bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolution of universe as a homogeneous system: Changes of scale factors with different dark energy Equation of States
Authors: Biswas Promila , Biswas Ritabrata
Published: June 2018

We analyze the universe as a thermodynamic system, homogeneously filled up by exotic matters popularly named as dark energies. Different dark energy models are chosen. We start with the equation of continuity and derive the time and scale factor relations for different EoSs of different dark energy models. To do the time-scale factor relation analysis, nature of dependences on different dark energy modeling parameters have been studied. For this, the help of different plots are used. In general, different dark energies show different properties while occurrences of future singularities are considered. Those properties can be supported by the graphical analysis of their cosmic time-scale factor studies.
On the block structure of the quantum ℛ-matrix in the three-strand braids
Authors: Bishler L. , Morozov An. , Shakirov Sh. , Sleptsov A.
Published: June 2018

Quantum [Formula: see text]-matrices are the building blocks for the colored HOMFLY polynomials. In the case of three-strand braids with an identical finite-dimensional irreducible representation [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] associated with each strand, one needs two matrices: [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. They are related by the Racah matrices [Formula: see text]. Since we can always choose the basis so that [Formula: see text] is diagonal, the problem is reduced to evaluation of [Formula: see text]-matrices. This paper is one more step on the road to simplification of such calculations. We found out and proved for some cases that [Formula: see text]-matrices could be transformed into a block-diagonal ones by the rotation in the sectors of coinciding eigenvalues. The essential condition is that there is a pair of accidentally coinciding eigenvalues among eigenvalues of [Formula: see text] matrix. In this case in order to get a block-diagonal matrix, one should rotate the [Formula: see text] defined by the Racah matrix in the accidental sector by the angle exactly [Formula: see text].
Parallel identity testing for skew circuits with big powers and applications
Authors: König Daniel , Lohrey Markus
Published: June 2018

Powerful skew arithmetic circuits are introduced. These are skew arithmetic circuits with variables, where input gates can be labeled with powers [Formula: see text] for binary encoded numbers [Formula: see text]. It is shown that polynomial identity testing for powerful skew arithmetic circuits belongs to [Formula: see text], which generalizes a corresponding result for (standard) skew circuits. Two applications of this result are presented: (i) Equivalence of higher-dimensional straight-line programs can be tested in [Formula: see text]; this result is even new in the one-dimensional case, where the straight-line programs produce words. (ii) The compressed word problem (or circuit evaluation problem) for certain wreath products of finitely generated abelian groups belongs to [Formula: see text]. Using the Magnus embedding, it follows that the compressed word problem for a free metabelian group belongs to [Formula: see text].
A Multi-Agent Based Optimization Method for Combinatorial Optimization Problems
Authors: Sghir Ines , Jaafar Ines Ben , Ghédira Khaled
Published: June 2018

This paper introduces a Multi-Agent based Optimization Method for Combinatorial Optimization Problems named MAOM-COP. In this method, a set of agents are cooperatively interacting to select the appropriate operators of metaheuristics using learning techniques. MAOM-COP is a flexible architecture, whose objective is to produce more generally applicable search methodologies. In this paper, the MAOM-COP explores genetic algorithm and local search metaheuristics. Using these metaheuristics, the decision-maker agent, the intensification agents and the diversification agents are seeking to improve the search. The diversification agents can be divided into the perturbation agent and the crossover agents. The decision-maker agent decides dynamically which agent to activate between intensification agents and crossover agents within reinforcement learning. If the intensification agents are activated, they apply local search algorithms. During their searches, they can exchange information, as they can trigger the perturbation agent. If the crossover agents are activated, they perform recombination operations. We applied the MAOM-COP to the following problems: quadratic assignment, graph coloring, winner determination and multidimensional knapsack. MAOMCOP shows competitive performances compared with the approaches of the literature.
Gravitational-wave astrophysics from neutron star inspiral and coalescence
Authors: Friedman John L.
Published: June 2018

Prior to the observation of a double neutron star inspiral and merger, its possible implications were striking. Events whose light and gravitational waves are simultaneously detected could resolve the 50-year mystery of the origin of short gamma-ray bursts; they might provide strong evidence for (or against) mergers as the main source of half the heaviest elements (the [Formula: see text]-process elements); and they could give an independent measurement of the Hubble constant. The closest events can also address a primary goal of gravitational-wave astrophysics: From the imprint of tides on inspiral waveforms, one can find the radius and tidal distortion of the inspiraling stars and infer the behavior of cold matter above nuclear density. Remarkably, the first observation of the inspiral and coalescence of a double neutron star system was accompanied by a gamma-ray burst and then an array of electromagnetic counterparts, and the combined effort of the gravitational-wave and astronomy communities has led to dramatic advances along all of these anticipated avenues of multimessenger astrophysics.
Absolute laser frequency stabilization for LISA
Authors: Schuldt Thilo , Döringshoff Klaus , Oswald Markus , Kovalchuk Evgeny V. , Peters Achim , Braxmaier Claus
Published: June 2018

The LISA space mission requires laser frequency pre-stabilization of the 1064[Formula: see text]nm laser sources. While cavity-based systems are the current baseline, laser frequencies stabilized to a hyperfine transition in molecular iodine near 532[Formula: see text]nm are a possible alternative. Several setups with respect to space applications were developed, putting special emphasis on compactness and mechanical and thermal stability of the optical setup. Vibration testing and thermal cycling were performed. These setups show frequency noise below 20[Formula: see text]Hz/[Formula: see text] for frequencies between 4[Formula: see text]mHz and 1[Formula: see text]Hz with an absolute frequency reproducibility better than 1[Formula: see text]kHz. They fulfil the LISA requirements and offer an absolute laser frequency simplifying the initial spacecraft acquisition procedure. We present the current status of iodine-based frequency references and their applicability in space missions, especially within the LISA mission.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EQUIVALENT PERMEABILITY AND FRACTAL DIMENSION OF DUAL-POROSITY MEDIA SUBJECTED TO FLUID–ROCK REACTION UNDER TRIAXIAL STRESSES
Authors: LIU RICHENG , LI BO , JIANG YUJING , JING HONGWEN , YU LIYUAN
Published: June 2018

Analytical solutions for hydraulic properties of dual-porosity media subjected to fluid–rock reaction under triaxial stresses are derived and the effects of inherent parameters of dual-porosity media and surrounding environments on the relative equivalent permeability are systematically investigated. The results show that the applied triaxial stresses close both fracture aperture and pore diameter, and decrease the equivalent permeabilities of both fractures and rock matrix. The fluid–rock reaction over time decreases the equivalent permeability of fractures, and increases the relative permeability that is the ratio of matrix permeability to fracture permeability. When the time is long, the reaction may be negligible and the relative permeability holds constants. The relative equivalent permeability is more sensitive to the fractal dimension of fracture aperture distribution than that to pore diameter distribution. The relative permeability is significantly influenced by both the maximum fracture aperture and the maximum pore diameter. The rougher fracture surface and the more tortuous capillary correspond to a longer distance that a particle needs to move, thereby resulting in the smaller permeability of fractures and matrix, respectively. In engineering practice, the inherent properties of dual-porosity media can be obtained through geological survey on the outcrops of fractured rock masses and experiments on rock matrix. The triaxial stress can be estimated through ground stress tests. Therefore, it is available to analytically characterize the hydraulic properties of dual-porosity media.
A STUDY ON MOTORCYCLISTS HEAD INJURIES IN CAR–MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS BASED ON REAL-WORLD DATA AND ACCIDENT RECONSTRUCTION
Authors: XIAO YINGNI , HUANG HELAI , PENG YONG , WANG XINGHUA
Published: June 2018

Accident data had shown that as one of the most vulnerable road users, the risk of motorcyclist casualties due to head injuries is extremely high in motorcycle accidents. The objective of this study was to analyze motorcyclist head injury based on epidemiological statistical analysis and car–motorcycle accident reconstruction using real world accident data, and obtain a comprehensive understanding about safety effects of helmets on motorcyclists head injury. In epidemiological data analysis of this study, odds ratios (ORs) was applied to identify differences in injuries between helmeted and unhelmeted motorcyclists. Two vehicle–motorcycle collisions with detailed information were reconstructed by using PC-Crash simulation and MADYMO reconstruction. Furthermore, the head injury reconstruction using MADYMO outputs as boundary conditions was accomplished and analyzed with respect to 1st principal strain, Von Mises stress, coup pressure, countercoup pressure at the cerebrum. The results indicated that unhelmeted motorcyclists were more likely to suffer head injury, serious and fatal injury, and tend to take equal responsibility or more. 1st principal strain was reduced from 0.44 to 0.25 for Case 1, and from 0.16 to 0.10 for case 2 when including a helmet. Von Mises stress were reduced from 30.37[Formula: see text]kpa to 19.51[Formula: see text]kpa for Case 1 and from 3.42[Formula: see text]kpa to 3.03[Formula: see text]kpa for case when including a helmet, which meant a reduction of the risk of concussion. But the motorcyclist in Case 2 experienced a lower percentage increase in coup pressure and countercoup pressure. This study provided comprehensive knowledge on motorcyclists head injuries and the effectiveness of helmets as well as contributing to develop the injury prevention measures and protection devices of motorcyclists.
AUTOMATED ULCER AND BLEEDING CLASSIFICATION FROM WCE IMAGES USING MULTIPLE FEATURES FUSION AND SELECTION
Authors: LIAQAT AMNA , KHAN MUHAMMAD ATTIQUE , SHAH JAMAL HUSSAIN , SHARIF MUHAMMAD , YASMIN MUSSARAT , FERNANDES STEVEN LAWRENCE
Published: June 2018

In the area of medical imaging and computer vision, automatic diagnosis of ulcer and bleeding from wireless capsule endoscopy images has been an active research domain. It contains several challenges including low contrast, complex background, lesion shape and color which affect its segmentation and classification accuracy. In this article, a novel method for automated detection and classification of stomach infection is implemented. The proposed method consists of four major steps including preprocessing, lesion segmentation, image representation and classification. The lesion contrast is improved in preprocessing step by employing 3D-box filtering, 3D-median filtering and HSV transformation. In the second step, geometric features are extracted and applied to the saturated channel to give a binary image. The binary image is further improved by fusion of generated mask. After that, extraction of three types of features including color, shape and surf is performed from HSV and binary segmented images and their information is fused by a serial based method. A principal component analysis (PCA) and correlation coefficient based feature selection approach is proposed which are classified by multi class support vector machine (M-SVM). The proposed method is evaluated on personally collected images of three different classes including ulcer, bleeding and healthy. The M-SVM performs well with a maximum accuracy of 98.3% which shows the authenticity of presented method.
INFLUENCE OF THE BONE MORPHOLOGY ON MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR OF HUMAN SKULL FOR TWO STRAIN RATE CASES
Authors: KARKAR MANAF , MARECHAL CHRISTOPHE , DELILLE REMI , HAUGOU GREGORY , BRESSON FRANCOIS , DRAZETIC PASCAL , COLARD THOMAS
Published: June 2018

Modeling the mechanical behavior of bone is very complex due to substantial variability of the mechanical response of bone. The objective of this study is to investigate the link between morphology of the human parietal bone and its mechanical behavior in compression with two different strain rates. Five formalin-preserved human skulls were used, and 10 specimens were taken from the parietal bone of each subject. The internal geometry of the osseous material was studied with a micro-tomography device. For mechanical testing, quasi-static (0.02 s–1) tests on a conventional compression machine and dynamic tests (1500 s–1) on a split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) were conducted on 9 mm diameter samples. The results were used to examine relationships between the morphological parameters to find morphological correlations. Linkages between mechanical behavior and morphology of the human parietal bone were also analyzed to develop a behavior model based on micro-structure parameters as determined by micro-scanning.
“Open” Lab? Studying the Implementation of Open Innovation Practices in a University Laboratory
Authors: Moretti Federico
Published: June 2018

The majority of Open Innovation contributions published in the last decade adopted a firm-centric perspective, and analyzed interactions at the firm level, thus leaving room for studies about the adoption of Open Innovation practices in non-corporate environments, and at different levels of analysis. The aim of this paper is to explore the adoption of Open Innovation practices in a non-corporate environment at the individual level, specifically in the context of an American university laboratory.

Results show that despite the lab’s active orientation toward commercialization and collaboration with industrial counterparts, the degree of implementation of Open Innovation practices is still limited, the main determinant for Technology Transfer (TT) remains publication, and that online communities represent a potential mechanism to overcome the current gap in promoting lab research.

The study contributes to the existing Open Innovation literature by assessing the perceived quality of Open Innovation practices at the individual level, and in a non-corporate context. For literature, this study is the first attempt to investigate the adoption of Open Innovation practices in a university laboratory. For university managers, the study proposes that while active commercialization efforts through Open Innovation practices are still limited, channels like online communities offer valuable — and yet untapped — resources for promotion of university activities.
The New Manufacturing: In Search of the Origins of the Next Generation Manufacturing Start-Ups
Authors: Ferrás-Hernández Xavier , Armisen-Morell Albert , Sabata-Alberich Anna , Tarrats-Pons Elisenda , Arimany-Serrat Núria
Published: June 2018

Manufacturing is undergoing a deep model change due to the convergence of several forces: (a) the simultaneous emergence of new disruptive technologies, (b) the accelerated substitution of men by machines, (c) the restructuring of global competition, with the consolidation of some global manufacturing clusters, and (d) a new market dynamic dominated by a growing consumer power. Much has been said about how industries adapt to these forces (a widely known example is the so-called “industry 4.0” paradigm). Scholarly literature states that, in moments of accelerated technological change and industry effervescence, new technology-based firms play a critical role in reshaping the markets and reconfiguring competition. Yet, little has been said in the literature about the features of new manufacturing start-ups. Our aim is to explore the origins of the new technological firms that are emerging in the manufacturing industry. To do so, we have created a database of 184 manufacturing start-ups, incepted since 2013, and which have attracted some US$ 2.4 billion in total funding; of these firms, we have analyzed a set of 291 founders’ profiles, looking for their backgrounds and previous experiences. Our findings suggest that promising new manufacturing technology-based firms are created mainly by teams formed by experienced managers and experts with solid scientific or technological backgrounds.
Towards Development of an Integrated Cloud-Computing Adoption Framework — A Case of Indian School Education System
Authors: Singh Jewan , Mansotra Vibhakar
Published: June 2018

Many theoretical models viz., technology acceptance model (TAM), technology–organization–environment (TOE), diffusion of innovation (DOI), and human–organization–technology-fit (HOT-fit), etc., have been developed, validated, and tested to explain the acceptance of innovative technologies by the intended end users. However, given the limitations associated with these theoretical models as well as different cloud computing adoption scenario, they may not point out to the major constructs and the variables under so-called “selective contexts” in an explicit manner. Therefore, several research studies have been undertaken to integrate more than one model to provide a holistic evaluation of the determinants of cloud computing adoption for different domains. Such studies have also been conducted for education sector as well. But, the target of these studies is mostly specific to higher education using TOE or TAM models. To solve this limitation, we propose integrated approach of TAM, TOE framework, DOI, and HOT-fit frameworks in an effort to improve predictive power of proposed resulting model and, stretching the constructs to enrich the literature and implementing the same for Indian school education system as a case study.
Speeding up the Hyperparameter Optimization of Deep Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Hinz Tobias , Navarro-Guerrero Nicolás , Magg Sven , Wermter Stefan
Published: June 2018

Most learning algorithms require the practitioner to manually set the values of many hyperparameters before the learning process can begin. However, with modern algorithms, the evaluation of a given hyperparameter setting can take a considerable amount of time and the search space is often very high-dimensional. We suggest using a lower-dimensional representation of the original data to quickly identify promising areas in the hyperparameter space. This information can then be used to initialize the optimization algorithm for the original, higher-dimensional data. We compare this approach with the standard procedure of optimizing the hyperparameters only on the original input.

We perform experiments with various state-of-the-art hyperparameter optimization algorithms such as random search, the tree of parzen estimators (TPEs), sequential model-based algorithm configuration (SMAC), and a genetic algorithm (GA). Our experiments indicate that it is possible to speed up the optimization process by using lower-dimensional data representations at the beginning, while increasing the dimensionality of the input later in the optimization process. This is independent of the underlying optimization procedure, making the approach promising for many existing hyperparameter optimization algorithms.
SPH Simulation for Large Deformation of Ground Surface Caused by Faulting
Authors: Ono Yusuke , Nakase Hitoshi , Iwamoto Tetsuya
Published: June 2018

Once a large deformation appears on the ground surface due to faulting during an earthquake, it may cause severe damage to infrastructure systems. A numerical simulation method that provides accurate prediction on the deformation of the ground surface is very useful for examining the performance of infrastructure systems subjected to a deformation of surrounding ground. The Finite Element Analysis (FEA), which is popular for practical engineers, would be applied to this problem. However, there are some difficulties on dealing with a discontinuity of fault displacement and, therefore, its application is still limited. In the present study, we employed the Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) method that requires no predefined computational mesh. A new computational model was introduced into the SPH for prediction of surface dislocation on the ground. The surface dislocation evaluated by the SPH with the developed computational model showed good agreement with our experimental results.
Application of a Stochastic Elasto-Plastic Model with First-Order Spectral Expansion to Soil
Authors: Haba Kazumoto , Hotta Wataru , Hata Akihito , Hori Muneo
Published: June 2018

The efficient treatment of uncertainties in soil properties is essential for seismic probabilistic risk assessment. Recently, we developed a stochastic elasto-plastic model based on the first-order spectral expansion of the stochastic behavior. This new treatment is applied to elasto-plastic soil with uncertain material properties. A numerical experiment is performed to evaluate the probabilistic constitutive relation. The probabilistic stress–strain relation of soil is simulated successfully in agreement with the standard Monte-Carlo simulation. In addition, some characteristics of the probabilistic elasto-plastic soil are studied.
Stochastic Analysis of the Kamishiro Earthquake Considering a Dynamic Fault Rupture
Authors: Mitsuhashi Yuta , Hashimoto Gaku , Okuda Hiroshi , Uchiyama Fujio
Published: June 2018

In recent years, a new demand has appeared for evaluations of earthquake fault displacements, to address the need to evaluate the soundness of underground structures. Fault displacements are caused by the rupturing of earthquake source faults, and are investigated through the use of methods such as the finite difference method and the finite element method (FEM). We conducted dynamic rupture simulations on the Kamishiro Fault Earthquake using a nonlinear FEM, focused on time history of fault displacement and response displacement, and demonstrated an ability to simulate observed values to a certain extent. During these simulations, we created models of homogeneous faults using the ground as the solid element and fault planes as joint elements. Although we were able to roughly simulate displacement time histories, obstacles to achieving more precise simulations still exist. In this research, we conducted investigations to model strong motion generation areas (SMGA). We conducted a searching analysis using Bayesian optimization with SMGA distribution within faults as parameters, and estimated the optimal parameters for simulating time histories of displacement. In addition, we compared our results with estimations of SMGA derived from different methods, and demonstrated that our distributions qualitatively matched. In addition, we evaluated the stochasticity of response displacement considering the randomness of the parameter of the fault. To conduct the simulation, we introduced joint elements from Goodman et al. that had been expanded to the FEM code FrontISTR, which makes it possible to analyze large-scale models.
Chinese herbal formulas for postmenopausal osteoporosis: A review of preclinical evidence on animal studies and molecular mechanism
Authors: Lin Jing , Lv Tian , Tian Fubo , Wang Yan , Wang Mingyan , Tang Wei , Gober Hans-Jürgen , Qiu Xuemin , Li Dajin , Wang Ling
Published: June 2018

Whether Chinese herbal formulas are effective in treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis remains unclear. The aim of this study is to explore the experimental evidence of both in vitro and in vivo preclinical studies using Chinese herbal formulas in postmenopausal osteoporosis. Searches were applied to various databases with relevant keywords. Original in vivo and in vitro studies using Chinese herbal formulas to treat postmenopausal osteoporosis, and with full text available, were included. Er-Xian Decoction, Bu-Shen-Ning-Xin Decoction, Qing E Formula, Liuwei Dihuang Wan, and Xian-Ling-Gu-Bao Decoction, the most commonly studied formulas, were selected from the pool of Chinese medicine. The preclinical data indicated the potential use of Chinese herbal formulas in postmenopausal osteoporosis. The underlying mechanisms included bone morphogenetic protein (BMP), Wnt/[Formula: see text]-catenin, extracellular-signal-regulated kinase/c-Jun [Formula: see text] terminal kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinase (ERK/JNK/MAPK), estrogen receptor (ER), and osteoprotegerin/receptor activator of nuclear factor [Formula: see text]B ligand (OPG/RANKL) signaling pathways. This study demonstrated the anti-osteoporotic effect of Chinese herbal formulas targeting different pathways in bone metabolism. Further study with adequate sample size and follow-up time, appropriate controls, and optimal blinding is required.
Effects of Fermented Wheat Bran on Flour, Dough, and Steamed Bread Characteristics
Authors: Li Li , Wang Zhen , Li Li-Min , Zheng Xue-Ling , Ma Sen , Wang Xiao-Xi
Published: June 2018

Wheat bran is rich in dietary fiber, which improves the flour nutritional content and also endows the flour with a richer flavor. However, a high content of insoluble dietary bran fiber can easily and significantly reduce the processing and edible quality of flour products. This study was conducted to explore ways to decrease the negative effects of adding bran to dough. Basidiomycete strain BS-01 was used to ferment the wheat bran. The surface structure of the bran was examined by scanning electron microscopy, and the fermented bran was incorporated into the wheat flour at various concentrations. The mixed flour farinographic and extensographic characteristics, dough rheological properties, and the specific volume, color, and textural properties of the steamed bread were determined and analyzed. The results suggested that adding an appropriate quantity of fermented bran improves the characteristics of the dough and the quality of the steamed bread compared to those with unfermented bran. The fermented bran effectively decreased the negative impacts exerted on the farinographic and extensographic characteristics of the mixed flour and exerted a positive influence on the dough viscoelasticity and bread specific volume.
Transition versus Continuous Slope Walking: Adaptation to Change Center of Mass Velocity in Young Men
Authors: Hong Yoon No Gregory , Lee Jinkyu , Shin Choongsoo S.
Published: June 2018

During continuous uphill walking (UW) or downhill walking, human locomotion is modified to counteract the gravitational force, aiding or impeding the body’s forward momentum, respectively. This study aimed at investigating the center of mass (COM) and center of pressure (COP) velocities and their relative distance during the transition from uphill to downhill walking (UDW) to determine whether locomotor adjustments differ between UDW and UW. Fourteen participants walked on a triangular slope and a continuous upslope of 15°. The kinematics and COPs were obtained using a force plate and a motion capture system. The vertical velocity of the COM in the propulsion phase, the horizontal distance between the COM and COP at initial contact, and the duration of the subphases significantly differed between UDW and UW (all p<0.05). Compared with the results of UW, longer durations and the deeper downward moving COM in the propulsion phase were observed during UDW (all p<0.05). Additionally, a shorter horizontal distance between the COM and COP at initial contact was associated with a slower vertical COM velocity in the propulsion phase during UDW. The reduced velocity is likely a gait alteration to decrease the forward momentum of the body during UDW.
Pharmacological and Toxicological Threshold of Bisammonium Tetrakis 4-(N,N-Dimethylamino)pyridinium Decavanadate in a Rat Model of Metabolic Syndrome and Insulin Resistance
Authors: Treviño Samuel , Díaz Alfonso , Sánchez-Lara Eduardo , Sarmiento-Ortega Víctor Enrique , Flores-Hernández José Ángel , Brambila Eduardo , Meléndez Francisco J. , González-Vergara Enrique
Published: June 2018

Vanadium(IV/V) compounds have been studied as possible metallopharmaceutical drugs against diabetes mellitus. However, mechanisms of action and toxicological threshold have been tackled poorly so far. In this paper, our purposes were to evaluate the metabolic activity on dyslipidemia and dysglycemia, insulin signaling in liver and adipose tissue, and toxicology of the title compound. To do so, the previously reported bisammonium tetrakis 4-(N,N-dimethylamino)pyridinium decavanadate, the formula of which is [DMAPH]4(NH4)2[V10O28]·8H2O (where DMAPH is 4-dimethylaminopyridinium ion), was synthesized, and its dose-response curve on hyperglycemic rats was evaluated. A Long–Evans rat model showing dyslipidemia and dysglycemia with parameters that reproduce metabolic syndrome and severe insulin resistance was generated. Two different dosages, 5 µmol and 10 µmol twice a week of the title compound (equivalent to 2.43 mg·V/kg/day and 4.86 mg·V/kg/day, resp.), were administered intraperitoneal (i.p.) for two months. Then, an improvement on each of the following parameters was observed at a 5 µmol dose: weight reduction, abdominal perimeter, fatty index, body mass index, oral glucose tolerance test, lipid profile, and adipokine and insulin resistance indexes. Nevertheless, when the toxicological profile was evaluated at a 10 µmol dose, it did not show complete improvement, tested by the liver and adipose histology, as well as by insulin receptor phosphorylation and GLUT-4 expression. In conclusion, the title compound administration produces regulation on lipids and carbohydrates, regardless of dose, but the pharmacological and toxicological threshold for cell regulation are suggested to be up to 5 µmol (2.43 mg·V/kg/day) dose twice per week.
The Tensor Pade´-Type Approximant with Application in Computing Tensor Exponential Function
Authors: Gu Chuanqing , Liu Yong
Published: June 2018

Tensor exponential function is an important function that is widely used. In this paper, tensor Pade´-type approximant (TPTA) is defined by introducing a generalized linear functional for the first time. The expression of TPTA is provided with the generating function form. Moreover, by means of formal orthogonal polynomials, we propose an efficient algorithm for computing TPTA. As an application, the TPTA for computing the tensor exponential function is presented. Numerical examples are given to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed algorithm.
Galectin-3 as a Predictor of Left Ventricular Reverse Remodeling in Recent-Onset Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Karatolios Konstantinos , Chatzis Georgios , Holzendorf Volker , Störk Stefan , Richter Anette , Binas Davis , Schieffer Bernhard , Pankuweit Sabine
Published: June 2018

Objectives. Studies have evaluated the association of galectin-3 and outcome in patients with heart failure. However, there is still scarce evidence concerning the clinical usefulness and predictive value of galectin-3 for left ventricular reverse remodeling (LVRR) in patients with recent-onset dilated cardiomyopathy (RODCM). Patients and Methods. Baseline galectin-3 was measured in 57 patients with RODCM. All patients were followed for at least 12 months. The study end point was LVRR at 12 months, defined as an absolute improvement of the left ventricular ejection fraction of ≥10% to a final value of ≥35%, accompanied by a decrease in the left ventricular end diastolic diameter of at least 10%, as assessed by echocardiography. In receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the optimum cut-off value for baseline galectin-3 with the highest Youden index was 59 ng/ml. Results. Overall, LVRR at 12 months was observed in 38 patients (66%). In a univariate analysis, NYHA functional class and baseline galectin-3 levels were associated with LVRR. After adjustment for covariates, galectin-3 remained an independent predictor for LVRR. Conclusions. Our study suggests that baseline galectin-3 is an independent predictor of LVRR. Low levels of galectin-3 may be regarded a useful biomarker of favorable ventricular remodeling in patients with RODCM.
Effect of Multilaminate Small Intestinal Submucosa as a Barrier Membrane on Bone Formation in a Rabbit Mandible Defect Model
Authors: Wu Weiyi , Li Bowen , Liu Yuhua , Wang Xinzhi , Tang Lin
Published: June 2018

A barrier membrane (BM) is essential for guided bone regeneration (GBR) procedures. Absorbable BMs based on collagen have been widely applied clinically due to their excellent biocompatibility. The extracellular matrix (ECM) provides certain advantages that can compensate for the rapid degradation and insufficient mechanical strength of pure collagen membrane due to the porous scaffold structure. Recently, small intestinal submucosa (SIS), one of the most widely used ECM materials, has drawn much attention in bone tissue engineering. In this study, we adopted multilaminate SIS (mSIS) as a BM and evaluated its in vivo and in vitro properties. mSIS exhibited a multilaminate structure with a smooth upper surface and a significantly coarser bottom layer according to microscopic observation. Tensile strength was 13.10 ± 2.56 MPa. In in vivo experiments, we selected a rabbit mandibular defect model and subcutaneous implantation to compare osteogenesis and biodegradation properties with one of the most commonly used commercial collagen membranes. mSIS was retained for up to 3 months and demonstrated longer biodegradation time than commercial collagen membrane. Quantification of bone regeneration revealed significant differences in each group. Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) revealed that the quantity and maturity of bones in the mSIS group were significantly higher than those in the blank control group (P < 0.05) and were similar to those in a commercial collagen membrane group (P > 0.05) at 4 and 12 weeks after surgery. Hematoxylin and eosin staining revealed large amounts of mature lamellar bone at 12 weeks in mSIS and commercial collagen membrane groups. Therefore, we conclude that mSIS has potential as a future biocompatible BM in GBR procedures.
Lymph Node-Targeting Nanovaccine through Antigen-CpG Self-Assembly Potentiates Cytotoxic T Cell Activation
Authors: Xi Xiaobo , Zhang Lijun , Lu Guihong , Gao Xiaoyong , Wei Wei , Ma Guanghui
Published: June 2018

Therapeutic vaccines that arouse the cytotoxic T cell immune response to reject infected cells have been investigated extensively for treating disease. Due to the large amounts of resident antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and T cells in lymph nodes, great efforts have been made to explore the strategy of targeting lymph nodes directly with nanovaccines to activate T cells. However, these nanovaccines still have several problems, such as a low loading efficiency and compromised activity of antigens and adjuvants derived from traditional complicated preparation. There are also safety concerns about materials synthesized without FDA approval. Herein, we construct an assembled nanoparticle composed of an antigen (ovalbumin, OVA) and adjuvant (CpG) to ensure its safety and high loading efficiency. The activity of both components was well preserved due to the mild self-assembly process. The small size, narrow distribution, negative charge, and good stability of the nanoparticle endow these nanovaccines with superior capacity for lymph node targeting. Correspondingly, the accumulation at lymph nodes can be improved by 10-fold. Subsequently, due to the sufficient APC internalization and maturation in lymph nodes, ~60% of T cells are stimulated to proliferate and over 70% of target cells are specifically killed. Based on the effective and quick cellular immune response, the assembled nanoparticles exhibit great potential as therapeutic vaccines.
Retrospondyloptosis of the Spine Secondary to Nonaccidental Trauma
Authors: Duffin T. S. , Thomas S. W.
Published: June 2018

Spinal fracture rates from NAT have been reported in <1–3% of spinal injury cases. We present a 13-month-old female who presented with signs of spinal cord injury and was found to have complete retrospondylolisthesis of T12 vertebra and multiple rib fractures in various stages of healing due to NAT. This case reports an extremely severe spinal injury due to NAT of which there are few in the literature and highlights the importance of suspicion of NAT when pediatric patients present with neurologic symptoms and spinal trauma without plausible mechanism of injury.
Sini Decoction Improves Adrenal Function and the Short‐Term Outcome of Septic Rats through Downregulation of Adrenal Toll‐Like Receptor 4 Expression
Authors: Lai Fang , Zhou Gengbiao , Mai Shutao , Qin Xiaolian , Liu Wenting , Zhang Yan , Xie Dongping , Weng Yanna , Du Jiongdong , Zheng Yi , Liao Jiyang , Han Yun
Published: June 2018

Background. Sini Decoction (SND) is composed of Aconitum carmichaelii Debeaux, Zingiber officinale Roscoe, and Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch, having been used in China for centuries for collapsing phrase of disease. Studies reported that SND could alleviate inflammatory response, ameliorate microcirculatory disturbances, and improve shock reversal and adrenal gland glucocorticoid stress response during sepsis shock, yet the underlying mechanism is still elusive. Toll‐like receptor (TLR) 4 is demonstrated to be crucially correlated with the corticosterone secretion and the impaired adrenal glucocorticoid responses in sepsis. Materials and Methods. SND at dose of 10 g/kg (in low‐dose SND group, LD‐SND) and 20 g/kg (in high‐dose SND group, HD‐SND) was administered to CLP rats. Four days later, overall survival rates of rats were calculated; rat serum and adrenal glands were collected. Basic serum corticosterone levels were determined, and the increase of corticosterone after 0.8 ug/kg ACTH injection was checked to detect the adrenocortical sensitivity to ACTH. The protein and mRNA expression of TLR4 in adrenal glands were measured to study the impact of SND on TLR4 expression. mRNA levels of IL‐10 and TNF‐a in adrenal glands and IL‐10 and TNF‐a levels in serum were also determined to study the cytokines profile. Results. SND improved the cumulative survival rate of CLP rats up to 4 days (P < 0.05 with HD‐SND) and adrenocortical sensitivity to 0.8 ug/kg ACTH stimulation (P < 0.05 at 60 mins, 31.02 ± 19.23 ng/ml in LD‐SND group and 32.18 ± 14.88 ng/ml in HD‐SND group versus 5.03 ± 13.34 ng/ml in CLP group), with a significant decrease of protein (P < 0.05, 29.6% in LD‐SND group and 27.8% in HD‐SND group), mRNA expression of TLR4 (P < 0.05, 32.9% in LD‐SND group and 36.1% in HD‐SND group), mRNA expression of IL‐10 (P < 0.05, 32.0% in LD‐SND group and 29.6% in HD‐SND group), TNF‐a in adrenal glands (P < 0.05, 26.0% in LD‐SND group and 25.3% in HD‐SND group), and TNF‐a level in serum (P < 0.05, 100.20 ± 19.41 pg/ml in LD‐SND group and 92.40 ± 11.66 pg/ml in HD‐SND group versus 134.40 ± 27.87 pg/ml in CLP group). Conclusion. SND increased overall survival rate within 4 days and attenuated adrenal insufficiency in septic rats by downregulating TLR4 mRNA and protein expression in adrenal tissue, inhibiting adrenal production of TNF‐α and IL‐10, and improving adrenal responsiveness. Our results suggest that SND is able to ameliorate adrenal stress responses in a local immune‐adrenal crosstalk way involving downregulated expression of TLR4 in adrenal tissue. SND might be a promising treatment for adrenal insufficiency prevention in prolonged sepsis.
Demand, End‐Uses, and Conservation of Alpine Medicinal Plant Neopicrorhiza scrophulariiflora (Pennell) D. Y. Hong in Central Himalaya
Authors: Kafle Gandhiv , Bhattarai (Sharma) Indira , Siwakoti Mohan , Shrestha Arjun Kumar
Published: June 2018

Neopicrorhiza scrophulariiflora (Pennell) D. Y. Hong of Scrophulariaceae family (hereinafter referred to as Neopicrorhiza) has medicinally important rhizomes with high levels of trade. What factors drive demand for Neopicrorhiza in Central Himalaya is unknown. In this context, a nationwide comprehensive survey was conducted from September 2016 to March 2017 to assess demand, end‐uses, and conservation of dry Neopicrorhiza rhizomes in Nepal. A total of 2313 herbal products were surveyed for Neopicrorhiza as an ingredient in 38 retailer shops. Processing industries of Neopicrorhiza in Nepal were interviewed using structured questionnaire. There were 23 herbal industries manufacturing 45 types of ayurvedic medicines as end‐products containing Neopicrorhiza. The volume and value of annual demand for dry rhizomes of Neopicrorhiza in Nepal were found as 6076 kg and NRs 8573236 (USD 83235.30), respectively, in 2015/016 with average 264.17 kg/industry and NRs 1410.87 (USD 13.69) per kg. The major uses of ayurvedic medicines containing Neopicrorhiza were to treat a number of disease categories: cardiovascular system/liver (17), cardiovascular system/blood (6), nervous system (6), dermatological system (4), musculoskeletal system (3), digestive system (2), respiratory system (2), genitourinal system (4), and others (1). Despite changing legal regulation, trade and consumption of Neopicrorhiza exist in Nepal. It can be concluded that domestic consumption is not the major cause of resource depletion of Neopicrorhiza in Nepal.
Study of Systems Error Compensation Methods Based on Molecular-Electronic Transducers of Motion Parameters
Authors: Zaitsev Dmitry L. , Agafonov Vadim M. , Evseev Iliya A.
Published: June 2018

The main objective of the paper is to study the system errors of azimuth determination in the dynamic scheme of north finding on the base of the molecular-electronic sensitive angular motion sensor. Introduced theoretical and experimental study of some error compensation methods. Investigated the most significant system inaccuracies of azimuth determination depended on MET sensor g-sensitivity factor and the occurrence of rotation uneven in the system and as a result of tiny angular accelerations which appeared. Methods and algorithms of error reduce are experimentally verified.
Mortality in a Cohort of HIV-Infected Children: A 12-Month Outcome of Antiretroviral Therapy in Makurdi, Nigeria
Authors: Anigilaje Emmanuel Ademola , Aderibigbe Sunday Adedeji
Published: June 2018

Introduction. Recognizing the predictors of mortality among HIV-infected children will allow for concerted management that can reduce HIV-mortality in Nigeria. Methodology. A retrospective cohort study in children aged 0–15 years, between October 2010 and December 2013, at the Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi, Nigeria. Kaplan–Meier method analysed the cumulative probability of early mortality (EM) occurring at or before 6 months and after 6 months of follow-up (late mortality-LM) on a 12-month antiretroviral therapy (ART). Multivariate Cox proportional regression models were used to test for hazard ratios (HR). Results. 368 children were included in the analysis contributing 81 children per 100 child-years to the 12-month ART follow-up. A significant reduction in EM rates was noted at 17.3 deaths per 100 child-years (30 deaths) to LM rates of 3.0 deaths per 100 child-years (10 deaths), p<0.01. At multivariate analysis, children with a high pretreatment viral load (≥10,000 copies/ml) were found to be at risk of EM (aHR; 18. 089, 95% CI; 2.428–134.77, p=0.005). Having severe immunosuppression at/or before 6 months of ART was the predictor of LM (aHR; 17.28, 95% CI; 3.844–77.700, p≤0.001). Conclusions. Although a lower mortality rate is seen at 12 months of ART in our setting, predictors of HIV mortality are having high pretreatment HIV viral load and severe immunosuppression. While primary prevention of HIV infection is paramount, early identification of these predictors among our HIV-infected children for an early ART initiation can reduce further the mortality in our setting. In addition, measures to ensure a good standard of care and retention in care for a sustained virologic suppression cannot be ignored and are hereby underscored.
Lyapunov Stability of the Generalized Stochastic Pantograph Equation
Authors: Kadiev Ramazan , Ponosov Arcady
Published: June 2018

The purpose of the paper is to study stability properties of the generalized stochastic pantograph equation, the main feature of which is the presence of unbounded delay functions. This makes the stability analysis rather different from the classical one. Our approach consists in linking different kinds of stochastic Lyapunov stability to specially chosen functional spaces. To prove stability, we check that the solutions of the equation belong to a suitable space of stochastic processes, instead of searching for an appropriate Lyapunov functional. This gives us possibilities to study moment stability, stability with probability 1, and many other stability properties in an efficient way. We show by examples how this approach works in practice, putting emphasis on delay-independent stability conditions for the generalized stochastic pantograph equation. The framework can be applied to any stochastic functional differential equation with finite dimensional initial conditions.
Thrombin Inhibition Reduces the Expression of Brain Inflammation Markers upon Systemic LPS Treatment
Authors: Shavit Stein Efrat , Ben Shimon Marina , Artan Furman Avital , Golderman Valery , Chapman Joab , Maggio Nicola
Published: June 2018

Systemic inflammation and brain pathologies are known to be linked. In the periphery, the inflammation and coagulation systems are simultaneously activated upon diseases and infections. Whether this well-established interrelation also counts for neuroinflammation and coagulation factor expression in the brain is still an open question. Our aim was to study whether the interrelationship between coagulation and inflammation factors may occur in the brain in the setting of systemic inflammation. The results indicate that systemic injections of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) upregulate the expression of both inflammatory and coagulation factors in the brain. The activity of the central coagulation factor thrombin was tested by a fluorescent method and found to be significantly elevated in the hippocampus following systemic LPS injection (0.5 ± 0.15 mU/mg versus 0.2 ± 0.03 mU/mg in the control). A panel of coagulation factors and effectors (such as thrombin, FX, PAR1, EPCR, and PC) was tested in the hippocampus, isolated microglia, and N9 microglia cell by Western blot and real-time PCR and found to be modulated by LPS. One central finding is a significant increase in FX expression level following LPS induction both in vivo in the hippocampus and in vitro in N9 microglia cell line (5.5 ± 0.6- and 2.3 ± 0.1-fold of increase, resp.). Surprisingly, inhibition of thrombin activity (by a specific inhibitor NAPAP) immediately after LPS injection results in a reduction of both the inflammatory (TNFα, CXL9, and CCL1; p<0.006) and coagulation responses (FX and PAR1; p<0.004) in the brain. We believe that these results may have a profound clinical impact as they might indicate that reducing coagulation activity in the setting of neurological diseases involving neuroinflammation may improve disease outcome and survival.