bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Virtual Currencies: New Challenges to the Right to Privacy? An Assessment under the V AML Directive and the GDPR
Authors: De Vido Sara 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
The purpose of this article is to analyse virtual currencies, with specific regard to Bitcoins, in light of a specific human right, the right to privacy. In the first part, this contribution will reflect on the effectiveness of the Fifth European Union Anti-Money Laundering Directive (V AML Directive) in ‘regulating’ the exchange between fiat and virtual currencies for the purpose of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing. In the second part, it will explore whether the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is applicable or not to the virtual currencies network.
Effect of Cooling Rate on Crystallization Behavior of CaO-SiO2-MgO-Cr2O3 Based Slag
Authors: Zeng Qiang , Li Jianli , Yu Yue , Zhu Hangyu 
Published: March 2020

AbstractIn order to improve the recycling efficiency of stainless-steel slag resources, the effect of different cooling rates on the crystallization behavior of CaO-SiO2-MgO-Cr2O3 based system was studied by using FactSage 7.1, XRD, SEM and IPP 6.0. The results indicated that the spinel is a high-temperature precipitated phase and the cooling rate had less effect on the final grain size of spinel crystals, but had greater influences on the nucleation of spinel crystals and the crystallization of silicates such as α-C2S.When the cooling rate was 12∘C/min, the spinel crystals was the unique precipitation. However, the spinel crystals and α-C2S could produce during the slag cooling process as the cooling rate was1∘C/min. Chromium in silicate phase is inclinable to leaching with the dissolution of silicate phase, so the formation of silicate phase should be controlled. According to the influence of the cooling rate on the formation of spinel crystals and the erosion of spinel crystals by α-C2S, it is suggested that the cooling rate of the stainless-steel slag in industrial treatment should not be lower than 12∘C/min.
Analysis of a New Class of Impulsive Implicit Sequential Fractional Differential Equations
Authors: Zada Akbar , Ali Sartaj , Li Tongxing 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
In this paper, we study an implicit sequential fractional order differential equation with non-instantaneous impulses and multi-point boundary conditions. The article comprehensively elaborate four different types of Ulam’s stability in the lights of generalized Diaz Margolis’s fixed point theorem. Moreover, some sufficient conditions are constructed to observe the existence and uniqueness of solutions for the proposed model. The proposed model contains both the integer order and fractional order derivatives. Thus, the exponential function appearers in the solution of the proposed model which will lead researchers to study fractional differential equations with well known methods of integer order differential equations. In the last, few examples are provided to show the applicability of our main results.
Predicting displacement of bridge based on CEEMDAN-KELM model using GNSS monitoring data
Authors: Fan Qian , Meng Xiaolin , Nguyen Dinh Tung , Xie Yilin , Yu Jiayong 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Bridges are critical to economic and social development of a country. In order to ensure the safe operation of bridges, it is of great significance to accurately predict displacement of monitoring points from bridge Structural Health System (SHM). In the paper, a CEEMDAN-KELM model is proposed to improve the accuracy of displacement prediction of bridge. Firstly, the original displacement monitoring time series of bridge is accurately and effectively decomposed into multiple components called intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) and one residual component using a method named complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise (CEEMDAN). Then, these components are forecasted by establishing appropriate kernel extreme learning machine (KELM) prediction models, respectively. At last, the prediction results of all components including residual component are summed as the final prediction results. A case study using global navigation satellite system (GNSS) monitoring data is used to illustrate the feasibility and validity of the proposed model. Practical results show that prediction accuracy using CEEMDAN-KELM model is superior to BP neural network model, EMD-ELM model and EMD-KELM model in terms of the same monitoring data.
Can measurements be physically conditioned by thought? Further observations following a focused intention experiment
Authors: Matos Luís Carlos , Santos Sara Cristina , Anderson Joel G. , Machado Jorge , Greten Henry Johannes , Monteiro Fernando Jorge 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Background
The biofield is a controversial concept among the scientific community. Some aspects of this phenomenon relate to measurable factors of mainstream science such as electromagnetics, while others, involving nonlocal interventions, intention, and consciousness, seem to produce physical changes through mechanisms that are still unknown, making the outcomes of many studies not fully explained by our current state of scientific understanding. This study explored the hypothetical effects of intention on the conditioning of a pH system with continuous data acquisition for real-time measurements. As a follow-up study, those effects were related to changes in the physicochemical properties of water samples chosen as a target in a previous large-scale intervention of focused intention.

Methods
The intention experiments were conducted under controlled conditions from the 8th to September 11, 2015. During this period, 286 qualified biofield therapy practitioners meditated at a distance with the intention of changing the vibrational state of the water molecules contained in specific flasks. Several variables were evaluated, including the magnetic field and ultraviolet-visible (UV-VIS) radiation from 175 to 954 nm near the experimental spot, as well as Raman spectra, pH, and electrical conductivity of all the water samples. After this period, real-time pH measurements of water samples were taken with the same equipment and under the same experimental conditions, except for the practitioners’ awareness of those experiments, and without their focused intention. Real-time pH, electrical conductivity and the concentration of cations and anions measured by ion chromatography in the water samples were used to test the proposed hypothesis.

Results
Real-time pH was responsive during the intention experiments and after this period. Further continuous measurements performed after the 11th September showed that the pH variations overtime kept a systematic and consistent tendency similar to the one observed during the experimental activities involving focused intention. After the replacement of the electrode internal electrolyte, this behavior was no longer verified, and the pH was stable as the initial tests to evaluate the equipment sensitivity.

Conclusions
After the experimental period involving focused intention, the pH system maintained a systematic and consistent behavior while measuring the pH of new water samples. An eventual intention-mediated conditioning of the pH measurement system occurred because of changes in the properties of the electrode internal electrolyte.
Protective effect of Matricaria chamomilla extract against 1,2-dimethylhydrazine-induced colorectal cancer in mice
Authors: El Joumaa Manal M. , Taleb Robin I. , Rizk Sandra , Borjac Jamilah M. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Background
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major public health problem, with almost 1.8 million newly diagnosed cases and about 881,000 deaths annually. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is a well-documented medicinal herb that possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties. This study aimed to unravel the effect of aqueous chamomile extract against 1,2-dimethylhydrazine(DMH)-induced CRC in mice.

Methods
Male Balb/c mice received a weekly intraperitoneal injection of DMH (20 mg/kg body weight) for 12 weeks. Chamomile extract (150 mg/kg body weight/5 days/week p.o.) was administered at the initiation and post-initiation stages of carcinogenesis. Polyps count, histopathological analysis, real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis of Wnt signaling genes, ELISA of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and enzyme assay for inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were performed.

Results
Chamomile extract modulated the Wnt pathway in colonic tissues, where it significantly downregulated Wnt5a, β-catenin, T cell factor (Tcf4), lymphoid enhancer factor 1 (Lef1), c-Myc and Cyclin D1 expression levels, while it upregulated adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) and glycogen synthase kinase (GSK3β) expression levels. This extract significantly reduced COX-2 levels and iNOS activities. Polyps count and histopathological analysis provided supportive evidence for the biochemical and molecular analyses.

Conclusions
Chamomile can act as a potent dietary chemopreventive agent against DMH-induced CRC.
Effects of whole-body vibration training on bone density and turnover markers in adolescent swimmers
Authors: Marin-Puyalto Jorge , Gomez-Cabello Alba , Gonzalez-Aguero Alejandro , Matute-Llorente Angel , Gomez-Bruton Alejandro , Jürimäe Jaak , Casajus Jose Antonio , Vicente-Rodriguez German 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundWhole-body vibration training has recently been proposed as a complementary training modality to improve the bone health of adolescent swimmers. However, there is no longitudinal study regarding the effects of this training combination on bone metabolism. Therefore, the main goal was to analyze the effects of swimming and vibration training on bone turnover markers during adolescence.MethodsThe present study included 68 adolescent swimmers and 41 normoactive controls (CON). Swimmers were randomly selected to either continue with their regular swimming training (SWI) or participate in an additional vibration protocol (VIB). Anthropometric measurements and serum level determinations of osteocalcin (OC), procollagen type 1 N-terminal propeptide (P1NP) and C-terminal telopeptide crosslaps (CTX) were performed before and after the 6-month intervention.ResultsStatistically significant group by time interactions were found for both bone formation markers. VIB showed a decrease over time in OC (baseline: 101.4 μg/mL, follow-up: 82.8 μg/mL, p < 0.05) and P1NP (baseline: 528.4 μg/mL, follow-up: 389.0 μg/mL, p < 0.05) and SWI had analogous reductions in P1NP (baseline: 685.8 μg/mL, follow-up: 542.0 μg/mL, p < 0.05), whereas CON experienced an increase in OC levels (baseline: 94.4 μg/mL, follow-up: 103.4 μg/mL, p < 0.05). After stratifying the sample according to the pubertal status, similar interactions were observed.ConclusionsThe combination of swimming training and this particular vibration protocol led to a decrease in bone formation markers, especially during early puberty. Whole-body vibration might not induce an osteogenic stimulus in adolescent swimmers.
Hyperinsulinism hyperammonaemia (HI/HA) syndrome due to GLUD1 mutation: phenotypic variations ranging from late presentation to spontaneous resolution
Authors: Brandt Agnieszka , Agarwal Neha , Giri Dinesh , Yung Zoe , Didi Mohammad , Senniappan Senthil 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe hyperinsulinism/hyperammonaemia (HI/HA) syndrome is the second most common cause of hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia, caused by activating mutations in GLUD1. In this article, we report a series of three unrelated patients with HI/HA syndrome who demonstrated variable phenotypes, ranging from delayed presentation to spontaneous resolution of hypoglycaemia, thereby expanding the current knowledge and understanding of GLUD1 mutations.Case presentationThis paper is a retrospective analysis of patients with HI/HA syndrome who demonstrated a variable disease course. Patient 1 presented with hypoglycaemic seizures at the age of 7 months and was diagnosed with HI/HA syndrome. Patient 2, a 5-year-old boy, on anti-convulsants since 8 months of age, was diagnosed with HI/HA at the age of 4 years. Patient 3, an 11-year-old girl with a history of transient neonatal hypoglycaemia, was diagnosed with HI/HA at the age of 12 months following evaluation for absence seizures. Patients 1 and 2 had raised ammonia levels, whilst patient 3 had normal ammonia level. The genetic analysis in all three patients confirmed GLUD1 mutation. Good glycaemic control was observed in all following diazoxide treatment. All patients have learning difficulties. Patient 1 demonstrated spontaneous resolution of hypoglycaemia at the age of 8 years, enabling discontinuation of diazoxide.ConclusionsThe cases highlight the diagnostic challenges in HI/HA syndrome due to a highly variable presentation. Knowledge of variable phenotypes would enable early diagnosis, thereby decreasing the risk of long-term neurological damage. Spontaneous resolution of hyperinsulinism could occur, and it is important to consider a trial off diazoxide therapy especially if the patients are on a small dose of diazoxide.
Estimations of total serum testosterone levels in Nigerian term neonates at birth using anogenital distance measurements
Authors: Kareem Abiodun John , Owa Joshua Aderinsola , Elusiyan Jerome Boluwaji Elutayo 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundIn genital anomalies, measurement of total testosterone is required but is expensive and technically difficult to assay. Therefore, the measurement of anogenital distance, which is non-invasive and cheap, could be used to estimate total serum testosterone in neonates. The objective if this study is to determine the relationship between total serum testosterone and anogenital distance and estimate total serum testosterone levels in term neonates using measurements of anogenital distance.MethodsThis was a prospective cross-sectional study. Consecutive healthy term neonates were recruited in the first 72 h of postnatal life. Anogenital distance was measured with a digital vernier calliper. Total serum testosterone was determined using enzyme linked immunoassay.ResultsA total of 240 term neonates comprising 124 (51.7%) males and 116 (48.3%) females were studied. The overall mean anogenital distance was 19.7 (7.7) mm and 26.5 (3.7) mm for males which was more than twice 12.4 (2.3) mm for females (t = 35.3, p < 0.001, 95% confidence interval [CI], 13–14). The overall mean total serum testosterone level was 267.1 (204.8) ng/dL; and 357.4 (241.7) ng/dL in males which was more than twice of 170.6 (80.7) ng/dL for females (t = 7.9, p < 0.001, 95% CI, 144–221). There was positive correlation between total serum testosterone and anogenital distance (r = 0.425, p < 0.001). The correlation was stronger in males than in females. The linear regression equation was as follows: total serum testosterone (ng/dL) = 44.3 + 11.3*AGD (mm) with 95% CI, 8–14.ConclusionsThe known value of anogenital distance could be used to estimate total serum testosterone levels in term neonates.
Functional identities on upper triangular matrix rings
Authors: Yuan He , Chen Liangyun 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Let R be a subset of a unital ring Q such that 0 ∈ R. Let us fix an element t ∈ Q. If R is a (t; d)-free subset of Q, then Tn(R) is a (t′; d)-free subset of Tn(Q), where t′ ∈ Tn(Q),
$\begin{array}{}
t_{ll}'
\end{array} $ = t, l = 1, 2, …, n, for any n ∈ N.
Hyperspectral Image Classification Based on Mathematical Morphology and Tensor Decomposition
Authors: Jouni Mohamad , Mura Mauro Dalla , Comon Pierre 
Published: March 2020

AbstractHyperspectral Image (HSI) classification refers to classifying hyperspectral data into features, where labels are given to pixels sharing the same features, distinguishing the present materials of the scene from one another. Naturally a HSI acquires spectral features of pixels, but spatial features based on neighborhood information are also important, which results in the problem of spectral-spatial classification. There are various ways to account to spatial information, one of which is through Mathematical Morphology, which is explored in this work. A HSI is a third-order data block, and building new spatial diversities may increase this order. In many cases, since pixel-wise classification requires a matrix of pixels and features, HSI data are reshaped as matrices which causes high dimensionality and ignores the multi-modal structure of the features. This work deals with HSI classification by modeling the data as tensors of high order. More precisely, multi-modal hyperspectral data is built and dealt with using tensor Canonical Polyadic (CP) decomposition. Experiments on real HSI show the effectiveness of the CP decomposition as a candidate for classification thanks to its properties of representing the pixel data in a matrix compact form with a low dimensional feature space while maintaining the multi-modality of the data.
microRNA-204-5p participates in atherosclerosis via targeting MMP-9
Authors: Wang Na , Yuan Yuliang , Sun Shipeng , Liu Guijian 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the role and mechanism of microRNA-204-5p (miR-204-5p) in atherosclerosis (AS)-related abnormal human vascular smooth muscle cells (hVSMCs) function. Firstly, we analyzed the expression of miR-204-5p and found that the miR-204-5p expression level was clearly downregulated in atherosclerotic plaque tissues and blood samples compared to the normal controls. Then, matrix metallopeptidase-9 (MMP-9) was predicted to be the potential target of miR-204-5p by TargetScan and this prediction was confirmed by luciferase assays. Besides, we observed that miR-204-5p could negatively regulate the expression of MMP-9 in hVSMCs. Subsequently, Thiazolyl Blue Tetrazolium Bromide (MTT) assay, transwell assay and flow cytometry were performed to detect the proliferation, migration and apoptosis of hVSMCs. Down-expression of miR-204-5p led to the promotion of proliferation and migration accompanied with the suppression of apoptosis in hVSMCs, and these effects were reversed by MMP-9-siRNA. In addition, overexpressed miR-204-5p could inhibit hVSMC proliferation and migration and promote the apoptosis of hVSMCs. However, the effects were also abrogated by overexpressed MMP-9. Together, our findings showed that miR-204-5p plays an important role in the growth and migration of hVSMCs by targeting MMP-9, which might be a novel biomarker and promising therapeutic target for AS.
Advances in modelling and analysis of nano structures: a review
Authors: Chandel Vikram Singh , Wang Guannan , Talha Mohammad 
Published: March 2020

AbstractNanostructures are widely used in nano and micro-sized systems and devices such as biosensors, nano actuators, nano-probes, and nano-electro-mechanical systems. The complete understanding of the mechanical behavior of nanostructures is crucial for the design of nanodevices and systems. Therefore, the flexural, stability and vibration analysis of various nanostructures such as nanowires, nanotubes, nanobeams, nanoplates, graphene sheets and nanoshells has received a great attention in recent years. The focus has been made, to present the structural analysis of nanostructures under thermo-magneto-electro-mechanical loadings under various boundary and environmental conditions. This paper also provides an overview of analytical modeling methods, fabrication procedures, key challenges and future scopes of development in the direction of analysis of such structures, which will be helpful for appropriate design and analysis of nanodevices for the application in the various fields of nanotechnology.
Mechanical properties of nanomaterials: A review
Authors: Wu Qiong , Miao Wei-shou , Zhang Yi-du , Gao Han-jun , Hui David 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
As an emerging material, nanomaterials have attracted extensive attention due to their small size, surface effect and quantum tunneling effect, as well as potential applications in traditional materials, medical devices, electronic devices, coatings and other industries. Herein, the influence of nanoparticle selection, production process, grain size, and grain boundary structures on the mechanical properties of nanomaterials is introduced. The current research progress and application range of nano-materials are presented. The unique properties of nano-materials make them superior over traditional materials. Therefore, nanomaterials will have a broader application prospect in the future. Research on nanomaterials is significant for the development and application of materials science.
Expressing the quantity of urinary analytes: a discussion of some issues arising from the monitoring of the menstrual cycle
Authors: Brown Simon , Cooke Delwyn G. , Blackwell Leonard F. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractPractical domestic monitoring of the menstrual cycle requires measurements of urinary metabolites of reproductive hormones: oestrone glucuronide (E1G) and pregnanediol glucuronide (PdG). Data reported in the literature are expressed as (i) concentration, without or with either creatinine- or specific gravity correction, or (ii) excretion rates. This variation in such a fundamental issue prompts consideration of the relationships between the four measures. Because the menstrual cycle kinetics of E1G and PdG are complex, we consider measurements of urinary creatinine, urea, galactose, xylose and inulin which tend to be more stable. We show that uncorrected concentration measurements of these urinary analytes can be positively correlated, negatively correlated or uncorrelated with the serum concentration. Based on measurements of urinary creatinine concentrations, urinary specific gravity and creatinine excretion rates, we conclude that urinary analyte concentration are likely to be more reliable when creatinine-corrected rather than corrected using specific gravity, but that both are less reliable than measurements of the excretion rate. This has implications for the quantitation of any urinary analyte, but especially for the monitoring of the menstrual cycle in which changes in E1G and PdG from one day to the next can be physiologically significant for a woman monitoring her fertility.
The Only Exit From Modern Philosophy
Authors: Harman Graham 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThis article contends that the central principle of modern philosophy is obscured by a side-debate between two opposed camps that are united in accepting a deeper flawed premise. Consider the powerful critiques of Kantian philosophy offered by Quentin Meillassoux and Bruno Latour, respectively. These two thinkers criticize Kant for opposite reasons: Meillassoux because Kant collapses thought and world into a permanent “correlate” without isolated terms, and Latour because Kant tries to purify thought and world from each other rather than realizing that they are always combined in “hybrid” form. What both critiques tacitly accept is the notion that “thought” and “world” are the two major poles of the universe. I claim that this stems from the post-Cartesian assumption that thought and world are the two basic kinds of things that exist. The name “onto-taxonomy” is introduced for this view.