bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrating Data from Multidisciplinary Management of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: a cohort study
Authors: Abbott David Michael , Valizia Claudio , Bortolotto Chandra , Tomaselli Stefano , Saracino Laura , Agustoni Francesco , Pozzi Emma , Eleftheriou Dimitrios , Morbini Patrizia , Rinaldi Pietro , Primiceri Cristiano , Filippi Andrea Riccardo , Stella Giulia
Published: March 2020

Background. Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare and aggressive malignancy that most commonly affects the pleural lining of the lungs. MPM has a strong association with asbestos being at least 80% of cases caused by exposure to its biopersistent fibers. Individuals with a chronic exposure to asbestos generally have a 20-40-year latency with no or few symptoms. Such has been the case in the Piedmont and Lombardy regions of Italy where industrial production of materials laden with asbestos, mainly cements, has created a large number of patients. The fibers from this production did not only pose a substantial risk to the workers breathing the fibers, but also to the relatives and the surrounding community. Since 1992, the use of asbestos has been illegal in Italy, but such a long latency means that our center in the university town of Pavia, which is quite close to two former asbestos factories, is currently receiving a large number of patients. Methods. Since 2017 in Pavia, a multidisciplinary team has been collecting data on over 100 patients with MPM, including presentation, pathology type and the diagnostic method used. In addition, imaging data has also been analyzed in 49 patients who underwent CT with contrast prior to treatment. In this study, we bring together the abundant epidemiologic, histologic, radiologic, and other patient data to compare it with similar studies and draw correlations with predictive and prognostic significance. The basic descriptive statistical analysis was conducted through the Excel “Data Analysis” addon package. Results. Overall, the median survival (OS) was of 13.7 months. It was statistically influenced by the detection of pleural effusion at baseline (p<0.0001) and by histology (survival was higher in epidermoid forms (p<0.0001), irrespective of TNM disease stage. Conclusions. Quite unexpectedly, no statistically significant association could be demonstrated between OS and TNM disease stage at diagnosis. This result confirms that the TNM staging system is probably not adequate to manage MPM alone. Multidisciplinary approach to MPM has allowed us to create robust databases that will help guide radiomic projects, treatment research and thus improved patient management
The Characteristics of Risk Factors in Chinese Young Women with Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Liu Ruifang , Xu Fangxing , Zhou Yujie , Liu Tongku
Published: March 2020

Background In recent years, the prevalence rate of ACS in Chinese young women has been increasing significantly, becoming the main cause of death in young female. This study aimed to investigate the characteristics and difference of risk factors in Chinese young women with ACS and to provide references for ACS prevention and treatment. Methods A 1:1 case-control study was conducted to evaluate risk factors of 415 young female patients with ACS (ACS group) who underwent PCI treatment and 415 young female cases without ACS (control group) who were hospitalized and confirmed by coronary angiography to exclude coronary heart disease from January 2010 to August 2016. The average age of the cases in the two groups was respectively (40.77±4.02) years-old and (40.57±4.01) years-old (P> 0.05). Results The risk factors in ACS group were overweight (64.10%), hypertension (49.88%), hyperlipidemia (35.66%), diabetes (23.37%), depression or anxiety disorder (16.62%), gynecological diseases (16.39%), Hyperuricemia (15.18%), family history of early onset coronary heart disease (14.94%), hyperhomocysteinemia (11.33%), hypothyroidism(14.96%), hypercholesterolemia (8.43%) and high c-reactive protein (7.47%), and were statistically significant difference (P<0.01) compared with that of control group. The average number of risk factors per case in ACS group was significantly more than that of control groups (P<0.01). There was a statistically significant difference in the number of combined risk factors of the overweight cases compared between two groups (P<0.01). Regression analysis showed that hyperlipidemia, hyperhomocysteinemia, overweight（obesity）, high CRP, hypertension, hypothyroidism, gynecological diseases, depression or anxiety, cardiac insufficiency, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, oral contraceptives, family history of early onset CHD, and autoimmune diseases were independent risk factors (P<0.01). The bivariate correlation analysis between CRP level and age was r= -0.158 (P<0.01). This result showed the younger ACS patient is the higher serum CRP. Conclusion The independent risk factors of ACS in young women are hyperlipidemia, hyperhomocysteinemia, overweight, high CRP, hypertension, hypothyroidism, gynecological diseases, depression or anxiety, cardiac insufficiency, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, oral contraceptives, family history of early onset CHD, and autoimmune diseases. The co-existence of multiple risk factors is the main cause suffering from ACS in young women.
Use of powder silicon as a photocurable resin filler for laser stereolithography and prospects for transforming stereolithographic parts with silicon from polymeric to ceramic ones.
Authors: Markov Michael , Vnuk Vyacheslav , Ippolitov Evgeny , Kamaev Sergey , Cherebylo Svetlana
Published: March 2020

The article deals with the peculiarities of using silicon micropowder as a chemically inert filler when creating photocurable resins (PCR) for laser stereolithography. The authors provide the results of their experiments on making three-dimensional parts from such resins and discuss the feasibility of transforming the parts from polymeric, containing a filler, into ceramic ones through annealing. The use of silicon allows for a two-fold increase in the mass of the ceramic component due to the interaction of silicon with air oxygen and with products resulting from the thermal decomposition of the photopolymer's polymer base.
Pur-alpha participates in the progression of Alzheimer's disease through direct and indirect ways
Authors: Shi Xiaoguang , Ren Shuanglai , Zhang Bingying , Guo Shanshan , He Wenxin , Yuan Chengmin , Yang Xiaofan , Ig-lzevbekhai Kevin , Sun Tao , Wang Qinwen , Cui Jianqi
Published: March 2020

Background: Purine rich element binding protein A (Pur-alpha)，encoded by the PURA gene， is an important transcriptional regulator that binds to DNA and RNA and is involved in processes such as DNA replication and RNA translation. Pur-alpha plays an important role in the nervous system. Our previous research found that the regulatory effect of Pur-alpha on APP suggests that it may be involved in the production of beta-amyloids. Suggestting that Pur-alpha may plays a role in Alzheimer ’s disease (AD), but the relevant evidence is insufficient.Methods: We performed RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis of Pura-KO mouse hippocampal neuronal cell line (HT22) to analyze the effect of puralpha deletion on neuron expression profile. And then combined with ChIP-seq analysis to explore the mechanism of Pura on gene regulation.Results: we found 656 differentially expressed genes between HT22 and Pura-KO HT22. A total of 62 overlapping genes were found by comparison with early brain protein expression profiles in mice, which may play important role in early neuronal development. We found 7 Alzheimer’s disease (AD)-related genes (Lpl, Mapt, Mme, Ndufa3, Lrp1, Gapdh, mt-Co3) and 5 Ab clearance related genes (Mme, C3, Lrp1, Insr, Trem2) were regulated by Pur-alpha, suggesting that Pur-alpha plays an important role in AD. Through ChIP-seq analysis, we found that Pur-alpha binds directly to 47 genes and regulates their transcription, including Insr, Mapt, Vldlr, Jag1, etc. The direct regulation of Vldlr，the Reelin ligand，suggests that Pur-alpha may be involved in the process of synaptic plasticity. The direct regulation of Jag1 suggests that Pur-alpha may be involved in the Notch pathway.Conclusions: Our study re-confirms the important role of Pur-alpha in neurodevelopment. The regulation of Pur-alpha on AD-related genes means that Pur-alpha plays an important role in the pathogenesis of AD.
Nutritional Perspectives On Sickle Cell Disease In Africa: A Systematic Review
Authors: Nartey Eunice Berko , Spector Jonathan , Adu-Afarwuah Seth , Jones Catherine L. , Jackson Alan A. , Ohemeng Agartha , Shah Rajiv , Koryo-Dabrah Alice , Kuma Amma Benneh-Akwasi , Hyacinth Hyacinth I. , Steiner-Asiedu Matilda
Published: March 2020

Background

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder and mostly affects individuals living in sub-Saharan Africa. Whilst there is an established link between its pathophysiology and nutritional status, research in this area in Africa is limited and evidence-based nutritional guidelines lacking. This systematic review aimed to evaluate studies in sub-Saharan Africa focused on nutritional aspects of SCD, codify results, and highlight gaps in knowledge that could inform priority-setting for future research.

Methods

The study was conducted using the Preferred Reporting items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. We sought to include all studies involving original research of nutritional status of individuals (children and adults) with SCD in Africa. ‘Nutritional status’ was defined as topics related to dietary intake, measurements of growth or anthropometry, and nutritional-related biomarkers. Studies of anemia alone in non-SCD individuals were excluded as well as studies that assessed individuals with sickle cell trait (i.e., carriers). The databases used were Ovid Embase, Medline, Biosis and Web of Science. Studies conducted between 1995 and 2018 were included in the analyses.

Results

The search returned 366 articles from which 66 studies were included in the final analyses. Most investigations (70%) were conducted in Nigeria. Studies were categorized into one of three main categories: descriptive studies of anthropometric characteristics (47% of studies), descriptive studies of macro- or micronutrient levels (36% of studies), and interventional studies (14% of studies). There were fairly uniform findings that demonstrate that the growth of SCD patients in sub-Saharan Africa was impaired, especially in childhood and adolescence. Studies assessing macro- and micro-nutrients generally had small sample sizes and were exploratory in nature. Only two randomized, placebo-controlled trials were identified, which measured the impact of fatty acid supplementation and lime juice on health outcomes.

Conclusions

The findings of this review are consistent with data from other regional settings that describe a significant risk of malnutrition in individuals with SCD. There appears to be a substantial unmet need for clinical research to better understand the potential utility of nutritional-related interventions for patients with SCD in sub-Saharan Africa, to promote optimal growth and improve health outcomes.
Identification and validation of quantitative trait loci for ascites syndrome in broiler chickens using whole genome resequencing.
Authors: Parveen Alia , Jackson Christa , Dey Shatovisha , Tarrant Katy , Anthony Nicholas B , Rhoads Douglas
Published: March 2020

Background Ascites syndrome is a hypertensive, multifactorial, multigene trait affecting meat-type chickens imposing significant economic losses on the broiler industry. A region containing the CPQ gene has been previously identified as significantly affecting ascites phenotype. The region was discovered through whole genome resequencing focused on chicken chromosome 2. The association was confirmed through further genotyping in multiple broiler populations. Results The whole genome resequencing analyses have now been extended to the current chicken genome assembly. DNA samples were pooled according to gender and phenotype and the pools subjected to next generation sequencing. Loci were identified as clusters of single nucleotide polymorphisms where frequencies of the polymorphisms differed between resistant and susceptible chickens. The chickens are an unselected line descended from a commercial elite broiler line. Regions identified were specific to one or both genders. The data identify a total of 28 regions as potential quantitative trait loci for ascites. The genes from these regions have been associated with hypertensive-related traits in human association studies. One region on chicken chromosome 28 contains the LRRTM4 gene. Additional genotyping for the LRRTM4 region demonstrates an epistatic interaction with the CPQ region for ascites phenotype. Conclusions The 28 regions identified were not previously identified in a multi-generational genome wide association study using 60k Single Nucleotide Polymorphism panels. This work demonstrates the utility of whole genome resequencing as a cost effective, direct, and efficient method for identifying specific gene regions affecting complex traits. The approach is applicable to any organism with a genome assembly and requires no a priori assumptions.
Integrating transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis of hormone pathways in Acer rubrum during developmental leaf senescence
Authors: Zhu Chen , Xiaoyu Lu , Junlan Gao , Yun Xuan , Ren Jie
Published: March 2020

Background: To fully elucidate the roles and mechanisms of plant hormones in leaf senescence, we adopted an integrated analysis of both non-senescing and senescing leaves from red maple with transcriptome and metabolome data.Results: Transcription and metabolite profiles were generated through a combination of deep sequencing, third-generation sequencing data analysis, and ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatograph Q extractive mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QE-MS), respectively. We investigated the accumulation of compounds and the expression of biosynthesis and signaling genes for eight hormones. The results revealed that ethylene and abscisic acid concentrations increased during the leaf senescence process, while the contents of cytokinin, auxin, jasmonic acid, and salicylic acid continued to decrease. Correlation tests between the hormone content and transcriptional changes were analyzed, and in six pathways, genes closely linked with leaf senescence were identified.Conclusions: These results will enrich our understanding of the mechanisms of plant hormones that regulate leaf senescence in red maple, while establishing a foundation for the genetic modification of Acer in the future.
Sacral incidence to pubis: a novel and alternative morphologic radiological parameter to pelvic incidence in assessing spinopelvic sagittal alignment
Authors: Takahashi Yasuhito , Watanabe Kei , Okamoto Masashi , Hatsushikano Shun , Hasegawa Kazuhiro , Endo Naoto
Published: March 2020

Background: Although pelvic incidence (PI) is a key morphologic parameter in assessing spinopelvic sagittal alignment, accurate measurements of PI become difficult in patients with severe hip dislocation or femoral head deformities. This study aimed to investigate the reliability of our novel morphologic parameters and the correlations with established sagittal spinopelvic parameters.Methods: One hundred healthy volunteers (25 male and 75 female), with an average age of 38.9 years, were analysed. Whole-body alignment in the standing position was measured using a slot-scanning X-ray imager. We measured the established spinopelvic sagittal parameters and two original parameters: 1) the sacral incidence to pubis (SIP), which is the value of the angle between the line perpendicular to the superior plate of the first sacral vertebra at its anterior edge and the line connecting this point to the upper edge of the pubic symphysis, and 2) the pelvic inclination angle (PIA).Results: Reliability analysis showed high intra- and inter-rater agreements in all the spinopelvic parameters, with ICCs > 0.9. The SIP and PIA demonstrated strong correlation with PI (R = 0.96) and pelvic tilt (PT) (R = 0.92), respectively. PI could be predicted according to the regression equation: PI = –9.92 + 0.905 * SIP (R = 0.9596, p < 0.0001). The ideal lumbar lordosis (LL) could be predicted using the following equation using PI and age: ideal LL = 32.33 + 0.623 * PI – 0.280 * age (R = 0.6033, p < 0.001) and using SIP and age: ideal LL = 24.29 + 0.609 * SIP – 0.309 * age (R = 0.6177, p < 0.001).Conclusion: Both SIP and PIA were reliable parameters for determining the morphology and orientation of the pelvis, respectively. Ideal LL was accurately predicted using the SIP with equal accuracy as the PI. Our findings will assist clinicians in the assessment of spinopelvic sagittal alignment, decision-making, and ultimately help improve patient quality of life.
More than six weeks to resolve from CT manifestations in COVID-19 patient: A case report
Authors: Xu Wenxiong , Lei Ziying , Chen Dabiao , Li Xuejun , Huang Zhanlian , Liu Jing , Gao Zhiliang , Peng Liang
Published: March 2020

Background: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbroke in Wuhan and spread to the world recently. But there were little studies on how long it took to recover from treatment beginning and resolve from chest computed tomography (CT) imaging so far.Case presentation: A patient diagnosed with severe type of COVID-19 was reported in this study. He was the first patient recovered and discharged from our hospital located in Guangzhou city. Initial chest computed tomography (CT) images of him showed bilateral multiple lobular peripheral ground-glass opacities without consolidation. Features and changes of his chest CT images from admission to discharge and follow-up were demonstrated. It took more than six weeks for lesion resolution in CT manifestations although the symptoms improved for a period of time after proper treatment. Conclusions: Repeated chest CT imaging for a period of more than six weeks in patients of COVID-19 is necessary to ascertain the lesion resolution and completely recovery. The result could be supplementary data to COVID-19 and help health care providers manage the COVID-19 patients.
Diferencias por edad en la aceptación de cursos en línea masivos y abiertos (MOOC)
Authors: Rocha Estrada Francisco Javier , Padilla Rodríguez Brenda Cecilia , Aguado Franco Juan Carlos
Published: March 2020

El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la aceptación de los cursos en línea masivos y abiertos (MOOC, por sus siglas en inglés) en relación con la edad y la generación de los usuarios. La muestra comprendió 103 estudiantes en un programa presencial de aprendizaje de inglés que realizaban MOOC como complemento a su formación. Contestaron una versión en español de una escala basada en el modelo de aceptación de tecnología y adaptada a MOOC. Reportaron una percepción positiva hacia los MOOC y describieron sus beneficios. La edad tuvo una relación débil, positiva y significativa con los factores de aceptación: percepciones de utilidad, facilidad de uso y disfrute. Se presentaron diferencias generacionales, pero sólo las de percepción de utilidad fueron significativas.
Conocimiento, formación y uso de herramientas TIC aplicadas a la Educación Superior por el profesorado de la Universidad Miguel de Cervantes
Authors: Venegas-Ramos Luis , Luzardo Martínez Hendry J. , Pereira Santana Adrián
Published: March 2020

El presente estudio tuvo por objeto conocer el nivel de conocimiento, formación y aplicación que posee el profesorado de la Universidad Miguel de Cervantes (Chile) sobre las herramientas TIC en su práctica personal y docente. La investigación fue de tipo descriptivo - correlacional, con diseño no experimental y de carácter transeccional; desarrollada mediante la aplicación de una encuesta debidamente validada.   Los datos recogidos han permitido establecer que los docentes de la UMC hacen una subutilización de las herramientas  TIC en su práctica docente, debido a una falta de conocimiento y formación ad hoc, y a la falta de políticas institucionales que garanticen el proceso de integración tecnológico – curricular al interior de la Universidad.
Okul Çapında Olumlu Davranışsal Destek Modeli ve İkincil Düzey Müdahalelere Bakış
Authors: ATBAŞI Zehra
Published: March 2020

Öğrencilerin temel sosyal becerilerini geliştirmeye odaklanan Okul Genelinde Olumlu Davranışsal Destek (OGODD), problem davranışları belirleyerek uygun davranışları öğretmek için veriye dayalı bir sistem kullanmaktadır. OGODD ekip çalışmasına dayanan, anaokulundan, liseye kadar pek çok okul ve kademesinde uygulanan bir yapı özelliği taşımaktadır. Okuldaki bütün öğrencileri kapsayan OGODD, tüm öğrencilere ve okul personeline güvenli ve olumlu okul ortamı sunmaktadır. Sunulan destekler okul genelinde, sınıfta ve bireysel müdahaleler biçiminde yürütülmektedir. Her okulun kendine özgü kapsamlı bir sistem kurmasına olanak sağlayan OGODD, öğrencilere yönelik tüm desteği kanıta dayalı olarak sunan bir sistem yaklaşımıdır. OGODD çeşitli stratejiler yoluyla ulaşılan ana bileşenleri bulunan bir yaklaşım olmasına rağmen paket bir program değildir ve üç aşamalı piramit modeliyle açıklanmaktadır. Üç aşamalı bu modelde okuldaki tüm öğrencilerin ihtiyaçlarına yönelik uygulamalar bulunmaktadır. Bu çalışmanın amacı,  OGODD modelinin çerçevesini, bu çerçevede sunulan ikincil düzey müdahaleleri ve ikincil düzey müdahalelerde, öğrencilerin ihtiyaçlarını en iyi şekilde karşılanmasını sağlamaya yönelik yapılması gerekenleri tanımlamaktır. Ayrıca, okulların ikincil düzey müdahalelerini hem başlangıç hem de devam eden uygulanma sürecinde nasıl planladığını açıklayarak gelecekteki araştırma ve uygulamalara ışık tutmak amaçlanmıştır.
Reading Comprehension Interventions for Students with Intellectual Disability: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: AFACAN Kemal
Published: March 2020

The purpose of this literature review was to examine the characteristics and effectiveness of reading comprehension interventions for students with intellectual disability (ID). Electronic databases were searched to identify reading comprehension studies published between 2006 and 2019. A total of 13 emprical studies fit the inclusion criteria. 109 students with ID participated in the studies. Results showed that students with ID were able to develop effective reading comprehension skills after interventions. This literature review highlights effective strategies and materials used to teach reading comprehension skills to students with ID. Limitations along with implications for future research were provided.
Stress analysis of rigid hanger of railway arch bridge based on vehicle-bridge coupling vibration
Authors: Xu Xinyu , Zheng Xiaolong , Zhou Chuanjiang , Chen Xingyu
Published: March 2020

In order to study the stress of two new types of rigid hangers (circular steel and flat-plate rigid hangers) on the railway arch bridges, a finite element model of a railway through arch bridge was established. The influences of different types and sizes of hangers on the dynamic characteristics of the bridge were compared. Based on the established vehicle-bridge coupling vibration model, the influences of circular steel and flat-plate hanger sizes on the stress amplitude of hanger were discussed when the train passes through the bridge. The results show that when the flexible hanger of arch bridge was replaced by the rigid hanger, the symmetrical vertical bending frequency of bridge significantly increased. With the change of the size of flat-plate hanger, the torsional mode of the bridge was doped with the local vibration of the flat-plate hanger. With the increase of circular steel hanger diameter, the maximum stress amplitude of the hanger decreases as a whole. As for the flat-plate hanger, when the long side size b is the same, the maximum stress amplitude of the hanger decreases with the increase of the short side size d. When the short side size d is the same, with the increase of the long side size b, the maximum stress amplitude of the shorter hanger decreases, and the maximum stress amplitude of the longer hanger increases. When the size of the flat-plate hanger is too small or too large, the maximum stress amplitude is large.
Fault diagnosis of rotating machinery under time-varying speed based on order tracking and deep learning
Authors: Wang Taiyong , Zhang Lan , Qiao Huihui , Wang Peng
Published: March 2020

Due to the disadvantages that rely on prior knowledge and expert experience in traditional order analysis methods and deep learning cannot accurately extract the features in time-varying conditions. A fault diagnosis method for rotating machinery under time-varying conditions based on tacholess order tracking (TOT) and deep learning is proposed in this paper. Firstly, frequency domain periodic signals and estimated speed information are obtained by order tracking. Secondly, the frequency domain periodic signal is speed normalized using the estimated speed information. Finally, normalized features are extracted by deep learning network to form feature vector. The feature vector is fed into a softmax layer to complete fault diagnosis of the gearbox. The fault diagnosis of the gearbox results are compared with other traditional methods and show that the proposed fault diagnosis method can effectively identify the faults and obtain higher fault diagnosis accuracy under time-varying speed.
Study on two-stage mounting systems having distributed intermediate mass
Authors: Li Zhengmin , Xu Wei
Published: March 2020

Nowadays, two-stage mounting system having integral intermediate mass is widely applied and researched to attenuate vibration of marine machinery equipment, while two stage mounting system having distributed intermediate mass which has the feature of lightweight and installation dimension is rarely used and studied. The theoretical models of two types of mounting systems are set up and force transmissibility rate of the two mounting systems are deduced through four-pole parameters method. A scale experimental prototype is established to test the isolation efficiency of the two-stage mounting system having distributed intermediate mass. FEMs of the two systems are established to make a comparison ascertaining the difference between the two about vibration isolation efficiency at the different frequency. The result shows that two stage mounting system having distributed intermediate mass achieve better vibration isolation efficiency and take less space than two-stage mounting system having integral intermediate mass if with equivalent intermediate mass. Two-stage mounting system having distributed intermediate mass can meet the requirements of practical projects and provides a new way for engineer to refer to when meet with machinery equipment vibration problems.
A sensitivity analysis of the importance of the dynamic parameters on the paver’s performance
Authors: Nguyen Vanliem , Zhang Jianrun
Published: March 2020

In order to research the impact of the vibration on working stability of the vibration compaction system (VCS) and increase the paver’s performance, the acceleration responses at the screed surface under the excitation frequencies of the tampers and vibration screed are analyzed via the root mean square acceleration responses (RMSAR) at the bottom of the screed surface. A non-linear dynamic model of the VCS is then established to research the impact of the VCS’s dynamic parameters on the performance of paver via the objective functions of the vertical, pitch and roll RMSAR of the vibration screed. The dynamic parameters are then optimized based on a multi-objective genetic algorithm to enhance the paver’s performance. The experiment and simulation results show that the dynamic parameters greatly affect the paver’s performance. The compression performance is quickly increased, while the working stability and paving quality are reduced with increasing the angular deviations of tampers and excitation frequencies of both the tampers and vibration screed and vice versa. Also, the paver’s performance is significantly improved by using the optimal parameters of the VCS.
On applicability of truncation method for damped axially moving string
Authors: Dehraj Sanaullah , Sandilo Sajad H. , Malookani Rajab A.
Published: March 2020

In this paper, the detailed study of the transversal vibrations of a damped axially moving string is considered. Two end pulleys of the string are taken to be fixed and the initial conditions are assumed to be of general displacement field and the general velocity field. The axial speed of the string is considered to be sinusoidal, time-dependent and small compared to wave-velocity. A two timescales perturbation method with a combination of Fourier-sine series which fits the boundary conditions is employed in order to formulate the valid and uniform asymptotic approximations of the exact solutions for the equation. It is found that there are infinitely many values of frequency parameter Ω which cause the internal resonances in system. The fundamental resonant frequency, the non-resonant frequency and the detuning cases have been discussed and analyzed in detail. It has been found explicitly that the total mechanical energy of the infinite dimensional system decreases for two cases of the damping parameter, that is, for δ=2 and for δ>2. By truncation method it has been shown that the mode-amplitude response for first few modes is stable. So, Galerkin’s truncation method may be possible for these two cases of the parameter δ. But for case δ<2 the total mechanical energy of belt system is increasing exponentially. Therefore, it is evident that the Galerkin’s truncation method cannot be applied in order to obtain valid approximations on long timescales, that is, on timescales of O1/ε.
Dynamic characteristics of printing cylinder with rotating dynamic load
Authors: Lei Xiaofei , Hou Heping , Zha Zhaoshuan , Liu Shanhui , Xu Boyang , Liu Peng
Published: March 2020

The structural vibration of the center impression cylinder in the flexographic printing machine will bring about production quality problems such as printing ghosts. To this problem, it become an important method to analysis the dynamic characteristics of the center impression cylinder. In this paper, a three-dimensional structural model of the central impression cylinder is established, and builds the dynamic model in finite element software. The vibration modes of the central impression cylinder were studied in the simple-supported system at both ends of the static impression cylinder. In view of the real existence of the rotating dynamic load, the evolution law of the natural frequency and mode shape of the cylinder with the rotating dynamic load is discussed. It is found that as the rotation speed increases, the natural frequency undergoes two steps, and the natural frequency after each step will keep continuity with the high first-order natural frequency, and the modal shape is the same as the high-order original mode. Then, the mode shape is continuously changed, not have a step.
El impacto de la deuda externa pública sobre la inversión privada en México: un análisis de cointegración
Authors: Castillo Ponce Ramón A. , García Meneses Erika , García Meneses Erika
Published: March 2020

Existe una relación de desplazamiento entre variables de política fiscal y el gasto privado. Se argumenta, por ejemplo, que el gasto público desincentiva a la inversión privada. Sin embargo, la evidencia formal indica que esta relación de desplazamiento no siempre se cumple. En particular, se ha mostrado que es posible encontrar una relación de complementariedad entre el gasto público y variables reales del sector privado, como el consumo y la inversión, en el largo plazo. En este trabajo analizamos la dinámica estocástica de corto y de largo plazo de la inversión privada y la deuda externa pública en México, una variable que ha sido poco utilizada como proxy del gasto público. Por medio de la estimación de un modelo de corrección de error, derivamos resultados consistentes con los encontrados en la literatura reciente. Esto es, identificamos que, mientras que la deuda pública externa exhibe una relación inversa con la inversión privada en el corto plazo, esta relación se invierte en horizontes amplios.
Capital humano e ingresos en la manufactura de Tijuana y Mexicali, 1994-2001
Authors: Cabrera Claudio , Mungaray Alejandro , Varela Rogelio , Hernández Emilio
Published: March 2020

El presente trabajo analiza los ingresos de los empleados de las manufacturas de Tijuana y Mexicali en función de los niveles de escolaridad y la experiencia laboral a partir de un modelo econométrico de capital humano. Con información proveniente de la Encuesta Nacional de Empleo Urbano (ENEU), se integró una base de datos de panel representativa con una muestra de 184 observaciones para Tijuana entre 1994 y 2001 (8 años y 23 ramas) y de 112 para Mexicali entre 1998 y 2001 (4 años y 28 ramas). El hecho de que la escolaridad sea más importante que la experiencia laboral en la determinación del nivel de ingresos de los trabajadores de la industria manufacturera para Tijuana y Mexicali, significa que en el mercado de trabajo local el nivel de educación es un criterio fundamental de la negociación salarial.
Ethephon no raleio químico de frutos de pessegueiro cultivar Chimarrita
Authors: Anzanello Rafael , Tedesco Assis
Published: March 2020

O raleio é uma das principais práticas culturais do pessegueiro, podendo ser realizada de maneira manual ou química. Este estudo objetivou avaliar o efeito de ethephon como raleante químico de frutos da cultivar de pessegueiro Chimarrita. O experimento consistiu na aplicação de ethephon nas doses de 0, 50, 80, 110 and 140 mg L-1, por pulverização até o ponto de gotejo, e de um tratamento de raleio manual, todos realizados em 10/09/2015, em pomar comercial localizado em Veranópolis-RS. O delineamento experimental foi completamente casualizado com seis repetições e uma planta por parcela. As avaliações ocorreram em seis ramos demarcados por planta, totalizando 36 ramos por tratamento. As variáveis analisadas foram: percentual de frutos raleados, índice de frutificação, massa, diâmetro e comprimento de fruto, firmeza de polpa, sólidos solúveis (SS) e acidez titulável (AT). A concentração de ethephon de 80 mg L-1 apresentou taxas de índice de frutificação (21,2%) e de frutos raleados (72,1%) próximos ao tratamento de raleio manual (manejo tomado como referência), com valores obtidos de 22,4% e 75,2%, respectivamente. As características físico-químicas não diferiram entre o tratamento de ethephon 80 mg L-1 e o raleio manual, com massa de fruto e SS de 104,9 g e 8,0 ºBrix para a dose de 80 mg L-1 e 113,1 g e 8,1 ºBrix para o raleio manual. A aplicação de ethephon a dose de 80 mg L-1 mostra-se eficiente para o raleio de frutos de pessegueiro cultivar Chimarrita.
Abietane Diterpenes as Potential Candidates for the Management of Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Etsassala Ninon G.E.R. , Cupido Christopher N. , Iwuoha Emmanuel I. , Hussein Ahmed A.
Published: March 2020

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is considered one of the most common metabolic disorders with an elevated
morbidity and mortality rate. It is characterised by a deficiency in insulin secretion or degradation of secreted
insulin. Many internal and external factors, such as oxidative stress, obesity and sedentary lifestyle, among others,
have been suggested as the major causes of these cell alterations. Diabetes I and II are the most common types of
diabetes. Treatment of type I requires insulin injection, while type II can be managed using different synthetic
antidiabetic agents. However, their effectiveness is limited as a result of low bioavailability, high cost of drug
production, and unfavourable side effects. There is a great need to develop alternative and more active antidiabetic
drugs from natural sources. Different forms of natural products have been used since time immemorial as a
source of medicine for the purpose of curing numerous human diseases, including diabetes. Secondary metabolites
such as polyphenols, flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids and several other constituents have direct and indirect
roles in controlling such diseases; among them, abietane diterpenes have been reported to display a broad spectrum
of promising biological activities including diabetes. This review aimed to summarize existing data from
SciFinder (2005-2018) on the biological importance of abietane diterpenes in the prevention and management of
type 2 diabetes and closely related diseases.
Intranasal Lipid Particulate Drug Delivery Systems: An Update on Clinical Challenges and Biodistribution Studies of Cerebroactive Drugs in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Arora Deepshi , Bhatt Shailendra , Kumar Manish , Vattikonda Hari D.C. , Taneja Yugam , Jain Vishal , Joshi Veenu , Gali Chaitanya C.
Published: March 2020

Background:

Alzheimer is the primary cause of death in the various countries that affects wide strata of the
population. The treatment of it is restricted to a few conventional oral medications that act only superficially. It is
evident that the delivery of a drug to the brain across the blood-brain barrier is challenging as the BBB is armed with
several efflux transporters like the P-glycoprotein as well as nasal mucociliary clearance adds up leading to
decreased concentration and reduced therapeutic efficacy. Considering these, the intranasal IN route of drug
administration is emerging as an alternative route for systemic delivery of a drug to the brain. The intranasal (IN)
administration of lipid nanoparticles loaded with cerebroactive drugs showed promise in treating various
neurodegenerative diseases, since the nasal route allows the direct nose to brain delivery by means of solid lipid
nanoparticles (SLN’s). The tailoring of intranasal lipid particulate drug delivery systems is a pleasing approach to
facilitate uptake of therapeutic agents at the desired site of action, particularly when a free drug has poor
pharmacokinetics/ biodistribution (PK/BD) or significant off-site toxicities.

Objectives:

1) In this review, key challenges and physiological mechanisms regulating intranasal brain delivery in
Alzheimer’s disease, ex vivo studies, pharmacokinetics parameters including brain uptake and histopathological
studies are thoroughly discussed.

:

2) A thorough understanding of the in vivo behaviour of the intranasal drug carriers will be the elusive goal.

:

3) The article emphasizes to drag the attention of the research community working in the intranasal field towards
the challenges and hurdles of the practical applicability of intranasal delivery of cerebroactive drugs.

Method:

Various electronic databases, journals like nanotechnology and nanoscience, dove press are reviewed for
the collection and compilation of data.

Results:

From in vivo biodistribution studies, pharmacokinetics parameters, and gamma scintigraphy images of
various drugs, it is speculated that intranasal lipid particulates drug delivery system shows better brain targeting
efficiency for various CNS disorders in comparison to other routes.

Conclusion:

Various routes are explored for the delivery of drugs to increase bioavailability in the brain for CNS
disorders but the intranasal route shows better results that pave the way for success in the future if properly explored.
Application and Development of Artificial Intelligence and Intelligent Disease Diagnosis
Authors: Ao Chunyan , Jin Shunshan , Ding Hui , Zou Quan , Yu Liang
Published: March 2020

With the continuous development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, big data-supported AI technology with considerable computer and learning capacity has been applied in diagnosing different types of diseases. This study reviews the application of expert systems, neural networks, and deep learning used by AI technology in disease diagnosis. This paper also gives a glimpse of the intelligent diagnosis and treatment of digestive system diseases, respiratory system diseases, and osteoporosis by AI technology.
Mid-Term Results of Simultaneous Reconstruction of Anterior Cruciate and Anterolateral Ligaments in Athletes
Authors: Goncharov E. N. , Koval O. A. , Dubrov V. E. , Bezuglov E. N. , Alekhin A. A. , Goncharov N. G.
Published: March 2020

Relevance. Today, there exist a large number of methods for arthroscopic reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament, however, the return to the competitive level among athletes remains quite low. It is believed that the functional state depends on the restoration of the rotational and anteroposterior stability of the knee. Such data facilitate the search of techniques for additional stabilization of the knee, one of which is the reconstruction of the anterolateral ligament of the knee. The goal of the study was to assess the medium-term results of combined one-stage arthroscopic reconstruction of the anterior cruciate and anterolateral ligaments of the knee in athletes and the probability of their return to the competitive level. Material and Methods. In the period from 2014 to 2015, 50 patients underwent surgery. They were divided into 2 groups. Group 1 (main) consisted of 20 patients, including 10 professional athletes, who underwent the arthroscopic reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament, supplemented by reconstruction of the anterolateral ligament. Group 2 (control) included 30 patients (of which 10 were the professional athletes) who underwent the arthroscopic reconstruction only of the anterior cruciate ligament. Results. Group 1. 2 years after surgical treatment, 100% of patients were able to return to the preoperative competitive levels of activity. The average Tegner Lysholm score before the operation was 72.60±6.45 points, after the operation — 97.40±1.18 points. The average value on the IKDC scale before surgery was 63.1±4.8%, after surgery — 96.3±1.8%. Group 2. Of 30 patients, 2 years after surgery, 20 patients returned to the preoperative and competitive levels (66.7%). Of the professional athletes, 5 out of 10 patients (50%) returned to the competitive level, among amateur athletes — 15 out of 20 patients (75%). The average Tegner Lysholm score before surgery was 69.6±3.5 points, after — 92.1±3.9 points. The average value on the IKDC scale before surgery was 73.4±3.2%, after — 90.3±3.7%. Conclusion. Medium-term results of the study showed that the onestage restoration of the anterior cruciate and anterolateral ligaments, compared with arthroscopic reconstruction of only the anterior cruciate ligament, increased the probability that the patients with high functional requirements and professional athletes would return to sports.
Comment to the Article “Pain in Anterior Knee after Locked Nailing of Diaphyseal Tibia Fractures”
Authors: Chugaev D. V.
Published: March 2020

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The Effect of Narrative on Physical Activity via Immersion During Active Video Game Play in Children: Mediation Analysis
Authors: Sousa Caio Victor , Fernandez Austin , Hwang Jungyun , Lu Amy Shirong
Published: March 2020

Background

Active video games (AVGs) can increase physical activity (PA) and help produce higher physiological expenditure. Animated narrative videos (NVs) possess unique immersive and motivational properties. When added to AVGs, they have been found to increase moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) as opposed to the original no video condition. However, there is no evidence of whether that was due to the NV or the addition of an animated video to an AVG.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the differential effect of adding an NV versus a nonnarrative video (NNV) to an AVG on PA parameters and physiological responses and to explore the mediating role of immersion.

Methods

A total of 22 children aged 8 to 12 years were randomly assigned to the NV or NNV condition. They were instructed to play an AVG (on Xbox Kinect) for as long as they wanted. We used accelerometers to estimate the time spent (in minutes) in MVPA. Heart rate (HR) and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured before, during, and after the AVG play session. The participants then reported their experience of narrative immersion via a questionnaire.

Results

The NV group had significantly higher narrative immersion (mean 3.50, SD 0.55 vs mean 2.91, SD 0.59; P=.03) and MVPA (mean 19.46, SD 13.31 vs mean 7.85, SD 5.83; P=.02) than the NNV group. Narrative immersion was positively correlated with MVPA (r=0.52; P=.01) and average HR during AVG (r=0.43; P=.05). Mediation analysis indicated that narrative immersion mediated the effect of NV (NV vs NNV) on MVPA (direct effect: beta=7.51; P=.01). The indirect effect was that NV was positively correlated with the mediator variable narrative immersion (beta=.59; P=.03), which was itself marginally associated with MVPA (beta=6.95; P=.09); when narrative immersion was included in the model, the regression coefficient was attenuated.

Conclusions

AVG with added narratives elicits more narrative immersion, resulting in more minutes in MVPA. Narrative immersion served as a mediator between NV and MVPA via its elicitation of an elevated HR without increasing RPE. The inclusion of immersive narratives in AVG could be helpful for inducing MVPA, to enhance AVG engagement without additional exertion.
Stroke and Telerehabilitation: A Brief Communication (Preprint)
Authors: Bashir Ayisha
Published: March 2020

UNSTRUCTURED

This rapid communication highlights stroke telerehabilitation, a health care service that provides daily monitoring of the care of patients recovering from stroke, delivering convenient and immediate feedback for patients, family, and caregivers. The delivery, management, and coordination of nursing care services, provided via telecommunications technology, is a convenient method of delivering health care to patients recovering from stroke. It is important to assess the service quality of the telehealth process and to establish the role of telehealth nursing and related technologies in the care of patients recovering from stroke. Studies show that even though both health professionals and participants have reported high levels of satisfaction and acceptance of telerehabilitation interventions, the quality of the evidence on telerehabilitation in poststroke care remains low. Conducting a quality study of telehealth rehabilitation for patients recovering from stroke will help assess if home health agencies with telehealth capabilities caring for patients recovering from stroke and patients with chronic diseases can provide quality care to patients in their home and fill this health care gap. Patients that are severely handicapped and impaired and unable to reside in their home environment are not included in telerehabilitation services provided by the home care agency. It would be informative to study the benefits of telerehabilitation and the care provided to patients recovering from stroke within nursing homes, given the need for social distancing to reduce disease transmission during the current coronavirus disease (COVID-19) global health pandemic. Using telerehabilitation would mean that patients have a lower risk of exposure to infectious agents. Further research into telehealth interventions and stroke management in home care is crucial.
Global Preparedness Against COVID-19: We Must Leverage the Power of Digital Health (Preprint)
Authors: Mahmood Sultan , Hasan Khaled , Colder Carras Michelle , Labrique Alain
Published: March 2020

UNSTRUCTURED

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has revealed many areas of public health preparedness that are lacking, especially in lower- and middle-income countries. Digital interventions provide many opportunities for strengthening health systems and could be vital resources in the current public health emergency. We provide several use cases for infection control, home-based diagnosis and screening, empowerment through information, public health surveillance and epidemiology, and leveraging crowd-sourced data. A thoughtful, concerted effort—leveraging existing experience and robust enterprise-grade technologies—can have a substantive impact on the immediate and distal consequences of COVID-19.