bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling of Brain-Like Concept Coding with Adulthood Neurogenesis in the Dentate Gyrus
Authors: Wang Ye , Gao Yan , Deng Yaling , Yang Lei
Published: November 2019

Mammalian brains respond to new concepts via a type of neural coding termed “concept coding.” During concept coding, the dentate gyrus (DG) plays a vital role in pattern separation and pattern integration of concepts because it is a brain region with substantial neurogenesis in adult mammals. Although concept coding properties of the brain have been extensively studied by experimental work, modeling of the process to guide both further experimental studies and applications such as natural language processing is scarce. To model brain-like concept coding, we built a spiking neural network inspired by adulthood neurogenesis in the DG. Our model suggests that neurogenesis may facilitate integration of closely related concepts and separation of less relevant concepts. Such pattern agrees with the previous experimental observations in classification tasks and place cells in the hippocampus. Therefore, our simulation provides insight for future experimental studies on the neural coding difference between perception and cognition. By presenting 14 contexts each containing 4 concepts to the network, we found that neural responses of the DG changed dynamically as the context repetition time increased and were eventually consistent with the category organization of humans. Thus, our work provides a new framework of word representation for the construction of brain-like knowledge map.
Reactions of Microorganisms with Atomic Oxygen Radical Anions: Damage of Cells and Irreversible Inactivation
Authors: Li Longchun , Wu Fan , Chen Yu , Xu Lei , Hao Xiaochang , Chen Yonghuan , Sun Yixiang , Xiong Guoyin
Published: November 2019

Reactive oxygen species play important effects on organisms not onlyin vivobut alsoin vitro. The atomic oxygen radical anion (O-) has shown extremely high oxidation and reactivity towards small molecules of hydrocarbons. However, the O-effects on cells of microorganisms are scarcely investigated. This work showed the evidence that O-could react quickly with microorganisms (Escherichia coli,Bacillus subtilis,Staphylococcus aureus,Aspergillus niger,Saccharomyces cerevisiae, andActinomycetes(5046)) and damaged the cell walls seriously as well as their intrinsic structures, arising a fast and irreversible inactivation. SEM and TEM micrographs were used to reveal the structure changes of cells before and after reacting with O-radicals. The inactivation efficiencies of the microorganisms depended on the O-intensity, the initial population of microorganisms, the exposed area, the environment, and the microorganisms’ types. Over 99% reduction of an initial1.0×107colony-forming unit (cfu),E. colipopulation only required less than 2 minutes while exposed to a 0.23 μA/cm2O-flux under dry argon atmosphere (30°C, 1 atm). The observation of anionic intermediates (CO-, CO2-, H2O-, and anionic hydrocarbons) by time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometry and the neutral volatile products (CO, CO2, and H2O) by quadrupole mass spectrometry (Q-MS) provided an evidence of the reactions of O-with hydrocarbon bonds of the microorganisms. The inactivation mechanism of microorganisms induced by O-was discussed.
The Association between Genomic DNA Methylation and Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Zhang Hong-Hong , Han Xingfa , Wang Mengmeng , Hu Qingfang , Li Sicheng , Wang Meng , Hu Ji
Published: November 2019

Aim. DNA methylation is thought to be involved in regulating the expression of key genes and inducing diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). However, clinically, the level of whole-genome DNA methylation and its relationship with DPN remains unclear. Methods. 186 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) admitted to the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University since Jul. 2016 to Oct. 2017 were enrolled in the study, including 100 patients in the DPN group and 86 patients in the non-DPN group, diagnosed with Toronto Clinical Scoring System (TCSS). Clinical and biochemical characteristics between the two groups were compared, and the correlations with TCSS scores were analyzed. Furthermore, the levels of genomic DNA methylation of leukocytes, measured with high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), were also analyzed between the two groups. Results. Age, duration, triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C), creatinine, uric acid (UA), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and C-reactive protein (CRP) were significantly higher in the DPN group. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and the level of genomic DNA methylation were much lower in the DPN group. Spearman correlation analysis showed that TCSS was positively correlated with age, duration, UA, and CRP and was negatively correlated with body mass index (BMI), eGFR, and the level of genomic DNA methylation. Interestingly, multiple stepwise regression analysis showed that only duration, genomic DNA methylation, and eGFR had impacts on TCSS. The results also showed that the levels of genomic DNA methylation did not change significantly whether or not there was renal injury. Another multiple stepwise regression analysis showed that TCSS and BMI were the influencing factors of genomic DNA methylation. Finally, we found that genomic DNA methylation levels were decreased significantly in the DPN group compared with the non-DPN group when the duration is ≥5 years or BMI≥25 kg/m2. Conclusion. Low level of genomic DNA methylation is a relative specific risk factor of diabetic peripheral neuropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Berberine Modulates LPA Function to Inhibit the Proliferation and Inflammation of FLS-RA via p38/ERK MAPK Pathway Mediated by LPA1
Authors: Wang Hui , Tu Shenghao , Yang Sisi , Shen Pan , Huang Yao , Ba Xin , Lin Weiji , Huang Ying , Wang Yu , Qin Kai , Chen Zhe
Published: November 2019

Objective. This study aimed to investigate whether berberine exerted anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative effects on the fibroblast-like synoviocytes of rheumatoid arthritis (FLS-RA) through regulating the lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) function.Methods. Firstly, the expression levels of LPA and lysophosphatidic acid receptor 1 (LPA1) in RA patients, osteoarthritis (OA) patients, and healthy controls were detected. Moreover, molecular docking was employed to characterize the binding sites of berberine in the predicted protein targets. Later, FLS-RA were stimulated using berberine, LPA, and the specific inhibitor (Ki16425) of LPA1,thereafter, the effects on the proliferation, apoptosis, the release of inflammatory mediators of FLS-RA, and the MAPK pathway were observed.Results. Compared with healthy controls (n = 25), the plasma LPA level (n = 28) and synovial fluid (n = 10) were markedly higher in RA patients. LPA1was highly expressed in RA patients (n = 4) relative to that in OA patients (n = 4). Berberine remarkably inhibited the proliferation and the excessive production of IL-6 and TNF-αin FLS-RA, whereas suppressing the expression of K-ras, c-Raf, and p-38/ERK-phosphorylation. In addition, berberine inhibited the LPA-induced p-38/ERK-phosphorylation through binding to LPA1.Conclusions. LPA plays a certain role in promoting the proliferation and inflammation of FLS-RA. Berberine potentially modulates LPA function to suppress the proliferation and inflammation of FLS-RA through blocking the p38/ERK MAPK pathway mediated by LPA1. These findings suggest that, berberine possesses potential lipid-regulating, antiarthritis, and synovial hyperplasia inhibition activities against RA, which may provide a promising therapeutic target for the clinical drug development for RA patients with dyslipidemia and high CVD risk.
Retrocaval Ureter: Report of Two Cases
Authors: Atawurah Henry , Maison Patrick Opoku Manu , Owusu-Ansah Mohammed , Asante-Asamani Alvin
Published: November 2019

Retrocaval ureter (RCU) is a rare congenital anomaly in which the ureter passes posterior to the inferior vena cava (IVC). A little over 200 cases have been reported worldwide since Hochstetter’s first report in 1893. We present two cases of retrocaval ureter which were successfully managed at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital in Ghana. Case 1. A 55-year-old woman presented with a history of dull right flank pain of 2 years duration. Physical examination and basic laboratory investigations performed on her were normal. Abdominal ultrasound showed right hydronephrosis and a retrograde right ureteropyelogram (RPG) showed right hydroureteronephrosis with an “S” shaped proximal ureter. A diagnosis of retrocaval ureter was made and confirmed at surgery. Case 2. A 25-year-old man presented with dull intermittent right flank pain of 1 year duration. Clinical examination and laboratory investigation were normal. Abdominal ultrasound showed right hydronephrosis and a CT urogram made a diagnosis of retrocaval ureter which was confirmed at surgery. Conclusion. Retrocaval ureter is a rare congenital anomaly that is now increasingly being reported. Surgical treatment of symptomatic cases successfully relieves symptoms.
Rapid and Sensitive Determination of Methylxanthines in Commercial Brands of Tea Using Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Aqel Ahmad , Almulla Ahmed , Al-Rifai Asma’a , Wabaidur Saikh M. , ALOthman Zeid A. , Badjah-Hadj-Ahmed Ahmed-Yacine
Published: November 2019

Recently, chromatographic techniques have the potential to be greener in order to reduce the environmental impact. In this work, a new simple, sensitive, efficient, and green analytical method based on UHPLC-MS has been developed for a quick determination of methylxanthines including caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline in tea. Under the optimum conditions, a baseline separation has been achieved within 30 seconds, using isocratic elution consisting of 90% water and only 10% acetonitrile at 0.5 mL/min flow rate (3 mL acetonitrile per hour). The mass spectrometer was operated with the SIR mode in ESI+. The developed method was found to be linear in the range of 0.03–5 μg/mL, with correlation coefficients greater than 0.9995 for the three compounds. The respective values of LOD were found to be 0.025, 0.015, and 0.01 μg/mL for caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline, respectively. The proposed assay was applied to 30 commercial tea samples of different brands. Both caffeine and theobromine were found in all tea samples with maximum concentration in sample no. 15, corresponding to 32.6 and 2.72 mg/g of caffeine and theobromine, respectively. On the contrary, theophylline was not detected at all in most samples. When compared with all previous studies that dealt with the same compounds in different matrices, the developed method was found to be the fastest, allowing high-throughput analyses with more than 100 samples/h. The results prove that the method is suitable for routine analysis of methylxanthines and to distinguish the quality of tea samples of various brands.
Sign‐Consensus of Linear Multiagent Systems under a State Observer Protocol
Authors: Diao Wei-Lu , Ma Cui-Qin
Published: November 2019

The sign‐consensus problem for linear time‐invariant systems under signed digraph is considered. The information of the agents’ states is reconstructed, and then, a state observer‐type sign‐consensus protocol is proposed, whose performance is analyzed using matrix analysis and ordinary differential equation theory. Sufficient conditions for ensuring sign‐consensus are given. It is proven that if the adjacency matrix of the signed digraph has strong Perron–Frobenius property or is eventually positive, sign‐consensus can be achieved under the proposed protocol. In particular, conventional consensus is a special case of sign‐consensus under mild conditions.
Fabrication of Mn2+-Doped Hollow Mesoporous Aluminosilica Nanoparticles for Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Drug Delivery for Therapy of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Lu Yue , Zhao Shirui , Zhang Xin-an
Published: November 2019

A novel Mn2+-doped hollow Mn-HMAS aluminosilica (Mn-HMAS) nanoparticle for simultaneous T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging and drug delivery was reported. The magnetic resonance tests showed that the Mn-HMAS nanoparticles display an excellent T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging effect with a high T1 relaxivity (r1) of 8.8 mM-1S-1. The MTT assays showed that the Mn-HMAS-DOX nanoparticles possess a better tumour cell inhibition effect than DOX. In addition, the Mn-HMAS nanoparticles also exhibit good stability and noncytotoxicity. These results demonstrated that the Mn-HMAS nanoparticles can be applied for the loading and delivery of various drugs in medicine.
Spectral Reflectance Recovery from Tristimulus Values under Multi-Illuminants
Authors: Wu Guangyuan , Qian Linyong , Hu Guichun , Li Xiaozhou
Published: November 2019

An efficient procedure for recovering spectral reflectance using an object’s tristimulus values under multi-illuminants is proposed by adapting with the characteristics of the testing sample to obtain the transformation matrix of pseudoinverse. Specifically, we propose the reference illuminants selection strategy and local sample weighted strategy to obtain the optimal transformation matrix under multi-illuminants condition. Selecting the reference illuminants are based on the result of the spectral angle mapper (SAM) statistics. The number of the selected local training samples and the weighted local samples can be determined by using the multicolor space Euclidean distance. To compare the experimental results, the proposed method significantly increases the spectral and colorimetric accuracy for the spectral reflectance recovery process.
Mechanical Response and Parametric Sensitivity Analyses of a Drainage Pipe under Multiphysical Coupling Conditions
Authors: Li Bin , Fang Hongyuan , Yang Kangjian , He Hang , Tan Peiling , Wang Fuming
Published: November 2019

Current research was not dedicated to investigate the mechanical behavior of a concrete drainage pipe under multiphysical coupling conditions of overburden pressure, traffic loads, groundwater, and pipe fluids. This study proposes a new numerical solution method for coupled stress, seepage, and flow fields based on a validated finite element model. The model was developed by ABAQUS and FLUENT and then solved simultaneously using the MpCCI (mesh‐based parallel‐code coupling interface) platform. Results show that the tensile stress at the springline and the radial displacement at the crown (or invert) of the bell under the effect of groundwater alone were reduced by 50.5% and 38.1%, respectively, compared to the effect of traffic load alone. Parametric analyses show that vehicle speed and fluid height have a slight impact on the pipes. The soil cover depth, wheel pressure, and gasket strength are directly proportional to the pipe stress and vertical displacement. Within the scope of their respective changes, the pipe stresses were increased by 34.4%, 36.7%, and 28.5%, and the vertical displacements were increased by 124%, 95.85%, and 87.7%. The bedding and backfill strengths are proportional to the pipe stress and inversely proportional to the vertical displacement. Within the scope of their respective changes, the pipe stresses were increased by 18.2% and 20.0%, and the vertical displacements were decreased by 11.4% and 10.4%. Sensitivity analyses show that soil cover depth has a greatest impact on the pipe, followed by traffic load.
The Underpinnings of Ageism: Multiple Mediational Model of Epistemological Style, Social Dominance Orientation, Right-Wing Authoritarianism, and Ageist Attitudes
Authors: Henry Richard S. , Perrin Paul B. , Smith Erin R.
Published: November 2019

This study seeks to understand the psychological factors that may contribute to the development and endorsement of ageist belief systems. Dual process theory is used to examine how one’s worldview, beliefs in social hierarchy, authoritarian aggression, authoritarian submission, and conventionalism predict ageist attitudes. Participants living in the United States (n = 407) in 49 states and territories were recruited through this online national study and completed surveys of their ageist beliefs, epistemological style, social dominance orientation (SDO), and right-wing authoritarianism (RWA). RWA, SDO, and naïve realism were all positively associated with ageist beliefs. A hypothesized path model and two alternative models suggested the retention of a model whereby naïve realism led to RWA, which led to SDO, and finally to ageism. All possible direct and indirect effects were significant within the retained model, suggesting the presence of a multiple mediation. The fit of this model was superior to that of models testing alternative theoretical causal chains. Naïve realism may lead to authoritarian aggression, authoritarian submission, and conventionalism, which may then increase the value that people place on social hierarchies, and this may influence the development and retention of ageist beliefs. Helping people to understand what their basic beliefs about the world are and how they may play a role in the development of ageism may assist in reducing ageist attitudes.
Application of Natural Transform Method to Fractional Pantograph Delay Differential Equations
Authors: Valizadeh M. , Mahmoudi Y. , Dastmalchi Saei F.
Published: November 2019

In this paper, a new method based on combination of the natural transform method (NTM), Adomian decomposition method (ADM), and coefficient perturbation method (CPM) which is called “perturbed decomposition natural transform method” (PDNTM) is implemented for solving fractional pantograph delay differential equations with nonconstant coefficients. The fractional derivative is regarded in Caputo sense. Numerical evaluations are included to demonstrate the validity and applicability of this technique.
Complementary Embryonic and Adult Cell Populations Enhance Myocardial Repair in Rat Myocardial Injury Model
Authors: Li Calzi Sergio , Cook Todd , Della Rocca Domenico G. , Zhang Juan , Shenoy Vinayak , Yan Yuanqing , Espejo Andrew , Rathinasabapathy Anandharajan , Jacobsen Max H. , Salazar Tatiana , Sandusky George E. , Shaw Lynn C. , March Keith , Raizada Mohan K. , Pepine Carl J. , Katovich Michael J. , Grant Maria B.
Published: November 2019

We compared the functional outcome of Isl-1+ cardiac progenitors, CD90+ bone marrow-derived progenitor cells, and the combination of the two in a rat myocardial infarction (MI) model. Isl-1+ cells were isolated from embryonic day 12.5 (E12.5) rat hearts and expanded in vitro. Thy-1+/CD90+ cells were isolated from the bone marrow of adult Sprague-Dawley rats by immunomagnetic cell sorting. Six-week-old female Sprague-Dawley rats underwent permanent left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery ligation and received intramyocardial injection of either saline, Isl-1+ cells, CD90+ cells, or a combination of Isl-1+ and CD90+ cells, at the time of infarction. Cells were delivered transepicardially to the peri-infarct zone. Left ventricular function was assessed by transthoracic echocardiography at 1- and 4-week post-MI and by Millar catheterization (-dP/dt and +dP/dt) at 4-week post-MI. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (Isl-1+cells) and monochrystalline iron oxide nanoparticles labeling (MION; CD90+ cells) were performed to assess biodistribution of transplanted cells. Only the combination of cells demonstrated a significant improvement of cardiac function as assessed by anterior wall contractility, dP/dt (max), and dP/dt (min), compared to Isl-1+ or CD90+ cell monotherapies. In the combination cell group, viable cells were detected at week 4 when anterior wall motion was completely restored. In conclusion, the combination of Isl-1+ cardiac progenitors and adult bone marrow-derived CD90+ cells shows prolonged and robust myocardial tissue repair and provides support for the use of complementary cell populations to enhance myocardial repair.
Usefulness of 3-Dimensional Flexible Endoscopy in Esophageal Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection in an Ex Vivo Animal Model
Authors: Higuchi Kazutoshi , Kaise Mitsuru , Noda Hiroto , Ikeda Go , Akimoto Teppei , Yamawaki Hiroshi , Goto Osamu , Ueki Nobue , Futagami Seiji , Iwakiri Katsuhiko
Published: November 2019

Background and Aims. Three-dimensional (3D) rigid endoscopy has been clinically introduced in surgical fields to enable safer and more accurate procedures. To explore the feasibility of 3D flexible endoscopy, we conducted a study comparing 2-dimensional (2D) and 3D visions for the performance of esophageal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). Methods. Six endoscopists (3 experts and 3 trainees) performed ESD of target lesions in isolated porcine esophagus using a prototype 3D flexible endoscope under 2D or 3D vision. Study endpoints were procedure time, speed of mucosal incision and submucosal dissection, number of technical adverse events (perforation, muscle layer damage, and sample damage), and degree of sense of security, fatigue, and eye strain. Results. Procedure time and speed of mucosal incision/submucosal dissection were equivalent for 2D and 3D visions in both experts and trainees. The number of technical adverse events using 2D vision (mean [standard deviation], 3.5 [4.09]) tended to be higher than that using 3D vision in trainees (1.33 [2.80]; P=.06). In experts, 2D and 3D visions were equivalent. The degree of sense of security using 3D vision (3.67 [0.82]) was significantly higher than that using 2D vision (2.67 [0.52]) in trainees (P=.04), but was equivalent in experts. The degree of eye strain using 3D vision (3.00 [0.00]) was significantly higher than that using 2D vision (2.17 [0.41]) in trainees, but was equivalent in experts. Conclusions. 3D vision improves the sense of security during ESD and may reduce technical errors, especially in trainees, indicating the feasibility of a clinical trial of ESD under 3D vision.
Physicochemical and Functional Properties of Chemically Pretreated Ndou Sweet Potato Flour
Authors: Ngoma Khuthadzo , Mashau Mpho E. , Silungwe Henry
Published: November 2019

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas Lam) is a nutritious crop abundant in calories and bioactive compounds such as beta-carotene, ascorbic acid, polyphenols, and dietary fibre. This study investigated the effect of pretreatments on the physicochemical and functional properties of Ndou sweet potato (NSP) flour. Flour samples were prepared by randomly assigning NSP slices to two treatments (citric acid and sodium metabisulphite) at 5, 10, and 15 g/L concentration for 10 min. Distilled water was used as control. The moisture content (7.70%) of NSP flour treated with citric acid was significantly (p<0.05) higher than that of the flour treated with sodium metabisulphite (5.54%) as the concentration level increased. The treatments did not significantly (p<0.05) affect the protein and fat contents of the NSP flour and protein increased from 2.54 to 2.82%, while fat decreased from 0.69 to 0.61%. Sodium metabisulphite treated samples had a higher L∗ value, ash, and pH level than citric acid treated samples. However, pH was slightly decreased by both treatments from 6.05 to 5.09. Citric acid treated samples had higher a∗ and b∗ values than sodium metabisulphite treated samples. In terms of the functional properties of NSP flour, the treatments significantly (p<0.05) affected the water absorption capacity, viscosity, swelling power, solubility index, and thermal properties although the bulk density and least gelation concentration were not significantly (p>0.05) affected. Sodium metabisulphite was very effective in improving physicochemical and functional properties of NSP flour as compared to citric acid. The findings of this study show the possibilities of using NSP flour in food systems as gelling agent, fat replacer, and thickeners.
Gonadal and Cortisol Hormone Profile among Male Chronic Khat, Marijuana, and Heroin Abuses
Authors: Yibrah Meseret , Negesso Abebe Edao , Gebregziabher Atsbeha , Challa Feyissa , Mudi Kissi , Tesfay Feven , Gebretsadkan Mehari , Kinde Samuel , Asmelash Daniel
Published: November 2019

Background. Drugs of abuse could interfere with the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, causing impaired functions of the gland and associated functions of target organs. Drugs of abuse tend to cause changes in the endocrine system, and these changes could be physiological, molecular, biochemical, genetic, and cellular. Method. A case-control study design was conducted from a total of 171 male consented study participants (148 drug abusers and 23 controls). The serum gonadal and cortisol hormone levels were assayed using the electrochemiluminescence immunoassay method. Socio-demographic variables were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire by the interview method. Nonparametric statistical tools (Mann–Whitney test and median) were used to compare the groups. In all cases, P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Result. The median age for drug abusers and control groups was 27, and the age difference between drug abusers and control group was not statistically important. The median estradiol levels among chronic khat chewers (39.4 pg/ml), marijuana (44 pg/mL), and users of heroin (40.2 pg/mL) were significantly higher than control groups (23 pg/mL), P<0.003. However, the median luteinizing hormone levels among chronic khat chewers (5 IU/L), marijuana users (5 IU/L), and heroin users (5.6 IU/L) were significantly lower than those of control groups (6.2 IU/L), P<0.02. The median testosterone levels among chronic khat chewers (6.1 ng/mL), marijuana users (6.3 ng/mL), and heroin users (6.6 ng/mL) were significantly lower than control groups (8.0 ng/mL), P<0.003. However, cortisol and follicle stimulating hormone did not show statistically significant difference between users of khat, marijuana, and heroin compared with the control group. Conclusion. The drug abuser group had significantly lower testosterone and luteinizing hormone levels compared with control groups. Drug abuse has been shown to affect gonadal hormones in an unusual physiological phenomenon. These findings reveal the need for intervention programs to solve these problems.
Application of CNN‐LSTM in Gradual Changing Fault Diagnosis of Rod Pumping System
Authors: He Yanfeng , Liu Yali , Shao Shuai , Zhao Xuhang , Liu Guojun , Kong Xiangji , Liu Lu
Published: November 2019

Owing to the importance of rod pumping system fault detection using an indicator diagram, indicator diagram identification has been a challenging task in the computer‐vision field. The gradual changing fault is a special type of fault because it is not clearly indicated in the indicator diagram at the onset of its occurrence and can only be identified when an irreversible damage in the well has been caused. In this paper, we proposed a new method that combines the convolutional neural network (CNN) and long short‐term memory (LSTM) network to perform a gradual changing fault classification. In particular, we employed CNN to extract the indicator diagram multilevel abstraction features based on its hierarchical structure. We considered the change in the time series of indicator diagrams as a sequence and employed LSTM to perform recognition. Compared with traditional mathematical model diagnosis methods, CNN‐LSTM overcame the limitations of the traditional mathematical model theoretical analysis such as unclear assumption conditions and improved the diagnosis accuracy. Finally, 1.3 million sets of well production were set as a training dataset and used to evaluate CNN‐LSTM. The results demonstrated the effectiveness of utilizing CNN and LSTM to recognize a gradual changing fault using the indicator diagram and characteristic parameters. The accuracy reached 98.4%, and the loss was less than 0.9%.
Synthesis and Interface Activity of a Series of Carboxylic Quaternary Ammonium Surfactants in Hydraulic Fracturing
Authors: Dai Shixin , Gong Yufei , Wang Feng , Hu Pan
Published: November 2019

Hydraulic fracturing is an important technology for the development of unconventional resources, while the foam fracturing plays an essential role for the oil recovery in hydraulic fracturing. To further explore the anion effect of quaternary ammonium cationic surfactants on their relative performances, four fatty acid surfactants were prepared (cetyltrimethylammonium acetate (CTAAC), cetyltrimethylammonium butyrate (CTABU), cetyltrimethylammonium hexanoate (CTAHE), and cetyltrimethylammonium caprylate (CTACA)). The effect of anions on surface tension and foaming properties were discussed, and the emulsion stability was also investigated. The experimental results were presented that the CTAAC possesses the highest surface activities compared with other members in the prepared surfactants. The critical micelle concentration (CMC) and surface tension at the CMC (γCMC) increase as increasing methylene segments in the anions, the maximum surface excess concentration (Γmax), and minimum area per molecule (Amin) present an opposite trend with the increase of methylene segments. The CTAAC exhibits the best performances on foamability and foam stability than other synthesized surfactants at 70°C; the initial foam height (H0) and the foam height ratio (R3) at 0 min and 3 min are 34.9 cm and 52.9%, respectively; this is due to the lowest surface tension and shortest methylene segments. In addition, the emulsion stability was shown to follow the order of CTAAC>CTABU>CTAHE>CTACA.
IoT System Integrating Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and LoRa Technology: A Performance Evaluation Study
Authors: Martinez-Caro J.-M. , Cano M.-D.
Published: November 2019

Nowadays, the popularity of the unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is high, and it is expected that, in the next years, the implementation of UAVs in day-to-day service will be even greater. These new implementations make use of novel technologies encompassed under the term Internet of Things (IoT). One example of these technologies is Long-Range (LoRa), classified as a Low-Power Wide-Area Network (LPWAN) with low-cost, low-power consumption, large coverage area, and the possibility of a high number of connected devices. One fundamental part of a proper UAV-based IoT service deployment is performance evaluation. However, there is no standardized methodology for assessing the performance in these scenarios. This article presents a case study of an integrated UAV-LoRa system employed for air-quality monitoring. Each UAV is equipped with a set of sensors to measure several indicators of air pollution. In addition, each UAV also incorporates an embedded LoRa node for communication purposes. Given that mobility is key when evaluating the performance of these types of systems, we study eight different mobility models, focusing on the effect that the number of UAVs and their flying speed have on system performance. Through extensive simulations, performance is evaluated via multiple quality dimensions, encompassing the whole process from data acquisition to user experience. Results show that our performance evaluation methodology allows a complete understanding of the operation, and for this specific case study, the mobility model with the best performance is Pathway because the LoRa nodes are distributed and move orderly throughout the coverage area.
Simultaneous Quantitative Determination of Six Caffeoylquinic Acids in Matricaria chamomilla L. with High-Performance Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Zhao Yifan , Sun Peng , Ma Yue , Wang Kun , Chang Xiaoqiang , Bai Yue , Zhang Dong , Yang Lan
Published: November 2019

A simple and effective method for the simultaneous quantitative analysis of six caffeoylquinic acids (CAs) in Matricaria chamomilla L. (M. chamomilla) using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with diode-array detection (DAD) was established. The chromatographic separation was performed on a Waters XBridge Shield RP C18 column (4.6 mm × 250 mm, 5 μm) with the mobile phase of acetonitrile (0.5% phosphoric acid) and water (0.5% phosphoric acid) using a gradient elution at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min and UV detection at 327 nm. The correlation coefficients of all analytes were 0.999, and the results showed excellent linearity. The lower limits of detection (LLOD) and quantification (LLOQ) of all analytes fall within the range of 0.014∼0.017 μg/mL and 0.068∼0.086 μg/mL, respectively. The extraction recoveries of all analytes fall within the range of 100.74%∼101.55%, with relative standard deviation not exceeding 2.83%. The intraday and interday precisions fall within the range of 0.03%∼0.65% and 0.02%∼0.09%, respectively. This validated method was successfully applied to the investigation of 34 samples of M. chamomilla collected from different geographical areas. The results showed that the established method is appropriate for the analysis of the six CAs in M. chamomilla and helpful for quality assessment of capitula of M. chamomilla (CMC), whole herb of M. chamomilla (WHMC), and related herbal formulas.
Integrated Metabolome and Transcriptome Analysis Uncovers the Role of Anthocyanin Metabolism in Michelia maudiae
Authors: Lang Xiaoan , Li Na , Li Lingfei , Zhang Shouzhou
Published: November 2019

Michelia maudiae Dunn is one of the important ornamental plants in the Magnoliaceae family, and the color of its flowers usually appears naturally pure white. The discovery of a rubellis flower named M. maudiae Dunn var. rubicunda provides an opportunity to reveal the metabolism of the flavonoids and anthocyanins of this “early angiosperm” plant. Combined metabolome and transcriptome analyses were applied using white and rubellis mutant tepals. Seven stages have been divided for flower development, and forty-eight differentially altered metabolites were identified between white and rubellis tepals at a later stage. The major anthocyanins including peonidin O-hexoside, cyanidin O-syringic acid, cyanidin 3,5-O-diglucoside, cyanidin 3-O-glucoside, and pelargonidin 3-O-glucoside were upregulated over 157-fold in the mutant. Conversely, the highly significant accumulation of the colorless procyanidin or the slightly yellow epicatechin and catechin was found in white flowers. Putative homologues of color-related genes involved in the phenylpropanoid and flavonoid biosynthesis pathway were identified in the transcriptome. The increasing expression of dihydroflavonol 4-reductase (DFR) might play an important role in the occurrence of rubellis pigments, while the overexpression of anthocyanidin reductase (ANR) in white flowers may promote the biosynthesis of proanthocyanidins. Additionally, several coloration-related repressor R2R3-MYB transcription factors showed different expression levels in the tepals of the rubellis mutant. This study provides a comprehensive analysis relating color compounds to gene expression profiles of the Magnoliids plant M. maudiae. The newly generated information will provide a profound effect on horticultural applications of Magnoliaceae.
Use of FreeStyle Libre Flash Monitor Register in the Netherlands (FLARE-NL1): Patient Experiences, Satisfaction, and Cost Analysis
Authors: Fokkert M. J. , Damman A. , van Dijk P. R. , Edens M. A. , Abbes S. , Braakman J. , Slingerland R. J. , Dikkeschei L. D. , Dille J. , Bilo H. J. G.
Published: November 2019

In patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), adequate glucose control is of major importance. When treatment schemes become more complicated, proper self-management through intermittent self-measurement of blood glucose (SMBG), among others, becomes crucial in achieving this goal. In the last decade, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) has been on the rise, providing not only intermittent information but also information on continuous glucose trends. The FreeStyle Libre (FSL) Flash CGM system is a CGM system mainly used for patients with DM and is designed based on the same techniques as early CGMs. Compared with earlier CGMs, the FSL is factory calibrated, has no automated readings or direct alarms, and is cheaper to use. Although less accurate compared with the gold standard for SMBG, users report high satisfaction because it is easy to use and can help users monitor glucose trends. The Flash Monitor Register in the Netherlands (FLARE-NL) study aims to assess the effects of FSL Flash CGM use in daily practice. The study has a before-after design, with each participant being his or her own control. Users will be followed for at least 1 year. The endpoints include changes in HbA1c, frequency and severity of hypoglycemias, and quality of life. In addition, the effects of its use on work absenteeism rate, diabetes-related hospital admission rate, and daily functioning (including sports performance) will be studied. Furthermore, cost-benefit analysis based on the combination of registered information within the health insurance data will be investigated. Ultimately, the data gathered in this study will help increase the knowledge and skills of the use of the Flash CGM in daily practice and assess the financial impact on the use of the Flash CGM within the Dutch healthcare system.
Tobacco-Derived Lipopolysaccharide, Not Microbial Translocation, as a Potential Contributor to the Pathogenesis of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Meyer Pieter W. A. , Ally Mahmood M. T. M. , Tikly Mohammed , Tintinger Gregory , Winchow Lai Ling , Steel Helen , Anderson Ronald
Published: November 2019

Microbial lipopolysaccharides (LPS) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), possibly driving a systemic inflammatory response that may trigger the development and/or exacerbation of the disease. To explore the existence of this mechanism in African RA patients, we have measured systemic levels of LPS and its surrogate, LPS-binding protein (LBP), as well as those of intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (I-FABP), pulmonary surfactant protein D (SP-D), and cotinine in serum to identify possible origins of LPS, as well as associations of these biomarkers with rheumatoid factor (RF) and anticitrullinated peptide (aCCP) autoantibodies and the DAS 28-3 clinical disease severity score. A cohort of 40 disease-modifying antirheumatic drug-naïve, black South African RA patients rated by compound disease scores and 20 healthy subjects and 10 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as controls were included in this study. Levels of the various biomarkers and autoantibodies were measured using a combination of ELISA and immunofluorimetric and immunoturbidometric procedures. LPS levels were lowest in the RA group compared to the healthy controls (p=0.026) and COPD patients (p=0.017), while LBP levels were also significantly lower in RA compared to the healthy individuals (p=0.036). Levels of I-FABP and SP-D were comparable between all three groups. Categorisation of RA patients according to tobacco usage revealed the following significant positive correlations: LBP with C-reactive protein (p=0.0137); a trend (p=0.073) towards an association of LBP with the DAS 28-3 disease severity score; RF-IgG antibodies with both LPS and LBP (p=0.033 and p=0.041, respectively); aCCP-IgG antibodies with LPS (p=0.044); and aCCP-IgG with RF-IgM autoantibodies (p=0.0016). The findings of this study, several of them novel, imply that tobacco products, as opposed to microbial translocation, represent a potential source of LPS in this study cohort of RA patients, again underscoring the risks posed by tobacco usage for the development and severity of RA.
Clinico-Epidemiological Profile of Children Orphaned due to AIDS Residing in Care Giving Institutions in Coastal South India
Authors: Thapar Rekha , Singha Meher , Kumar Nithin , Mithra Prasanna , Unnikrishnan Bhaskaran , Holla Ramesh , Kulkarni Vaman , Darshan B. B. , Kumar Avinash
Published: November 2019

Background. HIV/AIDS has a greater impact on children. Besides being orphaned by the untimely demise of one or both parents due to the disease, these children are more prone for discrimination by the society.Methods. In this cross-sectional study 86 children orphaned by AIDS residing in care giving institutions for HIV positive children in Mangalore were assessed for their clinico-epidemiological profile and nutritional status. Institutional Ethics Committee clearance was obtained before the commencement of the study. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) version 11.5 and the results expressed in mean (standard deviation) and proportions. BMI was calculated and nutritional status assessed using WHO Z scores (BMI for Age) for children between 5 and 19 years separately for boys and girls.Results. The mean age of the children was 13.2 ± 3 years. Majority (n=56, 65.1%) of the children were double orphans. Most of the children orphaned by AIDS (n=78, 90.7%) had a history of both the parents being HIV positive. The median CD4 count of participants at the time of our study was 853.5 (IQR 552–1092) cells/microliter. A higher percentage of orphans were malnourished compared to nonorphans. (41.1% vs. 36.7%). All the educational institutions, wherein the children orphaned by AIDS were enrolled, were aware about their HIV status. Five of the participants felt discriminated in their schools. Only two of the participants felt discriminated by their friends because of their HIV status.Conclusion. From our study we draw conclusion that even though the children orphaned due to AIDS are rehabilitated in terms of having shelter and provision of education and health care, much needs to be done in terms of improving the nutritional status of these children and alleviating the discriminatory attitude of the society towards them.
A Mathematical Modelling for Workflows
Authors: Telles Charles Roberto
Published: November 2019

A mathematical heuristic model was proposed to analyze the flow of information in administrative workflows. The model starts from a conceptual analysis from the perspective of probabilistic systems, information theory, and information entropy. The main parameters of the analysis are to identify theoretically a workflow as a hybrid dynamic system where the probabilistic distribution of the information, the time of information processing, and the precision with which the workflow is executed are caused by the cognitive performance of agents within a complex adaptive system. The model of analysis provides support for the search for empirical evidence in workflow investigations, highlighting the presence or absence of agent ad hoc methods and their influence on firm’s productivity.
Technology and Modeling of Nonclassical Transistor Devices
Authors: Angelov George V. , Nikolov Dimitar N. , Hristov Marin H.
Published: November 2019

This paper presents a comprehensive outlook for the current technology status and the prospective upcoming advancements. VLSI scaling trends and technology advancements in the context of sub-10-nm technologies are reviewed as well as the associated device modeling approaches and compact models of transistor structures are considered. As technology goes into the nanometer regime, semiconductor devices are confronting numerous short-channel effects. Bulk CMOS technology is developing and innovating to overcome these constraints by introduction of (i) new technologies and new materials and (ii) new transistor architectures. Technology boosters such as high-k/metal-gate technologies, ultra-thin-body SOI, Ge-on-insulator (GOI), AIII–BV semiconductors, and band-engineered transistor (SiGe or Strained Si-channel) with high-carrier-mobility channels are examined. Nonclassical device structures such as novel multiple-gate transistor structures including multiple-gate field-effect transistors, FD-SOI MOSFETs, CNTFETs, and SETs are examined as possible successors of conventional CMOS devices and FinFETs. Special attention is devoted to gate-all-around FETs and, respectively, nanowire and nanosheet FETs as forthcoming mainstream replacements of FinFET. In view of that, compact modeling of bulk CMOS transistors and multiple-gate transistors are considered as well as BSIM and PSP multiple-gate models, FD-SOI MOSFETs, CNTFET, and SET modeling are reviewed.
Adsorption Characteristics and Transport Behavior of Cr(VI) in Shallow Aquifers Surrounding a Chromium Ore Processing Residue (COPR) Dumpsite
Authors: Liu Yu , Li Yin , Hu Yucheng , Mostofa Khan M. G. , Li Siliang , Liu Zhenying
Published: November 2019

This study explored the stratigraphic distribution and soil/shallow aquifer characteristics surrounding a chromium ore processing residue (COPR) dumpsite at a former chemical factory in China. Total Cr levels in top soils (5–10 cm) nearby the COPR dumpsite were in the range of 8571.4–10711.4 mg/kg. Shallow aquifers (1–6 m) nearby the COPR dumpsite showed a maximum total Cr level of 9756.7 mg/kg. The concentrations of Cr(VI) in groundwater nearby the COPR dumpsite were 766.9–1347.5 mg/L. These results display that the top soils, shallow aquifers, and groundwater of the study site are severely polluted by Cr(VI). Then, three aquifers (silt, clay, and silty clay), respectively, collected from the depth of 1.4–2.4 m, 2.4–4.8 m, and 4.8–11.00 m were first used to evaluate the adsorption characteristics and transport behavior of Cr(VI) in shallow aquifers by both batch and column experiments. The adsorption of Cr(VI) on tested aquifers was well described by pseudo-second-order equation and Freundlich model. The adsorption capacities of Cr(VI) on three aquifers followed the order: clay > silty clay > silt. The kinetics proved that Cr(VI) is not easily adsorbed by the aquifer mediums but transports with groundwater. Thermodynamics indicated that Cr(VI) adsorption on tested aquifers was feasible, spontaneous, and endothermic. Cr(VI) adsorption on tested aquifers decreased with increasing pH. Furthermore, the transport of Cr(VI) in adsorption columns followed the sequence of clay < silty clay < silt. Desorption column experiments infer that the Cr(VI) adsorbed on aquifers will desorb and release into groundwater in the case of rainwater leaching. Therefore, a proper treatment of the COPR and a comprehensive management of soils are vital to prevent groundwater pollution.
An Analytical Method for Calculating Short-Term Space Interception Probability
Authors: Ding Wenzhe , Li Xinhong , Yang Hong , Zhang Zhibin , An Jiping
Published: November 2019

For small unguided space interceptors, the interception probability is an important index to evaluate their strike capability. However, the Monte Carlo (MC) based simulation method not only consumes a lot of computation time but also theoretically lacks interpretability. In this regard, this paper proposes an analytical method that can quickly and accurately calculate the short-term space interception probability. Firstly, by considering the effect of perturbation force on spacecraft as the effect of external force acceleration, the analytical calculation formula of the short-term state error covariance propagation of space target and interceptor is deduced. Next, by projecting the state error and rotating the coordinate system, the joint error distribution of the target and the interceptor in the calculation coordinate system at the time of closest approach (TCA) is obtained. Thereby convert the calculation of the space interception probability into the integral of the 2-dimensional probability density function in the circular domain. Then, the Laplace transform and Taylor expansion are used to obtain the exact power series expression and the maximum truncation error of the integral calculation, and the analytical calculation of the short-term space interception probability is realized. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by a simulation example. The proposed method can directly calculate the space interception probability according to the initial state error distribution of the target and interceptor, and the whole calculation process does not contain double integral operation. The proposed method has high computational efficiency, is suitable for on-orbit calculation, and provides effective support for the rapid evaluation of the strike capability of the space interceptor.