bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
System to Safeguard the Identity of Persons in Photographs through Cryptography and Steganography Techniques Using Chaos
Authors: Flores Siordia Octavio , Gutiérrez Juan Carlos Estrada , Leyferman Carlos Eduardo Padilla , Santiago Jorge Aguilar , Rodríguez Maricela Jiménez
Published: November 2018

Safeguarding the identity of people in photographs or videos published through social networks or television is of great importance to those who do not wish to be recognized. In this paper, a face detecting and coding system is designed with the goal of solving this problem. Mathematical models to generate chaotic orbits are deployed. One of them applies the diffusion technique to scramble the pixels of each face while another implements the confusion technique to alter the relation between plain text and ciphered text. Afterward, another two orbits are utilized for the steganography technique to modify the least significant bit (LSB) to conceal data that would allow authorized users to decipher the faces. To verify the robustness of the proposed encryption algorithm, different tests are performed with the Lena standard image, such as correlation diagrams, histograms, and entropy. In addition, occlusion, noise, and plain image attacks are performed. The results are compared with those of other works, and the proposed system provided high sensitivity at secret key and a large space for the encryption keys, good speed for ciphering, disorder in the cryptogram, security, data integrity, and robustness against different attacks.
Is Vibration Training Good for Your Bones? An Overview of Systematic Reviews
Authors: Marin-Puyalto Jorge , Gomez-Cabello Alba , Gonzalez-Agüero Alejandro , Gomez-Bruton Alejandro , Matute-Llorente Angel , Casajús Jose A. , Vicente-Rodríguez German
Published: November 2018

Whole-body vibration (WBV) intervention studies and reviews have been increasing lately. However, the results regarding its effects on bone tissue in different populations are still inconclusive. The goal of this overview was to summarize systematic reviews assessing the effects of WBV training on bone parameters. Three electronic databases were scanned for systematic reviews and meta-analyses evaluating the effects of WBV on bone tissue. The search had no time restrictions and was limited to articles written in English. Vibration protocols and the main bone parameters included in each review were extracted. Methodological quality was assessed and analyses were conducted stratifying by age. 17 reviews and meta-analyses fulfilled the inclusion criteria. No increase or small improvements in bone mineral density (BMD) after WBV interventions were observed in reviews regarding postmenopausal women. One intervention study regarding young adults was included and reported no bone-related benefits from WBV. Most reviews including children and adolescents with compromised bone mass showed an improvement of BMD at lower limbs, lumbar spine, and whole body. In conclusion, WBV interventions seem to help children and adolescents with compromised bone mass to increase their BMD, but these improvements are limited in postmenopausal women and there is insufficient evidence for young adults. Further research is also needed to identify the ideal parameters of WBV training focused on bone health.
Numerical Simulation of Gas-Liquid Flow in a Bubble Column by Intermittent Aeration in Newtonian Liquid/Non-Newtonian Liquid
Authors: Xipeng Zheng , Le Wang , Xiaoxuan Jia , Wenchuan Xiang , Shunsheng Yang
Published: November 2018

The dynamic behaviors of gas-liquid two-phase flow were simulated in a lab-scale intermittent bubble column by Euler-Euler two-fluid model coupled with the PBM (population balance model) using two different liquid phases, i.e., Newtonian fluid (water)/non-Newtonian fluid (activated sludge). When non-Newtonian fluid was used during intermittent aeration, some interesting results were obtained. Two symmetric vortexes existed in the time-averaged flow field; the vertical time-averaged velocity of the liquid phase decreased with increasing anaerobic time; the average gas holdup distribution was like a trapezoid with long upper side and short lower side and affected by the dynamic viscosity of the liquid phase. Compared with non-Newtonian fluid, the use of Newtonian fluid as the liquid phase led to a more complicated time-averaged flow field structure and vertical time-averaged velocity distribution, higher average gas holdup, and the asymmetric column-shaped gas holdup distribution with increasing anaerobic time. For different liquid phases, the instantaneous flow field, instantaneous vertical velocity, and instantaneous gas holdup distribution all periodically changed with anaerobic time; however, different from Newtonian liquid phase, non-Newtonian liquid phase had no periodic oscillating instantaneous horizontal velocity.
Existence of Solutions to Boundary Value Problems for a Fourth-Order Difference Equation
Authors: Liu Xia , Zhou Tao , Shi Haiping
Published: November 2018

In this article, some new existence criteria of at least one solution to boundary value problems for a fourth-order difference equation are obtained by using the critical point theory. In a special case, a necessary and sufficient condition for the existence and uniqueness of solution is also established. An example of the main result is given.
Improvements in the Rheological Properties, Impact Strength, and the Biodegradability of PLA/PCL Blend Compatibilized by Electron‐Beam Irradiation in the Presence of a Reactive Agent
Authors: Jeon Jae Sung , Han Do Hung , Shin Boo Young
Published: November 2018

In this study, we blended poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) into poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and compatibilized these PLA/PCL blends by electron‐beam irradiation in the presence of a reactive agent to overcome drawbacks of PLA. To produce compatibilized blends, mixtures of the PLA/PCL/reactive agent were prepared using a twin‐screw extruder and exposed to electron‐beam radiation at room temperature. Glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) was chosen as the reactive agent to achieve interfacial cross‐copolymerization between PLA and PCL phases. Morphological, rheological, and mechanical properties and biodegradabilities of blends were investigated. The morphological study showed significantly improved interfacial adhesion for compatibilized blends, and this was supported by FTIR analysis and a rheological study. Impact strengths, thermal stabilities, and rheological properties of PLA/PCL blends were improved by compatibilization, and the biodegradabilities of compatibilized PLA/PCL blends were greater than that of pure PLA.
In Vitro Study of Deuterium Effect on Biological Properties of Human Cultured Adipose-Derived Stem Cells
Authors: Zlatska Alona , Gordiienko Inna , Vasyliev Roman , Zubov Dmitriy , Gubar Olga , Rodnichenko Anzhela , Syroeshkin Anton , Zlatskiy Igor
Published: November 2018

In current in vitro study we have shown the impact of deuterium content in growth medium on proliferation rate of human cultured adipose-derived stem cells (ADSC). ADSCs have also demonstrated morphological changes when cultured in deuterated growth medium: the cell cultures did not reach confluence but acquired polygonal morphology with pronounced stress fibers. At high deuterium concentrations the ADSCs population doubling time increased which indicated the cell cycle retardation and decrease of cell proliferation rate. The deuterated and deuterium-depleted growth media demonstrated acute and chronic cytotoxicity, respectively. The minimal migration ability was observed in deuterated medium whereas the highest migration activity was observed in the medium with the deuterium content close to natural. The cells in deuterated growth medium demonstrated decrease in metabolic activity after three days in culture. In contrast, in deuterium-depleted medium there was an increase in ADSC metabolic activity.
Reset Osmostat: A Challenging Case of Hyponatremia
Authors: Kuthiah Navin , Er Chaozer
Published: November 2018

Hyponatremia is the most common electrolyte abnormality seen in hospitalised patients with up to 15–20% of patients having a sodium level of less than 135 mmol/L (Reddy and Mooradian, 2009). Cases of hyponatremia were first described in the 1950s (George et al., 1955). As the differential diagnosis for hyponatremia is broad, a systematic and logical approach is needed to identify the cause. We describe a case of a 30-year-old gentleman who was found to have chronic hyponatremia. After a thorough workup, he was diagnosed to have reset osmostat. Reset osmostat is an uncommon and under recognised cause of hyponatremia which does not require any treatment. This diagnosis needs to be considered when the hyponatremia workup suggests SIADH, but the hyponatremia is not amenable to fluid restriction, salt or urea supplementation, and diuretic treatment.
Physical Activity and Sleep in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia Syndrome: Associations with Symptom Severity in the General Population Cohort LifeLines
Authors: Joustra Monica L. , Zijlema Wilma L. , Rosmalen Judith G. M. , Janssens Karin A. M.
Published: November 2018

Objective. The aim of the current study was to compare physical activity and sleep duration between patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), and controls and to examine the association between physical activity level and sleep duration with symptom severity within these patient groups. Methods. This study used data of LifeLines, a general population cohort in which 1.0% (n=943, 63.7% female, age 44.9 (SD 11.6) years) reported CFS, 3.0% (n=2,714; 91.6% female; age 48.4 (SD 10.7) years) reported FMS, and 95.7% (n=87,532; 57.9% female; age 44.3 (SD 12.4) years) reported neither CFS nor FMS. Physical activity, sleep duration, and symptom severity were assessed by questionnaires and analysed using ANCOVA and regression analyses, adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, smoking, and educational level. Results. Patients with CFS and FMS had significantly lower physical activity scores (8834 ± 5967 and 8813 ± 5549 MET ∗ minutes) than controls (9541 ± 5533; p<0.001). Patients with CFS had the longest sleep duration (466 ± 86 minutes) compared to patients with FMS and controls (450 ± 67 and 446 ± 56; p<0.001). A linear association between physical activity, sleep duration, and symptom severity was only found in controls, in whom higher physical total activity scores and longer sleep duration were associated with a lower symptom severity. In contrast, quadratic associations were found in all groups: both relatively low and high physical activity scores and relatively short and long sleep duration were associated with higher symptom severity in CFS, FMS, and controls. Conclusion. This study indicates that patients with CFS or FMS sleep longer and are less physically active than controls on average. Both low and high levels of physical activity and short and long sleep duration are associated with higher symptom severity, suggesting the importance of patient-tailored treatment.
A Novel Small Peptide Inhibitor of NFκB, RH10, Blocks Oxidative Stress‐Dependent Phenotypes in Cancer
Authors: Gambardella Jessica , Ciccarelli Michele , Del Giudice Carmine , Fiordelisi Antonella , De Rosa Matteo , Sala Marina , Pacelli Roberto , Campiglia Pietro , Trimarco Bruno , Iaccarino Guido , Sorriento Daniela
Published: November 2018

Background. The RH domain of GRK5 is an effective modulator of cancer growth through the inhibition of NFκB activity. The aim of this study was to identify the minimum effective sequence of RH that is still able to inhibit tumor growth and could be used as a peptide‐based drug for therapy. Methods. Starting from the RH sequence, small peptides were cloned and tested in KAT‐4 cells. The effects on NFκB signaling and its dependent phenotypes were evaluated by Western blot, TUNEL assay, proliferation assay, and angiogenesis in vitro. In vivo experiments were performed in KAT‐4 xenografts in Balb/c nude mice. Results. A minimum RH ten amino acids long sequence (RH10) was able to interact with IκB, to increase IκB levels, to induce apoptosis, to inhibit KAT4‐cell proliferation, NFκB activation, ROS production, and angiogenesis in vitro. In vivo, the peptide inhibited tumor growth in a dose‐dependent manner. We also tested its effects in combination with chemotherapeutic drugs and radiotherapy. RH10 ameliorated the antitumor responses to cisplatin, doxorubicin, and ionizing radiation. Conclusion. Our data propose RH10 as a potential peptide‐based drug to use for cancer treatment both alone or in combination with anticancer therapies.
Corneal Subbasal Nerve Plexus Changes in Severe Diabetic Charcot Foot Deformity: A Pilot Study in Search for a DNOAP Biomarker
Authors: Herlyn Anica , Prakasam Ruby Kala , Peschel Sabine , Allgeier Stephan , Köhler Bernd , Winter Karsten , Guthoff Rudolf F. , Mittlmeier Thomas , Stachs Oliver
Published: November 2018

Introduction. Diabetic neuroosteoarthropathy (DNOAP) early symptoms are unspecific, mimicking general infectious symptoms and rendering a diagnosis challenging. Consequently, unfavourable outcomes occur frequently, with recurrent foot ulceration, infectious complications, and eventually amputation. Corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) of the subbasal nerve plexus (SNP) is used to detect early peripheral neuropathy in diabetic patients without diabetic retinopathy. This pilot study was designed to determine if specific SNP changes manifest in severe DNOAP in comparison to a healthy control group. Methods. This pilot study utilized a matched-pair analysis to investigate SNP changes by in vivo CCM for 26 patients (mean patient age 63.7 years, range 27 to 78) with severe DNOAP defined by condition after the need for reconstructive foot surgery (n=13) and a healthy control group (n=13). Corneal nerve fibre length (CNFL), nerve fibre density (CNFD), nerve branch density (CNBD), average weighted corneal nerve fibre thickness (CNFTh), nerve connecting points (CNCP), and average weighted corneal nerve fibre tortuosity (CNFTo) were assessed as well as the general clinical status, diabetic status, and ophthalmologic basic criteria. Results. In vivo CCM revealed significantly reduced SNP parameters in the DNOAP group for CNFL (p=0.010), CNFD (p=0.037), CNBD (p=0.049), and CNCP (p=0.012) when compared to the healthy control group. Six patients (46%) of the DNOAP group suffered from diabetic retinopathy and none of the control group. Conclusions. This pilot study revealed a rarefication of SNP in all measured parameters in patients with severe DNOAP. We see a potential value of CCM providing a SNP-based biomarker for early stages of DNOAP prior to the development of any foot deformities that needs to be evaluated in further studies. This trial is registered with German Clinical Trials Register (DKRS) DRKS00007537.
Geniposide Protects against Obesity‐Related Cardiac Injury through AMPKα‐ and Sirt1‐Dependent Mechanisms
Authors: Ma Zhen-Guo , Kong Chun-Yan , Song Peng , Zhang Xin , Yuan Yu-Pei , Tang Qi-Zhu
Published: November 2018

Our previous study found that geniposide, an agonist of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor (GLP‐1R), protected against cardiac hypertrophy via the activation of AMP‐activated protein kinase α (AMPKα). However, the effects of geniposide on obesity‐related cardiac injury remain unknown. Here, we examine whether geniposide attenuates obesity‐related cardiac dysfunction. Adult mice were fed a high‐fat diet (HFD) for 24 weeks to induce obesity, with the last 3 weeks including a 21‐day treatment with geniposide. Morphological changes, cardiac function, and remodeling were assessed. HFD‐induced metabolic syndrome, featured as obesity, hyperglycemia, and cardiac hypertrophy, was prevented by geniposide treatment. Geniposide preserved cardiac function in the obese mice. Furthermore, geniposide attenuated myocardial inflammation and myocyte apoptosis induced by HFD. Geniposide activated AMPKα and sirtuin (Sirt1) in vivo and in vitro. Ampkα deficiency reversed the inhibitory effects of geniposide on cell loss. Sirt1 deficiency abolished the inhibitory effects of geniposide on inflammation in the cardiomyocytes. Geniposide completely lost its protective effects on Ampkα knockout mice after Sirt1 deficiency achieved by a nanoparticle transfection reagent. The activation of Sirt1 by geniposide was abolished by Glp-1r deficiency in vitro. Geniposide reverses molecular pathology and cardiac dysfunction via both AMPKα‐ and Sirt1‐dependent mechanisms. Geniposide is a potential therapeutic drug for cardiovascular complications induced by obesity.
Curative Anti‐Inflammatory Properties of Chinese Optimized Yinxieling Formula in Models of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Wei RenRong , OuYang Jing , Lin WeiXian , Lin TongXiang
Published: November 2018

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is marked by the progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons (DAN) accompanied by glial activation. Thus, inhibiting glial activation that occurs during this disease could be an effective method for treating PD. Optimized Yinxieling Formula (OYF), a Chinese medicinal formula, which is used to efficiently treat autoimmune disease psoriasis, has been proved to display potential immunomodulatory effects in inflammation‐associated diseases. This study assessed the therapeutic benefits of OYF on glial‐mediated neuroinflammation and neuroprotection in PD models in vitro and in vivo. First, the results showed that OYF significantly suppresses LPS‐induced proinflammatory cytokine secretion and attenuates the overall inflammatory responses in BV‐2 cells. Second, in vivo studies confirm that while the validity of our MPTP‐induced PD mouse models possesses activated glia and significant neurobehavioral dysfunction, pretreatment with OYF prevents glial activation and ameliorates movement dysfunction in the MPTP‐induced PD mouse models as evaluated by the pole and rotarod tests. Third, transcriptomic analyses were carried out to reveal the underlying molecular mechanism of the OYF treatment. Sixteen pathways were significantly upregulated in the OYF‐treated PD model mice, including the cytokine‐cytokine receptor interaction, cell adhesion molecules, coagulation, and complement cascades. Fifteen pathways were significantly downregulated in the OYF‐treated PD model mice, such as the natural killer cell mediated cytotoxicity, hematopoietic cell lineage, phagosome, and others. These pathways share direct or indirect features of immunomodulation, suggesting that the physiological effects of OYF involve key roles of immune and inflammation regulations. Therefore, we prove that OYF is a useful immunomodulatory formula in developing prevention and treatment methods for neurodegenerative disease PD.
A Case of Urethral Diverticulum with Surgical Repair Using Cadaveric Pericardial Tissue
Authors: Custer Loren , Jessop Morris , Zaslau Stanley , Shapiro Robert
Published: November 2018

A urethral diverticulum is a relatively uncommon finding. The estimated prevalence is approximately 1-5% in the general population. While the definitive treatment is surgical correction, there are limited studies guiding the best approach to repair. This is the case of a 48-year-old female who initially presented with vaginal discharge, dysuria, and dyspareunia. MRI revealed the diagnosis of suspected urethral diverticulum. The patient was treated with surgical correction with the aid of needle localization prior to the procedure. After the diverticulum was excised, the resulting defect in the urethra was successfully closed with cadaveric pericardial tissue. A urethral diverticulum should be considered in the differential diagnosis when a patient presents with symptoms such as recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) vaginal mass, dysuria, dyspareunia, or vaginal discharge. The use of cadaveric tissue augments the surgical technique for repair.
Mirror and Vibration Therapies Effects on the Upper Limbs of Hemiparetic Patients after Stroke: A Pilot Study
Authors: Oliveira Maria da Conceição Barros , Silva Danylo Rafhael Costa , Cortez Bruno Vieira , Coêlho Constância Karyne da Silva , Silva Francisco Mayron de Sousa e , Oliveira Giselle Borges Vieira Pires de , Sá-Caputo Danúbia de Cunha de , Tavares-Oliveira Angela Cristina , Bernardo-Filho Mário , Moraes Silva Janaína De
Published: November 2018

Background/Aim. To evaluate, in this pilot study, the effects of the mirror (MT) and vibration therapies (VT) on the functionality of hemiparesis patients after stroke.Materials and Methods. Twenty-one individuals after stroke with upper limb hemiparesis were randomized into control group (CG), Mirror Therapy Group (MTG), and Vibration Therapy Group (VTG). The functionality was evaluated before and after 12 sessions with three tests (i) Mobility Index Rivermead, (ii) Motor Function Wolf Test (time, functional ability), and (iii) Jebsen Taylor Test.Results. Significant findings were observed for MTG or VTG when compared to the CG, obtaining improvements in the three functional tests: Mobility Index Rivermead, Motor Function Test Wolf (time) and Motor Function Test Wolf (functional ability), and Jebsen Test Taylor.Conclusions. MT or VT showed enhancements on the functionality of subjects with poststroke hemiparesis. In consequence, these interventions may be used in the rehabilitation of these individuals in order to promote improvements of the affected upper limb functionality. Probably, neuromuscular responses of the used therapies would be related to these desirable effects. However, it is necessary conducting further controlled studies with more subjects.
Molecular Modulation of Osteoblasts and Osteoclasts in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Rathinavelu Selvalakshmi , Guidry-Elizondo Crissy , Banu Jameela
Published: November 2018

Diabetes is a common disease affecting majority of populations worldwide. Since 1980, there has been an increase in the number of people diagnosed as prediabetic and diabetic. Diabetes is characterized by high levels of circulating glucose and leads to most microvascular and macrovascular complications such as retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy, stroke, and myocardial infarction. Bone marrow vascular disruption and increased adiposity are also linked to various complications in type II diabetes mellitus. In addition to these complications, type 2 diabetic patients also have fragile bones caused by faulty mineralization mainly due to increased adiposity among diabetic patients that affects both osteoblast and osteoclast functions. Other factors that increase fracture risk in diabetic patients are increased oxidative stress, inflammation, and drugs administered to diabetic patients. This review reports the modulation of different pathways that affect bone metabolism in diabetic conditions.
PPARα Enhances Cancer Cell Chemotherapy Sensitivity by Autophagy Induction
Authors: You Mengli , Gao Jiaming , Jin Jianhua , Hou Yongzhong
Published: November 2018

PPARα (peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor α) plays a critical role in regulation of inflammation and cancer, while the regulatory mechanism of PPARα on cancer cell autophagy is still unclear. Here we found that PPARα enhanced autophagy in HEK293T, SW480, and Hela cell lines, which was independent of PPARα transcription activity. PPARα induced antiapoptotic Bcl2 protein degradation resulting in release of the Beclin-1/VPS34 complex. Consistently, silenced PPARα reversed this event. PPARα-induced autophagy significantly inhibited tumor growth and enhanced SW480 cancer cell sensitivity to chemotherapy drugs. Moreover, PPARα agonist increased SW480 cancer cell chemotherapy sensitivity. These findings revealed a novel mechanism of PPARα/Bcl2/autophagy pathway suppressed tumor progression and enhanced chemotherapy sensitivity, which is a potential drug target for cancer treatment.
Antimicrobial Effects of Egyptian Local Chicory,Cichorium endiviasubsp. pumilum
Authors: Amer Ahmed M.
Published: November 2018

The discovery of novel and more efficient antimicrobial agents from natural sources like plants is one of the most important ways through which the growing threat of antibiotic-resistant pathogens can be overcome. Herein, we report the potential antimicrobial activity ofCichorium endiviaL.subsp.pumilum. Different concentrations of various solvent extracts prepared from several parts of chicory were tested for their antimicrobial effect against a panel of microorganisms. The antimicrobial activity was analyzed using the well diffusion method, where zones of inhibition were used as indicators of antimicrobial activity. The results indicated the superiority of seed extracts over both leaf and root extracts. Methanol extracts showed higher activity compared with chloroform and water extracts. Increased solvent extract concentration was accompanied by a parallel increase in the diameter of the inhibition zone. Gram-positive bacteria were found to be more sensitive than Gram-negative bacteria and fungi. On a whole, the highest observed inhibition zones (21.3 ± 0.6 and 20.1 ± 0.4 mm) were recorded with the methanolic extract of chicory seeds againstS. aureusandB. cereus, respectively.These results offer insights into the antimicrobial potency of this Egyptian local plant and provide a basis for further phytochemical and pharmacological research.
Low‐Cycle Flexural Fatigue Behavior of Concrete Beam Reinforced with Hybrid FRP‐Steel Rebar
Authors: Choo Jinkyo F. , Choi Young-Cheol , Kwon Seung-Jun , Park Ki-Tae , Yoo Sung-Won
Published: November 2018

Studies examined experimentally the flexural behavior of concrete beams reinforced with the hybrid FRP‐steel rebar but very few among them evaluated their fatigue performance. In this study, the fatigue test has been performed, and an analytical model for simulating the flexural fatigue behavior of the concrete beam reinforced with the hybrid bar considering its postyielding behavior is developed. A formula relating the postyielding fatigue strain of the rebar to the number of the fatigue cycle is suggested and used in the proposed procedure. The method simulating the low‐cycle behavior of the reinforced concrete beam is found to be satisfactory and can predict the number of cyclic loading to failure.
Investigation and Analysis on Crystallization of Tunnel Drainage Pipes in Chongqing
Authors: Zhang Xuefu , Zhou Yuanfu , Zhang Bin , Zhou Yuanjiang , Liu Shiyang
Published: November 2018

A lot of crystallizations exist on the inner wall of tunnel drainage pipes in Chongqing. Tunnel support structure often bears larger load than usual because the tunnel drainage pipes are blocked easily by the crystals and the groundwater level would rise. In order to investigate what the crystals are, site investigations and laboratory tests of crystals and groundwater were completed. Some valuable results have been obtained. Firstly, the crystallizations are usually discovered in drainage pipe exits of tunnels which are under construction in Chongqing. Furthermore, the results of XRD have confirmed that the crystals are calcite. And calcite morphology could be found in most SEM images. But there are other morphologies in these images other than calcite because calcite is often influenced by some factors, such as important ions in groundwater, pH of groundwater, kinetics effect, and so on. Finally, some steps and solutions to solve blocking of tunnel drainage pipes caused by crystallization are suggested. One of the best solutions is that some special materials which could prevent crystals from being attached to pipes are coated on the inner surface of drainage pipes. The results could contribute to understand the crystallization phenomenon profoundly and help solve the similar situations of tunnel drainage pipe blocking.
A Deep Learning Approach of Vehicle Multitarget Detection from Traffic Video
Authors: Li Xun , Liu Yao , Zhao Zhengfan , Zhang Yue , He Li
Published: November 2018

Vehicle detection is expected to be robust and efficient in various scenes. We propose a multivehicle detection method, which consists of YOLO under the Darknet framework. We also improve the YOLO-voc structure according to the change of the target scene and traffic flow. The classification training model is obtained based on ImageNet and the parameters are fine-tuned according to the training results and the vehicle characteristics. Finally, we obtain an effective YOLO-vocRV network for road vehicles detection. In order to verify the performance of our method, the experiment is carried out on different vehicle flow states and compared with the classical YOLO-voc, YOLO 9000, and YOLO v3. The experimental results show that our method achieves the detection rate of 98.6% in free flow state, 97.8% in synchronous flow state, and 96.3% in blocking flow state, respectively. In addition, our proposed method has less false detection rate than previous works and shows good robustness.
Experimental Study on the Effect of Water on the Properties of Cast In Situ Foamed Concrete
Authors: Zhao Wenhui , Su Qian , Wang Wubin , Niu Lele , Liu Ting
Published: November 2018

This study aims to investigate the effect of water on the properties of cast in situ foamed concrete with a dry density of 300–800 kg/m3 (100 kg/m3 is a gradient). Firstly, the shrinkage deformation with the curing time and the volumetric moisture content is studied by the drying shrinkage test and improved drying shrinkage test. Secondly, the influence of volumetric moisture content on mechanical properties is assessed. At last, the effects of immersion time and immersion type on the mechanical properties of foamed concrete are studied by considering the water‐level conditions. The achieved results show that the shrinkage deformations increase with the curing time for the drying shrinkage test and the improved drying shrinkage test, while the variations are different. The shrinkage deformation increases with the decrease of volumetric moisture content for six dry densities of foamed concrete. Besides, it gradually changes in the early stage, while it changes fast in the later stage. The compressive strength and elastic modulus decrease with the increase of volumetric moisture content for each density. For the water‐level unchanged condition, the compressive strength and elastic modulus initially decrease and then slowly increase with the increase of the immersion time. For the water‐level changed condition, the compressive strength and elastic modulus of foamed concrete decrease with the increase of immersion time for each dry density, and the rate of early attenuation is high, whereas the rate of later attenuation is limited.
A Low-Complexity GA-WSF Algorithm for Narrow-Band DOA Estimation
Authors: Chen Haihua , Hu Jialiang , Tian Hui , Li Shibao , Liu Jianhang , Suzuki Masakiyo
Published: November 2018

This paper proposes a low-complexity estimation algorithm for weighted subspace fitting (WSF) based on the Genetic Algorithm (GA) in the problem of narrow-band direction-of-arrival (DOA) finding. Among various solving techniques for DOA, WSF is one of the highest estimation accuracy algorithms. However, its criteria is a multimodal nonlinear multivariate optimization problem. As a result, the computational complexity of WSF is very high, which prevents its application to real systems. The Genetic Algorithm (GA) is considered as an effective algorithm for finding the global solution of WSF. However, conventional GA usually needs a big population size to cover the whole searching space and a large number of generations for convergence, which means that the computational complexity is still high. To reduce the computational complexity of WSF, this paper proposes an improved Genetic algorithm. Firstly a hypothesis technique is used for a rough DOA estimation for WSF. Then, a dynamic initialization space is formed around this value with an empirical function. Within this space, a smaller population size and smaller amount of generations are required. Consequently, the computational complexity is reduced. Simulation results show the efficiency of the proposed algorithm in comparison to many existing algorithms.
Avian Influenza A (H7N9) Model Based on Poultry Transport Network in China
Authors: Zhang Juping , Jing Wenjun , Zhang Wenyi , Jin Zhen
Published: November 2018

In order to analyze the spread of avian influenza A (H7N9), we construct an avian influenza transmission model from poultry (including poultry farm, backyard poultry farm, live-poultry wholesale market, and wet market) to human according to poultry transport network. We obtain the threshold value for the prevalence of avian influenza A (H7N9) and also give the existence and number of the boundary equilibria and endemic equilibria in different conditions. We can see that poultry transport network plays an important role in controlling avian influenza A (H7N9). Finally, numerical simulations are presented to illustrate the effects of poultry in different places on avian influenza. In order to reduce human infections in China, our results suggest that closing the retail live-poultry market or preventing the poultry of backyard poultry farm into the live-poultry market is feasible in a suitable condition.
Denosumab-Induced Severe Hypocalcaemia in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Jalleh Ryan , Basu Gopal , Le Leu Richard , Jesudason Shilpanjali
Published: November 2018

Background. Hypocalcaemia is increasingly recognized as a complication of denosumab use in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patients with osteoporosis. Despite Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) notifications in 2013, we have subsequently encountered several cases of denosumab-induced hypocalcaemia, raising concern about lack of widespread awareness among prescribing practitioners. Aims. We reviewed the morbidity and healthcare intervention needs of CKD patients with hypocalcaemia attributed to denosumab. Methods. A retrospective case series of CKD patients with clinically significant hypocalcaemia after exposure to denosumab, encountered at the tertiary care referral hospital from December 2013 to February 2017, was undertaken. Results. Eight patients (52-85 years of age) with stage 4-5 CKD developed clinically significant hypocalcaemia (corrected calcium 1.45±0.21mmol/L) following denosumab therapy for osteoporosis. Seven of the eight patients required inpatient management with three patients requiring intravenous calcium replacement and cardiac monitoring in a high dependency unit. Our study also identified additional factors that could potentially contribute to hypocalcaemia such as lack of calcium supplementation, use of noncalcium based phosphate binders, absence of or use of lower doses of calcitriol supplementation, low vitamin D levels, concomitant treatment with loop diuretics, history of parathyroidectomy, or presence of acute medical illness. Conclusion. Multiple cases of severe hypocalcaemia in CKD patients following denosumab exposure were encountered after TGA warnings, resulting in considerable morbidity and intensive healthcare interventions in CKD patients. We advocate greater awareness amongst the medical profession, careful consideration before using denosumab in CKD patients, and close follow-up after administration to prevent morbidity.
Fatigue Fracture Properties and Morphology of Polyoxymethylene (POM) Plates Produced under Moderate Processing Conditions
Authors: Berer M. , Halb M. , Feuchter M. , Pacher G. , Pinter G.
Published: November 2018

The present study was inspired by different industry projects in which a strong dependence of the fatigue fracture performance of POM on the processing conditions was observed. To examine the relationships under more reproducible conditions, plates of two different POM homopolymer resins (one significantly nucleated) were produced by compression molding and by injection molding under moderate conditions. For the injection molding, three different mold temperatures were used. At specific locations, the plates were analyzed concerning their hierarchical structure on the micro- and nanolevel and concerning their fatigue fracture performance. For the fatigue fracture performance, the dependence on the processing conditions was rather small for the nucleated resin but much more significant for the other resins. This dependence could not be related to morphological effects only, and thus, a combined effect of morphology and residual stresses was assumed.
Effects of Using a Blended Learning Method on Students’ Achievement and Motivation to Learn English in Jordan: A Pilot Case Study
Authors: Oweis Thelal Iqab
Published: November 2018

This research aims at investigating the effect of blended learning on the achievement and motivation to learn English of German Jordanian University students. A pilot case study research strategy was used. Pilot case studies are effective research strategies for investigating educational issues in real life situations. They are used to refine research problems, variables, and also to refine the case study design before doing it in a larger-scale investigation. The study sample comprised 34 students who were selected purposefully and distributed into experimental and control groups. The experimental group studied English through a computerized program melded with the traditional method, whereas the control group was taught solely by the latter. The analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) revealed statistically significant differences in achievement between the two groups, indicating that the experimental group performed better than the control group. Significant differences were also found in the respective groups’ motivation to learn English.
Aberrant Metabolism in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Provides Diagnostic and Therapeutic Opportunities
Authors: De Matteis Serena , Ragusa Andrea , Marisi Giorgia , De Domenico Stefania , Casadei Gardini Andrea , Bonafè Massimiliano , Giudetti Anna Maria
Published: November 2018

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for over 80% of liver cancer cases and is highly malignant, recurrent, drug‐resistant, and often diagnosed in the advanced stage. It is clear that early diagnosis and a better understanding of molecular mechanisms contributing to HCC progression is clinically urgent. Metabolic alterations clearly characterize HCC tumors. Numerous clinical parameters currently used to assess liver functions reflect changes in both enzyme activity and metabolites. Indeed, differences in glucose and acetate utilization are used as a valid clinical tool for stratifying patients with HCC. Moreover, increased serum lactate can distinguish HCC from normal subjects, and serum lactate dehydrogenase is used as a prognostic indicator for HCC patients under therapy. Currently, the emerging field of metabolomics that allows metabolite analysis in biological fluids is a powerful method for discovering new biomarkers. Several metabolic targets have been identified by metabolomics approaches, and these could be used as biomarkers in HCC. Moreover, the integration of different omics approaches could provide useful information on the metabolic pathways at the systems level. In this review, we provided an overview of the metabolic characteristics of HCC considering also the reciprocal influences between the metabolism of cancer cells and their microenvironment. Moreover, we also highlighted the interaction between hepatic metabolite production and their serum revelations through metabolomics researches.
Simvastatin Impairs the Inflammatory and Repair Phases of the Postinjury Skeletal Muscle Regeneration
Authors: Otrocka-Domagała Iwona , Paździor-Czapula Katarzyna , Maślanka Tomasz
Published: November 2018

Background. Recent clinical data have suggested that the chronic use of high-lipophilic statins impairs the regenerative capacity of skeletal muscle. Because this activity of statins is poorly understood, we aimed to investigate the effect of simvastatin (SIM) on postinjury myofibre regeneration. Methods. The porcine model was used in this study. The animals were divided into two groups: nontreated (control; n=24) and SIM-treated (40 mg/day; n=24). On the 15th day (day 0) of the experiment, a bupivacaine hydrochloride- (BPVC-) induced muscle injury was established, and the animals were sacrificed in the following days after muscle injury. The degree of regeneration was assessed based on histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations. The presence and degree of extravasation, necrosis, and inflammation in the inflammatory phase were assessed, whereas the repair phase was evaluated based on the numbers of muscle precursor cells (MPCs), myotube and young myofibres. Results. In the inflammatory phase, SIM increased the distribution and prolonged the period of extravasation, prolonged the duration of necrosis, and prolonged and enhanced the infiltration of inflammatory cells. In the repair phase, SIM delayed and prolonged the activity of MPCs, delayed myotube formation, and delayed and decreased the formation of young myofibres. Our results indicated that SIM did not improve blood vessel stabilization at the site of the injury, did not exert an anti-inflammatory effect, prolonged and enhanced the inflammatory response, and impaired MPC activity, differentiation, and fusion. Moreover, SIM appeared to reduce M1 macrophage activity, resulting in slower removal of necrotic debris and sustained necrosis. Conclusion. This study shows that SIM negatively affects the inflammatory and repair phases of the postinjury muscle regeneration. These findings are unique, strengthen the available knowledge on the side effects of SIM, and provide evidence showing that statin therapy is associated with an increased risk of impairment of the regenerative capacity of muscle.
Macrophage LRP1 Promotes Diet-Induced Hepatic Inflammation and Metabolic Dysfunction by Modulating Wnt Signaling
Authors: Au Dianaly T. , Migliorini Mary , Strickland Dudley K. , Muratoglu Selen C.
Published: November 2018

Hepatic inflammation is associated with the development of insulin resistance, which can perpetuate the disease state and may increase the risk of metabolic syndrome and diabetes. Despite recent advances, mechanisms linking hepatic inflammation and insulin resistance are still unclear. The low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1) is a large endocytic and signaling receptor that is highly expressed in macrophages, adipocytes, hepatocytes, and vascular smooth muscle cells. To investigate the potential role of macrophage LRP1 in hepatic inflammation and insulin resistance, we conducted experiments using macrophage-specific LRP1-deficient mice (macLRP1−/−) generated on a low-density lipoprotein receptor knockout (LDLR−/−) background and fed a Western diet. LDLR−/−; macLRP1−/− mice gained less body weight and had improved glucose tolerance compared to LDLR−/− mice. Livers from LDLR−/−; macLRP1−/− mice displayed lower levels of gene expression for several inflammatory cytokines, including Ccl3, Ccl4, Ccl8, Ccr1, Ccr2, Cxcl9, and Tnf, and reduced phosphorylation of GSK3α and p38 MAPK proteins. Furthermore, LRP1-deficient peritoneal macrophages displayed altered cholesterol metabolism. Finally, circulating levels of sFRP-5, a potent anti-inflammatory adipokine that functions as a decoy receptor for Wnt5a, were elevated in LDLR−/−; macLRP1−/− mice. Surface plasmon resonance experiments revealed that sFRP-5 is a novel high affinity ligand for LRP1, revealing that LRP1 regulates levels of this inhibitor of Wnt5a-mediated signaling. Collectively, our results suggest that LRP1 expression in macrophages promotes hepatic inflammation and the development of glucose intolerance and insulin resistance by modulating Wnt signaling.
The Effect of Vitamin E and Metallothionein on the Antioxidant Capacities of Cadmium-Damaged Liver in Grass Carp Ctenopharyngodon idellus
Authors: Feng Yang , Huang Xiaoli , Duan Yajiao , Fan Wei , Duan Jing , Wang Kaiyu , Geng Yi , Ouyang Ping , Deng Yongqiang , Chen Defang , Yang Shiyong
Published: November 2018

Cadmium (Cd) causes a broad spectrum of toxicological effects to animals. Aquatic animals were more likely to accumulate Cd than terrestrial animals because of the living environment. Clearance of Cd in aquatic animals has become an important part of aquatic food safety. The present study was focused on the oxidative damage induced by Cd in the liver of grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idellus and the protective effect of vitamin E (VE) and metallothionein (MT). Grass carp were divided into four groups: the control group, Cd+phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) group, Cd+VE group, and Cd+MT group. All fish were injected with CdCl2 on the first day and then VE, MT, and PBS were given 4 days after injection, respectively. The liver function and antioxidant capacity of grass carp were evaluated. Cd administration resulted in damage of liver function and morphology in liver, which was expressed as the increased content of AST and ALT, rupture of organelles, and decrease of CAT, SOD, and GSH-Px activity. However, VE and MT treatments protected against Cd-induced damage of liver in grass carp by decreasing AST and ALT content, repairing organelles, and maintained the antioxidant system by elevating CAT, SOD, and GSH-Px activity and regulating related mRNA transcript expression. The results revealed that VE and MT might play an important role in the treatment of heavy metal poisoning through their antioxidative effects.
On the Use oft-Distributed Stochastic Neighbor Embedding for Data Visualization and Classification of Individuals with Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Oliveira Fábio Henrique M. , Machado Alessandro R. P. , Andrade Adriano O.
Published: November 2018

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that remains incurable. The available treatments for the disorder include pharmacologic therapies and deep brain stimulation (DBS). These approaches may cause distinct side effects and motor responses. This work presents the application oft-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding (t-SNE), which is a machine learning algorithm for nonlinear dimensionality reduction and data visualization, for the problem of discriminating neurologically healthy individuals from those suffering from PD (treated with levodopa and DBS). Furthermore, the assessment of classification methods is presented. Inertial and electromyographic data were collected while the subjects executed a sequence of four motor tasks. The results were focused on the comparison of the classification performance of a support vector machine (SVM) while discriminating two-dimensional feature sets estimated from Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Sammon’s mapping, andt-SNE. The results showed visual and statistical differences for all three investigated groups. Classification accuracy for PCA, Sammon’s mapping, andt-SNE was, respectively, 73.5%, 78.6%, and 96.9% for the training set and 67.8%, 74.1%, and 76.6% for the test set. The possibility of discriminating healthy individuals from those with PD treated with levodopa and DBS highlights the fact that each treatment method produces distinct motor behavior. The scatter plots resulting fromt-SNE could be used in the clinical practice as an objective tool for measuring the discrepancy between normal and abnormal motor behaviors, being thus useful for the adjustment of treatments and the follow-up of the disorder.