bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Balloon dilation of a urethral stricture caused by a congenital obstructive proximal urethral membrane (COPUM) in a dog
Authors: Kelly Darren , Isaac Ingrid , Cruzado‐Perez Judith , Juvet Florence
Published: June 2020

Congenital urethral strictures are well recognised in human beings and have recently been described in two cats but have not been previously reported in dogs. A 10‐month‐old female English Bull Terrier presented with a life‐long history of being unable to pass a normal stream of urine. Urethrocystoscopy confirmed the presence of a stricture lesion in the proximal urethra. This thin, membranous structure was effaced under endoscopic visualisation using a 10 mm diameter balloon‐dilation catheter. Complete and sustained resolution of clinical signs occurred after a single dilation procedure. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a congenital urethral stricture in a dog and the term congenital obstructive proximal urethral membrane may be useful for describing these lesions in the future.
Mechanical function of cardiac fibre bundles is partly protected by exercise in response to diet-induced obesity in rats
Authors: Boldt Kevin , Rios Jaqueline Lourdes , Joumaa Venus , Herzog Walter
Published: June 2020

Decrements in contractile function resulting from obesity are thought to be major reasons for the link between obesity and cardiovascular disease, while exercise has been shown to improve cardiac muscle contractile function. The purpose of this study was to evaluate cardiac contractile properties following obesity induction and the potential protective effect of exercise. Twelve-week-old rats (n = 30) were organized into either a chow diet or a high-fat, high-sucrose (HFHS) diet group. Following 12 weeks of obesity induction the HFHS group animals were stratified and grouped into sedentary (HFHS+Sed) and exercise (HFHS+Ex) groups for an additional 12 weeks. Following 24 weeks of diet intervention, with 12 weeks of aerobic exercise (25 m/min, 30 min/day, 5 days/week) for the HFHS+Ex group, skinned cardiac fibre bundle testing was used to evaluate cardiac contractile properties. Body fat and mass were significantly greater in the HFHS-fed animals compared with the chow controls (p < 0.043). Hearts from rats in the HFHS+Sed group had significantly greater mass (p < 0.03), significantly slower maximum shortening velocity (p = 0.001), and tended to have lower calcium sensitivity (p = 0.077) and a lower proportion of α-myosin heavy chain composition (p = 0.074) than the sedentary chow animals. However, 12 weeks of moderate aerobic exercise partially prevented these decrements in contractile properties.

Novelty Cardiac muscle from animals exposed to an obesogenic diet for 24 weeks had impaired contractile properties compared with controls. Obesity-induced impairment of contractile properties of the heart were partially prevented by a 12-week aerobic exercise regime.
Evaluation of antioxidant activity and toxicity of sulfur- or selenium-containing 4-(arylchalcogenyl)-1H-pyrazoles
Authors: Hartwig de Oliveira Daniela , Sousa Fernanda Severo Sabedra , Birmann Paloma Taborda , Pesarico Ana Paula , Alves Diego , Jacob Raquel Guimarães , Savegnago Lucielli
Published: June 2020

Pyrazoles represent a significant class of heterocyclic compounds that exhibit pharmacological properties. The present study aimed to investigate the antioxidant potential of pyrazol derivative compounds in brain of mice in vitro and the effect of pyrazol derivative compounds in the oxidative damage and toxicity parameters in mouse brain and plasma of mice. The compounds tested were 3,5-dimethyl-1-phenyl-4-(phenylselanyl)-1H-pyrazol (1a), 3,5-dimethyl-4-(phenylselanyl)-1H-pyrazole (2a), 4-((4-methoxyphenyl)selanyl)-3,5-dimethyl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazole (3a), 4-((4-chlorophenyl)selanyl)-3,5-dimethyl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazole (4a), 3,5-dimethyl-1-phenyl-4-(phenylthio)-1H-pyrazole (1b), 3,5-dimethyl-4-(phenylthio)-1H-pyrazole (2b), 4-((4-methoxyphenyl)thio)-3,5-dimethyl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazole (3b), 4-((4-chlorophenyl)thio)-3,5-dimethyl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazole (4b), and 3,5-dimethyl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazole (1c). In vitro, 4-(arylcalcogenyl)-1H-pyrazoles, at low molecular range, reduced lipid peroxidation and reactive species in mouse brain homogenates. The compounds also presented ferric-reducing ability as well nitric oxide-scavenging activity. Especially compounds 1a, 1b, and 1c presented efficiency to 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl-scavenging activity. Compounds 1b and 1c presented 2,20 -azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)-scavenging activity. In vivo assays demonstrated that compounds 1a, 1b, and 1c (300 mg/kg, intragastric, a single administration) did not cause alteration in the of δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase activity, an enzyme that exhibits high sensibility to prooxidants situations, in the brain, liver, and kidney of mice. Compound 1c reduced per se the lipid peroxidation in liver and brain of mice. Toxicological assays demonstrate that compounds 1a, 1b, and 1c did not present toxicity in the aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, urea, and creatinine levels in the plasma. In conclusion, the results demonstrated the antioxidant action of pyrazol derivative compounds in in vitro assays. Furthermore, the results showed low toxicity of compounds in in vivo assays.
Fluctuating water levels influence access to critical habitats for threatened Cowichan Lake lamprey
Authors: Chaudhuri Chiranjib , Wade Joy , Robertson Colin
Published: June 2020

Cowichan Lake lamprey ( Entosphenus macrostomus) is a threatened species resident to Mesachie Lake, Cowichan Lake, and adjoining Bear Lake and their major tributaries in British Columbia. Decreases in trapping success have created concerns that the population is declining. Some potential threats include water use, climate change, and management actions. Owing to the absence of long-term data on population trends, little information is available to estimate habitat quality and factors that influence it. We sought to fill this gap by examining associations between habitat area and variables representing suspected key drivers of habitat availability. Critical habitat areas were imaged using an unmanned aerial vehicle over a period of three years at three sites at Cowichan Lake and a subsequent habitat area was classified. Meteorological and anthropogenic controls on habitat area were investigated through automatic relevance detection regression models. The major driver of habitat area during the critical spawning period was water level during the storage season, which also depends on the meteorological variables and anthropogenic control. It is recommended that regulation of the weir should aim to ensure that the water level remains above the 1 m mark, which roughly equates to the 67% coverage of water on the habitat area used for spawning.
Quintessential inflation from Lorentzian slow roll
Authors: Benisty D. , Guendelman E. I.
Published: June 2020

From the assumption that the slow-roll parameter $$\varepsilon $$
ε
has a Lorentzian form as a function of the e-fold number N, a successful model of a quintessential inflation is obtained, as succinctly studied in
[1]. The form corresponds to the vacuum energy both in the inflationary and in the dark-energy epochs and satisfies the condition to climb from small values of $$\varepsilon $$
ε
to 1 at the end of the inflationary epoch. We find the corresponding scalar quintessential inflationary potential with two flat regions. Moreover, a reheating mechanism is suggested with numerical estimation for the homogeneous evolution of the universe. The suggested mechanism is consistent with the BBN bound.
Investigation of dye removal from textile wastewater by means of response surface method
Authors: Shafee Ahmad , Valipour P. , Zaib Aurang , Babazadeh Houman
Published: June 2020

The main purpose of this article is to apply response surface method to analyze the residual dyes removal independent variables from the experimental data for dye adsorption onto alkali-activated sand as natural adsorbent from textile wastewater. The independent variables are contact time (3–30[Formula: see text]min) and adsorbent dosage (12.5–100[Formula: see text]g) and the dependent variables are percentage of dye removal and dye adsorbed amount per alkali-activated sand as responses. The effect of the variables, their interaction with each other, the fitted model equations, the adequacy and desirability of the model was evaluated by RSM. Response surface method to analyze the residual dyes removal, which resulted in about 70% dye removal and 30 [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]mg/g dye adsorbed, with 0.983 of desirability for fitted model. Finally, the initial dye concentration effect was investigated.
Detection Algorithm of the Shipwreck Target Based on Residual Contour Information
Authors: Li Ke , Liu Zhong , Lu Jianbin , Liu Liguo , Qin Nan , An Jingxin
Published: June 2020

In synthetic aperture sonar (SAS) image, the underwater shipwreck targets are often buried by sediment or badly damaged. Only a part of the characteristics of artificial objects is retained. In this paper, firstly, based on the analysis of the ocean buried background, the Meanshift filtering is used to smooth the original image and convert the color image into binary one. Secondly, the residual contour of artificial target is extracted through the modified Canny edge detection algorithm. Thirdly, the Region Growing method is taken to remove the discrete interference and keep the intact edge of the line. Consideration with the principle of line alignment, the contours of shipwreck targets are gradually connected and aggregated. Finally, a large amount of measured practical SAS images are tested. The experimental results verified that the proposed algorithm can accurately detect the shipwreck target based on residual contour information, meanwhile with an acceptable timeliness for large size sonar image data.
Fluid models with phase transition for kinetic equations in swarming
Authors: Bostan Mihaï , Carrillo José Antonio
Published: June 2020

We concentrate on kinetic models for swarming with individuals interacting through self-propelling and friction forces, alignment and noise. We assume that the velocity of each individual relaxes to the mean velocity. In our present case, the equilibria depend on the density and the orientation of the mean velocity, whereas the mean speed is not anymore a free parameter and a phase transition occurs in the homogeneous kinetic equation. We analyze the profile of equilibria for general potentials identifying a family of potentials leading to phase transitions. Finally, we derive the fluid equations when the interaction frequency becomes very large.
Partial Menger algebras of terms
Authors: Denecke K. , Hounnon H.
Published: June 2020

The superposition operation [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text], maps to each [Formula: see text]-tuple of [Formula: see text]-ary operations on a set [Formula: see text] an [Formula: see text]-ary operation on [Formula: see text] and satisfies the so-called superassociative law, a generalization of the associative law. The corresponding algebraic structures are Menger algebras of rank [Formula: see text]. A partial algebra of type [Formula: see text] which satisfies the superassociative law as weak identity is said to be a partial Menger algebra of rank [Formula: see text]. As a generalization of linear terms we define [Formula: see text]-terms as terms where each variable occurs at most [Formula: see text]-times. It will be proved that [Formula: see text]-ary [Formula: see text]-terms form partial Menger algebras of rank [Formula: see text]. In this paper, some algebraic properties of partial Menger algebras such as generating systems, homomorphic images and freeness are investigated. As generalization of hypersubstitutions and linear hypersubstitutions we consider [Formula: see text]-hypersubstitutions.
Finite element methods for fractional diffusion equations
Authors: Zhao Yue , Shen Chen , Qu Min , Bu Weiping , Tang Yifa
Published: June 2020

Due to the successful applications in engineering, physics, biology, finance, etc., there has been substantial interest in fractional diffusion equations over the past few decades, and literatures on developing and analyzing efficient and accurate numerical methods for reliably simulating such equations are vast and fast growing. This paper gives a concise overview on finite element methods for these equations, which are divided into time fractional, space fractional and time-space fractional diffusion equations. Besides, we also involve some relevant topics on the regularity theory, the well-posedness, and the fast algorithm.
Some petrographic and mineralogical diagnostics of sandstone intrusions
Authors: Hurst Andrew , Luzinski Wiktor , Zvirtes Gustavo , Scott Anthony , Vigorito Mario , Morton Andrew , Wu Feng
Published: June 2020

Sandstone intrusions in giant injection complexes are characterized by texturally immature sand with common micro-fractured framework grains. Individual micro-fractures are distinctive in geometry and unaligned within or between grains, thus differentiating them from micro-fractures formed by shock metamorphism or tectonics. Individual grains preserve histories of multiple impacts. The geometry of micro-fractures and their textural association makes them diagnostic of high-energy inter-granular collisions during sand injection. Mudstone clasts have sand-propped micro-fractures associated with hydraulic fracturing and individual sand grains embedded in clasts by corrasion, which is diagnostic of high grain velocity. Heavy mineral assemblages record abrasion of apatite and hydrodynamic segregation of zircon (both relative to abundance of tourmaline) upward through the injection complex. Granular abrasion and hydrodynamic segregation are consistent with turbulent flow during sand injection. Collectively the petrographic and mineralogical data support the interaction of high-velocity grains in turbulent flow during sand injection in which the granular content is likely to be dilute.
Roaming Through the Castle Tunnels
Authors: Ma Yun , Hu Ziniu , Gu Diandian , Zhou Li , Mei Qiaozhu , Huang Gang , Liu Xuanzhe
Published: June 2020

Smartphone applications (a.k.a., apps) have become indispensable in our everyday life and work. In practice, accomplishing a task on smartphones may require the user to navigate among various apps. Unlike Web pages that are inherently interconnected through hyperlinks, apps are usually isolated building blocks, and the lack of direct links between apps has compromised the efficiency of task completion and user experience. In this article, we present the first in-depth empirical study of page-level access behaviors of smartphone users based on a comprehensive dataset collected through an extensive user study. We propose a model to distinguish
informational pages
and
transitional pages
, based on which we can extract page-level inter-app navigation. Surprisingly, the transitional pages account for quite substantial time cost and manual actions when navigating from the current informational page to the desirable informational page. We reveal that developing “
tunnels
” between “isolated” apps under specific usage scenarios has a huge potential to reduce the cost of navigation. Our analysis provides some practical implications on how to improve app-navigation experience from both the operating system’s perspective and the developer’s perspective.
Broad-spectrum antibiotics alter the microbiome, increase intestinalfxr, and decrease hepatic steatosis in zebrafish short bowel syndrome
Authors: Maselli Kathryn M. , Gee Kristin , Isani Mubina , Fode Alexa , Schall Kathy A. , Grikscheit Tracy C.
Published: June 2020

In a zebrafish model that replicates a common clinical scenario, systemic effects of the administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics in a zebrafish model of SBS identified two alternate states that led to the establishment of fat accumulation in the liver or its absence. Broad-spectrum antibiotics given to zebrafish with SBS over 2 wk altered the intestinal microbiome, decreased intestinal and hepatic inflammation, and decreased hepatic steatosis.
Optimization of Hybrid Energy Storage System Control Strategy for Pure Electric Vehicle Based on Typical Driving Cycle
Authors: Ye Kanglong , Li Peiqing , Li Hao
Published: June 2020

Taking a hybrid energy storage system (HESS) composed of a battery and an ultracapacitor as the study object, this paper studies the energy management strategy (EMS) and optimization method of the hybrid energy storage system in the energy management and control strategy of a pure electric vehicle (EV) for typical driving cycles. The structure and component model of the HESS are constructed. According to the fuzzy control strategy, aimed at the roughness of the membership function in EMS, optimization strategies based on a genetic algorithm (GA) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) are proposed; these use energy consumption as their optimal objective function. Based on the improved EV model, the fuzzy control strategy is studied in MATLAB/Advisor, and two control strategies are obtained. Compared with the simulation results based on three driving cycles, urban dynamometer driving schedule (UDDS), new European driving cycle (NEDC), and ChinaCity, the optimum control strategy were obtained. The theoretical minimum energy consumption of HESS was reached by dynamic programming (DP) algorithm in the same simulation environment. The research shows that, compared with the PSO, the output current peak and current fluctuation of the battery optimized by the GA are lower and more stable, and the total energy consumption is reduced by 3–9% in various simulation case studies. Compared with the theoretical minimum value, the deviation of energy consumption simulated by GA-Fuzzy Control is 0.6%.
A Refined Dynamic Model of Harmonic Drive and Its Dynamic Response Analysis
Authors: Zhang Xian , Tao Tao , Jiang Gedong , Mei Xuesong , Zou Chuang
Published: June 2020

To highlight the key factors which influence the dynamic performance of the harmonic drive, a refined harmonic drive model considering nonlinear stiffness, kinematic error, and friction of the critical components is established. A dedicated experimental apparatus based on double motor twisting is constructed to measure the characteristics of harmonic drive, and the attribute parameters of the proposed model are identified. A series of experiments on the dynamic transmission error at different driving velocities are carried out to verify the proposed model. Based on the proposed model, the influence of different component stiffness on the velocity step response of the harmonic drive is analyzed. The results show that the influence of the component stiffness on the system dynamic response is more significant at high driving velocity, the increase of the stiffness of each component will decrease the dynamic transmission accuracy of harmonic drive, and the bearing radial stiffness is the most sensitive parameter to system’s dynamic response among all the stiffness factors.
Poly (ADP-Ribose) Polymerase 1 Protein Expression in Normal Pancreas and Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Castiglione Roberto , Calogero Aldo E. , Vicari Enzo , Calabrini Giovanna , Cosentino Anna , D’Agati Placido , Fraggetta Filippo , Salemi Michele
Published: June 2020

Pancreatic cancer is a most frequent cancer in Europe, and the majority of cases of cancer of the pancreas are diagnosed above the age of 65. Radical surgery is the first curative treatment of pancreatic cancer, and alternative or combined therapeutic options, in particular, consist of adjuvant or neoadjuvant chemotherapy, with or without radiotherapy. Many factors, including diet and genetics, have been implicated in the development of cancer of the pancreas. Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP-1) protein is required for translocation of the apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) from the mitochondria to the nucleus. It is involved in programmed cell death processes. Different PARP-1 gene expression proteins have been observed in various tumors such as lung, ovarian, endometrial, skin, and glioblastoma. We evaluated the expression of PARP-1 protein in pancreatic adenocarcinoma and normal pancreas tissues by immunohistochemistry. Protein PARP-1 in the nucleus was found in all samples (normal pancreas and pancreatic adenocarcinoma tissues). No cytoplasmic staining was observed in any sample. PARP-1-positive cells resulted higher in the normal pancreas compared with the pancreas with adenocarcinoma. PARP-1 overexpression in prostate cancer tissue compared with normal prostate suggests a greater activity of PARP-1 in these tumors. These findings suggest that PARP-1 expression in prostate cancer is an attempt to trigger apoptosis in this type of tumor, similarl to that reported in other cancers. This finding suggests that PARP-1-mediated cell death pathways are inhibited in this cancer.
Cavitation-Enhanced Delivery of the Nanomaterial Graphene Oxide-Doxorubicin to Hepatic Tumors in Nude Mice Using 20 kHz Low-Frequency Ultrasound and Microbubbles
Authors: Shen Zhi Yong , Shen Bei Qi , Shen Ai Jun , Zhu Xin Hua
Published: June 2020

Graphene oxide (GO) is a kind of nanomaterial. Here, we explored its application in tumor treatment. We loaded doxorubicin onto the surface of GO to form graphene oxide-doxorubicin (GO-DOX). After injection of the contrast agent SonoVue microbubbles (MBs) into the tail vein of tumor-bearing nude mice, subcutaneous hepatic carcinomas inoculated with the HepG2 cell line were irradiated with 20 kHz low-frequency ultrasound (US). Subsequently, GO-DOX was injected into the tail vein of nude mice. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and TUNEL assays were performed to observe the curative effects. Biocompatibility tests of GO-DOX included routine blood cell counts, blood smears, serum biochemical assays, and histological sampling of important organs. It was found that the nanomaterial GO-DOX promoted apoptosis of tumor cells in nude mice. TEM of the USMB+GO-DOX treatment showed vascular endothelial cell wall rupture, widened endothelial cell gaps, black granules in the vascular lumen, interstitial erythrocyte leakage, and apparent apoptosis of tumor cells. There were no toxic side effects of GO-DOX on the blood system and in the major organs of these mice. Ultrasound cavitation destroys tumor blood vessels and enhances the release of nanomaterials to tumor cells of nude mice.
Immunohistochemical Analysis of CD99 and PAX8 in a Series of 15 Molecularly Confirmed Cases of Ewing Sarcoma
Authors: Chinchilla-Tábora LM. , Ortiz Rodríguez-Parets J. , González Morais I. , Sayagués J. M. , Ludeña de la Cruz M. D.
Published: June 2020

Ewing sarcomas are an uncommon group of malignant neoplasms. A multidisciplinary approach is highly recommended to reach a correct diagnosis, considering the clinical, radiological, and histopathological aspects. Since in up to 90% of cases, the translocation t (11; 22) (q24; q12) occurs resulting in a chimeric fusion transcript EWSR1-FLI-1. The pathologist has several tools in addition to conventional techniques (hematoxylin and eosin), such as immunohistochemistry, which plays a very important role in the differential diagnosis. We present a series of 15 cases of molecularly confirmed ES, in which we found a sensitivity of 100% for CD99 and 80% for PAX8 by immunohistochemistry. This indicates a high sensitivity; however, it is known that both CD99 and PAX8 are also expressed in other tumours. Therefore, molecular confirmation should be performed in all cases.
e-Self-Assessment as a Strategy to Improve the Learning Process at University
Authors: Martínez Verónica , Mon María A. , Álvarez Marina , Fueyo Eva , Dobarro Alejandra
Published: June 2020

Background. Self-evaluation or autonomous evaluation, understood as a practice in which students can judge their own achievements and reflect on them, is considered a key element in the assessment process of college education. A common procedure at University environments is to apply information and communication techniques to carry out self-assessment activities and record answers. The aim is to analyse if the e-self-assessment improves student performance, using tests for objective and short answers as a complementary activity in teaching through the virtual platform Moodle. Method. The sample consisted of 406 students of two subjects in the degree course for Primary and Early Childhood Education and in the degree course for Teacher of Primary Education; they had to fill in 100 question self-assessment questionnaires about the content of the subjects on the Moodle virtual learning platform and a satisfaction scale. Results. They confirm a high participation in this innovation methodology; the e-self assessment showed improvement of student achievement and increased the degree of student satisfaction. Conclusions. The e-self assessment would assist students to take an active role in their learning process, increase their achievement, promote their self-directed learning, and develop metacognitive skills.
Temporin A and Bombinin H2 Antimicrobial Peptides Exhibit Selective Cytotoxicity to Lung Cancer Cells
Authors: Swithenbank Lucy , Cox Phillipa , Harris Llinos G. , Dudley Edward , Sinclair Kathryn , Lewis Paul , Cappiello Floriana , Morgan Claire
Published: June 2020

Background. Recently, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have been investigated for their use in cancer therapy. They have been reported to selectively target and kill cancer cells whilst leaving normal healthy cells unaffected. Certain Anura AMPs have expressed selective cytotoxicity against tumour cells. Aim. To test the potential of Anura AMPs bombinin H2, bombinin H4, temporin A, and temporin L for use as therapeutic agents for non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). Methods. Cytotoxic effects on NSCLC cell lines A549 and Calu-3 and normal epithelial cell line Beas-2B were tested using the CellTox Green Cytotoxicity Assay. Their haemolytic effects on human erythrocytes were also tested for their clinical relevance. Cell membrane profiling, using MALDI-TOF, was performed to ascertain if membrane characteristics of the NSCLC and Beas-2B cell lines may contribute to the AMPs mode of action. Results. Bombinin H4 (100–1.5 μM, p<0.05) and temporin A (100–50 μM, p<0.05) showed selective cytotoxicity towards the NSCLC cell lines. Furthermore, they exhibited low levels of haemolytic activity (bombinin H4, 0.061%; temporin A, 0.874%) comparable to untreated cells. Cell membrane profiling showed the phospholipid composition of normal epithelial cell line Beas-2B to be divergent from the cancerous cell lines. However, there was an overlap in the phospholipid profiles of the NSCLC cell lines supporting the hypothesis that the AMPs may have a selective affinity via the membrane composition of cancerous cell lines. Conclusion. These results suggest that bombinin H4 and temporin A show potential for application in lung cancer therapies. Further in vitro and in vivo studies are required to develop a greater understanding of their use as anticancer agents.
Deep Learning Structure for Cross-Domain Sentiment Classification Based on Improved Cross Entropy and Weight
Authors: Fei Rong , Yao Quanzhu , Zhu Yuanbo , Xu Qingzheng , Li Aimin , Wu Haozheng , Hu Bo
Published: June 2020

Within the sentiment classification field, the convolutional neural network (CNN) and long short-term memory (LSTM) are praised for their classification and prediction performance, but their accuracy, loss rate, and time are not ideal. To this purpose, a deep learning structure combining the improved cross entropy and weight for word is proposed for solving cross-domain sentiment classification, which focuses on achieving better text sentiment classification by optimizing and improving recurrent neural network (RNN) and CNN. Firstly, we use the idea of hinge loss function (hinge loss) and the triplet loss function (triplet loss) to improve the cross entropy loss. The improved cross entropy loss function is combined with the CNN model and LSTM network which are tested in the two classification problems. Then, the LSTM binary-optimize (LSTM-BO) model and CNN binary-optimize (CNN-BO) model are proposed, which are more effective in fitting the predicted errors and preventing overfitting. Finally, considering the characteristics of the processing text of the recurrent neural network, the influence of input words for the final classification is analysed, which can obtain the importance of each word to the classification results. The experiment results show that within the same time, the proposed weight-recurrent neural network (W-RNN) model gives higher weight to words with stronger emotional tendency to reduce the loss of emotional information, which improves the accuracy of classification.
In VivoAntiplasmodial Activity ofTerminalia mantalyStem Bark Aqueous Extract in Mice Infected byPlasmodium berghei
Authors: Tchatat Tali Mariscal Brice , Jiatsa Mbouna Cedric Derick , Yamthe Tchokouaha Lauve Rachel , Tsouh Fokou Patrick Valere , Tsakem Nangap Jaures Marius , Keumoe Rodrigue , Ngoutane Mfopa Alvine , Bakarnga-via Issakou , Gounoue Kamkumo Raceline , Fekam Boyom Fabrice
Published: June 2020

Background.Terminalia mantalyis used in Cameroon traditional medicine to treat malaria and related symptoms. However, its antiplasmodial efficacy is still to be established.Objectives. The present study is aimed at evaluating thein vitroandin vivoantiplasmodial activity and the oral acute toxicity of theTerminalia mantalyextracts.Materials and Methods. Extracts were prepared from leaves and stem bark ofT. mantaly, by maceration in distilled water, methanol, ethanol, dichloromethane (DCM), and hexane. All extracts were initially screenedin vitroagainst the chloroquine-resistant strain W2 ofP. falciparumto confirm itsin vitroactivity, and the most potent one was assessed in malaria mouse model at three concentrations (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg/bw). Biochemical, hematological, and histological parameters were also determined.Results. Overall, 7 extracts showedin vitroantiplasmodial activity with IC50ranging from 0.809 μg/mL to 5.886 μg/mL. The aqueous extract from the stem bark ofT. mantaly(Tmsbw) was the most potent (IC50=0.809 μg/mL) and was further assessed for acute toxicity and efficacy inPlasmodium berghei-infected mice.Tmsbwwas safe in mice with a median lethal dose (LD50) higher than 2000 mg/kg of body weight. It also exerted a good antimalarial efficacyin vivowith ED50of 69.50 mg/kg and had no significant effect on biochemical, hematological, and histological parameters.Conclusion. The results suggest that the stem bark extract ofT. mantalypossesses antimalarial activity.
Refined Time‐Domain Buffeting Analysis of a Long‐Span Suspension Bridge in Mountainous Urban Terrain
Authors: Wu Bo , Zhang Liang-Liang , Yang Yang , Liu Lian-Jie , Ni Zhi-Jun
Published: June 2020

The field measurements, wind tunnel tests, and numerical calculations are utilized to conduct refined time‐domain buffeting analysis of a long‐span suspension bridge. The wind characteristics in the mountainous urban terrain are obtained through long‐term field measurements. The aerostatic force coefficients (AFCs) and aerodynamic admittance functions (AAFs) are experimentally tested in a wind tunnel. The fluctuating wind fields on the bridge are simulated by the spectral representation method. Finally, the buffeting responses are calculated in ANSYS. The influences of AAF, turbulence power spectrum, and angle of attack (AoA) on the buffeting responses are evaluated, which highlight the inaccuracies caused by empirical simplifications. To improve the buffeting performance without a considerable extra budget, minor modifications are introduced to the original design configuration. The buffeting responses are slightly reduced by increasing the ventilation rate of guardrails, and the control efficiency is better when concurrently moving the inspection rails inward. Besides, the buffeting responses are increased when considering the roughness on the girder surface. The influence mechanism of the countermeasure is analyzed using the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) method, which mainly lies in the dissipation of turbulence energy around the girder. The findings can contribute to the wind‐resistant analysis and optimization design for similar bridges.
ADIPOQ rs2241766 Gene Polymorphism and Predisposition to Diabetic Kidney Disease
Authors: Han Qiuxia , Geng Wenjia , Zhang Dong , Cai Guangyan , Zhu Hanyu
Published: June 2020

Background. This meta-analysis was performed to obtain a more comprehensive estimation of the role of the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs2241766 in the ADIPOQ gene in the occurrence of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Methods. Relevant studies were identified from digital databases such as Embase, PubMed, Medline, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, WanFang, and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI). Odds ratios (ORs) with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were pooled by means of fixed- or random-effects models. Interstudy heterogeneity was examined using the Q test and I2 statistic, and sensitivity analysis was implemented to test the statistical stability of the overall estimates. Begg’s funnel plot and Egger’s test were applied to inspect potential publication bias among the included studies. Results. The overall ORs reflected a positive correlation between the ADIPOQ rs2241766 polymorphism and susceptibility to DKD in the GG vs. TT and GG vs. TT+TG comparisons (OR=1.51, 95%CI=1.16−1.95; OR=1.43, 95%CI=1.11−1.85). After stratification analyses by ethnicity and disease type, a similar trend was also revealed in the Caucasian and African subgroups as well as in the type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) subgroup. Conclusion. The ADIPOQ rs2241766 polymorphism may be associated with an increased risk of DKD, especially in Caucasian and African populations as well as in T2DM patients.
Synchrotron FTIR Light Reveals Signal Changes of Biofunctionalized Magnetic Nanoparticle Attachment on Salmonella sp.
Authors: Sukprasert Jaravee , Thumanu Kanjana , Phung-on Isaratat , Jirarungsatean Chalermkiat , Erickson Larry E. , Tuitemwong Pravate , Tuitemwong Kooranee
Published: June 2020

The objective of this research was to develop new technology for possible noncontact, nondestructive, and culture-independent rapid detection of Salmonella using ferromagnetic nanoparticles. Light signal changes of particles, cells, and their reaction stages were investigated. Amino-functionalized ferromagnetic nanoparticles (amino-FMNs) were synthesized and modified by glutaraldehyde to crosslink the attachment of specific antibodies to the particles. The nanoparticle complex was used to capture, concentrate, and isolate Salmonella in a culture broth. Signal changes of the four stages of the nanoparticles-amino-glutaraldehyde-antibodies-Salmonella cell attachments were tracked with sensitive Synchrotron FTIR spectroscopy (SR-FTIR). The unique peaks from these four steps were identified. Results can be applied to develop a new test method or a new test/universal reader for rapid, nondestructive, and culture-independent detection of Salmonella in food products using IR spectroscopy at wave numbers 1454 cm-1, 1542 cm-1, and 1414 cm-1, respectively.
Energy Efficiency Optimization Algorithm of CR-NOMA System Based on SWIPT
Authors: Wang Zhen , Zhu Qi
Published: June 2020

This paper proposes a system EE (energy efficiency) optimization algorithm based on OPS (On-off Power Splitting) strategy for SWIPT (Simultaneous Wireless Information and Power Transfer) two-way relay assisted CR-NOMA (Cognitive Radio Non-Orthogonal Multiple Access) network. The system capacity expression of the secondary users with the OPS strategy is derived. Under the constraints of harvested energy and quality of service (QoS) of the users, the optimization problem with the goal of maximizing energy efficiency is constructed. In this paper, the NP-Hard problem is transformed into three subproblems about relay power, NOMA coefficient, and segmentation coefficient, which are solved by golden section algorithm, monotonicity decision function, and genetic algorithm. The simulation results show that compared with the PS (Power Splitting) and TS (Time Switching) strategies, the OPS strategy can significantly improve the transmission energy efficiency of the system.
Numerical Modelling and Simulation of the In‐Plane Response of a Three‐Storey Masonry‐Infilled RC Frame Retrofitted with TRM
Authors: Filippou Christiana A. , Kyriakides Nicholas C. , Chrysostomou Christis Z.
Published: June 2020

A numerical study was conducted to investigate the in‐plane behavior of a masonry‐infilled reinforced concrete (RC) frame retrofitted with textile‐reinforced mortar (TRM). A two‐dimensional finite element model was developed using DIANA finite element analysis (FEA) software to simulate the 2 : 3 scaled three‐storey masonry‐infilled RC frame retrofitted with TRM that was studied experimentally in the past. The three‐storey structure used in the test was with a nonseismic design and detailing, and was subjected to in‐plane displacement‐control cyclic loading. The current study evaluates the capabilities of a representative numerical model to simulate the results of the experimental test, and after the calibration of the numerical model sensitivity analysis and parametric study were performed. In order to create an accurate numerical model, suitable constitutive models, based on the smeared crack approach, were used to characterize the nonlinear response of concrete, masonry infill, and TRM. The calibration of the models was based on the experimental results or inverse fitting based on optimizing the simulation of the response. The numerical model proved capable of simulating the in‐plane behavior of the retrofitted masonry‐infilled RC frame with good accuracy in terms of initial stiffness, and its deterioration, shear capacity, and cracking patterns. The calibrated model was then used to perform sensitivity analysis in order to examine the influence of infill‐frame interface properties (tangential and normal stiffness) on the behavior of the retrofitted infilled frame. The numerical results showed that the gap opening is influenced significantly by the stiffness of the interface. In addition, a parametric study was performed in order to evaluate the importance of the full‐bond condition between the TRM and the masonry‐infilled RC frame. The numerical results indicate that the composite action between the TRM and the masonry‐infilled RC frame improves the global stiffness and lateral resistance of the infilled frame, and it reduces the gap opening between the masonry infill and the RC frame.
Frailty and the Risk of Polypharmacy in the Older Person: Enabling and Preventative Approaches
Authors: Nwadiugwu Martin C.
Published: June 2020

Frail older people have an inherent risk of polypharmacy due to the need to treat multiple comorbidities, thus leading to various negative effects on their health due to the adverse actions from the drugs. This issue was discussed from a person-centered perspective, highlighting the category of frail older adults who are at a higher risk. Appropriate medication reconciliation in this population with useful prescribing tools (Beers and START/STOPP criteria) to minimize polypharmacy and to provide alternative prescriptive intervention could go alongside primary care to reduce the extent of frailty and polypharmacy. Reducing delayed referrals and extended hospitalization with electronic health record systems and using the signs of frailty from the Electronic Frailty Index (EFI) to predict polypharmacy for frail older persons are preventative approaches that proactively respond to frailty associated with the risk of polypharmacy.
In Vitro Wound Healing Activities of Three Most Commonly Used Thai Medicinal Plants and Their Three Markers
Authors: Siriwattanasatorn Metar , Itharat Arunporn , Thongdeeying Pakakrong , Ooraikul Buncha
Published: June 2020

Skin ensures that a constant internal environment can be maintained in an ever‐changing external environment. When a wound occurs on the skin, the inflammatory and proliferative phases are initiated in response to injury. Thai traditional medicine (TTM), using medicinal plants and ancient knowledge, has been used to treat wounds. Eight Thai medicinal plants, most commonly used to treat wounds, were evaluated for their in vitro biological activities such as antioxidation by NBT assay, anti‐inflammation by production inhibition of NO, promoting fibroblast cell proliferation, and wound closure activities. Plant materials were extracted with 95% ethanol or distilled water and then concentrated and dried. Statistical analysis of data was done using one‐way ANOVA at p value of 0.05. The ethanolic extracts of Garcinia mangostana L., Glycyrrhiza glabra L., and Nigella sativa L. could inhibit the production of superoxide anion with the IC50 values of 13.97 ± 0.38, 28.62 ± 1.91, and 71.54 ± 3.22 μg/ml and nitric oxide with the IC50 values of 23.97 ± 0.91, 46.35 ± 0.43, and 78.48 ± 4.46 μg/ml, respectively. These extracts could promote cell proliferation and accelerate wound recovery at the rate of 2.02 ± 0.03, 2.12 ± 0.03, and 2.65 ± 0.05% per hour, respectively. Three established markers from these three plants were selected according to the selection criteria. Alpha‐mangostin, glycyrrhizin, and thymoquinone were found to be the active markers for wound closure activities. The ethanolic extracts of G. mangostana, G. glabra, and N. sativa could scavenge superoxide anion and inhibit the production of nitric oxide; therefore these extracts could assist in surpassing the inflammatory phase and protected the cells surrounding the wound area. Most importantly, these extracts also increased the proliferation and accelerated wound closure, indicating that these plant extracts could be promoting wound healing processes and support the use of TTM.
Language Anxiety in Focus: The Case of Filipino Undergraduate Teacher Education Learners
Authors: Jugo Rhodora R.
Published: June 2020

This study has focused on determining the level, sources, and causes of foreign language anxiety of students taking up teacher education courses in the Philippines and how language anxiety affects the English proficiency of the respondents and their language learning. A total of 242 learners from a Philippine-based learning institution answered an English proficiency exam (EPE) and a questionnaire comprising two parts: a 30-item English Language Anxiety Scale (ELAS) and a set of questions on causes of anxiety and effects on language learning. Means, standard deviation, frequency, and percentage were calculated and used to characterize language anxiety level, sources, and causes. Correlation and regression analyses of the language anxiety variables and English proficiency of the respondents were then conducted. Follow-up interviews were also done for selected respondents in order to understand the nature and mechanism of the investigated relationships. The results confirmed that the speaking activity, error correction, and communicating with English speakers are sources of high anxiety of the Filipino learners, while the writing activity, negative self-perception, and noncomprehension are sources of moderate anxiety. All of the sources of anxiety were shown to have a significant negative relationship with second language anxiety, and simple regression analysis revealed that foreign language anxiety is a significant predictor of English proficiency. However, further analysis of the specific sources of anxiety using multiple regression analysis identified speaking activities anxiety as the only significant predictor of English proficiency.
Efficacy of Acupuncture and Moxibustion as a Subsequent Treatment after Second‐Line Chemotherapy in Advanced Gastric Cancer
Authors: Zhang Yong-jie , Min Qi , Huang Ying , Liu Huai-dong , Zhu Zi-yuan , Jiang Fu-jin , Hua Hai-qing
Published: June 2020

Objective. To explore whether acupuncture and moxibustion can prevent disease progression of advanced gastric cancer patients completing second‐line chemotherapy and, if so, the related mechanism. Method. Progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were main outcome measures. The real‐time quantitative PCR was used to detect the expression of genes including T‐bet, IFN‐γ, GATA3, and IL‐4 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). IL‐4, IL‐6, Ca199, CRP, and IFN‐γ in plasma levels were checked. Results. 170 patients were randomly assigned in a 3 : 2 ratio to receive either acupuncture and moxibustion or sham acupuncture until progression. 135 patients were included in the primary analysis. Both PFS and OS in treatment group were proven to be better than control group. Acupuncture and moxibustion promoted typical Th1 cells drifting, as confirmed by increased T‐bet/IFN‐γ and decreased GATA3/IL‐4 in mRNA levels from PBMCs, as well as upregulating IFN‐γ and downregulating IL‐4 in plasma levels. IL‐6, Ca199, and CRP in plasma levels were also reduced by acupuncture and moxibustion. Conclusions. Acupuncture and moxibustion can prolong PFS and OS of advanced gastric cancer patients completing second‐line chemotherapy by reversing Th1/Th2 shift and attenuating inflammatory responses.
A Novel Method to Reduce the Laser Drilling Time for Hole Cluster considering the Influence of Residual Vibration of the Sample Stage
Authors: Wang Xiaodong , Liu Bin , Mei Xuesong , Yang Jun , Yun Xialun , Li Xiao , Li Jian
Published: June 2020

In large areas of laser drilling, the residual vibration occurs when the sample stage moves in PTP (Point to Point) movement. It affects the surface quality and processing efficiency of the holes. The common solution for this problem is to set the laser irradiation delay time by the controller to wait for the residual vibration attenuation, but the whole drilling circle will increase. In this paper, a new method is introduced to reduce the laser drilling circle. By setting the allowable threshold of the residual vibration for the subsequent process, the sum of the time in deceleration segment of the trapezoidal moving profile, and the time when the residual vibration attenuates below the amplitude threshold (ST) can be minimized as the optimization goal. The results show that for a given operating speed, there is always an optimum acceleration value for the deceleration segment of the trapezoidal moving profile, which minimizes the ST value. Further, the delay time for laser irradiation can also be estimated according to the optimal acceleration during laser drilling.
Green Synthesis of Carbon Dots from Grapefruit and Its Fluorescence Enhancement
Authors: Huo Xinzhu , He Yuxuan , Ma Shiqi , Jia Yingying , Yu Jiaming , Li Yu , Cheng Qian
Published: June 2020

In this study, undoped carbon quantum dots (UCQDs, UCQDs-peel) and N-doped carbon dots (NCQDs) were prepared by a facile one-pot environmentally friendly hydrothermal method using grapefruit as carbon sources in the absence and presence of area, respectively. The structure, morphology, and fluorescence properties of three samples were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and photoluminescence (PL). It was found that three types of CQDs could emit blue fluorescence with different intensities when irradiated with ultraviolet light. Compared to the luminescence properties of UCQDs, NCQDs, and UCQDs-peel, it can be seen that the fluorescence intensity of NCQDs was strongest due to the presence of NH and C-N bonds.