bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anticholinergic Burden and Risk of Stroke and Death in People with Different Types of Dementia
Authors: Tan Edwin C.K. , Eriksdotter Maria , Garcia-Ptacek Sara , Fastbom Johan , Johnell Kristina
Published: July 2018

Background:

Anticholinergic burden is associated with poorer cognitive and functional outcomes in people with dementia. However, the impact of anticholinergics on significant adverse outcomes such as stroke has not been studied previously.

Objective:

To investigate the association between total anticholinergic cognitive burden (ACB) and risk of stroke and death in people with different dementia subtypes.

Methods:

This was a cohort study of 39,107 people with dementia and no prior history of stroke registered in the Swedish Dementia Registry (SveDem) from 2008–2014. Data were extracted from the Swedish Prescribed Drug Register, the Swedish National Patient Register, and the Swedish Total Population Register. Competing risk regression models were used to compute hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between time-varying ACB score and risk of stroke and all-cause mortality.

Results:

During a mean follow-up period of 2.31 (standard deviation 1.66) years, 11,224 (28.7%) individuals had a stroke or died. Compared with non-users of anticholinergic medications, ACB score of 1 (HR 1.09, 95% CI 1.04–1.14) and ACB score of ≥2 (HR 1.20, 95% CI 1.14–1.26) increased the risk of developing the composite outcome of stroke and death. When stratifying by dementia disorder, the association remained significant in Alzheimer’s disease, mixed dementia, and vascular dementia.

Conclusions:

The use of anticholinergic medicines may be associated with an increased risk of stroke and death in people with dementia. A dose-response relationship was observed. Careful consideration should be made when prescribing medications with anticholinergic properties to people with dementia.
Impact of Osteoporosis on the Risk of Dementia in Almost 60,000 Patients Followed in General Practices in Germany
Authors: Kostev Karel , Hadji Peyman , Jacob Louis
Published: July 2018

Background:

There has been in recent decades a growing interest in the relationship between osteoporosis and cognitive decline.

Objective:

The goal of this study was to analyze the impact of osteoporosis on the risk of dementia in patients followed for up to 20 years in general practices in Germany.

Methods:

This study included patients who received an initial diagnosis of osteoporosis and were followed by 1,215 general practitioners in Germany between January 1993 and December 2012 (index date). Controls were matched (1:1) to osteoporosis patients using propensity scores based on age, gender, index year, comorbidities, and co-therapies. Kaplan-Meier curves were performed to study the development of dementia separately in men and women with or without osteoporosis within 20 years of the index date. Cox proportional regression models were used to estimate the relationship between osteoporosis and dementia in men and women.

Results:

The present study included 29,983 cases and 29,983 controls. After 20 years of follow-up, 20.5% of women with osteoporosis and 16.4% of controls had been diagnosed with dementia (log-rank p-value <0.001). At the end of the follow-up period, dementia was found in 22.0% of men previously diagnosed with osteoporosis and 14.9% of men without this chronic condition (log-rank p-value <0.001). Osteoporosis was associated with a 1.2-fold increase in the risk of being diagnosed with dementia in women and a 1.3-fold increase in the risk of being diagnosed with dementia in men.

Conclusions:

There was a positive association between osteoporosis and dementia in patients followed in general practices in Germany.
An analysis of curling using a three-dimensional Markov model
Authors: Brenzel Paul , Shock William , Yang Harvey
Published: July 2018

Using data from 1,199 matches containing 10,933 ends in the Canadian Men’s Curling Championships, we developed both a three-dimensional empirical state space model and three-dimensional homogeneous and heterogeneous Markov models to estimate win probabilities throughout a curling match. The Markovian win probabilities were derived from the observed scoring probabilities using recursive logic.

These win probabilities allowed us to answer questions regarding optimal curling strategy. When presented with the choice to score 1 point or blanking an end, we conclude that teams holding the hammer should choose to blank the end in most situations. Looking at empirical results of conceded matches, we conclude that concession behavior is consistent with a psychological win probability threshold of 2.57%. However, we also find that teams frequently concede when their win probability at time of concession is, in fact, much higher than this threshold. This is true particularly after the 9th end, suggesting that teams are conceding matches when they have up to a 15% chance of winning.
Healthy eating index-2010 and physical activity and disabilities of old age
Authors: Root Martin M. , Nielsen Mark T. , Smith Timothy P. , Meaux Katelyn M.
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND:

Consuming a poor diet and being physically inactive may increase the risk of developing disabilities of old age.

OBJECTIVE:

To investigate correlations between Healthy Eating Index-2010 (HEI-2010) scores, physical activity levels, and disabilities of old age in a large biracial cohort.

METHODS:

The ARIC Study is a prospective cohort aged 45–64 years at baseline. Overall diet quality was assessed using the HEI-2010. A physical activity score was the sum of work, sports, and leisure. Activities of daily living (ADL), instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), and functional abilities were compared with HEI-2010 and physical activity by logistic regression 9 years after the baseline examination.

RESULTS:

Compared with the lowest quartile, quartile 4 healthier HEI-2010 scores showed an odds ratios of 0.76 (95% confidence interval 0.67–0.87) for functional disability, 0.89 (95% CI 0.75–1.07) for ADL disabilities, and 0.88 (95% CI 0.76–0.1.03) for IADL disabilities. Compared with the lowest tertile, tertile 3 of physical activity showed an odds ratios of 0.60 (95% CI 0.54–0.67) for functional disability, 0.68 (95% CI 0.60–0.78) for ADL disabilities, and 0.53 (95% CI 0.47–0.60) for IADL disabilities.

CONCLUSIONS:

Healthier diet and higher physical activity were associated with lower levels of the disabilities of aging, particularly functional disability, at follow up.
RETRACTED: Protective effect of roscovitine against rotenone-induced parkinsonism
Authors: Chen Yan , Hou Yiwei , Ge Ruli , Han Jianmei , Xu Jing , Chen Jinbo , Wang Hongcai
Published: July 2018

This article has been retracted, and the online PDF has been watermarked “RETRACTED”. A retraction notice is available at DOI: 10.3233/RNN-239001 .
Evolving the Controller of Automated Steering of a Car in Slippery Road Conditions
Authors: Alekseeva Natalia , Tanev Ivan , Shimohara Katsunori
Published: July 2018

The most important characteristics of autonomous vehicles are their safety and their ability to adapt to various traffic situations and road conditions. In our research, we focused on the development of controllers for automated steering of a realistically simulated car in slippery road conditions. We comparatively investigated three implementations of such controllers: a proportional-derivative (PD) controller built in accordance with the canonical servo-control model of steering, a PID controller as an extension of the servo-control, and a controller designed heuristically via the most versatile evolutionary computing paradigm: genetic programming (GP). The experimental results suggest that the controller evolved via GP offers the best quality of control of the car in all of the tested slippery (rainy, snowy, and icy) road conditions.
Ride Comfort Control System Considering Physiological and Psychological Characteristics: Effect of Masking on Vertical Vibration on Passengers
Authors: Ikeda Keigo , Endo Ayato , Minowa Ryosuke , Narita Takayoshi , Kato Hideaki
Published: July 2018

Active seat suspension has been proposed to improve ride comfort for ultra-compact mobility. Regarding the ride comfort of passengers due to vertical vibration, the authors have confirmed from biometry measurements that reduction of the vibration acceleration does not always produce the best ride comfort for passengers. Therefore, heart rate variability that can quantitatively reflect stress is measured in real time, and a control method was proposed that feeds back to active suspension and confirms its effectiveness by fundamental verification. In this paper, we will confirm the influence of the vibration stress on the psychological state of the occupant by the masking method.
Numerical Continuation of Limit Cycle Oscillations and Bifurcations in High-Aspect-Ratio Wings
Authors: Eaton Andrew J. , Howcroft Chris , Coetzee Etienne B. , Neild Simon A. , Lowenberg Mark H. , Cooper Jonathan E.
Published: July 2018

This paper applies numerical continuation techniques to a nonlinear aeroelastic model of a highly flexible, high-aspect-ratio wing. Using continuation, it is shown that subcritical limit cycle oscillations, which are highly undesirable phenomena previously observed in numerical and experimental studies, can exist due to geometric nonlinearity alone, without need for nonlinear or even unsteady aerodynamics. A fully nonlinear, reduced-order beam model is combined with strip theory and one-parameter continuation is used to directly obtain equilibria and periodic solutions for varying airspeeds. The two-parameter continuation of specific bifurcations (i.e., Hopf points and periodic folds) reveals the sensitivity of these complex dynamics to variations in out-of-plane, in-plane and torsional stiffness and a ‘wash out’ stiffness coupling parameter. Overall, this paper demonstrates the applicability of continuation to nonlinear aeroelastic analysis and shows that complex dynamical phenomena, which cannot be obtained by linear methods or numerical integration, readily exist in this type of system due to geometric nonlinearity.
Growth, Phenolics, Photosynthetic Pigments, and Antioxidant Response of Two New Genotypes of Sea Asparagus (Salicornia neei Lag.) to Salinity under Greenhouse and Field Conditions
Authors: De Souza Manuel M , Mendes Carlos Rafael , Doncato Kennia B. , Badiale-Furlong Eliana , Costa César S. B.
Published: July 2018

Small succulent halophytic shrubs of the genera Salicornia and Sarcocornia (Salicornioideae, Amaranthaceae) are commonly named sea asparagus and consumed worldwide as green salad in gourmet food, as conserves, and beverages. Their shoots are rich in bioactive compounds and plants show high yields in a wide range of salinities, but little is known about how salt cultivation conditions affect their chemical composition. Two genotypes (BTH1 and BTH2) of the Brazilian sea asparagus Salicornia neei Lag. were evaluated for salt tolerance and changes in shoot concentrations of organic metabolites and antioxidant activity under different salt exposure in both greenhouse and field conditions. All greenhouse plants received full strength modified Hoagland solution in deionized water with a basic electrical conductivity (EC) of 1.7 dS m−1, and with NaCl concentrations (in mM) of ~0.1 (control), 34, 86, 171, 513, and 769. After fifty days of cultivation, both S. neei genotypes showed high salt tolerance and grew better under low salinities (34–86 mM NaCl) than under control salinity. Shoots of BTH1 genotype appeared to be undergoing lignification and used their high carotenoid content to dissipate the oxidative power, and the zeaxanthin content and de-epoxidation state of xanthophylls (DES) were positively affected by salinity. Under increasing salinity, BTH2 genotype had higher relative content of chlorophyll b, which may have lowered the plant photo-oxidation rate, and increased shoot concentration of the flavonoid quercetin (up to 11.6 μg g−1 dw at 769 mM NaCl), leading to higher antioxidant capacity. In the field experiment, after 154 days of irrigation with saline (213 mM NaCl) shrimp farm effluent, BTH2 plants grew taller, produced more metabolites (e.g., total phenolics, total free flavonoids, quercetin, and protocatechuic acid) and had a greater antioxidant capacity of shoots than that of BTH1 plants and that of traditional crops irrigated with fresh water. Yield and bioactive compound composition of S. neei genotypes’ shoots can be enhanced by cultivation under moderate saline conditions.
Quality Parameter Levels of Strawberry Fruit in Response to Different Sound Waves at 1000 Hz with Different dB Values (95, 100, 105 dB)
Authors: Ozkurt Halil , Altuntas Ozlem
Published: July 2018

All living organisms perceive mechanical signals, regardless of their taxonomic classifications or life habits. Because of their immobility, plants are influenced by a variety of environmental stresses, such as mechanical stress, during their growth and development. Plants develop physiological behaviors to adapt to their environment for long-term development and evolution. Sound-induced stress—an abiotic stress factor—is an example of mechanical stress and is caused by sound waves generated by different sources. This stress has a negative effect on the development and growth of plants. The strawberry plants evaluated in this study were exposed to three different sound intensity levels (95, 100, 105 dB) at a constant frequency of 1000 Hz. In strawberry plants, stress induced by sound waves is thought to trigger increased production of secondary metabolites as a defense mechanism. To determine the effect of sound applications, the fresh and dry weights of the roots and shoots were measured in strawberry plants, and the pH, total soluble solids (Brix), titratable acidity, vitamin C, total sugar, total acid, and total phenols were analyzed in the fruits. Results show that the sound stress, which was produced at a constant frequency (1000 Hz) and different sound levels (95, 100, 105 dB), affects the growth parameters of the plant and several quality parameters of the fruit.
Targeting Oxidative Stress and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in the Treatment of Impaired Wound Healing: A Systematic Review
Authors: Cano Sanchez Mariola , Lancel Steve , Boulanger Eric , Neviere Remi
Published: July 2018

Wound healing is a well-tuned biological process, which is achieved via consecutive and overlapping phases including hemostasis, inflammatory-related events, cell proliferation and tissue remodeling. Several factors can impair wound healing such as oxygenation defects, aging, and stress as well as deleterious health conditions such as infection, diabetes, alcohol overuse, smoking and impaired nutritional status. Growing evidence suggests that reactive oxygen species (ROS) are crucial regulators of several phases of healing processes. ROS are centrally involved in all wound healing processes as low concentrations of ROS generation are required for the fight against invading microorganisms and cell survival signaling. Excessive production of ROS or impaired ROS detoxification causes oxidative damage, which is the main cause of non-healing chronic wounds. In this context, experimental and clinical studies have revealed that antioxidant and anti-inflammatory strategies have proven beneficial in the non-healing state. Among available antioxidant strategies, treatments using mitochondrial-targeted antioxidants are of particular interest. Specifically, mitochondrial-targeted peptides such as elamipretide have the potential to mitigate mitochondrial dysfunction and aberrant inflammatory response through activation of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like family receptors, such as the pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway inhibition, and nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2).
Solution-Processed CdTe Thin-Film Solar Cells Using ZnSe Nanocrystal as a Buffer Layer
Authors: Chen Yanru , Mei Xianglin , Liu Xiaolin , Wu Bin , Yang Junfeng , Yang Junyu , Xu Wei , Hou Lintao , Qin Donghuan , Wang Dan
Published: July 2018

The CdTe nanocrystal (NC) is an outstanding, low-cost photovoltaic material for highly efficient solution-processed thin-film solar cells. Currently, most CdTe NC thin-film solar cells are based on CdSe, ZnO, or CdS buffer layers. In this study, a wide bandgap and Cd-free ZnSe NC is introduced for the first time as the buffer layer for all solution-processed CdTe/ZnSe NC hetero-junction thin-film solar cells with a configuration of ITO/ZnO/ZnSe/CdTe/MoOx/Au. The dependence of the thickness of the ZnSe NC film, the annealing temperature and the chemical treatment on the performance of NC solar cells are investigated and discussed in detail. We further develop a ligand-exchanging strategy that involves 1,2-ethanedithiol (EDT) during the fabrication of ZnSe NC film. An improved power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 3.58% is obtained, which is increased by 16.6% when compared to a device without the EDT treatment. We believe that using ZnSe NC as the buffer layer holds the potential for developing high-efficiency, low cost, and stable CdTe NC-based solar cells.
Numerical Modeling and Performance Prediction of COS Hydrolysis Reactor in an Integrated Gasification Fuel Cell in terms of Thermo-Chemical Transport Phenomena
Authors: Noh Jung-Hun , Ko Dong-Shin , Lee Seung-Jong , Hur Deog-Jae
Published: July 2018

During the recent decades, global warming by greenhouse gas evolution has attracted worldwide attention and ever increasing strict regulations thereon have become institutionalized as international policies. In the process, more environment-friendly power generation technologies have been developed utilizing fossil fuels with a view to timely commercialization. As one such “clean coal” technology, an Integrated Gasification Fuel Cell system is a promising power generation means where a carbonyl sulfide (COS) hydrolysis reactor is installed downstream of coal syngas to remove acidic gas constituents such as H2S and COS. The most significant design parameters affecting performance of the COS hydrolysis reactor were selected to be gas hourly space velocity (GHSV), reaction temperature, and length ratio, and numerical modeling was performed considering heat and fluid flow transfer as well as chemical reaction kinetics. Effect of the selected design parameters on the variation of conversion rate and reactant gas mixture concentration were comprehensively investigated to predict performance of the COS hydrolysis reactor. Stochastic modeling of reactor performance was finally performed using Monte Carlo simulation and linear regression fitting.
An Ergonomic Customized-Tool Handle Design for Precision Tools using Additive Manufacturing: A Case Study
Authors: González Alfonso González , Salgado David Rodríguez , García Moruno Lorenzo , Sánchez Ríos Alonso
Published: July 2018

A study was carried out with 135 surgeons to obtain a surgical laparoscopic grasper handle design that adapts to the size of each surgeon’s hand, in a functionally appropriate way, and has the sufficient ergonomics to avoid generating the problems detected nowadays. The main conclusion of the work is the practical 3D parametric design obtained for a laparoscopic surgical graspers handle that is scalable to fit each particular surgeon's hand size. In addition, it has been possible to determine that the anthropometric measure of the surgeon's hand defined as Palm Length Measured (PLM) allows the design of the 3D parametric model of the surgical handle to be conveniently scaled. The results show that both additive manufacturing and the application of ergonomics criterion provide an efficient method for the custom design and manufacture of this type of specialised tool, with potential application in other sectors.
The Influence of Valve-Pump Weight Ratios on the Dynamic Response of Leaking Valve-Pump Parallel Control Hydraulic Systems
Authors: Ding Haigang , Zhao Jiyun , Cheng Gang , Wright Steve , Yao Yufeng
Published: July 2018

A new leaking valve-pump parallel control (LVPC) oil hydraulic system is proposed to improve the performance of dynamic response of present variable speed pump control (VSPC) system, which is an oil hydraulic control system with saving energy. In the LVPC, a control valve is operating at leaking status, together with a variable speed pump, to regulate the system flow of hydraulic oil simultaneously. Therefore, the degree of valve control and pump control can be adjusted by regulating the valve-pump weight ratio. The LVPC system design, mathematical model development, system parameter and control performance analysis are carried out systematically followed by an experimental for validation process. Results have shown that after introducing the valve control, the total leakage coefficient increases significantly over a wide range with the operating point and this further increases damping ratios and reduces the velocity stiffness. As the valve-pump weight ratio determines the flow distribution between the valve and the pump and the weight factors of the valve and/or the pump controls determines the response speed of the LVPC system, thus if the weight factors are constrained properly, the LVPC system will eventually have a large synthetic open-loop gain and it will respond faster than the VSPC system. The LVPC will enrich the control schemes of oil hydraulic system and has potential value in application requiring of fast response.
Accurate Sparse Recovery of Rayleigh Wave Characteristics Using Fast Analysis of Wave Speed (FAWS) Algorithm for Soft Soil Layers
Authors: Chen Zhuoshi , Jiang Baofeng , Song Jingjing , Wang Wentao
Published: July 2018

This paper presents a novel fast analysis of wave speed (FAWS) algorithm from the waveforms recorded by a random-spaced geophone array based on a compressive sensing (CS) platform. Rayleigh-type seismic surface wave testing is excited by a hammer source and conducted to develop the phase velocity characteristics of the subsoil layers in Shenyang Metro line 9. Data are filtered by a bandpass filter bank to pursue the dispersive profiles of phase velocity at various frequencies. The Rayleigh-type surface-wave dispersion curve for the soil layers at each frequency is conducted by the ℓ1-norm minimization algorithm of CS theory. The traditional frequency-wavenumber transform technique and in-site downhole observation are employed as the comparison of the proposed technique. The experimental results indicate the proposed FAWS algorithm has a good agreement with both the results of conventional even-spaced geophone array and the in-site measurements, which provides an effective and efficient way for accurate non-destructive evaluation of the surface wave dispersion curve of the soil.
The Assessment of Possibility of Using Sanitary Ceramic Waste as Concrete Aggregate—Determination of the Basic Material Characteristics
Authors: Ogrodnik Paweł , Szulej Jacek
Published: July 2018

This article presents the possibilities of using soft clay pottery waste as concrete aggregate. There is shown a new approach of complete exchange natural aggregate in concrete with recycled aggregate, i.e., crushed ceramic of two fractions 0–4 and 4–8 mm. Basic characteristics of aggregate were evaluated, i.e., phase composition and crush strength. Drawing on past experiences, two concrete mixes were designed that were based on Portland cement 32.5 R used for ordinary concrete and aluminous Górkal 70, which is characterized by high initial strength and the fact that Al2O3 is the binding factor. The prepared concrete samples were subjected to maintenance for the next 28 days, and then tests started. A series of tests were performed on the properties of concrete obtained, including a compressive strength and bending strength, an abrasion resistance, frost resistance, water absorption, depth of penetration of water under pressure, and bulk density of concrete. The research confirmed assumptions that it is possible to completely replace the natural aggregate with aggregate made of soft clay pottery waste. Both designed concretes showed high compressive and bending strength, as well as low absorbability and abrasiveness. It was also found that soaking in water, as well as its duration, adversely affects the strength properties of the designed concretes. Regarding concrete based on Portland cement, it was also demonstrated that the concrete has a high frost resistance and resistance to penetration of water under pressure.
Learning Eligibility in Cancer Clinical Trials Using Deep Neural Networks
Authors: Bustos Aurelia , Pertusa Antonio
Published: July 2018

Interventional cancer clinical trials are generally too restrictive, and some patients are often excluded on the basis of comorbidity, past or concomitant treatments, or the fact that they are over a certain age. The efficacy and safety of new treatments for patients with these characteristics are, therefore, not defined. In this work, we built a model to automatically predict whether short clinical statements were considered inclusion or exclusion criteria. We used protocols from cancer clinical trials that were available in public registries from the last 18 years to train word-embeddings, and we constructed a dataset of 6M short free-texts labeled as eligible or not eligible. A text classifier was trained using deep neural networks, with pre-trained word-embeddings as inputs, to predict whether or not short free-text statements describing clinical information were considered eligible. We additionally analyzed the semantic reasoning of the word-embedding representations obtained and were able to identify equivalent treatments for a type of tumor analogous with the drugs used to treat other tumors. We show that representation learning using deep neural networks can be successfully leveraged to extract the medical knowledge from clinical trial protocols for potentially assisting practitioners when prescribing treatments.
Differential Pricing Decision and Coordination of Green Electronic Products from the Perspective of Service Heterogeneity
Authors: Zhu Xiaodong , Yu Lingfei
Published: July 2018

Consumers focus on level of service while purchasing electronic products. This study focuses on consumer buying behavior. We determine the Stackelberg outcome for a market when a durable electronic product has three different forms: new product, remanufactured product and refurbished product. Under the dynamic game model, the optimal differential pricing strategy is implemented, and the double marginal effect is coordinated through a revenue-sharing contract and two toll contracts to increase the system’s revenue capacity. Our research shows that as the degree of consumer preference increases, the service differentiation of the three products is reduced. A lower level of consumer preference affects the pricing decision of new products and significantly affects the pricing of remanufactured products and refurbished products.
A Novel Bitrate Adaptation Method for Heterogeneous Wireless Body Area Networks
Authors: Cwalina Krzysztof K. , Ambroziak Slawomir J. , Rajchowski Piotr , Sadowski Jaroslaw , Stefanski Jacek
Published: July 2018

In the article, a novel bitrate adaptation method for data streams allocation in heterogeneous Wireless Body Area Networks (WBANs) is presented. The efficiency of the proposed algorithm was compared with other known algorithms of data stream allocation using computer simulation. A dedicated simulator has been developed using results of measurements in the real environment. The usage of the proposed adaptive data streams allocation method by transmission rate adaptation based on radio channel parameters can increase the efficiency of resources’ usage in a heterogeneous WBANs, in relation to fixed bitrates transmissions and the use of well-known algorithms. This increase of efficiency has been shown regardless of the mobile node placement on the human body.
Unsupervised Learning for Concept Detection in Medical Images: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Pinho Eduardo , Costa Carlos
Published: July 2018

As digital medical imaging becomes more prevalent and archives increase in size, representation learning exposes an interesting opportunity for enhanced medical decision support systems. On the other hand, medical imaging data is often scarce and short on annotations. In this paper, we present an assessment of unsupervised feature learning approaches for images in biomedical literature which can be applied to automatic biomedical concept detection. Six unsupervised representation learning methods were built, including traditional bags of visual words, autoencoders, and generative adversarial networks. Each model was trained, and their respective feature spaces evaluated using images from the ImageCLEF 2017 concept detection task. The highest mean F1 score of 0.108 was obtained using representations from an adversarial autoencoder, which increased to 0.111 when combined with the representations from the sparse denoising autoencoder. We conclude that it is possible to obtain more powerful representations with modern deep learning approaches than with previously popular computer vision methods. The possibility of semi-supervised learning as well as its use in medical information retrieval problems are the next steps to be strongly considered.
Technological Specificity, Transduction, and Identity in Media Mix
Authors: Torrents Alba
Published: July 2018

In this paper, I focus on the study of the relationships between technological specificity and media mix, focusing on how anime, as a visual medium, is connected to other media. There are two main aspects to this paper: the study of the complexities of the visual media milieu in the age of media mix, taking into account the technological materiality of different channels of production and consumption, and the study of the way these complexities must be approached. Taking materiality and information as the key aspects of the way specific objects in media are interconnected, I explore a question that has appeared recently in media studies: what is the right way to approach the relationships between media?
Causal Graphs and Concept-Mapping Assumptions
Authors: Levine Eli , Butler J. S.
Published: July 2018

Determining what constitutes a causal relationship between two or more concepts, and how to infer causation, are fundamental concepts in statistics and all the sciences. Causation becomes especially difficult in the social sciences where there is a myriad of different factors that are not always easily observed or measured that directly or indirectly influence the dynamic relationships between independent variables and dependent variables. This paper proposes a procedure for helping researchers explicitly understand what their underlying assumptions are, what kind of data and methodology are needed to understand a given relationship, and how to develop explicit assumptions with clear alternatives, such that researchers can then apply a process of probabilistic elimination. The procedure borrows from Pearl’s concept of “causal diagrams” and concept mapping to create a repeatable, step-by-step process for systematically researching complex relationships and, more generally, complex systems. The significance of this methodology is that it can help researchers determine what is more probably accurate and what is less probably accurate in a comprehensive fashion for complex phenomena. This can help resolve many of our current and future political and policy debates by eliminating that which has no evidence in support of it, and that which has evidence against it, from the pool of what can be permitted in research and debates. By defining and streamlining a process for inferring truth in a way that is graspable by human cognition, we can begin to have more productive and effective discussions around political and policy questions.
A Gradient System for Low Rank Matrix Completion
Authors: Scalone Carmela , Guglielmi Nicola
Published: July 2018

In this article we present and discuss a two step methodology to find the closest low rank completion of a sparse large matrix. Given a large sparse matrix M, the method consists of fixing the rank to r and then looking for the closest rank-r matrix X to M, where the distance is measured in the Frobenius norm. A key element in the solution of this matrix nearness problem consists of the use of a constrained gradient system of matrix differential equations. The obtained results, compared to those obtained by different approaches show that the method has a correct behaviour and is competitive with the ones available in the literature.
Trinity of Three-Dimensional (3D) Scaffold, Vibration, and 3D Printing on Cell Culture Application: A Systematic Review and Indicating Future Direction
Authors: Yuan Haobo , Xing Ke , Hsu Hung-Yao
Published: July 2018

Cell culture and cell scaffold engineering have previously developed in two directions. First can be ‘static into dynamic’, with proven effects that dynamic cultures have benefits over static ones. Researches in this direction have used several mechanical means, like external vibrators or shakers, to approximate the dynamic environments in real tissue, though such approaches could only partly address the issue. Second, can be ‘2D into 3D’, that is, artificially created three-dimensional (3D) passive (also called ‘static’) scaffolds have been utilized for 3D cell culture, helping external culturing conditions mimic real tissue 3D environments in a better way as compared with traditional two-dimensional (2D) culturing. In terms of the fabrication of 3D scaffolds, 3D printing (3DP) has witnessed its high popularity in recent years with ascending applicability, and this tendency might continue to grow along with the rapid development in scaffold engineering. In this review, we first introduce cell culturing, then focus 3D cell culture scaffold, vibration stimulation for dynamic culture, and 3DP technologies fabricating 3D scaffold. Potential interconnection of these realms will be analyzed, as well as the limitations of current 3D scaffold and vibration mechanisms. In the recommendation part, further discussion on future scaffold engineering regarding 3D vibratory scaffold will be addressed, indicating 3DP as a positive bridging technology for future scaffold with integrated and localized vibratory functions.
Pathogens and Their Effect on Exosome Biogenesis and Composition
Authors: Jones Leandra B. , Bell Courtnee’ R. , Bibb Kartz E. , Gu Linlin , Coats Mamie T. , Matthews Qiana L.
Published: July 2018

Exosomes are nanosized membrane microvesicles (30–100 nm) that have the capability to communicate intercellularly and transport cell components (i.e., miRNA, mRNA, proteins and DNA). Exosomes are found in nearly every cell type (i.e., mast cells, dendritic, tumor, and macrophages). There have been many studies that have shown the importance of exosome function as well as their unique packaging and targeting abilities. These characteristics make exosomes ideal candidates to act as biomarkers and therapeutics for disease. We will discuss the biogenesis, composition, and relationship of exosomes with non-viral microbial infections including gram-negative bacteria, gram-positive bacteria, Leishmania and Trypanosoma cruzi.
Embigin Promotes Prostate Cancer Progression by S100A4-Dependent and-Independent Mechanisms
Authors: Ruma I Made Winarsa , Kinoshita Rie , Tomonobu Nahoko , Inoue Yusuke , Kondo Eisaku , Yamauchi Akira , Sato Hiroki , Sumardika I Wayan , Chen Youyi , Yamamoto Ken-Ichi , Murata Hitoshi , Toyooka Shinichi , Nishibori Masahiro , Sakaguchi Masakiyo
Published: July 2018

Embigin, a transmembrane glycoprotein belonging to the immunoglobulin superfamily, is involved in prostate and mammary gland development. As embigin’s roles in cancer remain elusive, we studied its biological functions and interaction with extracellular S100A4 in prostate cancer progression. We found by a pull-down assay that embigin is a novel receptor for S100A4, which is one of the vital cancer microenvironment milleu. Binding of extracellular S100A4 to embigin mediates prostate cancer progression by inhibition of AMPK activity, activation of NF-κB, MMP9 and mTORC1 signaling, and inhibition of autophagy, which increase prostate cancer cell motility. We also found that embigin promotes prostate cancer growth, spheroid- and colony-forming ability, and survival upon chemotherapy independently of S100A4. An in vivo growth mouse model confirmed the importance of embigin and its cytoplasmic tail in mediating prostate tumor growth. Moreover, embigin and p21WAF1 can be used to predict survival of prostate cancer patients. Our results demonstrated for the first time that the S100A4-embigin/AMPK/mTORC1/p21WAF1 and NF-κB/MMP9 axis is a vital oncogenic molecular cascade for prostate cancer progression. We proposed that embigin and p21WAF1 could be used as prognostic biomarkers and a strategy to inhibit S100A4-embigin binding could be a therapeutic approach for prostate cancer patients.
Propylsulfonic Acid Functionalized SBA-15 Mesoporous Silica as Efficient Catalysts for the Acetalization of Glycerol
Authors: Li Ruiyun , Song Heyuan , Chen Jing
Published: July 2018

As the main by-product obtained from biomass, glycerol could be converted into valuable chemicals. Tunable propylsulfonic acid functionalized SBA-15 and KIT-6 with different structural parameters have been prepared by different methods while using 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane (MPTMS) as the source of sulfur. The composition and structure of the synthesized catalysts have been well-characterized by N2 adsorption-desorption (BET), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The catalytic performance of the prepared catalysts have been evaluated and compared in glycerol acetalization with formaldehyde to the mixture of 1,3-dioxane-5-ol and 1,3-dioxolane-4-methanol. Optimum reaction parameters were investigated to enhance the yield of products and control the distribution of glycerol formals. More than 90% yield of cyclic acetals were obtained with the ratio of two isomers 5R to 6R of 42:58.
The Purified Extract from the Medicinal Plant Bacopa monnieri, Bacopaside II, Inhibits Growth of Colon Cancer Cells In Vitro by Inducing Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis
Authors: Smith Eric , Palethorpe Helen M. , Tomita Yoko , Pei Jinxin V. , Townsend Amanda R. , Price Timothy J. , Young Joanne P. , Yool Andrea J. , Hardingham Jennifer E.
Published: July 2018

Aquaporin-1 (AQP1), a transmembrane pore-forming molecule, facilitates the rapid movement of water and small solutes across cell membranes. We have previously shown that bacopaside II, an extract from the medicinal herb Bacopa monnieri, blocks the AQP1 water channel and impairs migration of cells that express AQP1. The aim of this study was to further elucidate the anti-tumour potential of bacopaside II in colon cancer cells. Expression of AQP1 in HT-29, SW480, SW620 and HCT116 was determined by quantitative PCR and western immunoblot. Cells were treated with bacopaside II, and morphology, growth, autophagy, cell cycle and apoptosis assessed by time-lapse microscopy, crystal violet, acridine orange, propidium iodide (PI) and annexin V/PI staining respectively. AQP1 expression was significantly higher in HT-29 than SW480, SW620 and HCT116. Bacopaside II significantly reduced growth at ≥20 µM for HT-29 and ≥15 µM for SW480, SW620 and HCT116. Inhibition of HT-29 at 20 µM was primarily mediated by G0/G1 cell cycle arrest, and at 30 µM by G2/M arrest and apoptosis. Inhibition of SW480, SW620 and HCT116 at ≥15 µM was mediated by G2/M arrest and apoptosis. These results are the first to show that bacopaside II inhibits colon cancer cell growth by inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.
TRPC3 as a Target of Novel Therapeutic Interventions
Authors: Tiapko Oleksandra , Groschner Klaus
Published: July 2018

TRPC3 is one of the classical members of the mammalian transient receptor potential (TRP) superfamily of ion channels. TRPC3 is a molecule with intriguing sensory features including the direct recognition of and activation by diacylglycerols (DAG). Although TRPC3 channels are ubiquitously expressed, they appear to control functions of the cardiovascular system and the brain in a highly specific manner. Moreover, a role of TRPC3 in immunity, cancer, and tissue remodeling has been proposed, generating much interest in TRPC3 as a target for pharmacological intervention. Advances in the understanding of molecular architecture and structure-function relations of TRPC3 have been the foundations for novel therapeutic approaches, such as photopharmacology and optochemical genetics of TRPC3. This review provides an account of advances in therapeutic targeting of TRPC3 channels.
Mitochondrial Quality Control in COPD and IPF
Authors: Hara Hiromichi , Kuwano Kazuyoshi , Araya Jun
Published: July 2018

Mitochondria play important roles in the maintenance of intracellular homeostasis; hence, the quality control of mitochondria is crucial for cell fate determination. Mitochondria dynamics and mitochondria-specific autophagy, known as mitophagy, are two main quality control systems in cells. Mitochondria fuse to increase energy production in response to stress, and damaged mitochondria are segregated by fission and degraded by mitophagy. Once these systems are disrupted, dysfunctional mitochondria with decreased adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production accumulate, affecting cell fate. Recently, increasing evidence suggests that the dysregulation of mitochondria quality control is pathogenic in several age-related diseases. In this review, we outlined the role of mitochondria quality control systems in the pathogenesis of age-associated lung diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
Analysis of Dyes in Cosmetics: Challenges and Recent Developments
Authors: Guerra Eugenia , Llompart Maria , Garcia-Jares Carmen
Published: July 2018

Colour plays a decisive role in the marketing of a cosmetic product. Among thousands of substances used to colour, synthetic dyes are the most widespread in the industry. Their potential secondary effects on human health and different regulatory requirements for their use between the main world markets make analytical control necessary to guarantee the safety of a cosmetic product. However, methodologies for the determination of dyes in cosmetics are scarce with respect to those reported for other cosmetic ingredients such as preservatives or ultraviolet UV filters. In addition, most of the existing methods just consider a part of the total of dyes regulated. On the other hand, many methods have been developed for matrices different than cosmetics such as foodstuff, beverages or wastewater. The current paper reviews the recent developments in analytical methodologies for the control of synthetic dyes in cosmetics proposed in the international scientific literature in the last 10 years (2008–2018). A trend towards the use of miniaturized extraction techniques is evidenced. Due to the hydrophilic nature of dyes, liquid chromatography is the most usual choice in combination with absorbance detectors and, more recently, with mass spectrometry.
A Review of the Tribe Cryptoplini (Coleoptera: Curculioninae), with Revision of the Genus Menechirus Hartmann, 1901 and Description of a New Genus Associated with Macadamia
Authors: Jennings Debbie , Oberprieler Rolf
Published: July 2018

This paper presents the results of a study that was largely initiated to describe a genus and species of weevil damaging macadamia fruits in plantations in New South Wales and Queensland, Australia. This taxon is described as Kuschelorhynchus macadamiae gen. et sp. n., the genus named in honour of the late Guillermo (Willy) Kuschel (1918–2017). The related genus Menechirus Hartmann is also revised, resulting in the description of three new species, M. howdenae sp. n., M. parryi sp. n. and M. mundus sp. n. The other genera of the small Australian weevil tribe Cryptoplini, Cryptoplus Erichson, Haplonyx Schoenherr, Sigastus Pascoe and Zeopus Pascoe, are diagnosed and their host associations summarised, and a revised diagnosis of the tribe Cryptoplini is presented, together with a key to its six genera. The extraordinary aedeagus of Cryptoplini, featuring a tectal plate as is characteristic of more primitive weevils, is discussed and illustrated.
Deep Learning in Data-Driven Pavement Image Analysis and Automated Distress Detection: A Review
Authors: Gopalakrishnan Kasthurirangan
Published: July 2018

Deep learning, more specifically deep convolutional neural networks, is fast becoming a popular choice for computer vision-based automated pavement distress detection. While pavement image analysis has been extensively researched over the past three decades or so, recent ground-breaking achievements of deep learning algorithms in the areas of machine translation, speech recognition, and computer vision has sparked interest in the application of deep learning to automated detection of distresses in pavement images. This paper provides a narrative review of recently published studies in this field, highlighting the current achievements and challenges. A comparison of the deep learning software frameworks, network architecture, hyper-parameters employed by each study, and crack detection performance is provided, which is expected to provide a good foundation for driving further research on this important topic in the context of smart pavement or asset management systems. The review concludes with potential avenues for future research; especially in the application of deep learning to not only detect, but also characterize the type, extent, and severity of distresses from 2D and 3D pavement images.
The Principle of Least Action for Reversible Thermodynamic Processes and Cycles
Authors: Zhao Tian , Hua Yu-Chao , Guo Zeng-Yuan
Published: July 2018

The principle of least action, which is usually applied to natural phenomena, can also be used in optimization problems with manual intervention. Following a brief introduction to the brachistochrone problem in classical mechanics, the principle of least action was applied to the optimization of reversible thermodynamic processes and cycles in this study. Analyses indicated that the entropy variation per unit of heat exchanged is the mode of action for reversible heat absorption or heat release processes. Minimizing this action led to the optimization of heat absorption or heat release processes, and the corresponding optimal path was the first or second half of a Carnot cycle. Finally, the action of an entire reversible thermodynamic cycle was determined as the sum of the actions of the heat absorption and release processes. Minimizing this action led to a Carnot cycle. This implies that the Carnot cycle can also be derived using the principle of least action derived from the entropy concept.
Achievable Rate Region under Linear Beamforming for Dual-Hop Multiple-Access Relay Network
Authors: Feng Guiguo , Guo Wangmei , Liu Binyue
Published: July 2018

Consider a network consisting of two independent single-antenna sources, a single-antenna destination and a helping multiple-antenna relay. This network is called a dual-hop multiple access relay network (MARN). In this network, sources transmit to the relay simultaneously in the first time slot. The relay retransmits the received sum-signal to the destination using a linear beamforming scheme in the second time slot. In this paper, we characterize the achievable rate region of MARN under linear beamforming. The achievable rate region characterization problem is first transformed to an equivalent “corner point” optimization problem with respect to linear beamforming matrix at the relay. Then, we present an efficient algorithm to solve it via only semi-definite programming (SDP). We further derive the mathematical close-forms of the maximum individual rates and the sum-rate. Finally, numerical results demonstrate the performance of the proposed schemes.