bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EMG Processing Based Measures of Fatigue Assessment during Manual Lifting
Authors: Shair E. F. , Ahmad S. A. , Marhaban M. H. , Mohd Tamrin S. B. , Abdullah A. R.
Published: February 2017

Manual lifting is one of the common practices used in the industries to transport or move objects to a desired place. Nowadays, even though mechanized equipment is widely available, manual lifting is still considered as an essential way to perform material handling task. Improper lifting strategies may contribute to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), where overexertion contributes as the highest factor. To overcome this problem, electromyography (EMG) signal is used to monitor the workers’ muscle condition and to find maximum lifting load, lifting height and number of repetitions that the workers are able to handle before experiencing fatigue to avoid overexertion. Past researchers have introduced several EMG processing techniques and different EMG features that represent fatigue indices in time, frequency, and time-frequency domain. The impact of EMG processing based measures in fatigue assessment during manual lifting are reviewed in this paper. It is believed that this paper will greatly benefit researchers who need a bird’s eye view of the biosignal processing which are currently available, thus determining the best possible techniques for lifting applications.
Dilute Alkali and Hydrogen Peroxide Treatment of Microwave Liquefied Rape Straw Residue for the Extraction of Cellulose Nanocrystals
Authors: Huang Xingyan , De Hoop Cornelis F. , Li Feng , Xie Jiulong , Hse Chung-Yun , Qi Jinqiu , Jiang Yongze , Chen Yuzhu
Published: February 2017

Microwave-assisted liquefaction of rape straw in methanol was conducted to collect the liquefied residues for the extraction of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs). The liquefied residue with content of 23.44% from 180°C/7.5 min was used to fibrillate CNCs with dilute alkali (2% NaOH) and hydrogen peroxide (5% H2O2) treatments, followed by ultrasonication for 15 min. The FT-IR spectra and SEM images revealed that the liquefied residue from 180°C/7.5 min exhibited a relatively homogeneous texture and a huge surface with cellulose as core structure. The retained hemicelluloses and other impurities in the liquefied residue were eliminated by 2% NaOH treatment, and the surface and accessibility of the alkali treated sample were significantly increased by 5% H2O2 treatment. The TEM images confirmed the CNCs had an average diameter of 12.59 nm. The CNCs had good thermal stability with a maximum weight loss temperature of 376.5°C.
The Coadministration of Unoxidized and Oxidized Desi Ghee Ameliorates the Toxic Effects of Thermally Oxidized Ghee in Rabbits
Authors: Zeb Alam , Uddin Islam
Published: February 2017

Desi Ghee was thermally oxidized at 160°C for 9 h and characterized for peroxide value (PV), free fatty acid (FFA), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), radical scavenging activity (RSA), and fatty acid and cholesterol composition using GC-MS. Oxidized (OG) and normal ghee (NG) were fed to rabbits in different doses. Blood was collected for hematology and biochemical analyses after 7 and 14 days. The oxidation of desi ghee increased the PV, FFA, and TBARS values and showed a decline in the RSA values. GC-MS revealed that desi ghee was rich in saturated fatty acids (55.9 g/100 g) and significant amounts of oleic acid (26.2 g/100 g). The OG significantly decreased the body weight, which was normalized by the coadministration of NG. Serum lipid profile showed a dose dependent increase in total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low density lipoproteins (LDL) and decrease in RBCs count, hematocrit, glucose, and hemoglobin concentration with OG feeding. These parameters were normalized by coadministration of NG. Liver histopathology of OG fed groups showed bile duct dilation and necrotic changes, while normal architecture showed in NG groups, compared to control. These results indicate that NG has no significant effect on rabbits comparing with OG and that it was beneficial when coadministered with oxidized ghee.
Hepatic Cholesterol-25-Hydroxylase Overexpression Improves Systemic Insulin Sensitivity in Mice
Authors: Noebauer Britta , Jais Alexander , Todoric Jelena , Gossens Klaus , Sutterlüty-Fall Hedwig , Einwallner Elisa
Published: February 2017

Obesity is a major risk factor for several diseases including diabetes, heart disease, and some forms of cancer and due to its rapidly increasing prevalence it has become one of the biggest problems medicine is facing today. All the more surprising, a substantial percentage of obese patients are metabolically healthy when classified based on insulin resistance and systemic inflammation. Oxysterols are naturally occurring molecules that play important role in various metabolic and inflammatory processes and their levels are elevated in patients suffering from obesity and diabetes. 25-Hydroxycholesterol (25-OHC) is produced in cells from cholesterol by the enzyme cholesterol 25-hydroxylase (Ch25h) and is involved in lipid metabolism, inflammatory processes, and cell proliferation. Here, we investigated the role of hepatic Ch25h in the transition from metabolically healthy obesity to insulin resistance and diabetes. Using several different experimental approaches, we demonstrated the significance of Ch25h on the border of “healthy” and “diseased” states of obesity. Adenovirus-mediated Ch25h overexpression in mice improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity and lowered HOMA-IR. Our data suggest that low hepatic Ch25h levels could be considered a risk marker for unhealthy obesity.
On a New Epidemic Model with Asymptomatic and Dead-Infective Subpopulations with Feedback Controls Useful for Ebola Disease
Authors: De la Sen M. , Ibeas A. , Alonso-Quesada S. , Nistal R.
Published: February 2017

This paper studies the nonnegativity and local and global stability properties of the solutions of a newly proposed SEIADR model which incorporates asymptomatic and dead-infective subpopulations into the standard SEIR model and, in parallel, it incorporates feedback vaccination plus a constant term on the susceptible and feedback antiviral treatment controls on the symptomatic infectious subpopulation. A third control action of impulsive type (or “culling”) consists of the periodic retirement of all or a fraction of the lying corpses which can become infective in certain diseases, for instance, the Ebola infection. The three controls are allowed to be eventually time varying and contain a total of four design control gains. The local stability analysis around both the disease-free and endemic equilibrium points is performed by the investigation of the eigenvalues of the corresponding Jacobian matrices. The global stability is formally discussed by using tools of qualitative theory of differential equations by using Gauss-Stokes and Bendixson theorems so that neither Lyapunov equation candidates nor the explicit solutions are used. It is proved that stability holds as a parallel property to positivity and that disease-free and the endemic equilibrium states cannot be simultaneously either stable or unstable. The periodic limit solution trajectories and equilibrium points are analyzed in a combined fashion in the sense that the endemic periodic solutions become, in particular, equilibrium points if the control gains converge to constant values and the control gain for culling the infective corpses is asymptotically zeroed.
Polymeric Gas-Separation Membranes for Petroleum Refining
Authors: Alqaheem Yousef , Alomair Abdulaziz , Vinoba Mari , Pérez Andrés
Published: February 2017

Polymeric gas-separation membranes were commercialized 30 years ago. The interest on these systems is increasing because of the simplicity of concept and low-energy consumption. In the refinery, gas separation is needed in many processes such as natural gas treatment, carbon dioxide capture, hydrogen purification, and hydrocarbons separations. In these processes, the membranes have proven to be a potential candidate to replace the current conventional methods of amine scrubbing, pressure swing adsorption, and cryogenic distillation. In this paper, applications of polymeric membranes in the refinery are discussed by reviewing current materials and commercialized units. Economical evaluation of these membranes in comparison to traditional processes is also indicated.
Relationship between Immunological Abnormalities in Rat Models of Diabetes Mellitus and the Amplification Circuits for Diabetes
Authors: Takeda Yuji , Shimomura Tomoko , Asao Hironobu , Wakabayashi Ichiro
Published: February 2017

A better understanding of pathogenic mechanisms is required in order to treat diseases. However, the mechanisms of diabetes mellitus and diabetic complications are extremely complex. Immune reactions are involved in the pathogenesis of diabetes and its complications, while diabetes influences immune reactions. Furthermore, both diabetes and immune reactions are influenced by genetic and environmental factors. To address these issues, animal models are useful tools. So far, various animal models of diabetes have been developed in rats, which have advantages over mice models in terms of the larger volume of tissue samples and the variety of type 2 diabetes models. In this review, we introduce rat models of diabetes and summarize the immune reactions in diabetic rat models. Finally, we speculate on the relationship between immune reactions and diabetic episodes. For example, diabetes-prone Biobreeding rats, type 1 diabetes model rats, exhibit increased autoreactive cellular and inflammatory immune reactions, while Goto-Kakizaki rats, type 2 diabetes model rats, exhibit increased Th2 reactions and attenuation of phagocytic activity. Investigation of immunological abnormalities in various diabetic rat models is useful for elucidating complicated mechanisms in the pathophysiology of diabetes. Studying immunological alterations, such as predominance of Th1/17 or Th2 cells, humoral immunity, and innate immune reactions, may improve understanding the structure of amplification circuits for diabetes in future studies.
Influence of the Radial Clearance of a Squeeze Film Damper on the Vibratory Behavior of a Single Spool Gas Turbine Designed for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Applications
Authors: Creci Geraldo , Balastrero José Orlando , Domingues Sidney , Torres Luis Vanderlei , Menezes João Carlos
Published: February 2017

This study presents a numerical investigation using the finite element method on the vibratory behavior of a single spool gas turbine designed for unmanned aerial vehicle applications. The shaft of the rotor-bearing system is supported on a front bearing composed of a deep groove ball bearing with a vibration absorber element and a rear squeeze film damper bearing. Three radial clearances for the squeeze film damper were analyzed to determine the best geometric configuration for the rear bearing, considering the rotordynamic performance of the entire system. Whirl speeds and unbalanced system responses were carefully evaluated to determine the best radial clearance for the squeeze film damper. After defining the best radial clearance, a transient analysis was performed to simulate the transition of the system through resonance, and a spectral map is presented to illustrate the vibratory behavior of the system considering the influence of all related important frequencies. The rotordynamic behavior of the system is predicted, and vibration problems are avoided. Its mechanical drawings were released to manufacturing, and the first prototype is in the experimental test phase, thus indicating that the numerical results presented in this study are consistent.
Corn Husk Fiber-Polyester Composites as Sound Absorber: Nonacoustical and Acoustical Properties
Authors: Sari Nasmi Herlina , Wardana I. N. G , Irawan Yudy Surya , Siswanto Eko
Published: February 2017

This study investigates the acoustical and nonacoustical properties of composites using corn husk fiber (CHF) and unsaturated polyester as the sound-absorbing materials. The influence of the volume fraction of CHF on acoustic performance was experimentally investigated. In addition, the nonacoustical properties, such as air-flow resistivity, porosity, and mechanical properties of composites have been analyzed. The results show that the sound absorptions at low frequencies are determined by the number of lumens in fiber, particularly the absorption coefficient, which increases the amount of fiber. For high-frequency sound, the absorption coefficient is determined by the arrangement of fibers in the composite. An absorption coefficient is close to zero when the fibers are arranged in a conventional pattern; however, when they are arranged in a random pattern, a high absorption coefficient can be obtained. The bond interface between the fiber and resin enhances its mechanical properties, which increases the longevity of the composite panel.
Metasynthesis of Factors Contributing to Children’s Communication Development: Influence on Reading and Mathematics
Authors: Godwin Amber J. , Capraro Mary Margaret , Rupley William H. , Capraro Robert M.
Published: February 2017

The purpose of this study is to determine what previous studies have found to be factors that contribute to a child’s initial communication development and previously identified effects of reading mathematics storybooks to toddlers or preschoolers. Therefore, it follows that the earlier a preschooler is exposed to mathematics vocabulary, the easier mathematics vocabulary acquisition and understanding can be for that child, which can result in an increase in future academic achievement. This metasynthesis was conducted to gather information on the effects that interactive relationships with caregivers have on a child’s ability to communicate and then how symbiotic reading and mathematics interventions can affect a child’s ability to think and communicate mathematically. According to the data analyzed for this metasynthesis, caregivers’ language relationships help facilitate a child’s early communication development and reading and mathematics symbiotic instruction can lead to developing a child’s ability to think and communicate mathematically.
Spontaneous Rupture of Pyometra in a Nonpregnant Young Woman
Authors: Mostafa-Gharabaghi Parvin , Bordbar Shima , Vazifekhah Shabnam , Naghavi-Behzad Mohammad
Published: February 2017

A 40-year-old woman presented with severe vaginal bleeding. Initial workup with an abdominal sonography revealed endometrium for about 3 mm and free fluid in the abdomen. Hemodynamic instability with abdominal pain and free fluid in the abdomen prompted blood transfusion and laparotomy. There were about 1000 cc blood and clots in the abdomen at laparotomy. There was a longitudinal rupture from fundus up to cervix at the left side of the uterus. Tearing was in full thickness from serosa to endometrium. Scar of previous cesarean was transvers and not associated with this tearing. There was not any myomectomy scar.
A Robust Shape Reconstruction Method for Facial Feature Point Detection
Authors: Tan Shuqiu , Chen Dongyi , Guo Chenggang , Huang Zhiqi
Published: February 2017

Facial feature point detection has been receiving great research advances in recent years. Numerous methods have been developed and applied in practical face analysis systems. However, it is still a quite challenging task because of the large variability in expression and gestures and the existence of occlusions in real-world photo shoot. In this paper, we present a robust sparse reconstruction method for the face alignment problems. Instead of a direct regression between the feature space and the shape space, the concept of shape increment reconstruction is introduced. Moreover, a set of coupled overcomplete dictionaries termed the shape increment dictionary and the local appearance dictionary are learned in a regressive manner to select robust features and fit shape increments. Additionally, to make the learned model more generalized, we select the best matched parameter set through extensive validation tests. Experimental results on three public datasets demonstrate that the proposed method achieves a better robustness over the state-of-the-art methods.
MicroRNA Mediating Networks in Granulosa Cells Associated with Ovarian Follicular Development
Authors: Zhang Baoyun , Chen Long , Feng Guangde , Xiang Wei , Zhang Ke , Chu Mingxing , Wang Pingqing
Published: February 2017

Ovaries, which provide a place for follicular development and oocyte maturation, are important organs in female mammals. Follicular development is complicated physiological progress mediated by various regulatory factors including microRNAs (miRNAs). To demonstrate the role of miRNAs in follicular development, this study analyzed the expression patterns of miRNAs in granulosa cells through investigating three previous datasets generated by Illumina miRNA deep sequencing. Furthermore, via bioinformatic analyses, we dissected the associated functional networks of the observed significant miRNAs, in terms of interacting with signal pathways and transcription factors. During the growth and selection of dominant follicles, 15 dysregulated miRNAs and 139 associated pathways were screened out. In comparison of different styles of follicles, 7 commonly abundant miRNAs and 195 pathways, as well as 10 differentially expressed miRNAs and 117 pathways in dominant follicles in comparison with subordinate follicles, were collected. Furthermore, SMAD2 was identified as a hub factor in regulating follicular development. The regulation of miR-26a/b onsmad2messenger RNA has been further testified by real time PCR. In conclusion, we established functional networks which play critical roles in follicular development including pivotal miRNAs, pathways, and transcription factors, which contributed to the further investigation about miRNAs associated with mammalian follicular development.
Predictive Value of MiR-219-1, MiR-938, MiR-34b/c, and MiR-218 Polymorphisms for Gastric Cancer Susceptibility and Prognosis
Authors: Wu Yanhua , Jia Zhifang , Cao Donghui , Wang Chuan , Wu Xing , You Lili , Wen Simin , Pan Yuchen , Cao Xueyuan , Jiang Jing
Published: February 2017

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most prominent global cancer-related health threats. Genes play a key role in the precise mechanisms of gastric cancer. SNPs in mi-RNAs could affect mRNA expression and then affect the risk and prognosis of GC. Firstly, we have decided to perform a case-control study which included 897 GC patients and 992 controls to evaluate the association of miR-219-1 rs213210, miR-938 rs2505901, miR-34b/c rs4938723, and miR-218 rs11134527 polymorphisms with gastric cancer susceptibility. Secondly, among the 897 GC patients above, 755 cases underwent a radical operation, without distant metastasis and with negative surgical margins included in the survival analysis to evaluate the association of the four SNPs above with gastric cancer prognosis. The C/T or C/C genotypes of rs213210 were related to a lower GC risk (OR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.62–0.93,P=0.009) compared to the T/T genotype. Rs11134527 in miR-218 was associated with GC survival, and the G/A and G/G genotypes of rs11134527 resulted in a decreased risk of death when compared with the A/A genotype (HR = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.61–0.95,P=0.016). This study found that miR-219-1 rs213210 polymorphism was associated with GC susceptibility and rs11134527 in miR-218 was positively correlated with GC prognosis.
Minimum Lateral Bone Coverage Required for Securing Fixation of Cementless Acetabular Components in Hip Dysplasia
Authors: Fujii Masanori , Nakashima Yasuharu , Nakamura Tetsuro , Ito Yoshihiro , Hara Toshihiko
Published: February 2017

Objectives.To determine the minimum lateral bone coverage required for securing stable fixation of the porous-coated acetabular components (cups) in hip dysplasia.Methods.In total, 215 primary total hip arthroplasties in 199 patients were reviewed. The average follow-up period was 49 months (range: 24–77 months). The lateral bone coverage of the cups was assessed by determining the cup center-edge (cup-CE) angle and the bone coverage index (BCI) from anteroposterior pelvic radiographs. Further, cup fixation was determined using the modified DeLee and Charnley classification system.Results.All cups were judged to show stable fixation by bone ingrowth. The cup-CE angle was less than 0° in 7 hips (3.3%) and the minimum cup-CE angle was −9.2° (BCI: 48.8%). Thin radiolucent lines were observed in 5 hips (2.3%), which were not associated with decreased lateral bone coverage. Loosening, osteolysis, dislocation, or revision was not observed in any of the cases during the follow-up period.Conclusion.A cup-CE angle greater than −10° (BCI > 50%) was acceptable for stable bony fixation of the cup. Considering possible errors in manual implantation, we recommend that the cup position be planned such that the cup-CE angle is greater than 0° (BCI > 60%).
miR319, miR390, and miR393 Are Involved in Aluminum Response in Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.)
Authors: Dmitriev Alexey A. , Kudryavtseva Anna V. , Bolsheva Nadezhda L. , Zyablitsin Alexander V. , Rozhmina Tatiana A. , Kishlyan Natalya V. , Krasnov George S. , Speranskaya Anna S. , Krinitsina Anastasia A. , Sadritdinova Asiya F. , Snezhkina Anastasiya V. , Fedorova Maria S. , Yurkevich Olga Yu. , Muravenko Olga V. , Belenikin Maxim S. , Melnikova Nataliya V.
Published: February 2017

Acid soils limit agricultural production worldwide. Major reason of crop losses in acid soils is the toxicity of aluminum (Al). In the present work, we investigated expression alterations of microRNAs in flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) plants under Al stress. Flax seedlings of resistant (TMP1919 and G1071/4_k) and sensitive (Lira and G1071/4_o) to Al cultivars and lines were exposed to AlCl3 solution for 4 and 24 hours. Twelve small RNA libraries were constructed and sequenced using Illumina platform. In total, 97 microRNAs from 18 conserved families were identified. miR319, miR390, and miR393 revealed expression alterations associated with Al treatment of flax plants. Moreover, for miR390 and miR393, the alterations were distinct in sensitive and resistant to Al genotypes. Expression level changes of miR319 and miR390 were confirmed using qPCR analysis. In flax, potential targets of miR319 are TCPs, miR390–TAS3 and GRF5, and miR393–AFB2-coding transcripts. TCPs, TAS3, GRF5, and AFB2 participate in regulation of plant growth and development. The involvement of miR319, miR390, and miR393 in response to Al stress in flax was shown here for the first time. We speculate that these microRNAs play an important role in Al response via regulation of growth processes in flax plants.
Angiotensin-(1-7) Downregulates Diabetes-Induced cGMP Phosphodiesterase Activation in Rat Corpus Cavernosum
Authors: Dhaunsi Gursev S. , Yousif Mariam , Makki Batoul , Akhtar Saghir , Benter Ibrahim F.
Published: February 2017

Molecular mechanisms of the beneficial effects of angiotensin-(1-7), Ang-(1-7), in diabetes-related complications, including erectile dysfunction, remain unclear. We examined the effect of diabetes and/or Ang-(1-7) treatment on vascular reactivity and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) phosphodiesterase (PDE) in corpus cavernosum. Male Wistar rats were grouped as (1) control, (2) diabetic (streptozotocin, STZ, treated), (3) control + Ang-(1-7), and (4) diabetic + Ang-(1-7). Following 3 weeks of Ang-(1-7) treatment subsequent to induction of diabetes, rats were sacrificed. Penile cavernosal tissue was isolated to measure vascular reactivity, PDE gene expression and activity, and levels of p38MAP kinase, nitrites, and cGMP. Carbachol-induced vasorelaxant response after preincubation of corpus cavernosum with PE was significantly attenuated in diabetic rats, and Ang-(1-7) markedly corrected the diabetes-induced impairment. Gene expression and activity of PDE and p38MAP kinase were significantly increased in cavernosal tissue of diabetic rats, and Ang-(1-7) markedly attenuated STZ-induced effects. Ang-(1-7) significantly increased the levels of nitrite and cGMP in cavernosal tissue of control and diabetic rats. Cavernosal tissue of diabetic rats had significantly reduced cGMP levels and Ang-(1-7) markedly prevented the STZ-induced cGMP depletion. This study demonstrates that attenuation of diabetes-induced PDE activity might be one of the key mechanisms in the beneficial effects of Ang-(1-7).
Concentration and Separation of Active Proteins from Potato Industry Waste Based on Low-Temperature Evaporation and Ethanol Precipitation
Authors: Taskila Sanna , Ahokas Mikko , Järvinen Juho , Toivanen Juho , Tanskanen Juha P.
Published: February 2017

Purpose. Potato fruit juice, a residue of starch industry, contains up to 2.5% [w/w] of proteins that are potentially valuable raw-materials of food, cosmetic, and pharma industries. The recovery of protein from the potato fruit juice is limited by the lack of industrially feasible concentration and separation technologies. The present research thus aimed at development of such process for the separation of active protease inhibitors from potato fruit juice.Methods. Low temperature mechanical vapor recompression evaporation was applied for concentration of potato fruit juice followed by ethanol precipitation for recovery of active proteins. The effects of precipitation temperature and precipitative agents were investigated employing response surface modeling methodology.Results. Concentration of potato fruit juice by evaporation was successful without loss of trypsin inhibition activity. Precipitation using 6.5 M ethanol at low temperature (0–+4°C) was found suitable for the recovery of active protease inhibitors from the concentrate. Piloting at starch industry yielded 50% of total proteins, with a high quantity of active protease inhibitors and a minor inclusion of other proteins.Conclusion. Concentration by low-temperature evaporation, followed by ethanol precipitation of protease inhibitors at optimized temperature, is an attractive option for valorization of potato fruit juice.
Sentiment Analysis on Tweets about Diabetes: An Aspect-Level Approach
Authors: Salas-Zárate María del Pilar , Medina-Moreira José , Lagos-Ortiz Katty , Luna-Aveiga Harry , Rodríguez-García Miguel Ángel , Valencia-García Rafael
Published: February 2017

In recent years, some methods of sentiment analysis have been developed for the health domain; however, the diabetes domain has not been explored yet. In addition, there is a lack of approaches that analyze the positive or negative orientation of each aspect contained in a document (a review, a piece of news, and a tweet, among others). Based on this understanding, we propose an aspect-level sentiment analysis method based on ontologies in the diabetes domain. The sentiment of the aspects is calculated by considering the words around the aspect which are obtained through N-gram methods (N-gram after, N-gram before, and N-gram around). To evaluate the effectiveness of our method, we obtained a corpus from Twitter, which has been manually labelled at aspect level as positive, negative, or neutral. The experimental results show that the best result was obtained through the N-gram around method with a precision of 81.93%, a recall of 81.13%, and an F-measure of 81.24%.
Impact of Kishnica and Badovci Flotation Tailing Dams on Levels of Heavy Metals in Water of Graçanica River (Kosovo)
Authors: Gashi Fatbardh , Frančišković-Bilinski Stanislav , Bilinski Halka , Shala Agron , Gashi Anilë
Published: February 2017

The main objective of this study was to perform assessment of water quality of Graçanica River (Kosovo), impacted by Kishnica and Badovci flotation tailing dams, using ICP-OES method. The obtained results show that the mean values of all heavy metals in studied river water samples were significantly high, with following maximal concentrations: As (0.033 mgL−1), Cd (0.002 mgL−1), Cr (0.225 mgL−1), Cu (0.015 mgL−1), Hg (0.004 mgL−1), Mn (15.66 mgL−1), Ni (0.255 mgL−1), Pb (0.013 mgL−1), and Zn (0.612 mgL−1), but only two samples from locations influenced by Kishnica and Badovci flotation tailing dams showed statistically anomalous values of Cr3+, Cu2+, Mn2+, Zn2+, and Hg2+. According to assessment based on Croatian standards, locations near both flotation tailing dams are significantly polluted with majority of studied metals, while downstream sampling stations are almost unpolluted or slightly polluted. Mercury is found to be the most significant contaminant. According to WHO recommended values for drinking water, on all locations values were within the limits for Al, Cd, Cu, and Zn, while for As, Cr, Hg, Mn, Ni, and Pb values exceed recommended values on some sampling stations. Further monitoring of water and possibly sediments of Graçanica River is advised, as well as performing of remediation of Kishnica and Badovci mine tailing dams.
SDN-Based Mobile Data Offloading Scheme Using a Femtocell and WiFi Networks
Authors: Ahn Chang-Woo , Chung Sang-Hwa
Published: February 2017

Because of the many applications running on smartphones, the load of mobile data traffic on cellular networks is increasing rapidly. A femtocell is a solution to increase the cellular network capacity and coverage. However, because it uses the same frequency bands as a macrocell, interference problems have prevented its widespread adoption. In this paper, we propose a scheme for traffic offloading between femtocells and WiFi networks utilizing software-defined networking (SDN) technology. In the proposed offloading scheme, the SDN technology allows a terminal to maintain existing sessions after offloading through a centralized control of the SDN-based equipment. We also propose an offloading target selection scheme based on available bandwidth estimation and an association control mechanism to reduce the femtocell load while ensuring quality of service (QoS) in terms of throughput. Experimental results on an actual testbed showed that the proposed offloading scheme provides seamless connectivity and reduces the femtocell load by up to 46% with the aid of the proposed target selection scheme, while ensuring QoS after offloading. We also observed that the proposed target selection scheme offloads 28% more traffic to WiFi networks compared to received signal strength indicator-based target selection in a low background traffic environment.
Biocompatibility and Toxicity of Polylactic Acid/Ferrosoferric Oxide Nanomagnetic Microsphere
Authors: Xiang Hongzhao , Mu Yuanhua , Hu Chengbo , Luo Xiaobing
Published: February 2017

Magnetic targeted drugs delivery system (MTDDS) is a new targeted drug system, which can greatly reduce the dosage and improve the therapeutic efficiency of medicine. Currently superparamagnetic ferric oxide plays important function as targeted drug in the treatment of tumors, but cytotoxicity was still regarded as side effect in the process of drug. In this paper, we take advantage of drug carrier (ferric oxide) toxicity controlling cancer cell growth in cancer treatment, increasing targeted drug efficiency. We applied the modified chemical precipitation method to prepare polylactic acid (PLA) coated high-purity superparamagnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles for targeted drug, characterized PLA/Fe3O4 microspheres physical and chemical properties, and then investigated cytotoxicity influence of PLA/Fe3O4 nanomagnetic microspheres as carrier for normal liver cells (7701) and liver cancer cells (HePG2) in different concentration; results of MTT and hemolysis and micronucleus test showed that carrier restrained the growth of HePG2 in special concentration, meanwhile the proliferation rate of liver cells was not affected. The study demonstrates that compared with liver cell, liver cancer cells (HepG2) are easy to be disturbed by PLA/Fe3O4 nanomagnetic microsphere, which have higher sensitivity and absorption ability. We hope to take advantage of the susceptible property of cancer cells for carriers to improve targeted drug function.
Time‐Varying Identification Model for Crack Monitoring Data from Concrete Dams Based on Support Vector Regression and the Bayesian Framework
Authors: Chen Bo , Wu Zhongru , Liang Jiachen , Dou Yanhong
Published: February 2017

The modeling of cracks and identification of dam behavior changes are difficult issues in dam health monitoring research. In this paper, a time‐varying identification model for crack monitoring data is built using support vector regression (SVR) and the Bayesian evidence framework (BEF). First, the SVR method is adopted for better modeling of the nonlinear relationship between the crack opening displacement (COD) and its influencing factors. Second, the BEF approach is applied to determine the optimal SVR modeling parameters, including the penalty coefficient, the loss coefficient, and the width coefficient of the radial kernel function, under the principle that the prediction errors between the monitored and the model forecasted values are as small as possible. Then, considering the predicted COD, the historical maximum COD, and the time‐dependent component, forewarning criteria are proposed for identifying the time‐varying behavior of cracks and the degree of abnormality of dam health. Finally, an example of modeling and forewarning analysis is presented using two monitoring subsequences from a real structural crack in the Chencun concrete arch‐gravity dam. The findings indicate that the proposed time‐varying model can provide predicted results that are more accurately nonlinearity fitted and is suitable for use in evaluating the behavior of cracks in dams.
Successful Treatment of Necrotizing Fasciitis and Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome with the Addition of Linezolid
Authors: Rac Hana , Bojikian Karine D. , Lucar Jose , Barber Katie E.
Published: February 2017

Necrotizing fasciitis is a deep-seated subcutaneous tissue infection that is commonly associated with streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (TSS). Surgical debridement plus penicillin and clindamycin are the current standard of care. We report a case of necrotizing fasciitis and streptococcal TSS where linezolid was added after a failure to improve with standard therapy. Briefly after isolation of Streptococcus pyogenes from tissue cultures, the patient underwent two surgical debridement procedures and was changed to standard of care therapy. While the patient was hemodynamically stable, the patient’s wounds, leukocytosis, and thrombocytopenia all progressively worsened. After initiation of linezolid, the patient slowly improved clinically. The present report is the first to highlight the role of linezolid in streptococcal necrotizing fasciitis and TSS not improving with standard therapy.
Particle Morphology Analysis of Biomass Material Based on Improved Image Processing Method
Authors: Lu Zhaolin , Hu Xiaojuan , Lu Yao
Published: February 2017

Particle morphology, including size and shape, is an important factor that significantly influences the physical and chemical properties of biomass material. Based on image processing technology, a method was developed to process sample images, measure particle dimensions, and analyse the particle size and shape distributions of knife-milled wheat straw, which had been preclassified into five nominal size groups using mechanical sieving approach. Considering the great variation of particle size from micrometer to millimeter, the powders greater than 250 μm were photographed by a flatbed scanner without zoom function, and the others were photographed using a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with high-image resolution. Actual imaging tests confirmed the excellent effect of backscattered electron (BSE) imaging mode of SEM. Particle aggregation is an important factor that affects the recognition accuracy of the image processing method. In sample preparation, the singulated arrangement and ultrasonic dispersion methods were used to separate powders into particles that were larger and smaller than the nominal size of 250 μm. In addition, an image segmentation algorithm based on particle geometrical information was proposed to recognise the finer clustered powders. Experimental results demonstrated that the improved image processing method was suitable to analyse the particle size and shape distributions of ground biomass materials and solve the size inconsistencies in sieving analysis.
Resection of the Gastric Tube Reconstructed through the Retrosternal Route without Sternotomy
Authors: Kimura Masahiro , Shibata Yasuyuki , Mizuno Kotaro , Tanaka Hironori , Hato Motoki , Taniwaki Satoshi , Mori Yoichiro , Ochi Nobuo , Nagasaki Takaya , Ueno Shuhei , Eguchi Yuki
Published: February 2017

With advances of combined modality therapy, prognoses in esophageal cancer have been improving. After resection of esophageal cancer, the development of gastric tube cancer is a risk. While such cancer in an early stage can be cured endoscopically, total gastric tube resection is indicated in advanced stages. A 68-year-old man underwent subtotal esophagectomy reconstructed with a gastric tube through the retrosternal route. Gastric cancer was found one and a half years postoperatively. The gastric tube was resected without sternotomy. This is the first report of a patient undergoing resection of the gastric tube reconstructed through the retrosternal route without sternotomy.
Interactions between PPAR Gamma and the Canonical Wnt/Beta-Catenin Pathway in Type 2 Diabetes and Colon Cancer
Authors: Lecarpentier Yves , Claes Victor , Vallée Alexandre , Hébert Jean-Louis
Published: February 2017

In both colon cancer and type 2 diabetes, metabolic changes induced by upregulation of the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling and downregulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR gamma) may help account for the frequent association of these two diseases. In both diseases, PPAR gamma is downregulated while the canonical Wnt/beta-catenin pathway is upregulated. In colon cancer, upregulation of the canonical Wnt system induces activation of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase and deactivation of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex. As a result, a large part of cytosolic pyruvate is converted into lactate through activation of lactate dehydrogenase. Lactate is extruded out of the cell by means of activation of monocarboxylate lactate transporter-1. This phenomenon is called Warburg effect. PPAR gamma agonists induce beta-catenin inhibition, while inhibition of the canonical Wnt/beta-catenin pathway activates PPAR gamma.
Novel SINS Initial Alignment Method under Large Misalignment Angles and Uncertain Noise Based on Nonlinear Filter
Authors: Yang Bo , Xu Xiaosu , Zhang Tao , Sun Jin , Liu Xinyu
Published: February 2017

For the SINS initial alignment problem under large misalignment angles and uncertain noise, two novel nonlinear filters, referred to as transformed unscented quadrature Kalman filter (TUQKF) and robust transformed unscented quadrature Kalman filter (RTUQKF), are proposed in this paper, respectively. The TUQKF sets new deterministic sigma points to address the nonlocal sampling problem and improve the numerical accuracy. The RTUQKF is the combination of H∞ technique and TUQKF. It improves the accuracy and robustness of state estimation. Simulation results indicate that TUQKF performs better than traditional filters when misalignment angles are large. Turntable and vehicle experiments results indicate that, under the condition of uncertain noise, the performances of RTUQKF are better than other filters and more robust. These two methods can effectively further increase precision and convergence speed of SINS initial alignment.
A Systematic Review of Intervention Studies Examining Nutritional and Herbal Therapies for Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia Using Neuroimaging Methods: Study Characteristics and Intervention Efficacy
Authors: Steiner Genevieve Z. , Mathersul Danielle C. , MacMillan Freya , Camfield David A. , Klupp Nerida L. , Seto Sai W. , Huang Yong , Hohenberg Mark I. , Chang Dennis H.
Published: February 2017

Neuroimaging facilitates the assessment of complementary medicines (CMs) by providing a noninvasive insight into their mechanisms of action in the human brain. This is important for identifying the potential treatment options for target disease cohorts with complex pathophysiologies. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate study characteristics, intervention efficacy, and the structural and functional neuroimaging methods used in research assessing nutritional and herbal medicines for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia. Six databases were searched for articles reporting on CMs, dementia, and neuroimaging methods. Data were extracted from 21/2,742 eligible full text articles and risk of bias was assessed. Nine studies examined people with Alzheimer’s disease, 7 MCI, 4 vascular dementia, and 1 all‐cause dementia. Ten studies tested herbal medicines, 8 vitamins and supplements, and 3 nootropics. Ten studies used electroencephalography (EEG), 5 structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), 2 functional MRI (fMRI), 3 cerebral blood flow (CBF), 1 single photon emission tomography (SPECT), and 1 positron emission tomography (PET). Four studies had a low risk of bias, with the majority consistently demonstrating inadequate reporting on randomisation, allocation concealment, blinding, and power calculations. A narrative synthesis approach was assumed due to heterogeneity in study methods, interventions, target cohorts, and quality. Eleven key recommendations are suggested to advance future work in this area.
A Spectrum Detection Approach for Bearing Fault Signal Based on Spectral Kurtosis
Authors: Li Yunfeng , Wang Liqin , Guan Jian
Published: February 2017

According to the similarity between Morlet wavelet and fault signal and the sensitive characteristics of spectral kurtosis for the impact signal, a new wavelet spectrum detection approach based on spectral kurtosis for bearing fault signal is proposed. This method decreased the band-pass filter range and reduced the wavelet window width significantly. As a consequence, the bearing fault signal was detected adaptively, and time-frequency characteristics of the fault signal can be extracted accurately. The validity of this method was verified by the identifications of simulated shock signal and test bearing fault signal. The method provides a new understanding of wavelet spectrum detection based on spectral kurtosis for rolling element bearing fault signal.
Predicting the Remaining Lifespan and Cultivation-Related Loss of Osteogenic Capacity of Bone Marrow Multipotential Stromal Cells Applicable across a Broad Donor Age Range
Authors: Churchman Sarah M. , Boxall Sally A. , McGonagle Dennis , Jones Elena A.
Published: February 2017

Background and Objectives. Culture expanded multipotential stromal cells (MSCs) have considerable potential for bone regeneration therapy but their wider use is constrained by the lack of simple and predictive assays of functional potency. Extended passaging leads to loss of multipotency but speed of decline depends on MSC donor age. The aim of this study was to develop an assay predictive of MSC culture longevity applicable to a broad donor age range. Materials and Methods. Bone marrow (BM, n=7) was obtained from a diverse range (2–72 years) of healthy donors. MSCs were culture expanded to senescence and their osteoprogenitor content, gene expression profiles, epigenetic signature, and telomere behaviour were measured throughout. Output data was combined for modelling purposes. Results. Regardless of donor age, cultures’ osteoprogenitor content correlated better with remaining lifespan (population doublings before senescence, PD-BS) than proliferative history (accrued PDs). Individual gene’s expression or telomere length did not predict PD-BS but methylation of individual CpG islands did, PRAMEF2 in particular (r=0.775). Coupling the steep relationship of relative SPARC expression with PD-BS (r=-0.753) the formula SPARC × 1/PREMEF2 gave an improved correlation (r=-0.893). Conclusion. A formula based on SPARC mRNA and PRAMEF2 methylation may be used to predict remaining BM-MSC longevity and related loss of multipotentiality independent of donor age.
Future of the Renal Biopsy: Time to Change the Conventional Modality Using Nanotechnology
Authors: Khosroshahi Hamid Tayebi , Abedi Behzad , Daneshvar Sabalan , Sarbaz Yashar , Shakeri Bavil Abolhassan
Published: February 2017

At the present time, imaging guided renal biopsy is used to provide diagnoses in most types of primary and secondary renal diseases. It has been claimed that renal biopsy can provide a link between diagnosis of renal disease and its pathological conditions. However, sometimes there is a considerable mismatch between patient renal outcome and pathological findings in renal biopsy. This is the time to address some new diagnostic methods to resolve the insufficiency of conventional percutaneous guided renal biopsy. Nanotechnology is still in its infancy in renal imaging; however, it seems that it is the next step in renal biopsy, providing solutions to the limitations of conventional modalities.
Surgical Management of Unusual Biangular Mandibular Fractures
Authors: Cocis Stefan , Autorino Umberto , Roccia Fabio , Corio Chiara
Published: February 2017

Bilateral mandibular angle fractures, while representing a rarity among mandibular fractures, are a huge challenge of complex management for the maxillofacial surgeon. There are still many open questions regarding the ideal management of such fractures, including the following: the removal of the third molar in the fracture line, the best surgical approach, and the fixation methods. In this report the authors present the case of 40-year-old man presenting with a bilateral mandibular angle fracture referred to the Maxillofacial Surgery Department of Turin. Open reduction and internal fixation has been made for both sides. The left side third molar was removed and the internal fixation was achieved through internal fixation with one miniplate according to Champy’s technique and transbuccal access for a 4-hole miniplate at the inferior border of the mandible. Right side third molar was not removed and fixation was achieved through intraoral access and positioning of a 4-hole miniplate along the external ridge according to Champy. An optimal reduction was achieved and a correct occlusion has been restored.
High Stability Performance of Superhydrophobic Modified Fluorinated Graphene Films on Copper Alloy Substrates
Authors: Abbas Rafik , Elkhoshkhany N. , Hefnawy Ahmed , Ebrahim Shaker , Rahal Aya
Published: February 2017

A stable self-cleaning superhydrophobic modified fluorinated graphene surface with micro/nanostructure was successfully fabricated on copper substrates via drop coating process. Irregularly stacked island-like multilayered fluorinated graphene nanoflakes comprised the microstructure. The fabricated films exhibited outstanding superhydrophobic property with a water contact angle 167° and water sliding angle lower than 4°. The developed superhydrophobic surface showed excellent corrosion resistance with insignificant decrease of water contact angle 166° in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution. This stable highly hydrophobic performance of the fluorinated graphene films could be useful in self-cleaning, antifogging, corrosion resistive coatings and microfluidic devices.
Primitive Tumour of the Pulmonary Valve: Discussion of the Differential Diagnosis
Authors: Hannecart A. , Ndjekembo-Shango D. , Vallot F. , Simonet O. , De Kock M.
Published: February 2017

There is a paucity of information concerning cardiac tumours of the pulmonary valve due to their rarity at this location. We report a case of a 47-year-old patient suffering from haemoptysis, asthenia, and acute kidney injury (AKI). A transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) revealed a mass on the pulmonary valve. Further diagnostic investigation was completed until he exhibited worsening hemodynamic instability. This case emphasizes the lack of information regarding the management of a pulmonary valve tumour.