a new thiophene-based conducting polymer, 2-heptadecyl-5-hexyl-6-(5-methylthiophen-2-yl)-4-(5-((E)-prop-1-enyl)thiophen-2-yl)-5H-pyrrolo[3,4-d]thiazole (HHMPT). Further, to increase its application, the interactions between the conducting polymer (HHMPT) and ionic liquids (ILs) were investigated by UV-Vis spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, and confocal Raman spectroscopy techniques. Moreover, film roughness and conductivity of the polymer film with or without ILs were also studied. The imidazolium- and ammonium family ILs with the potential to interact with the newly synthesized conducting polymer were used. The results of the interaction studies revealed that the imidazolium family IL-polymer mixtures and ammonium family IL-polymer mixtures have almost similar conductivity at low concentration of ILs. This study provides an insight into the combined effect of a polymer and ILs and may generate many theoretical and experimental opportunities.
In Vitro Bioactivity of Binary Nepheline‐Fluorapatite Glass/Polymethyl‐Methacrylate Composite
Authors: Zaki Dalia Y. , Hamzawy Esmat M. A.
Published: June 2018

In vitro bioactivity of stoichiometric nepheline‐fluorapatite glass/polymethyl‐methacrylate (PMMA (C5O2H8)n) composite was evaluated. Four glasses of nepheline/fluorapatite with different ratios (75/25, 80/20, 85/15, and 90/10 mole%) were added in 20 and 40  wt.% to PMMA. The composite samples were soaked in simulated body fluid (SBF) for 25 days. A scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive X‐ray microanalysis (SEM/EDX) and thin film X‐ray diffraction analysis was used to evaluate the composite materials after immersion in SBF. Inductively coupled plasma (ICP) and pH changes were used in the determination of the ions released and the alkalinity, respectively, after the immersion in Tris‐buffered solution. Effect of glass filler loading on compressive strength of the cements was also evaluated. The four binary nepheline‐fluorapatite glasses/PMMA cements composites are good potential bioactive materials. The compressive strength was between 70.36 ± 6.47 and 97.30 ± 3.90 MPa. In general, decreases of the compressive strength follow the increase of the glass ratio (i.e., 40 wt.%), but all meet that specified by the ASTM F‐451.
Species A Rotavirus (RVA) Isolated from Sewage in Nigeria, 2014: Close Genetic Relatedness of Partial G, P, and NSP4 Gene Sequences Encoding G1 with Cogent Genes of Other Asian and African Rotaviruses
Authors: Motayo Babatunde Olanrewaju , Adeniji Johnson Adekunle , Faneye Adedayo Omotayo
Published: June 2018

Rotavirus has been identified as a major cause of gastroenteritis in Nigeria. There is limited information on the intragenotype diversity of Nigerian rotavirus isolates. We therefore investigated the molecular characteristics of some rotavirus gene sequences detected in sewage from Nigeria. Seven sewage samples, out of a total of 68, tested positive for rotavirus RNA (10.3%). Genotype G1P[4]was the most common genotype (5 isolates) and one isolate for genotypes G1P[8] and G3P[6]. Phylogenetic analysis of the partial VP7 gene of 3 G1P[4]isolates analyzed identified them as genotype G1 Lineage 2 along with Chinese strains with 99.1% to 100% amino acid similarity. Amino acid substitutions D-97→E and S-147→D/N were observed within the 7-1a and 7-2 domains of VP7 gene among the study G1P4 isolates in reference to vaccine strain RotaTeq®. Phylogenetic analysis of the G3P[6]study isolate identified it as genotype G3 Lineage 3, forming a monophyletic cluster with 100% bootstrap value with other West African strains G3 isolates. Phylogenetic analysis of GIP[4]VP4 genes identified them as P4 Lineage 5, while 3 NSP4 gene sequences belonged to genotype E1, while 1 belonged to E2. The results from this study represent phylogenetic analysis of partial gene sequences of environmental group A rotavirus (RVA) isolates from Nigeria.
In Vivo Corneal Confocal Microscopy Detects Improvement of Corneal Nerve Parameters following Glycemic Control in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Jia Xiaofan , Wang Xiaogang , Wang Xiaoxia , Pan Qi , Xian Tongzhang , Yu Xiaobin , Guo Lixin
Published: June 2018

Aim. This study aimed to investigate whether in vivo corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) can detect the improvement of corneal nerve parameters following glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes in natural history. Methods. Thirty-two patients with diabetes complicated by DPN and 12 age-matched control subjects underwent detailed clinical examination and were assessed per the Toronto Clinical Scoring Scale for DPN, nerve conduction studies, and IVCCM at baseline and after approximately one year from the first visit. Results. At follow-up, 16 diabetic patients had improved glycemic control (group A, HbA1c < 7.0%, 7.78 ± 1.62% versus 6.52 ± 0.59%, P=0.005), while the remainder continued to have elevated HbA1c levels (group B, HbA1c ≥ 7.0%, 8.55 ± 1.57% versus 8.79 ± 1.05%, P=0.527). For patients in group A, corneal nerve fiber density (CNFD) (18.55 ± 5.25 n/mm2 versus 21.78 ± 6.13 n/mm2, P=0.005) and corneal nerve fiber length (CNFL) (11.62 ± 2.89 mm/mm2 versus 13.04 ± 2.44 mm/mm2, P=0.029) increased significantly compared to baseline. For patients in group B, sural sensory nerve conduction velocity (47.93 ± 7.20 m/s versus 44.67 ± 6.43 m/s, P=0.024), CNFD (17.19 ± 5.31 n/mm2 versus 15.67 ± 4.16 n/mm2, P=0.001), corneal nerve branch density (19.33 ± 12.82 n/mm2 versus 14.23 ± 6.56 n/mm2, P=0.033), and CNFL (11.16 ± 2.57 mm/mm2 versus 9.90 ± 1.75 mm/mm2, P=0.011) decreased significantly. Conclusions. The results of this study suggest that morphological repair of corneal nerve fibers can be detected when glycemic control improves. In vivo CCM could be a sensitive method that can be applied in future longitudinal or interventional studies on DPN.
Phytochemical Screening and Antidiabetic, Antihyperlipidemic, and Antioxidant Properties of Anthyllis henoniana (Coss.) Flowers Extracts in an Alloxan‐Induced Rats Model of Diabetes
Authors: Ben Younes Ameur , Ben Salem Maryem , El Abed Hanen , Jarraya Raoudha
Published: June 2018

Background. This study investigates the biological activities of Anthyllis henoniana flowers extracts. Materials and Methods. Antioxidant activity and the in vitro inhibitory effect of key digesting enzymes related to postprandial hyperglycemia were determined. Diabetic rats were orally and daily given the best extract from flowers of Anthyllis henoniana at a dose of acarbose for one month. Results. Among the extracts, the ethyl acetate one displayed remarkable antioxidant activity including DPPH (IC50 = 2.34 mg/mL) and was more effective in inhibiting α‐glucosidase (IC50 = 17 μg/mL) than α‐amylase (IC50 = 920 μg /mL) activities. In vivo, the results proved that ethyl acetate extract at doses of 400 mg/kg bw decreased significantly the blood glucose level and lipid profile levels and increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes. These protective impacts of Anthyllis henoniana ethyl acetate flowers extract were confirmed by histological results. Conclusion. This study demonstrates, for the first time, that Anthyllis henoniana flowers ethyl acetate extract is effective in inhibiting hyperglycemia and oxidative stress caused by diabetes.
Metal-Organic Framework-101 (MIL-101): Synthesis, Kinetics, Thermodynamics, and Equilibrium Isotherms of Remazol Deep Black RGB Adsorption
Authors: Thi Thanh Chau Vo , Thi MinhThanh Huynh , Dinh Du Pham , Thanh Tam Toan Tran , Ngoc Tuyen Tran , Xuan Mau Tran , Quang Khieu Dinh
Published: June 2018

In the present paper, the synthesis of metal-organic framework-101 (MIL-101) and Remazol Deep Black RGB (RDB) adsorption on MIL-101 were demonstrated. The kinetics of RDB adsorption on MIL-101 was studied using Weber’s intraparticle diffusion model and the pseudo-first- and pseudo-second-order kinetic models. Particularly, the statistical method of piecewise linear regression and multi-nonlinear regression was employed to analyse the adsorption data according to the previously mentioned kinetic models. The results indicated that the adsorption process followed the three-step pseudo-first-order kinetic equation, which was consistent with the results of the intraparticle diffusion model with three linear segments. This model best described the experimental data. In addition, the adsorption isotherm data were studied using five adsorption models, namely, Langmuir, Freundlich, Redlich–Peterson, Toth, and Sips in nonlinear forms, and the Langmuir model is the most appropriate for the experimental data. The values of energies of activation of adsorption were calculated, and they revealed that the adsorption process was of endothermic chemical nature. A statistical comparison using Akaike information criterion to estimate the goodness of fit of the kinetic and isotherm models was presented.
Molecular Modeling of Antimalarial Agents by 3D-QSAR Study and Molecular Docking of Two Hybrids 4-Aminoquinoline-1,3,5-triazine and 4-Aminoquinoline-oxalamide Derivatives with the Receptor Protein in Its Both Wild and Mutant Types
Authors: Hadni Hanine , Mazigh Mohamed , Charif El’mbarki , Bouayad Asmae , Elhallaoui Menana
Published: June 2018

Modeling studies using 3D-QSAR and molecular docking methods were performed on a set of 34 hybrids of 4-aminoquinoline derivatives previously studied as effective antimalarial agents of wild type and quadruple mutant Plasmodium falciparum dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR). So, the famous mathematical method multiple linear regression (MLR) was explored to build the QSAR model. The DFT-B3LYP method with the basis set 6-31G was used to calculate the quantum chemical descriptors, chosen to represent the electronic descriptors of molecular structures. On the contrary, the MM2 method was used to calculate lipophilic, geometrical, physicochemical, and steric descriptors. The QSAR model tested with artificial neural network (ANN) method shows high performance towards its predictability. The predicted model was confirmed by three validation methods: leave-one-out (LOO) cross validation, Y-randomization, and validation external. The molecular docking study of three compounds 9, 11, and 26 on both wild and quadruple mutant types of pf-DHFR-TS as the protein target helps to understand more and then predict the binding modes with the binding sites.
A Time‐Dependent Fuzzy Programming Approach for the Green Multimodal Routing Problem with Rail Service Capacity Uncertainty and Road Traffic Congestion
Authors: Sun Yan , Hrušovský Martin , Zhang Chen , Lang Maoxiang
Published: June 2018

This study explores an operational‐level container routing problem in the road‐rail multimodal service network. In response to the demand for an environmentally friendly transportation, we extend the problem into a green version by using both emission charging method and bi‐objective optimization to optimize the CO2 emissions in the routing. Two uncertain factors, including capacity uncertainty of rail services and travel time uncertainty of road services, are formulated in order to improve the reliability of the routes. By using the triangular fuzzy numbers and time‐dependent travel time to separately model the capacity uncertainty and travel time uncertainty, we establish a fuzzy chance‐constrained mixed integer nonlinear programming model. A linearization‐based exact solution strategy is designed, so that the problem can be effectively solved by any exact solution algorithm on any mathematical programming software. An empirical case is presented to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed methods. In the case discussion, sensitivity analysis and bi‐objective optimization analysis are used to find that the bi‐objective optimization method is more effective than the emission charging method in lowering the CO2 emissions for the given case. Then, we combine sensitivity analysis and fuzzy simulation to identify the best confidence value in the fuzzy chance constraint. All the discussion will help decision makers to better organize the green multimodal transportation.
Design, Development, and Deployment of Real-Time Sensor Fusion (CnW + EKF) for a Linux-Based Embedded System Using Qt-Anywhere
Authors: Vista Felipe P. , Chong Kil To
Published: June 2018

This paper describes the design, development, and implementation of a real-time sensor fusion system that utilizes the classification and weighing plus extended Kalman filter algorithm to derive heading for navigation using inexpensive sensors. This algorithm was previously tested only through postprocessing using MATLAB and is now reprogrammed using Qt and deployed on a Linux-based embedded board for real-time operation. Various data from inexpensive sensors such as global positioning system devices, an electronic compass, and an inertial measurement unit were utilized to ultimately derive a more reliable and accurate heading value. The algorithm flow can be described with the GPS values first being evaluated and classified which are then fused with the EC heading using classification and weighing, whose result is then passed through an EKF to fuse with the IMU data. Real-time tests and trials were done to prove the operational capability of the developed process. The complete setup and configuration processes of the systems for development and deployment via Qt are also provided for those interested to replicate the process.
Bougainvillea Genus: A Review on Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and Toxicology
Authors: Abarca-Vargas Rodolfo , Petricevich Vera L.
Published: June 2018

This review discusses the current knowledge of the phytochemistry and in vitro and in vivo evaluations carried out using the extracts and, where appropriate, the main active components isolated from the genus Bougainvillea. Out of 18 species, most phytochemical, pharmacological, and toxicological studies focused on four species with different cultivars and one hybrid. Some plants are used for the treatment of various health disorders. Numerous phytochemical investigations of plants in this genus confirm the presence of aliphatic hydrocarbons, fatty acids, fatty alcohols, volatile compounds, phenolic compounds, peltogynoids, flavonoids, phytosterols, terpenes, carbohydrates, and betalains. Various studies have confirmed that these extracts or active substances that were isolated from the genus Bougainvillea have multiple pharmacological activities. Some species of Bougainvillea have emerged as sources of traditional medicine in human health. More studies of the phytochemical, pharmacological, and toxicological properties and their mechanisms of action, safety, and efficacy in all Bougainvillea species, cultivars, and hybrids are advisable for future research.
Pore-Scale Modeling of Mixing-Induced Reaction Transport through a Single Self-Affine Fracture
Authors: Dou Zhi , Zhou Zhifang , Wang Jinguo , Liu Jin
Published: June 2018

This pore-scale modeling study in single self-affine fractures showed that the heterogeneous flow field had a significant influence on the mixing-induced reaction transport. We generated the single self-affine fracture by the successive random additions (SRA) technique. The pore-scale model was developed by coupling the Navier-Stoke equation (NSE) and advection-diffusion equation with reaction (ADER). Eddies were captured in the self-affine fracture due to the increasing Reynolds number and the sudden expansion of aperture. The flux-weighted breakthrough curves (BTCs) of reaction product showed the typical non-Fickian characteristics (i.e., “early arrival” and “heavy tail”). It was found that the reactant was involved in eddies and then reacted inside the eddy-controlled domain. Consequently, eddies played a significant role in delaying the mass exchange process between the eddy-controlled domain and the main flow channel, which resulted in the “heavy tail” in BTCs. As the Reynolds number increased, the breakthrough time increased while the concentration peaks of BTCs decreased. Furthermore, the dilution index presenting the exponential of the Shannon entropy of a concentration probability distribution was used to quantify the degree of reactant mixing. The results showed that the quantification of dilution for nonreaction transport was in good agreement with the outcomes of mixing-induced reaction transport. The high Reynolds number and Peclet number had a negative influence on the mixing process at the early time whereas they led to the enhanced mixing process at the late time.
Quantum Genetic Algorithm on Multilevel Quantum Systems
Authors: Tkachuk Valerii
Published: June 2018

We present a new evolutionary algorithm on the basis of quantum computations technology for solving optimization problems. The algorithm is built using many-valued quantum logic concept, which is more prospective from the computing power’s point of view. We compare the suggested algorithm to the traditional quantum genetic algorithm to demonstrate its high effectiveness on the example of test function global optimization problems. The advantages can be observed in the running time, the convergence speed, and the solution precision. The proposed implementation for the algorithm of quantum gate operator has an adaptive nature and does not require a lookup table. The role and the influence mechanism of the quantum disaster operator on the proposed algorithm effectiveness are also analyzed.
Lane Change Behavior on Freeways: An Online Survey Using Video Clips
Authors: Knoop V. L. , Keyvan-Ekbatani M. , de Baat M. , Taale H. , Hoogendoorn S. P.
Published: June 2018

Freeways form an important part of the road network. Yet, driving behavior on freeways, in particular lane changes and the relation with the choice of speed, is not well understood. To overcome this, an online survey has been carried out. Drivers were shown video clips, and after each clip they had to indicate what they would do after the moment the video stopped. A total of 1258 Dutch respondents completed the survey. The results show that most people have a strategy to choose a speed first and stick to that, which is the first strategy. A second, less often chosen, strategy is to choose a desired lane and adapt the speed based on the chosen lane. A third strategy, slightly less frequently chosen, is that drivers have a desired speed, but contrary to the first strategy, they increase this speed when they are in a different lane overtaking another driver. A small fraction have neither a desired speed nor a desired lane. Of the respondents 80% use the right lane if possible, and 80% avoid overtaking at the right. Also 80% give way to merging traffic. The survey was validated by 25 survey respondents also driving an instrumented vehicle. The strategies in this drive were similar to those in the survey. The findings of this work can be implemented in traffic simulation models, e.g., to determine road capacity and constraints in geometric design.
Worst-Case Performance Optimization Beamformer with Embedded Array’s Active Pattern
Authors: Luo Yuyue , Pan Jin , Zhang J. Andrew , Huang Shaode
Published: June 2018

This paper proposes an adaptive array beamforming method by embedding antennas’ active pattern in the worst-case performance optimization algorithm. This method can significantly reduce the beamformer’s performance degradation caused by inconsistency between hypothesized ideal array models and practical ones. Simulation and measured results consistently demonstrate the robustness and effectiveness of the proposed method in dealing with array manifold mismatches.
A Case of Sirenomelia Associated with Hypoplastic Left Heart with a Healthy Co-Twin: A Rare Entity
Authors: Al Yaqoubi Houda Nasser , Al Badi Muna Mubarak , Ambu Saidi Farida Mohsin , Al Shafouri Nasser Shaikhan Taaeeb
Published: June 2018

Sirenomelia is a rare developmental malformation and is incompatible to life. The incidence of sirenomelia, as recorded in the literature, is estimated to be approximately between 1.5 and 4.2 per 1,00,000 births. Around 15% of sirenomelia cases are associated with twin pregnancy, most often in monozygotic cases with an incidence of 7%. In monozygotic twins, the risk of sirenomelia is nearly 100–150 times higher as compared to dizygotic twins or singleton pregnancies. Until now, only two cases of sirenomelia associated with hypoplastic left heart have been reported in the literature. Here, we present a monozygotic twin pregnancy, where one fetus was diagnosed with sirenomelia associated with hypoplastic left heart syndrome and the co-twin was absolutely healthy.
Successful Treatment of Severe Atopic Dermatitis with Calcitriol and Paricalcitol in an 8-Year-Old Girl
Authors: Bothou Christina , Alexopoulos Alexis , Dermitzaki Eleni , Kleanthous Kleanthis , Papadimitriou Anastasios , Mastorakos George , Papadimitriou Dimitrios T.
Published: June 2018

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting children and adolescence. The traditional therapeutic options for AD, including emollients topically and immune modulatory agents systemically focusing on reducing skin inflammation and restoring the function of the epidermal barrier, are proven ineffective in many cases. Several studies have linked vitamin D supplementation with either a decreased risk to develop AD or a clinical improvement of the symptoms of AD patients. In this report, we present a girl with severe AD who under adequate supplementation with cholecalciferol was treated with calcitriol and subsequently with paricalcitol. She had significant improvement—almost healing of her skin lesions within 2 months, a result sustained for more than 3 years now. Because of hypercalciuria as a side effect from calcitriol therapy, treatment was continued with paricalcitol, a vitamin D analogue used in secondary hyperparathyroidism in chronic kidney disease. Calcitriol therapy may be considered as a safe and efficacious treatment option for patients with severe AD, particularly for those with refractory AD, under monitoring for possible side effects. Treatment with paricalcitol resolves hypercalciuria, is safe, and should be further investigated as an alternative treatment of atopic dermatitis and possibly other diseases of autoimmune origin.
Study of Two-Sided Similarity Methods Using a Radiation “Switch on” Imploding Shock in a Magnetic Field
Authors: NiCastro J. R. A. J.
Published: June 2018

This paper explores aspects of two-sided similarity modeling using cylindrical geometry for radiating shock waves embedded in a medium with a magnetic field. Two-sided similarity solution techniques may be used to link states influenced by long range near instantaneous fields that continually modify the pre- and postshock zones. Emergent radiation scaling relations are immediately available from consistent homologies. For both small angle and large angle measurements, an approximate analytic technique in the vicinity of luminous fronts together with the high symmetry implications delineated in Lemma provides direct access to the homology parameters. The parameters obtained using this process can augment the constraint relations and contribute to establishing relevant similarity homologies.
Assessment of the Trophic Status of the South Lagoon of Tunis (Tunisia, Mediterranean Sea): Geochemical and Statistical Approaches
Authors: Abidi Myriam , Amor Rim Ben , Gueddari Moncef
Published: June 2018

The trophic status assessment of the South Lagoon of Tunis, a shallow Mediterranean coastal area after its restoration, is addressed herein with respect to its various environmental settings which are taken as indicators of water quality. The lagoon had, in the past, witnessed severe environmental quality issues. To resolve these problems, a large restoration project of the lagoon was undertaken which consisted of dredging the bottom sediments removing areas of water stagnation and improving water circulation. After this restoration work, the lagoon morphology has radically changed. In this paper, we attempt to evaluate the lagoon water’s trophic state to analyze the eutrophication risk after almost 16 years. In order to achieve these purposes, two water quality monitoring campaigns were conducted (July 2013 and February 2014). Natural and anthropogenic factors controlling the nutrient content of the lagoon water have been assessed through both geochemical methods and multivariate statistical tools. The results show that the nutrients are from external sources due to the discharge of municipal and industrial wastewater from the surrounding city of the catchment in the lagoon’s south side. According to the TRIX index, the lagoon remains eutrophic presenting a “poor” water quality, notwithstanding the engineering project due to the high level of nutrients.
Spontaneous Spinal Epidural Hematoma: A Case Report
Authors: Zuo Bin , Zhang YueHui , Zhang Jing , Song Jia , Jiang Shao , Zhang XiaoLing
Published: June 2018

Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma (SSEH) manifests from blood accumulating in the epidural space, compressing the spinal cord and leading to acute neurological deficits. MRI provides the most valuable visualization of the location and hematoma mass as well as the presence of the spinal cord compression. SSEH can occur in any segments of the spinal cord but predominantly at the posterior cervicothoracic (C5–T2) and thoracolumbar (T10–L2) levels. The source of hemorrhage SSEH can be both vertebral venous plexus system or arterial source. Decompressive laminectomy and hematoma evacuation are the standard surgical procedures upon diagnosis of SSEH, although spontaneous recoveries have been reported. The degree of preoperative neural deficit is a major prognostic factor. Conservative management has proven effective, although feasible only if spontaneous recovery is manifested. Decompressive laminectomy should continue to remain readily available, given the inverse correlation between operative interval and recovery.