bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Convergence of a Godunov scheme for conservation laws with a discontinuous flux lacking the crossing condition
Authors: Karlsen K. H. , Towers J. D.
Published: December 2017

We study a scalar conservation law whose flux has a single spatial discontinuity. There are many notions of (entropy) solution, the relevant concept being determined by the application. We focus on the so-called vanishing viscosity solution. We utilize a Kružkov-type entropy inequality which generalizes the one in [K. H. Karlsen, N. H. Risebro and J. D. Towers, [Formula: see text]-stability for entropy solutions of nonlinear degenerate parabolic convection–diffusion equations with discontinuous coefficients, Skr. K. Nor. Vidensk. Selsk. 3 (2003) 1–49], singles out the vanishing viscosity solution whether or not the crossing condition is satisfied, and has a discrete version satisfied by the Godunov variant of the finite difference scheme of [S. Diehl, On scalar conservation laws with point source and discontinuous flux function, SIAM J. Math. Anal. 26(6) (1995) 1425–1451]. We show that the solutions produced by that scheme converge to the unique vanishing viscosity solution. The scheme does not require a Riemann solver for the discontinuous flux problem. This makes its implementation simple even when the flux is multimodal, and there are multiple flux crossings.
Evaluation of the convolution sums ∑ak+bl+cm=nσ(k)σ(l)σ(m) with lcm(a,b,c) = 7,8 or 9
Authors: Park Yoon Kyung
Published: December 2017

It is known that the generating functions of divisor functions are quasimodular forms of weight [Formula: see text]. Hence their product is a quasimodular form of higher weight. In this paper, we evaluate the convolution sums [Formula: see text] for all positive integers [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text] using theory of modular form.
Mock theta functions in terms of q-hypergeometric double sums
Authors: Zhang Zhizheng , Li Xiaoqian
Published: December 2017

The main purpose of this paper is to present five mock theta functions by using the Bailey pair. Identities are established between the double sums and classical mock theta functions.
Twists of non-hyperelliptic curves of genus 3
Authors: Lorenzo García Elisa
Published: December 2017

In this paper, we compute explicit equations for the twists of all the smooth plane quartic curves defined over a number field [Formula: see text]. Since the plane quartic curves are non-hyperelliptic curves of genus [Formula: see text] we can apply the method developed by the author in a previous paper. The starting point is a classification due to Henn of the plane quartic curves with non-trivial automorphism group up to [Formula: see text]-isomorphism.
Accelerated Deconvolution of Radio Interferometric Images using Orthogonal Matching Pursuit and Graphics Hardware
Authors: Belle Jonathan Van , Armstrong Richard , Gain James
Published: December 2017

Deconvolution of native radio interferometric images constitutes a major computational component of the imaging process. An efficient and robust deconvolution operation is essential for reconstruction of the true sky signal from measured telescopic data. The techniques of compressed sensing provide a mathematically-rigorous framework within which to implement deconvolution of images formed from a sparse set of nearly-random measurements. We present an accelerated implementation of the orthogonal matching pursuit (OMP) algorithm (a compressed sensing method) that makes use of graphics processing unit (GPU) hardware. We show that OMP correctly identifies more sources than CLEAN, identifying up to 82% of the sources in 100 test images, while CLEAN only identifies up to 61% of the sources. In addition, the residual after source extraction is [Formula: see text] times lower for OMP than for CLEAN. Furthermore, the graphics implementation of OMP performs around 23 times faster than a 4-core CPU.
Mediterranean Hurricanes and Associated Damage Estimates
Authors: Bakkensen Laura A.
Published: December 2017

Mediterranean hurricanes, or “medicanes”, are powerful cyclonic disturbances that cause wind, flooding, and surge damages around the Mediterranean region. Recent advancements in the natural sciences have improved historical understanding of medicane characteristics. Yet a systematic analysis of the economic impacts of medicanes has not been carried out. In this paper, we analyze 62 years of newly re-analyzed historical medicane tracks to characterize landfalls across space and time. We match historical landfalls with local socioeconomic characteristics. Using a cyclone damages function, we estimate historical medicane losses. We find that Italy suffers the highest expected damages from medicanes at $33 million dollars annually. Scaling by location size, Mediterranean islands are most at risk. We also present findings on landfall characteristics and calculate the return rate for storm damages. These findings are important for policy, especially with regard to the costs and benefits of long run adaptation.
Event‐Triggered Multitarget Formation Control for Multiagent Systems
Authors: Zhang Lingmin , Li Xinbin , Yan Jing , Guan Xinping
Published: December 2017

The problems of multitarget selection and formation for multiagent systems are considered. First of all, an improved multitarget selection method based on auction algorithm is proposed such that each agent can automatically choose its target, and during the process of choosing targets, we apply an event‐triggered mode to reduce the communication links between agents. Second, in view of the fact that all agents with the same target need to form a desired formation shape, we provide an event‐triggered formation controller for each agent. Finally, we carry out the simulation experiment of the algorithm and the simulation results have illustrated the effectiveness of it.
Quantification of Macular Vascular Density Using Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography and Its Relationship with Retinal Thickness in Myopic Eyes of Young Adults
Authors: Yang Shiqi , Zhou Minwen , Lu Bing , Zhang Pengfei , Zhao Jingke , Kang Mei , Wang Ruoshi , Wang Fenghua , Sun Xiaodong
Published: December 2017

Purpose. To quantify macular vascular density using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and to investigate its relationship with retinal thickness in myopic eyes of young adults.Methods. In this cross-sectional study, 268 myopic eyes without pathological changes were recruited and divided into three groups: mild myopia (n=81), moderate myopia (n=117), and high myopia (n=70). Macular vascular density was quantified by OCTA and compared among three groups. Average retinal thickness, central subfield thickness, and macular ganglion cell complex (mGCC) thickness were also evaluated and compared. Correlations among these variables were analyzed.Results. There was no statistical difference in superficial (62.3 ± 5.7% versus 62.7 ± 5.9% versus 63.8 ± 5.5%) and deep macular vascular densities (58.3 ± 9.6% versus 59.2 ± 9.3% versus 60.9 ± 7.9%) among mild-myopia, moderate-myopia, and high-myopia groups (bothP>0.05). Superficial and deep macular vascular densities both had correlations with mean arterial pressure. Furthermore, superficial macular vascular density was significantly correlated with mGCC thickness.Conclusions. Varying degrees of myopia did not affect macular vascular density in young healthy adults. In addition, superficial macular vascular density, as an independent factor, was positively correlated with mGCC thickness.
Liensinine and Nuciferine, Bioactive Components of Nelumbo nucifera, Inhibit the Growth of Breast Cancer Cells and Breast Cancer‐Associated Bone Loss
Authors: Kang Eun Ji , Lee Sun Kyoung , Park Kwang-Kyun , Son Seung Hwa , Kim Ki Rim , Chung Won-Yoon
Published: December 2017

Once breast cancer cells grow aggressively and become lodged in the skeleton through migration and invasion, they interact with bone microenvironment and accelerate much more tumor growth and bone destruction. We investigated whether liensinine and nuciferine, major active components in Nelumbo nucifera (lotus), could prevent breast cancer cell‐mediated bone destruction. Liensinine and nuciferine inhibited the growth of MDA‐MB‐231 and MCF‐7 human breast cancer cells by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting proliferation via cell cycle arrest. Liensinine treatment led to the increased Bax/Bcl‐2 ratio, activation of caspase‐3, and subsequent cleavage of PARP. Liensinine also displayed significant inhibition on the migration and invasion of both MDA‐MB‐231 and MCF‐7 human breast cancer cells compared with nuciferine. In addition, liensinine and nuciferine inhibited the receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa‐B ligand‐ (RANKL‐) induced osteoclast differentiation in mouse bone marrow macrophage cells and mature osteoclast‐mediated bone resorption. Furthermore, oral administration of liensinine reduced the osteolysis in nude mice with intratibial injection of MDA‐MB‐231 cells. Collectively, liensinine and nuciferine may be promising candidates for preventing and treating breast cancer bone metastasis and the resulting osteolytic bone loss by targeting both cancer cells and osteoclasts. Liensinine has more potent anticancer and antibone resorptive activities than nuciferine.
A Self-Biased Active Voltage Doubler for Energy Harvesting Systems
Authors: Tayyab Umais , Alzaher Hussain A.
Published: December 2017

An active voltage doubler utilizing a single supply op-amp for energy harvesting system is presented. The proposed doubler is used for rectification process to achieve both acceptably high power conversion efficiency (PCE) and large rectified DC voltage. The incorporated op-amp is self-biased, meaning no external supply is needed but rather it uses part of the harvested energy for its biasing. The proposed active doubler achieves maximum power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 61.7% for a 200 Hz sinusoidal input of 0.8 V for a 20 KΩ load resistor. This efficiency is 2 times more when compared with the passive voltage doubler. The rectified DC voltage is almost 2 times more than conventional passive doubler. The relation between PCE and the load resistor is also presented. The proposed active voltage doubler is designed and simulated in LF 0.15 μm CMOS process technology using Cadence virtuoso tool.
Electroacupuncture is Beneficial for Primary Dysmenorrhea: The Evidence from Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Yu Si-yi , Lv Zheng-tao , Zhang Qing , Yang Sha , Wu Xi , Hu You-ping , Zeng Fang , Liang Fan-rong , Yang Jie
Published: December 2017

Electroacupuncture (EA) is considered to be a promising alternative therapy to relieve the menstrual pain for primary dysmenorrhea (PD), but the conclusion is controversial. Here, we conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis specifically to evaluate the clinical efficacy from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the use of EA in patients with PD. PubMed, Embase, ISI Web of Science, CENTRAL, CNKI, and Wanfang were searched to identify RCTs that evaluated the effectiveness of EA for PD. The outcome measurements included visual analogue scale (VAS), verbal rating scale (VRS), COX retrospective symptom scale (RSS), and the curative rate. Nine RCTs with high risk of bias were included for meta‐analysis. The combined VAS 30 minutes after the completion of intervention favoured EA at SP6 when compared with EA at GB39, nonacupoints, and waiting‐list groups. EA was superior to pharmacological treatment when the treatment duration lasted for three menstrual cycles, evidenced by significantly higher curative rate. No statistically significant differences between EA at SP6 and control groups were found regarding the VRS, RSS‐COX1, and RSS‐COX2. The findings of our study suggested that EA can provide considerable immediate analgesia effect for PD. Additional studies with rigorous design and larger sample sizes are needed.
Modeling and Analysis of Integrated Pest Control Strategies via Impulsive Differential Equations
Authors: Páez Chávez Joseph , Jungmann Dirk , Siegmund Stefan
Published: December 2017

The paper is concerned with the development and numerical analysis of mathematical models used to describe complex biological systems in the framework of Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Established in the late 1950s, IPM is a pest management paradigm that involves the combination of different pest control methods in ways that complement one another, so as to reduce excessive use of pesticides and minimize environmental impact. Since the introduction of the IPM concept, a rich set of mathematical models has emerged, and the present work discusses the development in this area in recent years. Furthermore, a comprehensive parametric study of an IPM-based impulsive control scheme is carried out via path-following techniques. The analysis addresses practical questions, such as how to determine the parameter values of the system yielding an optimal pest control, in terms of operation costs and environmental damage. The numerical study concludes with an exploration of the dynamical features of the impulsive model, which reveals the presence of codimension-1 bifurcations of limit cycles, hysteretic effects, and period-doubling cascades, which is a precursor to the onset of chaos.
Transient Dynamics Simulation of Airflow in a CT-Scanned Human Airway Tree: More or Fewer Terminal Bronchi?
Authors: Qi Shouliang , Zhang Baihua , Teng Yueyang , Li Jianhua , Yue Yong , Kang Yan , Qian Wei
Published: December 2017

Using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method, the feasibility of simulating transient airflow in a CT-based airway tree with more than 100 outlets for a whole respiratory period is studied, and the influence of truncations of terminal bronchi on CFD characteristics is investigated. After an airway model with 122 outlets is extracted from CT images, the transient airflow is simulated. Spatial and temporal variations of flow velocity, wall pressure, and wall shear stress are presented; the flow pattern and lobar distribution of air are gotten as well. All results are compared with those of a truncated model with 22 outlets. It is found that the flow pattern shows lobar heterogeneity that the near-wall air in the trachea is inhaled into the upper lobe while the center flow enters the other lobes, and the lobar distribution of air is significantly correlated with the outlet area ratio. The truncation decreases airflow to right and left upper lobes and increases the deviation of airflow distributions between inspiration and expiration. Simulating the transient airflow in an airway tree model with 122 bronchi using CFD is feasible. The model with more terminal bronchi decreases the difference between the lobar distributions at inspiration and at expiration.
Extraction Optimization and Antioxidant Properties of African Eggplant (Solanum macrocarpon) Leaf Polyphenols
Authors: Famuwagun A. A. , Taiwo K. A. , Gbadamosi S. O. , Oyedele D. J. , Aluko R. E. , Adebooye O. C.
Published: December 2017

Optimization of the yield, total phenolic content (TPC), and total antioxidant activities (TAA) of polyphenol concentrates extracted from Solanum macrocarpon leaves was studied using response surface methodology. The process variables investigated included extraction temperature (30, 50, and 70°C), extraction time (2, 4, and 6 h), and dried leaf powder : water ratio (1 : 10, 1 : 20, and 1 : 30 w/v). Box–Behnken design resulted in 15 experimental runs. The results showed the following optimum extraction conditions: temperature, 49.05°C; extraction time, 243 min; leaf powder : water ratio, 1 : 22 w/v. The optimized extraction conditions gave polyphenol concentrate yield, TPC, and TAA values of 24.94%, 421.09 mg GAE/g, and 23.81 mg AAE/g, respectively. Results of the in vitro antioxidant activities of the polyphenol concentrate showed 2, 2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl hydrate, metal chelating ability, and ferric reducing ability values of 76.78%, 80.22%, and 56.46 mg AAE/g, respectively. The study concludes that the experimental values compared closely with the predicted values, which indicates suitability of the model employed for polyphenol extraction optimization from dried S. macrocarpon leaves.
Seeking a New Paradigm for Alzheimer’s Disease: Considering the Roles of Inflammation, Blood-Brain Barrier Dysfunction, and Prion Disease
Authors: McCaulley Mark E. , Grush Kira A.
Published: December 2017

There is no effective etiologic treatment for Alzheimer’s disease, nor is there a prophylactic medication which delays or prevents its onset. The lack of an accurate paradigm is undoubtedly related to the lack of effective means of prophylaxis and treatment. The current paradigm of beta amyloid in Alzheimer’s brains causing cognitive dysfunction must be modified. Despite failed clinical trials, research continues into amyloid-oriented treatments. The persistence of the amyloid hypothesis/paradigm is an example of anchoring and representativeness heuristics described by Kahneman and Tversky in their classic 1974 Science paper. Economic factors also contribute to the persistence of this paradigm. Paradigms impact the scientific process by the following: (1) what is studied; (2) the types of questions that are asked; (3) the structure and nature of the questions; (4) the interpretations of research findings. We review the contribution of inflammation, malfunction of the neurovascular unit, and prion disease to Alzheimer’s disease manifestations. Any or all of these are candidates for inclusion into a more accurate, inclusive, and useful new paradigm. By incorporating emerging facts and understanding into a new paradigm, we will enhance our ability to move toward effective prophylaxis and therapy for this tragic disease.
PPAR-γ Agonists and Their Role in Primary Cicatricial Alopecia
Authors: Harnchoowong Sarawin , Suchonwanit Poonkiat
Published: December 2017

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPAR-γ) is a ligand-activated nuclear receptor that regulates the transcription of various genes. PPAR-γ plays roles in lipid homeostasis, sebocyte maturation, and peroxisome biogenesis and has shown anti-inflammatory effects. PPAR-γ is highly expressed in human sebaceous glands. Disruption of PPAR-γ is believed to be one of the mechanisms of primary cicatricial alopecia (PCA) pathogenesis, causing pilosebaceous dysfunction leading to follicular inflammation. In this review article, we discuss the pathogenesis of PCA with a focus on PPAR-γ involvement in pathogenesis of lichen planopilaris (LPP), the most common lymphocytic form of PCA. We also discuss clinical trials utilizing PPAR-agonists in PCA treatment.
SDTRLS: Predicting Drug-Target Interactions for Complex Diseases Based on Chemical Substructures
Authors: Yan Cheng , Wang Jianxin , Lan Wei , Wu Fang-Xiang , Pan Yi
Published: December 2017

It is well known that drug discovery for complex diseases via biological experiments is a time-consuming and expensive process. Alternatively, the computational methods provide a low-cost and high-efficiency way for predicting drug-target interactions (DTIs) from biomolecular networks. However, the current computational methods mainly deal with DTI predictions of known drugs; there are few methods for large-scale prediction of failed drugs and new chemical entities that are currently stored in some biological databases may be effective for other diseases compared with their originally targeted diseases. In this study, we propose a method (called SDTRLS) which predicts DTIs through RLS-Kron model with chemical substructure similarity fusion and Gaussian Interaction Profile (GIP) kernels. SDTRLS can be an effective predictor for targets of old drugs, failed drugs, and new chemical entities from large-scale biomolecular network databases. Our computational experiments show that SDTRLS outperforms the state-of-the-art SDTNBI method; specifically, in the G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) external validation, the maximum and the average AUC values of SDTRLS are 0.842 and 0.826, respectively, which are superior to those of SDTNBI, which are 0.797 and 0.766, respectively. This study provides an important basis for new drug development and drug repositioning based on biomolecular networks.
Reducing the Schizophrenia Stigma: A New Approach Based on Augmented Reality
Authors: Silva Rafael D. de C. , Albuquerque Saulo G. C. , Muniz Artur de V. , Filho Pedro P. Rebouças , Ribeiro Sidarta , Pinheiro Plácido Rogerio , Albuquerque Victor Hugo C.
Published: December 2017

Schizophrenia is a chronic mental disease that usually manifests psychotic symptoms and affects an individual’s functionality. The stigma related to this disease is a serious obstacle for an adequate approach to its treatment. Stigma can, for example, delay the start of treatment, and it creates difficulties in interpersonal and professional relationships. This work proposes a new tool based on augmented reality to reduce the stigma related to schizophrenia. The tool is capable of simulating the psychotic symptoms typical of schizophrenia and simulates sense perception changes in order to create an immersive experience capable of generating pathological experiences of a patient with schizophrenia. The integration into the proposed environment occurs through immersion glasses and an embedded camera. Audio and visual effects can also be applied in real time. To validate the proposed environment, medical students experienced the virtual environment and then answered three questionnaires to assess (i) stigmas related to schizophrenia, (ii) the efficiency and effectiveness of the tool, and, finally (iii) stigma after simulation. The analysis of the questionnaires showed that the proposed model is a robust tool and quite realistic and, thus, very promising in reducing stigma associated with schizophrenia by instilling in the observer a greater comprehension of any person during an schizophrenic outbreak, whether a patient or a family member.
Applicability of the Vibration Correlation Technique for Estimation of the Buckling Load in Axial Compression of Cylindrical Isotropic Shells with and without Circular Cutouts
Authors: Skukis Eduards , Ozolins Olgerts , Andersons Janis , Kalnins Kaspars , Arbelo Mariano A.
Published: December 2017

Applicability of the vibration correlation technique (VCT) for nondestructive evaluation of the axial buckling load is considered. Thin-walled cylindrical shells with and without circular cutouts have been produced by adhesive overlap bonding from a sheet of aluminium alloy. Both mid-surface and bond-line imperfections of initial shell geometry have been characterized by a laser scanner. Vibration response of shells under axial compression has been monitored to experimentally determine the variation of the first eigenfrequency as a function of applied load. It is demonstrated that VCT provides reliable estimate of buckling load when structure has been loaded up to at least 60% of the critical load. This applies to uncut structures where global failure mode is governing collapse of the structure. By contrast, a local buckling in the vicinity of a cutout could not be predicted by VCT means. Nevertheless, it has been demonstrated that certain reinforcement around cutout may enable the global failure mode and corresponding reliability of VCT estimation.
The Effect of Auricular Acupoint Stimulation in Overweight and Obese Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Yeh Tzu-Lin , Chen Hsin-Hao , Pai Tsung-Ping , Liu Shu-Jung , Wu Shang-Liang , Sun Fang-Ju , Hwang Lee-Ching
Published: December 2017

Objective. To investigate the effect of auricular acupoint stimulation on overweight and obese adults. Methods. We searched databases including PubMed, EMBASE, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, National Knowledge Infrastructure, and the PerioPath Index to Taiwan Periodical Literature. The modified Jadad scale was used to assess study quality. We investigated the effect of auricular acupoint stimulation on anthropometric measurements. Results. Eighteen randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included in our systematic review. Thirteen RCTs were pooled in a meta‐analysis that revealed a significant reduction in body weight (BW) with a mean difference (MD) of −1.21 kg and a 95% confidence interval (CI) from −1.94 to −0.47 with a heterogeneity of I2 = 88%. Significant decreases in body mass index (BMI; MD: −0.57 kg/m2; 95% CI −0.82 to −0.33; I2 = 78%), body fat (BF; MD: −0.83%; 95% CI −1.43 to −0.24; I2 = 0%), and waist circumference (WC; MD: −1.75 cm; 95% CI −2.95 to −0.55; I2 = 87%) were also revealed. Conclusions. This meta‐analysis shows that auricular acupoint stimulation improves physical anthropometric parameters including BW, BMI, BF, and WC in overweight and obese adults. These methods are less effective on hip circumference and waist‐to‐hip ratio.
Experimentally Induced Bleaching in the Sea Anemone Exaiptasia Supports Glucose as a Main Metabolite Associated with Its Symbiosis
Authors: Molina Víctor Hugo , Castillo-Medina Raúl Eduardo , Thomé Patricia Elena
Published: December 2017

Our current understanding of carbon exchange between partners in the Symbiodinium-cnidarian symbioses is still limited, even though studies employing carbon isotopes have made us aware of the metabolic complexity of this exchange. We examined glycerol and glucose metabolism to better understand how photosynthates are exchanged between host and symbiont. The levels of these metabolites were compared between symbiotic and bleached Exaiptasia pallida anemones, assaying enzymes directly involved in their metabolism. We measured a significant decrease of glucose levels in bleached animals but a significant increase in glycerol and G3P pools, suggesting that bleached animals degrade lipids to compensate for the loss of symbionts and seem to rely on symbiotic glucose. The lower glycerol 3-phosphate dehydrogenase but higher glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase specific activities measured in bleached animals agree with a metabolic deficit mainly due to the loss of glucose from the ruptured symbiosis. These results corroborate previous observations on carbon translocation from symbiont to host in the sea anemone Exaiptasia, where glucose was proposed as a main translocated metabolite. To better understand photosynthate translocation and its regulation, additional research with other symbiotic cnidarians is needed, in particular, those with calcium carbonate skeletons.
Tooth Fracture Detection in Spiral Bevel Gears System by Harmonic Response Based on Finite Element Method
Authors: Chen Yuan , Zhu Rupeng , Jin Guanghu , Xiong Yeping
Published: December 2017

Spiral bevel gears occupy several advantages such as high contact ratio, strong carrying capacity, and smooth operation, which become one of the most widely used components in high-speed stage of the aeronautical transmission system. Its dynamic characteristics are addressed by many scholars. However, spiral bevel gears, especially tooth fracture occurrence and monitoring, are not to be investigated, according to the limited published issues. Therefore, this paper establishes a three-dimensional model and finite element model of the Gleason spiral bevel gear pair. The model considers the effect of tooth root fracture on the system due to fatigue. Finite element method is used to compute the mesh generation, set the boundary condition, and carry out the dynamic load. The harmonic response spectra of the base under tooth fracture are calculated and the influence of main parameters on monitoring failure is investigated as well. The results show that the change of torque affects insignificantly the determination of whether or not the system has tooth fracture. The intermediate frequency interval (200 Hz–1000 Hz) is the best interval to judge tooth fracture occurrence. The best fault test region is located in the working area where the system is going through meshing. The simulation calculation provides a theoretical reference for spiral bevel gear system test and fault diagnosis.
Vitamin D Receptor Gene Polymorphisms Influence T1D Susceptibility among Pakistanis
Authors: Mukhtar Maryam , Batool Andleeb , Wajid Abdul , Qayyum Iram
Published: December 2017

Background. The vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene regulates insulin secretion from the pancreas and acts as a mediator of the immune response through vitamin D. Polymorphism in VDR causes alterations in the functioning of vitamin D, leading to type 1 diabetes (T1D) predisposition. The aim of the present study was to determine VDR gene polymorphism in association with T1D in Pakistanis. Methods. The association was evaluated by selecting rs2228570 (FokΙ), rs7975232 (ApaΙ), and rs731236 (TaqΙ) polymorphic sites in 102 patients and 100 controls. Genotypes were identified by DNA sequencing and PCR-RFLP. Results. The allelic and genotypic frequencies of FokΙ and ApaI were significantly associated with T1D (p<0.001) development. At the FokΙ site, tryptophan was replaced with arginine due to polymorphism. A novel SNP (GeneBank acc number KT280406) was identified through the sequencing of intron 8, 62 bp downstream from the ApaI polymorphic site, and significantly associated with T1D development. The TaqΙ did not depict any association with T1D at the allelic or genotypic level (p>0.05). CCGC, CCGG, CCTC, and CCTG haplotypes were significantly associated with disease development (p<0.05). However, CTGG haplotype was protective towards T1D (p<0.01). Conclusion. VDR polymorphisms were identified as susceptible regions for T1D development in the Pakistani population.
Prevalence of Middle Ear Infections and Associated Risk Factors in Children under 5 Years in Gasabo District of Kigali City, Rwanda
Authors: Mukara Kaitesi Batamuliza , Lilford Richard J. , Tucci Debara Lyn , Waiswa Peter
Published: December 2017

Middle ear infections are common in children, and delay in diagnosis and treatment may result in complications such as delays in speech and language development and deafness. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and care seeking behaviour for middle ear infections in children under five years in Kigali city. We conducted a cross-sectional study among 810 children aged 6–59 months in Gasabo district of Kigali city, Rwanda. The prevalence of middle ear infections was 5.8%, of whom 4% had chronic suppurative otitis media. A child was less likely to develop middle ear infections if they lived in an urban setting (OR = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.285–0.958) but more likely to develop middle ear infections if exposed to household smoke (OR = 2.54, 95% CI: 1.18–5.46). Parents were unlikely to know that their child had an ear infection (OR: 0.15, 95% CI: 0.06–0.34). Middle ear infection remains a public health problem in Rwanda but many parents were not aware of its presence in the affected children. There is a need to raise awareness of parents about ear infection and to promote early care seeking from qualified health workers.
Regulation of Ghrelin Receptor by Periodontal Bacteria In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Nokhbehsaim Marjan , Damanaki Anna , Nogueira Andressa Vilas Boas , Eick Sigrun , Memmert Svenja , Zhou Xiaoyan , Nanayakkara Shanika , Götz Werner , Cirelli Joni Augusto , Jäger Andreas , Deschner James
Published: December 2017

Ghrelin plays a major role in obesity-related diseases which have been shown to be associated with periodontitis. This study sought to analyze the expression of the functional receptor for ghrelin (GHS-R1a) in periodontal cells and tissues under microbial conditions in vitro and in vivo. The GHS-R1a expression in human periodontal cells challenged with the periodontopathogen Fusobacterium nucleatum, in gingival biopsies from periodontally healthy and diseased individuals, and from rats with and without ligature-induced periodontitis was analyzed by real-time PCR, immunocytochemistry, and immunofluorescence. F. nucleatum induced an initial upregulation and subsequent downregulation of GHS-R1a in periodontal cells. In rat experimental periodontitis, the GHS-R1a expression at periodontitis sites was increased during the early stage of periodontitis, but significantly reduced afterwards, when compared with healthy sites. In human gingival biopsies, periodontally diseased sites showed a significantly lower GHS-R1a expression than the healthy sites. The expression of the functional ghrelin receptor in periodontal cells and tissues is modulated by periodontal bacteria. Due to the downregulation of the functional ghrelin receptor by long-term exposure to periodontal bacteria, the anti-inflammatory actions of ghrelin may be diminished in chronic periodontal infections, which could lead to an enhanced periodontal inflammation and tissue destruction.
Stabilization and Synchronization of Memristive Chaotic Circuits by Impulsive Control
Authors: Zou Limin , Peng Yang , Feng Yuming , Tu Zhengwen
Published: December 2017

The purpose of this note is to study impulsive control and synchronization of memristor based chaotic circuits shown by Muthuswamy. We first establish a less conservative sufficient condition for the stability of memristor based chaotic circuits. After that, we discuss the effect of errors on stability. Meanwhile, we also discuss impulsive synchronization of two memristor based chaotic systems. Our results are more general and more applicable than the ones shown by Yang, Li, and Huang. Finally, several numerical examples are given to show the effectiveness of our methods.
A Visibility Graph Approach to CNY Exchange Rate Networks and Characteristic Analysis
Authors: Yao Can-Zhong , Lin Ji-Nan
Published: December 2017

We find that exchange rate networks are significantly similar from the perspective of topological structure, though with relatively great differences in fluctuation characteristics from perspective of exchange rate time series. First, we transform central parity rate time series of US dollar, Euro, Yen, and Sterling against CNY into exchange rate networks with visibility graph algorithm and find consistent topological characteristics in four exchange rate networks, with their average path lengths 5 and average clustering coefficients 0.7. Further, we reveal that all four transformed exchange rate networks show hierarchical structure and small-world and scale-free properties, with their hierarchy indexes 0.5 and power exponents 1.5. Both of the US dollar network and Sterling network exhibit assortative mixing features, while the Euro network and Yen network exhibit disassortative mixing features. Finally, we research community structure of exchange rate networks and uncover the fact that the communities are actually composed by large amounts of continuous time point fractions and small amounts of discrete time point fractions. In this way, we can observe that the spread of time series values corresponding to nodes inside communities is significantly lower than the spread of those values corresponding to nodes of the whole networks.
Adherence to Mediterranean Diet Pattern among Spanish Adults Attending a Medical Centre: Nondiabetic Subjects and Type 1 and 2 Diabetic Patients
Authors: Vidal-Peracho Concepción , Tricás-Moreno José Miguel , Lucha-López Ana Carmen , Lucha-López Maria Orosia , Camuñas-Pescador Ana Cristina , Caverni-Muñoz Alberto , Fanlo-Mazas Pablo
Published: December 2017

Objective. To identify adherence to Mediterranean diet among two groups of Spanish adults: diabetic patients and nondiabetic subjects.Methods. Adherence to Mediterranean diet was measured by a 14-item screener (scale: 0–14; ≤5: low, 6–9: moderate, and ≥10: high) in 351 volunteers.Results. Mean age was 50.97 ± 12.58 in nondiabetics (n=154) and 59.50 ± 13.34 in diabetics (n=197). The whole sample scored 8.77 ± 1.82. Score was 9.19 ± 1.84 in nondiabetic females (n=58) and 8.15 ± 1.79 in diabetic females (n=85) (p=0.003), due to lower consumption of olive oil (p=0.005) and nuts (p=0.000). Type 2 diabetic males (n=79; 8.76 ± 1.88) consumed less olive oil than healthy males (n=28; 9.36 ± 1.59) (p=0.046). Up to 30-year-old nondiabetics scored lower than more than 60-year-old nondiabetics (8.40 ± 1.5 versus 9.74 ± 2.03;p=0.047). The youngest ate less olive oil (p=0.002) and more pastries (p=0.007).Conclusions. The sample presented moderate adherence to Mediterranean diet in all subgroups. Scientific evidence about the benefits of Mediterranean diet, olive oil, and nuts supports the recommendation to increase consumption of olive oil and nuts in diabetic women and of daily olive oil in type 2 diabetic men, reducing consumption of red meat, butter, and pastries, and to promote Mediterranean diet among the youngest of the sample studied.
Candida albicansOsteomyelitis Pubis: The Possible Pathogenic Role of Pelvic Irradiation
Authors: Iacuzzo Cristiana , Monticelli Jacopo
Published: December 2017

Radiation to the pelvis, mainly directed against either prostatic or gynecologic cancers, is burdened by a lot of complications. The genitourinary tract is most frequently involved, presenting with bladder irritation, incontinence, and fertility disorders. However, side effects of radiation can also affect the bone, usually causing an osteolytic process which deteriorates the bone structure and leads to fractures, avascular necrosis, and other pathological insults. Here, we describe a case ofCandida albicansosteomyelitis of the pubic symphysis as late complication of pelvic radiotherapy performed against prostate cancer.
Wireless Interconnect in Multilayer Chip-Area-Networks for Future Multimaterial High-Speed Systems Design
Authors: John Famoriji Oluwole , Yan Xu , Khan Mehdi , Kashif Rao , Fadamiro Akinwale , Ali Md Sadek , Lin Fujiang
Published: December 2017

Wireless chip area network which enables wireless communication among chips fosters development in wireless communication and it is envisioned that future hardware system and developmental functionality will require multimaterial. However, the traditional system architecture is limited by channel bandwidth-limited interfaces, throughput, delay, and power consumption and as a result limits the efficiency and system performance. Wireless interconnect has been proposed to overcome scalability and performance limitations of multihop wired architectures. Characterization and modeling of channel become more important for specification of choice of modulation or demodulation techniques, channel bandwidths, and other mitigation techniques for channel distortion and interference such as equalization. This paper presents an analytical channel model for characterization, modeling, and analysis of wireless chip-to-chip or interchip interconnects in wireless chip area network with a particular focus on large-scale analysis. The proposed model accounts for both static and dynamic channel losses/attenuation in high-speed systems. Simulation and evaluation of the model with experimental data conducted in a computer desktop casing depict that proposed model matched measurement data very closely. The transmission of EM waves via a medium introduces molecular absorption due to various molecules within the material substance. This model is a representative of channel loss profile in wireless chip-area-network communication and good for future electronic circuits and high-speed systems design.
Covering the Monitoring Network: A Unified Framework to Protect E-Commerce Security
Authors: Qiu Lirong , Li Jie
Published: December 2017

Multimedia applications in smart electronic commerce (e-commerce), such as online trading and Internet marketing, always face security in storage and transmission of digital images and videos. This study addresses the problem of security in e-commerce and proposes a unified framework to analyze the security data. First, to allocate the definite security resources optimally, we build our e-commerce monitoring model as an undirected network, where a monitored node is a vertex of the graph and a connection between vertices is an undirected edge. Moreover, we aim to find a minimal cover for the monitoring network as the optimal solution of resource allocation, which is defined as the network monitoring minimization problem (NMM). This problem is proved to be NP-hard. Second, by analyzing the latent threats, we design a novel and trusted monitoring system that can integrate incident monitoring, data analysis, risk assessment, and security warnings. This system does not touch users’ privacy data. Third, we propose a sequential model-based risk assessment method, which can predict the risk according to the text semantics. Our experimental results on web scale data demonstrate that our system is flexible enough when monitoring, which also verify the effectiveness and efficiency of our system.
Influence of Different ECM-Like Hydrogels on Neurite Outgrowth Induced by Adipose Tissue-Derived Stem Cells
Authors: Oliveira E. , Assunção-Silva R. C. , Ziv-Polat O. , Gomes E. D. , Teixeira F. G. , Silva N. A. , Shahar A. , Salgado A. J.
Published: December 2017

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been proposed for spinal cord injury (SCI) applications due to their capacity to secrete growth factors and vesicles—secretome—that impacts important phenomena in SCI regeneration. To improve MSC survival into SCI sites, hydrogels have been used as transplantation vehicles. Herein, we hypothesized if different hydrogels could interact differently with adipose tissue-derived MSCs (ASCs). The efficacy of three natural hydrogels, gellan gum (functionalized with a fibronectin peptide), collagen, and a hydrogel rich in laminin epitopes (NVR-gel) in promoting neuritogenesis (alone and cocultured with ASCs), was evaluated in the present study. Their impact on ASC survival, metabolic activity, and gene expression was also evaluated. Our results indicated that all hydrogels supported ASC survival and viability, being this more evident for the functionalized GG hydrogels. Moreover, the presence of different ECM-derived biological cues within the hydrogels appears to differently affect the mRNA levels of growth factors involved in neuronal survival, differentiation, and axonal outgrowth. All the hydrogel-based systems supported axonal growth mediated by ASCs, but this effect was more robust in functionalized GG. The data herein presented highlights the importance of biological cues within hydrogel-based biomaterials as possible modulators of ASC secretome and its effects for SCI applications.
Applying Softcomputing for Copper Recovery in Leaching Process
Authors: Leiva Claudio , Flores Víctor , Salgado Felipe , Poblete Diego , Acuña Claudio
Published: December 2017

The mining industry of the last few decades recognizes that it is more profitable to simulate model using historical data and available mining process knowledge rather than draw conclusions regarding future mine exploitation based on certain conditions. The variability of the composition of copper leach piles makes it unlikely to obtain high precision simulations using traditional statistical methods; however the same data collection favors the use of softcomputing techniques to enhance the accuracy of copper recovery via leaching by way of prediction models. In this paper, a predictive modeling contrasting is made; a linear model, a quadratic model, a cubic model, and a model based on the use of an artificial neural network (ANN) are presented. The model entries were obtained from operation data and data of piloting in columns. The ANN was constructed with 9 input variables, 6 hidden layers, and a neuron in the output layer corresponding to copper leaching prediction. The validation of the models was performed with real information and these results were used by a mining company in northern Chile to improve copper mining processes.
Domestic Violence among Pregnant Mothers in Northwest Ethiopia: Prevalence and Associated Factors
Authors: Bifftu Berhanu Boru , Dachew Berihun Assefa , Tadesse Tiruneh Bewket , Zewoldie Abarham Zeleke
Published: December 2017

Background. Domestic violence against women is a serious public health concern and human rights violation among pregnant mothers because of its negative effect on the life of both the mother and the fetus. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of domestic violence and associated factors among pregnant women. Methods. An institution based quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted among 418 women using a systematic random sampling technique. Binary logistic regression analysis and adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval were used to identify the associated factors. Results. Overall, the prevalence of domestic violence was found to be 25.4%. Of this, the prevalence of psychological, physical, and sexual violence was 24.5%, 8.1%, and 2.4%, respectively. Low educational status (AOR = 4.59, CI: 1.496, 14.070), rural residency (AOR = 5.53, CI: 2.311, 13.249), unplanned pregnancy (AOR = 4.34, CI: 2.345, 8.020), and late initiation of antenatal care (AOR = 5.41, CI: 1.493, 19.696) were factors associated with domestic violence at p value < 0.05. Conclusion. Overall, more than quarter of the study participants had experienced domestic violence. Lower educational status, rural residency, unplanned pregnancy, and late initiation of antenatal care were factors associated with domestic violence. Thus, the authors suggest strengthening provision of women’s reproductive health information.
Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors Associated with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Wang Nan , Kong Rui , Luo Hui , Xu Xiaorong , Lu Jie
Published: December 2017

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is rapidly becoming a major cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. Concurrent to an increase in NAFLD prevalence, there is an increase in the obesity epidemic and the correlated insulin-resistant state. It is a challenge to diagnose NAFLD because many patients are asymptomatic until the later stages of disease. The most common symptoms include fatigue, malaise, and discomfort in the right upper quadrant. The major and most accurate tool to clinically diagnose NAFLD is a liver biopsy, followed by histological analysis. However, this procedure is invasive and often carries a high risk of complications. Currently, there are no officially approved medications for the treatment of NAFLD. Although lifestyle modifications with proper diet and exercise have been shown to be beneficial, this has been difficult to achieve and sustain for many patients. Effective pharmacological treatments are still lacking; therefore, additional research to identify novel drugs is clearly warranted. PPARs are promising drug targets for the management of NAFLD and its related conditions of type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. In this review, we provide an overview of recent studies on the association of PPARs and NAFLD.
Wireless Communications in Smart Rail Transportation Systems
Authors: Briso-Rodríguez César , Guan Ke , Xuefeng Yin , Kürner Thomas
Published: December 2017

Railway, subway, airplane, and other transportation systems have drawn an increasing interest on the use of wireless communications for critical and noncritical services to improve performance, reliability, and passengers experience. Smart transportation systems require the use of critical communications for operation and control, and wideband services can be provided using noncritical communications. High speed train (HST) is one of the best test cases for the analysis of communication links and specification of the general requirements for train control and supervision, passenger communications, and onboard and infrastructure wireless sensors. In this paper, we analyze in detail critical and noncritical networks mainly using the HST as a test case. First, the different types of links for smart rail transportation are described, specifying the main requirements of the transportation systems, communications, and their applications for different services. Then, we propose a network architecture and requirements of the communication technologies for critical and noncritical data. Finally, an analysis is made for the future technologies, including the fifth-generation (5G) communications, millimeter wave (mmWave), terahertz (THz), and satellites for critical and high-capacity communications in transportation.