bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potential Therapeutic Benefits of Herbs and Supplements in Patients with NAFLD
Authors: Perumpail Brandon J. , Li Andrew A. , Iqbal Umair , Sallam Sandy , Shah Neha D. , Kwong Waiyee , Cholankeril George , Kim Donghee , Ahmed Aijaz
Published: September 2018

Our aim is to review the efficacy of various herbs and supplements as a possible therapeutic option in the treatment and/or prevention of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We performed a systematic review of medical literature using the PubMed Database by searching the chemical names of many common herbs and supplements with “AND (NAFLD or NASH)”. Studies and medical literature that discussed the roles and usage of herbs and supplements in NAFLD and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) from inception until 20 June 2018 were reviewed. Many studies have claimed that the use of various herbs and supplements may improve disease endpoints and outcomes related to NAFLD and/or NASH. Improvement in liver function tests were noted. Amelioration or reduction of lobular inflammation, hepatic steatosis, and fibrosis were also noted. However, well-designed studies demonstrating improved clinical outcomes are lacking. Furthermore, experts remain concerned about the lack of regulation of herbs/supplements and the need for further research on potential adverse effects and herb–drug interactions. In conclusion, preliminary data on several herbs have demonstrated promising antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and anti-adipogenic properties that may help curtail the progression of NAFLD/NASH. Clinical trials testing the safety and efficacy must be completed before widespread use can be recommended.
Walking the Talk: Enhancing Future Teachers’ Capacity to Embed Social-Emotional Learning in Middle Years Classrooms
Authors: Main Katherine
Published: September 2018

Early adolescence marks a developmental period during which there is a window of opportunity to explicitly teach and make a significant difference in a young person’s development of social and emotional competencies (SECs). All students can benefit from the inclusion of SECs and failing to develop such SECs can result in poor outcomes in several domains including personal, social, and academic outcomes. Research on social and emotional programs for young adolescent learners has shown that a ‘skills and drills’ approach is far less effective than focusing on mind-sets and classroom climate. Although the role teachers play in explicitly teaching and supporting young adolescents’ SECs has been recognised, teachers have reported a lack of confidence in knowing what, and how to teach these skills. This paper reports on a teacher education course that embedded social and emotional skills into both coursework design and assessment expectations. Results drawn from an analysis of students’ responses to their main assessment task showed that pre-service teachers had a growing awareness of SECs and, in particular, were able to recognise the importance of focusing on the building of students’ SECs to support academic success across a broad range of curriculum areas.
Numerical-Sampling-Functionalized Real-Time Index Regulation for Direct k-Domain Calibration in Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Han Sangyeob , Kwon Oeon , Wijesinghe Ruchire Eranga , Kim Pilun , Jung Unsang , Song Jaewon , Lee Changho , Jeon Mansik , Kim Jeehyun
Published: September 2018

An index-regulation technique functionalized by numerical sampling for direct calibration of the non-linear wavenumber (k)-domain to a linear domain in spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) is proposed. The objective of the developed method is to facilitate high-resolution identification of microstructures in biomedical imaging. Subjective optical alignments caused by nonlinear sampling of interferograms in the k-domain tend to hinder depth-dependent signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) and axial resolution in SD-OCT. Moreover, the optical-laser-dependent k-domain requires constant recalibrated in accordance with each laser transition, thereby necessitating either hardware or heavy software compensations. As the key feature of the proposed method, a relatively simple software-based k-domain mask calibration technique was developed to enable real-time linear sampling of k-domain interpolations whilst facilitating image observation through use of an index-regulation technique. Moreover, it has been confirmed that dispersion can be simultaneously compensated with noise residuals generated using the proposed technique, and that use of complex numerical or hardware techniques are no longer required. Observed results, such as fall-off, SNR, and axial resolution clearly exhibit the direct impact of the proposed technique, which could help investigators rapidly achieve optical-laser-independent high-quality SD-OCT images.
The Cytoplasm Affects the Epigenome in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Grunau Christoph , Voigt Susanne , Dobler Ralph , Dowling Damian K. , Reinhardt Klaus
Published: September 2018

Cytoplasmic components and their interactions with the nuclear genome may mediate patterns of phenotypic expression to form a joint inheritance system. However, proximate mechanisms underpinning these interactions remain elusive. To independently assess nuclear genetic and epigenetic cytoplasmic effects, we created a full-factorial design in which representative cytoplasms and nuclear backgrounds from each of two geographically disjunct populations of Drosophila melanogaster were matched together in all four possible combinations. To capture slowly-accumulating epimutations in addition to immediately occurring ones, these constructed populations were examined one year later. We found the K4 methylation of histone H3, H3K4me3, an epigenetic marker associated with transcription start-sites had diverged across different cytoplasms. The loci concerned mainly related to metabolism, mitochondrial function, and reproduction. We found little overlap (<8%) in sites that varied genetically and epigenetically, suggesting that epigenetic changes have diverged independently from any cis-regulatory sequence changes. These results are the first to show cytoplasm-specific effects on patterns of nuclear histone methylation. Our results highlight that experimental nuclear-cytoplasm mismatch may be used to provide a platform to identify epigenetic candidate loci to study the molecular mechanisms of cyto-nuclear interactions.
Effect of Fertilization on Growth and Mortality of Jack Pine Growing on Poor, Sandy Soils in Michigan, USA: Implications for Sustainable Management
Authors: E. Rothstein David
Published: September 2018

Our understanding of nutrient limitations to jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.) growth is lacking across the Lake States of the USA (Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota), where this species makes up an important forest cover type on nutrient poor sands. Currently this cover type is managed using whole-tree harvesting (WTH) across large areas of state and federal forestland, which raises concerns for long-term declines in soil fertility and future productivity. In this study, I carried out a factorial fertilization experiment to better understand potential nutrient limitations to jack pine growth on excessively drained sandy soils in northern Lower Michigan. Treatments were nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and base cations applied singly and in all factorial combinations. In addition, I constructed input-output nutrient budgets for jack pine management in northern Lower Michigan using existing data on atmospheric deposition, weathering and harvest nutrient removals. In no case did I observe an increase in tree growth rate to fertilization, instead I observed an overall decline in growth rates, and an increase in mortality rates, in trees fertilized with N. Nitrogen-induced imbalances of foliar N: potassium (K) were strongly correlated with decreased growth in N amended plots. Together with nutrient budget analysis, which indicated that harvest removals of K greatly exceed inputs over the planned rotation, this suggests that WTH may not be sustainable over multiple rotations. Furthermore, the impacts of WTH on ecosystem K status are likely to be exacerbated over time by anthropogenic N deposition.
Generalized Second Price Auctions over a Network
Authors: Watts Alison
Published: September 2018

We consider the problem of how to apply a generalized second price (GSP) auction to a buyer–seller network. GSP auctions are often used to sell online ads where buyers care about the position or placement of the ad. GSP auctions can also be applied to wireless data transmissions with congestion where buyers care about the speed of data transmission; however, such an auction would take place over a network as a buyer could only purchase from a seller (or cell tower) that he was linked to (or was close to). Two GSP auctions over a network are considered: separate GSP auctions, and integrated GSP auctions with pauses. The efficiency of these auctions is examined with efficiency favoring the integrated auction with pauses.
Assessing the Validity of Negative High Field Strength-Element Anomalies as a Proxy for Archaean Subduction: Evidence from the Ben Strome Complex, NW Scotland
Authors: Guice George L. , McDonald Iain , Hughes Hannah S. R. , Schlatter Denis M. , Goodenough Kathryn M. , MacDonald John M. , Faithfull John W.
Published: September 2018

The relative depletion of high field strength elements (HFSE), such as Nb, Ta and Ti, on normalised trace-element plots is a geochemical proxy routinely used to fingerprint magmatic processes linked to Phanerozoic subduction. This proxy has increasingly been applied to ultramafic-mafic units in Archaean cratons, but as these assemblages have commonly been affected by high-grade metamorphism and hydrothermal alteration/metasomatism, the likelihood of element mobility is high relative to Phanerozoic examples. To assess the validity of HFSE anomalies as a reliable proxy for Archaean subduction, we here investigate their origin in ultramafic rocks from the Ben Strome Complex, which is a 7 km2 ultramafic-mafic complex in the Lewisian Gneiss Complex of NW Scotland. Recently interpreted as a deformed layered intrusion, the Ben Strome Complex has been subject to multiple phases of high-grade metamorphism, including separate granulite- and amphibolite-facies deformation events. Additional to bulk-rock geochemistry, we present detailed petrography, and major- and trace-element mineral chemistry for 35 ultramafic samples, of which 15 display negative HFSE anomalies. Our data indicate that the magnitude of HFSE anomalies in the Ben Strome Complex are correlated with light rare earth-element (LREE) enrichment likely generated during interaction with H2O and CO2-rich hydrothermal fluids associated with amphibolitisation, rather than primary magmatic (subduction-related) processes. Consequently, we consider bulk-rock HFSE anomalies alone to be an unreliable proxy for Archaean subduction in Archaean terranes that have experienced multiple phases of high-grade metamorphism, with a comprehensive assessment of element mobility and petrography a minimum requirement prior to assigning geodynamic interpretations to bulk-rock geochemical data.
Stability of Individuals during Urban Inundations: What Should We Learn from Field Observations?
Authors: Chanson Hubert , Brown Richard
Published: September 2018

The flooding of urbanized areas constitutes a major hazard to populations and infrastructure. Flood flows during urban inundations have been studied only recently and the real-life impact of fluid flows on individuals is not well understood. The stability of individuals in floodwaters is re-assessed based upon the re-analysis of detailed field measurements during a major flood event. The results emphasized that hydrodynamic instabilities, linked to local topographic effects and debris, constitute major real-world hazards. A comparison between a number of flow conditions deemed unsafe for individuals, along with guidelines, suggests that many recommendations are over-optimistic and unsafe in real floodwaters and natural disasters. A series of more conservative guidelines is proposed, particularity relevant to flood events.
What Explains Education Disparities in Screening Mammography in the United States? A Comparison with The Netherlands
Authors: Koç Hale , O’Donnell Owen , Van Ourti Tom
Published: September 2018

Background: In the U.S., less educated women are substantially less likely to receive screening mammography. It is not clear whether this is due to differences in access to screening or in perceptions of breast cancer risks and the effectiveness of screening. We weigh the plausibility of these two explanations by examining how the dependence of mammography on education changes after conditioning on indicators of access and perceptions. We also compare estimates for the U.S. with those for the Netherlands where there is universal access to a publicly financed screening program. Method: Cross-sectional and cross-country comparable individual level data from the American Life Panel (n = 646) and the Netherlands Longitudinal Internet Studies for the Social Sciences (n = 1398) were used to estimate and explain education disparities in screening mammograms given to American and Dutch women aged 40+. The education gradient was estimated using logit models. Controls were sequentially added to detect whether disparities were explained by differences in access or perceptions of risks and effectiveness. Results: In the United States, high school graduates were 11.5 percentage points (95% CI: 1–22 percentage points) less likely than college graduates to receive a screening mammogram in the previous two years. This education gradient was largely explained by differences in income, insurance coverage and receipt of medical advice. It was not explained by educational differences in the perceived risk of breast cancer and the effectiveness of mammography. There were no education disparities in receipt of mammography among Dutch women within the 50–75 age range covered by the national screening program. Conclusion: In the absence of a universal screening program in the U.S., determinants of access—income, insurance coverage and receipt of medical advice—appear to drive the education disparities in screening mammography.
Do Progestin-Only Contraceptives Contribute to the Risk of Developing Depression as Implied by Beta-Arrestin 1 Levels in Leukocytes? A Pilot Study
Authors: Smith Keisha , Nayyar Sanket , Rana Tanu , Archibong Anthony E. , Looney Kimberly R. , Nayyar Tultul
Published: September 2018

We reported previously that reduction in beta-arrestin 1 (β-AR 1) protein levels in peripheral blood mononuclear leukocytes (PBMC) significantly correlated with the severity of depressive symptoms in reproductive women. In this pilot study, we used β-AR 1 protein levels in PBMC as a marker for developing depressive symptoms and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) scores to assess potential mood-related side effects of oral contraceptive use for routine birth control among women. We evaluated 29 women in this study. We enrolled the participants in three groups: Estrogen-progestin combination-oral contraceptives (COC, n = 10), progestin-only contraceptives (POC, n = 12), and non-hormonal or no contraceptives (NC, n = 7). We determined the β-AR 1 protein levels in PBMCs by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We found that women in the POC group had significantly higher HAM-D scores compared to those in the COC (p < 0.0004) and NC (p < 0.004). The levels of β-AR 1 protein were significantly attenuated in women in the POC group compared to women in the NC group (p = 0.03). Our findings suggest that the use of POC is a potential risk factor for developing depressive symptoms.
Spatial Patterns in Rush-Hour vs. Work-Week Diesel-Related Pollution across a Downtown Core
Authors: Tunno Brett J. , Michanowicz Drew R. , Shmool Jessie L. C. , Tripathy Sheila , Kinnee Ellen , Cambal Leah , Chubb Lauren , Roper Courtney , Clougherty Jane E.
Published: September 2018

Despite advances in monitoring and modelling of intra-urban variation in multiple pollutants, few studies have attempted to separate spatial patterns by time of day, or incorporated organic tracers into spatial monitoring studies. Due to varying emissions sources from diesel and gasoline vehicular traffic, as well as within-day temporal variation in source mix and intensity (e.g., rush-hours vs. full-day measures), accurately assessing diesel-related air pollution within an urban core can be challenging. We allocated 24 sampling sites across downtown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (2.8 km2) to capture fine-scale variation in diesel-related pollutants, and to compare these patterns by sampling interval (i.e., “rush-hours” vs. “work-week” concentrations), and by season. Using geographic information system (GIS)-based methods, we allocated sampling sites to capture spatial variation in key traffic-related pollution sources (i.e., truck, bus, overall traffic densities). Programmable monitors were used to collect integrated work-week and rush-hour samples of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), black carbon (BC), trace elements, and diesel-related organics (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), hopanes, steranes), in summer and winter 2014. Land use regression (LUR) models were created for PM2.5, BC, total elemental carbon (EC), total organic carbon (OC), elemental (Al, Ca, Fe), and organic constituents (total PAHs, total hopanes), and compared by sampling interval and season. We hypothesized higher pollution concentrations and greater spatial contrast in rush-hour, compared to full work-week samples, with variation by season and pollutant. Rush-hour sampling produced slightly higher total PM2.5 and BC concentrations in both seasons, compared to work-week sampling, but no evident difference in spatial patterns. We also found substantial spatial variability in most trace elements and organic compounds, with comparable spatial patterns using both sampling paradigms. Overall, we found higher concentrations of traffic-related trace elements and organic compounds in rush-hour samples, and higher concentrations of coal-related elements (e.g., As, Se) in work-week samples. Mean bus density was the strongest LUR predictor in most models, in both seasons, under each sampling paradigm. Within each season and constituent, the bus-related terms explained similar proportions of variance in the rush-hour and work-week samples. Rush-hour and work-week LUR models explained similar proportions of spatial variation in pollutants, suggesting that the majority of emissions may be produced during rush-hour traffic across downtown. Results suggest that rush-hour emissions may predominantly shape overall spatial variance in diesel-related pollutants.
The Association of Built Environment and Physical Activity in Older Adults: Using a Citywide Public Housing Scheme to Reduce Residential Self-Selection Bias
Authors: Lu Yi , Chen Long , Yang Yiyang , Gou Zhonghua
Published: September 2018

Previous studies have documented numerous health benefits of conducting regular physical activity among older adults. The built environment is believed to be a key factor that can hinder or facilitate daily physical activity, such as walking and exercising. However, most empirical studies focusing on environment-physical activity associations exhibited residential self-selection bias with cross-sectional research design, engendering doubts about the impact of built environment on physical activity. To reduce this bias, we assessed physical activity behaviors of 720 Hong Kong older adults (≥65 years) residing in 24 public housing estates. The Hong Kong public housing scheme currently provides affordable rental flats for 2.1 million people or approximate 30% of total population. The applicants were allocated to one of 179 housing estates largely by family size and flat availability. Built environment characteristics were measured following the ‘5Ds’ principle: (street network) design, (land-use) diversity, density, distance to transit, and destination accessibility. Multilevel mixed models were used to explore the associations between the built environment and the different domains of physical activity (transportation walking, recreational walking, and recreational moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) while controlling for potential estate-level socioeconomic and individual confounders. We found that transportation walking was positively associated with the number of bus stops and the presence of Mass Transit Railway (MTR) stations. Recreational MVPA was positively related to the number of recreational facilities. However, land-use mix was negatively related to transportation walking, recreational walking, and recreational MVPA. The findings of this study support a threshold effect in the environment-physical activity associations. Furthermore, large-scale public housing schemes involving random or semi-random residence assignment in many cities may provide opportunities to explore built environments and physical activity behavior, with the potential to overcome residential self-selection bias.
An Efficient Graph-Based Spatio-Temporal Indexing Method for Task-Oriented Multi-Modal Scene Data Organization
Authors: Feng Bin , Zhu Qing , Liu Mingwei , Li Yun , Zhang Junxiao , Fu Xiao , Zhou Yan , Li Maosu , He Huagui , Yang Weijun
Published: September 2018

Task-oriented scene data in big data and cloud environments of a smart city that must be time-critically processed are dynamic and associated with increasing complexities and heterogeneities. Existing hybrid tree-based external indexing methods are input/output (I/O)-intensive, query schema-fixed, and difficult when representing the complex relationships of real-time multi-modal scene data; specifically, queries are limited to a certain spatio-temporal range or a small number of selected attributes. This paper proposes a new spatio-temporal indexing method for task-oriented multi-modal scene data organization. First, a hybrid spatio-temporal index architecture is proposed based on the analysis of the characteristics of scene data and the driving forces behind the scene tasks. Second, a graph-based spatio-temporal relation indexing approach, named the spatio-temporal relation graph (STR-graph), is constructed for this architecture. The global graph-based index, internal and external operation mechanisms, and optimization strategy of the STR-graph index are introduced in detail. Finally, index efficiency comparison experiments are conducted, and the results show that the STR-graph performs excellently in index generation and can efficiently address the diverse requirements of different visualization tasks for data scheduling; specifically, the STR-graph is more efficient when addressing complex and uncertain spatio-temporal relation queries.
Digital Image Correlation (DIC) Analysis of the 3 December 2013 Montescaglioso Landslide (Basilicata, Southern Italy): Results from a Multi-Dataset Investigation
Authors: Caporossi Paolo , Mazzanti Paolo , Bozzano Francesca
Published: September 2018

Image correlation remote sensing monitoring techniques are becoming key tools for providing effective qualitative and quantitative information suitable for natural hazard assessments, specifically for landslide investigation and monitoring. In recent years, these techniques have been successfully integrated and shown to be complementary and competitive with more standard remote sensing techniques, such as satellite or terrestrial Synthetic Aperture Radar interferometry. The objective of this article is to apply the proposed in-depth calibration and validation analysis, referred to as the Digital Image Correlation technique, to measure landslide displacement. The availability of a multi-dataset for the 3 December 2013 Montescaglioso landslide, characterized by different types of imagery, such as LANDSAT 8 OLI (Operational Land Imager) and TIRS (Thermal Infrared Sensor), high-resolution airborne optical orthophotos, Digital Terrain Models and COSMO-SkyMed Synthetic Aperture Radar, allows for the retrieval of the actual landslide displacement field at values ranging from a few meters (2–3 m in the north-eastern sector of the landslide) to 20–21 m (local peaks on the central body of the landslide). Furthermore, comprehensive sensitivity analyses and statistics-based processing approaches are used to identify the role of the background noise that affects the whole dataset. This noise has a directly proportional relationship to the different geometric and temporal resolutions of the processed imagery. Moreover, the accuracy of the environmental-instrumental background noise evaluation allowed the actual displacement measurements to be correctly calibrated and validated, thereby leading to a better definition of the threshold values of the maximum Digital Image Correlation sub-pixel accuracy and reliability (ranging from 1/10 to 8/10 pixel) for each processed dataset.
Sino-InSpace: A Digital Simulation Platform for Virtual Space Environments
Authors: Lyu Liang , Xu Qing , Lan Chaozhen , Shi Qunshan , Lu Wanjie , Zhou Yang , Zhao Yinghao
Published: September 2018

The implementation of increased space exploration missions reduces the distance between human beings and outer space. Although it is impossible for everyone to enter the remote outer space, virtual environments could provide computer-based digital spaces that we can observe, participate in, and experience. In this study, Sino-InSpace, a digital simulation platform, was developed to support the construction of virtual space environments. The input data are divided into two types, the environment element and the entity object, that are then supported by the unified time-space datum. The platform adopted the pyramid model and octree index to preprocess the geographic and space environment data, which ensured the efficiency of data loading and browsing. To describe objects perfectly, they were abstracted and modeled based on four aspects including attributes, ephemeris, geometry, and behavior. Then, the platform performed the organization of a visual scenario based on logical modeling and data modeling; in addition, it ensured smooth and flexible visual scenario displays using efficient data and rendering engines. Multilevel modes (application directly, visualization development, and scientific analysis) were designed to support multilevel applications for users from different grades and fields. Each mode provided representative case studies, which also demonstrated the capabilities of the platform for data integration, visualization, process deduction, and auxiliary analysis. Finally, a user study with human participants was conducted from multiple views (usability, user acceptance, presence, and software design). The results indicate that Sino-InSpace performs well in simulation for virtual space environments, while a virtual reality setup is beneficial for promoting the experience.
A G-Quadruplex Structure in the Promoter Region of CLIC4 Functions as a Regulatory Element for Gene Expression
Authors: Huang Mu-Ching , Chu I-Te , Wang Zi-Fu , Lin Steven , Chang Ta-Chau , Chen Chin-Tin
Published: September 2018

The differential transcriptional expression of CLIC4 between tumor cells and the surrounding stroma during cancer progression has been suggested to have a tumor-promoting effect. However, little is known about the transcriptional regulation of CLIC4. To better understand how this gene is regulated, the promoter region of CLIC4 was analyzed. We found that a high GC content near the transcriptional start site (TSS) might form an alternative G-quadruplex (G4) structure. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) confirmed their formation in vitro. The reporter assay showed that one of the G4 structures exerted a regulatory role in gene transcription. When the G4-forming sequence was mutated to disrupt the G4 structure, the transcription activity dropped. To examine whether this G4 structure actually has an influence on gene transcription in the chromosome, we utilized the CRISPR/Cas9 system to edit the G4-forming sequence within the CLIC4 promoter in the cell genome. The pop-in/pop-out strategy was adopted to isolate the precisely-edited A375 cell clone. In CRISPR-modified A375 cell clones whose G4 was disrupted, there was a decrease in the endogenous CLIC4 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression level. In conclusion, we found that the G4 structure in the CLIC4 promoter might play an important role in regulating the level of transcription.
Current Trends in Metallic Orthopedic Biomaterials: From Additive Manufacturing to Bio-Functionalization, Infection Prevention, and Beyond
Authors: Zadpoor Amir A.
Published: September 2018

There has been a growing interest in metallic biomaterials during the last five years, as recent developments in additive manufacturing (=3D printing), surface bio-functionalization techniques, infection prevention strategies, biodegradable metallic biomaterials, and composite biomaterials have provided many possibilities to develop biomaterials and medical devices with unprecedented combinations of favorable properties and advanced functionalities. Moreover, development of biomaterials is no longer separated from the other branches of biomedical engineering, particularly tissue biomechanics, musculoskeletal dynamics, and image processing aspects of skeletal radiology. In this editorial, I will discuss all the above-mentioned topics, as they constitute some of the most important trends of research on metallic biomaterials. This editorial will, therefore, serve as a foreword to the papers appearing in a special issue covering the current trends in metallic biomaterials.
CryptoKnight: Generating and Modelling Compiled Cryptographic Primitives
Authors: Hill Gregory , Bellekens Xavier
Published: September 2018

Cryptovirological augmentations present an immediate, incomparable threat. Over the last decade, the substantial proliferation of crypto-ransomware has had widespread consequences for consumers and organisations alike. Established preventive measures perform well, however, the problem has not ceased. Reverse engineering potentially malicious software is a cumbersome task due to platform eccentricities and obfuscated transmutation mechanisms, hence requiring smarter, more efficient detection strategies. The following manuscript presents a novel approach for the classification of cryptographic primitives in compiled binary executables using deep learning. The model blueprint, a Dynamic Convolutional Neural Network (DCNN), is fittingly configured to learn from variable-length control flow diagnostics output from a dynamic trace. To rival the size and variability of equivalent datasets, and to adequately train our model without risking adverse exposure, a methodology for the procedural generation of synthetic cryptographic binaries is defined, using core primitives from OpenSSL with multivariate obfuscation, to draw a vastly scalable distribution. The library, CryptoKnight, rendered an algorithmic pool of AES, RC4, Blowfish, MD5 and RSA to synthesise combinable variants which automatically fed into its core model. Converging at 96% accuracy, CryptoKnight was successfully able to classify the sample pool with minimal loss and correctly identified the algorithm in a real-world crypto-ransomware application.
New Mixed Y0.5R0.5VO4 and RVO4:Bi Materials: Synthesis, Crystal Structure and Some Luminescence Properties
Authors: Vasylechko Leonid , Tupys Andrii , Hreb Vasyl , Tsiumra Volodymyr , Lutsiuk Iryna , Zhydachevskyy Yaroslav
Published: September 2018

The results are reported on a precise crystal structure and microstructure determination of new mixed YVO4-based orthovanadates of Y0.5R0.5VO4 (R = Sm, Tb, Dy, Ho, Tm, Yb, Lu) as well as some Bi3+-doped RVO4 (R = La, Gd, Y, Lu) nano- (submicro-) materials. The formation of continuous solid solutions in the YVO4–RVO4 pseudo-binary systems (R = Sm, Tb, Dy, Ho, Tm, Yb, Lu) has been proved. The lattice constants and unit cell volumes of the new mixed orthovanadates were analyzed as a function of R3+ cation radius. The impact of crystal structure parameters on the energy band gap of the materials was studied by means of photoluminescence studies of the Bi3+-doped compounds.
Formulation and Evaluation of Silymarin-Loaded Chitosan-Montmorilloite Microbeads for the Potential Treatment of Gastric Ulcers
Authors: Sharma Ameya , Puri Vivek , Kakkar Vandita , Singh Inderbir
Published: September 2018

Silymarin-loaded mucoadhesive microbeads of Chitosan-MMT were developed using the ionotropic gelation technique. Characterization of the microbeads was performed by DSC, XRD, SEM, and FTIR techniques. In vitro mucoadhesion and drug release studies; gastroprotective studies including the measurement of ulcerative index; the determination of gastric wall mucus; and the determination of percentage protection, biochemical, and histopathological studies were also performed. Microbeads batches were evaluated for particle size (120–140 µm), actual drug content, (49.36–58.18%) and entrapment efficiency (72.52–92.39%).Biochemical estimation of myeloperoxidase was found to be 0.10–0.75 µmoles/g/tissue. Significant reduction in the ulcerative index showed the gastroprotective effect of the formulation. Silymarin-loaded beads of Chitosan-MMT were found to exhibit good mucoadhesion and efficient release of the drug, and were found to be a promising drug carrier system for the treatment of gastric ulcers.
Non-g Factors Predict Educational and Occupational Criteria: More than g
Authors: Coyle Thomas R.
Published: September 2018

In a prior issue of the Journal of Intelligence, I argued that the most important scientific issue in intelligence research was to identify specific abilities with validity beyond g (i.e., variance common to mental tests) (Coyle, T.R. Predictive validity of non-g residuals of tests: More than g. Journal of Intelligence 2014, 2, 21–25.). In this Special Issue, I review my research on specific abilities related to non-g factors. The non-g factors include specific math and verbal abilities based on standardized tests (SAT, ACT, PSAT, Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery). I focus on two non-g factors: (a) non-g residuals, obtained after removing g from tests, and (b) ability tilt, defined as within-subject differences between math and verbal scores, yielding math tilt (math > verbal) and verbal tilt (verbal > math). In general, math residuals and tilt positively predict STEM criteria (college majors, jobs, GPAs) and negatively predict humanities criteria, whereas verbal residuals and tilt show the opposite pattern. The paper concludes with suggestions for future research, with a focus on theories of non-g factors (e.g., investment theories, Spearman’s Law of Diminishing Returns, Cognitive Differentiation-Integration Effort Model) and a magnification model of non-g factors.
Characteristics of Invasive Fungal Infections among HIV Individuals from an Indigenous Origin in Mexico
Authors: Aranda-Audelo Mercedes , Rivera-Martínez Norma E. , Corzo-León Dora E.
Published: September 2018

In individuals with HIV/AIDS, 47% of the deaths are attributed to invasive fungal infections (IFIs), despite antiretroviral (ARV) therapy. This is a retrospective study carried out in the Hospital Regional de Alta Especialidad Oaxaca (HRAEO), southwest Mexico, where IFIs that occurred during 2016–2017 are described. A total of 55 individuals were included. Histoplasmosis (36%) and possible-IFIs in neutropenic fever (20%) were the most frequent cases, followed by cryptococcosis (14%). The HIV/AIDS subpopulation corresponded with 26 cases (47%), all from an indigenous origin. The incidence of IFIs among them was 24% (95% CI = 15–33%). The CD4+ T cells median was 35 cells/mL (IQR 12–58). Four cases (15%) of unmasking IRIS were identified, three of histoplasmosis and one coccidioidomycosis. Co-infections were found in 52% (12/23), and tuberculosis in 50% (6/12) was the most frequent. The mortality rate was 48%. The general characteristics of the HIV individuals who died were atypical pneumonia (70% vs. 9%, p = 0.01), acute kidney injury, (70% vs. 9%, p = 0.008) and ICU stay (80% vs. 9%, p = 0.002). In conclusion, IFIs are diagnosed in one out of four individuals with HIV/AIDS along with other complicated infectious conditions, leading to major complications and a high mortality rate.
An Experimental Study on Starved Grease Lubricated Contacts
Authors: Gonçalves David E. P. , Campos Armando V. , Seabra Jorge H. O.
Published: September 2018

The film thickness of a ball-on-disc contact lubricated with four greases of different formulations was measured under different operating conditions until starvation. Two polymer-thickened greases and two lithium-thickened greases, formulated with base oils of different nature and/or viscosity, were tested. The central film thickness was measured under constant operating conditions (load, temperature, slide-to-roll ratio) varying only the entrainment speed. In a separate test, the film thickness was measured over time with all operating conditions set to constant. Pictures of the film thickness profile across the contact area were also registered. The results were compared with the fully flooded results. The coefficient of friction (COF) was measured in a ball-on-disc contact under equal operating conditions and the results were correlated with the film thickness findings. The different grease formulations and the influence of the operating conditions on the film thickness and COF were discussed. The polymer thickened the greases, promoting lower COF and higher film thickness, especially when there is thickener material crossing the contact which happens quite often for these greases.
Tetranuclear Oxo-Titanium Clusters with Different Carboxylate Aromatic Ligands: Optical Properties, DFT Calculations, and Photoactivity
Authors: Janek Maciej , Radtke Aleksandra , Muzioł Tadeusz M. , Jerzykiewicz Maria , Piszczek Piotr
Published: September 2018

Titanium(IV) oxo-clusters of the general formula (Ti4O2(OiBu)10(O2CR’)2) (R’ = C13H9 (1), PhCl (2), PhNO2 (3)) were studied in order to estimate their potential photoactivity. The structure of the resulting tetranuclear Ti(IV) oxo-complexes was then determined via single crystal X-ray diffraction, infrared and Raman spectroscopy, and electron spin resonance (ESR). An analysis of diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS) allowed for the assessment of band gap values of (1)–(3) microcrystalline samples complexes. The use of different carboxylate ligands allowed the band gap of tetranuclear Ti(IV) oxo-clusters to be modulated in the range of 3.6 eV–2.5 eV. Density functional theory (DFT) methods were used to explain the influence of substitutes on band gap and optical activity. Dispersion of (1)–(3) microcrystals in the poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) matrixes enabled the formation of composite materials for which the potential photocatalytic activity was estimated through the study on methylene blue (MB) photodegradation processes in the presence of UV light. The results obtained revealed a significant influence of carboxylate ligands functionalization on the photoactivity of synthesized tetranuclear Ti(IV) oxo-complexes.
Mesomorphic Behavior in Silver(I) N-(4-Pyridyl) Benzamide with Aromatic π–π Stacking Counterions
Authors: Torres Issac , Ruiz Mauro , Phan Hung , Dominguez Noemi , Garcia Jacobo , Nguyen Thuc-Quyen , Evans Hayden , Resendiz Marino J. , Baruah Tunna , Metta Alejandro , Arif Atta , Noveron Juan C.
Published: September 2018

Organic semiconductor materials composed of π–π stacking aromatic compounds have been under intense investigation for their potential uses in flexible electronics and other advanced technologies. Herein we report a new family of seven π–π stacking compounds of silver(I) bis-N-(4-pyridyl) benzamide with varying counterions, namely [Ag(NPBA)2]X, where NPBA is N-(4-pyridyl) benzamine, X = NO3− (1), ClO4− (2), CF3SO3− (3), PF6− (4), BF4− (5), CH3PhSO3− (6), and PhSO3− (7), which form extended π−π stacking networks in one-dimensional (1D), 2D and 3D directions in the crystalline solid-state via the phenyl moiety, with average inter-ring distances of 3.823 Å. Interestingly, the counterions that contain π–π stacking-capable groups, such as in 6 and 7, can induce the formation of mesomorphic phases at 130 °C in dimethylformamide (DMF), and can generate highly branched networks at the mesoscale. Atomic force microscopy studies showed that 2D interconnected fibers form right after nucleation, and they extend from ~30 nm in diameter grow to reach the micron scale, which suggests that it may be possible to stop the process in order to obtain nanofibers. Differential scanning calorimetry studies showed no remarkable thermal behavior in the complexes in the solid state, which suggests that the mesomorphic phases originate from the mechanisms that occur in the DMF solution at high temperatures. An all-electron level simulation of the band gaps using NRLMOL (Naval Research Laboratory Molecular Research Library) on the crystals gave 3.25 eV for (1), 3.68 eV for (2), 1.48 eV for (3), 5.08 eV for (4), 1.53 eV for (5), and 3.55 eV for (6). Mesomorphic behavior in materials containing π–π stacking aromatic interactions that also exhibit low-band gap properties may pave the way to a new generation of highly branched organic semiconductors.
Chemical Interaction-Induced Evolution of Phase Compatibilization in Blends of Poly(hydroxy ether of bisphenol-A)/Poly(1,4-butylene terephthalate)
Authors: Liu Jing , Wang Hsiang-Ching , Su Chean-Cheng , Yang Cheng-Fu
Published: September 2018

An immiscible blend of poly(hydroxy ether of bisphenol-A) (phenoxy) and poly(1,4-butylene terephthalate) (PBT) with phase separation was observed in as-blended samples. The compatibilization of phenoxy/PBT blends can be promoted through chemical exchange reactions of phenoxy with PBT upon annealing. The annealed phenoxy/PBT blends had a homogeneous phase with a single Tg that could be enhanced by annealing at 260 °C. Infrared (IR) spectroscopy demonstrated that phase homogenization could be promoted by annealing the phenoxy/PBT blend, where alcoholytic exchange occurred between the dangling hydroxyl group (–OH) in phenoxy and the carbonyl group (C=O) in PBT in the heated blends. The alcoholysis reaction changed the aromatic linkages to aliphatic linkages in the carbonyl groups, which initially led to the formation of a graft copolymer of phenoxy and PBT with an aliphatic/aliphatic carbonyl link. The progressive alcoholysis reaction resulted in the transformation of the initial homopolymers into block copolymers and finally into random copolymers, which promoted phase compatibilization in blends of phenoxy with PBT. As the amount of copolymers increased upon annealing, the crystallization of PBT was inhibited by alcoholytic exchange in the blends.
Correlating Synthesis Parameters to Morphological Entities: Predictive Modeling of Biopolymer Aerogels
Authors: Rege Ameya , Preibisch Imke , Schestakow Maria , Ganesan Kathirvel , Gurikov Pavel , Milow Barbara , Smirnova Irina , Itskov Mikhail
Published: September 2018

In the past decade, biopolymer aerogels have gained significant research attention due to their typical properties, such as low density and thermal insulation, which are reinforced with excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability, and ease of functionalization. Mechanical properties of these aerogels play an important role in several applications and should be evaluated based on synthesis parameters. To this end, preparation and characterization of polysaccharide-based aerogels, such as pectin, cellulose and k-carrageenan, is first discussed. An interrelationship between their synthesis parameters and morphological entities is established. Such aerogels are usually characterized by a cellular morphology, and under compression undergo large deformations. Therefore, a nonlinear constitutive model is proposed based on large deflections in microcell walls of the aerogel network. Different sizes of the microcells within the network are identified via nitrogen desorption isotherms. Damage is initiated upon pore collapse, which is shown to result from the failure of the microcell wall fibrils. Finally, the model predictions are validated against experimental data of pectin, cellulose, and k-carrageenan aerogels. Given the micromechanical nature of the model, a clear correlation—qualitative and quantitative—between synthesis parameters and the model parameters is also substantiated. The proposed model is shown to be useful in tailoring the mechanical properties of biopolymer aerogels subject to changes in synthesis parameters.
Graphene Oxide-Silver Nanoparticles in Molecularly-Imprinted Hybrid Films Enabling SERS Selective Sensing
Authors: Jiang Yu , Carboni Davide , Malfatti Luca , Innocenzi Plinio
Published: September 2018

A highly sensitive and selective Raman sensor has been developed by combining molecularly imprinted cavities, silver nanoparticles, and graphene oxide into a hybrid organic-inorganic film. The molecular imprinted nanocomposite material is an advanced platform that exhibits Graphene-mediated Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering. The sensing layers have been prepared via sol-gel process and imprinted with rhodamine 6G to obtain selective dye recognition. Graphene oxide sheets decorated with silver nanoparticles have been incorporated into the matrix to enhance the Raman scattering signal. The template molecule can be easily removed from the films by ultrasonication in ethanol. A 712-fold Raman enhancement has been observed, which corresponds to a 2.15 × 1013 count·μmol−1 signal enhancement per molecular cavity. Besides Raman enhancement, the sensing platform has shown an excellent selectivity toward the test molecule with respect to similar dyes. In addition, the material can be reused at least 10 times without any loss of performance.
Algebraic Operations on Delta-Sigma Bit-Streams
Authors: Klein Axel , Schumacher Walter
Published: September 2018

Operations in the Delta-Sigma ( Δ Σ ) domain are a broad field of research. In this article the main, focus is on applications in control systems, nevertheless the results are generally applicable for Δ Σ -signal processing ( Δ Σ SP) in other fields. As the bit-stream does not have an instantaneous value, algebraic operations cannot be executed directly. The first approaches were made in the 1980s based on small-scale integration logic chips by Kouvaras and by Lagoyannis. Further algebraic operations and other implementations were introduced by Zrilic, by Ng, by Bradshaw and by Homann. Other publications utilize complex networks and operations to achieve the desired algebraic operations. These presented operations can be divided into different operation classes by the based implementation idea. In this paper, the known algebraic operation classes are further developed and new operation classes are presented. All implementations are compared and evaluated. For linear operations in control applications, the introduced Bipolar Interpretation is best rated. It compensates for the signal offset of bipolar bit-streams and results in the best signal quality by mapping the logic values true and false of bit-stream to plus and minus one before the algebraic operation. The output of the algebraic operation is a multibit value, to achieve a bit-stream as output value a third step is taken. The result is modulated by a digital Δ Σ -modulator ( Δ Σ -M). For nonlinear operations the most universal implementation is also based on three steps. In the first stage, the bit-streams are processed with short sinc 3 filters, resulting in multibit values. This signal is processed by digital signal processing (DSP). The output stage is a Δ Σ -M. For some nonlinear algebraic operations there can be better solutions than DSP, like shown for limiting. In short, this paper gives a detailed overview about different Δ Σ SP classes for linear and nonlinear operations. Newly presented are the scaling with Bit-Stream Modification, the Bipolar Interpretation class, the nonlinear operation class based on digital signal processing (DSP), the modified multiplication based on Delta Adder and benchmarks of all presented operations.