bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optical solitons for the two forms of Biswas–Arshed equation
Authors: Sabi’u Jamilu , Rezazadeh Hadi , Tariq Hira , Bekir Ahmet
Published: August 2019

In this paper, we have established the new exact solitons solutions of the nonlinear Biswas–Arshed equation which are used to study soliton dynamics in optical fibers, pivotal cloud foundry (PCF) and metamaterials via the prominent approach, known as auxiliary equation method. The obtained solutions disclosed that the suggested method is the essential addition for studying the exact solution of nonlinear Biswas–Arshed equation.
A Contribution Algorithm from LDRI to HDRI
Authors: Luo Junsong , Qiu Shi , Jiang Yizhang , Cheng Keyang , Ye Huping , Zhang Mingjin
Published: August 2019

High dynamic range image (HDRI) which is combined with low dynamic range image (LDRI) needs to be mapped to a low dynamic area to display. In the process of mapping, it is impossible to determine the contribution of low dynamic image sequences in the display images, so that it results in a problem that the low dynamic images cannot be accurately selected. In this paper, for the first time, a contribution algorithm from LDRI to HDRI according to the corresponding response curve of the camera is proposed.
Phenomenological and analytical solution of the Bohr model for even–even and odd–even nuclei with Mie potential
Authors: Soheibi Nahid , Eshghi Mahdi , Bigdeli Mohsen , Hamzavi Majid
Published: August 2019

In this paper, analytical solution of the Bohr model with Mie potential for even–even and odd–even nuclei are evaluated in the Bose alone symmetry [Formula: see text] and a new class of Bose–Fermi dynamical symmetry [Formula: see text], respectively. The excitation energy spectra as well as electromagnetic transition strengths, quadrupole moments and dipole moments are investigated near the critical point of shape phase transition between the spherical and deformed [Formula: see text]-unstable nuclei. To show our results are compatible with experiment, some examples are tested.
NOVEL TYPE OF GRADIENT-DISTRIBUTED WIRE BEAM ELECTRODE MEASURED IN 3.5 wt.% NaCl AND ITS APPLICATION IN FAST DETECTION TECHNIQUE
Authors: LI YULIN , YU FANBO , ZHONG QINGDONG
Published: August 2019

In this paper, the electrochemical performance of a novel gradient-distributed wire beam electrode (WBE) is measured in different corrosion medium. This electrode contains three kinds of carbon steel with different carbon content. WBE was consisted of 100 carbon steel wires and regularly prepared into a [Formula: see text] matrix. The carbon steel wires for each row is the same, but the adjacent rows are different. The electrochemical corrosion behavior of regions with different carbon steel wires can be tested clearly. The results revealed that the heterogeneity of local corrosion of metal, which can be well studied by WBE, meanwhile, the phenomenon of polarity reversal can also be detected. Corrosion potential–current distribution map of the novel WBE showed obvious striped features when immersed in 3.5[Formula: see text]wt.% NaCl solution with different pH (pH[Formula: see text]2, 6 and 12). Corrosion firstly occurred in the high carbon steel region in the acidic conditions, and then quickly spreads to other areas, eventually causing the entire surface of the WBE to be corroded. While in the neutral salt solution, only the regions of high carbon steel and some part of medium carbon steel area appeared obvious anode currents during a long time testing. When the pH of corrosive solution reached to 12, the corrosion rate is greatly reduced and then corrosion process is suppressed. This new method can evaluate the corrosion resistance of materials more accurately.
Hypersurfaces with linear type singular loci
Authors: Farrahy Amir Behzad , Nasrollah Nejad Abbas
Published: August 2019

In this paper, necessary and sufficient criteria for the Jacobian ideal of a reduced hypersurface with isolated singularity to be of linear type are presented. We prove that the gradient ideal of a reduced projective plane curve with simple singularities ([Formula: see text]) is of linear type. We show that any reduced projective quartic curve is of gradient linear type.
The direct sum order in regular modules
Authors: Ungor Burcu , Halicioglu Sait , Harmanci Abdullah
Published: August 2019

In this paper, we define the direct sum relation on a module and prove that this is a partial order when the module is regular. We also focus on a regular support and a strong regular support of an element in a module, which are extensions of a generalized inverse and a reflexive generalized inverse of an element in a ring, respectively. Using regular supports and strong regular supports, we present various characterizations of the direct sum order as an application. We obtain some decompositions of a module via the direct sum order.
COMPARISON OF TWO METHODS FOR GENERATING THE COALITIONS OF CLASSIFIERS AND TWO METHODS FOR REDUCING DIMENSIONALITY IN A DISPERSED DECISION-MAKING SYSTEM
Authors: PRZYBYŁA-KASPEREK MAŁGORZATA
Published: August 2019

In this paper, we consider a system in which knowledge in a dispersed form is available. In the system local classifiers are combined into coalitions. Two methods of combining classifiers in coalitions are discussed in this paper — with a hierarchical agglomeration algorithm and with Pawlak’s conflict model. The purpose of this paper is to apply methods for reducing dimensionality in these two approaches. Two methods of attribute reduction are considered — based on the rough set theory and based on attribute correlation with decision class. The most important conclusions formulated in the paper are as follows. The use of attribute selection method improves the quality of classification of the dispersed system. Better results are generated by the system with a hierarchical agglomeration algorithm.
Radiolabeled BODIPYs: An overview
Authors: Ali Hasrat , Ouellet René , van Lier Johan E. , Guérin Brigitte
Published: August 2019

Fluorescence and SPECT/PET imaging are powerful tools currently in use by the scientific community and receiving a great attention for the development of dual-modality imaging agents. BODIPYs are among the most promising candidates to be used for such functions due their excellent absorbance and fluorescence properties as well as their ease of radiolabeling without compromising their biological properties. In this manuscript we present an overview of BODIPY radiolabeling methods and their relevance to the development of multimodality agents.
Photophysical properties of porphyrinic covalent cages endowed with different flexible linkers
Authors: Sánchez-Resa Daniel , Schoepff Laetitia , Djemili Ryan , Durot Stéphanie , Heitz Valérie , Ventura Barbara
Published: August 2019

In-depth photophysical studies of four flexible covalent cages bearing either two free-base porphyrins or one free-base porphyrin and one Zn(II) porphyrin, connected by linkers of different lengths, are reported. In the case of the cages with two free-base porphyrins, exciton coupling between the porphyrins is evidenced by large and split Soret bands in the absorption spectra, but the different length of the linkers has only a slight effect on their emission properties. Strong electronic interactions between the porphyrins are also evidenced for the cages that incorporate a free-base porphyrin and a Zn(II) porphyrin, with a more pronounced splitting of the Soret band for the system with longer linkers. In these cages, following excitation of the Zn-porphyrin component, an almost quantitative energy transfer to the free-base unit occurs, with a rate 1.4 times faster in the cage with longer linkers (1.4 × 10[Formula: see text] s[Formula: see text] vs. 1.0 × 10[Formula: see text] s[Formula: see text]. This difference might reflect the more flattened conformation adopted by the cage equipped with longer and more flexible linkers, the latter allowing for a shorter interplanar distance between the porphyrins. The results are discussed in terms of classical and short-range energy transfer mechanisms.
Rapid and Eco-Friendly Synthesis of Red Fluorescent Gold Nanoclusters for Sensing and Anti-Counterfeiting Applications
Authors: Yan Lei , Yu Yanlin
Published: August 2019

A rapid and eco-friendly synthesis method for the preparation of gold nanoclusters (Au NCs) with strong red emission has been developed. A one-pot microwave (MW) irradiation method yields bright red-emitting Au NCs, providing an easy route for the synthesis of fluorescent Au NCs without the need for a tedious operation, time-consuming procedure, or the use of toxic/corrosive agents and harsh conditions. The as-prepared Au NCs show a small-sized distribution, good dispersibility and a broad excitation band (from UV light to visible light). The optimal experimental conditions, including concentrations and order of addition of Na2CO3, bovine serum albumin (BSA), and HAuCl4and the time of MW irradiation, were investigated in detail. The as-synthesized Au NCs were well characterized by fluorescence spectroscopy, UV-Vis spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. Due to favorable photoluminescence features as well as minimal toxicity, the Au NCs could be applied to sensing, patterning and anti-counterfeiting. The Au NCs displayed strong red emission that was efficiently quenched by hydrogen peroxide (H2O[Formula: see text]. More strikingly, the obtained Au NCs were used as a fluorescent ink for producing luminescent handwriting and patterns, which may expand the potential applications of Au NCs in the fabrication of security inks.
Basic Dolbeault cohomology and Weitzenböck formulas on transversely Kähler foliations
Authors: Jung Seoung Dal , Richardson Ken
Published: August 2019

We study basic Dolbeault cohomology and find new Weitzenböck formulas on a transversely Kähler foliation. We investigate conditions on mean curvature and Ricci curvature that impose restrictions on basic Dolbeault cohomology. For example, we prove that on a transversely Kähler foliation with positive transversal Ricci curvature, there are no nonzero basic-harmonic forms of type [Formula: see text], among other results.
Classifiers fusion for improved vessel recognition with application in quantification of generalized arteriolar narrowing
Authors: Yin Xiaoxia , Irshad Samra , Zhang Yanchun
Published: August 2019

This paper attempts to estimate diagnostically relevant measure, i.e., Arteriovenous Ratio with an improved retinal vessel classification using feature ranking strategies and multiple classifiers decision-combination scheme. The features exploited for retinal vessel characterization are based on statistical measures of histogram, different filter responses of images and local gradient information. The feature selection process is based on two feature ranking approaches (Pearson Correlation Coefficient technique and Relief-F method) to rank the features followed by use of maximum classification accuracy of three supervised classifiers (k-Nearest Neighbor, Support Vector Machine and Naïve Bayes) as a threshold for feature subset selection. Retinal vessels are labeled using the selected feature subset and proposed hybrid classification scheme, i.e., decision fusion of multiple classifiers. The comparative analysis shows an increase in vessel classification accuracy as well as Arteriovenous Ratio calculation performance. The system is tested on three databases, a local dataset of 44 images and two publically available databases, INSPIRE-AVR containing 40 images and VICAVR containing 58 images. The local database also contains images with pathologically diseased structures. The performance of the proposed system is assessed by comparing the experimental results with the gold standard estimations as well as with the results of previous methodologies. Overall, an accuracy of 90.45%, 93.90% and 87.82% is achieved in retinal blood vessel separation with 0.0565, 0.0650 and 0.0849 mean error in Arteriovenous Ratio calculation for Local, INSPIRE-AVR and VICAVR dataset, respectively.
Recent Attacks and Defenses on FPGA-based Systems
Authors: Zhang Jiliang , Qu Gang
Published: August 2019

Field-programmable gate array (FPGA) is a kind of programmable chip that is widely used in many areas, including automotive electronics, medical devices, military and consumer electronics, and is gaining more popularity. Unlike the application specific integrated circuits (ASIC) design, an FPGA-based system has its own supply-chain model and design flow, which brings interesting security and trust challenges. In this survey, we review the security and trust issues related to FPGA-based systems from the market perspective, where we model the market with the following parties: FPGA vendors, foundries, IP vendors, EDA tool vendors, FPGA-based system developers, and end-users. For each party, we show the security and trust problems they need to be aware of and the associated solutions that are available. We also discuss some challenges and opportunities in the security and trust of FPGA-based systems used in large-scale cloud and datacenters.
Mechanisms of DNA Uptake by Naturally Competent Bacteria
Authors: Dubnau David , Blokesch Melanie
Published: August 2019

Transformation is a widespread mechanism of horizontal gene transfer in bacteria. DNA uptake to the periplasmic compartment requires a DNA-uptake pilus and the DNA-binding protein ComEA. In the gram-negative bacteria, DNA is first pulled toward the outer membrane by retraction of the pilus and then taken up by binding to periplasmic ComEA, acting as a Brownian ratchet to prevent backward diffusion. A similar mechanism probably operates in the gram-positive bacteria as well, but these systems have been less well characterized. Transport, defined as movement of a single strand of transforming DNA to the cytosol, requires the channel protein ComEC. Although less is understood about this process, it may be driven by proton symport. In this review we also describe various phenomena that are coordinated with the expression of competence for transformation, such as fratricide, the kin-discriminatory killing of neighboring cells, and competence-mediated growth arrest.
Neurogranin is expressed in mammalian skeletal muscle and inhibits calcineurin signaling and myoblast fusion
Authors: Fajardo Val A. , Watson Colton J. F. , Bott Kirsten N. , Moradi Fereshteh , Maddalena Lucas A. , Bellissimo Catherine A. , Turner Kelli D. , Peters Sandra J. , LeBlanc Paul J. , MacNeil Adam J. , Stuart Jeffrey A. , Tupling A. Russell
Published: August 2019

Calcineurin is a Ca2+/calmodulin (CaM)-dependent phosphatase that plays a critical role in promoting the slow fiber phenotype and myoblast fusion in skeletal muscle, thereby making calcineurin an attractive cellular target for enhancing fatigue resistance, muscle metabolism, and muscle repair. Neurogranin (Ng) is a CaM-binding protein thought to be expressed solely in brain and neurons, where it inhibits calcineurin signaling by sequestering CaM, thus lowering its cellular availability. Here, we demonstrate for the first time the expression of Ng protein and mRNA in mammalian skeletal muscle. Both protein and mRNA levels are greater in slow-oxidative compared with fast-glycolytic muscles. Coimmunoprecipitation of CaM with Ng in homogenates of C2C12 myotubes, mouse soleus, and human vastus lateralis suggests that these proteins physically interact. To determine whether Ng inhibits calcineurin signaling in muscle, we used Ng siRNA with C2C12 myotubes to reduce Ng protein levels by 60%. As a result of reduced Ng expression, C2C12 myotubes had enhanced CaM-calcineurin binding and calcineurin signaling as indicated by reduced phosphorylation of nuclear factor of activated T cells and increased utrophin mRNA. In addition, calcineurin signaling affects the expression of myogenin and stabilin-2, which are involved in myogenic differentiation and myoblast fusion, respectively. Here, we found that both myogenin and stabilin-2 were significantly elevated by Ng siRNA in C2C12 cells, concomitantly with an increased fusion index. Taken together, these results demonstrate the expression of Ng in mammalian skeletal muscle where it appears to be a novel regulator of calcineurin signaling.
Sulfatide-activated type II NKT cells suppress immunogenic maturation of lung dendritic cells in murine models of asthma
Authors: Pan Huaqin , Zhang Guqin , Nie Hanxiang , Li Shuhua , He Shaojun , Yang Jiong
Published: August 2019

Our previous study showed that sulfatide-activated type II natural killer T (NKT) cells can prevent allergic airway inflammation in an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced murine model of asthma, but the underlying mechanism is unclear. Recently, sulfatide-activated type II NKT cells were shown to modulate the function of dendritic cells in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and nonobese diabetic mice. Thus, it was hypothesized that sulfatide-activated type II NKT cells may modulate the function of lung dendritic cells (LDCs) in asthmatic mice. Our data showed that, in our mouse models, activation of type II NKT cells by sulfatide administration and adoptive transfer of sulfatide-activated type II NKT cells resulted in reduced expression of surface maturation markers and proinflammatory cytokine production of LDCs. LDCs from sulfatide-treated asthmatic mice, in contrast to LDCs from PBS-treated asthmatic mice, significantly reduced allergic airway inflammation in vivo. However, we found no influence of sulfatide-activated type II NKT cells on the phenotypic and functional maturation of bone marrow-derived dendritic cells in vitro. In addition, adoptive transfer of sulfatide-activated type II NKT cells did not influence the phenotypic and functional maturation of LDCs in CD1d−/− mice, which lack both type I and II NKT cells, immunized and challenged with OVA. Our data reveal that sulfatide-activated type II NKT cells can suppress immunogenic maturation of LDCs to reduce allergic airway inflammation in mouse models of asthma, and it is possible that the immunomodulatory effect needs type I NKT cells.
Progressive exercise training improves maximal aerobic capacity in individuals with well-healed burn injuries
Authors: Romero Steven A. , Moralez Gilbert , Jaffery Manall F. , Huang Mu , Cramer Matthew N. , Romain Nadine , Kouda Ken , Haller Ronald G. , Crandall Craig G.
Published: August 2019

Long-term rehabilitative strategies are important for individuals with well-healed burn injuries. Such information is particularly critical because patients are routinely surviving severe burn injuries given medical advances in the acute care setting. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that a 6-mo community-based exercise training program will increase maximal aerobic capacity (V̇o2max) in subjects with prior burn injuries, with the extent of that increase influenced by the severity of the burn injury (i.e., percent body surface area burned). Maximal aerobic capacity (indirect calorimetry) and skeletal muscle oxidative enzyme activity (biopsy of the vastus lateralis muscle) were measured pre- and postexercise training in noninjured control subjects ( n = 11) and in individuals with well-healed burn injuries ( n = 13, moderate body surface area burned; n = 20, high body surface area burned). Exercise training increased V̇o2maxin all groups (control: 15 ± 5%; moderate body surface area: 11 ± 3%; high body surface area: 11 ± 2%; P < 0.05), though the magnitude of this improvement did not differ between groups ( P = 0.7). Exercise training also increased the activity of the skeletal muscle oxidative enzymes citrate synthase ( P < 0.05) and cytochrome c oxidase ( P < 0.05), an effect that did not differ between groups ( P = 0.2). These data suggest that 6 mo of progressive exercise training improves V̇o2maxin individuals with burn injuries and that the magnitude of body surface area burned does not lessen this adaptive response.
LFP clustering in cortex reveals a taxonomy of Up states and near-millisecond, ordered phase-locking in cortical neurons
Authors: Mitelut Catalin C. , Spacek Martin A. , Chan Allen W. , Murphy Tim H. , Swindale Nicholas V.
Published: August 2019

During slow-wave sleep and anesthesia, mammalian cortex exhibits a synchronized state during which neurons shift from a largely nonfiring to a firing state, known as an Up-state transition. Up-state transitions may constitute the default activity pattern of the entire cortex (Neske GT. Front Neural Circuits 9: 88, 2016) and could be critical to understanding cortical function, yet the genesis of such transitions and their interaction with single neurons is not well understood. It was recently shown that neurons firing at rates >2 Hz fire spikes in a stereotyped order during Up-state transitions (Luczak A, McNaughton BL, Harris KD. Nat Rev Neurosci 16: 745–755, 2015), yet it is still unknown if Up states are homogeneous and whether spiking order is present in neurons with rates <2 Hz (the majority). Using extracellular recordings from anesthetized cats and mice and from naturally sleeping rats, we show for the first time that Up-state transitions can be classified into several types based on the shape of the local field potential (LFP) during each transition. Individual LFP events could be localized in time to within 1–4 ms, more than an order of magnitude less than in previous studies. The majority of recorded neurons synchronized their firing to within ±5–15 ms relative to each Up-state transition. Simultaneous electrophysiology and wide-field imaging in mouse confirmed that LFP event clusters are cortex-wide phenomena. Our findings show that Up states are of different types and point to the potential importance of temporal order and millisecond-scale signaling by cortical neurons.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY During cortical Up-state transitions in sleep and anesthesia, neurons undergo brief periods of increased firing in an order similar to that occurring in awake states. We show that these transitions can be classified into distinct types based on the shape of the local field potential. Transition times can be defined to <5 ms. Most neurons synchronize their firing to within ±5–15 ms of the transitions and fire in a consistent order.
Spatial organization of activity evoked by focal stimulation within the rat spinal dorsal horn as visualized by voltage-sensitive dye imaging in the slice
Authors: Mizuno Masaharu , Kato Go , Strassman Andrew M.
Published: August 2019

In a prior study using laser scanning photostimulation, we found a pronounced cell type-specific mediolateral asymmetry in the local synaptic connectivity in the superficial laminae of the spinal dorsal horn (Kosugi M, Kato G, Lukashov S, Pendse G, Puskar Z, Kozsurek M, Strassman AM. J Physiol 591: 1935–1949, 2013). To obtain information on dorsal horn organization that might complement findings from microelectrode studies, voltage-sensitive dye imaging was used in the present study to examine patterns of activity evoked by focal electrical stimulation, in the presence and absence of synaptic blocking agents, at different positions in transverse, parasagittal, and horizontal slices of the dorsal horn of 2- to 3-wk -old male rats. A pronounced difference in responsiveness was found between medial and lateral dorsal horn, in that medial sites in the superficial dorsal horn showed much larger synaptic responses to focal stimulation than lateral sites. This difference appeared to be a result of a difference in the intrinsic elements of the dorsal horn, rather than a difference in the inputs from the white matter, because the stimulus intensities were subthreshold for evoking synaptic responses from stimulation at sites in the white matter, although it is also possible that the greater responsiveness is due, at least in part, to activation of Aβ primary afferent fibers that pass through the medial dorsal horn. The results raise the possibility of differences between medial and dorsal horn that need to be taken into account in the interpretation of studies of dorsal horn organization.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We used voltage-sensitive dye imaging to obtain information on spatial aspects of dorsal horn organization that are difficult to examine with single-cell approaches because of the limitations of microelectrode sampling. The most noteworthy finding was a previously unreported, extreme difference between medial and lateral dorsal horn in responsiveness to focal stimulation that appears to result, at least in part, from a greater degree of excitability or local connectivity in medial dorsal horn.
Probabilistic Analysis of Tunnel Liner Performance Using Random Field Theory
Authors: Yu Xin , Cheng Jinguo , Cao Chunhui , Li Erqiang , Feng Jili
Published: August 2019

Tunnel liner is conventionally designed according to the deterministic design methods. However, the loads transmitted from the surrounding ground to the liner are very uncertain. In other words, the tunnel liner is subjected to nonuniform loading conditions which may affect its performance. This is mainly due to the inherent randomness and spatial variability of ground properties. In addition, since borehole drillings are usually carried out before tunnel excavation, the measured borehole data should be considered and reflected in the tunnel liner design practice, especially when it comes to the reliability‐based design using the conditional random field theory. This paper presents an investigation of the tunnel liner performance from the perspective of probabilistic analysis and reliability‐based design, and a probabilistic procedure for evaluating the tunnel liner performance is fully described. The random behavior of ground properties is accounted for by the conditional random field theory, and the performance of tunnel liner is examined via finite‐difference modeling in FLAC 3D. The evaluation procedure is performed within the Monte Carlo simulation framework. An illustrative hypothesized tunnel is introduced to demonstrate the application of the probabilistic evaluation procedure, and the effects of site characterization parameters and conditioning on the tunnel liner performance are also inspected in a series of parametric studies. Before reaching conclusions, the reliability‐based design of a real tunnel is performed with respect to the liner strengths and thickness, given target reliability levels, which provides some insights into a more reasonable and economical design of tunnel liner.
Comparison of Two Bayesian Methods in Evaluation of the Absence of the Gold Standard Diagnostic Tests
Authors: Li Taishun , Liu Pei
Published: August 2019

Objective. The Bayesian model plays an important role in diagnostic test evaluation in the absence of the gold standard, which used the external prior distribution of a parameter combined with sample data to yield the posterior distribution of the test characteristics. However, the correlation between diagnostic tests has always been a problem that cannot be ignored in the Bayesian model evaluation. This study will discuss how different Bayesian model, correlation scenarios, and prior distribution affect the outcome. Methods. The data analyzed in this study was gathered during studies of patients presenting to the Nanjing Chest Hospital with suspected tuberculosis. The diagnostic character of T-SPOT.Tb and KD38 tuberculosis antibody test were evaluated in different Bayesian model, and discharge diagnosis as a gold standard was used to verify the model results in the end. Result. The comparison of four models under the conditional independence situation found that Bayesian probabilistic constraint model was consistent with the Conditional Covariance Bayesian model. The results were mainly affected by prior information. The sensitivity and specificity of the two tests in Conditional Covariance Bayesian model in prior constraint situation were considerably higher than the Bayesian probabilistic constraint model in prior constraint situation. The results of the four models under the conditional dependence situation were similar to the conditional independence situation; pD was also negative with no prior constraint situation in both model Bayesian probabilistic constraint model and Conditional Covariance Bayesian model. The Deviance Information Criterion of Bayesian probabilistic constraint model was close to model Conditional Covariance Bayesian model, but pD of Conditional Covariance Bayesian model in Prior constraint situation (pD=2.40) was higher than the Bayesian probabilistic constraint model in Prior constraint situation (pD=1.66). Conclusion. The result of Conditional Covariance Bayesian model in prior constraint with conditional independence situation was closest to the result of gold standard evaluation in our data. Both of the two Bayesian methods are the feasible way for the evaluation of diagnostic test in the absence of the gold standard diagnostic. Prior source, priority number, and conditional dependencies should be considered in the method selection, the accuracy of posterior estimation mainly depending on the prior distribution.
Zeaxanthin Dipalmitate in the Treatment of Liver Disease
Authors: Bahaji Azami Nisma Lena , Sun Mingyu
Published: August 2019

Goji berry, Lycium barbarum, has been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), but its properties have not been studied until recently. The fruit is a major source of zeaxanthin dipalmitate (ZD), a xanthophyll carotenoid shown to benefit the liver. Liver disease is one of the most prevalent diseases in the world. Some conditions, such as chronic hepatitis B virus, liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma, remain incurable. Managing them can constitute an economic burden for patients and healthcare systems. Hence, development of more effective pharmacological drugs is warranted. Studies have shown the hepatoprotective, antifibrotic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, antitumor, and chemopreventive properties of ZD. These findings suggest that ZD-based drugs could hold promise for many liver disorders. In this paper, we reviewed the current literature regarding the therapeutic effects of ZD in the treatment of liver disease.
Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Activities of Polysaccharides from Yingshan Cloud Mist Tea
Authors: Li Xiang , Chen Si , Li Jing-En , Wang Ning , Liu Xin , An Qi , Ye Xi-Mei , Zhao Zi-Tong , Zhao Meng , Han Yi , Ouyang Ke-Hui , Wang Wen-Jun
Published: August 2019

The study was designed to investigate the chemical composition and antioxidant activities of polysaccharides from Yingshan Cloud Mist Tea. The chemical composition of green tea polysaccharides (GTPS) was analyzed by Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope (SEM), thermogravimetric (TGA), gas chromatograph (GC), and high-performance gel-permeation chromatography (HPGPC). Then, the antioxidant activities in vitro of GTPS, effects of GTPS on body weight, and the antioxidant activities in chickens were studied. The results showed that GTPS were composed of rhamnose (Rha), arabinose (Ara), xylose (Xyl), mannose (Man), glucose (Glu), and galactose (Gal) in a molar ratio of 11.4 : 26.1 : 1.9 : 3.0 : 30.7 : 26.8 and the average molecular weight was 9.69×104 Da. Furthermore, GTPS exhibited obvious capacity of scavenging DPPH radical, hydroxyl radical, and superoxide radical and enhanced the ferric-reducing power in vitro. Last, GTPS significantly increased the body weight of chickens, enhanced the T-AOC, SOD, and GSH-Px level, and decreased the content of MDA in chickens. The results indicated that GTPS might be a kind of natural antioxidant, which had the potential application in feed industry.
Oxidative Stress Indices as Markers of Lead and Cadmium Exposure Toxicity in Auto Technicians in Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Omotosho Ishiaq Olayinka
Published: August 2019

Auto technicians (auto mechanics, panel beaters, battery chargers, and auto painters) are among the most valuable work force in the society. Reports on oxidative stress in persons occupationally exposed to mixed chemicals abound; however, few have narrowed down specifically on auto technicians, while even fewer have stratified the exposure in the different subgroups of auto technicians. This study evaluated the antioxidant status in auto technicians routinely exposed to lead and cadmium and stratified the results of exposure by different subgroups of auto technicians in Ibadan, Nigeria. Sixty-five apparently healthy males (aged 18 to 65years) were selected based on specific inclusion criteria using a structured questionnaire. Thirty-four were cases consisting of participants routinely working as auto technicians or apprentices(≥2years) while controls were thirty-one nonoccupationally exposed male members of staff/students of the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria. Blood was collected from all participants and analyzed for the presence of lead, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and total plasma peroxides (TPP); oxidative stress index (OSI) was calculated. Urine samples collected from all participants were analyzed for the presence of urinary lead and cadmium using standard laboratory methods. Although values of TAC in cases (22538±8726.54) were not statistically different from what was obtained in controls (26741.87±8696.68), TPP and OSI were statistically higher in cases than in controls (183.88±53.39 and 120.16±70.54, respectively, and 0.93±0.45 and 0.49±0.33, respectively). The blood lead level in cases (10.11±4.47) was significantly higher than in controls (7.72±1.22) while elevated urinary lead and cadmium levels were observed in cases (0.65±0.21 and 0.34±0.11, respectively) compared to controls (0.52±0.19 and 0.27±0.10, respectively). Raised TPP and OSI levels—hallmark of active lipid peroxidation—found to be highest among panel beaters compared to others may be prognostic of membrane-damaging diseases in this subgroup of auto technicians.
An Efficient Compact Difference Method for Temporal Fractional Subdiffusion Equations
Authors: Ren Lei , Liu Lei
Published: August 2019

In this paper, a high-order compact finite difference method is proposed for a class of temporal fractional subdiffusion equation. A numerical scheme for the equation has been derived to obtain 2-α in time and fourth-order in space. We improve the results by constructing a compact scheme of second-order in time while keeping fourth-order in space. Based on the L2-1σ approximation formula and a fourth-order compact finite difference approximation, the stability of the constructed scheme and its convergence of second-order in time and fourth-order in space are rigorously proved using a discrete energy analysis method. Applications using two model problems demonstrate the theoretical results.
Role of Calprotectin as a Biomarker in Periodontal Disease
Authors: Wei Lili , Liu Mingwen , Xiong Haofei
Published: August 2019

Periodontal disease (PD) is a common infectious and inflammatory disease characterised by inflammation of tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth and destruction of the associated alveolar bone, eventually resulting in tooth loss. This disease is caused by periodontopathic bacteria in plaque biofilm and resultant innate and adaptive immune responses in periodontal tissues. Calprotectin (CLP) is a calcium-binding protein of the S-100 protein family and is found to be induced by activated granulocytes, monocytes, and epithelial cells. CLP has been shown to play an important role in numerous inflammatory diseases and disorders. Increasing evidence indicates that CLP is involved in the progression of PD, and its levels may be associated with disease severity and outcome of periodontal treatments. This review will summarise recent studies regarding the presence, regulation, and function of CLP in PD. The findings indicate that CLP may be an effective biomarker for diagnosis and treatment for the PD.
The Presence of Cough and Tuberculosis: Active Case Finding Outcomes in the Philippines
Authors: Lee Siwon , Lau Lincoln , Lim Krisha , Ferma Jansel , Dodd Warren , Cole Donald
Published: August 2019

The results of a tuberculosis (TB) active case finding (ACF) program, implemented by International Care Ministries (ICM) in the Philippines, were examined to understand how the presence of physical symptoms might influence ACF outcomes among extreme low-income Filipinos. ICM health staff implemented symptom screening in villages and suspected cases were referred to the closest rural health unit (RHU) for TB testing. ACF was carried out in Mindanao and the Visayas, across 16 different provinces. All participants were interviewed pre/postprogram, and screening outcomes were collected. A multilevel regression model was constructed to explore the effect of factors on the likelihood of getting tested. A total of 4635 individuals were screened; 1290 (27.8%) were symptom positive and referred. From those referred, 336 (7.2%) were tested for TB and 53 (1.1%) were TB positive. “Cough for more than two weeks” was associated with a 1.09 (95% CI 1.01, 1.15) times increase in likelihood of getting tested. The finding that the presence of cough is associated with higher rate of testing suggests that individuals in these settings might not know or believe that the lack of cough does not equate to lack of TB infection. While technologies and screening algorithms give us the ability to refine the ‘supply’ side of the TB screening, addressing the knowledge gap should improve ‘demand’.
Association of Smoking-Related Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices (KAP) with Nutritional Status and Diet Quality: A Cross-Sectional Study in China
Authors: Haq Ijaz ul , Liu Yu , Liu Min , Xu Haifeng , Wang Hui , Liu Chunlan , Zeb Falak , Jiang Pan , Wu Xiaoyue , Tian Yuanrui , Li Mengxia , Li Qun , Fu Jun , Shen Chong , Feng Qing
Published: August 2019

Background. Smoking is the second leading cause of death. Limited studies are available about smoking and overall diet quality. The current study was aimed at finding an association of s-KAP (smoking-related knowledge, attitude, and practices) with nutritional status and diet quality. Methodology. The current study was a cross-sectional community-based study conducted in Jurong city, China. Validated questionnaires were used for the collection of data regarding s-KAP and dietary intake. Correlation and multivariate linear regression analysis were used for the association of s-KAP scores with diet quality scores and nutritional status. Results. The total numbers of participants were 7998 with a mean age of 59.3±11.4 years, including 38.5% males and 41.5% females. s-KAP scores were categorized into two groups, i.e., High s-KAP group and low s-KAP group. The High s-KAP group had significantly higher (P<0.05) diet scores and BMI but lower (P<0.05) WC (waist circumference) and WHR (waist to hip ratio) than the Low s-KAP group. Independent positive association (P<0.05) of s-KAP scores with diet scores was observed after the adjustment for age, gender, physical activity, alcohol consumptions, monthly income, and anthropometric measures (BMI, WC, and WHR). Similarly, smoking was positively associated (P<0.05) with diet scores after adjustment for covariates. Conclusion. In conclusion, the higher s-KAP scores indicated more knowledge regarding the harmful consequences of the smoking outcomes, positive attitude, less smoking practices, and having a good plan to quit smoking. Individuals with high s-KAP scores had good diet quality and lower adiposity measures. Furthermore, s-KAP scores and smoking status were having an independent positive association with diet scores.
Mitochondria as Potential Targets and Initiators of the Blue Light Hazard to the Retina
Authors: Tao Jin-Xin , Zhou Wen-Chuan , Zhu Xin-Gen
Published: August 2019

Commercially available white light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have an intense emission in the range of blue light, which has raised a range of public concerns about their potential risks as retinal hazards. Distinct from other visible light components, blue light is characterized by short wavelength, high energy, and strong penetration that can reach the retina with relatively little loss in damage potential. Mitochondria are abundant in retinal tissues, giving them relatively high access to blue light, and chromophores, which are enriched in the retina, have many mitochondria able to absorb blue light and induce photochemical effects. Therefore, excessive exposure of the retina to blue light tends to cause ROS accumulation and oxidative stress, which affect the structure and function of the retinal mitochondria and trigger mitochondria-involved death signaling pathways. In this review, we highlight the essential roles of mitochondria in blue light-induced photochemical damage and programmed cell death in the retina, indicate directions for future research and preventive targets in terms of the blue light hazard to the retina, and suggest applying LED devices in a rational way to prevent the blue light hazard.
Genome Comparison Reveals Mutation Hotspots in the Chloroplast Genome and Phylogenetic Relationships of Ormosia Species
Authors: Liu Hongshan , Su Zhihai , Yu Shuiqing , Liu Jialin , Yin Xiaojuan , Zhang Guowei , Liu Wei , Li Bin
Published: August 2019

The papilionoid legume genus Ormosia comprises approximately 130 species, which are distributed mostly in the Neotropics, with some species in eastern Asia and northeastern Australia. The taxonomy and evolutionary history remain unclear due to the lack of a robust species-level phylogeny. Chloroplast genomes can provide important information for phylogenetic and population genetic studies. In this study, we determined the complete chloroplast genome sequences of five Ormosia species by Illumina sequencing. The Ormosia chloroplast genomes displayed the typical quadripartite structure of angiosperms, which consisted of a pair of inverted regions separated by a large single-copy region and a small single-copy region. The location and distribution of repeat sequences and microsatellites were determined. Comparative analyses highlighted a wide spectrum of variation, with trnK-rbcL, atpE-trnS-rps4, trnC-petN, trnS-psbZ-trnG, trnP-psaJ-rpl33, and clpP intron being the most variable regions. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that Ormosia is in the Papilionoideae clade and is sister to the Lupinus clade. Overall, this study, which provides Ormosia chloroplast genomic resources and a comparative analysis of Ormosia chloroplast genomes, will be beneficial for the evolutionary study and phylogenetic reconstruction of the genus Ormosia and molecular barcoding in population genetics and will provide insight into the chloroplast genome evolution of legumes.
Advances in Research on the Protective Mechanisms of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in Islet β Cells
Authors: Li Na , Zhang Hongli , Li Xiaohua
Published: August 2019

The dysfunction and decreased number of islet β cells are central to the main pathogenesis of diabetes. Improving islet β cell function and increasing the number of β cells are effective approaches to treat diabetes and constitute the main direction of diabetes drug development. The role of Chinese medicine in the treatment of diabetes began to be recognized. In recent years, Chinese medicine monomers have been found to increase insulin synthesis and secretion, reduce β cell-apoptosis, and protect the function of β cells. The results of in vivo animal experiments and in vitro studies on insulinoma cells also suggested TCMs could promote the proliferation of pancreatic islet β cells and induce other cells differentiation or transdifferentiation to islet β cells. Thereby, they may play a role in the treatment of diabetes. In this paper, we will review islet β cell protection with TCMs and the related mechanisms found in recent studies. An in-depth explanation of the role of TCM in islet β cell protection can provide a theoretical basis and research ideas for the development of TCM-based diabetes treatment drugs.
A Synthetic Fusion Rule Based on FLDA and PCA for Iris Recognition Using 1D Log‐Gabor Filter
Authors: Tobji Rachida , Di Wu , Ayoub Naeem
Published: August 2019

Iris recognition is one of the most useful methods to identify or verify people in biometric recognition systems. Iris patterns contain many features that distinguish people from each other. In this paper, a novel iris recognition method is proposed based on the fusion of Fisher Linear Discriminate Analysis (FLDA) with embedding Principal Component Analysis (PCA) method. In this work, firstly we use 1D Log‐Gabor to elicit the iris features from an approximation part. Secondly, we obtain an appropriate degree of clarity for the iris with fusion of FLDA/PCA to eliminate the optical reflections on the iris image. Experiments of our proposed algorithm are performed on the CASIA V1 database. The results of our proposed approach show a good performance with recognition rate up to 99.99%.
Fatal Postpartum Hemorrhage in Diffuse Midline Glioma with H3-K27M Mutation
Authors: Miyazaki Takeshi , Tsuji Masahiro , Hagiwara Shinya , Minamoto Toshiko , Ishikawa Noriyoshi , Hirato Junko , Nobusawa Sumihito , Akiyama Yasuhiko
Published: August 2019

Management of pregnant women with brain tumors necessitates difficult decision-making especially for estimating or preventing its intratumoral hemorrhage. A 26-year-old, 19-week pregnant woman complaining of headache and vomiting was admitted to our hospital. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed hydrocephalus and a mass lesion without contrast enhancement extending from the left thalamus. To resolve severe symptoms, a ventriculoperitoneal shunt was inserted, and a biopsy was taken via the right ventricle. Pathological examination suggested diffuse or pilocytic astrocytoma, but subsequent genetic analysis revealed the diagnosis of midline glioma with H3-K27M mutation. The patient opted not to terminate the pregnancy, and MRIs conducted every four weeks revealed no change in tumor aspect. The patient delivered a healthy baby by cesarean section, and postpartum day 1 was uneventful. However, she was found in a coma due to a massive intratumoral hemorrhage on postpartum day 2 and died 3 weeks after the hemorrhage. This is the first case report of diffuse midline glioma with H3-K27M mutation in a pregnant woman followed by fatal hemorrhage. It highlights the necessity of careful clinical management and frequent neuroimaging during the entire perinatal period, even if the tumor has hypovascularity or low proliferative potential on radiological or pathological findings.