bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transfer stability of urban subway network with passenger flow: Evidence in Beijing
Authors: Zhang Hui , Shi Baiying , Yu Xiaohua , Mou Zhenhua , Li Meiling , Wang Lin , Zhuge Chengxiang
Published: April 2018

Stability of urban subway systems is a crucial issue in daily operation. This paper proposes a node failing process to test the stability of subway network by structure-based and flow-based node evaluation indicators. Furthermore, three network evaluation indicators are used to measure the network performance. The average transfer number of times (ATT) that is strongly associated with network structure and passenger flow will be discussed specifically. The results show that removing nodes with large inbound passenger flow cannot effectively damage the subway network structure, but it can result in significant increment of the ATT in the whole network. Another finding is that the ATT is smaller in peak hours compared with off-peak hours.
Short and biased introduction to groupoids
Authors: Stachura Piotr
Published: April 2018

The algebraic part of an approach to groupoids started by Zakrzewski is presented together with some new results on formal properties of morphisms.
Blow-up solutions of the stochastic nonlocal heat equations
Authors: Wang Xiaohuan
Published: April 2018

This paper is concerned with the blow-up phenomenon of stochastic nonlocal heat equations. We first establish the sufficient condition to ensure that the stochastic nonlocal heat equations have a unique non-negative solution. Then the problem of blow-up solutions in finite time is considered.
The Noether number of p-groups
Authors: Cziszter Kálmán
Published: April 2018

A group of order [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text] prime) has an indecomposable polynomial invariant of degree at least [Formula: see text] if and only if the group has a cyclic subgroup of index at most [Formula: see text] or it is isomorphic to the elementary abelian group of order 8 or the Heisenberg group of order 27.
Special arrangements of lines: Codimension 2 ACM varieties in ℙ1 × ℙ1 × ℙ1
Authors: Favacchio Giuseppe , Guardo Elena , Picone Beatrice
Published: April 2018

In this paper, we investigate special arrangements of lines in multiprojective spaces. In particular, we characterize codimension 2 arithmetically Cohen–Macaulay (ACM) varieties in [Formula: see text], called varieties of lines. We also describe their ACM property from a combinatorial algebra point of view.
Skew quasi cyclic codes over 𝔽q + v𝔽q
Authors: Özen Mehmet , Tuğba Özzaim N. , İnce Halit
Published: April 2018

In this work, skew quasi cyclic codes over [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] are considered. The generating set for one generator skew quasi cyclic codes over [Formula: see text] is also determined. We discuss a sufficient condition for one generator skew quasi cyclic codes to be free. Furthermore, a BCH type bound is given for free one generator skew quasi cyclic codes. We investigate the dual of skew quasi cyclic codes over [Formula: see text]. We give a necessary and sufficient condition for skew cyclic codes over [Formula: see text] to contain its dual. Moreover, we construct quantum codes from skew cyclic codes over [Formula: see text]. By using computer search we give some examples about skew quasi cyclic codes and list some quantum parameters in the table.
Direct and semidirect product of n-ary polygroups via n-ary factor polygroups
Authors: Shehu Lumnije , Davvaz Bijan
Published: April 2018

In this paper, we define an equivalence relation induced by [Formula: see text]-ary subpolygroups and show that such relation is full conjugation when [Formula: see text]-ary subpolygroup is normal. Then, we introduce a construction and some properties of direct product of [Formula: see text]-ary polygroups via [Formula: see text]-ary factor polygroups. This construction in principle is enlargement of elements of [Formula: see text]-ary polygroup except zero. Finally, we introduce and investigate the semidirect product of [Formula: see text]-ary polygroups via [Formula: see text]-ary factor polygroups.
A supercharacter theory for Sylow p-subgroups of the Steinberg triality groups
Authors: Sun Yujiao
Published: April 2018

We determine a supercharacter theory for the matrix Sylow [Formula: see text]-subgroup [Formula: see text] of the Steinberg triality group [Formula: see text], and establish the supercharacter table of [Formula: see text].
Cohn–Leavitt path algebras and the invariant basis number property
Authors: Kanuni̇ Müge , Özaydin Murad
Published: April 2018

We give the necessary and sufficient condition for a separated Cohn–Leavitt path algebra of a finite digraph to have Invariant Basis Number (IBN). As a consequence, separated Cohn path algebras have IBN. We determine the non-stable K-theory of a corner ring in terms of the non-stable K-theory of the ambient ring. We give a necessary condition for a corner algebra of a separated Cohn–Leavitt path algebra of a finite graph to have IBN. We provide Morita equivalent rings which are non-IBN, but are of different types.
Solving of nonlinear Fredholm integro-differential equation in a complex plane with rationalized Haar wavelet bases
Authors: Erfanian Majid , Zeidabadi Hamed
Published: April 2018

Everyone knows about the complicated solution of the nonlinear Fredholm integro-differential equation in general. Hence, often, authors attempt to obtain the approximate solution. In this paper, a numerical method for the solutions of the nonlinear Fredholm integro-differential equation (NFIDE) of the second kind in the complex plane is presented. In fact, by using the properties of Rationalized Haar (RH) wavelet, we try to give the solution of the problem. So far, as we know, no study has yet been attempted for solving the NFIDE in the complex plane. For this purpose, we introduce the continuous integral operator and real valued function. The Banach fixed point theorem guarantees that, under certain assumptions, the integral operator has a unique solution. Furthermore, we give an upper bound for the error analysis. An algorithm is presented to compute and illustrate the solutions for some numerical examples.
The null set of the join of paths
Authors: Eniego Arnold A. , Garces I. J. L.
Published: April 2018

For positive integer [Formula: see text], a graph [Formula: see text] is said to be [Formula: see text]-magic if the edges of [Formula: see text] can be labeled with the nonzero elements of Abelian group [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] (the set of integers) and [Formula: see text] is the group of integers mod [Formula: see text], so that the sum of the labels of the edges incident to any vertex of [Formula: see text] is the same. When this constant sum is [Formula: see text], we say that [Formula: see text] is a zero-sum [Formula: see text]-magic graph. The set of all [Formula: see text] for which [Formula: see text] is a zero-sum [Formula: see text]-magic graph is the null set of [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we will completely determine the null set of the join of a finite number of paths.
Performance analysis of Arithmetic Mean method for solving composite 6-point closed Newton–Cotes quadrature algebraic equation
Authors: Muthuvalu Mohana Sundaram , Galligani Emanuele , Ali Majid Khan Majahar , Sulaiman Jumat , Lebelo Ramoshweu Solomon
Published: April 2018

The main focus of the paper is to study the performance of Arithmetic Mean (AM) iterative method in solving large and nonsingular dense linear system arising from the composite 6-point closed Newton–Cotes quadrature (6-CCNC) approximation of inhomogeneous linear Fredholm integral equations of the second kind. The derivation and implementation of the method are discussed. Some numerical results are also presented.
Unit groups of group algebras of certain dihedral groups-II
Authors: Sahai Meena , Ansari Sheere Farhat
Published: April 2018

In this paper, we establish the structure of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] is a finite field and [Formula: see text] is the dihedral group of order [Formula: see text]. For an odd prime [Formula: see text], we also establish the structure of [Formula: see text], when characteristic of [Formula: see text] is [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text].
Early Oligocene partial melting via biotite dehydration melting and prolonged low-pressure–low-temperature metamorphism of the upper High Himalaya Crystalline Sequence in the far east of Nepal
Authors: Imayama T. , Takeshita T. , Yi K. , Fukuyama M.
Published: April 2018

Early Oligocene partial melting and prolonged low-pressure–low-temperature (low-P/T) metamorphism were investigated in migmatites and orthogneisses from the upper High Himalaya Crystalline Sequence (HHCS) in the far east of Nepal. The migmatites were formed by biotite dehydration melting at
c.
800°C from 33 to 25 Ma. Cordierite was only produced at shallow crustal levels at pressures <6 kbar. After Early Oligocene partial melting, the low-P/T metamorphism continued until 17 Ma during exhumation of the cordierite-bearing migmatites. Early Oligocene biotite dehydration melting in the upper HHCS occurred at different times and locations from the Early Miocene muscovite dehydration melting in the underlying HHCS and the metamorphic discontinuity was accompanied by thrusting of the High Himalayan Discontinuity at
c.
27–19 Ma. Pervasive partial melting and prolonged low-P/T metamorphism in the upper HHCS is more compatible with a lateral southwards channel flow of the upper HHCS along the High Himalayan Discontinuity, whereas current channel flow models explaining the exhumation of the HHCS as driven only by the coupled activity of the Main Central Thrust and South Tibetan Detachment have faced difficulties in explaining the timing of the low-P/T metamorphism observed in the upper HHCS.

Supplementary material:
The representative cordierite compositions from the cordierite migmatites, the far east of Nepal are available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.4068815
High-intensity muscle metaboreflex activation attenuates cardiopulmonary baroreflex-mediated inhibition of muscle sympathetic nerve activity
Authors: Katayama Keisho , Kaur Jasdeep , Young Benjamin E. , Barbosa Thales C. , Ogoh Shigehiko , Fadel Paul J.
Published: April 2018

Previous studies have shown that muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) is reduced during low- and mild-intensity dynamic leg exercise. It has been suggested that such inhibition is mediated by loading of the cardiopulmonary baroreceptors and that this effect is overridden by muscle metaboreflex activation with higher-intensity exercise. However, limited data are available regarding the interaction between the cardiopulmonary baroreflex and the muscle metaboreflex. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that cardiopulmonary baroreflex-mediated inhibition of MSNA is attenuated during high-intensity muscle metaboreflex activation. In nine young men, MSNA (right peroneal nerve), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and thoracic impedance were recorded. Graded isolation of muscle metaboreflex activation was achieved via postexercise ischemia (PEI) following low (PEI-L)-, moderate (PEI-M)-, and high (PEI-H)-intensity isometric handgrip performed at 20, 30, and 40% maximum voluntary contraction, respectively. Lower-body positive pressure (LBPP, +10 Torr) was applied at rest and during PEI, to load the cardiopulmonary baroreceptors. Handgrip exercise elicited intensity-dependent increases in MSNA and MAP that were maintained during PEI, indicating a graded muscle metaboreflex activation. LBPP at rest significantly decreased MSNA burst frequency (BF: −36.7 ± 4.7%, mean ± SE, P < 0.05), whereas MAP was unchanged. When LBPP was applied during PEI, MSNA BF decreased significantly at PEI-L (−40.0 ± 9.2%, P < 0.05) and PEI-M (−27.0 ± 6.3%, P < 0.05), but not at PEI-H (+1.9 ± 7.1%, P > 0.05). These results suggest that low- and moderate-intensity muscle metaboreflex activation does not modulate the inhibition of MSNA by cardiopulmonary baroreceptor loading, whereas high-intensity metaboreflex activation can override cardiopulmonary baroreflex-mediated inhibition of sympathetic vasomotor outflow.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY The interaction between the sympathoinhibitory influence of cardiopulmonary baroreflex and sympathoexcitatory effect of skeletal muscle metaboreflex is not completely understood. In the current study, light- to moderate-intensity muscle metaboreflex activation did not modulate the suppression of muscle sympathetic nerve activity by cardiopulmonary baroreceptor loading, whereas high-intensity muscle metaboreflex activation attenuated the cardiopulmonary baroreflex-mediated inhibition of muscle sympathetic nerve activity. These results provide important information concerning the neural reflex mechanisms regulating sympathetic vasomotor outflow during exercise.
Evaluation and Comparison of Three Types of Spray Dried Coprocessed Excipient Avicel® for Direct Compression
Authors: Vodáčková Pavlína , Vraníková Barbora , Svačinová Petra , Franc Aleš , Elbl Jan , Muselík Jan , Kubalák Roman , Solný Tomaš
Published: April 2018

As coprocessed excipients (CPE) gain a lot of focus recently, this article compares three commercially available CPE of Avicel brand, namely, CE 15, DG, and HFE 102. Comparison is based on measured physical properties of coprocessed mixtures, respectively, flow properties, pycnometric density, mean particle size, specific surface area, moisture content, hygroscopicity, solubility, pH leaching, electrostatic charge, SEM images, and DSC. Tablets were made employing three pressure sets. Viscoelastic properties and ejection force were assessed during compression, as well as pycnometric density, mass uniformity, height, tensile strength, friability, disintegration, and wetting times. Avicel CE 15 is of mid-range flow properties, contains mid-size and nonspherical particles, and has high hygroscopicity, growing negative charge, best lubricity, lowest tensile strength, and mid-long disintegration times. Avicel DG possesses the worst flow properties, small asymmetrical particles, lowest hygroscopicity, stable charge, intermediate lubricity, and tensile strength and exhibits fast disintegration of tablets. Finally, Avicel HFE 102 has the best flow properties, large symmetrical particles, and middle hygroscopicity and its charge fluctuates throughout blending. It also exhibits inferior lubricity, the highest tensile strength, and slow disintegration of tablets. Generally, it is impossible to select the best CPE, as their different properties fit versatile needs of countless manufacturers and final products.
A Sparse Modulation Signal Bispectrum Analysis Method for Rolling Element Bearing Diagnosis
Authors: Wang Guangbin , Gu Fengshou , Rehab Ibraham , Ball Andrew , Li Long
Published: April 2018

Modulation signal bispectrum (MSB) analysis is an effective method to obtain the fault frequency for rolling bearing, but harmonics make fault frequency dense and even frequency aliasing. Carrier frequency of bearing is generally determined by its structure and inherent characteristics and changes with the increase of the damage degree, so it is hard to be accurately found. To solve these problems, this paper proposes a sparse modulation signal bispectrum analysis method. Firstly the vibration signal is demodulated by MSB analysis and its bispectrum is obtained. After the frequency domain filtering, the carrier frequency is computed based on the characteristics of energy concentration at the carrier frequency on MSB. By shift-frequency MSB (SF-MSB), the carrier frequency is moved to the coordinate origin, the entire MSB is shifted for the same distance, and SF-MSB is obtained. At last, the bispectrum is shifted to the frequency zero point and diagonal slices are performed to obtain a sparse representation of MSB. Experimental results show that sparse MSB (S-MSB) method can not only eliminate the interference of harmonic frequency, but also make the extracted characteristic frequency of fault more obvious.
Effect of Recasted Material Addition on the Quality of Metal‐Ceramic Bond: A Macro‐, Micro‐, and Nanostudy
Authors: Beer–Lech Karolina , Pałka Krzysztof , Skic Anna , Surowska Barbara , Gołacki Krzysztof
Published: April 2018

Using the recasted alloys in dental prosthetics could affect the quality of the metal‐ceramic bond. However, scientists, alloys producers, and prosthetists are still of different opinions. The purpose of this study was to estimate the influence of recasting of the NiCrMo alloy on the metal‐ceramic bond quality. The research was carried out on macro‐, micro‐ and nanoscales using the three‐point bending test procedure and hardness tests as well as atomic force microscopy and SEM analyses. The SEM analyses showed good integrity of the metal‐ceramic bond. The τb index of all test samples was greater than 45 MPa. The highest values were recorded for the samples made of 50% and 100% of a brand new material. SEM analysis made after the bending test confirmed good metal‐ceramic bond and exhibited adhesive‐cohesive fracture. The largest hardness of metal plates was found for the samples containing 50% of the recycled material. Atomic force microscopy studies showed that the alloy containing 50% of the recycled material was characterized by the highest values of surface roughness parameters.
Outcomes of Delayed Sternal Closure in Pediatric Heart Surgery: Single-Center Experience
Authors: Hurtado-Sierra Daniel , Calderón-Colmenero Juan , Curi-Curi Pedro , Cervantes-Salazar Jorge , Sandoval Juan Pablo , García-Montes José Antonio , Benita-Bordes Antonio , Ramírez-Marroquin Samuel
Published: April 2018

Background. Delayed sternal closure (DSC) after cardiac surgery is a therapeutic option in the treatment of the severely impaired heart in pediatric cardiac surgery. Methods. A single-center retrospective review of all bypass surgeries performed over a 10-year period (2003–2012). Results. Of a total of 2325 patients registered in our database, the DSC group included 259 cases (11%), and the remaining 2066 cases (89%) constituted the control group (PSC). RACHS-1 risk was higher for the DSC group (74% had a score of 3 or 4) than for the PSC group (82% had a score of 2 or 3). The most frequent diagnosis for the DSC group was transposition of the great arteries (28%). We found out that hemodynamic instability was the main indication observed in patients aged ≤ 8 years (63%), while bleeding was the principal indication for patients aged ≥ 8 years (94%) (p≤0.001). The average time between surgery and sternal closure was 2.3±1.4 days. Overall mortality rates were higher for patients of the DSC group (22%) than for the PSC group (8.7%) (OR: 0.4 (95% CI: 0.4 to 0.5), p<0.05). There were six patients with DSC who developed mediastinitis (2.3%). The risk of mediastinitis was significantly higher when DSC was performed 4 days after the primary surgery. Conclusions. DSC is an important management strategy for congenital cardiac surgery in infants and children. The prolonged sternal closure time is associated with an increased rate of postoperative mediastinitis.
The Effect of SnCl2/AmF Pretreatment on Short- and Long-Term Bond Strength to Eroded Dentin
Authors: Zumstein Katrin , Peutzfeldt Anne , Lussi Adrian , Flury Simon
Published: April 2018

This study investigated the effect of SnCl2/AmF pretreatment on short- and long-term bond strength of resin composite to eroded dentin mediated by two self-etch, MDP-containing adhesive systems. 184 dentin specimens were produced from extracted human molars. Half the specimens (n=92) were artificially eroded, and half were left untreated. For both substrates, half the specimens were pretreated with SnCl2/AmF, and half were left untreated. The specimens were treated with Clearfil SE Bond or Scotchbond Universal prior to application of resin composite. Microtensile bond strength (μTBS) was measured after 24 h or 1 year. Failure mode was detected and EDX was performed. μTBS results were statistically analyzed (α=0.05). μTBS was significantly influenced by the dentin substrate (eroded < noneroded dentin) and storage time (24 h > 1 year; p<0.0001) but not by pretreatment with SnCl2/AmF or adhesive system. The predominant failure mode was adhesive failure at the dentin-adhesive interface. The content of Sn was generally below detection limit. Pretreatment with SnCl2/AmF did not influence short- and long-term bond strength to eroded dentin. Bond strength was reduced after storage for one year, was lower to eroded dentin than to noneroded dentin, and was similar for the two adhesive systems.
Two Atypical Cases of Hantavirus Infections from Sri Lanka
Authors: Ehelepola N. D. B. , Basnayake B. M. L. S. , Sathkumara S. M. B. Y. , Kaluphana K. L. R.
Published: April 2018

There are two categories of hantaviruses resulting in two distinct illnesses. The Old World (Asia and Europe) viruses give rise to hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS), and the New World (Americas) viruses cause hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). Hantavirus infections have very similar clinical pictures and epidemiology to leptospirosis. Here, we present two cases of hantavirus infections from Sri Lanka (in South Asia) initially misdiagnosed as leptospirosis and later further investigated and diagnosed as hantavirus infections with serological confirmation of the diagnosis. They had clinical pictures of a combination of both HFRS and HPS as well as the involvement of the central nervous system. Hantavirus infections are rarely diagnosed in South Asia. Reports on such atypical clinical pictures of hantavirus infections are extremely rare. Having arrived at the correct diagnosis late/retrospectively, both these patients recovered notwithstanding being seriously ill, indicating adequate supportive therapy can save lives in such cases. The emergence of the hantavirus, an infection seriously affecting multiple organ systems with a high case fatality rate that is spread by aerosol and other routes, could become a serious public health issue in Sri Lanka.
Evaluation of Colorimetric BCA-Based Quantification of Hydrazide Groups on Magnetic Particles
Authors: Svobodova Zuzana , Jankovicova Barbora , Plichta Zdenek , Horak Daniel , Bilkova Zuzana
Published: April 2018

Magnetic micro- and nanoparticles (MPs) are considered to provide excellent solid support for many immunoanalytical and bioaffinity applications, particularly when they contain hydrazide groups available for site-specific immobilization of various glycoproteins, such as immunoglobulin G and enzymes. To prepare a highly active bioaffinity carrier with sufficient binding capacity, knowledge as to the type and concentration of functional groups used for ligand binding is crucial. Described here is a simple, nontoxic method for rapid estimation of hydrazide functional groups bound to MPs using bicinchoninic acid (BCA). BCA kits are routinely used for colorimetric detection and quantification of total protein in liquid samples. In this study, the BCA reagent was applied for quantification of hydrazide groups on MPs. The approach was carried out using an adipic acid dihydrazide (ADH) solution and subsequently using various hydrazide-containing magnetic and nonmagnetic carriers differing in the density of hydrazide groups. The BCA test’s results obtained on the MPs were compared with those from conventional amino and hydrazide group quantification by the 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS) test.
Affordable Imaging Lab for Noninvasive Analysis of Biomass and Early Vigour in Cereal Crops
Authors: Armoniené Rita , Odilbekov Firuz , Vivekanand Vivekanand , Chawade Aakash
Published: April 2018

Plant phenotyping by imaging allows automated analysis of plants for various morphological and physiological traits. In this work, we developed a low-cost RGB imaging phenotyping lab (LCP lab) for low-throughput imaging and analysis using affordable imaging equipment and freely available software. LCP lab comprising RGB imaging and analysis pipeline is set up and demonstrated with early vigour analysis in wheat. Using this lab, a few hundred pots can be photographed in a day and the pots are tracked with QR codes. The software pipeline for both imaging and analysis is built from freely available software. The LCP lab was evaluated for early vigour analysis of five wheat cultivars. A high coefficient of determination (R2 0.94) was obtained between the dry weight and the projected leaf area of 20-day-old wheat plants and R2 of 0.9 for the relative growth rate between 10 and 20 days of plant growth. Detailed description for setting up such a lab is provided together with custom scripts built for imaging and analysis. The LCP lab is an affordable alternative for analysis of cereal crops when access to a high-throughput phenotyping facility is unavailable or when the experiments require growing plants in highly controlled climate chambers. The protocols described in this work are useful for building affordable imaging system for small-scale research projects and for education.
HealthNode: Software Framework for Efficiently Designing and Developing Cloud-Based Healthcare Applications
Authors: Ra Ho-Kyeong , Yoon Hee Jung , Son Sang Hyuk , Stankovic John A. , Ko JeongGil
Published: April 2018

With the exponential improvement of software technology during the past decade, many efforts have been made to design remote and personalized healthcare applications. Many of these applications are built on mobile devices connected to the cloud. Although appealing, however, prototyping and validating the feasibility of an application-level idea is yet challenging without a solid understanding of the cloud, mobile, and the interconnectivity infrastructure. In this paper, we provide a solution to this by proposing a framework called HealthNode, which is a general-purpose framework for developing healthcare applications on cloud platforms using Node.js. To fully exploit the potential of Node.js when developing cloud applications, we focus on the fact that the implementation process should be eased. HealthNode presents an explicit guideline while supporting necessary features to achieve quick and expandable cloud-based healthcare applications. A case study applying HealthNode to various real-world health applications suggests that HealthNode can express architectural structure effectively within an implementation and that the proposed platform can support system understanding and software evolution.
Association between Body Mass Index and Migraine: A Survey of Adult Population in China
Authors: Huang Qingqing , Liang Xiping , Wang Shiqiang , Mu Xiaosong
Published: April 2018

Both migraine and obesity are prevalent disorders in the general population, which are characterized by disability and impaired quality of life. Although so many researches had studied the association between migraine and obesity, there are still no full knowledge of the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and migraine, especially chronic migraine (CM). In this study, we analyzed a previous epidemiological survey data of primary headache patients in Chongqing, which surveyed consecutive neurological outpatients through face-to-face interview with physicians using a headache questionnaire. 166 episodic migraine (EM) patients and 134 chronic migraine (CM) patients were included in the study out of 1327 primary headache patients. And 200 healthy adults from the physical examination center were included as a control group. Finally, we found that the patients with migraine (EM and CM) were more likely to be overweight, obese, or morbidly obese compared to those in the healthy group. Significant difference was found between BMI and frequency of migraine attacks but not severity or duration of headache onset. And no significant difference was found in severity and duration of headache onset between episodic and chronic migraine among different BMI classifications. Such may update our knowledge about the clinical features of migraine and BMI, revealing that the frequency of attacks may be associated with being overweight, obese, or morbidly obese in patients with migraine and that the extent of being overweight, obese, or morbidly obese in CM patients was lower than that in EM patients.
Soil‐Structure Interaction Effect on Fragility Curve of 3D Models of Concrete Moment‐Resisting Buildings
Authors: Anvarsamarin Ali , Rofooei Fayaz Rahimzadeh , Nekooei Masoud
Published: April 2018

This paper presents the probabilistic generation of collapse fragility curves for evaluating the performance of 3D, reinforced concrete (RC) moment‐resisting building models, considering soil‐structure interaction (SSI) by concentration on seismic uncertainties. It considers collapse as the loss of lateral load‐resisting capacity of the building structures due to severe ground shaking and consequent large interstory drifts intensified by P‐Δ effects as well as the strength and stiffness deterioration of their lateral load carrying systems. The estimation of the collapse performance of structures requires the relation between the intensity measure (IM) and the probability of collapse that is determined using the generated collapse fragility curves. Considering a number of 6‐, 12‐, and 18‐story, 3D, RC moment‐resisting buildings, two scalar IMs are employed to estimate their collapse fragility curve. On the other hand, the effect of the site soil type on the collapse fragility curves was taken into account by considering the soil‐structure interaction. According to the obtained results, adopting the average of spectral acceleration (Saavg) intensity measure is more efficient in capturing the effect of the inherent uncertainties of the strong ground motions on the structural response parameters. In addition, considering the SSI for soil type D with shear‐wave velocity of 180 m/s to 360 m/s reduces the median of intensity measure (IM = Sa(T1)) of fragility curve in 6‐, 12‐, and 18‐story buildings by 4.92%, 22.26%, and 23.03%, respectively.
A Case of Septicemia due to Nonocclusive Mesenteric Ischemia Occurring in Induction Chemotherapy
Authors: Tanaka Hideki , Tsukahara Kiyoaki , Okamoto Isaku , Kojima Rio , Hirasawa Kazuhiro , Sato Hiroki
Published: April 2018

In nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia (NOMI), mesenteric ischemia and intestinal necrosis occur despite the absence of organic blockage in mesenteric blood vessels. As abdominal pain is often absent and few characteristic findings are seen in blood biochemistry, imaging diagnosis or other examinations, discovery is often delayed. With a mortality rate of 56–79%, NOMI is a very serious disease. However, few reports have described this pathology in association with chemotherapy regimens such as those used for malignant head and neck tumors. We encountered a case of NOMI during induction therapy combining cisplatin, docetaxel, and 5-fluorouracil. The patient was a 74-year-old man receiving chemotherapy for T2N2bM0 stage IVA oropharyngeal carcinoma. Febrile neutropenia appeared on treatment day 8. An antibacterial agent and a granulocyte colony-stimulating factor were administered, but septic shock developed and he was transferred to the intensive care unit. Abdominal distension was present and contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the abdomen suggested NOMI. Emergency surgery on day 9 resected the necrotized small intestine and created a single-hole ileostomy. The patient subsequently recovered with 2 weeks of continuous hemodiafiltration and other intensive therapies. Otolaryngological surgeons seldom encounter intestinal diseases, which are thus easily overlooked. The present case report may help in achieving early diagnosis.
Design of the Height of Antiglare Panels along Concave Vertical Curves
Authors: Liang Guo-hua , Dong Chen-hao , Li Yu , Li Ge , Hu Xiao-xia , Cui Li-zhong
Published: April 2018

This study introduces a method for calculating the height of antiglare panels for concave vertical curves. The concave vertical curve is divided into a straight-slope section, transition section, and middle section. The height of the antiglare panels in the middle section is designed based on the glare distance. The height in the straight-slope section is designed based on the height calculation formula given by the Chinese standard. The height of the antiglare panels in the middle section is greater than that in the straight-slope section. There should be a gradual transition in the height difference of the antiglare panels in the transition section. The height gradient of the antiglare panels in the transition section must be designed to ensure visual continuity and comfort for drivers. In the transition section, the transition design is carried out on the height difference of the antiglare panels using the UC-Win/Road simulation software to determine the acceptable height difference for drivers. When the radius of the concave vertical curve does not exceed 30,000 m, the height of the antiglare panel is required to be designed, and the height difference should not exceed 6 cm.
Use of Silica Fume and GGBS to Improve Frost Resistance of ECC with High‐Volume Fly Ash
Authors: Liu Yushi , Zhou Xiaoming , Lv Chengbo , Yang Yingzi , Liu Tianan
Published: April 2018

Fly ash (FA) has been an important ingredient for engineered cementitious composite (ECC) with excellent tensile strain capacity and multiple cracking. Unfortunately, the frost resistance of ECC with high‐volume FA has always been a problem. This paper discusses the influence of silica fume (SF) and ground‐granulated blast‐furnace slag (GGBS) on the frost resistance of ECC with high volume of FA. Four ECC mixtures, ECC (50% FA), ECC (70% FA), ECC (30% FA + 40% SL), and ECC (65% FA + 5% SF), are evaluated by freezing‐thawing cycles up to 200 cycles in tap water and sodium chloride solution. The result shows the relative dynamic elastic modulus and mass loss of ECC in sodium chloride solution by freeze‐thaw cycles are larger than those in tap water by freeze‐thaw cycles. Moreover, the relative dynamic elastic modulus and mass loss of ECC by freeze‐thaw cycles increase with FA content increasing. However, the ECC (30% FA + 40% SL) shows a lower relative dynamic elastic modulus and mass loss, but its deflection upon four‐point bending test is relatively smaller before and after freeze‐thaw cycles. By contrast, the ECC (65% FA + 5% SF) exhibits a significant deflection increase with higher first cracking load, and the toughness increases sharply after freeze‐thaw cycles, meaning ECC has good toughness property.
Vitamin D, Gestational Diabetes, and Measures of Glucose Metabolism in a Population-Based Multiethnic Cohort
Authors: Eggemoen Åse Ruth , Waage Christin Wiegels , Sletner Line , Gulseth Hanne L. , Birkeland Kåre I. , Jenum Anne Karen
Published: April 2018

Objective. We explored associations between maternal 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) status during pregnancy and gestational diabetes (GDM) and other measures of glucose metabolism. Methods. We analysed 25(OH)D at 15 and 28 gestational weeks (GW) in 745 multiethnic pregnant women attending antenatal care units in Oslo, Norway, between 2008 and 2010. GDM was diagnosed with a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test at 28 GW. Separate regression analyses were performed to investigate associations between 25(OH)D and GDM and measures of glucose metabolism. Results. A higher proportion of ethnic minority women had GDM (p<0.01) and low 25(OH)D (p<0.01) compared to Europeans. In logistic regression analyses, 25(OH)D < 50 nmol/L was associated with GDM after adjusting for age, parity, education, and season (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.1–2.2). After additional adjustments for variables reflecting fat mass (skinfolds or BMI) and ethnicity, the association disappeared with ethnicity having a much stronger effect than the adiposity variables. We got similar results exploring effects on other measures of glucose metabolism and when change in 25(OH)D from inclusion to 28 GW was taken into account. Conclusions. Vitamin D deficiency was not associated with GDM or glucose metabolism in a multiethnic population-based study, after adjustments for confounding factors, in particular ethnicity.
Rapid Screening of Volatile Organic Compounds from Aframomum danielli Seeds Using Headspace Solid Phase Microextraction Coupled to Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry
Authors: George Mosotho J. , Njobeh Patrick B. , Gbashi Sefater , Adegoke Gabriel O. , Dubery Ian A. , Madala Ntakadzeni E.
Published: April 2018

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) derived from plants have been used in the fragrance industry since time immemorial. Herein we report on the rapid screening of VOCs from seeds of ripe Aframomum danielli (family, Zingiberaceae) using a polydimethylsiloxane fibre headspace solid phase microextraction coupled to a gas chromatography mass spectrometry (SPME-GC/MS) instrument. Portions of 0.25, 0.35, and 0.50 g of ground sample were weighed and extraction of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) was achieved using a 100 μm polydimethylsiloxane solid phase microextraction (PDMS SPME) fibre, with the equilibrium time of 40 minutes and extraction temperature of 50°C; the following compounds with their respective relative abundances were obtained as the top ten most abundant and annotated ones using NIST, Wiley, and Fragrances Libraries: eucalyptol (58%); β-pinene (22%); α-pinene (7.5%); α-terpineol (4%), α-terpinyl acetate (2%); α-bergamotene (1%); pinocarveol (0.39%); α-copaene (0.35%); caryophyllene (0.34); and β-bisabolene (0.31%). These compounds have been reported elsewhere in the literature and listed in the Fragrances Library, incorporated into the Saturn QP2020 GCMS Solution® software used for their analysis.
Autosomal Recessive Congenital Sensorineural Hearing Loss due to a Novel Compound Heterozygous PTPRQ Mutation in a Chinese Family
Authors: Wu Xia , Wang Shan , Chen Sen , Wen Ying-ying , Liu Bo , Xie Wen , Li Dan , Liu Lin , Huang Xiang , Sun Yu , Kong Wei-jia
Published: April 2018

PTPRQ gene, encoding protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor Q, is essential for the normal maturation and function of hair bundle in the cochlea. Its mutations can cause the defects of stereocilia in hair cell, which lead to nonsyndromic sensorineural hearing loss. Using next-generation sequencing and Sanger sequencing method, we identified a novel compound heterozygous missense mutation, c.4472C>T p.T1491M (maternal allele) and c.1973T>C p.V658A (paternal allele), in PTPRQ gene. The two mutations are the first reported to be the cause of recessively inherited sensorineural hearing loss. Hearing loss levels and progression involved by PTPRQ mutations among the existing cases seem to be varied, and the relationship between genotypes and phenotypes is unclear. Our data here further prove the important role of PTPRQ in auditory function and provide more information for the further mechanism research of PTPRQ-related hearing loss.
Demographic and Clinical Predictors of Trait Impulsivity in Parkinson’s Disease Patients
Authors: Riley Maddeson , Bakeberg Megan , Byrnes Michelle , Jefferson Alexa , Ghosh Soumya , Stell Rick , Mastaglia Frank L. , Hince Dana , Anderton Ryan S.
Published: April 2018

Background. Impulsive behaviour has become increasingly recognised as a neuropsychiatric complication of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Thought to be a product of compromised cognitive control, the spectrum of impulsive behaviours in PD ranges from cognitive disinhibition to impulse control disorders (ICDs). Objective. At present, there are no indicators for trait impulsivity in PD. The objective of the current study was to identify demographic and clinical predictors of susceptibility to trait impulsivity in a cohort of PD patients. Methods. The current study assessed impulsivity using the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale 11 (BIS-11) in a cohort of 87 PD patients. General linear models (GLMs) were used to identify clinical and demographic variables predictive of heightened BIS-11 second-order attentional and nonplanning subscale scores. Results. Male gender, no history of smoking, postsecondary education, and heightened disease severity were predictive of increased BIS-11 attentional scores (p<0.05). Similarly, male gender, after secondary education, and disease severity were predictive of increased BIS-11 nonplanning scores (p<0.05). Contrary to previous reports, dopaminergic medication use was not a significant determinant of either BIS-11 subscale scores. Conclusions. Several demographic and clinical variables including male gender, no history of past smoking, after secondary education, and elevated disease severity are associated with impulsivity in PD.
Overexpression of the Oncogenic Variant (KLF6-SV1) in Young NPC Patients and Correlation with Lack of E-Cadherin
Authors: Debouki-Joudi Saoussen , Mhirsi Sonia , Mokni-Baizig Nehla , Ammous-Boukhris Nihel , Mhamdi Hayet , Gritli Said , Gargouri Raja Mokdad , Marzouki Mohamed Nejib
Published: April 2018

Purpose. The transcription factor Krüppel-like factor 6 (KLF6) regulates various cellular functions, such as metabolism, cell proliferation, and differentiation. KLF6 plays a key role in the development and progression of multiple human cancers. Methods. Fifty primary biopsies and 10 normal nasopharyngeal mucosae were used to analyze by RT-QPCR the expression and the copy number of wtKLF6 and the spliced variants (KLF6-SV1, KLF6-SV2, and KLF6-SV3) in Tunisian patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The expression analysis of E-cadherin and cyclin D1 was conducted by RT-QPCR and Western blot, respectively. Results. The wtKLF6 was significantly downexpressed in tumors compared to normal tissues (p=0.0015), whereas KLF6-SV1 and KLF6-SV2 were overexpressed in tumors compared to wtKLF6 and KLF6-SV3 (p<0.0001). Copy number variation was reduced in tumors compared to normal tissues (p=0.0071). Interestingly, KLF6-SV1 is associated with the juvenile form (p=0.0003) which is more aggressive than the adult form of NPC. Furthermore, the oncogenic variant KLF6-SV1 was overexpressed in tumors lacking the expression of E-cadherin (p=0.0022) suggesting its role in metastasis and tumor progression. The wtKLF6 is associated negatively with cyclin D1 in tumor tissues (p=0.048). Conclusion. The wtKLF6 was downexpressed in contrast with the oncogenic variants. Overexpression of KLF6-SV1 is associated with young patients, and loss of E-cadherin suggests that this variant correlated with the aggressiveness of NPC.
MicroRNA-10b Promotes Apoptosis via JNK Pathway in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Qin Jianyang , Zhou Jia , Teng Ling , Han Ying
Published: April 2018

Background/Aims: To investigate the downregulation of microRNA (miR)-10b in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) and its mechanistic involvement in tumourigenesis. Methods: The relative expression of miR-10b in ccRCC samples were determined by real-time PCR. Exogenous expression and knockdown of endogenous miR-10b were performed by transfection with indicated plasmids into 786-0 cells. Cell proliferation was evaluated using Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. Cell apoptosis was analyzed by Annexin V/propidium iodide staining. MAPK pathway activation was detected by western blotting with indicated antibodies. Results: We confirmed the downregulation of miR-10b in ccRCC tumour. The forced expression of miR-10b inhibited cell proliferation in 786-0 cells. Moreover, miR-10b stimulated apoptosis in 786-0 cells, which was abrogated by specific miR-10b inhibitor. We further elucidated that the apoptosis induction was mediated by the JNK pathway activation. We consolidated this observation by combinational treatment with JNK specific inhibitor, which was shown to completely impede miR-10b elicited apoptosis. Conclusion: We suggested a tumour suppressor function of miR-10b in tumourigenesis of ccRCC via proliferation suppression and apoptosis induction, and the latter was mediated by the JNK pathway activation.
Identification of Risk Factors in High-Dose Methotrexate-Induced Acute Kidney Injury in Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Cheng Dao-Hai , Lu Hua , Liu Tao-Tao , Zou Xiao-Qin , Pang Hui-Mei
Published: April 2018

Aims: Although high-dose methotrexate (HDMTX) is an effective means for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the development of renal dysfunction remains a significant management challenge. This study aimed to identify the key factors in HDMTX-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) in childhood ALL. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data in 1,329 courses of HDMTX treatment in 336 Chinese ALL children at the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University from September 2012 to November 2016. The clinical data were compared between the groups of children with development of AKI and those without. Risk factors were identified by multiple logistic regression analysis, and the diagnostic performance of plasma MTX concentration was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Results: AKI was observed in 88 patients (26.2%) and 104 courses (7.8%). Binary logistic regression revealed that age (OR 1.349; p = 0.005), first HDMTX course (OR 1.767; p = 0.013), MTX dose per body surface area (BSA; OR 1.944; p = 0.015), and baseline serum total protein (OR 0.929; p = 0.021) significantly correlated with AKI. The area under the ROC for 48-h plasma MTX concentration was 0.890 (95% CI 0.850–0.930), and sensitivity and specificity values of the cut-off value were 78.8 and 90.4%, respectively. Conclusion: Increasing age, higher MTX dose per BSA, lower baseline serum protein, and first HDMTX course were significant risk factors for developing HDMTX-induced AKI in childhood ALL. The threshold of 48-h MTX plasma concentration is valuable for the prediction of HDMTX-induced AKI.
Associations between Apolipoprotein E Gene Polymorphisms and Cardiovascular Complications of Uremic Patients on Maintenance Hemodialysis
Authors: Zheng Chang-Zhi , Qi Xiang-Ming , Shu Yong-Bing , Bai You-Wei , Wu Yong-Gui
Published: April 2018

This study is to investigate the associations between apolipoprotein E (ApoE) gene polymorphisms and cardiovascular complications of uremic patients on maintenance hemodialysis (MHD). Uremic patients on MHD (189, case group) and healthy people (165, control group) were recruited. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) was used to test ApoE gene polymorphisms. Indicators of MHD and cardiovascular complications were observed. Compared with the control group, the case group had decreased frequency of ε3/3 genotype and ε3 allele and increased ε4/3 genotype and ε4 allele. The ε4 group had elevated adiponectin, serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and total cholesterol but decreased HDL-C compared with other groups. The ε3 group had reduced complications. ApoE ε3 and ε4 alleles were related with cardiovascular complications of the uremic patients on MHD. We concluded that ApoE gene polymorphisms were associated with susceptibility to infections in uremia, and that ApoE ε3 and ε4 alleles might correlate with cardiovascular complications of uremic patients on MHD.