bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pembiayaan Perumahan Berasaskan Komoditi Murabahah: Kajian Kes di CIMB Islamic Bank
Authors: Mohamad Mohammad Taqiuddin , Aminuddin Mohd Najdi , Hasbulah Muhamad Husni
Published: November 2018

Commodity of Murabahah and Tawarruq are the concept that was applied in the products of home financing (Flexi Home Financing-i) at CIMB Islamic Bank. This product is one of products which is offered by CIMB Islamic Bank. Before of this, there are several concepts such as Bay’ Bithamanil Ajil (BBA) and Bay’ Inah have been applied in the products of home financing by Islamic Banks where it causes some controversies. The using of BBA and Inah as a contract in home financing’s product have been criticized by some of the Islamic scholars especially from the Middle East Islamic scholars. Through the descriptive analysis, a case studies were conducted by collecting the data through an interviews.  The study was found that a scheme of home financing through product called Flexi Home Financing-i offered by CIMB Islamic Bank is one form of innovative products in order to make the financing products offered to customers free from the elements of Riba. Additionally, it was alternative from using al-Inah which is controversies among the scholars. This study also found that this product is line up with the Shariah compliance and ability to stand up with the value of moral and ethics which is compliance with principles of Shariah.
Fabrication and replication of re-entrant structures by nanoimprint lithography methods
Authors: Kehagias Nikolaos , Francone Achille , Guttmann Markus , Winkler Frank , Fernández Ariadna , Sotomayor Torres Clivia M.
Published: November 2018

In this work, the authors present and demonstrate a simple method to fabricate and mass replicate re-entrant structures. The method consists of the direct imprinting of polymer mushroomlike microstructures produced by a combination of photolithography and nickel up-plating process. In particular, they have studied the conditions to generate highly robust mushroomlike topographies and their topographical impact on the replication process. They discuss all the imprinting conditions suitable to replicate such topographies using both ultraviolet light assisted nanoimprint lithography (UV-NIL) and thermal NIL methods in two polymer films, poly(methyl methacrylate) and polypropylene, and a hybrid (organic–inorganic) UV light curable photoresist, namely, Ormocomp. Re-entrant topographies have been widely studied for liquid/oil repelling and dry adhesive properties, whereas in their experiments, they have proved evidence for their amphiphobic potential.
Automatic detection of fish sounds based on multi-stage classification including logistic regression via adaptive feature weighting
Authors: Harakawa Ryosuke , Ogawa Takahiro , Haseyama Miki , Akamatsu Tomonari
Published: November 2018

This paper presents a method for automatic detection of fish sounds in an underwater environment. There exist two difficulties: (i) features and classifiers that provide good detection results differ depending on the underwater environment and (ii) there are cases where a large amount of training data that is necessary for supervised machine learning cannot be prepared. A method presented in this paper (the proposed hybrid method) overcomes these difficulties as follows. First, novel logistic regression (NLR) is derived via adaptive feature weighting by focusing on the accuracy of classification results by multiple classifiers, support vector machine (SVM), and k-nearest neighbors (k-NN). Although there are cases where SVM or k-NN cannot work well due to divergence of useful features, NLR can produce complementary results. Second, the proposed hybrid method performs multi-stage classification with consideration of the accuracy of SVM, k-NN, and NLR. The multi-stage acquisition of reliable results works adaptively according to the underwater environment to reduce performance degradation due to diversity of useful classifiers even if abundant training data cannot be prepared. Experiments on underwater recordings including sounds of Sciaenidae such as silver croakers (Pennahia argentata) and blue drums (Nibea mitsukurii) show the effectiveness of the proposed hybrid method.
Double-gap plate–plate magnetorheology
Authors: Morillas Jose R. , Yang Jianjian , de Vicente Juan
Published: November 2018

A double-gap magnetorheological (MR) cell is designed, constructed, and validated using finite element method magnetostatics simulations, computational fluid dynamics calculations, and experimental data with Newtonian fluids and conventional MR fluids for a range of particle concentrations and external magnetic field strengths. This new cell is a generalization of the twin-gap device. It is capable of reaching very large magnetic field strengths and shear rates, avoiding normal force overload. More importantly, it is optimized for magnetic field homogeneity.
Mechanism of FACT removal from transcribed genes by anticancer drugs curaxins
Authors: Chang Han-Wen , Valieva Maria E. , Safina Alfiya , Chereji Răzvan V. , Wang Jianmin , Kulaeva Olga I. , Morozov Alexandre V. , Kirpichnikov Mikhail P. , Feofanov Alexey V. , Gurova Katerina V. , Studitsky Vasily M.
Published: November 2018

Protumor factor FACT is removed from transcribed genes by anticancer drugs curaxins.
Hepatitis B e Antigen Inhibits NF-κB Activity by Interrupting K63-Linked Ubiquitination of NEMO
Authors: Wang Yuan , Cui Lei , Yang Guifang , Zhan Jianbo , Guo Liang , Chen Yu , Fan Chengpeng , Liu Dan , Guo Deyin
Published: November 2018

The role of HBeAg in inflammatory responses during the infection of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is not fully understood, and several previous reports with regard to the NF-κB pathway are controversial. In this study, we showed that HBeAg could suppress both Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2)- and IL-1β-induced activation of NF-κB in cells and clinical samples, and we further revealed novel molecular mechanisms. We found that HBeAg can associate with NEMO, the regulatory subunit for IκB kinase (IKK) that controls the NF-κB signaling pathway, and thereby inhibits TRAF6-mediated K63-linked ubiquitination of NEMO, resulting in downregulation of NF-κB activity and promotion of virus replication. In contrast, the HBeAg-negative HBV mutant can induce higher levels of NF-κB activity. These results are important for understanding the HBV-induced pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis and indicate that different clinical measures should be considered to treat HBeAg-positive and HBeAg-negative infections. Our findings represent a conceptual advance in HBV-related suppression of NF-κB signaling.
Extensive Diversity of RNA Viruses in Australian Ticks
Authors: Harvey Erin , Rose Karrie , Eden John-Sebastian , Lo Nathan , Abeyasuriya Thilanka , Shi Mang , Doggett Stephen L. , Holmes Edward C.
Published: November 2018

Each year a growing number of individuals along the east coast of Australia experience debilitating disease following tick bites. As there is no evidence for the presence of the causative agent of Lyme disease,
Borrelia b
urgdorferi
sensu lato
, in Australian ticks, the etiological basis of this disease syndrome remains controversial. To characterize the viruses associated with Australian ticks, particularly those that might be associated with mammalian infection, we performed unbiased RNA sequencing on 146 ticks collected across two locations along the coast of New South Wales, Australia. This revealed 19 novel RNA viruses from a diverse set of families. Notably, three of these viruses clustered with known mammalian viruses, including a novel coltivirus that was related to the human pathogen Colorado tick fever virus.
Genomic Alterations of Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 after Prolonged Passage in the Laboratory
Authors: Chin Pei-Ju , Liao Hsiao-Mei , Li Bingjie , Hung Guo-Chiuan , Tsai Shien , Lo Shyh-Ching
Published: November 2018

Staphylococcus
aureus
reference strain ATCC 25923 has been maintained for more than a decade in our laboratory. Genomic study revealed that the resulting strain AFIPCBER_B_8.4 has lost a 37-kb genomic fragment of the ATCC 25923 parental strain.
Draft Genome Assembly of the Poultry Red Mite,
Dermanyssus gallinae
Authors: Burgess Stewart T. G. , Bartley Kathryn , Nunn Francesca , Wright Harry W. , Hughes Margaret , Gemmell Matthew , Haldenby Sam , Paterson Steve , Rombauts Stephane , Tomley Fiona M. , Blake Damer P. , Pritchard James , Schicht Sabine , Strube Christina , Øines Øivind , Van Leeuwen Thomas , Van de Peer Yves , Nisbet Alasdair J.
Published: November 2018

The poultry red mite,
Dermanyssus gallinae
, is a major worldwide concern in the egg-laying industry. Here, we report the first draft genome assembly and gene prediction of
Dermanyssus gallinae
, based on combined PacBio and MinION long-read
de novo
sequencing.
Draft Genome Sequences of the Type Strains of Three
Clavibacter
Subspecies and Atypical Peach-Colored Strains Isolated from Tomato
Authors: Osdaghi Ebrahim , Portier Perrine , Briand Martial , Taghouti Géraldine , Jacques Marie-Agnes
Published: November 2018

Here, we present the draft genome sequences of 10
Clavibacter
sp. strains, including the type strains of different subspecies of
Clavibacter michiganensis
and a potentially novel species within the genus.
A novel numerical approach for the calculation of refractive index of Wurtzite InxGa1−xN
Authors: Chettri Dhanu , Singh Khomdram Jolson , Mathew Manish , Gupta Nikhil Deep
Published: November 2018

Accurate values of refractive indices for In[Formula: see text]Ga[Formula: see text]N alloy as a function of indium mole fraction play a vital role in the modeling of In[Formula: see text]Ga[Formula: see text]N-based optoelectronics devices. This work extensively investigated, analyzed and derived a conclusive numerical approach to calculate the refractive index of In[Formula: see text]Ga[Formula: see text]N over a wide wavelength as a function of indium mole fraction based on Vegard’s law. The model is based on the fact that there is a strong correlation between the mole fraction (x) and the refractive index of ternary alloys A[Formula: see text]B[Formula: see text]C. An excellent agreement is observed between the computed values and experimental data which proves the effectiveness of our numerical approach.
Transient dark energy, cosmological constant boundary crossing and dark energy w(z) data fits
Authors: Perković Dalibor , Štefančić Hrvoje
Published: November 2018

The formalism of dark energy based on modeling speed of sound as a function of equation-of-state parameter is elaborated. A specific model which allows detailed study of cosmological constant boundary crossing is introduced and analytical solutions for the model dynamics are obtained. It is shown how in specific parameter regimes dark energy can be a transient phenomenon. It is further demonstrated how the model reproduces specific features of recent fits of dark energy [Formula: see text] to observational data.
Study of tilted anisotropic polytropes
Authors: Sharif M. , Sadiq Sobia
Published: November 2018

The purpose of this paper is to construct spherically symmetric models for anisotropic matter configurations by imposing conformally flat conditions. This work is done for a relatively moving observer with matter using two types of polytropic equations of state. We evaluate the corresponding conservation equation, mass equation as well as energy constraints for both choices of equations of state. The conformal flatness is employed to find a specific form of anisotropy which aids study to spherical polytropic configurations. It is found that the first model satisfies all the energy conditions while the second model does not meet the dominant energy bound. It is also found that both models remain stable throughout the evolution.
A study on charged compact stars
Authors: Maurya S. K. , Ray Saibal , Aziz Abdul , Khlopov M. , Chardonnet P.
Published: November 2018

In this paper, the Einstein–Maxwell spacetime is considered for compact stellar system. To find out solutions of the field equations, we adopt a finite and positive well-behaved metric potential. Under this particular choice, we therefore develop the expressions of the physical features, such as mass, charge, density and pressure, for stellar system in embedding class 1 spacetime. It is observed that all these features are physically viable. In the model, some known compact stars, viz. [Formula: see text] 1820–30, [Formula: see text] 1608–52 and [Formula: see text] 1745–248 [Formula: see text] are studied successfully through physical analysis. It is also interesting to note that the obtained set of regular solutions to the Einstein–Maxwell equations represents an electromagnetic mass model for isotropic fluid without invoking any negative pressure.
Does Convertible Arbitrage Risk Exposure Vary Through Time?
Authors: Gallagher Liam , Hutchinson Mark , O’Brien John
Published: November 2018

We model the returns of the convertible arbitrage strategy using a non-linear framework. This strategy has generated long periods of positive returns and low volatility, followed by shorter periods of extreme negative returns and high volatility, associated with market upheaval. We specify a smooth transition regression model to assess performance, a class of model particularly suited to this type of strategy as it allows gradual transition between risk regimes. We show that in alternate regimes, the strategy exhibits relatively high (low) exposure to risk factors and alpha is high (low). The evidence reported can account for abnormal returns demonstrated in previous studies.
Broadcasting a Stream of Chunks in Heterogeneous Networks with a Short Maximum Broadcast Time
Authors: FUJITA SATOSHI
Published: November 2018

This paper considers the problem of broadcasting a stream of chunks in heterogeneous networks with a short maximum broadcast time (MBT). This problem is motivated by the delivery of video streams to all nodes in Peer-to-Peer networks in which a stream of chunks corresponding to a subscribed video stream is continuously served by an external media server. We model the heterogeneity of nodes by the variance of the upload capacity of nodes. The idea of the proposed scheme is to effectively utilize the residual upload capacity of high-capacity nodes. Experimental evaluations indicate that the proposed scheme nearly attains a theoretical lower bound on the MBT.
An Efficient Strategy for Solving Structural Nonlinear Equations by Combining the Orthogonal Residual Method and Normal Flow Technique
Authors: Maximiano Dalilah Pires , Silveira Ricardo A. M. , Silva Andréa R. D. , Gonçalves Paulo B.
Published: November 2018

This paper presents a new procedure for solving structural nonlinear problems by combining the orthogonal residual method (ORM) and normal flow technique (NFT). The perpendicularity condition to the Davidenko flow, introduced by the NFT, which must be satisfied during the iterative process, overcome the difficulties, i.e. the poor convergence and inefficiency of the ORM close to the limit points, particularly the displacement limit points (snap-back behavior). Basically, the idea of the proposed strategy is to adjust the load parameter, which is treated as a variable in the nonlinear incremental-iterative solution process, assuming that the unbalanced forces (residual forces) must be orthogonal to the incremental displacements. This constraint is used together with the NFT perpendicularity condition. The proposed procedure is tested, and its efficiency is corroborated through the analyses of slender shallow and nonshallow arches and an L-frame since they exhibit highly nonlinear behaviors under certain loading conditions. It is concluded that the proposed procedure can overcome the numerical instability problems in the neighborhood of critical points when using only the conventional OR process, and the procedure compares favorably with the arc-length method, minimum residual displacement method, and generalized displacement control method.
Approximation properties for solutions to Itô–Doob stochastic fractional differential equations with non-Lipschitz coefficients
Authors: Abouagwa Mahmoud , Li Ji
Published: November 2018

In this paper, we are concerned with the approximation theorem as an averaging principle for the solutions to stochastic fractional differential equations of Itô–Doob type with non-Lipschitz coefficients. The simplified systems will be investigated, and their solutions can be approximated to that of the original systems in the sense of mean square and probability, which constitute the approximation theorem. Two examples are presented with a numerical simulation to illustrate the obtained theory.
Knowledge Management Enablers: Metadata Analysis for KM Implementation
Authors: Shah Hiteshkumar G. , Kant Ravi
Published: November 2018

The purpose of the study is to exhibit total useful contents into the knowledge management enablers (KMEs) for knowledge management (KM) implementation. The literature review covers an exhaustive analysis of KMEs in KM implementation with the existing parameters as well as those which are not being covered in past investigations of KMEs. This study is for analysing the effects of KMEs in KM implementation within academics and industries in the last 20 years. The design of the study is based on exhaustive literature review of KMEs for KM implementation of 148 papers selected through an organised procedure, from about 1050 research investigations till August 2017. The findings reflect a deep interest in incorporating KMEs in KM implementation. They also indicate the model of survey scored better among all the research methods used in the domain as per major findings. In broad terms, most of the research is interpretative in nature and provides a framework for hypothetical analysis. The assessment just provides outline of statistics which is easy to identify for academicians as well as practitioners and offers improved insights on the present condition of study in support of KM implementation.
Journal Co-Citation Analysis for Identifying Trends of Inter-Disciplinary Research: An Exploratory Case Study in a University
Authors: Kusakunniran Worapan , Dahal Amit Singh , Viriyasitavat Wantanee
Published: November 2018

A journal stands as a marker of the intellectual space which holds vast areas of literature. Exploring and analysing the underlined knowledge sources and themes of the journal literature will significantly benefit any institution to identify the key intellectual domain strength and improve in research collaboration. The main objective of this paper is to identify inter-disciplinary trends of research for one university as a case study, using journal co-citation analysis. With the help of correlation metric and cluster analysis, the published literature between 2004 and 2013 from seven subject domains (i.e. including medicine, pharmacy and pharmacology, biological sciences, linguistics, modern languages, chemistry, and computer science and information systems) are analysed and interpreted. The results can demonstrate that there are the strong research dominance in the medical field and the prospective collaboration in social science and chemistry. In addition, the interpretation of the findings could be served as a foundation for future research in the direction of strong bonding between inter-disciplinary fields.
Warpage and Shrinkage Analysis and Optimization of Rapid Tooling Molded thin Wall Component Using Modified Particle Swarm Algorithm
Authors: Kumar Sagar , Singh Amit Kumar
Published: November 2018

This paper presents a systematic methodology to determine optimal injection molding conditions for minimum warpage and shrinkage in a thin wall relay part using modified particle swarm optimization algorithm (MPSO). Polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) were injected in a thin wall relay component for different processing parameters: melt temperature, packing pressure and packing time. Further, Taguchi’s L9 (3[Formula: see text] orthogonal array is used for conducting simulation analysis to consider the interaction effects of the above parameters. A predictive mathematical model for shrinkage and warpage is developed in terms of the above process parameters using regression analysis. ANOVA analysis is performed to establish statistical significance within the injection molding parameters. The analytical model is further optimized using a newly developed MPSO algorithm and the process parameters values are predicted for minimizing shrinkage and warpage. The predicted values of shrinkage and warpage using MPSO algorithm are improved by approximately 30% as compared to the initial simulation values and comparable to previous literature results.
On the Flexible Abrasive Tool for Nanofinishing of Complex Surfaces
Authors: Sarkar Mithun , Jain V. K. , Sidpara Ajay
Published: November 2018

Nanofinishing of complex surfaces is an important but costly processing step for many products for performing their functions satisfactorily. This paper deals with the development of a flexible abrasive tool for nanofinishing of complex surfaces. A flexible finishing tool similar to the ball end mill is developed by curing Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). A bowl-shaped copper workpiece is finished to nanometer surface roughness value. Different sizes of abrasive particles are used to reduce surface roughness value of the workpiece. A corrosion inhibitor is mixed with the abrasive slurry to protect the finished copper workpiece surface. A final surface roughness value of 50[Formula: see text]nm has been achieved with a variation up to 70[Formula: see text]nm on different locations of the bowl-shaped workpiece.
How can inter-specific interferences explain coexistence or confirm the competitive exclusion principle in a chemostat?
Authors: El Hajji Miled
Published: November 2018

In this paper, I consider two species feeding on limiting substrate in a chemostat taking into account some possible effects of each species on the other one. System of differential equations is proposed as model of these effects with general inter-specific density-dependent growth rates. Three cases were considered. The first one for a mutual inhibitory relationship where it is proved that at most one species can survive which confirms the competitive exclusion principle. Initial concentrations of species have great importance in determination of which species is the winner. The second one for a food web relationship where it is proved that under general assumptions on the dilution rate, both species persist for any initial conditions. Finally, a third case dealing with an obligate mutualistic relationship was discussed. It is proved that initial condition has a great importance in determination of persistence or extinction of both species.
Passing through a stack k times
Authors: Mansour Toufik , Skogman Howard , Smith Rebecca
Published: November 2018

We consider the number of passes a permutation needs to take through a stack if we only pop the appropriate output values and start over with the remaining entries in their original order. We define a permutation [Formula: see text] to be [Formula: see text]-pass sortable if [Formula: see text] is sortable using [Formula: see text] passes through the stack. Permutations that are [Formula: see text]-pass sortable are simply the stack sortable permutations as defined by Knuth. We define the permutation class of [Formula: see text]-pass sortable permutations in terms of their basis. We also show all [Formula: see text]-pass sortable classes have finite bases by giving bounds on the length of a basis element of the permutation class for any positive integer [Formula: see text]. Finally, we define the notion of tier of a permutation [Formula: see text] to be the minimum number of passes after the first pass required to sort [Formula: see text]. We then give a bijection between the class of permutations of tier [Formula: see text] and a collection of integer sequences studied by Parker [The combinatorics of functional composition and inversion, PhD thesis, Brandeis University (1993)]. This gives an exact enumeration of tier [Formula: see text] permutations of a given length and thus an exact enumeration for the class of [Formula: see text]-pass sortable permutations. Finally, we give a new derivation for the generating function in [S. Parker, The combinatorics of functional composition and inversion, PhD thesis, Brandeis University (1993)] and an explicit formula for the coefficients.
SECTORAL TARGETS TO ADDRESS COMPETITIVENESS — A CGE ANALYSIS WITH FOCUS ON THE GLOBAL STEEL SECTOR
Authors: DUSCHA VICKI , PETERSON EVERETT B. , SCHLEICH JOACHIM , SCHUMACHER KATJA
Published: November 2018

In the wake of the Paris Climate Agreement, countries may employ sectoral approaches. These allow for efficiency gains while at the same time addressing the concerns of competitiveness and carbon leakage. Applying a multi-country, multi-sector dynamic CGE model, this paper explores the role of sector emission targets for the steel sector in an international agreement, their interaction with emissions trading systems, and to which extent sector targets may address competitiveness concerns. To better reflect technological realities, the steel sector is disaggregated into its two main industries: primary fossil fuel-based steel production (BOF) and secondary scrap recycling steel production (EAF). The policy simulations suggest that sectoral targets may effectively counter the (negative) output and competitiveness effects of differences in the stringency of climate policy across countries. BOF steel contributes significantly more to emission reductions than EAF steel. Moreover, the output effects of BOF and EAF are of opposite signs.
LGR4 protects hepatocytes from injury in mouse
Authors: Li Ziru , Liu Shiying , Lou Jianing , Mulholland Michael , Zhang Weizhen
Published: November 2018

Leucine-rich repeat G protein-coupled receptors (LGRs) and their endogenous ligands R-spondin1–4 (Rspo) are critical in embryonic development and in maintenance of stem cells. The functions of the Rspo-LGR system in differentiated cells remain uncharacterized. In this study, the expression profiles of LGRs and Rspos were characterized in mature hepatocytes. A liver-specific knockout of LGR4 in mouse was generated and used to study hepatic ischemia/reperfusion-induced injury (HIRI) as well as lipopolysaccharide/ D- galactosamine (LPS/D-Gal)-induced liver injury. We have demonstrated that, in adult liver, LGR4 is expressed in hepatocytes and responds to Rspo1 with internalization. Rspo1 is responsive to various nutritional states and to mTOR signaling. Activation of LGR4 by Rspo1 significantly reduced tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα)-induced cell death, and levels of NF-κB-p65 and caspase-3 in cultured hepatocytes. Knockdown of hepatic LGR4 rendered hepatocytes more vulnerable to TNFα-induced damage in cultured primary cells and in the setting of HIRI and LPS/D-Gal-induced liver injury. Rspo1 potentiated both basal and Wnt3a-induced stabilization of β-catenin. Disruption of β-catenin signaling reversed the protective effects of Rspo1 on TNFα-induced hepatocyte toxicity. LGR4 knockdown increased nuclear translocation of NF-κB-p65 in response to acute injury. Overexpression of IKKβ attenuated the protective effects of Rspo1 on TNFα-induced cell death. In conclusion, the Rspo1-LGR4 system represents a novel pathway for cytoprotection and modulation of stress-induced tissue damage.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Functional LGR4 is present in mature hepatocytes. R-spodin1 protects hepatocytes from tumor necrosis factor-α-induced cell death. Liver-specific knockdown of LGR4 renders liver more susceptible to acute injury. LGR4 protects hepatocytes from injury by inhibition of NF-κB signaling.
Short-chain fatty acids increase TNFα-induced inflammation in primary human lung mesenchymal cells through the activation of p38 MAPK
Authors: Rutting Sandra , Xenaki Dia , Malouf Monique , Horvat Jay C. , Wood Lisa G. , Hansbro Philip M. , Oliver Brian G.
Published: November 2018

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), produced as by-products of dietary fiber metabolism by gut bacteria, have anti-inflammatory properties and could potentially be used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases, including asthma. The direct effects of SCFAs on inflammatory responses in primary human lung mesenchymal cells have not been assessed. We investigated whether SCFAs can protect against tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α-induced inflammation in primary human lung fibroblasts (HLFs) and airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells in vitro. HLFs and ASM cells were exposed to SCFAs, acetate (C2:0), propionate (C3:0), and butyrate (C4:0) (0.01–25 mM) with or without TNFα, and the release of proinflammatory cytokines, IL-6, and CXCL8 was measured using ELISA. We found that none of the SCFAs suppressed TNFα-induced cytokine release. On the contrary, challenge with supraphysiological concentrations (10–25 mM), as might be used therapeutically, of propionate or butyrate in combination with TNFα resulted in substantially greater IL-6 and CXCL8 release from HLFs and ASM cells than challenge with TNFα alone, demonstrating synergistic effects. In ASM cells, challenge with acetate also enhanced TNFα-induced IL-6, but not CXCL8 release. Synergistic upregulation of IL-6 and CXCL8 was mediated through the activation of free fatty acid receptor (FFAR)3, but not FFAR2. The signaling pathways involved were further examined using specific inhibitors and immunoblotting, and responses were found to be mediated through p38 MAPK signaling. This study demonstrates that proinflammatory, rather than anti-inflammatory effects of SCFAs are evident in lung mesenchymal cells.
Rational Boreholes Arrangement of Gas Extraction from Unloaded Coal Seam
Authors: Fan Chaojun , Li Sheng , Zhang Haohao , Yang Zhenhua
Published: November 2018

In order to enhance gas extraction from unloaded coal seam by drilling borehole in the floor roadway, the mechanism of stress relief improving permeability by protective coal seam mining was analyzed. Based on the multiphysics field theory, the hydraulic‐mechanical coupling model of gas extraction in the unloading coal seam was established, and the gas extraction process by drilling borehole in the floor roadway in the overburden of Panyi Coal Mine 1551 (1) panel was simulated. The influence of different drilling arrangements on the gas extraction effect was analyzed. The results show that the permeability of protected coal seams is characterized by zoning and can be divided into the permeability‐enhanced zone, the permeability‐reduced zone, and the original permeability zone according to the stress state of coal seam. Under the condition of uniform borehole distribution, the gas pressure decreased slowly in the permeability‐reduced zone and is still greater than 0.74 MPa after 180 days of extraction, and there is a large extraction blind area in the protected panel. Under the condition of nonuniform borehole distribution arrangement according to the characteristics of permeability zoning, the effective extraction area can almost cover the protected panel, and the blind extraction area is reduced by 91.22% when compared to uniform borehole distribution. These can provide a reference for unloading gas extraction under similar conditions.
The Robust Control and Synchronization of a Class of Fractional‐Order Chaotic Systems with External Disturbances via a Single Output
Authors: Luo Runzi , Su Haipeng
Published: November 2018

This paper investigates the stabilization and synchronization of a class of fractional‐order chaotic systems which are affected by external disturbances. The chaotic systems are assumed that only a single output can be used to design the controller. In order to design the proper controller, some observer systems are proposed. By using the observer systems some sufficient conditions for achieving chaos control and synchronization of fractional‐order chaotic systems are derived. Numerical examples are presented by taking the fractional‐order generalized Lorenz chaotic system as an example to show the feasibility and validity of the proposed method.
Distributed Testing System for Web Service Based on Crowdsourcing
Authors: Liu Xiaolong , Hsieh Yun-Ju , Chen Riqing , Yuan Shyan-Ming
Published: November 2018

To appropriately realize the performance of a web service, it is essential to give it a comprehensive testing. Although an elastic test could be guaranteed in traditional cloud testing systems, the geographical test that supports real user behavior simulation remains a problem. In this paper, we propose a testing system based on a crowdsourcing model to carry out the distributed test on a target web server automatically. The proposed crowdsourcing‐based testing system (CTS) provides a reliable testing model to simulate real user web browsing behaviors with the help of web browsers scattered all around the world. In order to make the entire test process the same as the real situation, two test modes are proposed to simulate real user activity. By evaluating every single resource of web service automatically, a tester can not only find out internal problems but also understand the performance of the web service. In addition, the complete geographical test is available with the performance measurements coming from different regions in the world. Several experiments are performed to validate the functionality and usability of CTS. It demonstrates that CTS is a complete and reliable web service testing system, which provides unique functions and satisfies different requirements.
Dynamic Forces of Swaying Human and Responses of Temporary Demountable Grandstand Based on Experiment and Simulation
Authors: He Lin , Yuan Jian , Fan Feng , Liu Cong
Published: November 2018

Modern temporary demountable structures must be designed to withstand the dynamic forces which generated by crowd occupants. The human forces and that cause the dynamic responses of structure have become an important research topic. In this paper, the human swaying forces and responses of temporary demountable grandstand are studied through an experimental program. The dynamic forces that were induced by participants who have swayed 0.5–1.8 Hz are recorded by a triaxial human biomechanics force plate, and the structural dynamic responses of a temporary grandstand occupied twenty swaying human are investigated. The constraint parameters of swaying force model which derives from a semiempirical formula are developed and can be represented for crowd. Crowd can able to induce excessive lateral vibration of structure due to the lower frequency of temporary grandstand and make them in panic. The dynamic responses of a large temporary grandstand are predicted by finite element method, and the results show that a person was considered as a load with stiffness and damping, and the structural lateral dynamic responses are higher than the model of person just only considered as load.
Vehicle Running State Estimation by Adaptive Soft-Sensing Algorithm
Authors: Hao Liang , Guo Lixin , Liu Shuwei
Published: November 2018

Vehicle running state adaptive unscented Kalman filter soft-sensing algorithm is put forward in this paper based on traditional UKF which can estimate vehicle running state parameters and suboptimal Sage-Husa noise estimator which can effectively solve the problem of noises varying with time. Meanwhile 3-DOF dynamic model of vehicle and HSRI tire model are established. So vehicle running state can be accurately estimated by fusing the low-cost measurement information of longitudinal and lateral acceleration and handwheel steering angle. Under the typical working condition, AUKF soft-sensing algorithm is verified with substantial vehicle tests. Comparing with UKF soft-sensing algorithm, the result indicates AUKF soft-sensing algorithm has a good performance in robustness and is able to realize the effective estimation of vehicle running state more precisely than UKF soft-sensing algorithm.
Prevention of Elevation in Plasma Triacylglycerol with High-Dose Bezafibrate Treatment Abolishes Insulin Resistance and Attenuates Glucose Intolerance Induced by Short-Term Treatment with Dexamethasone in Rats
Authors: Inácio Maiara Destro , Rafacho Alex , de Paula Camaforte Nathália Aparecida , Teixeira Poliana , Vareda Priscilla Maria Ponce , Violato Natália Moretti , Bosqueiro José Roberto
Published: November 2018

Objective. Fibrates are used as lipid-lowering drugs and are well tolerated as cotreatments when glucose metabolism disturbances are also present. Synthetic glucocorticoids (GCs) are diabetogenic drugs that cause dyslipidemia, dysglycemia, glucose intolerance, and insulin resistance when in excess. Thus, we aimed to describe the potential of bezafibrate in preventing or attenuating the adverse effects of GCs on glucose and lipid homeostasis. Methods. Male Wistar rats were treated with high-dose bezafibrate (300 mg/kg, body mass (b.m.)) daily for 28 consecutive days. In the last five days, the rats were also treated with dexamethasone (1 mg/kg, b.m.). Results. Dexamethasone treatment reduced the body mass gain and food intake, and bezafibrate treatment exerted no impact on these parameters. GC treatment caused an augmentation in fasting and fed glycemia, plasma triacylglycerol and nonesterified fatty acids, and insulinemia, and bezafibrate treatment completely prevented the elevation in plasma triacylglycerol and attenuated all other parameters. Insulin resistance and glucose intolerance induced by GC treatment were abolished and attenuated, respectively, by bezafibrate treatment. Conclusion. High-dose bezafibrate treatment prevents the increase in plasma triacylglycerol and the development of insulin resistance and attenuates glucose intolerance in rats caused by GC treatment, indicating the involvement of dyslipidemia in the GC-induced insulin resistance.
Role of Mitochondria in the Oxidative Stress Induced by Electromagnetic Fields: Focus on Reproductive Systems
Authors: Santini Silvano Junior , Cordone Valeria , Falone Stefano , Mijit Mahmut , Tatone Carla , Amicarelli Fernanda , Di Emidio Giovanna
Published: November 2018

Modern technologies relying on wireless communication systems have brought increasing levels of electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure. This increased research interest in the effects of these radiations on human health. There is compelling evidence that EMFs affect cell physiology by altering redox‐related processes. Considering the importance of redox milieu in the biological competence of oocyte and sperm, we reviewed the existing literature regarding the effects of EMFs on reproductive systems. Given the role of mitochondria as the main source of reactive oxygen species (ROS), we focused on the hypothesis of a mitochondrial basis of EMF‐induced reproductive toxicity. MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Scopus database were examined for peer‐reviewed original articles by searching for the following keywords: “extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF‐EMFs),” “radiofrequency (RF),” “microwaves,” “Wi‐Fi,” “mobile phone,” “oxidative stress,” “mitochondria,” “fertility,” “sperm,” “testis,” “oocyte,” “ovarian follicle,” and “embryo.” These keywords were combined with other search phrases relevant to the topic. Although we reported contradictory data due to lack of uniformity in the experimental designs, a growing body of evidence suggests that EMF exposure during spermatogenesis induces increased ROS production associated with decreased ROS scavenging activity. Numerous studies revealed the detrimental effects of EMFs from mobile phones, laptops, and other electric devices on sperm quality and provide evidence for extensive electron leakage from the mitochondrial electron transport chain as the main cause of EMF damage. In female reproductive systems, the contribution of oxidative stress to EMF‐induced damages and the evidence of mitochondrial origin of ROS overproduction are reported, as well. In conclusion, mitochondria seem to play an important role as source of ROS in both male and female reproductive systems under EMF exposure. Future and more standardized studies are required for a better understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying EMF potential challenge to our reproductive system in order to improve preventive strategies.
Large Group Decision‐Making Approach Based on Stochastic MULTIMOORA: An Application of Doctor Evaluation in Healthcare Service
Authors: Gao Yuxuan , Du Yueping , Liang Haiming , Sun Bingzhen
Published: November 2018

Purpose. This paper presents a new method and model based on stochastic MULTIMOORA method and discuss its application to the doctor evaluation in healthcare service. Design/Methodology/Approach. In the previous studies, the number of decision group is often assumed to be small, and the different dimensions of the evaluation indexes were also less. In this paper, the authors study how to evaluate the healthcare service quality of doctors by the large group. Based on the stochastic MULTIMOORA theory, the authors use the method that builds the function of the net probability, the distance between the ideal solutions, and the utility of each doctor. Findings. This paper presents a novel model to determine the optimal doctor that considers both two dimensions in the index system and balances the evaluation results of the two dimensions. The authors designed the questionnaire and conducted field survey to make the proposed method closer to the actual situation in China. Then, they determined the optimal evaluation result for the healthcare service quality of doctors. Research Limitations/Implications. In the process of practical decision‐making, there are differences in intellectual literacy level, regional background, and language preference between different decision‐makers. it is impossible for the method we proposed to consider the differentiation index system of decision‐makers’ preference comprehensively. And this will be a further research direction. Practical Implications. The authors proposed two evaluation index dimensions and tryed to balance the evaluation results of the two dimensions as much as possible. Meanwhile, the information aggregation method based on stochastic MULTIMOORA is distinguished. Social Implications. The proposed method can be applied to the evaluation of doctors in actual healthcare service. It is helpful to improve the healthcare service quality and the hospital management level, further improve the core competition of hospitals Originality/Value. This paper makes up for the lack of existing studies of the large group evaluation decision in the healthcare service. A new method on the evaluation of doctors by the large group is established and applied to a healthcare management decision‐making problem with Chinese characteristics in reality.
Infectious and Noninfectious Acute Pericarditis in Children: An 11-Year Experience
Authors: Abdel-Haq Nahed , Moussa Zeinab , Farhat Mohamed Hani , Chandrasekar Leela , Asmar Basim I.
Published: November 2018

Objective. The study was undertaken to determine the etiology, review management, and outcome in children diagnosed with acute pericarditis during 11 years at tertiary pediatric institution.Methods. Retrospective chart review of children diagnosed between 2004 and 2014. Patients with postsurgical pericardial effusions were excluded.Results. Thirty-two children were identified (median age 10yr/11mo). Pericardiocentesis was performed in 24/32 (75%) patients. The most common cause of pericarditis was infection in 11/32 (34%), followed by inflammatory disorders in 9 (28%). Purulent pericarditis occurred in 5 children including 4 due toStaphylococcus aureus: 2 were methicillin resistant (MRSA). All patients with purulent pericarditis had concomitant infection including soft tissue, bone, or lung infection; all had pericardial drain placement and 2 required pericardiotomy and mediastinal exploration. Other infections were due toHistoplasma capsulatum(2),Mycoplasma pneumoniae(2), Influenza A (1), and Enterovirus (1). Pericarditis/pericardial effusion was the initial presentation in 4 children with systemic lupus erythematosus including one who presented with tamponade and in 2 children who were diagnosed with systemic onset juvenile inflammatory arthritis. Tumors were diagnosed in 2 patients. Five children had recurrent pericarditis. Systemic antibiotics were used in 21/32 (66%) and prednisone was used in 11/32 (34%) patients.Conclusion. Infections remain an important cause of pericarditis in children. Purulent pericarditis is most commonly caused byStaphylococcus aureusand is associated with significant morbidity, need of surgical intervention, and prolonged antibiotic therapy. Echocardiography-guided thoracocentesis remains the preferred diagnostic and therapeutic approach. However, pericardiotomy and drainage are needed when appropriate clinical response is not achieved with percutaneous drainage.
Nox2 Activity Is Required in Obesity‐Mediated Alteration of Bone Remodeling
Authors: Rahman Md Mizanur , El Jamali Amina , Halade Ganesh V. , Ouhtit Allal , Abou-Saleh Haissam , Pintus Gianfranco
Published: November 2018

Despite increasing evidence suggesting a role for NADPH oxidases (Nox) in bone pathophysiology, whether Nox enzymes contribute to obesity‐mediated bone remodeling remains to be clearly elucidated. Nox2 is one of the predominant Nox enzymes expressed in the bone marrow microenvironment and is a major source of ROS generation during inflammatory processes. It is also well recognized that a high‐fat diet (HFD) induces obesity, which negatively impacts bone remodeling. In this work, we investigated the effect of Nox2 loss of function on obesity‐mediated alteration of bone remodeling using wild‐type (WT) and Nox2‐knockout (KO) mice fed with a standard lab chow diet (SD) as a control or a HFD as an obesity model. Bone mineral density (BMD) of mice was assessed at the beginning and after 3 months of feeding with SD or HFD. Our results show that HFD increased bone mineral density to a greater extent in KO mice than in WT mice without affecting the total body weight and fat mass. HFD also significantly increased the number of adipocytes in the bone marrow microenvironment of WT mice as compared to KO mice. The bone levels of proinflammatory cytokines and proosteoclastogenic factors were also significantly elevated in WT‐HFD mice as compared to KO‐HFD mice. Furthermore, the in vitro differentiation of bone marrow cells into osteoclasts was significantly increased when using bone marrow cells from WT‐HFD mice as compared to KO‐HFD mice. Our data collectively suggest that Nox2 is implicated in HFD‐induced deleterious bone remodeling by enhancing bone marrow adipogenesis and osteoclastogenesis.