bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DNA barcoding of forensically important flies in the Western Cape, South Africa
Authors: Cooke Tenielle , Kulenkampff Kyle , Heyns Marise , Heathfield Laura Jane
Published: October 2018

Forensic entomology aids the determination of post mortem interval based on arthropods associated with a deceased body. This relies on the accurate identification of insects that visit the body, particularly first colonisers such as Calliphoridae (Diptera). Traditional species identification though morphological keys can be challenging as immature or closely related specimens can look similar. Some of these challenges have been overcome through “DNA barcoding”, which involves the sequencing of informative regions within a species’ DNA and comparison to a database of reference sequences. However, reference DNA sequences of blow fly species in South Africa is currently limited. In this study, adult blow flies representing four species common to the Western Cape, South Africa (Chrysomya chloropyga, Chrysomya albiceps, Chrysomya marginalis, Lucilia sericata) were examined using morphological keys and DNA barcoding of two regions: COI and ITS2. These DNA sequences were then used as references for the successful identification of seven unknown immature specimens. Intraspecific divergence showed a maximum of 0.36% and 2.25% for COI and ITS2, respectively; interspecific divergence showed a minimum of 6.14% and 64.6% for COI and ITS2, respectively. According to these results, COI and ITS2 have sufficient discriminatory power for species-level identification for the four species studied.
Study of a high-precision pulsar angular position measuring method
Authors: Li Yao , Su Tong , Sheng Lizhi , Qiang Pengfei , Zhao Baosheng
Published: October 2018

Currently, very long baseline interferometry technology is widely used in the astronomical measurement areas, providing about 1 [Formula: see text]as pulsar positioning accuracy. However, these conventional methods cannot meet the higher position accuracy requirements of X-ray pulsar navigation. In this paper, we provide a novel method to measure the angular position based on X-ray intensity correlation. First, we show the relationship between the pulsar angular position and the X-ray intensity correlation. Second, we simulate the measurement error within the constraint on the photon energy fluctuations and compensation time. Finally, we propose a way to achieve such measurement. These theoretical analyses will improve the measurement accuracy of the pulsar angular position to a large extent.
Formal Equivalence Checking Between System-Level and RTL Descriptions without Pre-Given Mapping Information
Authors: Hu Jian , Li Tun , Li Sikun
Published: October 2018

The growing complexity of digital designs makes it harder to discover inconsistency between system-level model (SLM) and register transfer-level (RTL) model. Equivalence checking is a promising solution to verify that the RTL description meets the requirements of the corresponding SLM description. However, the previously proposed formal equivalence checking approaches cannot handle designs if the mapping information is not given beforehand. Deep state sequences (DSSs)-based equivalence checking approach is the state-of-the-art equivalence checking approach based on Finite State Machines with Data Paths (FSMDs). But previously proposed DSS-based equivalence checking approach compared all the path-pairs blindly without pre-given mapping information, which wasted most verification efforts on useless comparisons. This paper proposes a novel DSS-based equivalence checking approach which can handle designs without pre-given mapping information and improve verification efficiency. Simulation technique is first used in our approach to generate mapping information of paths between SLM and RTL. With the generated mapping information, our approach can handle designs without pre-given mapping information. Only the generated corresponding path-pairs need to be compared by symbolic simulation, which improves the verification efficiency without blind comparisons. The experimental results show that the proposed approach can handle designs without pre-given mapping information and improve the efficiency of equivalence checking.
A New Technique for Designing Low-Power High-Speed Domino Logic Circuits in FinFET Technology
Authors: Garg Sandeep , Gupta Tarun K.
Published: October 2018

In this paper, a fin field-effect transistor (FinFET)-based domino technique dynamic node-driven feedback transistor domino logic (DNDFTDL) is designed for low-power, high-speed and improved noise performance. In the proposed domino technique, the concept of current division is explored below the evaluation network for enhancement of performance parameters. Simulations are carried out for 32-nm complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) and FinFET node using HSPICE for 2-, 4-, 8- and 16-input OR gates with a DC supply voltage of 0.9[Formula: see text]V. Proposed technique shows a maximum power reduction of 73.93% in FinFET short-gate (SG) mode as compared to conditional stacked keeper domino logic (CSKDL) technique and a maximum power reduction of 72.12% as compared to modified high-speed clocked delay domino logic (M-HSCD) technique in FinFET low-power (LP) mode. The proposed technique shows a maximum delay reduction of 35.52% as compared to voltage comparison domino (VCD) technique in SG mode and a reduction of 25.01% as compared to current mirror footed domino logic (CMFD) technique in LP mode. The unity noise gain (UNG) of the proposed circuit is 1.72–[Formula: see text] higher compared to different existing techniques in FinFET SG mode and is 1.42–[Formula: see text] higher in FinFET LP mode. The Figure of Merit (FOM) of the proposed circuit is up to [Formula: see text] higher as compared to existing domino logic techniques because of lower values of power, delay and area and higher values of UNG of the proposed circuit. In addition, the proposed technique shows a maximum power reduction of up to 68.64% in FinFET technology as compared to its counterpart in CMOS technology.
On the optimal shape of tree roots and branches
Authors: Bressan Alberto , Sun Qing
Published: October 2018

This paper introduces two classes of variational problems, determining optimal shapes for tree roots and branches. Given a measure [Formula: see text], describing the distribution of leaves, we introduce a sunlight functional [Formula: see text] computing the total amount of light captured by the leaves. On the other hand, given a measure [Formula: see text] describing the distribution of root hair cells, we consider a harvest functional [Formula: see text] computing the total amount of water and nutrients gathered by the roots. In both cases, we seek to maximize these functionals subject to a ramified transportation cost, for transporting nutrients from the roots to the trunk and from the trunk to the leaves. The main results establish various properties of these functionals, and the existence of optimal distributions. In particular, we prove the upper semicontinuity of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], together with a priori estimates on the support of optimal distributions.
A virtual element method for the transmission eigenvalue problem
Authors: Mora David , Velásquez Iván
Published: October 2018

In this paper, we analyze a Virtual Element Method (VEM) for solving a non-self-adjoint fourth-order eigenvalue problem derived from the transmission eigenvalue problem. We write a variational formulation and propose a [Formula: see text]-conforming discretization by means of the VEM. We use the classical approximation theory for compact non-self-adjoint operators to obtain optimal order error estimates for the eigenfunctions and a double order for the eigenvalues. Finally, we present some numerical experiments illustrating the behavior of the virtual scheme on different families of meshes.
Variational modelling of nematic elastomer foundations
Authors: Cesana Pierluigi , León Baldelli Andrés A.
Published: October 2018

We compute the [Formula: see text]-limit of energy functionals describing mechanical systems composed of a thin nematic liquid crystal elastomer sustaining a homogeneous and isotropic elastic membrane. We work in the regime of infinitesimal displacements and model the orientation of the liquid crystal according to the order tensor theories of both Frank and De Gennes. We describe the asymptotic regime by analysing a family of functionals parametrised by the vanishing thickness of the membranes and the ratio of the elastic constants, establishing that, in the limit, the system is represented by a two-dimensional integral functional interpreted as a linear membrane on top of a nematic active foundation involving an effective De Gennes optic tensor which allows for low order states. The latter can suppress shear energy by formation of microstructure as well as act as a pre-strain transmitted by the foundation to the overlying film.
Knowledge Asymmetries and Service Management: Three Case Studies
Authors: Walsh John N. , O’Brien Jamie
Published: October 2018

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how information systems are used by knowledge-intensive service firms and identify their effects on client–provider interactions. The paper uses data from case studies of service-related departments of three multinational firms. We identified several broad trends present in all three case companies. The required degree of knowledge specialisation, coupled with the ability to leverage knowledge created during service interactions resulted in high degrees of knowledge asymmetries between service provider and clients, which led to clients becoming the recipients of knowledge rather than co-creators. Differences between the cases related to the varying degrees to which information systems had been used to support service interactions. We therefore provide a model that outlines three key phases of activity. Individualisation involves the categorisation and location of tacit knowledge. This was followed by the codification and leveraging of service interactions through standardisation. Finally, the ability to provide alternative, more customised services, was achieved through modularisation. Increasing levels of specialisation of labour resulted in increasing knowledge asymmetries between service provider and client, reducing the need for client participation and co-production. Firms progress through three stages of development using information systems to support leveraging knowledge required for service delivery. The findings are based on case studies of departments within three multinational firms and would benefit from further empirical testing. The paper contributes to the existing literature in several ways. It focusses specifically on knowledge-intensive service firms, where labour is highly specialised. It gives information systems an explicit and significant role in examining how service elements may be leveraged. Finally, it outlines an exploratory model for managing this process.
Low regularity Cauchy problem for the fifth-order modified KdV equations on 𝕋
Authors: Kwak Chulkwang
Published: October 2018

We consider the fifth-order modified Korteweg–de Vries (modified KdV) equation under the periodic boundary condition. We prove the local well-posedness in [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], via the energy method. The main tool is the short-time Fourier restriction norm method, which was first introduced in its current form by Ionescu, Kenig and Tataru [Global well-posedness of the KP-I initial-value problem in the energy space, Invent. Math. 173(2) (2008) 265–304]. Besides, we use the frequency localized modified energy to control the high-low interaction component in the energy estimate. We remark that under the periodic setting, the integrable structure is very useful (but not necessary) to remove harmful terms in the nonlinearity and this work is the first low regularity well-posedness result for the fifth-order modified KdV equation.
The evolution of Traditional Chinese Medicine as a disciplinary concept and its essence throughout history
Authors: Liu Wenxian , Lu Linwei , Ma Cheng , Yan Chen , Zhao Zhengxiao , Mohammadtursun Nabijan , Hu Lingli , Tulake Wuniqiemu , Jiang Shan , Gao Zhen , Zhang Yuanhao , Dong Jingcheng
Published: October 2018

“Traditional Chinese Medicine” (TCM; Zhong Yi) is a concept that keeps evolving with the change of times and clinical practice. From the aspect of the category of modern science, there were not appropriate boundaries set for the literature, history and philosophy in the realm of Chinese traditional academics. Thanks to the eastward spread of Western culture and science, the category of disciplines in modern times then came into being. In order to be listed in the system of modern disciplines, traditional disciplines have always been trying to redefine themselves, and “TCM,” of course, is involved. Considering the fact that “TCM” is now an academic discipline in the field of medicine, here we reviewed not only the transition of the concept of “TCM” from a primitive and then a hierarchical medical term to a relatively full-fledged one that is, to some extent, opposite to the concept of Western Medicine or modern medicine, from a narrow medical term that is peculiar to Han Medicine to a broad one that pertains to Han Medicine along with ethnic traditional medicines in China, but also the transition of the development from merely highlighting TCM and then equally emphasizing TCM together with modern medicine to comprehensively converging TCM, modern medicine and Integrative Medicine, which contributes to the evolution from the dominance of TCM, the coexistence of TCM and modern medicine, the confluence of TCM and modern medicine, and finally to the integration of TCM and modern medicine. In addition, we introduced pioneering medical concepts, epistemology and methodology such as Chinese Traditional Medicine (CTM; Da Zhong Yi), Trichotomy (San Fen Fa), Five Key Elements (Wu Yao Su) and Three-dimensional Integration (San Rong He), proposed the potential future direction of medicine, stressed the importance of taking the essence and discarding the dregs in TCM, and appreciated those who are able to perceive similarities in differences. We looked forward to reconstructing the system of TCM by the integration of the part that is unconsciously ahead of modern medicine and that has already reached consensus with modern medicine from all the traditional medicines in China, which would promise a brand new system of medicine harmoniously integrating traditional medicine and modern medicine.
A General Embedding Framework for Heterogeneous Information Learning in Large-Scale Networks
Authors: Huang Xiao , Li Jundong , Zou Na , Hu Xia
Published: October 2018

Network analysis has been widely applied in many real-world tasks, such as gene analysis and targeted marketing. To extract effective features for these analysis tasks, network embedding automatically learns a low-dimensional vector representation for each node, such that the meaningful topological proximity is well preserved. While the embedding algorithms on pure topological structure have attracted considerable attention, in practice, nodes are often abundantly accompanied with other types of meaningful information, such as node attributes, second-order proximity, and link directionality. A general framework for incorporating the heterogeneous information into network embedding could be potentially helpful in learning better vector representations. However, it remains a challenging task to jointly embed the geometrical structure and a distinct type of information due to the heterogeneity. In addition, the real-world networks often contain a large number of nodes, which put demands on the scalability of the embedding algorithms. To bridge the gap, in this article, we propose a general embedding framework named
Heterogeneous Information Learning in Large-scale networks
(HILL) to accelerate the joint learning. It enables the simultaneous node proximity assessing process to be done in a distributed manner by decomposing the complex modeling and optimization into many simple and independent sub-problems. We validate the significant correlation between the heterogeneous information and topological structure, and illustrate the generalizability of HILL by applying it to perform attributed network embedding and second-order proximity learning. A variation is proposed for link directionality modeling. Experimental results on real-world networks demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of HILL.
Is good enough good enough?
Authors: Everett Heidi L.
Published: October 2018

This article explores whether amateur Web designs would deter Web users from engaging with a business after viewing a wWebsite---and if their expectations and value judgments are influenced by business size and scope. This topic is important to small business owners, practitioners, and educators because credibility judgments by Web visitors may be quick and detrimental to a small business if they do not yield a positive response and subsequent engagement with the small business. This study provides an opportunity to broaden our understanding of Web visitor credibility judgments about small businesses and introduces a new thread to the discussion about alignment of consumer expectations, Web design teaching, industry best practices, and the shaping of universal values as they relate to the rhetoric of the Internet.
How to be open
Authors: Thominet Luke
Published: October 2018

This study builds a model of open video game development, an emerging user-centered design practice where a developer publicly releases an incomplete game and iterate on it while gathering feedback from the player community. It argues that open development is fundamentally a communication and user experience practice characterized by a commitment to access, transparency, and feedback. Ultimately, it shows open development as a practice where game developers are consciously designing a compelling experience of participation in user research.
Exploring usability and user-centered design through emergency management websites
Authors: Cosgrove Samantha
Published: October 2018

This study explores the usability of the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management's (DHSEM) website, applying theories of user experience design (UXD) to emphasize the importance of responsive web design in practice. By rhetorically analyzing the usability of their websites, such as FEMA and Ready at the national and local level, DHSEM becomes a model for the needs of future research and application of user centered design principles. Responsive web design within emergency management websites should be considered when first evaluating usability and user experience design because of the real-life implications of these interactions. By reviewing basic design principles on emergency management websites, this article further showcases the capabilities responsive web design, usability and user centered design in digital spaces.
Book review
Authors: Rubens Amy
Published: October 2018

Tettegah, S. Y., & Garcia, Y. E. (Eds.). (2016).
Emotions, Technology, and Health.
London: Elsevier.

Sharon Y. Tettegah and Yolanda Evie Garcia's collection
Emotions, Technology, and Health
surveys how technologies "old" (e.g., photographs, the telephone) and "new" (e.g., mobile apps, robots, sensors) "mediate" patients' emotions within the context of processes, individuals, and spaces part of, adjacent to, or outside of the clinical healthcare setting (p. xvii). The collection also explores technology's mediation of practitioner and caregiver emotions. Overall, Tettegah and Garcia hope to expand the notion of "telehealth" beyond the remote or virtual delivery of health services to something that also encompasses "technology-based interventions in hospitals and other treatment settings that do not include distance as a necessary component" (p. xv).
Book review
Authors: Walwema Josephine
Published: October 2018

Skinner, K., & Merholz, P. (2016).
Org Design for Design Orgs: Building and Managing In-House Design Teams.
O'Reilly Media.

In
Org Design for Design Orgs: Building and Managing In-House Design Teams
, Kristin Skinner and Peter Merholz lay out a practical guide for "creating and leading design teams" within the context of design as "part of strategic planning" (Appendix B). A practical guide, the book is divided into ten chapters, each dealing with a component of working with design teams. The book aims to bridge the gap left out by texts that focus on methods, tools, and outcomes, but leave out the practical elements of setting up design teams. It shows how design teams can operate with a design culture that successfully interacts with other departments within an organization in the digital and connected age.
Effect of the interval-symbol method with correct zero rewriting on the δ-LLL algorithm
Authors: Nagashima Hiroki , Shirayanagi Kiyoshi
Published: October 2018

We previously proposed the interval-symbol method with correct zero rewriting (ISCZ method) to reduce the amount of exact computations to obtain the exact results by aid of floating-point computations. Recently we have presented new ideas for reducing time and memory of executing the ISCZ method. In this paper, we apply the new ISCZ method to the δ-LLL algorithm, which is a generalization of the Lenstra-Lenstra-Lovász (LLL) lattice reduction algorithm. By Maple experiments, we confirm its superiority over the original ISCZ method, and in the irrational case we show its great effect on the δ-LLL algorithm in the sense that it is much more efficient than the purely exact approach.
R.L.Puurunen ECS AiMES 2018 Invited Talk G02-0987 Learnings from an Open Science effort: Virtual Project on the History of ALD
Authors: Puurunen Riikka
Published: October 2018

Slides of an oral presentation on October 1, 2018, related to ECS transactions article http://dx.doi.org/10.1149/08606.0003ecst.
Regulatory effects of brown adipose tissue thermogenesis on maternal metabolic adaptation, placental efficiency, and fetal growth in mice
Authors: Qiao Liping , Lee Samuel , Nguyen Amanda , Hay William W. , Shao Jianhua
Published: October 2018

To determine the role of UCP1-mediated thermogenesis in controlling maternal metabolic adaptation to pregnancy, energy metabolism of C57BL/6 wild-type (WT) and Ucp1 gene knockout ( Ucp1−/−) mice was studied during pregnancy. With the progression of pregnancy, maternal energy expenditure rates (EERs), expression of UCP1, and core body temperature steadily declined in WT dams. Despite no significant alterations in core body temperature and weight gain during pregnancy, Ucp1−/− dams exhibited lower rates in EER decline. High-fat (HF) feeding not only robustly increased maternal UCP1 expression and core body temperature but also abolished gestation-suppressed EER in WT dams. However, HF-increased EERs were significantly attenuated in Ucp1−/− dams. Significantly increased fetal body weights and fetal/placental weight ratio were detected in fetuses from Ucp1−/− dams compared with fetuses from WT dams. Markedly increased expression levels of glucose transporter 1 and amino acid transporters were also observed in placentas from Ucp1−/− dams. Furthermore, blood glucose concentrations of fetuses from Ucp1−/− dams were significantly higher than those of fetuses from WT dams, indicating that maternal UCP1 has an inhibitory effect on placental efficiency and fetal growth. Taken all together, this study demonstrated that maternal brown adipose tissue plays an important role in controlling maternal metabolic adaptation and placental nutrient transport.
Bach1: Function, Regulation, and Involvement in Disease
Authors: Zhang Xinyue , Guo Jieyu , Wei Xiangxiang , Niu Cong , Jia Mengping , Li Qinhan , Meng Dan
Published: October 2018

The transcription factor BTB and CNC homology 1 (Bach1) is widely expressed in most mammalian tissues and functions primarily as a transcriptional suppressor by heterodimerizing with small Maf proteins and binding to Maf recognition elements in the promoters of targeted genes. It has a key regulatory role in the production of reactive oxygen species, cell cycle, heme homeostasis, hematopoiesis, and immunity and has been shown to suppress ischemic angiogenesis and promote breast cancer metastasis. This review summarizes how Bach1 controls these and other cellular and physiological and pathological processes. Bach1 expression and function differ between different cell types. Thus, therapies designed to manipulate Bach1 expression will need to be tightly controlled and tailored for each specific disease state or cell type.
Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD): A Series of 7 Cases, Experience of the University Hospital Center Mohammed VI, Oujda, Morocco
Authors: Benahmed I. , El Kasimi A. , Laachach H. , Ismaili N. , elouafi N.
Published: October 2018

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection is a less known pathology by the cardiologists and represents a real challenge especially to the interventional cardiologist. The positive diagnosis is based on the visualization of intimal flap with the false lumen by intracoronary imaging means. This entity particularly interests young people without classic cardiovascular risk factors of atherosclerosis and female during the peripartum period. We report, in this paper, our experience in the University Hospital Center of Mohammed VI, Oujda, Morocco, about 7 cases diagnosed by coronary angiography during 3 years of practice while comparing our results with data from large series published in the literature. The purpose of this work is to draw more attention to this particular pathology that is becoming more and more common.
Melatonin: An Anti-Tumor Agent in Hormone-Dependent Cancers
Authors: Menéndez-Menéndez Javier , Martínez-Campa Carlos
Published: October 2018

Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) is a hormone synthesized and secreted by the pineal gland mainly during the night, since light exposure suppresses its production. Initially, an implication of this indoleamine in malignant disease was described in endocrine-responsive breast cancer. Data from several clinical trials and multiple experimental studies performed bothin vivoandin vitrohave documented that the pineal hormone inhibits endocrine-dependent mammary tumors by interfering with the estrogen signaling-mediated transcription, therefore behaving as a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM). Additionally, melatonin regulates the production of estradiol through the control of the enzymes involved in its synthesis, acting as a selective estrogen enzyme modulator (SEEM). Many more mechanisms have been proposed during the past few years, including signaling triggered after activation of the membrane melatonin receptors MT-1 and MT-2, or else intracellular actions targeting molecules such as calmodulin, or binding intranuclear receptors. Similar results have been obtained in prostate (regulation of enzymes involved in androgen synthesis and modulation of androgen receptor levels and activity) and ovary cancer. Thus, tumor metabolism, gene expression, or epigenetic modifications are modulated, cell growth is impaired and angiogenesis and metastasis are inhibited. In the last decade, many more reports have demonstrated that melatonin is a promising adjuvant molecule with many potential beneficial consequences when included in chemotherapy or radiotherapy protocols designed to treat endocrine-responsive tumors. Therefore, in this state-of-the-art review, we aim to compile the knowledge about the oncostatic actions of the indoleamine in hormone-dependent tumors, and the latest findings concerning melatonin actions when administered in combination with radio- or chemotherapy in breast, prostate, and ovary cancers. As melatonin has no toxicity, it may be well deserve to be considered as an endogenously generated agent helpful in cancer prevention and treatment.
Potential Therapeutic Drugs for Parkinson’s Disease Based on Data Mining and Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Xu Chuan , Chen Jiajun , Xu Xia , Zhang Yingyu , Li Jia
Published: October 2018

The objective is to search potential therapeutic drugs for Parkinson’s disease based on data mining and bioinformatics analysis and providing new ideas for research studies on “new application of conventional drugs.” Method differential gene candidates were obtained based on data mining of genes of PD brain tissue, original gene data analysis, differential gene crossover, pathway enrichment analysis, and protein interaction, and potential therapeutic drugs for Parkinson’s disease were obtained through drug-gene relationship. Result. 250 common differential genes were obtained from 3 research studies, and 31 differential gene candidates were obtained through gene enrichment analysis and protein interaction. 10 drugs such as metformin hydrochloride were directly or indirectly correlated to differential gene candidates. Conclusion. Potential therapeutic drugs that may be used for prevention and treatment of Parkinson’s disease were discovered through data mining and bioinformatics analysis, which provided new ideas for research and development of drugs. Results showed that metformin hydrochloride and other drugs had certain therapeutical effect on Parkinson’s disease, and melbine (DMBG) can be used for treatment of Parkinson’s disease and type 2 diabetes patients.
Antihyperglycemic and Antilipidemic Effects of the Ethanol Extract Mixture of Ligularia fischeri and Momordica charantia in Type II Diabetes‐Mimicking Mice
Authors: Baek Hyun Jin , Jeong Yong Joon , Kwon Jeong Eun , Ra Jong Sung , Lee Sung Ryul , Kang Se Chan
Published: October 2018

The extract of the Momordica charantia fruit (MCE) is recognized as an alternative treatment for diabetes. The extract of Ligularia fischeri leaves (LFE) is traditionally used as a folk medicine for treating inflammatory diseases in Korea as well. In this study, we investigated the synergistic effect of MCE combined with LFE on antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic potentials. Based on the α‐glucosidase inhibitory effect and promotion of adipocyte differentiation in the 3T3‐L1 cell line, the MLM was prepared with MCE:LFE (8:2 weight:weight). MLM showed the synergistic effects in the promotion of the glucose uptake rate, suppression of dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4) mRNA expression, upregulation of an insulin receptor substrate and glucose transporter type‐4 expression, and an increase in insulin‐associated signaling in C2C12 cells. In addition, the efficacy of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ agonism and glucose uptake rate by MLM supplementation was significantly enhanced in vitro. Then, the antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic effects of MCE, LFE, and MLM at the dose of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg/day (n = 6 per each group) were determined in streptozotocin (STZ)‐insulted mice fed an atherogenic diet (ATH) for 4 weeks. In addition, MLM (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg/day, n = 5 per each group) was supplemented in ATH‐fed db/db mice for 10 weeks. Compared with MCE or LFE alone, MLM supplementation led to a more significant reduction of glucose levels in both STZ/ATH and db/db/ATH mice as well as lowered lipid profiles in STZ/ATH mice. In addition, the stimulation of islet of Langerhans regeneration was more pronounced by MLM supplementation in both mice models. In conclusion, antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic effects were strengthened by the combined extracts of L. fischeri and M. charantia (MLM) in diabetes‐mimicking mice.
Basic Anthropometric Measures in Acute Myocardial Infarction Patients and Individually Sex- and Age-Matched Controls from the General Population
Authors: Nilsson Göran , Hedberg Pär , Leppert Jerzy , Ohrvik John
Published: October 2018

We compared weight, height, waist and hip circumferences (hip), body mass index (BMI), and waist-to-hip ratio in acute myocardial infarction (MI) patients and individually sex- and age-matched control subjects from the general population in the catchment area of the patients and predicted the risk of MI status by these basic anthropometric measures. The study cohort comprised 748 patients ≤80 years of age with acute MI from a major Swedish cardiac center and their individually sex- and age-matched controls. The analyses were stratified for sex and age (≤65/≥66 years). Risk of MI was assessed by conditional logistic regression. A narrow hip in men ≥66 years was the single strongest risk factor of MI among the anthropometric measures. The combination of hip and weight was particularly efficient in discriminating men ≥66 years with MI from their controls (area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve = 0.82). In men ≤65 years, the best combination was hip, BMI, and height (AUROC = 0.79). In women ≥66 years, the best discriminatory model contained only waist-to-hip ratio (AUROC = 0.67), whereas in women ≤65 years, the best combination was hip and BMI (AUROC = 0.68). A narrow hip reasonably reflects small gluteal muscles. This finding might suggest an association between MI and sarcopenia, possibly related to deficiencies in physical activity and nutrition.
Optimizing Parameters for Anticollision Systems between Adjacent Buildings under Earthquakes
Authors: Jin Nan , Yang Yong-qiang
Published: October 2018

Adjacent buildings with anticollision system would have the possibility of pounding under earthquake if there is insufficient separate distance between the two buildings. The effect of pounding and earthquake characters on the optimum parameters for anticollision system is studied through time‐history analysis method in this paper. Interstory displacement ratio, energy consumption ratio, and the total strain energy of the two buildings are considered as control variables. The results show that the pounding between adjacent buildings will reduce the range of optimum parameters, and earthquake characters also have effect on the selection of optimum parameters. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to input more than three ground motion records for a time‐history analysis to get the optimum parameters considering the effect of pounding and earthquake characters.
Feasibility of Endoscopic Thyroidectomy via Axilla and Breast Approaches for Larger Goiters: Widening the Horizons
Authors: Johri Goonj , Chand Gyan , Gupta Nitish , Sonthineni Chaitra , Mishra Anjali , Agarwal Gaurav , Mayilvaganan Sabaretnam , Verma Ashok Kumar , Mishra Saroj Kanta
Published: October 2018

Scarless (in the neck) endoscopic thyroidectomy (SET) has evolved into a cosmetically preferred alternative to conventional thyroidectomy (ConT). Recently many of our patients are demanding SET; however their goitres are larger than the recommended size of 4–6 cm. Our aim was to compare the outcomes of ET for small (<6 cm) vs large (≥6 cm) goitres and determine its feasibility in such cases. This is a retrospective analysis of prospectively maintained database of patients undergoing ET. Patients were divided into 2 groups: I, small (<6 cm) and II, large goitres (≥6 cm). Their demographic and clinicopathological profiles, operation time, conversion and complication rates, and hospital stay were compared. 99 patients (101 procedures) were included: group I, 60 patients (61 procedures), and group II, 39 patients (40 procedures). Mean tumor size (± SD) was 4.4 ± 0.9 cm and 6.7 ± 1.1 cm in groups I and II, respectively. The groups were comparable with respect to demographic and clinical profile except for mean duration of goiter [30.1 ± 32.6 months (group I) vs 60.5 ± 102.4 months (group I), p = 0.03] and gland weight [21.5 ± 15.3 grams (group I) vs 62.3 ± 51.3 grams (group II), p = 0.001]. Although there was no significant difference between mean operating times, long term perioperative outcomes, and conversion rates, temporary hypocalcaemia and length of stay were longer in group II. One patient had permanent vocal cord palsy (~1%, 1/101); none had permanent hypoparathyroidism. Our results indicate that ET can be offered to a subset of patients with larger goitres desirous of SET with no significant difference in mean operation time, conversions, and long term postoperative complications in experienced hands.
Evaluation of the Calculated Sizes Based on the Neural Network Regression
Authors: Zhao Zexiang , Xi Jianpu , Zhao Xinyu , Zhang Guoqing , Shang Mengjiao
Published: October 2018

The evaluation models of circumference diameter, area diameter, and volume diameter were established based on the cylindrical coordinate measuring method, respectively. Many groups of roundness profiles of cylindrical specimens were extracted, and their pseudo and actual circumference diameters, area diameters, and volume diameters were evaluated according to the established evaluation models and the sampling data of the extracted roundness profiles. The relationship models between the pseudo calculated sizes and the actual calculated sizes were built through a series of training based on the neural network regression. The checked experiments for the training models showed that the evaluation of the calculated sizes can meet their measurement accuracy requirement through the pseudo calculated sizes, which were evaluated based on the roundness profiles by using the cylindricity or roundness measuring instrument.
Intraparenchymal Neural Stem/Progenitor Cell Transplantation for Ischemic Stroke Animals: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review
Authors: Huang Hailong , Qian Kun , Han Xiaohua , Li Xin , Zheng Yifeng , Chen Zhishui , Huang Xiaolin , Chen Hong
Published: October 2018

Intraparenchymal transplantation of neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) has been extensively investigated in animal models of ischemic stroke. However, the reported therapeutic efficacy was inconsistent among studies. To evaluate this situation, PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched for preclinical studies using NSPC intraparenchymal transplantation in ischemic stroke animals. Data of study quality score, neurobehavioral (mNSS, rotarod test, and cylinder test) and histological (infarct volume) outcomes, cell therapy-related serious adverse events, and related cellular mechanisms were extracted for meta-analysis and systematic review. A total of 62 studies containing 73 treatment arms were included according to our criterion, with a mean quality score of 5.10 in 10. Among these studies, almost half of the studies claimed no adverse events of tumorigenesis. The finally pooled effect sizes for neurobehavioral and histological assessments were large (1.27 for mNSS, 1.63 for the rotarod test, 0.71 for the cylinder test, and 1.11 for infarct volume reduction). With further analysis, it was found that the administration time poststroke, NSPC donor species, and transplantation immunogenicity had close correlations with the degree of infarct volume reduction. The NSPC dosage delivered into the brain parenchyma was also negatively correlated with the effect of the cylinder test. Intriguingly, endogenous apoptosis inhibition and axonal regeneration played the most critical role in intraparenchymal NSPC transplantation among the cellular mechanisms. These results indicate that intraparenchymal NSPC transplantation is beneficial for neurobehavioral and histological improvement and is relatively safe for ischemic stroke animals. Therefore, intraparenchymal NSPC transplantation is a promising treatment for stroke patients.
Elastoplastic Analysis of Two-Layered Circular Lining Based on the Unified Strength Theory
Authors: Zhang Ning , Guo Haomin , Khan Tahir , Zhu Erhao , Shi Shaoshuai , Wu Qingliang , Tian Yinliang , Xie Xiaokun
Published: October 2018

Based on the Unified Strength Theory (UST), elastoplastic analysis of the two-layered circular lining is carried out. The stresses, displacements, and the elastic and plastic zones in both layers are discussed under different values of Young’s moduli of the inner and outer layers. The results reveal that, compared to the single-layered lining, the tangential stress distributions in the two-layered linings are more reasonable along the radial direction, which is beneficial to enhance the overall elastic and plastic ultimate bearing capacities. When considering the intermediate stress (i.e., the axial load), the elastic ultimate bearing capacity will be higher. However, the plastic ultimate bearing capacity remains unchanged. Moreover, a comparison between the Unified Strength Theory and Tresca Criterion is analyzed as well.
Nosocomial Myiasis Caused by Lucilia sericata (Diptera: Calliphoridae) and Neonatal Myiasis by Sarcophaga spp. (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) in Mexico
Authors: Martínez-Rojano Hugo , Noguez Julio C. , Huerta Herón
Published: October 2018

The presence of nosocomial myiasis reflects a lack of adequate medical attention, due to the physical facilities and/or the health care personnel. Patients requiring special attention are more susceptible, such as those with a loss of consciousness, assisted mechanical ventilation, tracheal tubes, or nasogastric probes. Nosocomial myiasis is a rare event that has a greater occurrence in the hospitals of poor and developing countries. The two cases herein described represent the first report of nosocomial myiasis in Mexico. The causal agents were found to be Lucilia sericata and Sarcophaga spp. The taxonomical identification of the larvae of the second and third instar was based on the morphology of the cephaloskeleton, anterior spiracles, and peritreme plaques.
Remote Supervision in Short-Term Global Health Experiences
Authors: Relan Pryanka , Yiu Kristy C. Y. , Lin Henry C. , Loh Lawrence C.
Published: October 2018

The global health development community is increasingly examining the phenomenon of short-term experiences in global health (STEGH), with an aim to mitigate the negative impacts of such activities on host communities. Appropriate supervision is one strategy, but various barriers (e.g., institutional requirements) limit the availability of qualified supervisors. Remote supervision represents one potential model to provide supervision that may mitigate the negative impacts of STEGH. This paper reports observed outcomes from a description of a pilot remote supervision program employed in a global health program for Canadian undergraduate students. Benefits for learners included greater confidence and independence, greater perceived effectiveness in conducting their project abroad, and reassurance of remote support from their supervisor, supplemented with day-to-day guidance from the local partner. Host communities reported greater trust in the bidirectional nature of partnership with the visiting institution, empowerment through directing students’ work, and improved alignment of projects with community needs. Finally, faculty noted that remote supervision provided greater flexibility and freedom when compared to traditional in-person supervision, allowing them to maintain professional duties at home. Collectively, this pilot suggests that remote supervision demonstrates a potential solution to mitigating the harms of STEGHs undertaken by learners by providing adequate and appropriate remote supervision.
Sound Radiation Analysis of a Front Side Window Glass of DrivAer Model under Wind Excitation
Authors: He Yinzhi , Shi Zihao , Wu Yu , Yang Zhigang
Published: October 2018

To study the car radiated noise caused by turbulent pressure fluctuation on the side glass under wind excitation, a clay model of DrivAer was constructed except that the front left side window was built with real glass. Firstly, the constraint boundary condition of the side glass was set equivalent to a series of springs for the modelling with Finite Element Method (FEM). Then, a platform based on Matlab‐Abaqus cosimulation was originally developed, and the genetic algorithm was applied to find out the best fitted spring stiffness, which was used to build the equivalent model. Then working as excitation, the Corcos model was applied to calculate the power spectrum density of the turbulence pressure fluctuations acting on the side glass. Subsequently, the finite element modal superposition method was used to solve the vibroacoustic coupling equation to get the noise level of the driver’s ear position in the vehicle interior. Finally, the surface vibration velocity distribution of side glass under wind excitation was measured with Laser Vibrometer and then with Boundary Element Method (BEM), the radiated noise into interior was calculated as well (semisimulation). Through comparison of these two results, it shows good agreement up to 1000 Hz. It demonstrates that the above method is applicable to calculate the sound radiation caused by the side glass’ vibration at the low and middle frequency range. Therefore, an approach of calculating sound radiation of a vibrating glass caused by the air convective pressure fluctuation was explored.
Student Engagement Predictions in an e-Learning System and Their Impact on Student Course Assessment Scores
Authors: Hussain Mushtaq , Zhu Wenhao , Zhang Wu , Abidi Syed Muhammad Raza
Published: October 2018

Several challenges are associated with e-learning systems, the most significant of which is the lack of student motivation in various course activities and for various course materials. In this study, we used machine learning (ML) algorithms to identify low-engagement students in a social science course at the Open University (OU) to assess the effect of engagement on student performance. The input variables of the study includedhighest education level,final results,score on the assessment, and the number of clicks on virtual learning environment (VLE) activities, which includeddataplus,forumng,glossary,oucollaborate,oucontent,resources,subpages,homepage,and URLduring the first course assessment. The output variable was the student level of engagement in the various activities. To predict low-engagement students, we applied several ML algorithms to the dataset. Using these algorithms, trained models were first obtained; then, the accuracy and kappa values of the models were compared. The results demonstrated that the J48, decision tree, JRIP, and gradient-boosted classifiers exhibited better performance in terms of the accuracy, kappa value, and recall compared to the other tested models. Based on these findings, we developed a dashboard to facilitate instructor at the OU. These models can easily be incorporated into VLE systems to help instructors evaluate student engagement during VLE courses with regard to different activities and materials and to provide additional interventions for students in advance of their final exam. Furthermore, this study examined the relationship between student engagement and the course assessment score.
Effect of Total Flavones from Cuscuta Chinensis on Anti‐Abortion via the MAPK Signaling Pathway
Authors: Wu Hai-wang , Feng Yi-hui , Wang Dong-ying , Qiu Wei-yu , Yu Qing-ying , Yang Li-lin , Liang Chun , Luo Song-ping , Gao Jie
Published: October 2018

For centuries, the Chinese herb Cuscuta chinensis has been applied clinically for abortion prevention in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Total flavones extracted from Cuscuta chinensis (TFCC) are one of the active components in the herb and also display anti‐abortion effect similar to the unprocessed material. However, how TFCC exerts the anti‐abortion effect remains largely unknown. In this study, we aim at characterizing the anti‐abortion effects of TFCC and its underlying molecular mechanism in vitro and in vivo using human primary decidua cells and a mifepristone‐induced abortion model in rat, respectively. The damage to the decidua caused by mifepristone in vivo was reversed by TFCC treatment in a dosage‐dependent manner. High dosage of TFCC significantly upregulated the expression of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and prolactin receptor (PRLR) in decidua tissue but downregulated the expression of p‐ERK. Furthermore, we detected higher level of p‐ERK and p‐p38 in primary decidua cells from spontaneous abortion while treatment by TFCC downregulated their expression. Our results suggest TFCC mediates its anti‐abortion effect by interfering with MAPK signaling pathway.