bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Methimazole-Induced Pleural Effusion in the Setting of Graves’ Disease
Authors: Khine Le Yu , Kim Dong Won , Olajide Omolola , White Chelsey , Shweihat Yousef , Driscoll Henry
Published: August 2019

Methimazole is a thionamide drug that inhibits the synthesis of thyroid hormones by blocking the oxidation of iodine in the thyroid gland. We report a case of methimazole-induced recurrent pleural effusion. A 67-year-old female with recently diagnosed Graves’ disease on methimazole 20mg daily was admitted with dyspnea and new onset atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular rate. Chest X-ray revealed a unilateral right pleural effusion, which was consistent with a transudate on thoracocentesis. She was managed as a case of congestive heart failure and methimazole dose was increased to 30 mg daily. She was readmitted twice with recurrent right pleural effusion. The fluid revealed an exudative process on repeat thoracocentesis. CT scan of the chest with contrast showed mediastinal lymphadenopathy and a diffuse ground glass process involving the right lower lobe suggestive of pneumonitis. Bronchoalveolar lavage showed neutrophil predominant fluid, and cytology and adenosine deaminase were negative. Patient also had an endobronchial ultrasound guided biopsy of the lymph nodes (EBUS). She was treated empirically with steroids 40 mg for 10 days and the methimazole was also discontinued. The antinuclear antibodies (ANA) came back positive with a speckled pattern; antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (c-ANCA) and antimyeloperoxidase were also positive. The effusion resolved but recurred on rechallenge with methimazole. She was referred for urgent thyroidectomy. The patient’s repeat chest X-ray showed complete resolution of the pleural effusion after stopping the methimazole. Few weeks later, repeat ANCA and antimyeloperoxidase antibody were both negative. Our case report highlights the importance of the recognition of a rare side effect of methimazole. Timely diagnosis would ensure that appropriate treatment is given.
Mechanism Analysis of Organic Matter Enrichment of Upper Ordovician-Lower Silurian Shale in the Upper Yangtze Area: Taking Jiaoye-1 Well in the Jiaoshiba Block as an Example
Authors: Liu Xiaoxue , Jiang Zhenxue , Zhang Kun , Song Yan , Jiang Lin , Jiang Shu , Xuan Qixiang , Wen Ming , Huang Yizhou , Wang Xin , Liu Tianlin , Xie Xuelian
Published: August 2019

Organic matter is the material basis of shale hydrocarbon generation. The current organic matter content in shale is controlled by the original sedimentary organic matter abundance. Therefore, the study of the enrichment mechanism of sedimentary organic matter in shale has become an important issue to be solved. The Upper Yangtze area is the important exploration and exploitation area of marine shale gas in China. The shale of the Upper Ordovician Wufeng Formation-Lower Silurian Longmaxi Formation in the Yangtze area is the research object. Choosing redox indicator and biological productivity indicator, the study explores the enrichment mechanism of sedimentary organic matter from two aspects, sealing of water and volcanic activity. The results show that excess siliceous mineral in the shale of the Wufeng Formation-Longmaxi Formation in the Upper Yangtze area is bioorigin. Excess siliceous mineral can be used as one of the indicators of biological productivity. On the one hand, layer phenomenon occurred since the strong water sealing during the sedimentary period of Wufeng and the lower section of the Longmaxi Formation, which results in the high content of oxygen in surface water. On the other hand, the active volcanic activity brought volcanic ash which was beneficial to biological reproduction. Both of these factors led to higher biological productivity during this period. At the same time, the strong sealing of water made the lower layer of the water more reductive, and the active volcanic activity caused climate change, enhancing the reduction of the lower layer of the water, which made the rich organic matter deposited from the surface water well preserved. In the sedimentary period of the upper section of the Longmaxi Formation 1st member in the Upper Yangtze area, on the one hand, due to the weakened sealing of water, the oxygen content of the upper water decreased. On the other hand, the volcanic activity weakened until it stopped, and the source of volcanic ash rich in nutrient elements decreased. These two aspects led to lower biological productivity during this period. At the same time, the weaker water sealing could lead to a decrease in the reduction of the lower layer of the water, and the gradual cessation of volcanic activity no longer affected the climate, causing the destruction of sedimentary organic matter by oxidation.
Emulator Based on Switching Functions for a Dual Interleaved Buck‐Boost Converter
Authors: Sánchez Vázquez Marco Antonio , Araujo-Vargas Ismael , Cano-Pulido Kevin
Published: August 2019

Under the unavailability of some components of a complex system, the Hardware In the Loop (HIL) tool allows the emulation of other subsystems. When these devices are not available, a customized emulator can be developed based on the Piecewise Linear Model (PWLM) and a numerical method for solving the differential equations system. However, these implementations require the use of a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) with extensive hardware resources. In this article we propose the use of switching functions for the modeling of power converters of a Hybrid Power System (HPS), allowing the reduction of hardware resources of the FPGA, and the number of steps per switching cycle is increased. The results are compared with SABER simulations and a PWLM evaluated with the Euler method.
Enhancement of Permeability Activated by Supercritical Fluid Flow through Granite
Authors: Nohara Tsuyoshi , Uno Masaoki , Tsuchiya Noriyoshi
Published: August 2019

This geological study utilized electron probe microanalysis of granitic rocks to evaluate traces of hydrothermal fluid activity. Amphibole-plagioclase thermometry was applied to estimate the temperature of a glassy vein as approximately 700°C. The results of mesoscopic and microscopic observations of the rock core obtained through borehole investigations revealed that the track of supercritical fluid flow was microfracture filling with hornblende and plagioclase. Grain-boundary microfractures and parallel microfractures were recognized as traces formed by the limited activity of the supercritical fluid immediately after granite setting in the Late Cretaceous. The current high permeability of a borehole in and around the track of supercritical fluid flow was recognized to be related to the microfracture network. In order to investigate the enhancement of permeability activated by the supercritical fluid flow through granite, the results of this geological study and existing data from in situ permeability tests were analysed. Various fractures in and around the trace of a self-sealing zone were investigated for another borehole rock core. The trace of the self-sealing zone, which was composed of filling textures associated with the supercritical fluid, corresponded to the current low-permeability section of the borehole. Representative types were proposed for simple classification based on the characteristics of fractures and the permeability data of each test section. A high-angle fracture of chlorite filling in combination with an open fracture and the development of a sericite-filling fracture network including a low-angle open fracture were recognized as characteristics of high-permeability types. The results of this study indicate that the enhancement of permeability was activated by supercritical fluid flow through granite.
Removal of Grit from Baby Leafy Salad Vegetables by Combinations of Sanitiser and Surfactant
Authors: Dakwa Vongai , Eyles Alieta , Gracie Alistair , Tamplin Mark , Ross Tom
Published: August 2019

Grit composed of dirt, sand, and small stones adheres to baby leafy salad vegetables during the growing period and can sometimes be difficult to remove with sanitiser only or tap water. For the first time, the effect of a surfactant, sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS), alone (0.025, 0.05, and 0.1% SDS) and in combination (0.05% SDS) with peroxyacetic acid (40 mg·L−1, PAA), on grit removal, quality, shelf-life, and taste of baby spinach was investigated. Increasing SDS from 0.025 to 0.1% resulted in a 21–50% increase in grit removal from spinach and coral lettuce. Overall, SDS treatments had no effect on microbial growth, colour, and electrolyte leakage during shelf-life. An increase in bruising, sliming, and yellowing scores was also observed regardless of the treatment, reaching an unacceptable score (<3) by d12 for all samples; however, yellowing scores were still within the acceptable range (>3) on d14. There were no differences in sensorial attributes, namely, flavour, aroma, and texture, between baby spinach samples treated with PAA alone or in combination with SDS. These results demonstrate that SDS treatment can be used to increase grit removal from baby leafy salad vegetables without compromising quality.
Full‐Scale Testing of Precast Concrete Bridge Using Internal Connector in Negative Moment Region
Authors: Lee Heeyoung , Min Junki , Chung Wonseok
Published: August 2019

Conventional concrete marine structures are difficult to construct on site and can cause pollution of the environment. Therefore, concrete marine structures require the development of methods that can minimize the amount of construction that needs to be performed in the field. This study aims at facilitating assembly through the use of precast girders and precast bent cap and at improving construction efficiency by minimizing cast‐in‐place structures. The proposed bridge can reduce the negative moment of the girder through continuous connection. In this study, a full‐scale connection specimen with a 10.0 m span was fabricated, and the behavior of the precast connection was evaluated by performing a negative moment performance test. In addition, a finite element model was developed to compare each loading step with the test results. The failure mode of the specimen was that the reinforcing bars yielded at the joint of the cast‐in‐place section and the precast girder. As a result of the study, this proposed bridge is easy to construct because it minimizes the process of connecting the coping and girders using the internal connector. Also, the proposed bridge has 155% higher structural performance than the designed load at the negative moment connection part.
Using Spatial Regression to Model Potentially Toxic Metal (PTM) Mobility Based on Physicochemical Soil Properties
Authors: Magno Melissa A. , Nandi Arpita , Luffman Ingrid E.
Published: August 2019

Mining processes generate waste rock, tailings, and slag that can increase potentially toxic metal (PTM) concentrations in soils. Un-reclaimed, abandoned mine sites are particularly prone to leaching these contaminants, which may accumulate and pose significant environmental and public health concerns. The characterization and spatial delineation of PTMs in soils is vital for risk assessment and soil reclamation. Bumpus Cove, a once active mining district of eastern Tennessee, is home to at least 47 abandoned, un-reclaimed mines, all permanently closed by the 1950s. This study evaluated soil physicochemical properties, determined the spatial extent of PTMs (Zn, Mn, Cu, Pb, and Cd), and examined the influence of soil properties on PTM distribution in Bumpus Cove, TN. Soil samples (n = 52) were collected from a 0.67 km2study area containing 6 known abandoned Pb, Zn, and Mn mines at the headwaters of Bumpus Cove Creek. Samples were analyzed for Zn, Mn, Cu, Pb, and Cd by microwave-assisted acid digestion and flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) (12–1,354 mg/kg Zn, 6–2,574 mg/kg Mn, 1–65 mg/kg Cu, 33–2,271 mg/kg Pb, and 7–40 mg/kg Cd). Of the measured PTMs, only Pb exceeds permissible limits in soils. In addition to the PTM analyses, soil physical (texture, moisture content, and bulk density) and chemical (pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC), and total organic carbon (TOC)) properties were evaluated. Spatially weighted multivariate regression models developed for all PTMs using soil physicochemical properties produced improved results over ordinary least squares (OLS) regression models. Models for Zn (R2 = 0.71) and Pb (R2 = 0.69) retained covariatesepH, moisture content, and CEC (Zn), and pH and CEC (Pb). This study will help define PTM concentration and transport and provide a reference for state and local entities responsible for contaminant monitoring in Bumpus Cove, TN.
Streptococcus constellatus Peritonitis and Subsequent Septic Shock following Intrauterine Device Removal
Authors: Tymon-Rosario Joan , Atrio Jessica M. , Yoon Hyun Ah , Erlichman David , Lerner Veronica
Published: August 2019

Background. Previous reports have described cases of abscess formation by Streptococcus constellatus involving the oral cavity, gastrointestinal tract, and septic thrombophlebitis of the right ovarian vein with subsequent bacteremia and septic shock. Ascending infection from the genital tract to the fallopian tubes resulting in peritonitis from Streptococcus constellatus is a rare clinical circumstance where there is minimal information in the literature to guide its diagnosis, management, and expected prognosis. Case. A 36-year-old G3P0111 developed a tubo-ovarian abscess two weeks after intrauterine device (IUD) removal and then rapidly decompensated with septic shock from peritonitis due to Streptococcus constellatus infection. The patient was also newly diagnosed with diabetes and in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) on presentation. She received broad-spectrum antibiotic coverage and required two exploratory surgical procedures to obtain source control. Two Interventional Radiology- (IR-) guided drainage procedures were subsequently performed to drain remaining fluid collections. Her recovery involved a prolonged ICU stay. On hospital day seventy-three, after receiving approximately 8 weeks of antibiotics and the above noted procedures the patient was discharged to a subacute rehabilitation facility. Conclusion. Streptococcus constellatus is a highly pathogenic organism once a systemic septic infection has become established that can cause an ascending genital tract infection resulting in tubo-ovarian abscess formation, peritonitis, and septic shock.
Balance and Gait Improvements of Postoperative Rehabilitation in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease Treated with Subthalamic Nucleus Deep Brain Stimulation (STN-DBS)
Authors: Sato Kazunori , Aita Noriaki , Hokari Yoshihide , Kitahara Eriko , Tani Mami , Izawa Nana , Hatori Kozo , Nakamura Ryota , Sasaki Fuyuko , Sekimoto Satoko , Jo Takayuki , Oyama Genko , Hatano Taku , Shimo Yasushi , Iwamuro Hirokazu , Umemura Atsushi , Hattori Nobutaka , Fujiwara Toshiyuki
Published: August 2019

Background. Deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN-DBS) is a surgical treatment to reduce the “off” state motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Postural instability is one of the major impairments, which induces disabilities of activities of daily living (ADLs). The effectiveness of STN-DBS for postural instability is unclear, and the effect of rehabilitation following STN-DBS has remained uncertain. Objective. The purpose of this study was to examine changes in balance ability, gait function, motor performance, and ADLs following 2 weeks of postoperative rehabilitation in PD patients treated with STN-DBS. Methods. Sixteen patients were reviewed retrospectively from February 2016 to March 2017. All patients were tested in their “on” medication state for balance and gait performance using the Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Mini-BESTest) and the Timed “Up and Go” (TUG) test before the operation, after the operation, and during the discharge period. The UPDRS motor score (UPDRS-III) and Barthel Index (BI) were assessed before the operation and during the discharge period. Rehabilitation focused on muscle strengthening with stretching and proactive balance training. Friedman’s test and the post hoc Wilcoxon’s signed-rank test were used to analyze the balance assessments, and ANOVA and the post hoc Tukey’s test were used to analyze gait performance. The significance level was p<0.05. Results. During the discharge period, the Mini-BESTest and TUG were significantly improved compared with the preoperative and postoperative periods (p<0.05). There were no differences between preoperative and postoperative periods in the Mini-BESTest (p=0.12) and TUG (p=0.91). The BI and motor sections of the UPDRS did not differ significantly between the preoperative and postoperative periods (p=0.45, p=0.22). Conclusion. The results of this study suggest that postoperative rehabilitation improves balance and gait ability in patients with PD treated with STN-DBS.
Risk Factor Assessment and a Ten-Year Experience of DDH Screening in a Well-Child Population
Authors: Kural Bahar , Devecioğlu Karapınar Esra , Yılmazbaş Pınar , Eren Tijen , Gökçay Gülbin
Published: August 2019

Aim. Risk based screening for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) with ultrasound is common. However, risk factors vary from one country to the other since data are insufficient to give clear recommendations. We aimed to evaluate the risk factors for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). Methods. In this retrospective case-control study, the health records of all children, who were followed up between 2004 and 2014 at a well-child unit, were investigated for the diagnosis of DDH in Turkey. Of 9758 children, 57 children were found to have abnormal ultrasonographic findings (according to Graf classification) and these constituted the case group. As the control group, healthy 228 children who matched the case children in birth months were selected. Two groups were compared for the risk factors. Results. A total of 19516 hips of 9758 children were examined for DDH. 97 hips of 57 children were found to have abnormal ultrasonographic findings. When the two groups were compared, breech presentation, multiple pregnancy, and torticollis were identified as risk factors. The female sex was also found to have a significantly high prevalence among the children in the case group. Limited hip abduction, positive Ortolani, and Barlow signs were important clinical findings in the case group. Conclusion. According to our findings, breech presentation, female sex, torticollis, and multiple pregnancy were found to be the risk factors of this disorder. Infants with these risk factors should be investigated carefully for DDH.
Optimal Replenishment and Lot Sizing Strategy for Inventory Mechanism with Step‐Shaped Demand and Backordering
Authors: Zhang Lixia , Han Lili
Published: August 2019

This paper discusses the inventory mechanism with backordering and with the infinite planning horizon consisting of two stages wherein the demand rate in the first stage is strictly greater than that in the second stage. To minimize the retailer’s inventory cost, we establish a lot sizing decision model. On the basis of the inventory cost analysis, we present a closed‐form solution to the model and provide an optimal replenishment and stocking strategy to the retailer. The given numerical experiments show the validity of the model.
In Silico Screening of Circulating MicroRNAs as Potential Biomarkers for the Diagnosis of Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Wu Lei , Shang Wenwen , Zhao Hong , Rong Guodong , Zhang Yan , Xu Ting , Zhang Jiexin , Huang Peijun , Wang Fang
Published: August 2019

Current screening tests for the diagnosis of ovarian cancer (OC) face enduring challenges. However, microRNAs (miRNAs) are stable in the circulation and may be promising molecular biomarkers for OC prediction. Circulating miRNA expression profiles in OC were analyzed using sequencing data from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Differentially expressed miRNAs were generated from GSE94533, of which some were selected as candidate miRNAs based on an electronic search of the literature and comprehensive evaluation. A meta-analysis was preformed to integrate an evaluation index for these miRNAs in diagnosing OC patients. An independent validation set (GSE106817) was also conducted to further confirm the roles of these miRNAs. We identified four MIR200 members (MIR200A, MIR200B, MIR200C, and MIR429) and MIR25 as being differentially expressed among malignant or benign ovarian tumor patients and healthy controls. In the meta-analysis, these five miRNAs yielded a pooled area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) of 0.78 (sensitivity: 64%, specificity: 88%) in discriminating OC from healthy controls, while the four MIR200 members demonstrated a summary AUC of 0.81 (sensitivity: 92%, specificity: 69%) in differing OC cases from patients with benign disease. In the validation set, differential expression and ROC curve analyses of these miRNAs were consistent except for MIR25. The circulating MIR200 family has the potential to become reliable and noninvasive biomarkers for OC diagnosis. Studies with larger cohorts are warranted to validate the applicability of these miRNAs.
Numerical Simulation of Air Entrainment Performance of a Foam Generator Used for Dust Control in Coal Mines
Authors: Wang Hetang , Tang Yan
Published: August 2019

Mine dust is one of the most serious environmental hazards in the coal mining process. This paper introduces a numerical simulation of a novel foam generator used for dust control in coal mines. The amount of foam generated by this device significantly depends on the amount of air entrainment. Therefore, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method was used to study three influencing factors, namely, throat‐nozzle distance, mixing throat length, and the contraction angle of the suction chamber. The predicted values by the CFD simulation proved to be in good agreement with the experimental data. The results revealed that the air entrainment reached its maximum when the ratio of throat‐nozzle distance to mixing throat length was 2/3. The optimum values of the throat ratio (its length to diameter) and the contraction angle of the suction chamber were obtained at 20 and 5°, respectively. This research provides essential guidance in the geometric parameter design of the self‐suction type foam generator, which has the advantage of negating the need for compressed‐air pipelines and having high reliability, compared to traditional foam generators.
How to Avoid an Upside-Down Orientation of the Graft during Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty?
Authors: Wasielica-Poslednik Joanna , Schuster Alexander K. , Rauch Lilian , Glaner Jessica , Musayeva Aytan , Riedl Jana C. , Pfeiffer Norbert , Gericke Adrian
Published: August 2019

Purpose. Incorrect anterior-posterior orientation of the Descemet endothelial complex (DEC) is one of the causes of failure of Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK). We evaluated a new marking technique to avoid such a misorientation. Method. A new marking technique of the DEC was evaluated in patients requiring primary DMEK. A Braille-“R”-letter was applied dot by dot onto the stromal surface of the DEC after lifting it by injecting an air-bubble into the interface between the endothelial surface of the partially stripped graft. The positioning of the graft was intraoperatively controlled by an orientation of the Braille-“R”-letter. Laboratory tests were conducted to test the impact of the marking technique on endothelial cell count. Results. We included prospectively 37 eyes of 30 patients. Four eyes were phakic and 33 pseudophakic. Five grafts (14%) presented an undifferentiated rolling tendency in the anterior chamber, and evaluation of their positioning was possible due to orientation of the mark alone. In case of an upside-down orientation, grafts were flipped immediately. A correct orientation of the graft was achieved in all cases at the end of the surgery. The endothelial cell loss due to the mark was estimated to be less than 0.3%. At 3- and 6-month follow-ups, the mean best-corrected visual acuity was 0.21 ± 0.15 and 0.15 ± 0.11 logMAR, respectively, and endothelial cell density was 1661 ± 349 and 1618 ± 396 cells/mm2, respectively. Only one patient (3%) needed re-bubbling. Conclusions. To rely on the natural rolling tendency of the graft alone does not assure its correct positioning in all cases. Creation of the mark with 4 dots punctuated on the air-lifted stromal side of the DEC is a simple and endothelial cell saving marking method to ensure correct orientation of the graft during DMEK.
Quantitative Multiparameter Evaluation of Vacuoles in Intraocular Lenses Employing a High-Magnification Digital Microscopy Method
Authors: Spiezio Vincent , Walker Bennett N. , Calogero Don , Ilev Ilko K.
Published: August 2019

As small imperfections with micrometric sizes, fluid-filled vacuoles, also referred to as glistenings, in intraocular lenses (IOLs) have been known to induce significant unwanted light scattering that in several cases presumably cause complaints and sometimes lead to IOL explantation and replacement. This unwanted scatter is of particular concern for patients viewing bright light in reduced-light conditions such as when driving at night, as the scattered light toward the retina can cause temporary blindness. In this study, we have developed and implemented an accurate test methodology based on a high-magnification digital microscopy approach for quantitative multiparameter evaluation and classification of IOL vacuoles depending on their critical optical characteristics including vacuole size, density, shape, and orientation within the IOL material. Using the multiparameter database developed by evaluating vacuole characteristics, we established a classification grading system that can be used to evaluate vacuole effects on light scattering.
Application of an Improved Cloud Model and Distance Discrimination to Evaluate Slope Stability
Authors: Guo Jiang , Wang Jiachuang , Liu Shihao
Published: August 2019

With the rapid development of China’s economy, the construction of infrastructure has continuously improved. In the past few years, the construction of water conservancy projects has been constantly developing, and related geological disasters have become increasingly prominent. The stability of water conservancy slopes is related to whether water conservancy projects can be safely constructed and built to function safely and effectively, which has become a topic of increasing concern for geologists and related researchers. This paper selects the Jinping 1 Hydropower Station in Sichuan, China, for analysis. Four categories of evaluation factors (geological, engineering, environmental, and monitoring) and 24 subfactors (17 quantitative indicators and 7 qualitative indicators) are selected to ascertain the risk of the slope more accurately. By investigating the deficiencies of the traditional cloud model, the related concepts and computational models of a finite‐area cloud model are proposed. By obtaining the characteristic parameters, the degrees of membership of the measurement samples belonging to different risk levels are further obtained. The weights of the indicators determined by the cloud processor and the weighted distance discriminant method are used to determine the final weights and achieve a final classification of the slope stability level. The research results demonstrate that the weighted distance discriminant algorithm combined with the improved finite‐interval cloud model can consider the comprehensive information of each evaluation index and the degrees of mutual influence between the indicators, making the evaluation results more objective. Moreover, the proposed approach can quickly and accurately classify slope stability and deliver a prediction of the safety, thereby providing new ideas for evaluating the stability of slopes.
Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) Production by Rhodospirillum rubrum Using a Two-Step Culture Strategy
Authors: Liu Jie , Zhao Youxi , Diao Mengjie , Wang Wanqing , Hua Wei , Wu Shuang , Chen Paul , Ruan Roger , Cheng Yanling
Published: August 2019

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are microbially synthesized biopolyesters which have attracted great attentions as a new biological material, potential alternative to traditional fossil fuel-based plastic due to their biodegradability and biocompatibility. Poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) and poly-(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) are the most common members of PHAs. In this study, the nonsulfur and facultatively phototrophic bacterium Rhodospirillum rubrum was cultivated to accumulate PHA by a two-step culture strategy. Gas chromatography (GC), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) analyses showed that PHAs synthesized from fructose was PHBV, in which the 3HV content was 46.5 mol%, which means the better mechanical property. The molecular weight, distribution, and thermal features were characterized by gel permeation chromatography (GPC), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), and thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA), respectively. The low PDI of 1.08 revealed the narrow and evenly molar mass distribution which shows the stable features. The high melting temperature and their other physical properties implied their potential applications. The traditional process of producing PHBV involves related carbon sources such as valeric acid. However, our study clearly described a new medium formula with fructose and a complete fermentation method to produce PHBV with a high 3HV faction and low molecular distribution.
A Differential Evolution‐Oriented Pruning Neural Network Model for Bankruptcy Prediction
Authors: Tang Yajiao , Ji Junkai , Zhu Yulin , Gao Shangce , Tang Zheng , Todo Yuki
Published: August 2019

Financial bankruptcy prediction is crucial for financial institutions in assessing the financial health of companies and individuals. Such work is necessary for financial institutions to establish effective prediction models to make appropriate lending decisions. In recent decades, various bankruptcy prediction models have been developed for academics and practitioners to predict the likelihood that a loan customer will go bankrupt. Among them, Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) have been widely and effectively applied in bankruptcy prediction. Inspired by the mechanism of biological neurons, we propose an evolutionary pruning neural network (EPNN) model to conduct financial bankruptcy analysis. The EPNN possesses a dynamic dendritic structure that is trained by a global optimization learning algorithm: the Adaptive Differential Evolution algorithm with Optional External Archive (JADE). The EPNN can reduce the computational complexity by removing the superfluous and ineffective synapses and dendrites in the structure and is simultaneously able to achieve a competitive classification accuracy. After simplifying the structure, the EPNN can be entirely replaced by a logic circuit containing the comparators and the logic NOT, AND, and OR gates. This mechanism makes it feasible to apply the EPNN to bankruptcy analysis in hardware implementations. To verify the effectiveness of the EPNN, we adopt two benchmark datasets in our experiments. The experimental results reveal that the EPNN outperforms the Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) model and our previously developed preliminary pruning neural network (PNN) model in terms of accuracy, convergence speed, and Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) curve (AUC). In addition, the EPNN also provides competitive and satisfactory classification performances in contrast with other commonly used classification methods.
Severe and Fatal Multilobar Nonclassic Radiation Pneumonitis following Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) for Treatment of Inoperable Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer: A Report of Two Cases and Possible Enhancement by Concurrent Amiodarone
Authors: Georgiou Anastasios , Farmer Adam
Published: August 2019

Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is considered the standard of care for treatment of inoperable early stage non-small cell carcinoma of the lung. SBRT delivers a very high dose of ionizing radiation to a relatively small region encompassing the tumor and spares a significant portion of the remaining lung from high doses. However, the conformal high dose comes at the expense of treating a larger volume of normal lung to lower doses. In general, this has been deemed to be acceptable with an overall lower risk of radiation pneumonitis. However, in the face of predisposing factors, the higher doses delivered by this technique may lead to an increase in radiation pneumonitis. We report on two patients being treated with SBRT in which severe radiation pneumonitis developed in spite of our radiation dosimetry being significantly below the acceptable limit for lung toxicity. Both patients developed a “fulminant” form of radiation pneumonitis with radiographic abnormalities well beyond the treated volume. In one patient, the disease proved fatal. Both patients were on amiodarone at the time SBRT was administered. Given the rarity of fulminant radiation pneumonitis, especially with the relatively small fields treated by SBRT, we suspect that amiodarone enhanced the pulmonary toxicity.
Abdominal Obesity as a Predictive Factor of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Assessed by Ultrasonography and Transient Elastography in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Healthy Women
Authors: Tantanavipas Siriluk , Vallibhakara Orawin , Sobhonslidsuk Abhasnee , Phongkitkarun Sith , Vallibhakara Sakda Arj-Ong , Promson Kwannapa , Sophonsritsuk Areepan
Published: August 2019

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFLD) share similar clinical presentations including obesity, insulin resistance (IR), and metabolic abnormality. The predictive factors of NAFLD in women with PCOS and specifically in Asian women are not well established. Associated factors for NAFLD assessed by ultrasound (US) among a group of PCOS and healthy women were determined and diagnostic accuracy between US and transient elastography (TE) for NAFLD was compared and correlated. Sixty-three women with ages ranging from 20 to 40 years participated in the present cross-sectional study. Forty-two women with PCOS as diagnosed by the Rotterdam criteria and 21 healthy women were recruited into the study. Women with underlying hepatic diseases and history of alcohol consumption >20 g/day were excluded. Biochemical and hormonal testing, anthropometrics, liver US, and TE were assessed. Waist circumference (WC) greater than 80 cm was the only predictive factor for NAFLD as assessed by US in the whole group (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 5.49, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.85–16.26, p <0.001). The value of the TE-based controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) was significantly correlated with stage of steatosis as assessed by US (correlation coefficient = 0.696, p <0.001). The diagnostic accuracies of dichotomized CAP ≥236 dB/m assessed for NAFLD using US as the gold standard were 84% and 78% sensitivity and specificity, respectively, with the area under the curve at 0.81 (p <0.001). Abdominal obesity, rather than the presence of PCOS, was shown to be the independently associated factor for NAFLD. WC could be used as the primary screening tool before performing complicated intervention for detection of steatosis. TE is an alternative noninvasive detection tool in women with PCOS for NAFLD and hepatic fibrosis identification.
Crack Initiation Criteria and Fracture Simulation for Precracked Sandstones
Authors: Huang R. Q. , Wu L. Z. , Li B.
Published: August 2019

The friction coefficient, tip curvature, and different-width crack state influence the stress intensity factor (SIF). The maximum circumferential tensile stress (MTS) and minimum strain energy density criterion (S) face challenges in explaining the mode-II fracture propagation of cracks. The maximum radial shear stress (MSS) and modified twin shear stress factor (ITS) criteria are proposed as the brittle mode-II fracture criteria. The experiments and numerical analysis are also performed. The results indicate that the fracture angles of the MSS and ITS were similar and different from the results of MTS and S. The equivalent stress intensity factors (ESIFs) from the mixed mode I-II are proposed to determine the fracture mode. There are different fracture models for different cracks under tensile and compressive stresses. The ratio of the tensile strength to uniaxial compressive strength influenced the fracture angle of ITS. The lateral pressure coefficient (k) had a significant effect on the mode-II fracture angle when the angle between the crack and the vertical direction is less than 40° and the lateral pressure coefficient is more than 0. Because the same fracture mode k (k > 0) can inhibit mode-I fracturing, conversely, it can also promote mode-I fracturing. Experimental results and numerical simulations of fracture propagation under uniaxial compression confirmed that the theoretical results were correct.
Effects of Vacuum Freeze-Drying and Vacuum Spray-Drying on Biochemical Properties and Functionalities of Myofibrillar Proteins from Silver Carp
Authors: Niu Jianzhen , Zhao Binfan , Guo Xiujin , Yin Tao
Published: August 2019

Fish protein powders were produced from silver carp myofibrillar proteins using vacuum freeze-drying and vacuum spray-drying. Biochemical properties and functionalities of freeze-dried and spray-dried powders were determined. The myofibrillar proteins were partially denatured under both the drying methods which were evidenced by the increase of free sulfhydryl content, surface hydrophobicity, and intrinsic fluorescence while the decrease of the Ca2+-ATPase activity and percentage of theα-helical structure. With respect to vacuum freeze-drying, the proteins were denatured to a higher degree by vacuum spray-drying. The spray-dried fish protein powder showed a higher water retention capacity and emulsifying stability index, but the same solubility and emulsifying activity index. The micrographs indicate that vacuum freeze-dried powder formed a spongy structure, while the powder under vacuum spray-drying mostly appeared spherical in shape with hollow inside. Thus, the two drying methods can be used to manufacture fish protein powders with varied molecular structures and functionalities.
GSK-3 Inhibitor Promotes Neuronal Cell Regeneration and Functional Recovery in a Rat Model of Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Lei Fei , He Wen , Tian Xinggui , Zhou Qingzhong , Zheng Lipeng , Kang Jianping , Song Yueming , Feng Daxiong
Published: August 2019

The reparative process following spinal cord injury (SCI) is extremely complicated. Cells in the microenvironment express multiple inhibitory factors that affect axonal regeneration over a prolonged period of time. The axon growth inhibitory factor glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) is an important factor during these processes. TDZD-8 (4-benzyl-2-methyl-1,2,4-thiadiazolidine-3,5-dione) is the most effective and specific non-ATP-competitive inhibitor of GSK-3. Here, we show that administering TDZD-8 after SCI was associated with significantly inhibited neuronal apoptosis, upregulated GAP-43 expression, increased density of cortical spinal tract fibers around areas of injury, and increased Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) scores in the lower limbs. These findings support the notion that GSK-3 inhibitors promote neuronal cell regeneration and lower limb functional recovery.
Forecasting Primary Energy Requirements of Territories by Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average and Backpropagation Neural Network Models
Authors: Pan Ning-Kang , Lv Chunwan
Published: August 2019

Forecasting energy data, especially the primary energy requirement, is the key part of policy‐making. For those territories of different developing types, seeking a knowledge‐based and dependable forecasting model is an essential prerequisite for the prosperous development of policy‐making. In this paper, both autoregressive integrated moving average and backpropagation neural network models which have been proved to be very efficient in forecasting are applied to the forecasts of the primary energy consumption of three different developing types of territories. It is shown that the average relative errors between the actual data and simulated value are from 4.5% to 5.9% by the autoregressive integrated moving average and from 0.04% to 0.47% by the backpropagation neural network. Specially, this research shows that the backpropagation neural network model presents a better prediction of primary energy requirement when considering gross domestic product, population, and the particular values as predictors. Furthermore, we indicate that the single‐input backpropagation neural network model can still work when the particular values have contributed most to the energy consumption.
6-Phosphofructo-2-Kinase/Fructose-2,6-Biphosphatase-2 Regulates TP53-Dependent Paclitaxel Sensitivity in Ovarian and Breast Cancers
Authors: Yang Hailing , Shu Zhang , Jiang Yongying , Mao Weiqun , Pang Lan , Redwood Abena , Jeter-Jones Sabrina L. , Jennings Nicholas B. , Ornelas Argentina , Zhou Jinhua , Rodriguez-Aguayo Cristian , Bartholomeusz Geoffrey , Iles LaKesla R. , Zacharias Niki M. , Millward Steven W. , Lopez-Berestein Gabriel , Le Xiao-Feng , Ahmed Ahmed A. , Piwnica-Worms Helen , Sood Anil K. , Bast Robert C. , Lu Zhen
Published: August 2019

Purpose:

Paclitaxel is an integral component of primary therapy for breast and epithelial ovarian cancers, but less than half of these cancers respond to the drug. Enhancing the response to primary therapy with paclitaxel could improve outcomes for women with both diseases.

Experimental Design: Twelve kinases that regulate metabolism were depleted in multiple ovarian and breast cancer cell lines to determine whether they regulate sensitivity to paclitaxel in Sulforhodamine B assays. The effects of 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase 2 (PFKFB2) depletion on cell metabolomics, extracellular acidification rate, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and apoptosis were studied in multiple ovarian and breast cancer cell lines. Four breast and ovarian human xenografts and a breast cancer patient-derived xenograft (PDX) were used to examine the knockdown effect of PFKFB2 on tumor cell growth in vivo.

Results:

Knockdown of PFKFB2 inhibited clonogenic growth and enhanced paclitaxel sensitivity in ovarian and breast cancer cell lines with wild-type TP53 (wtTP53). Silencing PFKFB2 significantly inhibited tumor growth and enhanced paclitaxel sensitivity in four xenografts derived from two ovarian and two breast cancer cell lines, and prolonged survival in a triple-negative breast cancer PDX. Transfection of siPFKFB2 increased the glycolysis rate, but decreased the flow of intermediates through the pentose–phosphate pathway in cancer cells with wtTP53, decreasing NADPH. ROS accumulated after PFKFB2 knockdown, which stimulated Jun N-terminal kinase and p53 phosphorylation, and induced apoptosis that depended upon upregulation of p21 and Puma.

Conclusions:

PFKFB2 is a novel target whose inhibition can enhance the effect of paclitaxel-based primary chemotherapy upon ovarian and breast cancers retaining wtTP53.
Aromatase Inhibitor as Treatment for Severely Advanced Bone Age in Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia: A Case Report
Authors: Goedegebuure Wesley J. , Hokken-Koelega Anita C.S.
Published: August 2019

Introduction:Treatment with aromatase inhibitors (AI) is a potential novel treatment in patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) and advanced bone age (BA), to increase near adult height (NAH). Not much is known about the efficacy of AI treatment in CAH and how AI treatment will influence the management of corticosteroid treatment. Case Presentation:At the age of 6 years and 3 months, a boy with salt-losing CAH presented with a BA 7 years in advance. Treatment with an AI (exemestane) was initiated to decelerate bone maturation. We continued the standard dosage of corticosteroid treatment. Precocious puberty was treated with 4 years of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist, while AI treatment was continued until attainment of NAH. His NAH 177.7 cm (–0.8 SDS) was considerably higher than his predicted adult height of 151.3 cm (–4.6 SDS) at the start of AI treatment. The higher serum androgen levels during AI treatment did not result in short adult stature. Discussion/Conclusion:This report shows that AI treatment can adequately decelerate bone maturation, causing predicted adult height to increase significantly in patients of CAH with accelerated bone maturation. We suggest continuing the same corticosteroid dosage during AI treatment and accepting higher serum androgen levels.
Hebrew Poetry and the Appositive Style: Parallelism, Requiescat in pace
Authors: Holmstedt Robert D.
Published: August 2019

Michael O’Connor (whose 1980 opus, Hebrew Verse Structure, provides a compelling linguistically grounded description of the poetic line) has called the endurance of Lowthian parallelism a “horror” that wreaks havoc on lexical semantics and “is beyond the comprehension of any sensitive student of language.” Why does a model known to be a descriptive failure for a century persist in teaching resources and commentaries? It is because nothing compelling has risen to replace it. O’Connor’s linguistic analysis of the line offered the first piece to replacing the traditional model, but O’Connor’s model was more compelling for the structure of the poetic line than for the relationship of lines. In this study I take up interlineal syntax and offer an analysis that compliments and completes O’Connor’s approach, allowing us to provide a proper burial for the admirable but ultimately unworkable Lowthian parallelism.
A Guardian of Universal Interest or Increasingly Out of Its Depth?
Authors: Collins Richard , French Duncan
Published: August 2019

In contemporary debates on the authority of global institutions, there is an important yet often overlooked organisational curiosity: namely, the International Seabed Authority (‘ISA’). The ISA reflects a highpoint in international communitarian governance. Premised around traditional notions of access, control and allocation of deep seabed resources, its mandate is both invariably spatial-temporal, and yet also limited and functional. Its purpose is to govern the extraction of seabed mineral resources for the collective benefit of the international community. To achieve that ambition, however, a highly complex and bureaucratic regulatory structure has been established. In this paper we aim to consider this tension in the mandate of the ISA, particularly insofar as it manifests in aspects of its institutional design and functioning in practice. Recognising these dynamics not only helps one better understand governance of the deep seabed, but also broadly demonstrates the innate tensions in granting institutional control over common spaces.
Rethinking International Institutionalisation through Treaty Organs
Authors: Arribas Gloria Fernández
Published: August 2019

Treaty organs constitute a new system of international cooperation. The lack of definition and regulation for these new entities and their particularities deserves in-depth analysis due to its proliferation, especially in the area of international environmental law. This article will analyse the establishment of treaty organs and will seek a definition that allows them to be differentiated from international organizations. It will give attention to the concept of a set of organs and legal personality to determine the differences between international organizations and treaty organs. Finally, the possible application of international institutional law to treaty organs will be studied.