bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of annealing temperature on microstructure and mechanical properties of a Ti–18Zr–12.5Nb–2Sn (at.%) alloy
Authors: Li Shuanglei , Nam Tae-Hyun
Published: March 2018

In this study, the effect of annealing temperature on microstructure and mechanical properties of a Ti–18Zr–12.5Nb–2Sn (at.%) alloy was investigated by using optical microscopy (OM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurement and tensile test. The cold-rolled plate was annealed at temperatures between 773[Formula: see text]K and 1173[Formula: see text]K. Recrystallization occurred in the specimen annealed at 873[Formula: see text]K. Grain size increased from 8[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m to 80[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m with increasing temperature from 873[Formula: see text]K to 1173[Formula: see text]K. The ultimate tensile strength decreased from 1590[Formula: see text]MPa to 806[Formula: see text]MPa with increasing annealing temperature from 773[Formula: see text]K to 973[Formula: see text]K, and then showed similar value in the specimens annealed at temperatures from 973[Formula: see text]K to 1173[Formula: see text]K. The fracture strain increased from 3.8% to 41.0% with increasing annealing temperature from 773[Formula: see text]K to 1173[Formula: see text]K due to the recovery and recrystallization. The recovery strain increased with increasing of annealing temperature attributed to the evolution of recrystallization texture.
Port-resolving, tsunami, and tidal simulations to locate “tsunami vortexes” for safe vessel evacuation planning
Authors: Nakada Satoshi , Hayashi Mitsuru , Koshimura Shunichi , Kobayashi Ei-ichi
Published: March 2018

Vortexes induced by tsunamis, “tsunami vortexes”, pose a potential danger for ship evacuation, and their prediction is important to determine their role in navigation and safe vessel evacuation. This study simulated tsunami-induced vortexes in Osaka Bay and investigated their spatial and temporal scales using a port-resolved, high-resolution tsunami model based on a scenario for the largest tsunamigenic earthquake expected to occur along the Nankai Trough in the near future. Vortexes induced by tidal currents were also evaluated using a realistic tidal simulation for comparison with the magnitudes of the tsunami vortexes. The tsunami simulation identified the dominant areas of the tsunami vortexes characterized by the magnitude of the vorticity. Unified maps of tsunami speeds and vortexes showed the difficult areas for ship evacuation and indicated that these areas can persist after the approach of the leading wave around the entrances to port areas. The areas of tsunami vortex formation were largely deduced by analyzing the vorticity fields in the tidal simulations, because the magnitude of tsunami-induced vorticities was closely correlated with that of the tide-induced vorticities. The combination of tide and tsunami simulations can identify areas of tsunami vortex formation and provide valuable information to guide measures for safer vessel evacuation.
Local Obesity Prevalence and Corporate Policies
Authors: Agrawal Anup , Lim Yuree
Published: March 2018

Consistent with prior findings that obese individuals tend to be more risk-averse and myopic, we find that firms located in areas with higher obesity rates invest less, grow more slowly, are less profitable, and have higher stock volatility. We mitigate identification concerns by using an instrumental variables approach, testing for local managers and local shareholders as channels for these effects, and ruling out several alternative explanations, thereby favoring a causal interpretation of our results. Finally, both genetic and environmental factors appear to contribute to these effects. Our findings suggest that physical characteristics of the local population also affect the policies of local firms.
i
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Jacob
Authors: Liu Xuanzhe , Yu Meihua , Ma Yun , Huang Gang , Mei Hong , Liu Yunxin
Published: March 2018

Web browsing is always a key requirement of Internet users. Current mobile Web apps can contain computation-intensive JavaScript logics and thus affect browsing performance. Learning from our over-decade research and development experiences of the Internetware paradigm, we present the novel and generic
i
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Jacob
approach to improving the performance of mobile Web browsing with effective JavaScript-code offloading. Our approach proposes a programming abstraction to make mobile Web situational and adaptive to contexts, by specifying the computation-intensive and “
offloadable
” code, and develops a platform-independent lightweight runtime spanning the mobile devices and the cloud. We demonstrate the efficiency of
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Jacob
with some typical computation-intensive tasks over various combinations of hardware, operating systems, browsers, and network connections. The improvements can reach up to
49×
speed-up in response time and
90%
saving in energy.
Worst-case Optimal Join Algorithms
Authors: Ngo Hung Q. , Porat Ely , Ré Christopher , Rudra Atri
Published: March 2018

Efficient join processing is one of the most fundamental and well-studied tasks in database research. In this work, we examine algorithms for natural join queries over many relations and describe a new algorithm to process these queries optimally in terms of worst-case data complexity. Our result builds on recent work by Atserias, Grohe, and Marx, who gave bounds on the size of a natural join query in terms of the sizes of the individual relations in the body of the query. These bounds, however, are not constructive: they rely on Shearer’s entropy inequality, which is information-theoretic. Thus, the previous results leave open the question of whether there exist algorithms whose runtimes achieve these optimal bounds. An answer to this question may be interesting to database practice, as we show in this article that any project-join style plans, such as ones typically employed in a relational database management system, are asymptotically slower than the optimal for some queries. We present an algorithm whose runtime is worst-case optimal for all natural join queries. Our result may be of independent interest, as our algorithm also yields a constructive proof of the general fractional cover bound by Atserias, Grohe, and Marx without using Shearer’s inequality. This bound implies two famous inequalities in geometry: the Loomis-Whitney inequality and its generalization, the Bollobás-Thomason inequality. Hence, our results algorithmically prove these inequalities as well. Finally, we discuss how our algorithm can be used to evaluate full conjunctive queries optimally, to compute a relaxed notion of joins and to optimally (in the worst-case) enumerate all induced copies of a fixed subgraph inside of a given large graph.
Stable Neo-Hookean Flesh Simulation
Authors: Smith Breannan , Goes Fernando De , Kim Theodore
Published: March 2018

Nonlinear hyperelastic energies play a key role in capturing the fleshy appearance of virtual characters. Real-world, volume-preserving biological tissues have Poisson’s ratios near 1/2, but numerical simulation within this regime is notoriously challenging. In order to robustly capture these visual characteristics, we present a novel version of Neo-Hookean elasticity. Our model maintains the fleshy appearance of the Neo-Hookean model, exhibits superior volume preservation, and is robust to extreme kinematic rotations and inversions. We obtain closed-form expressions for the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of all of the system’s components, which allows us to directly project the Hessian to semipositive definiteness, and also leads to insights into the numerical behavior of the material. These findings also inform the design of more sophisticated hyperelastic models, which we explore by applying our analysis to Fung and Arruda-Boyce elasticity. We provide extensive comparisons against existing material models.
The Characteristics of Voice Search
Authors: Guy Ido
Published: March 2018

The growing popularity of mobile search and the advancement in voice recognition technologies have opened the door for web search users to speak their queries rather than type them. While this kind of voice search is still in its infancy, it is gradually becoming more widespread. In this article, we report a comprehensive voice search query log analysis of a commercial web search engine’s mobile application. We compare voice and text search by various aspects, with special focus on the semantic and syntactic characteristics of the queries. Our analysis suggests that voice queries focus more on audio-visual content and question answering and less on social networking and adult domains. In addition, voice queries are more commonly submitted on the go. We also conduct an empirical evaluation showing that the language of voice queries is closer to natural language than the language of text queries. Our analysis points out further differences between voice and text search. We discuss the implications of these differences for the design of future voice-enabled web search tools.
Circulating Tumor Cells: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Applications
Authors: Lin Eric , Cao Thong , Nagrath Sunitha , King Michael R.
Published: March 2018

Metastasis contributes to poor prognosis in many types of cancer and is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Tumor cells metastasize to distant sites via the circulatory and lymphatic systems. In this review, we discuss the potential of circulating tumor cells for diagnosis and describe the experimental therapeutics that aim to target these disseminating cancer cells. We discuss the advantages and limitations of such strategies and how they may lead to the development of the next generation of antimetastasis treatments.
Paleobiology of Pleistocene Proboscideans
Authors: Fisher Daniel C.
Published: March 2018

The paleobiology of Pleistocene proboscideans plays a pivotal role in understanding their history and in answering fundamental questions involving their interactions with other taxa, including humans. Much of our view of proboscidean paleobiology is influenced by analogies with extant elephants. However, a wealth of information is available for reconstructing the paleobiology of ancient proboscideans using data from fossil specimens and preservational settings. Remarkable opportunities include permafrost-derived specimens with preserved soft tissue, intestinal contents with direct evidence of diet, and compositional and structural profiles with subannual temporal resolution archived in appositional systems such as proboscidean tusks. New information on diets and local climates puts our understanding of proboscidean paleoecology on a firmer foundation, but the greatest prospects for new insight spring from life history data now being retrieved from accelerator mass spectrometry–dated fossil material. Interaction between humans and proboscideans has been a critical factor in the history of both groups.
Effects of exercise in a cold environment on transcriptional control of PGC-1α
Authors: Shute Robert J. , Heesch Matthew W. , Zak Roksana B. , Kreiling Jodi L. , Slivka Dustin R.
Published: March 2018

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) mRNA is increased with both exercise and exposure to cold temperature. However, transcriptional control has yet to be examined during exercise in the cold. Additionally, the need for environmental cold exposure after exercise may not be a practical recovery modality. The purpose of this study was to determine mitochondrial-related gene expression and transcriptional control of PGC-1α following exercise in a cold compared with room temperature environment. Eleven recreationally trained males completed two 1-h cycling bouts in a cold (7°C) or room temperature (20°C) environment, followed by 3 h of supine recovery in standard room conditions. Muscle biopsies were taken from the vastus lateralis preexercise, postexercise, and after a 3-h recovery. Gene expression and transcription factor binding to the PGC-1α promoter were analyzed. PGC-1α mRNA increased from preexercise to 3 h of recovery, but there was no difference between trials. Estrogen-related receptor-α (ERRα), myocyte enhancer factor-2 (MEF2A), and nuclear respiratory factor-1 (NRF-1) mRNA were lower in cold than at room temperature. Forkhead box class-O (FOXO1) and cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) binding to the PGC-1α promoter were increased postexercise and at 3 h of recovery. MEF2A binding increased postexercise, and activating transcription factor 2 (ATF2) binding increased at 3 h of recovery. These data indicate no difference in PGC-1α mRNA or transcriptional control after exercise in cold versus room temperature and 3 h of recovery. However, the observed reductions in the mRNA of select transcription factors downstream of PGC-1α indicate a potential influence of exercise in the cold on the transcriptional response related to mitochondrial biogenesis.
Role of the head-direction signal in spatial tasks: when and how does it guide behavior?
Authors: Weiss Shahaf , Derdikman Dori
Published: March 2018

Since their discovery, mammalian head-direction (HD) cells have been extensively researched in terms of sensory origins, external cue control, and circuitry. However, the relationship of HD cells to behavior is not yet fully understood. In the current review, we examine the anatomical clues for information flow in the HD circuit and an emerging body of evidence that links neural activity of HD cells and spatial orientation. We hypothesize from results obtained in spatial orientation tasks involving HD cells that when properly aligned with available external cues, the HD signal could be used for guiding rats to a goal location. However, contradictory inputs from separate sensory systems may reduce the influence of the HD signal such that animals are able to switch between this and other systems according to their impact on behavior.
Changes in potassium channel modulation may underlie afterhyperpolarization plasticity in oxytocin neurons during late pregnancy
Authors: Wang Lie , Chandaka Giri Kumar , Foehring Robert C. , Callaway Joseph C. , Armstrong William E.
Published: March 2018

Oxytocin (OT) neurons exhibit larger afterhyperpolarizations (AHPs) following spike trains during late pregnancy and lactation, times when these neurons fire in bursts and release more OT associated with labor and lactation. Calcium-dependent AHPs mediated by SK channels show this plasticity, and are reduced when the channel complex is phosphorylated by casein kinase 2 (CK2), and increased when dephosphorylated by protein phosphatase (PP)2A, by altering Ca2+ sensitivity. We compared AHP currents in supraoptic OT neurons after CK2 inhibition with 4,5,6,7-tetrabromobenzotriazole (TBB), or PP1-PP2A inhibition with okadaic acid (OA), to determine the roles of these enzymes in AHP plasticity, focusing on the peak current at 100 ms representing the SK-mediated, medium AHP (ImAHP). In slices from virgin and two groups of pregnant rats [embryonic days (E18–19, or E20–21], ImAHPs were evoked with 3-, 10-, and 17-spike trains (20 Hz). With 3-spike trains, TBB increased the ImAHP to the greatest extent in virgin compared with both groups of pregnant animals. A difference between virgins and E20–21 rats was also evident with a 10-spike train but the increases in ImAHPs were similar among groups with 17-spike trains. In contrast, OA, while consistently reducing the ImAHP in all cases, showed no differential effects among groups. In Western blots, CK2α, CK2β, PP2A-A, PP2A-B, and PP2A-C were found in supraoptic lysates, and expression of CK2α and CK2β was reduced in E20–21 rats. Coimmunoprecipitation revealed that calmodulin, CK2α, and PP2A-C were associated with SK3 protein. The results suggest that a downregulation of SK3-associated CK2α during late pregnancy may increase the sensitivity of the SK calmodulin (Ca2+) sensor for ImAHP, contributing to the enhanced ImAHP.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY The article demonstrates for the first time that enhancement in spike afterhyperpolarizations in oxytocin neurons during pregnancy may be related to a downregulation in the small-conductance Ca2+-activated potassium channels (SK)/calmodulin binding protein casein kinase 2, which phosphorylates the SK channel complex and reduces its Ca2+ sensitivity.
Response properties of saccade-related neurons of the post-arcuate premotor cortex
Authors: Neromyliotis E. , Moschovakis A. K.
Published: March 2018

We studied the phasic saccade-related discharges of single neurons (S neurons) of the premotor cortex of female rhesus monkeys, mostly in the caudal bank of the arcuate sulcus. As described in previous work from our laboratory (Neromyliotis E, Moschovakis AK. Front Behav Neurosci 11: 1–21, 2017), some of these cells emitted phasic discharges for coordinated movements of the eyes and hand as well as for movements of either effector executed in isolation (motor equivalence, Meq). Other cells (S) did not emit phasic discharges for hand movements unaccompanied by saccades. In contrast to frontal eye field (FEF) neurons, but similar to forelimb-related neurons (H neurons) and Meq cells, the discharges of S cells did not display contralateral bias; their on-directions were as likely to be ipsiversive as contraversive. Because the onset of their discharge preceded that of FEF neurons, S cells are unlikely to convey to their targets corollary discharges of the FEF. We also encountered a small number of neurons that could function as logic gates: cells that discharged for saccades if they were not accompanied by hand movements, cells that discharged for saccades or movements of the hand but not for coordinated movements of both effectors, and cells that discharged only for coordinated movements of the eyes and the hand but not when one of the effectors moved unaccompanied by the other. Our findings are discussed in terms of sequences of decision processes stitching effector-specific motor plans onto effector-invariant movement primitives.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY The premotor cortex, traditionally associated with skeletomotor control, is shown to contain cells that emit strong discharges time-linked to saccades but not for hand movements unaccompanied by saccades (S cells). Unlike frontal eye field (FEF) neurons, the S cells of the premotor cortex did not display contralateral bias, and because their presaccadic discharges preceded those of FEF neurons, they are unlikely to serve as conveyors of FEF efferent discharges.
The Prokineticins: Neuromodulators and Mediators of Inflammation and Myeloid Cell-Dependent Angiogenesis
Authors: Negri Lucia , Ferrara Napoleone
Published: March 2018

The mammalian prokineticins family comprises two conserved proteins, EG-VEGF/PROK1 and Bv8/PROK2, and their two highly related G protein-coupled receptors, PKR1 and PKR2. This signaling system has been linked to several important biological functions, including gastrointestinal tract motility, regulation of circadian rhythms, neurogenesis, angiogenesis and cancer progression, hematopoiesis, and nociception. Mutations in PKR2 or Bv8/PROK2 have been associated with Kallmann syndrome, a developmental disorder characterized by defective olfactory bulb neurogenesis, impaired development of gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons, and infertility. Also, Bv8/PROK2 is strongly upregulated in neutrophils and other inflammatory cells in response to granulocyte-colony stimulating factor or other myeloid growth factors and functions as a pronociceptive mediator in inflamed tissues as well as a regulator of myeloid cell-dependent tumor angiogenesis. Bv8/PROK2 has been also implicated in neuropathic pain. Anti-Bv8/PROK2 antibodies or small molecule PKR inhibitors ameliorate pain arising from tissue injury and inhibit angiogenesis and inflammation associated with tumors or some autoimmune disorders.
Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of the Sex Pheromone of the Asian Corn Borer, Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée)
Authors: Lu Zhengchang , Liu Wei , Pan Hongyu , Zhang Dawei
Published: March 2018

A convenient total synthesis of (Z)-12-tetradecenyl acetate (1a) and (E)-12-tetradecenyl acetate (1b), which are the sex pheromones of Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée), has been achieved. The target mixture molecules, of a cis-to-trans-isomer ratio of 27 to 73, were synthesized in 40% overall yield and through [13C + 1C] synthetic strategy in five steps from commercially available and cheap industrial brassylic acid as key starting material. The electroantennogram (EAG) responses of synthetic sex pheromone to ACB male moths were conducted. The results showed that the target mixture molecules were found to have a good activity and displayed significantly stronger EAG responses ranging from 10 to 1000 μg, and the optimized stimulating dosage of the activity of synthetic sex pheromone to ACB males is 10 μg. Compared with the existing routes, this synthetic approach is operationally simple, good-yielding, and cost-effective, which could serve as a basis for developing the techniques of sex pheromone mass trapping or mating disruption and providing an environmentally benign method to control ACB pests.
Domino Liver Transplantation from a Child with Propionic Acidemia to a Child with Idiopathic Fulminant Hepatic Failure
Authors: Moguilevitch Marina , Delphin Ellise
Published: March 2018

Domino liver transplant has emerged as a viable strategy to increase the number of grafts available for transplantation. In the domino transplant organs explanted from one patient are transplanted into another patient. The first successful domino liver transplant was performed in Portugal in 1995. Since then this innovative concept has been applied to several genetic or biochemical disorders that are treated by liver transplantation. An important consideration during this operation is that such livers can pose a risk of the de novo development of the disease in the recipient. That is why this surgical procedure requires careful planning, proper selection of the patients, and informed consent of both donor and recipient.
sEMG Signal Acquisition Strategy towards Hand FES Control
Authors: Toledo-Peral Cinthya Lourdes , Gutiérrez-Martínez Josefina , Mercado-Gutiérrez Jorge Airy , Martín-Vignon-Whaley Ana Isabel , Vera-Hernández Arturo , Leija-Salas Lorenzo
Published: March 2018

Due to damage of the nervous system, patients experience impediments in their daily life: severe fatigue, tremor or impaired hand dexterity, hemiparesis, or hemiplegia. Surface electromyography (sEMG) signal analysis is used to identify motion; however, standardization of electrode placement and classification of sEMG patterns are major challenges. This paper describes a technique used to acquire sEMG signals for five hand motion patterns from six able-bodied subjects using an array of recording and stimulation electrodes placed on the forearm and its effects over functional electrical stimulation (FES) and volitional sEMG combinations, in order to eventually control a sEMG-driven FES neuroprosthesis for upper limb rehabilitation. A two-part protocol was performed. First, personalized templates to place eight sEMG bipolar channels were designed; with these data, a universal template, called forearm electrode set (FELT), was built. Second, volitional and evoked movements were recorded during FES application. 95% classification accuracy was achieved using two sessions per movement. With the FELT, it was possible to perform FES and sEMG recordings simultaneously. Also, it was possible to extract the volitional and evoked sEMG from the raw signal, which is highly important for closed-loop FES control.
Laparoscopic Splenectomy for Splenic Metastasis from Primary Lung Carcinoma
Authors: Lopera Carlos A. , Vergnaud Jean Pierre , Matute-Turizo Gustavo , Pereira-Warr Salin
Published: March 2018

Introduction. Isolated splenic metastases are a rare finding. Though several primary tumors can produce splenic metastases, including lung carcinoma, there are very few documented cases of isolated splenic metastases from lung carcinoma. This report presents such a case in which the splenic metastasis was removed with laparoscopic splenectomy. Presentation of Case. A 69-year-old woman with a history of lung carcinoma presented with several months of abdominal pain. Abdominal CT identified a splenic mass which was resected laparoscopically. Pathology confirmed a splenic metastasis from a primary large cell lung carcinoma. Discussion. Due to its anatomical and physiological characteristics, the spleen is a well-protected organ with respect to metastatic spread. The rarity of such metastases means that there is no evidence-based form of management. This case presents this rare metastatic occurrence and the successful management of the disease via laparoscopic splenectomy. Conclusions. This case confirms that splenic metastases can result from a primary lung carcinoma. Furthermore, the case supports successful management of this pathology by laparoscopic splenectomy.
Bond Behavior of Wet-Bonded Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer-Concrete Interface Subjected to Moisture
Authors: Lu Yiyan , Zhu Tao , Li Shan , Liu Zhenzhen
Published: March 2018

The use of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite materials to strengthen concrete structures has become popular in coastal regions with high humidity levels. However, many concrete structures in these places remain wet as a result of tides and wave-splashing, so they cannot be completely dried before repair. Therefore, it is vital to investigate the effects of moisture on the initial and long-term bond behavior between CFRP and wet concrete. This research assesses the effects of moisture (i) during CFRP application and (ii) throughout the service life. Before CFRP bonding, the concrete blocks are preconditioned with a water content of 4.73% (termed “wet-bonding”). Three different epoxy resins are applied to study the bond performance of the CFRP-concrete interface when subjected to moisture (95% relative humidity). A total of 45 double-lap shear specimens were tested at the beginning of exposure and again after 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. All specimens with normal epoxy resins exhibited adhesive failure. The failure mode of specimens with hydrophobic epoxy resin changed from cohesive failure to mixed cohesive/adhesive failure and to adhesive failure according to the duration of exposure. Under moisture conditioning, the maximum shear stress (τmax) and corresponding slip (smax) of the bond-slip curve first increased and then decreased or fluctuated over time. The same tendency was seen in the ultimate strain transmitted to the CFRP sheet, the interfacial fracture energy (Gf), and the ultimate load (Pu). Analytical models of Gf and Pu for the CFRP-concrete interface under moisture conditioning are presented.
Acute Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Olmesartan-Associated Collagenous Gastroduodenitis: A Potential Endoscopic Complication
Authors: Hudacko Rachel , Siegel Lance
Published: March 2018

Collagenous gastroenteritis is a rare disease that is known to be associated with the drug olmesartan, an angiotensin II receptor antagonist used to treat hypertension. It is characterized histologically by increased subepithelial collagen deposition with associated inflammation and epithelial injury. Endoscopically, the mucosa appears inflamed and friable and may be nodular or atrophic. We report a case of acute gastric bleeding on direct mucosal contact during endoscopy in a patient with olmesartan-associated collagenous gastroduodenitis to raise awareness of this potential endoscopic complication.
Data Transfer Schemes in Rotorcraft Fluid-Structure Interaction Predictions
Authors: You Young H. , Na Deokhwan , Jung Sung N.
Published: March 2018

For a CFD (computation fluid dynamics)/CSD (computational structural dynamics) coupling, appropriate data exchange strategy is required for the successful operation of the coupling computation, due to fundamental differences between CFD and CSD analyses. This study aims at evaluating various data transfer schemes of a loose CFD/CSD coupling algorithm to validate the higher harmonic control aeroacoustic rotor test (HART) data in descending flight. Three different data transfer methods in relation to the time domain airloads are considered. The first (method 1) uses random data selection matched with the timewise resolution of the CSD analysis whereas the last (method 2) adopts a harmonic filter to the original signals in CFD and CSD analyses. The second (method 3) is a mixture of the two methods. All methods lead to convergent solutions after a few cycles of coupling iterations are marched. The final converged solutions for each of the data transfer methods are correlated with the measured HART data. It is found that both method 1 and method 2 exhibit nearly identical results on airloads and blade motions leading to excellent correlations with the measured data while the agreement is less satisfactory with method 3. The reason of the discrepancy is identified and discussed illustrating CFD-/CSD-coupled aeromechanics predictions.
Ethyl Acetate Fraction from Hedyotis diffusa plus Scutellaria barbata Exerts Anti‐Inflammatory Effects by Regulating miR‐155 Expression and JNK Signaling Pathway
Authors: Xu Yuan , Chen Xiao-Xia , Jiang Yi-Xin , Zhang Dan-Dan
Published: March 2018

Hedyotis diffusa Willd and Scutellaria barbata D. Don (HDSB) were the core couplet in medicines that were commonly used for the purpose of anti‐inflammation and anticancer treatments in China. However, biological properties of this couplet have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we screened fractions of HDSB for their anti‐inflammatory activities and explored pertinent molecular mechanisms on murine macrophage RAW264.7 cell model. Ethyl acetate fraction from the aqueous extract of the couplet at equal weight ratio (EA11) showed the strongest inhibition of the nitrite accumulation in supernatant of RAW264.7 cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ). In addition, EA11 inhibited iNOS and IL‐1β expression in a concentration‐dependent manner while promoting the expression of HO‐1 and PPAR‐γ. Anti‐inflammatory capability is most likely facilitated by its inhibitory effect on JNK signaling pathway and miR‐155 expression. This study suggests that EA11 may be represented as a potential anti‐inflammatory therapeutic candidate.
Innovative Process to Enrich Carbon Content of EFB‐Derived Biochar as an Alternative Energy Source in Ironmaking
Authors: Purwanto Hadi , Rozhan Alya Naili , Salleh Hamzah Mohd
Published: March 2018

This paper describes the mechanism of a developed process—an integrated pyrolysis‐tar decomposition process—to produce oil palm empty fruit bunch‐ (EFB‐) derived biochar with additional solid carbon within the biochar bodies, produced by decomposition of tar vapor on its pore surface, using the chemical vapor infiltration (CVI) method. The product, carbon‐infiltrated biochar, was characterized to investigate the possibility to be used as partial coke breeze replacement in ironmaking. Carbon‐infiltrated biochar is proposed to be utilized for a sintering process that could reduce the consumption of coke and CO2 emission in iron‐steel industry.
Dietary Pattern and Macronutrients Profile on the Variation of Inflammatory Biomarkers: Scientific Update
Authors: Silveira Brenda Kelly Souza , Oliveira Thatianne Moreira Silva , Andrade Patrícia Amaro , Hermsdorff Helen Hermana Miranda , Rosa Carla de Oliveira Barbosa , Franceschini Sylvia do Carmo Castro
Published: March 2018

It is known that the dietary pattern and macronutrients profile may influence the expression and secretion of inflammatory biomarkers, and the low-grade inflammation is associated with the manifestation of noncommunicable chronic diseases. Therefore, this review aimed to present and discuss the role of dietary patterns and macronutrients on the variation of inflammatory markers related to NCD risk. Scientific evidences within the last five years based on clinical trials, case-controls, cohorts, and cross-sectional studies indicate that normocaloric, carbohydrate-moderated, low-glycemic index, protein-moderated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acid-rich, omega-3, and low-saturated fat diets display positive effects on the inflammatory state, both in healthy individuals and in those with cardiovascular risk, although the second group seems to benefit more from changes in the dietary profile.
Targeting the Endoplasmic Reticulum Unfolded Protein Response to Counteract the Oxidative Stress‐Induced Endothelial Dysfunction
Authors: Amodio Giuseppina , Moltedo Ornella , Faraonio Raffaella , Remondelli Paolo
Published: March 2018

In endothelial cells, the tight control of the redox environment is essential for the maintenance of vascular homeostasis. The imbalance between ROS production and antioxidant response can induce endothelial dysfunction, the initial event of many cardiovascular diseases. Recent studies have revealed that the endoplasmic reticulum could be a new player in the promotion of the pro‐ or antioxidative pathways and that in such a modulation, the unfolded protein response (UPR) pathways play an essential role. The UPR consists of a set of conserved signalling pathways evolved to restore the proteostasis during protein misfolding within the endoplasmic reticulum. Although the first outcome of the UPR pathways is the promotion of an adaptive response, the persistent activation of UPR leads to increased oxidative stress and cell death. This molecular switch has been correlated to the onset or to the exacerbation of the endothelial dysfunction in cardiovascular diseases. In this review, we highlight the multiple chances of the UPR to induce or ameliorate oxidative disturbances and propose the UPR pathways as a new therapeutic target for the clinical management of endothelial dysfunction.
Highway Travel Time Prediction Using Sparse Tensor Completion Tactics and K-Nearest Neighbor Pattern Matching Method
Authors: Zhao Jiandong , Gao Yuan , Tang Jinjin , Zhu Lingxi , Ma Jiaqi
Published: March 2018

Remote transportation microwave sensor (RTMS) technology is being promoted for China’s highways. The distance is about 2 to 5 km between RTMSs, which leads to missing data and data sparseness problems. These two problems seriously restrict the accuracy of travel time prediction. Aiming at the data-missing problem, based on traffic multimode characteristics, a tensor completion method is proposed to recover the lost RTMS speed and volume data. Aiming at the data sparseness problem, virtual sensor nodes are set up between real RTMS nodes, and the two-dimensional linear interpolation and piecewise method are applied to estimate the average travel time between two nodes. Next, compared with the traditional K-nearest neighbor method, an optimal KNN method is proposed for travel time prediction. optimization is made in three aspects. Firstly, the three original state vectors, that is, speed, volume, and time of the day, are subdivided into seven periods. Secondly, the traffic congestion level is added as a new state vector. Thirdly, the cross-validation method is used to calibrate the K value to improve the adaptability of the KNN algorithm. Based on the data collected from Jinggangao highway, all the algorithms are validated. The results show that the proposed method can improve data quality and prediction precision of travel time.
Hybrid Clayton-Frank Convolution-Based Bivariate Archimedean Copula
Authors: Boateng Maxwell Akwasi , Omari-Sasu Akoto Yaw , Avuglah Richard Kodzo , Frempong Nana Kena
Published: March 2018

This study exploits the closure property of the converse convolution operator to come up with a hybrid Clayton-Frank Archimedean copula for two random variables. Pairs of random variables were generated and the upper tail observation of the cumulative distribution function (CDF) was used to assess the right skew behavior of the proposed model. Various values of the converse convolution operator were used to see their effect on the proposed model. The simulation covered lengths n=10i,  i=2,3,4,5, and 6. The proposed model was compared with about 40 other bivariate copulas (both Archimedean and elliptical). The proposed model had parameters that spanned the entire real line, thus removing restrictions on the parameters. The parameters theta and omega were varied for a selected interval and the hybrid Clayton-Frank model was, in most cases, found to outperform the other copulas under consideration.
Households Sociodemographic Profile as Predictors of Health Insurance Uptake and Service Utilization: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Municipality of Ghana
Authors: Badu Eric , Agyei-Baffour Peter , Ofori Acheampong Isaac , Preprah Opoku Maxwell , Addai-Donkor Kwasi
Published: March 2018

Introduction. Attempts to use health insurance in Low and Middle Income Countries (LMICs) are recognized as a powerful tool in achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC). However, continuous enrolment onto health insurance schemes and utilization of healthcare in these countries remain problematic due to varying factors. Empirical evidence on the influence of household sociodemographic factors on enrolment and subsequent utilization of healthcare is rare. This paper sought to examine how household profile influences the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) status and use of healthcare in a municipality of Ghana. Methods. A cross-sectional design with quantitative methods was conducted among a total of 380 respondents, selected through a multistage cluster sampling. Data were collected using a semistructured questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive and multiple logistics regression at 95% CI using STATA 14. Results. Overall, 57.9% of respondents were males, and average age was 34 years. Households’ profiles such as age, gender, education, marital status, ethnicity, and religion were key predictors of NHIS active membership. Compared with other age groups, 38–47 years (AOR 0.06) and 58 years and above (AOR = 0.01), widow, divorced families, Muslims, and minority ethnic groups were less likely to have NHIS active membership. However, females (AOR = 3.92), married couples (AOR = 48.9), and people educated at tertiary level consistently had their NHIS active. Proximate factors such as education, marital status, place of residence, and NHIS status were predictors of healthcare utilization. Conclusion. The study concludes that households’ proximate factors influence the uptake of NHIS policy and subsequent utilization of healthcare. Vulnerable population such as elderly, minority ethnic, and religious groups were less likely to renew their NHIS policy. The NHIS policy should revise the exemption bracket to wholly cover vulnerable groups such as minority ethnic and religious groups and elderly people at retiring age of 60 years.
Macular Integrity Assessment and Fixation Analysis in Chronic Central Serous Chorioretinopathy
Authors: Dolar-Szczasny Joanna , Święch-Zubilewicz Anna , Mackiewicz Jerzy
Published: March 2018

Purpose. To investigate retinal sensitivity characteristics associated with morphologic changes in the eyes exhibiting chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC), using macular integrity assessment (MAIA) microperimetry. Methods. A retrospective, cross-sectional, observational study was constructed. The eyes of patients classified as chronic CSC, according to the onset of subjective symptoms with serous retinal detachment, as confirmed by optical coherence tomography examination, were included in the study. Retinal sensitivity and fixation were analyzed by performing microperimetry examinations using the MAIA instrument. Results. We reviewed microperimetry examinations of 15 eyes of 15 patients (age: 28–51 years) with chronic CSC and mean best-corrected visual acuity of −0.2 logMAR units. The mean retinal integrity in the chronic CSC group was 49.0 ± 27.6, which was significantly different from the control eyes. The mean average threshold in the eyes with chronic CSC was 24.7 ± 5.8 dB, which also was significantly different from the control eyes. Fixation stability was significantly different between the CSC and control eyes for the P1 parameter (90.1 ± 13.7 versus 99.3 ± 1.5), and for the P2 parameter (97.4 ± 4.0 versus 100.0 ± 0.0). Conclusion. New microperimetry technology may provide valuable information regarding the visual status of chronic CSC cases. Our findings suggest that retinal sensitivity and fixation stability in chronic CSC eyes may serve as useful indicators for assessing the effectiveness of clinical treatments.
A Direct Method to Compare Bipolar LR Fuzzy Numbers
Authors: Ghanbari Reza , Ghorbani-Moghadam Khatere , Mahdavi-Amiri Nezam
Published: March 2018

We propose a new method for ordering bipolar fuzzy numbers. In this method, for comparison of bipolar LR fuzzy numbers, we use an extension of Kerre’s method being used in ordering of unipolar fuzzy numbers. We give a direct formula to compare two bipolar triangular fuzzy numbers in O(1) operations, making the process useful for many optimization algorithms. Also, we present an application of bipolar fuzzy number in a real life problem.
Immunotherapies: Exploiting the Immune System for Cancer Treatment
Authors: Koury Jeffrey , Lucero Mariana , Cato Caleb , Chang Lawrence , Geiger Joseph , Henry Denise , Hernandez Jennifer , Hung Fion , Kaur Preet , Teskey Garrett , Tran Andrew
Published: March 2018

Cancer is a condition that has plagued humanity for thousands of years, with the first depictions dating back to ancient Egyptian times. However, not until recent decades have biological therapeutics been developed and refined enough to safely and effectively combat cancer. Three unique immunotherapies have gained traction in recent decades: adoptive T cell transfer, checkpoint inhibitors, and bivalent antibodies. Each has led to clinically approved therapies, as well as to therapies in preclinical and ongoing clinical trials. In this review, we outline the method by which these 3 immunotherapies function as well as any major immunotherapeutic drugs developed for treating a variety of cancers.
Genome-Wide DNA Methylation in Prediagnostic Blood and Bladder Cancer Risk in the Women's Health Initiative
Authors: Jordahl Kristina M. , Randolph Timothy W. , Song Xiaoling , Sather Cassandra L. , Tinker Lesley F. , Phipps Amanda I. , Kelsey Karl T. , White Emily , Bhatti Parveen
Published: March 2018

Background: Differential DNA methylation as measured in blood is a promising marker of bladder cancer susceptibility. However, previous studies have exclusively used postdiagnostic blood samples, meaning that observed associations may be markers of disease rather than susceptibility.

Methods: Genome-wide methylation was measured in prediagnostic blood samples, using the Illumina Infinium HumanMethylation450 Bead Array, among 440 bladder cancer cases with the transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) subtype and 440 matched cancer-free controls from the Women's Health Initiative cohort. After normalization and probe filtering, we used conditional logistic regression models to test for associations between methylation measurements at 361,184 CpG sites and bladder cancer risk.

Results: Increased methylation at cg22748573, located in a CpG island within the 5′-UTR/first exon of the CITED4 gene, was associated with an 82% decreased risk of bladder cancer after adjusting for race/ethnicity, smoking status, pack-years of smoking, and leukocyte cell profile and accounting for multiple testing (OR = 0.18, q-value = 0.05). The result was robust to sensitivity analyses accounting for time between enrollment and diagnosis, race, tumor subtype, and secondhand smoke exposure.

Conclusions: Although results need to be confirmed in additional prospective studies, differential methylation in CITED4, as measured in blood, is a promising marker of bladder cancer susceptibility.

Impact: Identification of biomarkers of bladder cancer susceptibility in easily accessible tissues may allow targeting of screening efforts so as to improve bladder cancer prognosis. This is particularly important among women, who tend to have poorer bladder cancer outcomes than men. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 27(6); 689–95. ©2018 AACR.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Interleukin-27 between Tuberculous Pleural Effusion and Malignant Pleural Effusion: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Liu Qing , Yu Yan-Xia , Wang Xiao-Juan , Wang Zheng , Wang Zhen
Published: March 2018

Background: The concentration assay of pleural effusion interleukin-27 (IL-27) has raised concern for diagnosing tuberculous pleurisy. Compared with malignant pleural effusion (MPE), the concentration of IL-27 in tuberculous pleural effusion (TPE) increased significantly. Accurate differentiating diagnosis is essential for choosing treatment for pleural effusion. Objective: The present meta-analysis is aimed at determining the accuracy of IL-27 in the differential diagnosis between TPE and MPE. Material and Method: After having retrieved the published studies, we combined the sensibility (SEN), specificity (SPE), positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) of IL-27 in the diagnosis of TPE compared to MPE using a fixed-effect model. The summary receiver operating characteristic curve was applied to estimate the overall test performance. Results: In total, 550 patients (285 patients with TPE and 265 patients with MPE), included in 7 case-control studies, were enrolled. The summary assessments for IL-27 in the diagnosis between TPE and MPE were: SEN 0.93 (95% CI 0.90–0.96), SPE 0.97 (95% CI 0.94–0.98), PLR 25.88 (95% CI 13.84–48.39), NLR 0.07 (95% CI 0.05–0.11), and DOR 333.26 (95% CI 146.10–760.19), respectively. The maximal joint SEN and SPE was 0.95; the area under the curve was 0.99. Conclusion: IL-27 determination is a relatively accurate test for the diagnosis of TPE, which has very high SEN and SPE for discriminating TPE from MPE. The results of IL-27 assays should be interpreted in parallel with clinical findings and the results of conventional tests.
Unilateral Vision Loss after a Dental Visit
Authors: Khattab Mohammed H. , Wiegand Annette , Storch Marcus , Hoerauf Hans , Feltgen Nicolas
Published: March 2018

Intraoral local anesthetics are widely used for performing painless dental treatments; however, in some cases, they may cause ocular complications such as meiosis, diplopia, nystagmus, ophthalmoplegia, ptosis, and amaurosis. Mostly, the symptoms disappear after several hours; rarely, they have a prolonged character. We describe the case of a 38-year-old young man who had reduced vision in the left eye 5 days after having received intraoral local anesthesia. A diagnosis of cilioretinal artery occlusion with optic disc swelling was made. Ten weeks later, the patient’s visual acuity had increased to 20/20, and the swelling of the optic disc had subsided. Although various possible mechanisms for ocular complications after intraoral local anesthetic administration were suggested in the literature, the exact etiology remains unclear. In this case, inadvertent intravascular injection is believed to be the cause.