bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MicroRNA miR‐24‐3p Reduces Apoptosis and Regulates Keap1‐Nrf2 Pathway in Mouse Cardiomyocytes Responding to Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Xiao Xu , Lu Zhigang , Lin Victor , May Adam , Shaw Daniel H. , Wang Zhihao , Che Briana , Tran Kyle , Du Hongjun , Shaw Peter X.
Published: December 2018

In recent years, microRNAs (miRNAs) have received increasing attention for their role in ischemia/reperfusion injury (I/RI), and many miRNAs have been demonstrated to play a very important role in cardiac I/RI. The miRNA miR‐24‐3p is a tumor suppressor that regulates multiple tumors; however, it remains unclear whether the expression level of miR‐24‐3p is altered in cardiac cells under I/RI. In this study, we used mouse primary cardiomyocytes and the H9C2 cardiomyocyte cell line to perform in vitro stimulated ischemia/reperfusion (SI/R) and then detected miR‐24‐3p expression level using quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR). We discovered that the expression of miR‐24‐3p was significantly increased in cardiomyocytes following SI/R, and that the miR‐24‐3p level was inversely correlated to the ischemia marker HIF‐1a. Furthermore, we transfected cardiomyocytes with miR‐24‐3p mimic or inhibitor to explore the role of miR‐24‐3p in cardiomyocyte ischemia/reperfusion injury in vitro. We performed flow cytometry to detect the apoptotic rate of H9C2 cardiomyocytes and found that the transfection of miR‐24‐3p mimic resulted in the decrease of the apoptosis rate of cardiomyocytes after SI/R, whereas the transfection of miR‐24‐3p inhibitor increased the number of apoptotic cardiomyocytes. These data suggest that the overexpression of miR‐24‐3p could reduce in vitro myocardial cell apoptosis induced by I/R injury. Finally, we applied the dual luciferase reporter gene system to verify whether miR‐24‐3p targets the Keap1 gene, and found that the luciferase signal intensity from a vector carrying the Keap1 wild‐type reporter gene was significantly reduced after transfection with miR‐24‐3p mimic. The Keap1 protein level was also reduced following the transfection of miR‐24‐3p. The results from this study suggest a novel function of miR‐24‐3p in protecting cardiomyocytes from ischemia/reperfusion injury by the activation of the Nrf2‐Keap1 pathway.
Dealuminated Beta Zeolite Modified by Alkaline Earth Metals
Authors: Chalupka Karolina , Sadek Renata , Valentin Laetitia , Millot Yannick , Calers Christophe , Nowosielska Magdalena , Rynkowski Jacek , Dzwigaj Stanislaw
Published: December 2018

Alkaline Earth metals (Mg, Sr, and Ca) were incorporated into the dealuminated mesoporous beta zeolite (DeAlBeta) by the two-step postsynthesis method. Physicochemical properties of both unmodified and alkaline Earth metal-modified DeAlBeta zeolite were characterized by XRD, DR UV-vis, FTIR, TPD of NH3 and CO2, NMR, and XPS. The dealumination of beta zeolite led to decrease of its acidity and basicity. The incorporation of alkaline Earth metals into the framework of dealuminated beta zeolite did not affect its structure. The modification of DeAlBeta with a small amount of alkaline Earth metals increases the number of acidic centers, which may be related to the formation of framework Mg (Ca or Sr) (II) Lewis acidic sites.
Investigation of the Atomic Structure of Ge-Sb-Se Chalcogenide Glasses
Authors: Fabian M. , Dulgheru N. , Antonova K. , Szekeres A. , Gartner M.
Published: December 2018

Glasses with composition of GexSb40-xSe60 (x= 40, 35, 32, 27, 20, 15 at. %) have been synthesized. Neutron and X-ray diffraction techniques were used to study the atomic glassy structure, and Reverse Monte Carlo (RMC) simulations were applied to model the 3-dimensional atomic configurations and thorough mapping of the atomic parameters, such as first and second neighbour distances, coordination numbers, and bond-angle distributions. The results are explained with formation of GeSe4 and SbSe3 structural units, which correlate with the Ge/Sb ratio. For all the studied compositions, the Ge-Se, Sb-Se, Ge-Ge, and Se-Se bonds are significant. RMC simulations reveal the presence of Ge-Sb and Sb-Sb bonds, being dependent on Ge/Sb ratio. All atomic compositions satisfy formal valence requirements, i.e., Ge is fourfold coordinated, Sb is threefold coordinated, and Se is twofold coordinated. By increasing the Sb content, both the Se-Ge-Se bonds angle of 107±3° and Se-Sb-Se bonds angle of 118±3° decrease, respectively, indicating distortion of the structural units. Far infrared Fourier Transform spectroscopic measurements conducted in the range of 50-450 cm-1 at oblique (75°) incidence radiation have revealed clear dependences of the IR band’s shift and intensity on the glassy composition, showing features around x=27 at.% supporting the topological phase transition to a stable rigid network consisting mainly of SbSe3 pyramidal and GeSe4 tetrahedral clusters. These results are in agreement with the Reverse Monte Carlo models, which define the Ge and Sb environment.
On the Dynamical Complexity of a Seasonally Forced Discrete SIR Epidemic Model with a Constant Vaccination Strategy
Authors: Rashidinia Jalil , Sajjadian Mehri , Duarte Jorge , Januário Cristina , Martins Nuno
Published: December 2018

In this article, we consider the discretized classical Susceptible‐Infected‐Recovered (SIR) forced epidemic model to investigate the consequences of the introduction of different transmission rates and the effect of a constant vaccination strategy, providing new numerical and topological insights into the complex dynamics of recurrent diseases. Starting with a constant contact (or transmission) rate, the computation of the spectrum of Lyapunov exponents allows us to identify different chaotic regimes. Studying the evolution of the dynamical variables, a family of unimodal‐type iterated maps with a striking biological meaning is detected among those dynamical regimes of the densities of the susceptibles. Using the theory of symbolic dynamics, these iterated maps are characterized based on the computation of an important numerical invariant, the topological entropy. The introduction of a degree (or amplitude) of seasonality, ε, is responsible for inducing complexity into the population dynamics. The resulting dynamical behaviors are studied using some of the previous tools for particular values of the strength of the seasonality forcing, ε. Finally, we carry out a study of the discrete SIR epidemic model under a planned constant vaccination strategy. We examine what effect this vaccination regime will have on the periodic and chaotic dynamics originated by seasonally forced epidemics.
A Coupled Thermo‐Hydromechanical Model of Soil Slope in Seasonally Frozen Regions under Freeze‐Thaw Action
Authors: Zhan Yongxiang , Lu Zheng , Yao Hailin , Xian Shaohua
Published: December 2018

Soil slope diseases in seasonally frozen regions are mostly related to water migration and frost heave deformation of the soil. Based on the partial differential equation defined using the COMSOL Multiphysics software, a thermo‐hydromechanical coupling model considering water migration, ice‐water phase change, ice impedance, and frost heave is constructed, and the variations in the temperature field, migration of liquid water, accumulation of solid ice, and deformation of frost heave in frozen soil slopes are analysed. The results show that the ambient temperature has a significant effect on the temperature and moisture field of the slope in the shallow area. In addition, the degree of influence gradually weakens from the outside to the inside of the slope, and the number of freeze‐thaw cycles in deep soil is less than that in shallow soil. During the freezing period, water in the unfrozen area rapidly migrates to the frozen area, and the total moisture content abruptly changes at the vicinity of the freezing front. The maximum frozen depth is the largest at the slope top and the smallest at the slope foot. During the melting period, water is enriched at the melting front with the frozen layer melting; the slope is prone to shallow instability at this stage. The melting of the frozen layer is bidirectional, so the duration of slope melting is shorter than that of the freezing process. The slope displacement is closely related to the change in temperature—a relation that is in agreement with the phenomenon of thermal expansion and contraction in unfrozen areas and reflects the phenomenon of frost heave and thaw settlement in frozen areas.
Rab27b Is a Potential Indicator for Lymph Node Metastasis and Unfavorable Prognosis in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhang Louqian , Fan Weifei , Xu Li , Mao Qixing , Chen Yan , Mao Yuan , Xu Lin , Wang Jun
Published: December 2018

Rab27b is reported to associate with the development and progression of several types of human cancers. However, the relationship between Rab27b expression and the clinical characteristics of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is rarely explored. In this present study, the TCGA database was consulted, followed by one-step quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), Western blot, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) analyses in LUAD cell lines and tissue samples. Rab27b expression levels were statistically higher in LUAD cell lines and tissue samples compared with a noncancerous cell line and tissue samples (p<0.05). Rab27b expression was statistically correlated with lymph node metastasis (p=0.016) and TNM stage (p=0.019). Survival analysis and Kaplan-Meier curve revealed that Rab27b expression (p=0.006) and TNM stage (p=0.027) were independently associated with the unfavorable overall survival of patients with LUAD. These results indicate that high expression of Rab27b correlates with malignant attributes of LUAD and Rab27b may be identified as a potential indicator of metastasis and prognosis for LUAD.
Neurophysiologic and Cognitive Changes Arising from Cognitive Training Interventions in Persons with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Systematic Review
Authors: Miotto Eliane C. , Batista Alana X. , Simon Sharon S. , Hampstead Benjamin M.
Published: December 2018

Background. Previous reviews have generally reported cognitive//behavioral improvements after cognitively oriented treatments (COTs) in persons with MCI. However, comparatively little is known about the neural mechanisms associated with such cognitive improvement. Objective. The primary aim of the current review was to examine neurophysiological changes measured by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and possible cognitive changes following COTs in those with MCI. Methods. An extensive literature search was conducted up to August 2018. Inclusion criteria were (1) studies that evaluated the effects of the COTs in patients with amnestic single- or multiple-domain MCI using fMRI, (2) the MCI patient sample having met Petersen’s or Jack/Bond’s criteria, (3) randomized and/or controlled trials, (4) fMRI and cognitive assessments completed pre- and post-intervention, and (5) articles available in English. Results. Amongst the 26 articles found, 7 studies were included according to the above inclusion criteria. A total of 3 studies applied rehearsal-based strategies as the primary intervention, all of which used computerized cognitive training. Four studies used fMRI to investigate the neurophysiologic and cognitive changes associated with memory strategy training. The majority of the studies included in this review showed evidence of improved objective cognitive performance associated with COTs, even in tasks similar to everyday life activities. In addition, there were significant changes in brain activation associated with interventions, in both typical and atypical brain areas and networks related to memory. Conclusions. Although additional studies are needed given the small sample size, these initial findings suggest that cognitive improvement after COTs is generally associated with both compensatory (i.e., engaging alternative brain regions or networks not “typically” engaged) and restorative (i.e., reengaging the “typical” brain regions or networks) mechanisms.
Deep Convolutional Neural Network Based ECG Classification System Using Information Fusion and One-Hot Encoding Techniques
Authors: Li Jia , Si Yujuan , Xu Tao , Jiang Saibiao
Published: December 2018

Although convolutional neural networks (CNNs) can be used to classify electrocardiogram (ECG) beats in the diagnosis of cardiovascular disease, ECG signals are typically processed as one-dimensional signals while CNNs are better suited to multidimensional pattern or image recognition applications. In this study, the morphology and rhythm of heartbeats are fused into a two-dimensional information vector for subsequent processing by CNNs that include adaptive learning rate and biased dropout methods. The results demonstrate that the proposed CNN model is effective for detecting irregular heartbeats or arrhythmias via automatic feature extraction. When the proposed model was tested on the MIT-BIH arrhythmia database, the model achieved higher performance than other state-of-the-art methods for five and eight heartbeat categories (the average accuracy was 99.1% and 97%). In particular, the proposed system had better performance in terms of the sensitivity and positive predictive rate for V beats by more than 4.3% and 5.4%, respectively, and also for S beats by more than 22.6% and 25.9%, respectively, when compared to existing algorithms. It is anticipated that the proposed method will be suitable for implementation on portable devices for the e-home health monitoring of cardiovascular disease.
An RGB‐D‐Based Cross‐Field of View Pose Estimation System for a Free Flight Target in a Wind Tunnel
Authors: Liu Sheng , Feng Yuan , Shen Kang , Wang Yangqing , Chen Shengyong
Published: December 2018

Estimating the real‐time pose of a free flight aircraft in a complex wind tunnel environment is extremely difficult. Due to the high dynamic testing environment, complicated illumination condition, and the unpredictable motion of target, most general pose estimating methods will fail. In this paper, we introduce a cross‐field of view (FOV) real‐time pose estimation system, which provides high precision pose estimation of the free flight aircraft in the wind tunnel environment. Multiview live RGB‐D streams are used in the system as input to ensure the measurement area can be fully covered. First, a multimodal initialization method is developed to measure the spatial relationship between the RGB‐D camera and the aircraft. Based on all the input multimodal information, a so‐called cross‐FOV model is proposed to recognize the dominating sensor and accurately extract the foreground region in an automatic manner. Second, we develop an RGB‐D‐based pose estimation method for a single target, by which the 3D sparse points and the pose of the target can be simultaneously obtained in real time. Many experiments have been conducted, and an RGB‐D image simulation based on 3D modeling is implemented to verify the effectiveness of our algorithm. Both the real scene’s and simulation scene’s experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of our method.
Evaluation of Waste Engine Oil‐Rejuvenated Asphalt Concrete Mixtures with High RAP Content
Authors: Mamun A. A. , Al-Abdul Wahhab H. I.
Published: December 2018

The use of large proportions of reclaimed asphalt pavement is necessary to meet the increasing demand for road construction materials in a sustainable way. One of the challenges of using a greater percentage of reclaimed asphalt pavement (>30%) is the greater stiffness of mixes incorporating it. While this stiffness problem is usually resolved by using different commercial rejuvenators, there are circumstances in which commercial rejuvenators are not available. Therefore, this study evaluates the potential of using waste engine oil as a substitute for commercial rejuvenators for the higher percentage of reclaimed asphalt pavement that could meet the increasing demand in a more sustainable way. To assess the possibility of using a higher percentage of reclaimed asphalt pavement in road construction, different percentages of reclaimed asphalt pavement (30%, 40%, and 50%) are used. Following the property of the aged binder, three different percentages (7%, 13%, and 20%) of waste engine oil are considered. Each percent of waste engine oil is incorporated with one of the three mixes. The mixes (with the minimum required Marshall criteria) are evaluated for different properties, namely, their indirect tensile strength, resilient modulus, and durability. Finally, those properties are compared to those of the mixes rejuvenated by commercial rejuvenators. It is observed that, for the aforementioned properties, 7% to 13% of waste engine oil is identical to the commercial rejuvenator for the mixes with 30% to 40% of reclaimed asphalt pavement.
An Incremental-Hybrid-Yager’s Entropy Model for Dynamic Portfolio Selection with Fuzzy Variable
Authors: Li Yin , Tao Jian , Song Yazhi
Published: December 2018

To settle down the resolutional uncertainty in optimum portfolio strategy, this paper addresses an incremental-hybrid-Yager’s entropy model to newly describe the relationship between return and risk. Different from the traditional multiperiod portfolio, we design the ratio threshold to divide asset price into different time interval and use state instead of time point to model the dynamic portfolio process. In addition, fuzzy variables are utilized to represent prices of assets, while historical data based on Markov chain is exploited to estimate membership functions of fuzzy prices. At last, a compromised genetic algorithm is designed, and the numerical example shows that the proposed model achieves solid returns compared against the mean-variance model and Markov chain Monte Carlo method.
The R&D of HTR-STAC Program Package: Source Term Analysis Codes for Pebble-Bed High-Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactor
Authors: Chen Hongyu , Li Chuan , Xing Haoyu , Fang Chao
Published: December 2018

Source term analysis is important in the design and safety analysis of advanced nuclear reactor and also provides a radiation safety analysis basis for Modular High-Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactor (HTR). High-Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactor-Pebble-bed Modules (HTR-PM) design by China is a typical Gen-IV and due to different safety concepts and systems, the implements of source term analysis in light water reactors are not entirely applicable to HTR-PM. To solve this problem, HTR-PM Source Term Analysis Code (HTR-STAC) has been developed and related V&V has been finished. HTR-STAC consists of five units, including LOOP (Primary Circuit Source Term Analysis Code), NORMAL (Normal Condition Airborne Source Term Analysis Code), ARCC (Accident Release Category Calculation code), CARBON (C-14 Source Term Analysis Code), and TRUM (Tritium Source Term Analysis Code). LOOP and NORMAL may be used as calculating primary circuit coolant radioactivity and the release of airborne radioactivity to the environment under normal operating conditions of HTR-PM, respectively. The code ARCC composed of several source term analysis programs in the different typical accidents scenario, including SGTR (Steam Generator Tube Rupture), LOCA (Loss of Coolant Accident), and the Transient Process, is compiled based on the results given by LOOP and NORMAL. CARBON and TRUM are developed to calculate the productions of C-14 and H-3 through a different mechanism. Furthermore, the V&V has been performed and show some positive results.
An Efficient Global Optimization Approach for Reliability Maximization of Friction‐Tuned Mass Damper‐Controlled Structures
Authors: Nascentes Fábio F. S. , Lopez Rafael H. , Cursi Jose Eduardo S. , Sampaio Rubens , Miguel Leandro F. F.
Published: December 2018

The application of optimization techniques to design passive energy dissipation devices of structures subject to seismic excitation has rapidly increased in the past decades. It is now widely acknowledged that uncertainties inherent to the earthquake loading and structural parameters must be taken into account in the design process. In the case of friction‐tuned mass dampers (FTMDs), this optimization under the uncertainty problem leads to the following issues: (a) the high computational cost of the objective function since we are dealing with time‐dependent reliability analysis of nonlinear dynamical models and (b) the nonconvexity and multimodality of the resulting optimization objective function. In order to address these issues, we propose here the use of efficient global optimization (EGO) for the probability of failure minimization in FTMD design. EGO is a metamodel‐(kriging‐) based optimization scheme able to handle expenses to evaluate objective functions, and its capabilities have not been explored in the optimal FTMD design. In order to show the effectiveness of EGO, its results are compared to those of other algorithms from the literature. The results showed that EGO outperformed the competing algorithms, successfully providing the optimum solution of FTMD design under uncertainty within a reasonable computational effort.
Pharmacological Effect of Quercetin in Hypertension and Its Potential Application in Pregnancy‐Induced Hypertension: Review of In Vitro, In Vivo, and Clinical Studies
Authors: Ożarowski Marcin , Mikołajczak Przemysław Ł. , Kujawski Radosław , Wielgus Karolina , Klejewski Andrzej , Wolski Hubert , Seremak-Mrozikiewicz Agnieszka
Published: December 2018

Since improving maternal and child health is a public health priority worldwide, the main aim of treatment of hypertension in pregnant women is to prevent complications during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. In consequence, much attention is paid to the use of antihypertensive drugs that can be used safely during pregnancy. Several side effects of methyldopa, which is currently the most commonly used antihypertensive drug in pregnant women, mean that the search for an effective and safe alternative still continues. Flavonoid compounds present in medicinal plants, vegetables, and fruits may be a promising source of new drugs. In this aspect, quercetin, a well‐known flavonoid due to its antihypertensive action, may be considered a prototype for safe antihypertensive drugs. This review focuses on the selective activity of quercetin. Based on recent studies, a few problems were discussed, including (1) pathology of pregnancy‐induced hypertension; (2) search for new pharmacological treatments of pregnancy‐induced hypertension; (3) issues with the use of herbal extracts during pregnancy; (4) flavonoids as natural active chemical compounds; (5) quercetin: its action during pregnancy, in vitro and in vivo pharmacological activities, clinical trials, and meta‐analysis; (6) quercetin intake during pregnancy; (7) other natural compounds tested during pregnancy; (8) potential problems with the use of quercetin; (9) safety profile of quercetin. Various studies have shown a beneficial effect of quercetin on vascular endothelial function and its antioxidative and anti‐inflammatory activity on cellular and tissue level. It is known that in animal models quercetin affects positively the development of embryo, fetus, and placenta. Because this flavonoid did not have teratogenic and abortive effect, it is generally recognized as safe. For this reason it should be appreciated and studied in the aspect of its potential use in the prevention and treatment of pregnancy‐induced hypertension among women in this risk group.
Synthesis of a New Copper-Based Supramolecular Catalyst and Its Catalytic Performance for Biodiesel Production
Authors: Chang Fei , Yan Chen , Zhou Quan
Published: December 2018

A new copper-based supramolecular (β-cyclodextrins, β-CD) catalyst was synthesized and used for transesterification of Xanthium sibiricum Patr oil to biodiesel. This catalyst exhibited high activity (88.63% FAME yield) in transesterification under the ratio of methanol-oil: 40 : 1; catalyst dosage: 8 wt.%; reaction temperature: 120°C; and reaction time: 9 h. The XRD, SEM, TEM, XPS, and BET characterization results showed that Cu-β-CD catalyst was amorphous and had clear mesoporous structure (17.2 nm) as compared with the native β-CD. This phenomenon is attributed to the coordination of Cu and β-CD.
Effect of Presence of Single Cavity Upstream Side of Sheet Pile Wall on Steady Time and Quantity of Seepage
Authors: Maatooq Jaafar S. , Aziz Laith J. , Almahdee Musa Taghreed A.
Published: December 2018

When the sheet pile is used as the reservoir wall or retains the action of saturated fills and cuts for construction works, it will be certain that the seepage occurs from the back side (retained side) to the working place (opposite side). Often, the rate of seepage and its quantity in homogenous strata depends mainly on the permeability of soil. However, the presence of cavity certainly has a direct impact on trend, steady time, and the quantity of seepage. The present study considered a preliminary attempt to measure this impact through physical model. Eighteen model tests are conducted to study the effect of different locations and diameters (size) of single cavity on the seepage problem when it is presented at upstream side (back side) of the sheet pile wall. Period of completion every model test ranged from four to seven days. The start time of seepage when the water began to flow from the downstream side (working place) ranged between 13min and 26min, which depended on the location of cavity and its size. However, the results show that the quantities of seepage generally increase with the smallest size of a cavity and with the farthest horizontal distance from the sheet pile. The maximum quantity has been recorded when the cavity is located at the same level of sheet pile end.
A Motif‐Based Analysis to Reveal Local Implied Information in Cross‐Shareholding Networks
Authors: Liu Qian , Li Huajiao , An Feng , Liu Nairong , Guan Qing , Jia Jingjing , An Pengli
Published: December 2018

Cross‐shareholding is a new type of strategic means for capital operation and is an important component of corporate governance. With the increasing complexity of business motivation, the structure of a cross‐shareholding network (CSN) is becoming more intricate, and it exposes various important local patterns with different economic functions. The goal of this paper is to uncover investment mechanisms and economic functions implied in cross‐shareholding networks (CSNs) by analyzing the local characteristic patterns of company interactions. In this paper, we construct the CSNs of listed companies and extract the directed triadic motifs to reveal the evolutionary characteristics of local investment patterns at the company and industry levels. On the company level, we find that companies tend to form V‐shaped structures with other companies, but bidirectional shareholding patterns and circular relationships in the triads are scarce. On the industry level, we identify the characteristic linking patterns of some industries with a role analysis of the industries. Furthermore, we detect the evolutionary characteristics of industry interrelationships in three implied patterns. Such a motif evolution analysis may provide valuable information for investors and supervisory departments that make decisions about investment portfolios and policy. Meanwhile, this study is also helpful for exploring the implied information in other empirical networks.
The Second Kummer Function with Matrix Parameters and Its Asymptotic Behaviour
Authors: Wehowar Georg , Hausenblas Erika
Published: December 2018

In the present article, we introduce the second Kummer function with matrix parameters and examine its asymptotic behaviour relying on the residue theorem. Further, we provide a closed form of a solution of a Weber matrix differential equation and give a representation using the second Kummer function.
Palmitate Stimulates the Epithelial Sodium Channel by Elevating Intracellular Calcium, Reactive Oxygen Species, and Phosphoinositide 3‐Kinase Activity
Authors: Wang Qiu-Shi , Liang Chen , Niu Na , Yang Xu , Chen Xiao , Song Bin-Lin , Yu Chang-Jiang , Wu Ming-Ming , Zhang Zhi-Ren , Ma He-Ping
Published: December 2018

Previous studies indicate that the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) in the kidney is upregulated in diabetes mellitus. Here, we show that ENaC single‐channel activity in distal nephron cells was significantly increased by palmitate, a free fatty acid which is elevated in diabetes mellitus. We also show that palmitate increased intracellular Ca2+ and that after chelating intracellular Ca2+ with BAPTA‐AM, palmitate failed to affect ENaC activity. Treatment of the cells with 2‐aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2‐APB, an inhibitor of IP3 receptors) abolished the elevation of both intracellular Ca2+ and ENaC activity. Treatment of the cells with apocynin (an NADPH oxidase inhibitor), dithiothreitol/NaHS (reducing agents), or LY294002 (a phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K) inhibitor) prevented palmitate‐induced ENaC activity, whereas thimerosal (an oxidizing agent) mimicked the effects of palmitate on ENaC activity. However, these treatments did not alter the levels of intracellular Ca2+, indicating that elevation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and activation of PI3K are downstream of the signaling cascade. Since we have shown that ROS stimulate ENaC by activating PI3K, these data together suggest that palmitate first elevates intracellular Ca2+, then activates an NADPH oxidase to elevate intracellular ROS and PI3K activity, and finally increases ENaC activity via the activated PI3K.
The Bioinspired Model-Based Hybrid Sliding-Mode Formation Control for Underactuated Unmanned Surface Vehicles
Authors: Fu Mingyu , Wang Duansong
Published: December 2018

In this paper, a novel hybrid strategy is proposed for unmanned surface vehicle (USV) formation control. The strategy is divided into two subsystems: a virtual velocity controller based on the bioinspired model and a dynamic controller based on the sliding-mode model. The proposed control scheme solves the problem of a speed jump that occurs in the traditional backstepping method when the margin of error increases suddenly, and it also satisfies the actuator control constraint. Additionally, a dynamic controller is designed, combining the sliding mode with the proposed virtual controller, to avoid the traditional chattering problem. System stability is proven by the Lyapunov theory. Simulation results verify the effectiveness of the proposed controller.
A Matrix Metalloproteinase-1 Polymorphism,MMP1–1607(1G>2G), Is Associated with Increased Cancer Risk: A Meta-Analysis Including 21,327 Patients
Authors: Zhou Zhonghan , Ma Xiaocheng , Wang Fangming , Sun Lijiang , Zhang Guiming
Published: December 2018

Although the matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP1) polymorphismMMP1–1607 (1G>2G) has been associated with susceptibility to various cancers, these findings are controversial. Therefore, we conducted this meta-analysis to explore the association betweenMMP1–1607 (1G>2G) and cancer risk. A systematic search of literature through PubMed, Embase, ISI Web of Knowledge, and Google Scholar yielded 77 articles with 21,327 cancer patients and 23,245 controls. The association between theMMP1–1607 (1G>2G) polymorphism and cancer risks was detected in an allele model (2G vs. 1G, overall risk [OR]: 1.174, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.107–1.244), a dominant model (2G2G/1G2G vs. 1G1G OR, OR: 1.192, 95% CI: 1.090–1.303), and a recessive model (2G2G vs. 1G2G/1G1G, OR: 1.231, 95% CI: 1.141–1.329). In subgroup analysis, these associations were detected in both Asians and Caucasians. After stratification by cancer types, associations were found in lung, colorectal, nervous system, renal, bladder, and nasopharyngeal cancers. This meta-analysis revealed thatMMP1–1607 (1G>2G) polymorphism was significantly associated with elevated risk of cancers.
A NewT. gondiiMouse Model of Gene-Environment Interaction Relevant to Psychiatric Disease
Authors: Kannan Geetha , Prandovszky Emese , Severance Emily , Yolken Robert H. , Pletnikov Mikhail V.
Published: December 2018

Infection with the protozoan parasite,Toxoplasma gondii(T. gondii), was linked to several psychiatric disorders. The exact mechanisms of a hypothesized contribution ofT. gondiiinfection are poorly understood, and it appears that only a subset of seropositive individuals go on to develop a mental illness, suggesting genetic vulnerability. In order to stimulate mechanistic studies of how exposure toT. gondiicould interact with genetic predisposition to psychiatric disorders, we have generated and characterized a mouse model of chronicT. gondiiinfection in BALB/c mice with inducible forebrain neuronal expression of a C-terminus truncated dominant-negative form of disrupted-in-schizophrenia 1 (DN-DISC1). In this gene-environment interaction (GxE) model, exposing control and DN-DISC1 male and female mice toT. gondiiproduced sex-dependent abnormalities in locomotor activity and prepulse inhibition of the acoustic startle. No genotype- or sex-dependent effects were found on levels of anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies or anti-NMDAR or C1q antibodies. Our work demonstrates that a psychiatric genetic risk factor, DN-DISC1, modulates the neurobehavioral effects of chronicT. gondiiinfection in a sex-dependent manner. The presentT. gondiimodel of GxE provides a valuable experimental system for future mechanistic studies and evaluation of new treatments.
Sociodemographic, Clinical Variables, and Quality of Life in Patients with Epilepsy in Mekelle City, Northern Ethiopia
Authors: Gebre Abadi Kahsu , Haylay Amdemicheal
Published: December 2018

Background. Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by unprovoked recurrent seizure episodes. The disease has detrimental effects on social, cognitive, psychological, and physical components of life consequently quality of life of the patients. The level of the effect of the disease on quality life is influenced by different factors including the use of antiepileptic medications. Objectives. The study was aimed at assessing quality of life in patients with epilepsy and the variables affecting it in Mekelle city, northern Ethiopia. Methods. 175 patients with epilepsy aging 18 years old and above attending neurologic clinics of the two governmental hospitals available in Mekelle city were interviewed using standard and validated Tigrigna version of Quality of Life in Epilepsy Scale-31 (QOLIE-31). One-way ANOVA and independent t-test and analysis of covariance were used for data analysis. Result. The mean age of the patients was 29.36 (standard deviation (SD) 12.77) years old, and 61% of them were males while 52% of the respondents were on phenobarbitone monotherapy. The mean total QOLIE-31 score was 77.97 (SD 20.78) with the highest subscale score for medication effects and the lowest for overall quality of life (QOL) functioning with a score of 86.2 (SD 22.12) and 70.97 (SD 26.43), respectively. The patients with high seizure frequency in the past month before the current visit had a significantly low quality of life 76.81 (SD 21.11). Conversely, patients with tertiary education and above had shown a significantly high quality of life 89.52 (SD 11.85). Conclusion. The overall QOL of the patients was good. Seizure frequency and level of education were found significant predictors of QOL showing the necessity of seizure control and patient education for improving quality of life in patients with epilepsy.
Research on Application of Big Data in Internet Financial Credit Investigation Based on Improved GA‐BP Neural Network
Authors: Wang Fei-Peng
Published: December 2018

The arrival of the era of big data has provided a new direction of development for internet financial credit collection. First of all, the article introduced the situation of internet finance and traditional credit industry. Based on that, the mathematical model was used to demonstrate the necessity of developing big data financial credit information. Then, the Internet financial credit data are preprocessed, the variables suitable for modeling are selected, and the dynamic credit tracking model of BP neural network based on adaptive genetic algorithm is constructed. It is found that both LM training algorithm and Bayesian algorithm can converge the error to 10e‐6 quickly in the model training, and the overall training effect is ideal. Finally, the rule extraction algorithm is used to simulate the test samples. The accuracy rate of each sample method is over 90%, and some accuracy rate is even more than 90%, which indicates that the model is applicable to the credit data of big data in internet finance.
MOFSRank: A Multiobjective Evolutionary Algorithm for Feature Selection in Learning to Rank
Authors: Cheng Fan , Guo Wei , Zhang Xingyi
Published: December 2018

Learning to rank has attracted increasing interest in the past decade, due to its wide applications in the areas like document retrieval and collaborative filtering. Feature selection for learning to rank is to select a small number of features from the original large set of features which can ensure a high ranking accuracy, since in many real ranking applications many features are redundant or even irrelevant. To this end, in this paper, a multiobjective evolutionary algorithm, termed MOFSRank, is proposed for feature selection in learning to rank which consists of three components. First, an instance selection strategy is suggested to choose the informative instances from the ranking training set, by which the redundant data is removed and the training efficiency is enhanced. Then on the selected instance subsets, a multiobjective feature selection algorithm with an adaptive mutation is developed, where good feature subsets are obtained by selecting the features with high ranking accuracy and low redundancy. Finally, an ensemble strategy is also designed in MOFSRank, which utilizes these obtained feature subsets to produce a set of better features. Experimental results on benchmark data sets confirm the advantage of the proposed method in comparison with the state‐of‐the‐arts.
Study on Single Cycle Production Allocation and Supply Strategy for DCEs Based on the CVaR Criterion
Authors: Xu Leiyan , Meng Zhiqing , Zhou Gengui , Mu Yunzhi , Zheng Minchao
Published: December 2018

Direct chain enterprises (DCEs) face a decision-making issue as to how to allocate and supply their products to their stores for sales with the minimum losses and maximum profits for the manufacturers. This paper presents a single-cycle optimal allocation model for DCEs under the given total production amount and conditional value at risk loss. The optimal strategy for production allocation and supply is derived. Subsequently, an approximate algorithm for solving the optimal total production amount is presented. The optimal allocation and supply strategy, the minimum total production amount, the minimum allocation strategy, and the discount pricing strategy are obtained for the single cycle. Finally, with the sales data of a food DCE, numerical results corroborate that adopting different production and supply strategies reduces the risk of expected losses and increases the expected return. It is of an important theoretical significance in guiding the production and operation of direct chain enterprises.
Model-Based Control Design of Series Resonant Converter Based on the Discrete Time Domain Modelling Approach for DC Wind Turbine
Authors: Chen Yu-Hsing , Dincan Catalin Gabriel , Kjær Philip , Bak Claus Leth , Wang Xiongfei , Imbaquingo Carlos Enrique , Sarrà Eduard , Isernia Nicola , Tonellotto Alberto
Published: December 2018

This paper focuses on the modelling of the series resonant converter proposed as a DC/DC converter for DC wind turbines. The closed-loop control design based on the discrete time domain modelling technique for the converter (named SRC#) operated in continuous-conduction mode (CCM) is investigated. To facilitate dynamic analysis and design of control structure, the design process includes derivation of linearized state-space equations, design of closed-loop control structure, and design of gain scheduling controller. The analytical results of system are verified in z-domain by comparison of circuit simulator response (in PLECS™) to changes in pulse frequency and disturbances in input and output voltages and show a good agreement. Furthermore, the test results also give enough supporting arguments to proposed control design.
Aerodynamic Noise Separation of an EMU Trailer Bogie Area Using Train Operation Tests
Authors: Song Leiming , Chen Hao , Li Baochuan
Published: December 2018

The operation transfer path analysis (OTPA) technique was used to measure the vibration and noise transfer coefficient functions of wheel‐rail noise and radiated noise from an electric multiple unit (EMU) train (high‐speed train in China) trailer bogie structure to the central area of the trailer bogie for a train running at speeds of 0–5 km/h. By applying these transfer coefficient functions to the noise analysis of high‐speed train operation, the contributions of wheel‐rail noise and frame‐radiated noise to the noise of the bogie area at high speeds are obtained, and the aerodynamic noise is separated from the total noise, providing a reference for vibration damping and noise reduction in high‐speed trains. Analysis of test data shows that, in the central area of the trailer bogie of high‐speed trains, the low‐frequency noise mainly comes from the structural radiated noise of the bogie, and the mid‐ to high‐frequency noise is primarily due to aerodynamic noise. In addition, when an EMU train operates at speeds below 250 km/h, the noise in the central area of the trailer bogie is primarily caused by the structural radiated noise. When the operating speed is higher than 250 km/h, the noise in the central area of the trailer bogie is mainly due to aerodynamic noise, and the aerodynamic noise contribution increases with increase in speed.
Distributed Robust Kalman Filtering with Unknown and Noisy Parameters in Sensor Networks
Authors: Chen Donghua , Zhang Ya , Liu Cheng-Lin , Chen Yangyang
Published: December 2018

This paper investigates the distributed filtering for discrete-time-invariant systems in sensor networks where each sensor’s measuring system may not be observable, and each sensor can just obtain partial system parameters with unknown coefficients which are modeled by Gaussian white noises. A fully distributed robust Kalman filtering algorithm consisting of two parts is proposed. One is a consensus Kalman filter to estimate the system parameters. It is proved that the mean square estimation errors for the system parameters converge to zero if and only if, for any one system parameter, its accessible node subset is globally reachable. The other is a consensus robust Kalman filter to estimate the system state based on the system matrix estimations and covariances. It is proved that the mean square estimation error of each sensor is upper-bounded by the trace of its covariance. An explicit sufficient stability condition of the algorithm is further provided. A numerical simulation is given to illustrate the results.
Streptococcus thoraltensis Bacteremia: First Described Case as a Fever of Unknown Origin in Human
Authors: Petridis Nikolaos , Apsemidou Athanasia , Kalopitas Georgios , Pilianidis Georgios , Avramidis Iakovos
Published: December 2018

Streptococcus thoraltensis has mainly been reported to cause infections in animals. Its clinical significance as a human pathogen has not yet been fully elucidated and needs further investigation. We describe here a case of bacteremia attributed to S. thoraltensis in a 55-year-old female patient admitted to our department due to fever of unknown origin. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of S. thoraltensis bacteremia in a human and the first reported case of S. thoraltensis as a cause of fever of unknown origin in human.
Chaos and Complexity Analysis of a Discrete Permanent‐Magnet Synchronous Motor System
Authors: Ran Jie , Li Yuqin , Wang Changchun
Published: December 2018

In this paper, a spectral entropy algorithm has been used successfully for complexity measure of a discrete permanent‐magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) system. Firstly, the discrete PMSM system is achieved using the forward Euler scheme. Secondly, by adopting the bifurcation diagram, phase portraits, 0‐1 test, and largest Lyapunov exponent, the chaotic dynamics of the discrete PMSM system are analyzed. The complexity of the discrete PMSM system is discussed by employing the spectral entropy algorithm. It shows that the spectral entropy complexity analysis is an efficient tool to study chaotic dynamics. Finally, we illustrate this result through numerical experiments.
License Plate Detection with Shallow and Deep CNNs in Complex Environments
Authors: Zou Li , Zhao Meng , Gao Zhengzhong , Cao Maoyong , Jia Huarong , Pei Mingtao
Published: December 2018

License plate detection is a challenging problem due to the large visual variations in complex environments, such as motion blur, occlusion, and lighting changes. An advanced discriminative model is needed to accurately segment license plates from the backgrounds. However, effective models for the problem tend to be computationally prohibitive. To address these two conflicting challenges, we propose to detect license plate based on two CNNs, a shallow CNN and a deep CNN. The shallow CNN is used to quickly remove most of the background regions to reduce the computation cost, and the deep CNN is used to detect license plate in the remaining regions. These two CNNs are trained end to end and are complementary to each other to guarantee the detection precision with low computation cost. Experimental results show that the proposed method is promising for license plate detection.
Ethanol Extract of Cudrania tricuspidata Leaf Ameliorates Hyperuricemia in Mice via Inhibition of Hepatic and Serum Xanthine Oxidase Activity
Authors: Song Seung-Hui , Park Dae-Hun , Bae Min-Suk , Choi Chul-Yung , Shim Jung-Hyun , Yoon Goo , Cho Young-Chang , Oh Deuk-Sil , Yoon In-Soo , Cho Seung-Sik
Published: December 2018

Cudrania tricuspidata Bureau (Moraceae) (CT) is a dietary and medicinal plant distributed widely in Northeast Asia. There have been no studies on the effect of CT and/or its active constituents on in vivo xanthine oxidase (XO) activity, hyperuricemia, and gout. The aim of this study was to investigate XO inhibitory and antihyperuricemic effects of the ethanol extract of CT leaf (CTLE) and its active constituents in vitro and in vivo. Gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) and high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analyses were used to determine a chemical profile of CTLE. XO inhibitory and antihyperuricemic effects of CTLE given orally (30 and 100 mg/kg per day for 1 week) were examined in potassium oxonate‐induced hyperuricemic ICR mice. CTLE exhibited XO inhibitory activity in vitro with an IC50 of 368.2 μg/mL, significantly reduced serum uric acid levels by approximately 2‐fold (7.9 nM in normal mice; 3.8 nM in 30 mg/kg CTLE; 3.9 nM in 100 mg/kg CTLE), and significantly alleviated hyperuricemia by reducing hepatic (by 39.1 and 41.8% in 30 and 100 mg/kg, respectively) and serum XO activity (by 30.7 and 50.1% in 30 and 100 mg/kg, respectively) in hyperuricemic mice. Moreover, several XO inhibitory and/or antihyperuricemic phytochemicals, such as stigmasterol, β‐sitosterol, vitamin E, rutin, and kaempferol, were identified from CTLE. Compared with rutin, kaempferol showed markedly higher XO inhibitory activity in vitro. Our present results demonstrate that CTLE may offer a promising alternative to allopurinol for the treatment of hyperuricemia and gout.