bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of the type of reference scale on descriptive sensory analysis of cooked rice: Universal aromatic scale versus rice aromatic scale
Authors: Jarma Arroyo Sara E. , Seo Han‐Seok
Published: September 2017

This study aimed to determine whether panelists' attribute‐intensity ratings and performances in descriptive sensory analysis could vary with the type of reference scale used. Seven panelists, three times each, evaluated flavor attributes of eight cooked‐rice samples using either the universal aromatic scale (UAS) or the rice aromatic scale (RAS). Both scales could differentiate cooked rice samples with respect to individual flavor attributes, although the RAS was more sensitive to several attributes such as cardboard and metallic flavors. While both types of reference scale exhibited good repeatability, the RAS demonstrated better performance in terms of panel agreement and discriminability than did the UAS. Both scales produced similar clustering of cooked rice samples based on flavor attribute intensities. In conclusion, while either type could be effectively used as a quantitative frame of reference in descriptive sensory analysis of cooked rice, the RAS performed better than the UAS with respect to detecting and scoring subtle sample differences in flavor attribute intensities.

Practical applications

Despite its popular use as a quantitative frame of reference in the descriptive sensory analysis for a broad range of products, the UAS has the limitation that panelists may use only a narrow range of the entire scale when products to be tested have either very low or very high intensities. This study showed such a limitation in several flavor attributes of cooked rice samples with typically weak flavors. Our findings provide a better understanding regarding how choice of a quantitative frame of reference influences descriptive sensory analysis of cooked rice.
PREDICTION OF OPEN FRACTURES IN THE ASMARI FORMATION USING GEOMETRICAL ANALYSIS: AGHAJARI ANTICLINE, DEZFUL EMBAYMENT, SW IRAN
Authors: Vatandoust M. , Farzipour Saein A.
Published: September 2017

Reservoir quality in the carbonates of the late Oligocene – early Miocene Asmari Formation at oilfields in SW Iran is enhanced by the presence of a well‐developed fracture network. In anticlinal structures, fracture density is partly controlled by geometrical parameters such as the fold curvature. In this study, a geometrical analysis of the Asmari Formation at the NW‐SE oriented Aghajari Anticline in the Dezful Embayment is presented, and is based on inscribed circle and curvature analyses of the fold. Iso‐curvature and fracture potential maps of the Asmari Formation based on the geometrical analysis are compared to the results of fracture density logs determined from image logs at four widely‐spaced wells, and to dynamic mud loss data. The geometrical analysis demonstrates that in areas of high curvature (such as the SE and NW parts of the SW limb of the Aghajari Anticline and the central part of the NE limb), the fracture density is high. Regions of high curvature (in plan or section view) have the greatest potential to develop open fractures. The predicted fracture density distribution based on the geometrical analysis of the Asmari Formation is in good agreement with actual fracture data from the four wells and with mud loss data from the Aghajari oilfield.
Effects of Integrated Shrimp Farming in Vietnam
Authors: Phung Hai Giang , Pham Duong Bao
Published: September 2017

Despite being a leading shrimp exporter in the world market, shrimp farming in Vietnam is carried out by many small‐scale farmers who face constraints in complying with increasingly stringent food safety and sustainability standards. The best way for such small farmers to circumvent this paradox is to make effective integrations both horizontally and vertically. Using value chain and institutional economics approaches, this study determines the factors that influence the probability of horizontal and vertical integrations between the production and processing stages in the shrimp industry in Vietnam. Analysis results confirm that integrated shrimp aquaculture is much more effective than the traditionally small‐scale‐ and individual‐production mode. In addition, logit estimation results identify the key factors affecting integration, including effectiveness of the legal framework, production scale, infrastructure development, and farmers' skill and awareness. Several policy recommendations proposed to encourage the development of integration in shrimp farming in Vietnam could also be useful for other similar developing countries.
Combining food‐based dietary recommendations using Optifood with zinc‐fortified water potentially improves nutrient adequacy among 4‐ to 6‐year‐old children in Kisumu West district, Kenya
Authors: Kujinga Prosper , Borgonjen‐van den Berg Karin J. , Superchi Cecilia , ten Hove Hermine J. , Onyango Elizabeth Opiyo , Andang'o Pauline , Galetti Valeria , Zimmerman Michael B. , Moretti Diego , Brouwer Inge D.
Published: September 2017

Children in developing countries often face multiple micronutrient deficiencies. Introduction of zinc‐fortified water can increase zinc intake, but additional recommendations are required to address overall diet nutrient adequacy. We developed and tested food‐based recommendations (FBRs) that included zinc‐fortified water for children aged between 4 and 6 years from rural Kenya to achieve the best possible nutrient adequacy. Dietary intakes of 60 children aged 4–6 years, from Kisumu West district, Kenya, were assessed using a quantitative multipass 24‐hr recall. Linear programming model parameters were derived, including a list of foods consumed, median serving sizes, and distribution of frequency of consumption. By using the Optifood linear programming tool, we developed FBRs for diets including zinc‐fortified water. FBRs with nutrient levels achieving ≥70% recommended nutrient intake (RNI) of the World Health Organization/Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations RNI for most of the 12 considered nutrients were selected as the final recommendations for the children. With no FBRs and no zinc‐fortified water, percent RNI coverage range was between 40% and 76% for zinc, improving to 66–101% after introduction of zinc‐fortified water. The final set of FBRs achieved nutrient adequacy for all nutrients except for vitamin A (25% RNI) and folate (68% RNI). Introduction of zinc‐fortified water combined with FBRs will likely improve the nutrient adequacy of diets consumed by children in Kenya but needs to be complemented with alternative interventions to ensure dietary adequacy.
Nutrition, hygiene, and stimulation education to improve growth, cognitive, language, and motor development among infants in Uganda: A cluster‐randomized trial
Authors: Muhoozi Grace K. M. , Atukunda Prudence , Diep Lien M. , Mwadime Robert , Kaaya Archileo N. , Skaare Anne B. , Willumsen Tiril , Westerberg Ane C. , Iversen Per O.
Published: September 2017

Stunting is associated with impaired cognitive and motor function. The effect of an education intervention including nutrition, stimulation, sanitation, and hygiene on child growth and cognitive/language/motor development, delivered to impoverished mothers in Uganda, was assessed. In a community‐based, open cluster‐randomized trial, 511 mother/children dyads aged 6–8 months were enrolled to an intervention (n = 263) or control (n = 248) group. The primary outcome was change in length‐for‐age z‐score at age 20–24 months. Secondary outcomes included anthropometry and scores on the 2 developmental scales: Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development‐III and the Ages and Stages Questionnaire. There was no evidence of a difference in mean length‐for‐age z‐score at 20–24 months between the 2 study groups: 0.10, 95% CI [−0.17, 0.36], p = .49. The intervention group had higher mean composite development scores than the controls on Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development‐III, the mean difference being 15.6, 95% CI [10.9, 20.2], p = .0001; 9.9, 95% CI [6.4, 13.2], p = .0001; and 14.6, 95% CI [10.9, 18.2], p = .0001, for cognitive, language, and motor composite scores, respectively. The mean difference in scores from the Ages and Stages Questionnaire were 7.0, 95% CI [2.9, 11.3], p = .001; 5.9, 95% CI [1.2, 10.3], p = .01; 4.2, 95% CI [1.7, 6.7], p = .001; 8.9, 95% CI [5.3, 12.3], p = .0001; and 4.4, 95% CI [0.0, 8.8], p = .05, for communication, gross motor, fine motor, problem solving, and personal–social development, respectively. The intervention education delivered to mothers promoted early development domains in cognitive, language, and motor development but not linear growth of small children in impoverished rural communities in Uganda. Our study showed that child development may be improved with a relatively low cost intervention strategy. This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT02098031.
Comparative and population genomic landscape of Phellinus noxius: A hypervariable fungus causing root rot in trees
Authors: Chung Chia‐Lin , Lee Tracy J. , Akiba Mitsuteru , Lee Hsin‐Han , Kuo Tzu‐Hao , Liu Dang , Ke Huei‐Mien , Yokoi Toshiro , Roa Marylette B. , Lu Mei‐Yeh J. , Chang Ya‐Yun , Ann Pao‐Jen , Tsai Jyh‐Nong , Chen Chien‐Yu , Tzean Shean‐Shong , Ota Yuko , Hattori Tsutomu , Sahashi Norio , Liou Ruey‐Fen , Kikuchi Taisei , Tsai Isheng J.
Published: September 2017

The order Hymenochaetales of white rot fungi contain some of the most aggressive wood decayers causing tree deaths around the world. Despite their ecological importance and the impact of diseases they cause, little is known about the evolution and transmission patterns of these pathogens. Here, we sequenced and undertook comparative genomic analyses of Hymenochaetales genomes using brown root rot fungus Phellinus noxius, wood‐decomposing fungus Phellinus lamaensis, laminated root rot fungus Phellinus sulphurascens and trunk pathogen Porodaedalea pini. Many gene families of lignin‐degrading enzymes were identified from these fungi, reflecting their ability as white rot fungi. Comparing against distant fungi highlighted the expansion of 1,3‐beta‐glucan synthases in P. noxius, which may account for its fast‐growing attribute. We identified 13 linkage groups conserved within Agaricomycetes, suggesting the evolution of stable karyotypes. We determined that P. noxius has a bipolar heterothallic mating system, with unusual highly expanded ~60 kb A locus as a result of accumulating gene transposition. We investigated the population genomics of 60 P. noxius isolates across multiple islands of the Asia Pacific region. Whole‐genome sequencing showed this multinucleate species contains abundant poly‐allelic single nucleotide polymorphisms with atypical allele frequencies. Different patterns of intra‐isolate polymorphism reflect mono‐/heterokaryotic states which are both prevalent in nature. We have shown two genetically separated lineages with one spanning across many islands despite the geographical barriers. Both populations possess extraordinary genetic diversity and show contrasting evolutionary scenarios. These results provide a framework to further investigate the genetic basis underlying the fitness and virulence of white rot fungi.
iDNA screening: Disease vectors as vertebrate samplers
Authors: Kocher Arthur , de Thoisy Benoit , Catzeflis François , Valière Sophie , Bañuls Anne‐Laure , Murienne Jérôme
Published: September 2017

In the current context of global change and human‐induced biodiversity decline, there is an urgent need for developing sampling approaches able to accurately describe the state of biodiversity. Traditional surveys of vertebrate fauna involve time‐consuming and skill‐demanding field methods. Recently, the use of DNA derived from invertebrate parasites (leeches and blowflies) was suggested as a new tool for vertebrate diversity assessment. Bloodmeal analyses of arthropod disease vectors have long been performed to describe their feeding behaviour, for epidemiological purposes. On the other hand, this existing expertise has not yet been applied to investigate vertebrate fauna per se. Here, we evaluate the usefulness of hematophagous dipterans as vertebrate samplers. Blood‐fed sand flies and mosquitoes were collected in Amazonian forest sites and analysed using high‐throughput sequencing of short mitochondrial markers. Bloodmeal identifications highlighted contrasting ecological features and feeding behaviour among dipteran species, which allowed unveiling arboreal and terrestrial mammals of various body size, as well as birds, lizards and amphibians. Additionally, lower vertebrate diversity was found in sites undergoing higher levels of human‐induced perturbation. These results suggest that, in addition to providing precious information on disease vector host use, dipteran bloodmeal analyses may represent a useful tool in the study of vertebrate communities. Although further effort is required to validate the approach and consider its application to large‐scale studies, this first work opens up promising perspectives for biodiversity monitoring and eco‐epidemiology.
Seasonal rather than spatial variability drives planktonic and benthic bacterial diversity in a microtidal lagoon and the adjacent open sea
Authors: Quero Grazia Marina , Perini Laura , Pesole Graziano , Manzari Caterina , Lionetti Claudia , Bastianini Mauro , Marini Mauro , Luna Gian Marco
Published: September 2017

Coastal lagoons are highly productive ecosystems, which are experiencing a variety of human disturbances at increasing frequency. Bacteria are key ecological players within lagoons, yet little is known about the magnitude, patterns and drivers of diversity in these transitional environments. We carried out a seasonal study in the Venice Lagoon (Italy) and the adjacent sea, to simultaneously explore diversity patterns in different domains (pelagic, benthic) and their spatio‐temporal variability, and test the role of environmental gradients in structuring assemblages. Community composition differed between lagoon and open sea, and between domains. The dominant phyla varied temporally, with varying trends for the two domains, suggesting different environmental constraints on the assemblages. The percentage of freshwater taxa within the lagoon increased during higher river run‐off, pointing at the lagoon as a dynamic mosaic of microbial taxa that generate the metacommunity across the whole hydrological continuum. Seasonality was more important than spatial variability in shaping assemblages. Network analyses indicated more interactions between several genera and environmental variables in the open sea than the lagoon. Our study provides evidences for a temporally dynamic nature of bacterial assemblages in lagoons and suggests that an interplay of seasonally influenced environmental drivers shape assemblages in these vulnerable ecosystems.
Barriers to and enablers of healthy lifestyle behaviours in adolescents with obesity: a scoping review and stakeholder consultation
Authors: Kebbe M. , Damanhoury S. , Browne N. , Dyson M. P. , McHugh T.‐L. F. , Ball G. D. C.
Published: September 2017

Healthy lifestyle behaviours are key to successful weight management, but have proven to be challenging to attain for adolescents with obesity. The purpose of our scoping review was to (i) describe barriers and enablers that adolescents with obesity encounter for healthy nutrition, physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep habits and (ii) identify gaps in the literature. We adhered to established methodology for scoping reviews. Six databases were searched (1980–June 2016) for original articles published in English or French that focused on lifestyle behaviours of 13‐ to 17‐year‐olds in paediatric weight management. Following screening and data extraction, findings of selected articles were synthesized thematically using a social ecological framework. Stakeholder consultation (n = 20) with adolescents with obesity and health professionals was completed to enhance methodological rigour. Our search yielded 17 articles for inclusion, including 546 unique participants. Barriers to healthy nutrition and physical activity were more consistently related to individual‐level and interpersonal‐level factors; enablers tended to be linked with interpersonal‐level factors. Knowledge gaps identified related to sedentary behaviour and sleep as well as environmental and policy levels of influence. Our review revealed that some barriers and enablers were unique to adolescents with obesity, which were either within or beyond their control. These findings highlight the importance of multilevel interventions to enable healthy lifestyle behaviours for weight management.
The Moral Depth of Human Dignity
Authors: Coghlan Simon
Published: September 2017

In 1971, Herbert Spiegelberg challenged philosophers to refine and deepen the vivid idea of human dignity to prevent its degeneration. Although philosophers, including Michael Rosen and Jeremy Waldron, have responded with valuable insights, the full moral depth of dignity has remained philosophically elusive. Furthermore, many philosophers still think human dignity a limited ethical concept. By integrating important alienable and inalienable dimensions of human dignity, this essay attempts to do justice to our vivid contemporary experience of dignity's moral depth. It seeks to illuminate the profound, universal worth of all humans, and the ethical force of human rights protections.
ACA Exchange Competitiveness In Michigan
Authors: Foster Friedman Megan , Fangmeier Joshua , Baum Nancy , Udow‐Phillips Marianne
Published: September 2017

The expansion of Medicaid and the creation of the Health Insurance Marketplace has provided greater access to health insurance coverage for many Michigan residents. To date, Michigan's Health Insurance Marketplace has seen relative success, in part due to the presence of multiple regional insurance carriers and the state's embrace of managed care in its Medicaid program in the 1990s. This report examines the conditions in Michigan's exchange market and analyzes its experience to date with carrier participation, pricing, and provider networks.
ACA Exchange Competitiveness In California
Authors: Weinberg Micah , Kallerman Patrick
Published: September 2017

California's implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has been the most successful in the nation and is, in many ways, a model of how a managed competition marketplace is expected to work. In particular, the state's decision to structure its marketplace as an active purchaser has contributed to premium increases that are lower than in almost all other states. This report on the performance of the ACA marketplace in California examines the effects of concentration and consolidation factors, the breadth of enrollment, and the impact of competition on the cost of health insurance and the options available to consumers across the many diverse regions of the state, in the context of an active purchaser exchange structure interacting with the regulations of federal law and with local market dynamics. It concludes that the relative concentrations of insurers and particularly of providers in the different rating regions of the state are the fundamentals that matter most in the effort to bend the health insurance cost curve.
Incidental Vocabulary Acquisition as Student Performance Determinant in Undergraduate Research Modules
Authors: West Joyce
Published: September 2017

Vocabulary knowledge plays an important role in determining a person’s language proficiency level. This study investigates the role vocabulary plays in determining students’ performance within research modules at private higher education institutions (HEIs). The discipline-specific vocabulary in this study includes target words, sampled from an undergraduate research module’s prescribed textbook. A mixed-method design is used to explain students’ challenges and concerns with regard to research modules. An investigation is launched into students’ research vocabulary acquisition by administering pre- and post-testing with regular reliability. By measuring the students’ research vocabulary acquisition, the effectiveness of the research module’s (mostly incidental) learning process is determined. The relationship between the students’ research vocabulary acquisition and their research module performance as part of a Bachelor of Education degree (B.Ed.) curriculum is also established. This study contributes to the development of best practices and the advancement of institutional research development across HEI; it also stimulates interdisciplinary engagement within the research field research modules at HEI in South Africa.
Adaptation of acoustic model experiments of STM via smartphones and tablets
Authors: Thees Michael , Hochberg Katrin , Kuhn Jochen , Aeschlimann Martin
Published: September 2017

The importance of Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM) in today’s research and industry leads to the question of how to include such a key technology in physics education. Manfred Euler has developed an acoustic model experiment to illustrate the fundamental measuring principles based on an analogy between quantum mechanics and acoustics. Based on earlier work we applied mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets instead of using a computer to record and display the experimental data and thus converted Euler’s experimental setup into a low-cost experiment that is easy to build and handle by students themselves.
Replacing textbook problems with lab experiences
Authors: Register Trevor
Published: September 2017

End-of-the-chapter textbook problems are often the bread and butter of any traditional physics classroom. However, research strongly suggests that students be given the opportunity to apply their knowledge in multiple contexts as well as be provided with opportunities to do the process of science through laboratory experiences. Little correlation has been shown linking the number of textbook problems solved with conceptual understanding of topics in mechanics. Furthermore, textbook problems as the primary source of practice for students robs them of the joy and productive struggle of learning how to think like an experimental physicist. Methods such as Modeling Instruction tackle this problem head-on by starting each instructional unit with an inquiry-based lab aimed at establishing the important concepts and equations for the unit, and this article will discuss ideas and experiences for how to carry that philosophy throughout a unit.
Papers of note in
Nature
549
(7671)
Authors: VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: September 2017

This week’s articles highlight the immune response to intestinal helminth parasites and an mRNA modification that determines cell fate.
Controlled Human Malaria Infection: Applications, Advances, and Challenges
Authors: Stanisic Danielle I. , McCarthy James S. , Good Michael F.
Published: September 2017

Controlled human malaria infection (CHMI) entails deliberate infection with malaria parasites either by mosquito bite or by direct injection of sporozoites or parasitized erythrocytes. When required, the resulting blood-stage infection is curtailed by the administration of antimalarial drugs. Inducing a malaria infection via inoculation with infected blood was first used as a treatment (malariotherapy) for neurosyphilis in Europe and the United States in the early 1900s. More recently, CHMI has been applied to the fields of malaria vaccine and drug development, where it is used to evaluate products in well-controlled early-phase proof-of-concept clinical studies, thus facilitating progression of only the most promising candidates for further evaluation in areas where malaria is endemic. Controlled infections have also been used to immunize against malaria infection. Historically, CHMI studies have been restricted by the need for access to insectaries housing infected mosquitoes or suitable malaria-infected individuals. Evaluation of vaccine and drug candidates has been constrained in these studies by the availability of a limited number of
Plasmodium falciparum
isolates. Recent advances have included cryopreservation of sporozoites, the manufacture of well-characterized and genetically distinct cultured malaria cell banks for blood-stage infection, and the availability of
Plasmodium vivax
-specific reagents. These advances will help to accelerate malaria vaccine and drug development by making the reagents for CHMI more widely accessible and also enabling a more rigorous evaluation with multiple parasite strains and species. Here we discuss the different applications of CHMI, recent advances in the use of CHMI, and ongoing challenges for consideration.
Design of the PF-ILD trial: a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled phase III trial of nintedanib in patients with progressive fibrosing interstitial lung disease
Authors: Flaherty Kevin R , Brown Kevin K , Wells Athol U , Clerisme-Beaty Emmanuelle , Collard Harold R , Cottin Vincent , Devaraj Anand , Inoue Yoshikazu , Le Maulf Florence , Richeldi Luca , Schmidt Hendrik , Walsh Simon , Mezzanotte William , Schlenker-Herceg Rozsa
Published: September 2017

600 patients aged ≥18 years will be randomised in a 1:1 ratio to nintedanib or placebo. Patients with diagnosis of IPF will be excluded. The study population will be enriched with two-thirds having a usual interstitial pneumonia-like pattern on HRCT. The primary endpoint is the annual rate of decline in forced vital capacity over 52 weeks. The main secondary endpoints are the absolute change from baseline in King’s Brief Interstitial Lung Disease Questionnaire total score, time to first acute interstitial lung disease exacerbation or death and time to all-cause mortality over 52 weeks.

Ethics and dissemination

The trial is conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki, the International Conference on Harmonisation Tripartite Guideline for Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and Japanese GCP regulations.

Trial registration number

NCT02999178.
Treatment efficacy and methotrexate-related toxicity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis receiving methotrexate in combination with adalimumab
Authors: Burmester Gerd R , Kaeley Gurjit S , Kavanaugh Arthur F , Gabay Cem , MacCarter Daryl K , Nash Peter , Takeuchi Tsutomu , Goss Sandra L , Rodila Ramona , Chen Kun , Kupper Hartmut , Kalabic Jasmina
Published: September 2017

Background

Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with a combination of methotrexate (MTX)+adalimumab (ADA) is more effective than ADA monotherapy. We assessed the toxicity of different doses of MTX and treatment efficacy of ADA+MTX in two trials.

Methods

Data originated from CONCERTO, in patients with early RA initiating ADA+ 2.5, 5, 10 or 20 mg/week MTX for 26 weeks; and MUSICA, in patients with an inadequate response to MTX initiating ADA+ 7.5 or 20 mg/week MTX for 24 weeks. Efficacy was assessed by the American College of Rheumatology 50 (ACR50). Patient-reported MTX-related toxicity information was collected at each visit on 18 prespecified MTX-related adverse events (AE) in the MTX label.

Results

In CONCERTO, ACR50 rates increased over time, ranging from 54% to 68% at week 26, while AE rates remained steady, ranging from 2.4% to 17.8% at week 26. Of 395 patients, 113 (28.6%) reported 345 MTX-related AEs, including one serious AE (SAE, excessive fatigue and/or malaise); 10 AEs (in two patients) led to study discontinuation. In MUSICA, ACR50 rates increased over time, and were 32.3% and 37.5% at week 24, while MTX-related AE rates remained steady and were 6.5% at week 24. Of 309 patients, 71 (23%) reported 185 MTX-related AEs, including 5 SAEs (four infections and one fever/chills); six AEs (in four patients) led to study discontinuation.

Conclusion

In patients with RA initiating ADA+MTX combination, treatment efficacy was achieved and increased throughout both trials, while rates of MTX-related AEs remained steady. MTX-related AEs were observed in up to 30% of patients and most were mild. MTX was discontinued by 0.5%–1.3% of patients.

Trial registration number

MUSICA (NCT01185288), CONCERTO (NCT01185301), Post results.
Congenital diplomyelia and hydromyelia in two calves
Authors: Hut Peter , Vos Peter , Hooijer Gerrit , de Neck Simon , Jurgens Ben
Published: September 2017

We describe two clinical cases of diplomyelia with hydromyelia in newborn calves. Both animals presented clinical signs of a general proprioceptive ataxia affecting the pelvic limbs. The most clear finding during clinical examination of the animals was an unilateral (case 1) or bilateral (case 2) absent patellar reflex. Only the second case was serologically tested positive for Schmallenberg virus, which is not a very likely aetiology. The cause of the spinal cord lesions in both calves remains unknown.
Exosomes derived from embryonic stem cells inhibit doxorubicin and inflammation-induced pyroptosis in muscle cells
Authors: Tavakoli Dargani Zahra , Singla Reetu , Johnson Taylor , Kukreja Rakesh , Singla Dinender K.
Published: September 2017

Doxorubicin (Dox) is an effective anticancer drug. Unfortunately, it causes cardiac and muscle toxicity due to increased oxidative stress and inflammation; however, it remains unknown whether Dox induces “pyroptosis” — an inflammation-mediated cell death. We investigated whether Dox induces pyroptosis in mouse soleus muscle (Sol 8) cells in vitro and to show the protective effect of embryonic stem cell exosomes (ES-exos) on pyroptosis. Dox and inflammation-induced in vitro model was generated. Pyroptosis was confirmed using immunohistochemistry (with putative markers caspase-1, IL-1β, and pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-18) and Western blotting of caspase-1 and IL-1β. The results show significant increase in the expression of caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18 following treatment with Dox, which was inhibited by ES-exos but not mouse embryonic fibroblast exosomes. Moreover, GW4869 compound inhibited functional activity of ES-exos, suggesting these vesicles are key players in the inhibition of pyroptosis. These results suggest that Dox induces inflammatory pyroptosis in Sol 8 cells, which is attenuated by ES-exos in vitro.
Ab initio calculations of the magnetic properties of TM (Ti, V)-doped zinc-blende ZnO
Authors: Goumrhar F. , Bahmad L. , Mounkachi O. , Benyoussef A.
Published: September 2017

In order to promote suitable material to be used in spintronics devices, this study purposes to evaluate the magnetic properties of the titanium and vanadium-doped zinc-blende ZnO from first-principles. The calculations of these properties are based on the Korringa–Kohn–Rostoker (KKR) method combined with the coherent potential approximation (CPA), using the local density approximation (LDA). We have calculated and discussed the density of states (DOSs) in the energy phase diagrams for different concentration values, of the dopants. We have also investigated the magnetic and half-metallic properties of this doped compound. Additionally, we showed the mechanism of the exchange coupling interaction. Finally, we estimated and studied the Curie temperature for different concentrations.
A multilayer network analysis of hashtags in twitter via co-occurrence and semantic links
Authors: Türker İlker , Sulak Eyüb Ekmel
Published: September 2017

Complex network studies, as an interdisciplinary framework, span a large variety of subjects including social media. In social networks, several mechanisms generate miscellaneous structures like friendship networks, mention networks, tag networks, etc. Focusing on tag networks (namely, hashtags in twitter), we made a two-layer analysis of tag networks from a massive dataset of Twitter entries. The first layer is constructed by converting the co-occurrences of these tags in a single entry (tweet) into links, while the second layer is constructed converting the semantic relations of the tags into links. We observed that the universal properties of the real networks like small-world property, clustering and power-law distributions in various network parameters are also evident in the multilayer network of hashtags. Moreover, we outlined that co-occurrences of hashtags in tweets are mostly coupled with semantic relations, whereas a small number of semantically unrelated, therefore random links reduce node separation and network diameter in the co-occurrence network layer. Together with the degree distributions, the power-law consistencies of degree difference, edge weight and cosine similarity distributions in both layers are also appealing forms of Zipf’s law evident in nature.
An efficient superpixel-based sparse representation framework for hyperspectral image classification
Authors: Jia Sen , Deng Bin , Huang Qiang
Published: September 2017

As a powerful classifier, sparse representation-based classification (SRC) has successfully been applied in various visual recognition problems. However, due to the highly correlated bands and insufficient training samples of hyperspectral image (HSI) data, it still remains a challenging problem to effectively apply SRC in HSI. Considering the rich information of spatial structure of materials in HSI, that means the adjacent pixels belong to the same class with a high probability, in this paper, we propose an efficient superpixel-based sparse representation framework for HSI classification. Each superpixel can be regarded as a small region consisting of a number of pixels with similar spectral characteristics. The proposed framework utilizes superpixel to exploit spatial information which can greatly improve classification accuracy. Specifically, SRC is firstly used to classify the HSI data. Meanwhile, an efficient segmentation algorithm is applied to divide the HSI into many disjoint superpixels. Then, each superpixel is used to fuse the SRC classification results in superpixel level. Experimental results on two real-world HSI data sets have shown that the proposed superpixel-based SRC (SP-SRC) framework has a significant improvement over the pixel-based SRC method.
Nonnegative matrix factorization with region sparsity learning for hyperspectral unmixing
Authors: Qian Bin , Tong Lei , Tang Zhenmin , Shen Xiaobo
Published: September 2017

Hyperspectral unmixing is one of the most important techniques in the remote sensing image analysis tasks. In recent decades, nonnegative matrix factorization (NMF) has been shown to be effective for hyperspectral unmixing due to the strong discovery of the latent structure. Most NMFs put emphasize on the spectral information, but ignore the spatial information, which is very crucial for analyzing hyperspectral data. In this paper, we propose an improved NMF method, namely NMF with region sparsity learning (RSLNMF), to simultaneously consider both spectral and spatial information. RSLNMF defines a new sparsity learning model based on a small homogeneous region that is obtained via the graph cut algorithm. Thus RSLNMF is able to explore the relationship of spatial neighbor pixels within each region. An efficient optimization scheme is developed for the proposed RSLNMF, and its convergence is theoretically guaranteed. Experiments on both synthetic and real hyperspectral data validate the superiority of the proposed method over several state-of-the-art unmixing approaches.
TELETHONIN AS AN EARLY IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL MARKER IN LIGATION-INDUCED ISCHEMIC MYOCARDIAL INJURY
Authors: Liang He-Shiuan , Hsu Tzu-Cheng , Lu Pong-Jeu , Wang Fun-In
Published: September 2017

In this study, acute myocardial injuries or necrosis were experimentally induced in calves and pigs by ligation of either the left anterior descending coronary artery or left circumflex branch for 30[Formula: see text]min without reperfusion. Various antibodies directed to structural and functional proteins of the sarcomere, as well as activated proteinases, were employed in immunohistochemistry to compare for their potentials to detect early myocardial injury. For comparison, the histological criteria (designated as “Method A”) of cardiomyocyte necrosis such as nuclear pyknosis, sarcoplasmic fragmentation, flocculation, and/or the presence of a contraction band, and inflammatory infiltration were also scored. Additional criteria (designated “Method B”) of changes in late reversible stage of cell injury such as irregular nuclear shape or hyperchromasia, sarcomplasmic hypereosinophilia with either swelling or atrophy in diameter, and perinuclear vacuolation likely of swollen organelles, were also scored. In this setting, telethonin (T-cap), cardiac troponin I (cTnI), the current gold standard, and Method B, were superior to others in detecting ligation-induced ischemic injury. Other markers were either less specific, or less sensitive, or inconclusive for the current application. In conclusion, telethonin may serve as an early immunohistochemical marker in ligation-induced ischemic myocardial injury due to a combination of biomechanical stress, hypoxia, and possibly additional factor as matrix metalloproteinase activation.
Improved dielectric properties and microwave absorbing properties of SiC Nanorods/Ni core-shell structure
Authors: Yang Huijing , Wang Qinglu , Wang Li , Zhang Zelin , Li Yuanlin , Cao Maosheng
Published: September 2017

We synthesized SiC nanorods/Ni core-shell structure (SiCR-Ni) by a facile solution method and researched their dielectric and microwave absorption properties. The dielectric and microwave absorbing properties of SiCR-Ni are superior to SiC nanorods (SiC[Formula: see text]. The maximum absorption peak of SiCR-Ni is almost three times that of SiCR. The bandwidth of effective absorption of SiCR-Ni covers 64% of [Formula: see text]-band. The improved properties of SiCR-Ni originate from multi-polarization in the special core-shell structure of SiCR-Ni.
Asset pricing under general collateralization
Authors: Mi Yanhui
Published: September 2017

We consider the valuation of collateralized derivative contracts such as bond option or Caplet contracts. We allow for posting different collaterals such as securities or cash for the derivatives and its hedges. The pricing is based on modeling the joint evolution of collateral rate and the spread between collaterals. The Hull–White models are applied to collateral rate and spread to generate the closed pricing formula for zero coupon bond option. We also derive the pricing formula for Caplet under the Libor Market model and SABR model framework.
Modified Function Projective Synchronization for a Partially Linear and Fractional-Order Financial Chaotic System with Uncertain Parameters
Authors: Yang Yehong , Cao Guohua
Published: September 2017

This paper investigates the modified function projective synchronization between fractional-order chaotic systems, which are partially linear financial systems with uncertain parameters. Based on the stability theory of fractional-order systems and the Lyapunov matrix equation, a controller is obtained for the synchronization between fractional-order financial chaotic systems. Using the controller, the error systems converged to zero as time tends to infinity, and the uncertain parameters were also estimated so that the phenomenon of parameter distortion was effectively avoided. Numerical simulations demonstrate the validity and feasibility of the proposed method.
Minimized Low-Profile Wideband Antennas Using High Impedance Surface
Authors: Shen Yizhu
Published: September 2017

This paper proposes minimized low-profile wideband antenna by employing high impedance surface (HIS), for wireless application scenarios at radio frequency, microwave, and even terahertz. To validate this concept with low cost and easy measurement, two prototypes at radio frequency are fabricated and tested. Firstly, antenna with dielectric-substrate reflector is proposed and analyzed and 4 × 6 HIS array is employed to minimize the antenna size to 0.57λL×0.86λL×0.078λL, while maintaining antenna performances such as bandwidth, gain, and directive radiation. Secondly, a substrate-less HIS is proposed to improve the antenna bandwidth from 36% to 52% and also reduces the antenna weight by 72%.
Inhibition of Caveolae Contributes to Propofol Preconditioning‐Suppressed Microvesicles Release and Cell Injury by Hypoxia‐Reoxygenation
Authors: Deng Fan , Wang Shuang , Cai Shuyun , Hu Zhe , Xu Riping , Wang Jingjing , Feng Du , Zhang Liangqing
Published: September 2017

Endothelial microvesicles (EMVs), released after endothelial cell (EC) apoptosis or activation, may carry many adverse signals and propagate injury by intercellular transmission. Caveolae are 50–100 nm cell surface plasma membrane invaginations involved in many pathophysiological processes. Recent evidence has indicated EMVs and caveolae may have functional effects in cells undergoing H/R injury. Propofol, a widely used anaesthetic, confers antioxidative stress capability in the same process. But the connection between EMVs, H/R, and caveolae remains largely unclear. Here, we found that H/R significantly increased the release of EMVs, the expression of CAV‐1 (the structural protein responsible for maintaining the shape of caveolae), oxidative stress, and the mitochondrial damage, and all these changes were inhibited by propofol preconditioning. Interestingly, the caveolae inhibitor Mβ‐CD strengthened the protective effect of propofol preconditioning. We further found that the release of EMVs is more significantly reduced under propofol preconditioning in the presence of the caveolae inhibitor Mβ‐CD. EMVs released from H/R‐treated cells caused a substantially increased mitochondrial and cellular damage to normal HUVECs after 4 hours of coculture. Thus, we conclude that inhibition of caveolae contributes to propofol preconditioning‐suppressed microvesicles release and cell injury by H/R.
A Feeding Strategy in Inner L‐Shape Ring Hot Rolling Process
Authors: Meng Wen , Wang Feifan , Guan Yanjin
Published: September 2017

In order to make the inner L‐shape ring polling process with a closed die structure (ILRRCDS) on the top and bottom of the driven roll stable, at first, this paper established the mathematical model for ILRRCDS. Then, the plastic penetration and biting‐in conditions for ILRRCDS were deduced based on plain ring rolling theory. Moreover, a feeding strategy that can realize a constant growth of the ring’s outer radius was proposed and the reasonable value ranges of the feed rate of the mandrel were determined. The numerical simulation model for ILRRCDS is established based on ABAQUS software. Finally, the equivalent plastic strain (PEEQ) and temperature distributions of rolled ring were obtained. The results indicated that the proposed feeding strategy can realize a stable ILRRCDS. At the end of ILRRCDS, the PEEQ at the inner radius surface of the ring is maximum, the PEEQ at the outer radius surface of the ring takes the second place, and the PEEQ at the middle part of ring is minimum. With the increase of rolling time, the higher temperature zone of the rolled ring gradually moves from the center part of the ring to the “inner corner zone” of the ring.
Threshold Effects of Creative Problem‐Solving Attributes on Creativity in the Math Abilities of Taiwanese Upper Elementary Students
Authors: Lin Chia-Yi
Published: September 2017

This study aimed to help determine what the typology of math creative problem‐solving is. Different from studies that have discussed the threshold effect between creativity and intelligence, this research investigated the threshold effect between creativity and other attributes. The typology of the math creative problem‐solving abilities of 409 fifth‐ and sixth‐grade Taiwanese students was identified and compared in this study. A Creative Problem‐Solving Attribute Instrument was devised for this study, with the aim of measuring students’ perceptions on their motivation, knowledge, and skills, both in general and in specific domains. Divergent and convergent thinking were also measured. Cluster analyses yielded three creative problem‐solving typologies: High, Medium, and Low. The High Attribute group scored significantly higher in the Math Creative Problem‐Solving Ability Test than did the Medium Attribute and Low Attribute groups. The results suggest a threshold effect from several attributes—divergent thinking, convergent thinking, motivation, general knowledge and skills, domain‐specific knowledge and skills, and environment—on students’ creative problem‐solving abilities. Balanced development of attributes may be an important consideration in nurturing creativity in children.
Oxidative Stress and Endometriosis: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Scutiero Gennaro , Iannone Piergiorgio , Bernardi Giulia , Bonaccorsi Gloria , Spadaro Savino , Volta Carlo Alberto , Greco Pantaleo , Nappi Luigi
Published: September 2017

Endometriosis is one of the most common gynaecologic diseases in women of reproductive age. It is characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity. The women affected suffer from pelvic pain and infertility. The complex etiology is still unclear and it is based on three main theories: retrograde menstruation, coelomic metaplasia, and induction theory. Genetics and epigenetics also play a role in the development of endometriosis. Recent studies have put the attention on the role of oxidative stress, defined as an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidants, which may be implicated in the pathophysiology of endometriosis causing a general inflammatory response in the peritoneal cavity. Reactive oxygen species are intermediaries produced by normal oxygen metabolism and are inflammatory mediators known to modulate cell proliferation and to have deleterious effects. A systematic review was performed in order to clarify the different roles of oxidative stress and its role in the development of endometriosis. Several issues have been investigated: iron metabolism, oxidative stress markers (in the serum, peritoneal fluid, follicular fluid, peritoneal environment, ovarian cortex, and eutopic and ectopic endometrial tissue), genes involved in oxidative stress, endometriosis‐associated infertility, and cancer development.
Icariin Attenuates Synaptic and Cognitive Deficits in an Aβ1–42-Induced Rat Model of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Sheng Chenxia , Xu Panpan , Zhou Kexin , Deng Dan , Zhang Chunhu , Wang Zhe
Published: September 2017

Icariin (ICA), a prenylated flavanol glycoside present in abundant quantities in Epimedium sagittatum, has shown promise in the treatment and prevention of Alzheimer’s disease. Damage to synaptic plasticity induced by amyloid-beta-mediated neurotoxicity is considered a main pathological mechanism driving the learning and memory deficits present in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. This study investigated the neuroprotective effects of icariin in an Aβ1–42-induced rat model of Alzheimer’s disease. Our results showed that Aβ1–42 injection induced loss of learning and memory behaviour in the Morris water maze, which could be reversed with intragastric administration of ICA. Furthermore, ICA reversed decreases in PSD-95, BDNF, pTrkB, pAkt, and pCREB expressions and prevented deterioration of synaptic interface structure. These findings indicate that ICA may improve synaptic plasticity through the BDNF/TrkB/Akt pathway and provide further evidence for its clinical application to improve learning and memory in patients with Alzheimer’s disease.