bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electroacupuncture Alleviated Referral Hindpaw Hyperalgesia via Suppressing Spinal Long-Term Potentiation (LTP) in TNBS-Induced Colitis Rats
Authors: Lv Pei-Ran , Su Yang-Shuai , He Wei , Wang Xiao-Yu , Shi Hong , Zhang Xiao-Ning , Zhu Bing , Kan Yu , Chen Li-Zhen , Wu Qiao-Feng , Yu Shu-Guang , Jing Xiang-Hong
Published: March 2019

Although referred pain or hypersensitivity has been repeatedly reported in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients and experimental colitis rodents, little is known about the neural mechanisms. Spinal long-term potentiation (LTP) of nociceptive synaptic transmission plays a critical role in the development of somatic hyperalgesia in chronic pain conditions. Herein, we sought to determine whether spinal LTP contributes to the referral hyperalgesia in colitis rats and particularly whether electroacupuncture (EA) is effective to alleviate somatic hyperalgesia via suppressing spinal LTP. Rats in the colitis group (induced by colonic infusion of 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid, TNBS), instead of the control and vehicle groups, displayed evident focal inflammatory destruction of the distal colon accompanied not only with the sensitized visceromotor response (VMR) to noxious colorectal distension (CRD) but also with referral hindpaw hyperalgesia indicated by reduced mechanical and thermal withdrawal latencies. EA at Zusanli (ST36) and Shangjuxu (ST37) attenuated the severity of colonic inflammation, as well as the visceral hypersensitivity and referral hindpaw hyperalgesia in colitis rats. Intriguingly, the threshold of C-fiber-evoked field potentials (CFEFP) was significantly reduced and the spinal LTP was exaggerated in the colitis group, both of which were restored by EA treatment. Taken together, visceral hypersensitivity and referral hindpaw hyperalgesia coexist in TNBS-induced colitis rats, which might be attributed to the enhanced LTP of nociceptive synaptic transmission in the spinal dorsal horn. EA at ST36 and ST37 could relieve visceral hypersensitivity and, in particular, attenuate referral hindpaw hyperalgesia by suppressing the enhanced spinal LTP.
Modulation of Antioxidant Potential with Coenzyme Q10 Suppressed Invasion of Temozolomide-Resistant Rat Glioma In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Burić Sonja Stojković , Podolski-Renić Ana , Dinić Jelena , Stanković Tijana , Jovanović Mirna , Hadžić Stefan , Ayuso Jose M. , Virumbrales-Muñoz María , Fernández Luis J. , Ochoa Ignacio , Pérez-García Victor M. , Pešić Milica
Published: March 2019

The main reasons for the inefficiency of standard glioblastoma (GBM) therapy are the occurrence of chemoresistance and the invasion of GBM cells into surrounding brain tissues. New therapeutic approaches obstructing these processes may provide substantial survival improvements. The purpose of this study was to assess the potential of lipophilic antioxidant coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) as a scavenger of reactive oxygen species (ROS) to increase sensitivity to temozolomide (TMZ) and suppress glioma cell invasion. To that end, we used a previously established TMZ-resistant RC6 rat glioma cell line, characterized by increased production of ROS, altered antioxidative capacity, and high invasion potential. CoQ10 in combination with TMZ exerted a synergistic antiproliferative effect. These results were confirmed in a 3D model of microfluidic devices showing that the CoQ10 and TMZ combination is more cytotoxic to RC6 cells than TMZ monotherapy. In addition, cotreatment with TMZ increased expression of mitochondrial antioxidant enzymes in RC6 cells. The anti-invasive potential of the combined treatment was shown by gelatin degradation, Matrigel invasion, and 3D spheroid invasion assays as well as in animal models. Inhibition of MMP9 gene expression as well as decreased N-cadherin and vimentin protein expression implied that CoQ10 can suppress invasiveness and the epithelial to mesenchymal transition in RC6 cells. Therefore, our data provide evidences in favor of CoQ10 supplementation to standard GBM treatment due to its potential to inhibit GBM invasion through modulation of the antioxidant capacity.
Brilliant Green and Acid Orange 74 Dyes Removal from Water by Pinus roxburghii Leaves in Naturally Benign Way: An Application of Green Chemistry
Authors: Rehman Rabia , Muhammad Sara Jan , Arshad Muhammad
Published: March 2019

The purpose of this study was to use low cost and easily accessible biosorbent for batch-scale elimination of brilliant green and acid orange 74 dyes from aqueous solution. Pinus roxburghii leaves were utilized to study their dye-eliminating capacities. The adsorbent was characterized by FTIR, TGA, DTA, and SEM. The optimized conditions for brilliant green and acid orange 74 dye elimination were adsorbent dose, 1.2 and 1.8 g; contact time, 30 and 45 min; pH, 2 and 1; temperature, 50°C and 60°C; and agitation speed, 125 rpm and 50 rpm for BG and AO-74, respectively. Adsorption records well fitted Langmuir isotherm. Possibility of the procedure was shown by negative values of the thermodynamic parameter ∆G° for both dyes. Kinetic studies showed that adsorption of BG and AO-74 dyes from watery solution by PR leaves followed pseudo-second-order kinetics.
A Strategy of Robust Control for the Dynamics of an Unmanned Surface Vehicle under Marine Waves and Currents
Authors: Velueta Manuel J. , Rullan Jose L. , Ruz-Hernandez Jose A. , Alazki H.
Published: March 2019

This work addresses one of the most common problems for mobile robotics (autonomous navigation) but is applied to the dynamical model of a catamaran of small dimensions for monitoring and data acquisition applications. In this work, we present the study of the dynamics of a USV (Unmanned Surface Vehicle) under the presence of two simulated environmental perturbations: marine induced waves and currents. The mathematical model of the vehicle is studied and the equations that describe the behavior of environmental perturbations are also described. A numerical simulation of the model considering the effects of these perturbations is carried out in three degrees of freedom. Also, a strategy of robust control‐based Sliding Mode Control (SMC) is developed for counteracting the effects of the perturbations over the trajectory of the USV.
Polymyositis-Dermatomyositis and Interstitial Lung Disease in Pregnant Woman Successfully Treated with Cyclosporine and Tapered Steroid Therapy
Authors: Mayu Saito , Isojima Sakiko , Miura Yoko , Nishimi Shinichiro , Hatano Mika , Tokunaga Takahiro , Takahashi Ryo , Koide Keiko , Miwa Yusuke
Published: March 2019

Polymyositis-dermatomyositis is extremely rare during pregnancy, and immunosuppressive therapy should be administered after carefully considering the effects on both the mother and fetus. Several reports have associated the disease activity with fetal prognosis, higher rates of eclampsia, preterm births, and fetal deaths. We report our experience with a patient who was diagnosed with polymyositis-dermatomyositis complicated by interstitial lung disease during pregnancy and was treated with a combination-immunosuppressant regimen. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case wherein cyclosporine was used concomitantly with a steroid for the treatment of polymyositis diagnosed during pregnancy, with successful outcome of childbirth without any complications.
Mine Flooding History of a Regional Below-Drainage Coalfield Dominated by Barrier Leakage (1970–2014)
Authors: Donovan Joseph J. , Perry Eric F.
Published: March 2019

A 44-year record of water level fluctuations in a series of adjacent closed underground mines documents the history of closure and mine flooding in the Fairmont Coalfield, one of the oldest coal mining districts in the Pittsburgh coal basin, West Virginia, USA. As closures proceeded and mines began to flood, US environmental regulations were first enacted mandating mine water control and treatment, rendering uncontrolled surface discharges unacceptable. The purpose of this study is to present this flooding history and to identify critical events that determined how mine pools evolved in this case. Also examined is the strategy developed to control and treat water from these mines. Flooding is visualized using both water level hydrographs and mine flooding maps with the latter constructed assuming mine water hydraulic continuity between one or more mines. The earliest flooding formed small pools within near-surface mines closed prior to 1962 yet still pumped following closure to minimize leaking into adjacent still-active workings. These subpools gradually enlarged and merged as more closures occurred and the need for protective pumping was removed, forming what is today referred to as the unconfined Fairmont Pool. Later, deeper mines, separated by intact updip barriers from the Fairmont Pool, were closed and flooded more gradually, supplied in large part by leakage from the Fairmont Pool. By 1985, all mines except 2 had closed and by 1994 all had fully flooded, with the Fairmont Pool interconnected to deeper single mine pools via barrier leakage. As protective pumping ceased, the Fairmont Pool rose to a water level 3 m higher than surface drainage elevation and in 1997 discharged from an undermined section of Buffalo Creek near the Monongahela River. The principal mine operator in the basin then designed a pumping system to transfer water from the Fairmont Pool to their existing treatment facilities to the north, thus terminating the discharge. It may be concluded that the progress of mine flooding was influenced by mining history and design, by the timing of closures, by barrier leakage conditions, and by geologic structure. A key element in how flooding proceeded was the presence of a series of intact barriers separating deep from shallow mines. The shallow mines closed and flooded early, but then lost sufficient water by barrier leakage into the deeper mines to delay the completion of flooding until after the deep mines had all closed and flooded as well. Intensive mine water control has continued from the 1997 breakout to the present. The final water control scheme was likely unanticipated and serendipitous; future district-wide mining efforts should be advised to consider in advance closeout strategies to control mine water postmining.
Optimal Operation of the Hybrid Electricity Generation System Using Multiverse Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Sulaiman Muhammad , Ahmad Sohail , Iqbal Javed , Khan Asfandyar , Khan Rahim
Published: March 2019

The ongoing load-shedding and energy crises due to mismanagement of energy produced by different sources in Pakistan and increasing dependency on those sources which produce energy using expensive fuels have contributed to rise in load shedding and price of energy per kilo watt hour. In this paper, we have presented the linear programming model of 95 energy production systems in Pakistan. An improved multiverse optimizer is implemented to generate a dataset of 100000 different solutions, which are suggesting to fulfill the overall demand of energy in the country ranging from 9587 MW to 27208 MW. We found that, if some of the power-generating systems are down due to some technical problems, still we can get our demand by following another solution from the dataset, which is partially utilizing the particular faulty power system. According to different case studies, taken in the present study, based on the reports about the electricity short falls been published in news from time to time, we have presented our solutions, respectively, for each case. It is interesting to note that it is easy to reduce the load shedding in the country, by following the solutions presented in our dataset. Graphical analysis is presented to further elaborate our findings. By comparing our results with state-of-the-art algorithms, it is interesting to note that an improved multiverse optimizer is better in getting solutions with lower power generation costs.
Nonlinear Parametric Vibration and Chaotic Behaviors of an Axially Accelerating Moving Membrane
Authors: Shao Mingyue , Wu Jimei , Wang Yan , Wu Qiumin
Published: March 2019

Nonlinear vibration characteristics of a moving membrane with variable velocity have been examined. The velocity is presumed as harmonic change that takes place over uniform average speed, and the nonlinear vibration equation of the axially moving membrane is inferred according to the D’Alembert principle and the von Kármán nonlinear thin plate theory. The Galerkin method is employed for discretizing the vibration partial differential equations. However, the solutions concerning to differential equations are determined through the 4th order Runge–Kutta technique. The results of mean velocity, velocity variation amplitude, and aspect ratio on nonlinear vibration of moving membranes are emphasized. The phase‐plane diagrams, time histories, bifurcation graphs, and Poincaré maps are obtained; besides that, the stability regions and chaotic regions of membranes are also obtained. This paper gives a theoretical foundation for enhancing the dynamic behavior and stability of moving membranes.
Theoretical Analysis of Damaged Width & Instability Mechanism of Rib Pillar in Open‐Pit Highwall Mining
Authors: Wang Rui , Yan Shuai , Bai Jianbiao , Chang Zhiguo , Zhao Tianhao
Published: March 2019

To improve the resources’ recovery ratio and the economic benefits of open‐pit mines, the development of highwall mining is used to exploit residual coal. The design of rib pillar, formed by excavation and mining activities in intact coal seams, is crucial to the overall stability and safety of the highwall mining operations. This paper focuses on the damage caused to rib pillars by the large deformation, occurring with the application of highwall mining in an open‐pit in China. A mechanical model was established to investigate the damaged width of colinear rib pillars based on Hoek–Brown and Mohr–Coulomb failure criterion. The equations for calculating the damaged width of the rib pillar were obtained, respectively, by combining the Hoek–Brown failure criterion with the Mohr–Coulomb failure criterion. The failure mechanism for the width of the rib pillar and the factors affecting the colinear rib pillar were analyzed in detail. The results show that the application of the Hoek–Brown criterion has a unique advantage in analyzing the damaged width of the colinear rib pillars, in open‐pit highwall mining. The instability mechanism and failure process of the rib pillars are described in combination with the limiting equilibrium method and the ratio of the elastic zone’s width to the width of the entire rib pillar.
Investigation into the Effects of Climatic Change on Temperature, Rainfall, and Runoff of the Doroudzan Catchment, Iran, Using the Ensemble Approach of CMIP3 Climate Models
Authors: Sayadi Abolghasem , Beydokhti Nasser Taleb , Najarchi Mohsen , Najafizadeh Mohammad Mahdi
Published: March 2019

This study investigated the effects of climatic changes on temperature, rainfall, and runoff in the Doroudzan catchment in the northeast of Fars province, Iran. Temperature and rainfall changes in three periods including 2011–2030, 2046–2065, and 2080–2099 were downscaled and studied using 15 Coupled Model Intercomparison Project, Phase 3 (CMIP3) climatic models, under three scenarios of greenhouse gas emissions A2, B1, and A1B, from the database of the LARS-WG model. The difference in the amount of changes in temperature and rainfall in these three periods and the observational amounts under the 15 models indicated the uncertainty of the changes values. To reduce this uncertainty and limit the results to the management and planning of water resources, ensemble approach was considered. For the preparation of the ensemble approach, the parameters from the files of the 15-model scenarios were averaged so that a climatic ensemble model could be obtained for each period. Then, the runoffs of the next three periods, under the second approach and three emission scenarios, were produced using the feedforwad neural network. The results indicated an increase in the average monthly maximum temperature and the minimum temperature in all three periods under the three scenarios. The results also showed a decrease in the rainfall in the early months of the year as well as an increase in the rainfall in the spring in most scenarios. Generally, the average annual rainfall in all these three periods under the climatic ensemble model, and three emission scenarios showed a reduction in the average annual rainfall in the three periods. The maximum amount of reduction was in 2080–2099 (101 mm) under the scenario B1. Besides, a reduction occurred in the average runoff of the catchment under three ensemble models and the emission scenario in all three periods, as compared to the average of the long-term observational values in most years.
Travel Behavior Analysis Using 2016 Qingdao’s Household Traffic Surveys and Baidu Electric Map API Data
Authors: Gao Ge , Wang Zhen , Liu Xinmin , Li Qing , Wang Wei , Zhang Junyou
Published: March 2019

Household traffic surveys are widely used in travel behavior analysis, especially in travel time and distance analysis. Unfortunately, any one kind of household traffic surveys has its own problems. Even all household traffic survey data is accurate, it is difficult to get the trip routes information. To our delight, electric map API (e.g., Google Maps, Apple Maps, Baidu Maps, and Auto Navi Maps) could provide the trip route and time information, which remedies the traditional traffic survey’s defect. Thus, we can take advantage of the two kinds of data and integrate them into travel behavior analysis. In order to test the validity of the Baidu electric map API data, a field study on 300 taxi OD pairs is carried out. According to statistical analysis, the average matching rate of total OD pairs is 90.74%, which reflects high accuracy of electric map API data. Based on the fused data of household traffic survey and electric map API, travel behavior on trip time and distance is analyzed. Results show that most purposes’ trip distances distributions are concentrated, which are no more than 10 kilometers. It is worth noting that students have the shortest travel distance and company business’s travel distance distribution is dispersed, which has the longest travel distance. Compared to travel distance, the standard deviations of all purposes’ travel time are greater than the travel distance. Car users have longer travel distance than bus travelers, and their average travel distance is 8.58km.
SNP Typing Using Multiplex Real-Time PCR Assay for Species Identification of Forensically Important Blowflies and Fleshflies Collected in South Korea (Diptera: Calliphoridae and Sarcophagidae)
Authors: Jang Hari , Shin Sang Eon , Ko Kwang soo , Park Seong Hwan
Published: March 2019

Medicolegal entomology—a subfield of forensic entomology—is mainly used in medicolegal investigations to estimate the postmortem interval (PMI). The minimum PMI of a corpse invaded by necrophagous immature insects can be estimated because the PMI is near to or earlier than the oviposition time of the larvae that hatched and fed on the corpse. As the growth speeds of larvae differ depending on temperature and species, species-specific growth data are used to estimate the minimum PMI. While morphological identification of adult necrophagous flies can be done by a well-trained entomologist, identification of larvae is relatively difficult. Larvae can only be identified up to the family level and developmental stage by observing the posterior spiracles. For these reasons, the molecular biology method of DNA barcoding has been developed. DNA barcoding that targets the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene is commonly used. COI sequences are currently acquired using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Sanger sequencing, which are too time-consuming and complex for practical use in medicolegal investigations. To compensate for these limitations and facilitate the use of entomology for medicolegal investigation, we designed a multiplex real-time PCR system to identify nineteen forensically important species of Calliphoridae and Sarcophagidae flies collected in South Korea. In contrast to the Sanger nucleotide sequencing process, this technology only requires a one-step real-time PCR with melt curve analysis of amplicons generated by primers targeting species-specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Multiplex real-time PCR was performed for twelve species of Calliphoridae (four reactions) and for seven species of Sarcophagidae (three reactions). This assay is expected to make it easier and faster for investigating authorities to identify major species of necrophagous flies at beginning of investigation and to increase the utilization of entomological evidence in forensic investigations.
Vortex Shedding Lock-In due to Pitching Oscillation of a Wind Turbine Blade Section at High Angles of Attack
Authors: Meskell Craig , Pellegrino Alberto
Published: March 2019

The unsteady flow around a pitching two-dimensional airfoil section (NREL S809) has been simulated using unsteady RANS with the transition SST turbulence model. This geometry is chosen to represent a wind turbine blade in a standstill configuration. The Reynolds number is Re=106 based on a chord length of 1 m. A prescribed sinusoidal pitching motion has been applied at a fixed amplitude of 7° for a range of high angles of attack 30°<α<150°. At these incidences, the airfoil will behave more like a bluff body and may experience periodic vortex shedding. It is well known that, in bluff body flows, oscillations can lead to a lock-in (lock-in) of the vortex shedding frequency, fv, with the body’s motion frequency, fp. In order to investigate the susceptibility of airfoil to lock-in, the frequency ratio r (r=fp/fv0) has been varied around r=1. The lock-in region boundaries have been proposed, and an analysis of the effect of the oscillation amplitude has been conducted. The lock-in map obtained suggests that, for the vibration amplitude considered, the risk of vortex-induced vibration is more significant in the regions of α≈40° and α≈140°, i.e., for shallower characteristic lengths. Finally, a lumped parameter wake oscillator model has been proposed for pitching airfoils. This simple model is in qualitative agreement with the CFD results.
Research on Simulation Analysis Method of Microbial Cemented Sand Based on Discrete Element Method
Authors: Tang Yang , Xu Guobin , Lian Jijian , Yan Yue , Fu Dengfeng , Sun Weichen
Published: March 2019

A simulation method for microbial cemented sand (MCS) based on the Two-Dimensional Particle Flow Code (PFC 2D) has been developed in this study. It consists of an identification of mesoscopic contact model for structural mesoscopic particles, development of morphological algorithm for irregular crystal particles, and classification and setting of mesoscopic parameters for compositional materials and particle size distribution simulation. Additionally, an acoustic emission algorithm based on moment tensor theory was developed for discrete element simulation analysis on fracture characteristic of cemented sand under the action of the force. The simulation method proposed in this article/paper may reflect the physical and mechanical characteristics of real microbial cemented sand based on physical experiments. Quantification of the fracture process of microbial cemented sand is possible by introducing a moment magnitude (MW) in discrete element simulation analysis. The material may have greater probability of fracture between the MW ranges of −6.8 and −6.6. The relationship between probability of fracture at different MWs and the MW follows the Gaussian curve. The research results are a new trial for fracture analysis on microbial cemented sand.
Comparison of Early Effectiveness of Three Different Intervention Methods in Patients with Chronic Orofacial Pain: A Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Dalewski Bartosz , Kamińska Agata , Szydłowski Michał , Kozak Małgorzata , Sobolewska Ewa
Published: March 2019

Background. Occlusal appliances are still widely used instruments in the management of orofacial pain in dentistry, yet alone or as a part of multimodal therapy. However, some of those modalities have been lacking thorough randomized assessment, and there is a conflicting evidence available. It is hypothesized that pain symptoms might improve faster and in more tangible way due to combined therapy. Also, to our best knowledge, nimesulide was never examined in this aspect, too. Objective. The aim of this study was to compare early effectiveness of routine intervention methods in patients with myofascial pain (MP) after 3 weeks’ notice. Three modalities were evaluated: occlusal appliance (OA) with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) therapy (nimesulide), occlusal appliance with dry needling (DN), and occlusal appliance (OA-control group) therapy. Design. Randomized controlled clinical trial (RCT) in which ninety patients with MP, who met the inclusion criteria, were randomly assigned to one of the three treatment groups. Sealed, opaque envelopes were used. Methods. For evaluation, each patient completed a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Sleep and Pain Activity Questionnaire (SPAQ) twice, first at the beginning of the study and again after 3 weeks (0–3). Results. Posttreatment test comparison between the control group and both treated groups reveal significant differences between the control and the NSAID + occlusal appliance groups. There were also differences reported between the control and the DN + occlusal appliance groups, but these differences were, however, not statistically significant. Conclusions. Occlusal appliances in conjunction with NSAID showed better orofacial pain relief after 3 weeks of therapy, compared to the use of occlusal appliances alone or in conjunction with dry needling. Additionally, differences between pain perception and quality of life between OA and DN + OA groups were not found to be statistically significant.
Conjugation of LasR Quorum-Sensing Inhibitors with Ciprofloxacin Decreases the Antibiotic Tolerance ofP. aeruginosaClinical Strains
Authors: Bortolotti Daria , Trapella Claudio , Bragonzi Alessandra , Marchetti Paolo , Zanirato Vinicio , Alogna Andrea , Gentili Valentina , Cervellati Carlo , Valacchi Giuseppe , Sicolo Mariangela , Turrin Giulia , Fantinati Anna , Di Luca Dario , Rizzo Roberta
Published: March 2019

Pseudomonas aeruginosais a Gram-negative bacterium that commonly infects subjects with weakened immune system causing deadly infections above all at pulmonary level. During infection,P. aeruginosaproduces a well-organized bacterial structure, called biofilm, activating the quorum-sensing (QS) signaling, a mechanism of gene regulation. In this work, we synthesized already known QS inhibitors (QSi) designed on the scaffold of the N-(3-oxododecanoyl) homoserine lactone (3O-C12-HSL) QS molecule and conjugated them with ciprofloxacin to inhibitP. aeruginosabiofilm formation and increase the antibiotic susceptibility of clinical strains. We identified, for the first time, a QSi conjugated with ciprofloxacin (ET37), that is able to reduce the formation of biofilm and the onset of tolerant clones inP. aeruginosaclinical strains. This compound could have a wide application in clinical setting. The possibility to affect biofilm formation in chronically infected patients, such as patients affected by cystic fibrosis, and to reduce the onset of ciprofloxacin resistance would improve patient healing and allow to decrease antibiotic drug dosage.
Construction Database‐Supported and BIM‐Based Interface Communication and Management: A Pilot Project
Authors: Lin Yu-Cheng , Jung Shuh , Su Yu-Chih
Published: March 2019

Construction projects are subject to numerous interface problems, particularly during the construction phase. The absence of suitable systems or platforms to tackle these issues could hinder the performance of construction management. Thus, the communication and management of interfaces (CMI) are necessary to improve the quality of the management of construction projects. E‐mail and generic construction information systems are commonly used communication tools; however, they pose several limitations in recording and managing as well as in responding to interface problems. Building information modeling (BIM), by contrast, saves and delivers information in a digital format in a 3D computer‐aided design (CAD) environment. The adoption of BIM technology integrated with web technology for construction projects allows users to communicate interface issues and obtain responses for them effectively. Thus, this study develops a database‐supported and BIM‐based CMI (DBCMI) system for general contractors to enhance their CMI work efficiency during the construction phase. To confirm the efficacy of the CMI, the DBCMI system was used in a building project in Taiwan. The case study results reveal that the proposed DBCMI system is an effective communication and management platform, particularly for practical CMI work integrated with BIM technology. This study concludes with the benefits of using the proposed system and possible limitations in its further application.
Geothermometry and Circulation Behavior of the Hot Springs in Yunlong County of Yunnan in Southwest China
Authors: Wang Xiaocui , Zhou Xun
Published: March 2019

Travertine and nontravertine thermal springs have been studied in Yunlong County in southwest China to determine the geothermal reservoir temperatures and to find the geochemical processes that affect the evolution of thermal groundwater constituents during subsurface circulation. Hydrochemical characteristics distinguish travertine from nontravertine types. Travertine springs show HCO3·Cl-Na and SO4·HCO3-Ca·Na type, and a nontravertine spring presents Cl·HCO3·SO4-Na type. Log(Q/K) versus T diagrams show that reservoir temperatures can be expressed as intervals based on the equilibrium mineral assemblages coexisting in equilibrium and multiminerals in equilibrium with the aid of the PHREEQC and WATCH programs. The spring water mixing ratio with shallow water is between 59% and 82% with steam loss ranging from 12.1% to 27.8%. The Dalang Spring mixes with the highest proportion of cold water (76% to 82%) among the four hot springs and has the highest geothermal reservoir temperature (132°C to 176.9°C). The water-rock interaction during recharge from precipitation demonstrates that the minerals halite, kaolinite, chalcedony, plagioclase, and CO2(g) play an important part in the evolution of the thermal groundwater. Four inverse modeling simulation paths between precipitation and spring discharge were established to calculate the mass flux of minerals by the PHREEQC program. Halite, kaolinite, chalcedony, plagioclase, and CO2(g) participate in dissolution reactions in the thermal groundwater circulation, while gypsum, calcite, dolomite, biotite, and fluorite keep the geochemical processes in equilibrium.
Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome (PAES) in a 17-Year-Old Adolescent
Authors: Labmayr Viktor , Aliabadi Aryan , Tiesenhausen Kurt , Brodmann Marianne , Schmid Florian , Moore Dana
Published: March 2019

Introduction. Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES) is caused by compression of the popliteal artery (PA) due to deranged myotendinous structures. It can be asymptomatic or may present with exercise intolerance, claudication, or even limb-threatening ischemia. The clinical picture depends on the anatomy and degree of vascular compromise. Case Description. We report a case of a 17-year-old Caucasian male with PAES Type II presenting with intermittent claudication and progression towards acute limb ischemia. Diagnostics. MRI and MRA helped identifying the aberrant anatomy and thrombotic occlusion. Doppler ultrasound and conventional angiography have also been employed in a stepwise approach. Intervention. The thrombus at the site of occlusion was removed by the use of catheter-directed lysis. Subsequently, popliteal artery release was achieved by myotomy of the aberrant medial head of gastrocnemius muscle (MHGM) and muscle transfer to the medial femoral condyle. A three-month regimen of 60mg edoxaban was recommended after surgery. Outcome. Surgical correction of the anomalous anatomy and postoperative anticoagulation led to freedom of symptoms. Lesson. Clinical presentation of PAES mimicking peripheral artery occlusive disease is very rare but potentially limb-threatening. PAES should be considered in young and otherwise healthy individuals.
Mine Performance Assessment by Means of Stochastic Frontier Analysis
Authors: Tsolas Ioannis E.
Published: March 2019

This paper employs stochastic frontier analysis (SFA) in assessing efficiency at the mine level. An SFA model is derived using annual operational data from the Kardia Field mine of the Greek Public Power Corporation (PPC) S.A. for the 1984‐2006 period and the causes of inefficiency are investigated by means of regression techniques. The proposed two‐stage model can be used as a diagnostic tool to identify causes of mine inefficiency and as a tool for designing and specifying interventions to improve mine performance.
Multifunctional APJ Pathway Promotes Ovarian Cancer Progression and Metastasis
Authors: Neelakantan Deepika , Dogra Samrita , Devapatla Bharat , Jaiprasart Pharavee , Mukashyaka Marie Claire , Janknecht Ralf , Dwivedi Shailendra Kumar Dhar , Bhattacharya Resham , Husain Sanam , Ding Kai , Woo Sukyung
Published: March 2019

High mortality rates in ovarian cancer are due to late-stage diagnosis when extensive metastases are present, coupled with the eventual development of resistance to standard chemotherapy. There is, thus, an urgent need to identify targetable pathways to curtail this deadly disease. In this study, we show that the apelin receptor, APJ, is a viable target that promotes tumor progression of high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC). APJ is specifically overexpressed in tumor tissue, and is elevated in metastatic tissues compared with primary tumors. Importantly, increased APJ expression significantly correlates with decreased median overall survival (OS) by 14.7 months in patients with HGSOC. Using various ovarian cancer model systems, we demonstrate that APJ expression in cancer cells is both necessary and sufficient to increase prometastatic phenotypes in vitro, including proliferation, cell adhesion to various molecules of the extracellular matrix (ECM), anoikis resistance, migration, and invasion; and these phenotypes are efficiently inhibited by the APJ inhibitor, ML221. Overexpression of APJ also increases metastasis of ovarian cancer cells in vivo. Mechanistically, the prometastatic STAT3 pathway is activated downstream of APJ, and in addition to the ERK and AKT pathways, contributes to its aggressive phenotypes. Our findings suggest that the APJ pathway is a novel and viable target, with potential to curb ovarian cancer progression and metastasis.

Implications:

The APJ pathway is a viable target in HGSOC.
Primary Large-Cell Undifferentiated Carcinoma of the Ureter
Authors: Isikay Levent , Tonyali Senol , Aydog Gulden
Published: March 2019

Objective: To report the first case in the literature of a primary large-cell undifferentiated carcinoma (LCUC) of the ureter with a very aggressive behavior and dismal prognosis. Clinical Presentation and Intervention: A 60-year-old woman with a history of intermittent macroscopic hematuria and mild to moderate right flank pain was admitted to the Department of Urology. Tissue biopsies and cytological samples were taken. Pathologic examination was consistent with LCUC. Conclusion: LCUC of the ureter is an aggressive tumor with a high proliferation index. Patients might be diagnosed at an advanced stage. LCUC must be considered in the differential diagnosis of urinary tract pathologies.
FINDRISC Modified for Latin America as a Screening Tool for Persons with Impaired Glucose Metabolism in Ciudad Bolívar, Venezuela
Authors: Muñoz-González María Carolina , Lima-Martínez Marcos M. , Nava Aura , Trerotola Gisuardo , Paoli Mariela , Cabrera-Rego Julio O. , Gonzalez Briggytte , Arciniegas Amilcairy , Paez Javier
Published: March 2019

Objective: The Finnish Diabetes Risk Score (FINDRISC) includes anthropometric, metabolic, and lifestyle factors that predict type 2 diabetes mellitus. The objective of this study was to evaluate the FINDRISC modified for Latin America (LA-FINDRISC) as a screening tool for persons with impaired glucose metabolism in Ciudad Bolívar, Venezuela. Methods: Subjects aged between 18 and 70 years of both sexes without known diabetes were invited to participate. After informed consent, they were screened with the LA-FINDRISC questionnaire and then given an oral glucose tolerance test, using the American Diabetes Association criteria for diagnosis. To obtain the cutoff point of LA-FINDRISC for predicting impaired glucose regulation, a receiver operating characteristic curve was constructed. Results: A total of 200 subjects were evaluated, 64.5% female, with a mean age of 35.20 ± 13.84 years. Of these, 158 (79%) did not present with carbohydrate metabolism disorder, while 42 (21%) did. Age (p = 0.0001), body mass index (p = 0.011), and waist circumference (p = 0.031) were significantly higher in subjects with impaired glucose regulation when compared to those without it. There were a significantly greater number of sedentary (p = 0.039) and hypertensive subjects (p = 0.0001), as well as those with a history of glucose >100 mg/dL (p = 0.0001), in the impaired glucose metabolism group. A cutoff LA-FINDRISC of 14 points predicted a high risk of impaired glucose regulation with a sensitivity of 45.2% and a specificity of 89.9%. Conclusion: A LA-FINDRISC >14 points had low sensitivity but high specificity for predicting carbohydrate metabolism disorders in this group of patients from Ciudad Bolívar.
Eleições presidenciais na América Latina em 2018 e ativismo político de evangélicos conservadores
Authors: Mariano Ricardo , Gerardi Dirceu André
Published: March 2019

Outrora interpretado como baluarte da modernidade cultural e econômica, o protestantismo, no início do século XX, formou cismas fundamentalistas e pentecostais que, posteriormente, sobrepujaram as vertentes liberais, difundiram-se pelo mundo e desaguaram na nova direita cristã. Na América Latina, onde já alcançam um quinto da população, grupos evangélicos transformaram o campo religioso, formaram bancadas parlamentares e partidos. Este artigo trata, de forma sumária, do ativismo político evangélico conservador nas eleições presidenciais em 2018 de Costa Rica, Colômbia, Venezuela, México e Brasil. Em defesa da “família” e da “vida”, lutam para conformar o ordenamento jurídico aos valores morais da “maioria cristã”, empreendendo cruzadas contra aborto, políticas igualitárias e anti-homofóbicas, educação sexual e a suposta doutrinação ideológica e de “gênero” nas escolas.
Diabetes mellitus mortality in a municipality in the state of São Paulo, 2010 to 2014
Authors: Lima Rafael Aparecido Dias , Istilli Plinio Tadeu , Teixeira Carla Regina De Souza , Zanetti Maria Lúcia , Torquato Maria Tereza Da Costa Gonçalves
Published: March 2019

OBJECTIVE: To describe diabetes mellitus mortality according to sex and age in a municipality in the state of São Paulo, in the period ranging from 2010 to 2014. METHODS: This was a temporal series ecological study carried out in Ribeirão Preto, state of São Paulo. The data was comprised of information on 583 deaths of Ribeirão Preto residents – regardless of the place of death – from 2010 to 2014. The data source was the electronic system of the Epidemiological Surveillance of the Municipal Health Department of the evaluated municipality. Sex, age group, premature death and year of death were chosen as variables. Subsequently, age-standardized mortality rates were calculated using the World Health Organization’s standard population, in addition to total and average per death potential years of life lost. RESULTS: Mortality due to diabetes mellitus in the municipality increased during the studied period. There was a higher occurrence of female deaths, especially in the ≥ 80 years age group. The highest rates of age-standardized mortality were male. For both sexes, there was an annual mean increase of 9% in premature mortality during the studied period. Diabetes decreased life expectancy by 10 years. CONCLUSIONS: As a diagnosis of local health care, the significant increase in agestandardized mortality rates, premature mortality and potential years of life lost in the studied municipality point to the need for improvements in health promotion and disease prevention measures. It is our hope that the results presented in this study contribute to the monitoring of mortality rates in the coming years.
Intravenous Magnesium Sulfate in Acute Stroke
Authors: Avgerinos Konstantinos I. , Chatzisotiriou Athanasios , Haidich Anna-Bettina , Tsapas Apostolos , Lioutas Vasileios-Arsenios
Published: March 2019

Background and Purpose—

Acute stroke treatment is challenging, and stroke remains a major cause of death and disability. The purpose of this meta-analysis is to investigate the effects of postacute stroke intravenous administration of the neuroprotectant magnesium sulfate (MgSO
4
) on global outcome, functional outcome, and mortality 90 days poststroke (ischemic and nonischemic).

Methods—

We searched in Pubmed, Science Direct, CENTRAL, and ClinicalTrials.gov, up to November 11, 2017, and we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. We synthesized results by using random-effects model, weighted mean differences, standardized mean differences, and odds ratios.

Results—

Seven randomized controlled trials (4347 patients) met our criteria. Compared with placebo, treatment did not improve functional outcome defined as Barthel Index >60 (odds ratio =1.05; 95% CI, 0.92–1.19) and >95 (odds ratio =0.95; 95% CI, 0.76–1.20), 90 days poststroke. It also did not improve global outcome measured with modified Rankin Scale (standardized mean difference =−0.01; 95% CI, −0.12 to 0.10), 90 days poststroke. In an additional subgroup meta-analysis that exclusively included ischemic stroke patients, intravenous MgSO
4
resulted in lower modified Rankin Scale score (improved global outcome; weighted mean difference =−0.96; 95% CI, −1.34 to −0.58; I
2
=0%], 90 days poststroke. Finally, mortality stayed unaltered (odds ratio =1.10; 95% CI, 0.94–1.29).

Conclusions—

The findings of our meta-analysis showed that intravenous MgSO
4
generally did not improve global/functional outcomes and mortality at 90 days after stroke (combined ischemic stroke and nonischemic stroke). The finding of favorable neurological outcome, selectively in ischemic stroke patients, should be viewed with extreme caution given the limited number of patients included in this subgroup meta-analysis.
Draba ancashensis (Brassicaceae; Cruciferae), a new species from Peru and a key to the Peruvian species of the genus
Authors: AL-SHEHBAZ IHSAN A. , CANO ASUNCIÓN , TRINIDAD HUBER
Published: March 2019

Draba ancashensis is described, illustrated, and its relationship to the other species of the genus, especially the Peruvian, is discussed. A key to the 26 (17 endemic) native Peruvian species of Draba is provided to facilitate the easy determination of species. Status of two annual species of Draba is evaluated. Distribution of the species at the department level is also given.
Types of Neotropical Pierinae in the collection of Department of Entomology, Natural History Museum, London (Lepidoptera: Pieridae)
Authors: ABADJIEV STANISLAV P.
Published: March 2019

A catalog of types of Neotropical Pierinae at the Department of Entomology, Natural History Museum, London, is presented. The collection contains type material of 324 taxa (296 represented by primary types). Each entry includes the species-group name, followed by the generic name, original combination quoted from the original publication, type locality, type specimens as specified with their labels, and notes about current taxonomic status. To increase the stability of nomenclature, and to fix the identity of several species-group names, lectotypes are designated for 116 taxa.
Review of Hayesomyia Murray & Fittkau (Diptera: Chironomidae: Tanypodinae) from China
Authors: CHENG MING , WANG XINHUA
Published: March 2019

Eight new species of Hayesomyia are described on the basis of males from China: Hayesomyia aquila, H. cinctuma, H. fengkainica, H. galbina, H. rotunda, H. triangular, H. trina, and H. zayunica. Hayesomyia tripunctata (Goetghebuer) is reported from the Oriental Region for the first time and is redescribed and illustrated using Chinese specimens. A key to males of the genus of the world is presented and the generic diagnosis is emended.
New records of Namibian Bombyliidae (Diptera), with notes on some genera and descriptions of new species
Authors: GREATHEAD DAVID J.
Published: March 2019

Bombyliidae in the Namibian National Insect Collection and the Albany Museum, Grahamstown, South Africa were identified. This material included six genera and 54 species not previously recorded from Namibia. Among these species three were found to be new and are described: viz., Heterotropus diamantis sp. nov., Hyperusia longirostris sp. nov., Exoprosopa gracilis sp. nov. In addition a new species  is proposed, Doliogethes decipiens sp. nov. for the species misidentified as Doliogethes tripunctatus (Macquart) by previous authors.  Six new junior synonyms are proposed: Anastoechus eurystephus Hesse (= A. macrophthalmus Bezzi), syn. nov.; Anastoechus leuchocroicus Hesse (=A. vatipecten Bezzi), syn. nov.; Doliogethes consobrinus Hesse and D. meridionalis Hesse (= D. aridicolus Hesse), syn. nov.; Systoechus bechuanus Hesse (= S. robustus Bezzi), syn. nov.; Heteralonia (Acrodisca) nephoneura (Hesse) (= H. (A.) katonae (Bezzi)). A supplement to the checklist of Bombyliidae of Namibia including full label data is provided.
Corynoptera vagula Tuomikoski and allied species (Diptera: Sciaridae)
Authors: VILKAMAA PEKKA , HIPPA HEIKKI
Published: March 2019

Corynoptera vagula Tuomikoski (northern Europe; Canada: Quebec), Corynoptera fera Mohrig & Heller (central and northern Europe) and Corynoptera nyxa (Mohrig & Menzel) are rediagnosed, and three allied Nearctic species are described: Corynoptera armigera sp. n. (Canada: Yukon), C. fratercula sp. n. (USA: Alaska, Canada: British Columbia), and C. robustior sp. n. (Canada: Ontario). All species are illustrated and a key to the males is provided.
Niphargus echion, a new species of amphipod (Crustacea Amphipoda, Niphargidae) from Istra, Croatia
Authors: KARAMAN GORDAN S. , MATOÑEC SANJA GOTTSTEIN
Published: March 2019

A new species of the freshwater subterranean amphipod genus Niphargus Schiödte, 1849 (Crustacea Amphipoda, fam. Niphargidae), N. echion, n. sp., is described and figured from the cave PliÓkoviƒeva jama near Ò ikuti village, Istra (Croatia), and its taxonomic position within the genus Niphargus is discussed.
A new species of Mediolata Canestrini from Spain (Acari: Stigmaeidae), re-description of M. chanti and a key to the known species of Mediolata
Authors: FARAJI FARID , UECKERMANN EDWARD A.
Published: March 2019

Two plant-inhabiting species of Mediolata were collected in the Iberian Peninsula during biodiversity assessments between 2000–2002. Mediolata roigi, sp. nov. and M. chanti Gonzalez were collected in Spain and Portugal respectively. The studies were conducted in citrus orchards in Portugal and apple orchards and vineyards in Spain. Because of some incorrect data in the original description of M. chanti, it is re-described. Eupalopsis vandergeesti Gomaa & Bolland is revealed to be a junior synonym of M. chanti and Mediolata mirus Chaudhri et al. is transferred to the family Eupalopsellidae under the genus Exthothoris. A key to the known species of the genus Mediolata is provided.