bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An experimental study to see the antihypertensive effects of gymnema sylvestre and acorus calamus in wistar rats and its comparison with amlodipine
Authors: Singh Dheeraj Kumar , Kumar Narendra , Sachan Anjula , Lakhani Preet , Tutu Sachin , Shankar Pratap , Nath Rajendra , Sachan Amod Kumar , Dixit Rakesh Kumar
Published: August 2017

Background: The prevalence of obesity is increasing worldwide. Obesity has a direct correlation with insulin resistance and various cardiovascular diseases like hypertension,dyslipidaemia etc. Hypertension is considered as a major independent risk factor for coronary disease and stroke for all age, race & sex groups. Gymnema sylvestre and Acorus calamus are two well known herbs of traditional system of medicine effective in various diseases.Aims and Objectives: The present study was designed to explore the antihypertensive effects of Gymnema sylvestre (GS) and Acorus calamus (AC), individually as well as in combination, in wistar rats.Materials and Methods: Female wistar rats, weighing between 150- 200 g, were included in the study. They were divided into eight groups with six rats in each group. High Fat diet (HFD) was used to induce hypertension in all the groups except group 1 which was fed with normal rodent diet. Drugs were given to the rats by oral feeding cannula.Results: Feeding rats with HFD for 4 weeks lead to signifi cant increase in the mean systolic blood pressure. Both Gymnema sylvestre and Acorus calamus signifi cantly reduced the systolic blood pressure. Combination of both these (Gymnema sylvestre 200mg/kg and Acorus calamus 200mg/kg) as well as Gymnema sylvestre (200mg/kg) individually has an effect comparable to Amlodipine. Individual drugs had no signifi cant effect on heart rate while the combination of these two drugs signifi cantly reduced the heart rate.Conclusions: The present study concludes that extracts of Gymnema sylvestre and Acorus calamus has a signifi cant antihypertensive action in rodent model of hypertension. Combination is found superior to the individual drugs.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.8(3) 2017 11-15
Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among patients attending in a tertiary care hospital of eastern region of Nepal – A retrospective, laboratory based study
Authors: Baral Ratna , Jha Pramod , Amatya Ritu , Khanal Basudha
Published: August 2017

Background: Intestinal parasitosis still constitutes one of the major causes of public healthproblems in the world, particularly in developing countries. Nepal is a small, impoverished country prevalent to infectious diseases, including intestinal parasitosis. Poverty, lack of awareness, failure to practice proper hand washing after defecation, practice of open defecation, unsafe drinking water and use of improper toilets are some of the reasons causing of parasitic infections.Aims and Objective: To determine the types of intestinal parasites in stool samples of patients attending to hospital. Materials and Methods: Stools specimens collected in standard stool vial were submitted in microbiology (2006-2010) unit at BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences hospital (BPKIHS) were examined for intestinal parasites by direct wet mount using normal saline (0.9%) and lugol’s iodine (0.5%).Results: A total of 11,791 stool samples (2928 in 2006, 2238 in 2007, 2151 in 2008, 2344 in 2009 and 2130 in 2010) were submitted to the Parasitology section of Department of Microbiology BPKIHS were included in the analysis. Of these, 675 (5.72%) were positive intestinal protozoa and 289 (2.45%) for intestinal helminths. Giardia intestinalis accounted for the most prevalent parasitic infection (3.34%) followed by Entamoeba histolytica/E. dispar (1.96%) and Hookworm (0.97%). A parasitic infection was observed to be highest among 20-50 years of age group and lowest in the less than 5 years group of subjects.Conclusion: Intestinal parasitosis is a common problem. Amoebiasis, giardiasis and the common intestinal helminthes Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm, and Trichuris trichiura were prevalent in our settings.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.8(3) 2017 55-59
Occult Plummer Vinson syndrome in a patient with haemorrhoids
Authors: Manappallil Robin George , P Shanija , Supreeth Ramesh Naga
Published: August 2017

Plummer Vinson syndrome is a rare condition characterised by the triad of dysphagia,irondeficiency anaemia,and upper oesophageal webs. This is a case of a middle aged lady who presented with fatigue and was diagnosed to have iron deficiency anaemia. She did not have any complaints of dysphagia. On endoscopic evaluation she was found to have post cricoid web and haemorrhoids. Since post cricoid webs can complicate to squamous cell carcinoma of gastrointestinal tract, this case highlights the importance of endoscopic evaluation of all patients presenting with severe iron deficiency anaemia even in the absence of dysphagia, to rule out occult Plummer Vinson syndrome.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.8(3) 2017 81-83
Curriculum Development and Dermatology Training
Authors: Betkerur Jayadev
Published: August 2017

Curriculum is an integral part of any educational cycle. Curriculum development is a systematic process involving designing, implementing , evaluating and redesigning. There are different types of curriculums being practiced by institutions. Subject based curriculum is a widely used but competency based curriculum is the best. There is an urgent need to have relook at the existing curriculum as it is beset with many problems. The  faculty development (FD) is one factor affecting curriculum development. We need to identify the other issues and address them. Presently Dermatology postgraduate training is more concentrated in imparting more knowledge based learning. Acquiring and assessing skills not included in the program.The curriculum is decades old and does not address the present needs. The classification of diseases can be modified. Evaluation methods have to be structured to assess knowledge and skill. Dermatosurgery, dermatotherapeutics and cosmetic dermatology needs to be added to the curriculum. The teachers , institutions and regulatory authorities to plan strategies to bring about these changes to present to the society a knowledgeable, skillfull,sensitive and ethically correct.
How, where and when to make a biopsy?
Authors: Burg Guentur
Published: August 2017

Considering the more than 2000 dermatoses it gets clear, that clinical morphology alone in many cases is not sufficient for making a correct diagnosis. Histomorphology can provide  additional significant information in many but not in all cases. In order to save efforts, patient’s inconvenience and costs it is important to know not only how and where to make a biopsy but also when a dermatopathologic investigation is mandatory and helpful in order to avoid misdiagnoses and wasting patients distress, time and money. Without being comprehensive some typical examples for various possible constellations are described.
Modified Limberg Flap for Pilonidal Sinus
Authors: Thapa Prabin Bikram , Maharjan DK , Ghimire R , Shrestha SK
Published: August 2017

Background: Pilonidal sinus disease is a common condition usually seen in young adults. Although several methods of treatment have been described, but all have been associated with high recurrence rates. This study was carried out to evaluate the advantages and results of rhomboid excision and Limberg flap reconstruction in the management of pilonidal sinus disease.Objective: To evaluate the advantages and results of rhomboid excision and Limberg flap reconstruction in the management of pilonidal sinus diseaseMaterial and Methods: This was prospective descriptive study conducted in Unit III, Department of Surgery, Kathmandu Medical College Teaching Hospital from August 2013 to August 2015. First 50 patients with diagnosis of pilonidal sinus were included .Exclusion criteria was patients with pilonidal abscess.Results: Total 50 patient were included in 2 years time. Mean age was 23.48 ± 3.9 years with all male patients only. Median duration of surgery was 32 ± 4.4 minutes .Median time for normal activities was 21± 3.9 days and median follow up time was 18±8.5 months. No recurrence was noted till then. Post surgery, patient applied hair removal cream: 44%, hair shaving: 34% and laser therapy for hair follicles: 22%.Conclusion: Modified Limberg flap is better option for pilonidal sinus with least recurrence. However, post surgical counseling for hair removal is very important in order to prevent recurrence and should be multidisciplinary approach along with dermatologist colleagues.
Clinical Characteristics and Co-morbidities in Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis
Authors: Paudyal Buddhi Prasad , Gyawalee M
Published: August 2017

Introduction: Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) is a chronic inflammatory arthritis and occurs in association with psoriasis, a chronic recurring and disfiguring skin disease. There is increasing recognition that both conditions are associated with multitude of co-morbidities.Objective: To delineate the clinical characteristics and co-morbidities in PsA patients attending a rheumatology clinic in Kathmandu valley.Material and Methods: Patients with already developed psoriasis who were seeking medical attention for arthritis during the period between January 2013 to December 2015 were prospectively enrolled. Patients were evaluated both by a dermatologist and a rheumatologist. A structured format was used to record relevant clinical information on psoriasis, PsA, and co-morbidities.Results: Among 55 patients with PsA, all were found to have plaque psoriasis mainly affecting extensor surfaces (64%), multiple areas (16%), and scalp (11%). Nail involvement was observed in 22% of patients. Symmetric polyarthritis was the most frequent (26%) form, followed by oligoarthrtis (18%), distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint arthritis (16%),spondyloarthritis (13%), and enthesitis-dactylitis (7%). Two thirds of patients were either overweight or obese. Almost half (47%) were current or past smokers. Diabetes or pre-diabetes was observed in 7% of cases. Hypertension, hyperlipidemia and ischemic heart disease (IHD) were present in 20%, 16%, and 5% respectively. Fatty liver disease was observed in 13% of the tested patients and 15% of patients were on some psychotropic drugs.Conclusion: Psoriasis with PsA was associated with both cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular co-morbidities. Doctors treating patients with these disorders should consider associated co-morbidities for better patient outcome.
Development of a Dermatology Diagnostic Techniques Teaching Session: A Nine-Step Approach
Authors: Farrell Robin M. , Shell Linda G.
Published: August 2017

Creating effective learning experiences for veterinary clinical skills and procedures can be a challenging task. Drawing from both medical and veterinary education literature and personal experiences as practicing veterinarians and educators, the authors share nine key steps that describe the development process of a pre-clinical veterinary clinical skills teaching session. Relevant research and pedagogical principles supporting the effectiveness of the proposed nine-step process were identified and discussed. The aims of this article were to describe the development of a dermatology techniques teaching session and to provide the reader with a structured approach that can be used as a template to design or audit other clinical skills teaching sessions.
Lane Utilization Model Development for Diverging Diamond Interchanges
Authors: Yeom Chunho , Schroeder Bastian J. , Cunningham Christopher , Salamati Katy , Rouphail Nagui M.
Published: August 2017

The diverging diamond interchange (DDI), also known as the double crossover diamond interchange, has been a successful, if unconventional, solution used in many parts of the United States ever since its first installation in Springfield, Missouri, in June 2009. One of the challenges to agencies in planning and operating DDIs is to apply to them methodologies developed for a conventional diamond interchange. The Highway Capacity Manual 2010 (HCM 2010) provides lane use analysis models for various lane configurations. However, there is no guarantee that these models will work for DDIs. For this reason, 11 DDIs were studied nationwide ( a) to examine whether the current HCM lane use models provided accurate results for DDIs and ( b) to develop new lane use models for them if the HCM models did not work. As a result of the study, unique multiregime lane utilization models were proposed, separated by the number of approach lanes and validated by field data not used in the model development.
Empirical Speed Behavior on Horizontal Ramp Curves in Interchanges in the Netherlands
Authors: Farah Haneen , van Beinum Aries , Daamen Winnie
Published: August 2017

Several studies in the literature have indicated that interchanges are the most crash-prone areas within the motorway system in number and severity of accidents. The reason is the high level of turbulence as a result of vehicle lane changes and speed variability. To understand the safety consequences of an interchange design (e.g., type of connecting ramps, radii and superelevation of curves, and lane and shoulder widths), an in-depth investigation of driving speed behavior is needed. Such an investigation requires the collection of detailed trajectory data on vehicles on different interchanges. These types of data are rarely available, and as a result, such studies are scarce in the literature. The main objective of this present study was to analyze driver speed behavior on different ramps at interchanges, and to develop an operating speed prediction model as a function of the road design elements. Trajectory data on free-moving vehicles were derived from stabilized video images taken from a camera mounted underneath a helicopter, which hovered over the road areas studied. Data were collected from 29 curves at six freeway–freeway interchanges in the Netherlands. The sample included nine direct connections, 12 semidirect connections, and eight indirect connections. The findings showed that speeds were affected by several road geometric characteristics of the curves, by driver expectancy and design consistency, and by the percentage of trucks in traffic. The operating speed prediction models developed in the study will provide designers with tools to estimate the operating speed during the design process.
Computing the Minimal U-Turn Offset for an Unsignalized Superstreet
Authors: Xu Liu , Yang Xianfeng , Chang Gang-Len
Published: August 2017

Despite the extensive implementations of unsignalized superstreets in practice, reliable methodologies for their geometric design remain unavailable. In recognition of the critical role of the U-turn offset length design, this study proposed an applicable tool to help traffic professionals determine the minimum required offset length for safety needs. The proposed model offers a convenient tool to evaluate a candidate design on the basis of traffic dynamics and driver gap acceptance behavior. In addition, this model can be used to assess whether installation of signals is needed to accommodate growing traffic. With the use of the surrogate safety assessment model as an unbiased tool, this study evaluated the safety performance of one superstreet with varied U-turn offset lengths (i.e., 700, 1,100, and 1,500 ft). Comparisons of the results of different designs indicated that the safety performance of the superstreet would not be compromised if the U-turn offset was reduced from 1,500 to 1,100 ft. However, more severe crashes were observed when the U-turn offset length was 700 ft. Further extensive analyses on different levels of demand also confirmed the need to properly design the offset length in an unsignalized superstreet.
Raising Speed Limits on Rural Highways: Process for Identification of Candidate Nonfreeway Segments
Authors: Kay Jonathan J. , Gates Timothy J. , Savolainen Peter T.
Published: August 2017

Speed limits on rural highways have recently been on an upward trend nationwide as 25 states have increased speed limits on such roadways between 2011 and 2016. In January 2017, Michigan House Bill 4423 (Public Act 445) was signed into law, which required speed limits to be raised from 55 to 65 mph on at least 900 mi of Michigan’s state-maintained nonfreeways. The specific highway segments were to be selected by the Michigan Department of Transportation (DOT) within 1 year of enactment on the basis of an assessment of travel speeds and safety. Research was undertaken to develop a process to select candidate highway segments for speed limit increases in Michigan. The primary objective was to identify rural highway segments with comparatively low safety risks for which costly geometric upgrades, specifically horizontal or vertical realignment, would be avoided. Ultimately, 12 factors and associated selection criteria were used to identify the candidate segments. These factors included segment length, total crash rate, injury crash rate, severe (fatal and A-injuries) crash rate, horizontal curvature, speed reduction zones, no-passing zones, schools (kindergarten through eighth grade), driveway density, lane width, paved shoulder width, and signalized intersections. Application of the candidate selection criteria to the Michigan DOT nonfreeway network yielded 772.8 centerline miles along 33 candidate segments, which represented approximately one-eighth of the network mileage currently posted at 55 mph. To avoid substantial geometric upgrade costs, speed limit increases were specifically not recommended for segments that would require horizontal or vertical realignment to achieve design speed compliance with the increased speed limit.
Integrating Organizational Economics and Resource Dependence Theory to Explain the Persistence of Quasi Markets
Authors: Coupet Jason , McWilliams Abagail
Published: August 2017

The past few decades have been characterized by a growing body of profit-seeking public service areas with the understanding that profit-seeking organizations will deliver public services more efficiently than government can. These sectors include, but are not limited to, health care, corrections, education and garbage collection. Governments have created quasi markets to attract private providers of services in these sectors, with varying results. Organizational economics has provided the primary explanation for quasi markets, but questions about the sought-for efficiencies actually realized through these markets persist. We integrate resource dependence theory and organizational economics to provide a more comprehensive explanation of the persistence of quasi markets.
Self-Assessment of Antimicrobial Stewardship in Primary Care: Self-Reported Practice Using the TARGET Primary Care Self-Assessment Tool
Authors: Owens Rebecca , Jones Leah , Moore Michael , Pilat Dirk , McNulty Cliodna
Published: August 2017

Multifaceted antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) interventions including: antibiotic guidance, reviews of antibiotic use using audits, education, patient facing materials, and self-assessment, are successful in improving antimicrobial use. We aimed to measure the self-reported AMS activity of staff completing a self-assessment tool (SAT). The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP)/Public Health England (PHE) SAT enables participants considering an AMS eLearning course to answer 12 short questions about their AMS activities. Questions cover guidance, audit, and reflection about antibiotic use, patient facing materials, and education. Responses are recorded digitally. Data were collated, anonymised, and exported into Microsoft Excel. Between November 2014 and June 2016, 1415 users completed the SAT. Ninety eight percent reported that they used antibiotic guidance for treating common infections and 63% knew this was available to all prescribers. Ninety four percent of GP respondents reported having used delayed prescribing when appropriate, 25% were not using Read codes, and 62% reported undertaking a practice-wide antibiotic audit in the last two years, of which, 77% developed an audit action plan. Twenty nine percent had undertaken other antibiotic-related clinical courses. Fifty six percent reported sharing patient leaflets covering infection. Many prescribers reported undertaking a range of AMS activities. GP practice managers should ensure that all clinicians have access to prescribing guidance. Antibiotic audits should be encouraged to enable GP staff to understand their prescribing behaviour and address gaps in good practice. Prescribers are not making full use of antibiotic prescribing-related training opportunities. Read coding facilitates more accurate auditing and its use by all clinicians should be encouraged.
Towards a Predictive Analytics-Based Intelligent Malaria Outbreak Warning System
Authors: Modu Babagana , Polovina Nereida , Lan Yang , Konur Savas , Asyhari A. , Peng Yonghong
Published: August 2017

Malaria, as one of the most serious infectious diseases causing public health problems in the world, affects about two-thirds of the world population, with estimated resultant deaths close to a million annually. The effects of this disease are much more profound in third world countries, which have very limited medical resources. When an intense outbreak occurs, most of these countries cannot cope with the high number of patients due to the lack of medicine, equipment and hospital facilities. The prevention or reduction of the risk factor of this disease is very challenging, especially in third world countries, due to poverty and economic insatiability. Technology can offer alternative solutions by providing early detection mechanisms that help to control the spread of the disease and allow the management of treatment facilities in advance to ensure a more timely health service, which can save thousands of lives. In this study, we have deployed an intelligent malaria outbreak early warning system, which is a mobile application that predicts malaria outbreak based on climatic factors using machine learning algorithms. The system will help hospitals, healthcare providers, and health organizations take precautions in time and utilize their resources in case of emergency. To our best knowledge, the system developed in this paper is the first publicly available application. Since confounding effects of climatic factors have a greater influence on the incidence of malaria, we have also conducted extensive research on exploring a new ecosystem model for the assessment of hidden ecological factors and identified three confounding factors that significantly influence the malaria incidence. Additionally, we deploy a smart healthcare application; this paper also makes a significant contribution by identifying hidden ecological factors of malaria.
Machine Learning Methods for Pipeline Surveillance Systems Based on Distributed Acoustic Sensing: A Review
Authors: Tejedor Javier , Macias-Guarasa Javier , Martins Hugo , Pastor-Graells Juan , Corredera Pedro , Martin-Lopez Sonia
Published: August 2017

There is an increasing interest in researchers and companies on the combination of Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) and a Pattern Recognition System (PRS) to detect and classify potentially dangerous events that occur in areas above fiber optic cables deployed along active pipelines, aiming to construct pipeline surveillance systems. This paper presents a review of the literature in what respect to machine learning techniques applied to pipeline surveillance systems based on DAS+PRS (although its scope can also be extended to any other environment in which DAS+PRS strategies are to be used). To do so, we describe the fundamentals of the machine learning approaches when applied to DAS systems, and also do a detailed literature review of the main contributions on this topic. Additionally, this paper addresses the most common issues related to real field deployment and evaluation of DAS+PRS for pipeline threat monitoring, and intends to provide useful insights and recommendations in what respect to the design of such systems. The literature review concludes that a real field deployment of a PRS based on DAS technology is still a challenging area of research, far from being fully solved.
Amorphous InGaZnO Thin Film Transistor Fabricated with Printed Silver Salt Ink Source/Drain Electrodes
Authors: Yang Caigui , Fang Zhiqiang , Ning Honglong , Tao Ruiqiang , Chen Jianqiu , Zhou Yicong , Zheng Zeke , Yao Rihui , Wang Lei , Peng Junbiao , Song Yongsheng
Published: August 2017

Recently, amorphous indium-gallium-zinc-oxide thin film transistors (a-IGZO TFTs) with inkjet printing silver source/drain electrodes have attracted great attention, especially for large area and flexible electronics applications. The silver ink could be divided into two types: one is based on silver nanoparticles, and the other is silver salt ink. Organic materials are essential in the formulation of nanoparticle ink as a strong disperse stabilizer to prevent agglomeration of silver particles, but will introduce contact problems between the silver electrodes and the a-IGZO active layer after annealing, which is difficult to eliminate and leads to poor device properties. Our experiment is aimed to reduce this effect by using a silver salt ink without stabilizer component. With optimized inkjet printing conditions, the high performance of a-IGZO TFT was obtained with a mobility of 4.28 cm2/V·s and an on/off current ratio over 106. The results have demonstrated a significant improvement for a-IGZO TFTs with directly printed silver electrodes. This work presents a promising platform for future printed electronic applications.
The Emergence of Hyperchaos and Synchronization in Networks with Discrete Periodic Oscillators
Authors: Arellano-Delgado Adrian , López-Gutiérrez Rosa , Murillo-Escobar Miguel , Cardoza-Avendaño Liliana , Cruz-Hernández César
Published: August 2017

In this paper, the emergence of hyperchaos in a network with two very simple discrete periodic oscillators is presented. Uncoupled periodic oscillators may represent, in the crudest and simplest form, periodic oscillators in nature, for example fireflies, crickets, menstrual cycles of women, among others. Nevertheless, the emergence of hyperchaos in this kind of real-life network has not been proven. In particular, we focus this study on the emergence of hyperchaotic dynamics, considering that these can be mainly used in engineering applications such as cryptography, secure communications, biometric systems, telemedicine, among others. In order to corroborate that the emerging dynamics are hyperchaotic, some chaos and hyperchaos verification tests are conducted. In addition, the presented hyperchaotic coupled system synchronizes, based on the proposed coupling scheme.
Effect of Summer Ventilation on the Thermal Performance and Energy Efficiency of Buildings Utilizing Phase Change Materials
Authors: Zhang Yi , Cui Hongzhi , Tang Waiching , Sang Guochen , Wu Hong
Published: August 2017

To analyze the effect of summer ventilation on the thermal performance and energy efficiency of buildings utilizing phase change materials (PCMs), this paper simulated the indoor temperature variation and energy saving performance of buildings constructed with PCM under different ventilation conditions from June to September. With EnergyPlus and degree-day method, 48 ventilation schemes, including eight ventilation periods (3 h per period) and six ventilation quantities (0.5 ac/h to 3 ac/h), were modeled and simulated in five cities located in different climate regions in China. According to the results, it is believed that the simultaneous use of PCM and ventilation can significantly improve the indoor thermal comfort and offer a good energy saving performance in summer. Considering the economic benefits, different optimal ventilation schemes (including ventilation periods and ventilation quantities) were suggested for different climate regions.
Studies on the Effect of Nano-Sized MgO in Magnesium-Ion Conducting Gel Polymer Electrolyte for Rechargeable Magnesium Batteries
Authors: Wu Na , Wang Wei , Wei Yu , Li Taohai
Published: August 2017

Magnesium-ion conducting gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) with different contents of nano-sized MgO have been prepared and investigated by various electrical and electrochemical techniques. The Mg2+ ion conduction in GPEs was confirmed from cyclic voltammetry and impedance analysis. It was found that doping appropriate nano-sized MgO in the GPE can induce significant improvements in both the electrochemical and the mechanical properties of GPEs. The composite GPE with 7% MgO shows a high ionic conductivity of 4.6 × 10−3 S/cm with electrochemical stability up to 4.7 V versus Mg2+/Mg at room temperature. Furthermore, it is free-standing and flexible with high tensile strength (9.7 ± 0.1 MPa) and elongation at break (91.7 ± 0.2%), further ensuring their potential applications as GPEs for rechargeable Mg batteries.
Estimation of Travel Time Distributions in Urban Road Networks Using Low-Frequency Floating Car Data
Authors: Shi Chaoyang , Chen Bi , Li Qingquan
Published: August 2017

Travel times in urban road networks are highly stochastic. However, most existing travel time estimation methods only estimate the mean travel times, while ignoring travel time variances. To this end, this paper proposes a robust travel time distribution estimation method to estimate both the mean and variance of travel times by using emerging low-frequency floating car data. Different from the existing studies, the path travel time distribution in this study is formulated as the sum of the deterministic link travel times and stochastic turning delays at intersections. Using this formulation, distinct travel time delays for different turning movements at the same intersection can be well captured. In this study, a speed estimation algorithm is developed to estimate the deterministic link travel times, and a distribution estimation algorithm is proposed to estimate the stochastic turning delays. Considering the low sampling rate of the floating car data, a weighted moving average algorithm is further developed for a robust estimation of the path travel time distribution. A real-world case study in Wuhan, China is carried out to validate the applicability of the proposed method. The results of the case study show that the proposed method can obtain a reliable and accurate estimation of path travel time distribution in congested urban road networks.
Evolving Spatial Data Infrastructures and the Role of Adaptive Governance
Authors: Sjoukema Jaap-Willem , Bregt Arnold , Crompvoets Joep
Published: August 2017

Spatial data infrastructures (SDIs) are becoming more mature worldwide. However, despite this growing maturity, longitudinal research on the governance of SDIs is rare. The current research examines the governance history of two SDIs in the Netherlands and Flanders (Belgium). Both represent decades-long undertakings to create a large-scale base map. During these processes, SDI governance changed, often quite radically. We analyse written accounts from geo-information industry magazines to determine if the SDI governance of these two base maps can be considered adaptive. We conclude that SDI governance was adaptive, as it changed considerably during the evolution of the two SDIs. However, we also find that most governance models did not hold up very long, as they were either not meeting their goals, were not satisfying all stakeholders or were not in alignment with new visions and ideas. In recent years, the policy instruments governing these base maps became increasingly diverse. In particular, more hierarchical instruments were introduced. Indeed, governance scholars increasingly agree that governance can better respond to changes when a broader mix of policy instruments is applied. Alas, this does not make SDI governance any less complex.
Epigenome Aberrations: Emerging Driving Factors of the Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Mehdi Ali , Riazalhosseini Yasser
Published: August 2017

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), the most common form of Kidney cancer, is characterized by frequent mutations of the von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) tumor suppressor gene in ~85% of sporadic cases. Loss of pVHL function affects multiple cellular processes, among which the activation of hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) pathway is the best-known function. Constitutive activation of HIF signaling in turn activates hundreds of genes involved in numerous oncogenic pathways, which contribute to the development or progression of ccRCC. Although VHL mutations are considered as drivers of ccRCC, they are not sufficient to cause the disease. Recent genome-wide sequencing studies of ccRCC have revealed that mutations of genes coding for epigenome modifiers and chromatin remodelers, including PBRM1, SETD2 and BAP1, are the most common somatic genetic abnormalities after VHL mutations in these tumors. Moreover, recent research has shed light on the extent of abnormal epigenome alterations in ccRCC tumors, including aberrant DNA methylation patterns, abnormal histone modifications and deregulated expression of non-coding RNAs. In this review, we discuss the epigenetic modifiers that are commonly mutated in ccRCC, and our growing knowledge of the cellular processes that are impacted by them. Furthermore, we explore new avenues for developing therapeutic approaches based on our knowledge of epigenome aberrations of ccRCC.
Biophysical and Computational Studies of the vCCI:vMIP-II Complex
Authors: Nguyen Anna , Kuo Nai-Wei , Showalter Laura , Ramos Ricardo , Dupureur Cynthia , Colvin Michael , LiWang Patricia
Published: August 2017

Certain viruses have the ability to subvert the mammalian immune response, including interference in the chemokine system. Poxviruses produce the chemokine binding protein vCCI (viral CC chemokine inhibitor; also called 35K), which tightly binds to CC chemokines. To facilitate the study of vCCI, we first provide a protocol to produce folded vCCI from Escherichia coli (E. coli.) It is shown here that vCCI binds with unusually high affinity to viral Macrophage Inflammatory Protein-II (vMIP-II), a chemokine analog produced by the virus, human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8). Fluorescence anisotropy was used to investigate the vCCI:vMIP-II complex and shows that vCCI binds to vMIP-II with a higher affinity than most other chemokines, having a Kd of 0.06 ± 0.006 nM. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) chemical shift perturbation experiments indicate that key amino acids used for binding in the complex are similar to those found in previous work. Molecular dynamics were then used to compare the vCCI:vMIP-II complex with the known vCCI:Macrophage Inflammatory Protein-1β/CC-Chemokine Ligand 4 (MIP-1β/CCL4) complex. The simulations show key interactions, such as those between E143 and D75 in vCCI/35K and R18 in vMIP-II. Further, in a comparison of 1 μs molecular dynamics (MD) trajectories, vMIP-II shows more overall surface binding to vCCI than does the chemokine MIP-1β. vMIP-II maintains unique contacts at its N-terminus to vCCI that are not made by MIP-1β, and vMIP-II also makes more contacts with the vCCI flexible acidic loop (located between the second and third beta strands) than does MIP-1β. These studies provide evidence for the basis of the tight vCCI:vMIP-II interaction while elucidating the vCCI:MIP-1β interaction, and allow insight into the structure of proteins that are capable of broadly subverting the mammalian immune system.
Enhanced Cell Growth of Adipocyte-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Using Chemically-Defined Serum-Free Media
Authors: Lee Myung-Suk , Youn Christine , Kim Jeong , Park Byoung , Ahn Jongchan , Hong Sungyoul , Kim Young-Deug , Shin Young , Park Sang
Published: August 2017

The multipotency and anti-inflammatory effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) make them attractive for cell therapy in regenerative medicine. A large number of MSCs is required for efficient therapy owing to the low homing efficiency of MSCs to target sites. Furthermore, owing to limitations in obtaining sufficient amounts of MSCs, in vitro expansion of MSCs that preserves their differentiation and proliferative potential is essential. The animal factor included in culture media also limits clinical application. In this study, adipose-derived MSCs showed a significantly higher proliferation rate in STK2, a chemically-defined medium, than in DMEM/FBS. The expression of MSC surface markers was increased in the culture using STK2 compared to that using DMEM/FBS. Tri-lineage differentiation analyses showed that MSCs cultured in STK2 were superior to those cultured in DMEM/FBS. In addition, MSCs cultured in STK2 showed a reduced senescence rate, small and homogenous cell size, and were more genetically stable compared to those cultured in DMEM/FBS. Furthermore, secretome analysis showed that the expression of factors related to proliferation/migration, anti-inflammation, and differentiation were increased in STK2 culture medium compared to DMEM/FBS. Taken together, these results suggest that culture using STK2 medium offers many advantages through which it is possible to obtain safer, superior, and larger numbers of MSCs.
Endolysosomal Degradation of Allergenic Ole e 1-Like Proteins: Analysis of Proteolytic Cleavage Sites Revealing T Cell Epitope-Containing Peptides
Authors: Wildner Sabrina , Elsässer Brigitta , Stemeseder Teresa , Briza Peter , Soh Wai Tuck , Villalba Mayte , Lidholm Jonas , Brandstetter Hans , Gadermaier Gabriele
Published: August 2017

Knowledge of the susceptibility of proteins to endolysosomal proteases provides valuable information on immunogenicity. Though Ole e 1-like proteins are considered relevant allergens, little is known about their immunogenic properties and T cell epitopes. Thus, six representative molecules, i.e., Ole e 1, Fra e 1, Sal k 5, Che a 1, Phl p 11 and Pla l 1, were investigated. Endolysosomal degradation and peptide generation were simulated using microsomal fractions of JAWS II dendritic cells. Kinetics and peptide patterns were evaluated by gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry. In silico MHC (major histocompatibility complex) class II binding prediction was performed with ProPred. Cleavage sites were assigned to the primary and secondary structure, and in silico docking experiments between the protease cathepsin S and Ole e 1 were performed. Different kinetics during endolysosomal degradation were observed while similar peptide profiles especially at the C-termini were detected. Typically, the identified peptide clusters comprised the previously-reported T cell epitopes of Ole e 1, consistent with an in silico analysis of the T cell epitopes. The results emphasize the importance of the fold on allergen processing, as also reflected by conserved cleavage sites located within the large flexible loop. In silico docking and mass spectrometry results suggest that one of the first Ole e 1 cleavages might occur at positions 107–108. Our results provided kinetic and structural information on endolysosomal processing of Ole e 1-like proteins.
An Ameliorated Prediction of Drug–Target Interactions Based on Multi-Scale Discrete Wavelet Transform and Network Features
Authors: Shen Cong , Ding Yijie , Tang Jijun , Xu Xinying , Guo Fei
Published: August 2017

The prediction of drug–target interactions (DTIs) via computational technology plays a crucial role in reducing the experimental cost. A variety of state-of-the-art methods have been proposed to improve the accuracy of DTI predictions. In this paper, we propose a kind of drug–target interactions predictor adopting multi-scale discrete wavelet transform and network features (named as DAWN) in order to solve the DTIs prediction problem. We encode the drug molecule by a substructure fingerprint with a dictionary of substructure patterns. Simultaneously, we apply the discrete wavelet transform (DWT) to extract features from target sequences. Then, we concatenate and normalize the target, drug, and network features to construct feature vectors. The prediction model is obtained by feeding these feature vectors into the support vector machine (SVM) classifier. Extensive experimental results show that the prediction ability of DAWN has a compatibility among other DTI prediction schemes. The prediction areas under the precision–recall curves (AUPRs) of four datasets are 0 . 895 (Enzyme), 0 . 921 (Ion Channel), 0 . 786 (guanosine-binding protein coupled receptor, GPCR), and 0 . 603 (Nuclear Receptor), respectively.
Physical Layer Security and Optimal Multi-Time-Slot Power Allocation of SWIPT System Powered by Hybrid Energy
Authors: Guo Dandan , Li Baogang , Zhao Wei
Published: August 2017

In this paper, a new approach is proposed to solve the constrained optimization problem of saving grid energy and increasing safety in a simultaneous wireless information and power transfer (SWIPT) system. The traditional grid energy is combined with the renewable energy to form a hybrid energy, which provides power for the system to achieve green wireless transmission. The transfer process of SWIPT system is divided into multiple time slots. The renewable energy is harvested and stored in battery at each time slot. A multi-time-slot artificial noise-assisted transmission strategy is proposed to reduce the signal to noise ratio (SNR) of eavesdropping link. A power allocation algorithm based on multi-time-slot golden section is given, which performs one-dimensional search on the power ratio of artificial noise to determine the transmit power of source node. And then the allocation algorithm is utilized to dynamically configure the harvested renewable energy for each time slot. When the battery capacity is constant, the maximum renewable energy is being used to reduce the grid power consumption. Finally, the performances of proposed schemes are evaluated by simulations in terms of various tradeoffs.
Spin-Singlet Transition in the Magnetic Hybrid Compound from a Spin-Crossover Fe(III) Cation and π-Radical Anion
Authors: Takahashi Kazuyuki , Sakurai Takahiro , Zhang Wei-Min , Okubo Susumu , Ohta Hitoshi , Yamamoto Takashi , Einaga Yasuaki , Mori Hatsumi
Published: August 2017

To develop a new spin-crossover functional material, a magnetic hybrid compound [Fe(qsal)2][Ni(mnt)2] was designed and synthesized (Hqsal = N-(8-quinolyl)salicylaldimine, mnt = maleonitriledithiolate). The temperature dependence of magnetic susceptibility suggested the coexistence of the high-spin (HS) Fe(III) cation and π-radical anion at room temperature and a magnetic transition below 100 K. The thermal variation of crystal structures revealed that strong π-stacking interaction between the π-ligand in the [Fe(qsal)2] cation and [Ni(mnt)2] anion induced the distortion of an Fe(III) coordination structure and the suppression of a dimerization of the [Ni(mnt)2] anion. Transfer integral calculations indicated that the magnetic transition below 100 K originated from a spin-singlet formation transformation in the [Ni(mnt)2] dimer. The magnetic relaxation of Mössbauer spectra and large thermal variation of a g-value in electron paramagnetic resonance spectra below the magnetic transition temperature implied the existence of a magnetic correlation between d-spin and π-spin.
Synthesis and Evaluation of a Sodium Alginate-4-Aminosalicylic Acid Based Microporous Hydrogel for Potential Viscosupplementation for Joint Injuries and Arthritis-Induced Conditions
Authors: Chejara Dharmesh , Mabrouk Mostafa , Kumar Pradeep , Choonara Yahya , Kondiah Pierre , Badhe Ravindra , Toit Lisa , Bijukumar Divya , Pillay Viness
Published: August 2017

A microporous hydrogel was developed using sodium alginate (alg) and 4-aminosalicylic acid (4-ASA). The synthesized hydrogel was characterized using various analytical techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance (13C-NMR), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Additonal carboxyl and hydroxyl functional groups of 4-ASA provided significant lubrication and stress-triggered sol-gel transition to the conjugated hydrogel. In addition, cytotoxicity analysis was undertaken on the conjugated hydrogel using human dermal fibroblast-adult (HDFa) cells, displaying non-toxic characteristics. Drug release profiles displaying 49.6% in the first 8 h and 97.5% within 72 h, similar to the native polymer (42.8% in first 8 h and 90.1% within 72 h). Under applied external stimuli, the modified hydrogel displayed significant gelling properties and structure deformation/recovery behaviour, confirmed using rheological evaluation (viscosity and thixotropic area of 8095.3 mPas and 26.23%, respectively). The modified hydrogel, thus, offers great possibility for designing smart synovial fluids as a biomimetic aqueous lubricant for joint-related injuries and arthritis-induced conditions. In addtion, the combination of thixotropy, non-toxicity, and drug release capabilities enables potential viscosupplementation for clinical application.
Sulfonamide-Linked Ciprofloxacin, Sulfadiazine and Amantadine Derivatives as a Novel Class of Inhibitors of Jack Bean Urease; Synthesis, Kinetic Mechanism and Molecular Docking
Authors: Channar Pervaiz , Saeed Aamer , Albericio Fernando , Larik Fayaz , Abbas Qamar , Hassan Mubashir , Raza Hussain , Seo Sung-Yum
Published: August 2017

Sulfonamide derivatives serve as an important building blocks in the drug design discovery and development (4D) process. Ciprofloxacin-, sulfadiazine- and amantadine-based sulfonamides were synthesized as potent inhibitors of jack bean urease and free radical scavengers. Molecular diversity was explored and electronic factors were also examined. All 24 synthesized compounds exhibited excellent potential against urease enzyme. Compound 3e (IC50 = 0.081 ± 0.003 µM), 6a (IC50 = 0.0022 ± 0.0002 µM), 9e (IC50 = 0.0250 ± 0.0007 µM) and 12d (IC50 = 0.0266 ± 0.0021 µM) were found to be the lead compounds compared to standard (thiourea, IC50 = 17.814 ± 0.096 µM). Molecular docking studies were performed to delineate the binding affinity of the molecules and a kinetic mechanism of enzyme inhibition was propounded. Compounds 3e, 6a and 12d exhibited a mixed type of inhibition, while derivative 9e revealed a non-competitive mode of inhibition. Compounds 12a, 12b, 12d, 12e and 12f showed excellent radical scavenging potency in comparison to the reference drug vitamin C.
Joint Mobile Data Collection and Wireless Energy Transfer in Wireless Rechargeable Sensor Networks
Authors: Zhong Ping , Li Ya-Ting , Liu Wei-Rong , Duan Gui-Hua , Chen Ying-Wen , Xiong Neal
Published: August 2017

In wireless rechargeable sensor networks (WRSNs), there is a way to use mobile vehicles to charge node and collect data. It is a rational pattern to use two types of vehicles, one is for energy charging, and the other is for data collecting. These two types of vehicles, data collection vehicles (DCVs) and wireless charging vehicles (WCVs), are employed to achieve high efficiency in both data gathering and energy consumption. To handle the complex scheduling problem of multiple vehicles in large-scale networks, a twice-partition algorithm based on center points is proposed to divide the network into several parts. In addition, an anchor selection algorithm based on the tradeoff between neighbor amount and residual energy, named AS-NAE, is proposed to collect the zonal data. It can reduce the data transmission delay and the energy consumption for DCVs’ movement in the zonal. Besides, we design an optimization function to achieve maximum data throughput by adjusting data rate and link rate of each node. Finally, the effectiveness of proposed algorithm is validated by numerical simulation results in WRSNs.