bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beneficial Effects of Citrus Flavonoids on Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health
Authors: Mahmoud Ayman M. , Hernández Bautista Rene J. , Sandhu Mansur A. , Hussein Omnia E.
Published: March 2019

The prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is increasing over time. CVD is a comorbidity in diabetes and contributes to premature death. Citrus flavonoids possess several biological activities and have emerged as efficient therapeutics for the treatment of CVD. Citrus flavonoids scavenge free radicals, improve glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, modulate lipid metabolism and adipocyte differentiation, suppress inflammation and apoptosis, and improve endothelial dysfunction. The intake of citrus flavonoids has been associated with improved cardiovascular outcomes. Although citrus flavonoids exerted multiple beneficial effects, their mechanisms of action are not completely established. In this review, we summarized recent findings and advances in understanding the mechanisms underlying the protective effects of citrus flavonoids against oxidative stress, inflammation, diabetes, dyslipidemia, endothelial dysfunction, and atherosclerosis. Further studies and clinical trials to assess the efficacy and to explore the underlying mechanism(s) of action of citrus flavonoids are recommended.
Carotid Paraganglioma in Adolescence-Clinical Picture-Surgical Technique and Review of the Literature
Authors: Kotsis Thomas , Christoforou Panagitsa , Nastos Constantinos
Published: March 2019

Paraganglia are clusters of cells originating from the neural crest with histological and cytochemical characteristics of neuroendocrine cells. Paragangliomas of the head and neck represent less than 0.5% of all head and neck tumors and they usually occur between the ages of 40 and 50. Paragangliomas in childhood and in adolescence are extremely rare; only 23 case reports have been reported in the recent literature. In childhood, the estimation of malignant potential is 3–10%; therefore, early diagnosis and treatment of carotid body paragangliomas are mandatory. However, due to the rarity of these lesions in young patients, they are often not included in the differential diagnosis of solid masses in the neck area, a fact that may lead to misdiagnosis or delay in treatment. We present, herein, two extremely rare cases of patients in adolescence who were diagnosed with a carotid body paraganglioma and were treated surgically in our unit. One of the patients was diagnosed and treated at the age of 15 years while the other had a long-standing tumor in the neck that was followed up by a general surgery outpatient service as a branchial cleft cyst at the age of 15 years and was eventually treated surgically 8 years later. Carotid body tumor was not considered in the initial differential diagnosis because of its rarity at this age range.
Genetic Modification for Wheat Improvement: From Transgenesis to Genome Editing
Authors: Borisjuk Nikolai , Kishchenko Olena , Eliby Serik , Schramm Carly , Anderson Peter , Jatayev Satyvaldy , Kurishbayev Akhylbek , Shavrukov Yuri
Published: March 2019

To feed the growing human population, global wheat yields should increase to approximately 5 tonnes per ha from the current 3.3 tonnes by 2050. To reach this goal, existing breeding practices must be complemented with new techniques built upon recent gains from wheat genome sequencing, and the accumulated knowledge of genetic determinants underlying the agricultural traits responsible for crop yield and quality. In this review we primarily focus on the tools and techniques available for accessing gene functions which lead to clear phenotypes in wheat. We provide a view of the development of wheat transformation techniques from a historical perspective, and summarize how techniques have been adapted to obtain gain-of-function phenotypes by gene overexpression, loss-of-function phenotypes by expressing antisense RNAs (RNA interference or RNAi), and most recently the manipulation of gene structure and expression using site-specific nucleases, such as CRISPR/Cas9, for genome editing. The review summarizes recent successes in the application of wheat genetic manipulation to increase yield, improve nutritional and health-promoting qualities in wheat, and enhance the crop’s resistance to various biotic and abiotic stresses.
Clinical Spectrum of Complications Induced by Intravesical Immunotherapy of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin for Bladder Cancer
Authors: Liu Yuqing , Lu Jian , Huang Yi , Ma Lulin
Published: March 2019

Because of its proven efficacy, intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) immunotherapy is an important treatment for nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer at high risk of recurrence or progression. However, approximately 8% of patients have to stop BCG instillation as a result of its complications. Complications induced by BCG therapy can have a variety of clinical manifestations. These adverse reactions may occur in conjunction with BCG instillation or may not develop until months or years after BCG cessation. An essential step in the management complications arising from BCG is early establishment of diagnosis, particularly for distant, disseminated, and obscure infections. Therefore we reviewed the literature on the potential complications after intravesical BCG immunotherapy for bladder cancer and provide an overview on the incidence, diagnosis, and treatment modality of genitourinary and systemic BCG-induced complications.
Loading Rate Effect of Rock Material with the Direct Tensile and Three Brazilian Disc Tests
Authors: Gong Fengqiang , Zhang Le , Wang Shanyong
Published: March 2019

A series of experimental tests were conducted to investigate the effects of loading rate on the tensile strength of sandstone by using four test methods, including a direct tensile method and three typical Brazilian disc methods (plate loading, circular arc loading, and strip loading). The loading rates used in these tests varied from 10−2 MPa/s to 100 MPa/s. The results show that the rate effects are clear for these test methods, and the tensile strength of sandstone will increase linearly with the logarithm of the loading rate. At the same loading rate, it is found that the tensile strengths of the sandstone specimens under plate loading and arc loading are relatively similar and are much greater than the direct tensile strength, while the tensile strength under strip loading is less than the direct strength. A comprehensive comparison suggested that the strip loading method can be adopted for the Brazilian disc test, while the obtained strength should be modified with a coefficient of 1.37 to obtain the direct tensile strength.
Effects of Single Doping and Composite Doping of Yttrium and Antimony on the Structural, Thermodynamic, Mechanical, and Electronic Properties of Mg2Si by First Principles
Authors: Zhou Zhonghao , Zhao Zhen , Li Zhi
Published: March 2019

The structural, stability, thermodynamic, mechanical, and electronic properties of Y and Sb doped into Mg2Si were studied by first principles. The results show that the stable structures are Mg7Si4Y, Mg8Si4Sb, Mg6Si4YSb, and Mg7Si4YSb. Mg8Si4Sb has the largest ductility among them. Y doping causes strong orbital hybridization between Mg (2p) and Y (4d), while Sb doping causes strong orbital hybridization between Mg (2p), Si (3p), and Sb (5p). However, the thermal conductivity and hardness of Mg2Si will be reduced by Y and Sb doping. The conductivity of Mg8Si4Sb is the best. The anisotropy of the {100}, {010}, and {001} surfaces will increase once doped with Y or Sb. Mg8Si4Sb has the highest degree of anisotropy.
Effectiveness of Acupuncturing at the Sphenopalatine Ganglion Acupoint Alone for Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Fu Qinwei , Zhang Lanzhi , Liu Yang , Li Xinrong , Yang Yepeng , Dai Menglin , Zhang Qinxiu
Published: March 2019

Aim(s). To evaluate the efficiency of acupuncturing at the sphenopalatine ganglion acupoint alone for treatment of allergic rhinitis. Design. A total of ten online databases were searched to find studies published up to Jan. 2018. Primary outcome measures include the TNSS, the RQLQ score, the VAS score, total effective rate, score for signs and symptoms, and the improvement of disease classification. Study quality of each included article was evaluated by the Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias tool. A meta-analysis was conducted based on the Cochrane systematic review method by using RevMan 5.3 software. Interventions. Acupuncturing SGA alone was the only therapy in experimental group. Interventions in control groups includes sham acupuncture, acupuncturing other regular acupoints, and western medicine. Specific techniques included manual acupuncture and electroacupuncture only. Primary Outcomes. They include TNSS, RQLQ, VAS score, total effective rate, the improvement of disease classification. Results. Ten studies of eight articles involving 1004 participants were included. Result of meta-analysis showed that acupuncturing sphenopalatine ganglion acupoints alone was more effective than control groups. However, several adverse effects were reported. Conclusion. These findings show that acupuncturing the sphenopalatine ganglion acupoint alone has a potential role in alleviating nasal symptoms, improving quality of life for patients, and the effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of allergic rhinitis, suggesting it as a considerable therapy for allergic rhinitis. However, more studies are needed to execute a subgroup analysis of various variables and to evaluate the publication bias of the study.
Optimal Sizing and Analysis of a Small Hybrid Power System for Umuokpo Amumara in Eastern Nigeria
Authors: Ndukwe Cherechi , Iqbal Tariq , Liang Xiaodong , Khan Jahangir
Published: March 2019

Umuokpo Amumara is a village with an estimated population of 9,000 people and about 800 households located in the eastern region of Nigeria in West Africa. This village has no access to power grids for over a decade of existence. Umuokpo, by virtue of its location 5°27′35.9″N 7°19′60.0″E, on the average receives about 6 hours of sunlight with a daily average irradiance of 6.12 kWh/m2. The solar energy can be tapped and harnessed to generate quality electricity for this small village. Since the wind speed is low (ranging between 3.0 m/s and 3.5 m/s), the wind resource cannot be incorporated into the design. The average load demand of the village is 9.422 MWh/day with a peak load of 1.3 MW. This paper is aimed at designing a small hybrid power system that can generate sustainable electricity for the village from renewable energy sources. The design also considers a backup diesel generator and an energy storage system. The designed system consists of a 2,750 kW solar photovoltaic (PV), a 21,600 kWh battery storage, a 1,500 kW power electronic converter, and a 1,000 kW diesel generator. The simulation suggests that the proposed system can adequately meet the electricity needs of the village. A sensitivity analysis is also carried out on the system to observe its behavior with varying levels of irradiation and load.
Risk Factors for Developing Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer after Lung Transplantation
Authors: Gräger Nikolai , Leffler Mareike , Gottlieb Jens , Fuge Jan , Warnecke Gregor , Gutzmer Ralf , Satzger Imke
Published: March 2019

Background. Nonmelanoma skin cancer (NSMC) is the most common malignancy after organ transplantation. Lung transplant recipients (LTRs) are particularly prone to develop NMSC as compared to renal or hepatic transplant recipients due to higher dosages of immunosuppression needed. Everolimus, an immunosuppressant used in organ transplant recipients, is thought to inherit a lower risk for NMSC than calcineurin inhibitors, especially in renal transplant recipients. It is currently unknown whether this also applies to LTRs. Objectives. To determine risk factors for NMSC and precancerous lesions after lung transplantation (LTx) and to characterize the effect of everolimus-based regimens regarding this risk. Materials and Methods. 90 LTRs and former participants of the interventional trial “Immunosuppressive Therapy with Everolimus after Lung Transplantation”, who were randomized to receive either an everolimus- or mycophenolate mofetil- (MMF-) based regimen, were enrolled and screened in this retrospective, single-center cohort study. Results. After a median follow-up of 101 months, we observed a prevalence of 38% for NMSC or precancerous lesions. 33% of the patients continuously receiving everolimus from LTx to dermatologic examination compared to 39% of all other patients, predominantly receiving an MMF-based regimen, were diagnosed with at least one NMSC or precancerous lesion (P=.66). Independent risk factors for NMSC or precancerous lesions after LTx were male sex and duration of voriconazole therapy. Conclusion. NMSC or precancerous lesions were very common after LTx, and risk factors were similar to previous reports on LTRs. Everolimus did not decrease this risk under the given circumstances of this study. Patients should be counseled regarding their risk, perform vigorous sunscreen, and undergo regular dermatological controls, regardless of their immunosuppressive regimen.
Effect of Metal Chlorides on the Pyrolysis of Wheat Straw
Authors: Lugovoy Yury V. , Chalov Kirill V. , Kosivtsov Yury Yu , Stepacheva Antonina A. , Sulman Esther M.
Published: March 2019

In this paper, the results of the study on the influence of the addition of 10 wt.% of FeCl3, CoCl2, NiCl2, ZnCl2, SnCl2, and CuCl2 on the wheat straw pyrolysis process are presented. The studied chlorides were found to affect the pyrolysis process; however, the highest activity was observed while using CuCl2. The presence of the copper chloride led to the decrease in the temperature of the initial destruction of hemicellulose fraction of wheat straw by 64°С. Besides, the use of CuCl2 allowed increasing the yield of liquid and solid pyrolysis products as well as decreasing the molecular weight distribution of the volatiles. Moreover, the increase in the hydrogen and decrease in carbon dioxide concentration were also observed in the presence of copper chloride. The analysis of the solid residue obtained in the wheat straw pyrolysis in the presence of CuCl2 showed the increase in the specific surface area of the carbon residue from 24 up to 63.5 m2/g in comparison with that obtained for the noncatalytic process.
Target Detection Coverage Algorithm Based on 3D-Voronoi Partition for Three-Dimensional Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Dang Xiaochao , Shao Chenguang , Hao Zhanjun
Published: March 2019

The detection of target events is an important research area in the field of wireless sensor networks (WSNs). In recent years, many researchers have discussed the problem of WSN target coverage in a two-dimensional (2D) coordinate system. However, the target detection problem in a 3D coordinate system has not been investigated extensively, and it is difficult to improve the network coverage ratio while ensuring reliable performance of WSN. In addition, sensor nodes that are initially deployed randomly cannot achieve accurate target coverage in practice. Moreover, it is necessary to consider the energy consumption factor owing to the limited energy of the sensor node itself. Hence, with the objective of addressing the target event coverage problem of WSNs in 3D space applications, this paper proposes a target detection coverage algorithm based on 3D-Voronoi partitioning for WSNs (3D-VPCA) in order to ensure reliable performance of the entire network. First, we extend Voronoi division based on the 2D plane, which allows 3D-Voronoi partitioning of sensor nodes in 3D regions. Then, it is optimized according to the 3D-Voronoi neighbouring node partitioning characteristics and combined with the improved algorithm. Next, we set the priority coverage mechanism and introduce the correlation force between the target point and the sensor node in the algorithm, so that the sensor node can move to the target position for accurate coverage. Finally, we carry out related simulation experiments to evaluate the performance and accuracy of the proposed algorithm. The results show that the proposed algorithm can effectively improve the coverage performance of the network while ensuring a high overall coverage ratio.
Bone Marrow Aspirate Clot: A Useful Technique in Diagnosis and Follow-Up of Hematological Disorders
Authors: Cantadori Lucas Oliveira , Gaiolla Rafael Dezen , Niero-Melo Ligia , Oliveira Cristiano Claudino
Published: March 2019

Bone marrow biopsy is a diagnostic tool largely used in the evaluation of a broad number of disorders that could affect the hematopoietic system. Differently, bone marrow aspirate clot technique is rarely performed even though it has been described in literature. Here, we highlight the utility of the bone marrow aspirate clot, exemplifying through the discussion of three clinical cases in which this technique was used for diagnosis and follow-up purposes: megaloblastic hemopathy, multiple myeloma, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Bone marrow clot analysis increases sensitivity to diagnose hemopathies and offers the possibility of morphological evaluation and anatomopathological study, with the advantage of not needing decalcification processes, hence improving antigenic expression in immunohistochemical and FISH techniques. It is an easy-to-perform technique, offering a quick, reliable, and more comfortable procedure for patients.
Chitosan Oligosaccharides Show Protective Effects in Coronary Heart Disease by Improving Antioxidant Capacity via the Increase in Intestinal Probiotics
Authors: Jiang Tiechao , Xing Xiaohong , Zhang Lirong , Liu Zhen , Zhao Jixue , Liu Xin
Published: March 2019

We explored the effects of chitosan oligosaccharides (COS) on coronary heart disease (CHD) patients. The component of COS was measured by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). CHD patients were evenly assigned into the COS group (COG) and the placebo group (CG). The duration of treatment was 6 months and therapeutic results were explored by measuring left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) value, Lee scores, quality of life (QOL), blood urea nitrogen, and serum creatinine. The intestinal flora were determined by 16s rDNA sequencing. The circulating antioxidant levels and lipid profiles were compared between two groups. There were 7 different degrees of polymerization (DP4-10) in COS. Lee scores, QOL scores, and LVEF values in the COG group were higher than those in the CG group (P<0.05). COS treatment improved blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine when compared with controls (P<0.05). Circulating antioxidant levels were higher in the COG group than in the CG group. COS consumption increased the serum levels of SOD and GSH and reduced the levels of ALT and AST (P<0.05). Meanwhile, lipid profiles were improved in the COG group. COS consumption increased the abundance of Faecalibacterium, Alistipes, and Escherichia and decreased the abundance of Bacteroides, Megasphaera, Roseburia, Prevotella, and Bifidobacterium (P<0.05). On the other hand, COS consumption increased the probiotic species Lactobacillus, Lactococcus, and Phascolarctobacterium. The increased species have been reported to be associated with antioxidant properties or lipid improvement. COS had similar effects with chitohexaose on the growth rate of these species. Therefore, COS ameliorate the symptoms of CHD patients by improving antioxidant capacities and lipid profiles via the increase of probiotics in the intestinal flora.
Dual Adaptive Adjustment for Customized Garment Pattern
Authors: Zhu Yuxiang , Peng Yanjun , Boodaghian Asl Arsineh
Published: March 2019

We present a dual adaptive garment slice adjustment technique for automatic resizing of apparel products with variant body shapes, and this technique can quickly generate clothed characters. Our first contribution is to propose a novel fit evaluation method. When a 2D garment pattern and a 3D draped garment have the same triangle topology connection, we calculate the shape variable of each triangle and output heat map simultaneously. For sewing a pattern to a newly targeted human body, we propose a fully automatic adjustment method that conforms to the body structure and is composed of two stages. In the coarse auto adjustment (CAA) stage, we propose a method of controlling the size of a garment by the length of a bounding box in five parts of the human body. Then, the garment pattern is automatically adjusted using the measured dimension, by stretching or shrinking. In the fine auto adjustment (FAA) stage, boundary vertices control the shape in the adjustment process. For better matching with the body, the vertices of the garment pattern boundary are relocated with the calculated moving distance and moving direction. As demonstrated in the results, our method enables fully automatic adjustment, preserving the original pattern style of garments between characters with vastly body shapes. Compared with the state-of-art 2D editing method, our proposed approach leads to time saving, and it achieves realistic garment effect compared to auto fitting methods.
Thoracoabdominal Approach for Large Retroperitoneal Masses: Case Series and Review
Authors: Venkat Siv , Matteliano Andre , Drachenberg Darrel
Published: March 2019

The thoracoabdominal incision was first described in 1946 as an approach to concomitant abdominal, retroperitoneal, and thoracic injuries. In urology, this technique was popularized in 1949 for the resection of large renal tumours. Today, it is reserved for complex cases where optimal exposure of the renal hilum and adrenal and superior pole of the kidney is necessary. We present four consecutive cases in which this approach was taken by a single surgeon at our tertiary surgical centre. The outcomes, postoperative course, and pathology are described. We provide a comprehensive literature review and outline the indications, advantages, and disadvantages of this approach. Objectives. To present a case series outlining the efficacy and safety of the thoracoabdominal incision in complex oncologic procedures in urology. Methods. Four cases utilizing the thoracoabdominal incision, performed by a single surgeon at our tertiary care center, were reviewed. Case history, preoperative imaging, intraoperative experience, postoperative course, final pathology, and complications were examined. A thorough literature review was performed and comparison made with historical cohorts for estimated blood loss, length of stay, and complications encountered versus other common surgical approaches. The indications, advantages, and disadvantages of the thoracoabdominal approach were outlined. Results. All patients had large retroperitoneal masses of varying complexity, requiring maximal surgical exposure. Surgery was straightforward in all cases, without any significant perioperative or postoperative complications. Postoperative pain, length of hospital stay, estimated blood loss, and analgesia requirements were all similar to open and mini-flank approaches in review of historical case series cohorts. Laparoscopic approaches had lower estimated blood loss and length of stay. Conclusions. The thoracoabdominal approach is rarely utilized in urological surgery, due to the perceived morbidity in violating the thoracic cavity. These cases outline the benefit of the thoracoabdominal approach in select cases requiring maximal surgical exposure, and the generally benign postoperative course that appropriately selected patients may hope to endure. Postoperative pain, length of hospital stay, estimated blood loss, and analgesia requirements can be expected to be similar open and mini-flank approaches. As expected, laparoscopic approaches had lower estimated blood loss and length of stay.
A Multicurve Cross-Currency LIBOR Market Model
Authors: Wamwea Charity , Ngare Philip , Mbele Bidima Martin Le Doux
Published: March 2019

After the dawn of the August 2007 financial crisis, banks became more aware of financial risk leading to the appearance of nonnegligible spreads between LIBOR and OIS rates and also between LIBOR of different tenors. This consequently led to the birth of multicurve models. This study establishes a new model; the multicurve cross-currency LIBOR market model (MCCCLMM). The model extends the initial LIBOR Market Model (LMM) from the single-curve cross-currency economy into the multicurve cross-currency economy. The model incorporates both the risk-free OIS rates and the risky forward LIBOR rates of two different currencies. The established model is suitable for pricing different quanto interest rate derivatives. A brief illustration is given on the application of the MCCCLMM on pricing quanto caplets and quanto floorlets using a Black-like formula derived from the MCCCLMM.
Antioxidant Defense, Oxidative Modification, and Salivary Gland Function in an Early Phase of Cerulein Pancreatitis
Authors: Maciejczyk Mateusz , Skutnik-Radziszewska Anna , Zieniewska Izabela , Matczuk Jan , Domel Emilia , Waszkiel Danuta , Żendzian-Piotrowska Małgorzata , Szarmach Izabela , Zalewska Anna
Published: March 2019

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a multifactorial disease characterized by necroinflammatory changes of the pancreas. Our study is the first study which evaluated the relationship between the free radical production, enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants, oxidative damage, and secretory function of the salivary glands of AP rats. Male Wistar rats were divided equally into 2 groups: control (n=9) and AP (n=9). AP was induced by intraperitoneal injection with cerulein and confirmed by higher serum amylase and lipase. We have demonstrated that the superoxide dismutase and glutathione reductase activities, as well as reduced glutathione concentration, were significantly decreased in both the parotid and submandibular glands of AP rats as compared to the control rats. The production of free radicals evidenced as dichlorodihydrofluorescein assay and the activity of NADPH oxidase and xanthine oxidase and IL-1βconcentration were significantly higher in the parotid and submandibular glands of AP rats compared to the controls. In AP rats, we also showed a statistical increase in oxidation modification products (advanced glycation end products and advanced oxidation protein products), salivary amylase activity, and significant decrease in the total protein content. However, we did not show apoptosis and any morphological changes in the histological examination of the salivary glands of AP rats. To sum up, cerulein-induced AP intensifies production of oxygen free radicals, impairs the redox balance of the salivary glands, and is responsible for higher oxidative damage to these glands. Interestingly, oxidative modification of proteins and dysfunction of the antioxidant barrier are more pronounced in the submandibular glands of AP rats.
Cross-Comparison and Calibration of Two Microscopic Traffic Simulation Models for Complex Freeway Corridors with Dedicated Lanes
Authors: Kan Xingan (David) , Xiao Lin , Liu Hao , Wang Meng , Schakel Wouter J. , Lu Xiao-Yun , van Arem Bart , Shladover Steven E. , Ferlis Robert A.
Published: March 2019

Realistic microscopic traffic simulation is essential for prospective evaluation of the potential impacts of new traffic control strategies. Freeway corridors with interacting bottlenecks and dedicated lanes generate complex traffic flow phenomena and congestion patterns, which are difficult to reproduce with existing microscopic simulation models. This paper discusses two alternative driving behavior models that are capable of modeling freeways with multiple bottlenecks and dedicated lanes over an extended period with varying demand levels. The models have been calibrated using archived data from a complicated 13-mile long section of the northbound SR99 freeway near Sacramento, California, for an 8-hour time period in which the traffic fluctuated from free-flow to congested conditions. The corridor includes multiple bottlenecks, multiple entry and exit ramps, and an HOV lane. Calibration results show extremely good agreement between field data and model predictions. The models have been cross-validated and produced similar macroscopic traffic performance. The main behavior that should be captured for successful modeling of such a complex corridor includes the anticipative and cooperative driver behavior near merges, lane preference in presence of dedicated lanes, and variations in desired headway along the corridor.
New Constructions of Asymptotically Optimal Codebooks via Cyclotomic Classes of Order 8
Authors: Qi Wanfeng , Song Yueying , Ma Rui , Tang Lingli , Wang Qian
Published: March 2019

Asymptotically optimal codebooks are a family of codebooks that can approach an optimal codebook meeting the Welch bound when the lengths of codewords are large enough. They can be constructed easily and are a good alternative for optimal codebooks in many applications. In this paper, we construct a new class of asymptotically optimal codebooks by using the product of some special finite fields and almost difference sets, which are composed of cyclotomic classes of order eight.
Research on Degradation State Recognition of Planetary Gear Based on Multiscale Information Dimension of SSD and CNN
Authors: Chen Xihui , Peng Liping , Cheng Gang , Luo Chengming
Published: March 2019

Planetary gear is the key part of the transmission system for large complex electromechanical equipment, and in general, a series of degradation states are undergone and evolved into a local fatal fault in its full life cycle. So it is of great significance to recognize the degradation state of planetary gear for the purpose of maintenance repair, predicting development trend, and avoiding sudden fault. This paper proposed a degradation state recognition method of planetary gear based on multiscale information dimension of singular spectrum decomposition (SSD) and convolutional neural network (CNN). SSD can automatically realize the embedding dimension selection and component grouping segmentation, and the original vibration signal being nonlinear and nonstationary can be decomposed into a series of singular spectrum decomposition components (SSDCs), adaptively. Then, the multiscale information dimension which combines multiscale analysis and fractal information dimension is proposed for quantifying and extracting the feature information contained in each SSDC. Finally, CNN is used to achieve the effective recognition of the degradation state of planetary gear. The experimental results show that the proposed method can accurately recognize the degradation state of planetary gear, and the overall recognition rate is up to 97.2%, of which the recognition rate of normal planetary gear reaches 100%.
Orchestration of Adaptive T Cell Responses by Neutrophil Granule Contents
Authors: Minns Danielle , Smith Katie Jane , Findlay Emily Gwyer
Published: March 2019

Neutrophils are the most abundant leukocytes in peripheral blood and respond rapidly to danger, infiltrating tissues within minutes of infectious or sterile injury. Neutrophils were long thought of as simple killers, but now we recognise them as responsive cells able to adapt to inflammation and orchestrate subsequent events with some sophistication. Here, we discuss how these rapid responders release mediators which influence later adaptive T cell immunity through influences on DC priming and directly on the T cells themselves. We consider how the release of granule contents by neutrophils—through NETosis or degranulation—is one way in which the innate immune system directs the phenotype of the adaptive immune response.
Artificial Neural Network for Vibration Frequency Measurement Using Kinect V2
Authors: Liu Jiantao , Yang Xiaoxiang
Published: March 2019

Optical measurement can substantially reduce the required amount of labor and simplify the measurement process. Furthermore, the optical measurement method can provide full‐field measurement results of the target object without affecting the physical properties of the measurement target, such as stiffness, mass, or damping. The advent of consumer grade depth cameras, such as the Microsoft Kinect, Intel RealSence, and ASUS Xtion, has attracted significant research attention owing to their availability and robustness in sampling depth information. This paper presents an effective method employing the Kinect sensor V2 and an artificial neural network for vibration frequency measurement. Experiments were conducted to verify the performance of the proposed method. The proposed method can provide good frequency prediction within acceptable accuracy compared to an industrial vibrometer, with the advantages of contactless process and easy pipeline implementation.
Effects of Crinum jagus Water/Ethanol Extract on Shigella flexneri-Induced Diarrhea in Rats
Authors: Noubissi Paul Aimé , Fokam Tagne Michel Archange , Fankem Gaëtan Olivier , Ngakou Mukam Joseph , Wambe Henri , Kamgang René
Published: March 2019

Diarrheal disease, characterized by the release of more than three loose or liquid stools per day, remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in children below 5 years of age in developing countries. Many drugs used in diarrhea management face contraindication and, with regard to infectious diarrhea, resistance of some bacterial strains; this therefore increases the need of new alternative and more effective drugs. This study aimed to evaluate anti-Shigella flexneri activities of Crinum jagus water/ethanol extract. In vitro activities were assayed by disc diffusion and agar dilution methods and in vivo section on Shigella flexneri-induced diarrhea in rats. This was done by oral administration of 9 X 108 CFU of Shigella flexneri to rats that were treated twice daily with Crinum jagus water/ethanol extract for seven consecutive days. Ciprofloxacin was used as positive control. Daily Shigella flexneri load was evaluated. After one treatment week, animals were then sacrificed and interleukins (IL-2 and INF-γ), immunoglobulins (IgA and IgM), motilin, vasoactive intestinal peptide, and ions (sodium, potassium, calcium, and chloride) levels were determined. Also, blood cell count was realized. Crinum jagus water/ethanol extract dose-dependently inhibited Shigella flexneri growth with inhibition diameter of 18.90 and 25.36 mm, respectively, at 0.39 and 200 mg/mL. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was 0.10 mg/mL and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) was 0.30 mg/mL with MBC/MIC ratio of 3.0. In Shigella flexneri-induced diarrheic rats, Crinum jagus reduced (p<0.01) diarrheal stools emission and Shigella load and lowered IL-2, INF-γ, IgA, IgM, and motilin blood levels, whereas it increased (p<0.01) vasoactive intestinal peptide, sodium, potassium, calcium, and chloride blood levels. In diarrheal rats, Crinum jagus restored the decreasing white blood cells and haemoglobin and restored the damaged colon epithelium, where it reduced the density of mucus-filled goblet cells. These results confirm the use of Crinum jagus in ethnomedicine in diarrhea treatment.
An Analysis of Habitual Mode Use in the Years of Rising Oil Prices
Authors: Kim Chansung , Kim Woo-Yung , Park Jiyoung
Published: March 2019

The existence of state dependence derived from panel data has played a very important role in studying employment and labor policies. This study is about state dependence of the transportation sector using retrospective panel survey data. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport of Korea has conducted the survey to monitor changes in vehicle ownership and usage nationwide and to prepare measures when oil prices tend to rise sharply. From this data, we identify the existence of state dependence on passenger cars, public transportation, and nonmotorized modes. To do this, we estimate and analyze the dynamic random effects probit model that explains the selection of each transportation mode after controlling for the unobserved individual heterogeneity. Our results indicate that despite the rise of oil prices, behavior of habitual use (i.e., state dependence) of transportation modes is found in all three modes. The amount of state dependence of nonmotorized modes was the largest, followed by passenger cars and public transportation. From the estimated models, important policy implications can be drawn from the fact that the presence of state dependence and the importance of early habit formation are important not only in nonmotorized modes but also in public transportation. In other words, if policy makers want to encourage people to use public transportation in a new city, it suggests that a sufficient and convenient public transportation network should be built before people move to the city. Once cities are built without sufficient public transportation networks and people have become accustomed to using private cars, then it will be more difficult to change their transportation modes, requiring much more social efforts and costs.
Impact of Livelihood Assets on Farmland-Transferred Households’ Willingness to Urbanism and Policies Implications for Farmland Transfer: Evidence from Zhejiang, China
Authors: You Heyuan , Hu Xiaowei , Bie Chenmeng , Zhou Deshao
Published: March 2019

The rural households who transfer their farmland are more likely to migrate into urban cities in China. Understanding their willingness to urbanism can provide references for promoting China’s new-type urbanization. Using structural equation modeling (SEM), this study analyzes the effect of livelihood assets on farmland-transferred households’ willingness to urbanism in Zhejiang province in China. The results show that there is no relationship between natural capital (NC) and willingness to urbanism (UI). Statistically significant negative relationships are identified between human capital (HC), financial capital (FC), and social capital (SC), respectively, and UI. Physical capital (PC) has a statistically significant and positive relationship with UI. The findings demonstrate that the farmland transfer characteristics have different effects on farmland-transferred households’ livelihood assets. Benefit of farmland transfer (BFT) has a statistically significant positive influence on HC, FC, and SC. Meanwhile, PC, FC, and SC are positively affected by openness in farmland transfer (OFT). Based on these profiles, Chinese local governments should design more livelihood-oriented policies to help farmland-transferred households raise willingness to urbanism in the process of operation right transfer under Three Rights Separation Policy for farmland.
Low Expression of hsa_circ_0018069 in Human Bladder Cancer and Its Clinical Significance
Authors: Li Mingshan , Wang Yixiang , Liu Yili , Zhang Xiling , Liu Jie , Wang Ping
Published: March 2019

Abnormal expression of noncoding RNA molecules such as circRNA plays an important role in the development of malignant tumors. circRNAs are stable in structure and can be useful as ideal tumor markers. Advanced bladder cancer has poor treatment options and prognosis. Thus, we examined circRNAs to further understand the pathogenesis and development of bladder cancer and to identify molecular markers for the early diagnosis of bladder carcinoma. We found that hsa_circ_0018069 was differentially expressed in our RNA sequencing data. We used qRT-PCR to detect its expression in T24 and Biu-87 cell lines and in 41 paired samples of bladder cancer and adjacent normal tissue and analyzed the correlation between expression of hsa_circ_0018069 and the clinical characteristics of patients with bladder cancer. We then performed a bioinformatics analysis to reveal the mechanism of hsa_circ_0018069 in tumorigenesis of bladder cancer. The expression of hsa_circ_0018069 was significantly reduced in T24 and Biu-87 cells and was also significantly downregulated in bladder cancer tissues. Decreased expression of hsa_circ_0018069 was related to the grade stage (P=0.024), T stage (P=0.027), and muscular invasion depth (P=0.022) of bladder cancer. Bioinformatics analysis showed that hsa_circ_0018069 was coexpressed with protein-coding mRNAs that participate in cytoskeletal protein binding and cell-substrate junction assembly and play an anticancer role through focal adhesion and calcium signaling pathways. ceRNA analysis showed that hsa_circ_0018069 functions in ErbB, Ras, FoxO, and the focal adhesion signaling pathway by harboring miR-23c, miR-34a-5p, miR-181b-5p, miR-454-3p, and miR-3666. hsa_circ_0018069 may thus play an important role in the occurrence and progression of bladder cancer and serve as a valuable biomarker for the early diagnosis of this disease.
Cancer Vaccines: Steering T Cells Down the Right Path to Eradicate Tumors
Authors: Ott Patrick A. , Wu Catherine J.
Published: March 2019

Lack of tumor T-cell infiltration is a barrier to the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors and other immunotherapies in patients with cancer. Because of their ability to activate and augment tumor-specific T cells, vaccines are an attractive approach to direct T-cell responses into the tumor.
Lutas e batalhas de Sérgio Magalhães: um intelectual orgânico nos trópicos
Authors: Maldonado Luccas Eduardo Castilho
Published: March 2019

Resenha do livro: SILVA, Roberto Bitencourt da. Sergio Magalhães e suas trincheiras: nacionalismo, trabalhismo e anti-imperialismo – uma biografia política . Jundiaí: Paco Editorial, 2017.
Nestas costas tão largas: O tráfico transatlântico de escravizados e a dinamização de economias regionais no Brasil (c. 1831 - c. 1850)
Authors: Santos Silvana Andrade dos
Published: March 2019

Após 1831, para que o tráfico transatlântico continuasse sendo realizado, os negociantes empregaram diversas estratégias, entre elas o estabelecimento de novos portos de desembarque de cativos. Este redirecionamento provocou alterações nas áreas onde as atividades de recepção de escravizados passaram a ocorrer, através principalmente da oferta de mão de obra e de capitais provenientes do comércio negreiro. Nesse artigo, discutimos a dinamização das economias regionais nas províncias do Rio de Janeiro, Espírito Santo e Bahia durante o período de ilegalidade do tráfico transatlântico entre as décadas de 1830 e 1850. Procuramos demonstrar que houve uma íntima relação entre estes processos de dinamização e o tráfico ilícito.
Informação visual e conhecimento histórico: a integração sistemática entre texto e imagem no Liber chronicarum (1493)
Authors: Araújo André de Melo
Published: March 2019

Ao conjugar as perspectivas de análise da história material do livro e da história da historiografia, defende-se neste artigo a tese segundo a qual o conhecimento histórico apresentado no Liber chronicarum (1493) resulta da integração sistemática entre os elementos textuais e visuais da página impressa. Para fundamentar esta tese, são analisados, em um primeiro momento, o trabalho coletivo de agentes letrados na composição do manuscrito, e as variações entre as edições da obra e o modo de articulação gráfica entre texto e imagem no Liber chronicarum. Na segunda parte deste artigo, destacam-se três aspectos por meio dos quais a integração do sistema se mostra efetiva na crônica, quais sejam: a lógica de composição da página, as tensões que surgem nas representações xilográficas entre a obediência à tradição iconográfica e a expectativa de visualização do referente, bem como as funções que se pode atribuir à informação visual no volume impresso.
Para além do genocídio: novas luzes sobre a “questão armênia”
Authors: Bogossian-Porto Pedro
Published: March 2019

Resenha do livro: MINASSIAN, Gaïdz. Arméniens: le temps de la délivrance. Paris: CNRS Éditions, 2015. 500 p.
The Caracal Caracal caracal Schreber, 1776 (Mammalia: Carnivora: Felidae) in Uzbekistan
Authors: Gritsina Mariya Alexeevna
Published: March 2019

This article provides information about 27 records of the Caracal Caracal caracal in Uzbekistan, particularly in the Kyzylkum Desert and the Ustyurt Plateau.  The data collected between 2011 and 2017 were based on information from literary sources, field research, and interviews with local people.  At least 11 individuals of the species were killed intentionally and one was run over by a car.  Basic threats to the species in Uzbekistan are negative interactions between herders and Caracal, lack of knowledge about its protected status among local people, and lack of conservation measures.  The preconditions for the protection of Caracal are the existence of remote unpopulated areas close to state borders between adjacent countries and socio-economic factors that prompt people to move from rural to urban areas.  Caracal habitats are protected in Kyzylkum State Reserve, Saigachiy Landscape Sanctuary, and six wildlife sanctuaries.  To conserve Caracal, it is necessary to strengthen the network of protected areas in deserts and raise the awareness of local communities and decision-makers in the national government.  It is important to continue research on Caracal and develop a government-approved action plan for its conservation.
Foreword to the small wild cats special issue
Authors: Appel Angie , Mukherjee Shomita
Published: March 2019

Small wild cats are fascinating but elusive.  Biologists are only beginning to fathom their vital ecological roles in maintaining and preserving biodiversity.  Yet, surveys and conservation efforts targeting them are still underfunded.  Most of them live in the long shadow cast by the more widely known Panthera cats that attract the lion’s share of international funding.  Much of what we know about small wild cats is a result of by-catch data from camera trap surveys targeted at larger mammals.  There is still a dearth of people with passion for and expertise in research and conservation of small wild cats.  With this issue, we hope to raise your awareness for their conservation needs and inspire you to join us in unravelling their mysteries.
A new Scinax Wagler belonging to the S. catharinae clade (Anura: Hylidae)
from the State of Alagoas, northeastern Brazil
Authors: CRUZ CARLOS ALBERTO GONÇALVES , NUNES IVAN , DE LIMA MARCELO GOMES
Published: March 2019

A new species of the Scinax catharinae group, morphologically similar to S. strigilatus, is described from Municipality of Murici (09°12′S, 35°52′W, 509 m a. s. l.), State of Alagoas, northeastern Brazil. Scinax muriciensis sp. nov. is characterized by the medium size (adult males SVL 27.0‒28.9 mm), W-shaped interocular spot, green flash color in the inguinal region and hidden areas of thigh and shank, rounded snout in dorsal view, externally distinguished vocal sac, marked canthus rostralis, vomerine teeth in two straight series, non-developed nuptial pad, presence of supernumerary tubercles on feet, lack of externally well developed inguinal glands, foot webbing formula I – II 11/2–3+ III 11/2–21/2 IV 21/2–11/2 V. This is the northernmost distribution in the Scinax catharinae clade.
Revisiting Pagurus pilosipes (Stimpson, 1858) (Crustacea: Decapoda: Anomura: Paguridae)
Authors: KOMAI TOMOYUKI , YANG CHIEN-HUI , OKUNO JUNJI , CHAN TIN-YAM
Published: March 2019

The study of newly collected samples from Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, revealed that males of Pagurus pilosipes (Stimpson, 1858) have a prominent right sexual tube directed posterolaterally. Comparison of specimens previously identified as Pagurus pilosipes and newly collected specimens, combined with a molecular genetic analysis using partial sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) gene, shows that Stimpson’s taxon occurs in the Japanese mainland, the Ogasawara Islands, the Okinawa Islands, and Korea. Stimpson’s taxon is transferred to the genus Boninpagurus Asakura and Tachikawa, 2004. Based on morphological and molecular evidence, Boninpagurus acanthocheles Asakura & Tachikawa, 2004, the type species of Boninpagurus, is synonymized with B. pilosipes n. comb. Affinity of Boninpagurus is briefly discussed.
Three new species of the deep-water genus Bathycadulus (Mollusca, Scaphopoda, Gadilidae)
Authors: SCARABINO VICTOR , CAETANO CARLOS HENRIQUE SOARES , CARRANZA ALVAR
Published: March 2019

The genus Bathycadulus Scarabino, 1995 was described on the basis of a bathyal species (Bathycadulus fabrizioi Scarabino, 1995) collected from the southern Indian and western Pacific waters. Here we describe three new species, and conduct a morphometric analysis of shells of the four species. Those findings confirming the rather large bathyal and abyssal geographic distribution of the genus.