bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultrasound imaging to assess skeletal muscle architecture during movements: a systematic review of methods, reliability, and challenges
Authors: Van Hooren Bas , Teratsias Panayiotis , Hodson-Tole Emma F.
Published: March 2020

B-mode ultrasound is often used to quantify muscle architecture during movements. Our objectives were to 1) systematically review the reliability of fascicle length (FL) and pennation angles (PA) measured using ultrasound during movements involving voluntary contractions; 2) systematically review the methods used in studies reporting reliability, discuss associated challenges, and provide recommendations to improve the reliability and validity of dynamic ultrasound measurements; and 3) provide an overview of computational approaches for quantifying fascicle architecture, their validity, agreement with manual quantification of fascicle architecture, and advantages and drawbacks. Three databases were searched until June 2019. Studies among healthy human individuals aged 17–85 yr that investigated the reliability of FL or PA in lower-extremity muscles during isoinertial movements and that were written in English were included. Thirty studies ( n = 340 participants) were included for reliability analyses. Between-session reliability as measured by coefficient of multiple correlations (CMC), and coefficient of variation (CV) was FL CMC: 0.89–0.96; CV: 8.3% and PA CMC: 0.87–0.90; CV: 4.5–9.6%. Within-session reliability was FL CMC: 0.82–0.99; CV: 0.0–6.7% and PA CMC: 0.91; CV: 0.0–15.0%. Manual analysis reliability was FL CMC: 0.89–0.96; CV: 0.0–15.9%; PA CMC: 0.84–0.90; and CV: 2.0–9.8%. Computational analysis FL CMC was 0.82–0.99, and PA CV was 14.0–15.0%. Eighteen computational approaches were identified, and these generally showed high agreement with manual analysis and high validity compared with phantoms or synthetic images. B-mode ultrasound is a reliable method to quantify fascicle architecture during movement. Additionally, computational approaches can provide a reliable and valid estimation of fascicle architecture.
Exercise training attenuates cardiac inflammation and fibrosis in hypertensive ovariectomized rats
Authors: Lin Yi-Yuan , Hong Yi , Zhou Ming-Cheng , Huang Hai-Liang , Shyu Woei-Cherng , Chen Jwo-Sheng , Ting Hua , Cheng Yu-Jung , Yang Ai-Lun , Lee Shin-Da
Published: March 2020

This study investigated the effects of exercise training on cardiac inflammatory and cardiac fibrotic pathways in female spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), which were divided into a sham-operated sedentary hypertensive group (SHR-S), a sedentary hypertensive ovariectomized group (SHR-O), or a hypertensive ovariectomized group with treadmill exercise training (SHR-OT; 60 min/day, 5 days/wk) for 8 wk. Normotensive female Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY) served as controls. SOD and catalase (CAT) activities were significantly increased in the SHR-OT group, when compared with the SHR-S or SHR-O groups. The protein levels of estrogen receptor (ER)-α and ER-β became decreased in the SHR-O group, when compared with the WKY or SHR-S groups, but were not changed in the SHR-OT group. The protein level of the angiotensin II type I receptor (AT1R) was increased in the SHR-S group but did not further change in the SHR-O group, whereas it was decreased in the SHR-OT group. The inflammatory-related protein levels of TNF-α, p-NF-κB, cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and IL-6, as well as the fibrotic-related protein levels of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), p-Smad2/3, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, and collagen I were increased in the SHR-S group and increased further in the SHR-O group, whereas they were decreased in the SHR-OT group. The coexistence of hypertension and ovariectomy additively increased cardiac inflammatory and fibrotic pathways partially through hypertension-enhanced AT1R and ovariectomy-depressed estrogen receptors. Exercise training appeared to suppress hypertensive ovariectomized heart-induced inflammatory and fibrotic pathways possibly through decreasing AT1R but not through estrogen receptors.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY The coexistence of hypertension and ovariectomy appeared to increase cardiac inflammatory and fibrotic pathways likely through hypertension-enhanced angiotensin II type I receptor and ovariectomy-depressed estrogen receptors. Exercise training on a treadmill could prevent hypertensive ovariectomized heart-induced cardiac inflammation and fibrosis via an inflammatory pathway [TNF-α, p-IKK-α/β, p-NF-κB, cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), iNOS, and IL-6] and fibrotic pathway [transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), p-Smad2/3, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, and collagen I] possibly through decreasing angiotensin II type I receptor but not through estrogen receptors.
Modeling Parkinson’s Disease Using Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Hu Xinchao , Mao Chengyuan , Fan Liyuan , Luo Haiyang , Hu Zhengwei , Zhang Shuo , Yang Zhihua , Zheng Huimin , Sun Huifang , Fan Yu , Yang Jing , Shi Changhe , Xu Yuming
Published: March 2020

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease. The molecular mechanisms of PD at the cellular level involve oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, autophagy, axonal transport, and neuroinflammation. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) with patient-specific genetic background are capable of directed differentiation into dopaminergic neurons. Cell models based on iPSCs are powerful tools for studying the molecular mechanisms of PD. The iPSCs used for PD studies were mainly from patients carrying mutations in synuclein alpha (SNCA), leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2), PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1), parkin RBR E3 ubiquitin protein ligase (PARK2), cytoplasmic protein sorting 35 (VPS35), and variants in glucosidase beta acid (GBA). In this review, we summarized the advances in molecular mechanisms of Parkinson’s disease using iPSC models.
The Long Noncoding RNA Hotair Regulates Oxidative Stress and Cardiac Myocyte Apoptosis during Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Meng Kai , Jiao Jiao , Zhu Rui-Rui , Wang Bo-Yuan , Mao Xiao-Bo , Zhong Yu-Cheng , Zhu Zheng-Feng , Yu Kun-Wu , Ding Yan , Xu Wen-Bin , Yu Jian , Zeng Qiu-Tang , Peng Yu-Dong
Published: March 2020

Oxidative stress and subsequent cardiac myocyte apoptosis play central roles in the initiation and progression of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. Homeobox transcript antisense intergenic RNA (Hotair) was previously implicated in various heart diseases, yet its role in myocardial I/R injury has not been clearly demonstrated. Mice with cardiac-restricted knockdown or overexpression of Hotair were exposed to I/R surgery. H9c2 cells were cultured and subjected to hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) stimulation to further verify the role and underlying mechanisms of Hotair in vitro. Histological examination, molecular detection, and functional parameters were determined in vivo and in vitro. In response to I/R or H/R treatment, Hotair expression was increased in a bromodomain-containing protein 4-dependent manner. Cardiac-restricted knockdown of Hotair exacerbated, whereas Hotair overexpression prevented I/R-induced oxidative stress, cardiac myocyte apoptosis, and cardiac dysfunction. Mechanistically, we observed that Hotair exerted its beneficial effects via activating AMP-activated protein kinase alpha (AMPKα). Further detection revealed that Hotair activated AMPKα through regulating the enhancer of zeste homolog 2/microRNA-451/calcium-binding protein 39 (EZH2/miR-451/Cab39) axis. We provide the evidence that endogenous lncRNA Hotair is an essential negative regulator for oxidative stress and cardiac myocyte apoptosis in myocardial I/R injury, which is dependent on AMPKα activation via the EZH2/miR-451/Cab39 axis.
A Research on Modification Method for NSM FRP-Concrete Bonded Joints Strength Models
Authors: Li Jing , Zhang Liwen , Deng Yanggui , Zhang Junping
Published: March 2020

A modification method was proposed for near-surface mounted (NSM) fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP)-concrete bonded joints strength prediction models considering model uncertainty. A database consisting of 246 test records was involved. Three bonded joints strength prediction models for NSM FRP reinforcement system were selected for modification. All the three selected models have model uncertainty factors associated with input design parameters. Spearman correlation analysis was used to prove the systematic correlation of the model uncertainty factors. For each model, a regression functionfwas established to eliminate the systematic nonrandom part of the model uncertainty factor. Then, the model uncertainty factors could be described by random variables obeying logarithmic normal distribution. A reliability analysis using the JC method was carried out to validate the practical significance and value of model modification. This study improves the predictability of FRP NSM reinforcement systems and provides valuable references for model calibration in practical engineering.
Stochastic Air-Fuel Ratio Control of Compressed Natural Gas Engines Using State Observer
Authors: Yang Jun , Wang Jian , Zhou Xuesheng , Li Yanxiao
Published: March 2020

In this paper, the air-fuel ratio regulation problem of compressed natural gas (CNG) engines considering stochastic L2 disturbance attenuation is researched. A state observer is designed to overcome the unmeasurability of the total air mass and total fuel mass in the cylinder, since the residual air and residual fuel that are included in the residual gas are unmeasured and the residual gas reflects stochasticity. With the proposed state observer, a stochastic robust air-fuel ratio regulator is proposed by using a CNG engine dynamic model to attenuate the uncertain cyclic fluctuation of the fresh air, and the augmented closed-loop system is mean-square stable. A validation of the proposed stochastic robust air-fuel ratio regulator is carried out by the numerical simulation of two working conditions. The accuracy control of the air-fuel ratio is realized by the proposed stochastic robust air-fuel ratio regulator, which in turn leads to an improvement in fuel economy and emission performance of the CNG engines.
Characterization and Application of Carboxymethyl Chitosan-Based Bioink in Cartilage Tissue Engineering
Authors: He Yunfan , Derakhshanfar Soroosh , Zhong Wen , Li Bingyun , Lu Feng , Xing Malcolm , Li Xiaojian
Published: March 2020

Chitosan is a promising natural biomaterial for biological application; however, the weak mechanical performance of pristine chitosan limits its further utilization in hard tissue (such as cartilage) engineering. In this study, a chitosan-based 3D printing bioink with suitable mechanical properties was developed as 3D bioprinting ink for chondrocyte support. Chitosan was first modified by ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) to provide more carboxyl groups followed by physical crosslinking with calcium to increase the hydrogel strength. Dynamic mechanical analysis was carried out to evaluate viscoelastic properties with the addition of modified chitosan. A bioink with a combination of modified and pristine chitosan was formulated for scaffold fabrication via 3D bioprinting technique. Furthermore, cell viability, cell proliferation, and expression of chondrogenic markers were evaluated in vitro in chondrocytes loaded on the bioink. The novel bioink exhibited a favorable mechanical property and promoted cell attachment and chondrogenic gene expression in chondrocytes. Based on these results, we can conclude that the presented bioink could qualify for use in 3D bioprinting in cartilage tissue engineering.
Study on the Antibreast Cancer Mechanism and Bioactive Components of Si-Wu-Tang by Cell Type‐Specific Molecular Network
Authors: Zhang Baixia , Zheng Rao , Wang Yun
Published: March 2020

Si‐Wu‐Tang (SWT), a traditional Chinese herbal formula, has shown an effect on antibreast cancer. However, the mechanisms and bioactive components of SWT are still unclear. Fortunately, cell type‐specific molecular network has provided an effective method. This study integrated the data of formula components, all types of biomolecules in the human body, and nonexpressed protein in breast cancer cells and constructed the breast cancer cell network and the biological network that SWT acted on the breast cancer‐related targets by Entity Grammar System (EGS). Biological network showed 59 bioactive components acting on 15 breast cancer‐related targets. The antibreast cancer mechanisms were summarized by enrichment analysis: regulation of cell death, response to hormone stimulation, response to organic substance, regulation of phosphorylation of amino acids, regulation of cell proliferation, regulation of signal transmission, and affection of gland development. In addition, we discovered that verbascoside played the role of antibreast cancer by inhibiting cell proliferation, but there was not a report on this effect. The results of CCK8 and western blot were consistent with the antibreast cancer effect of verbascoside based on biological network. Biological network modeling by EGS and network analysis provide an effective way for uncovering the mechanism and identifying the bioactive components of SWT.
Application of Acellular Tissue Matrix for Enhancement of Weak Abdominal Wall in Animal Model
Authors: Wang Minggang , Yang Shuo , Cao Zhen , Hu Sanyuan
Published: March 2020

Background. Abdominal wall weakness occurs when the strength of muscle decreases due to physiological reason or iatrogenic injury. However, the treatment of this disease is complicated. Aim. To study the therapeutic effect of acellular tissue matrix (ACTM), compared with the polypropylene mesh. Methods. An abdominal wall weakness model was established in rabbits through motor nerves cutting. The polypropylene mesh and ACTM were implanted in the left and right abdomen sides, respectively. Mechanical testing of abdominal wall muscle and histology and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) evaluation of abdominal tissue explants were performed. Results. In animal model establishment, the abdominal length of healthy and weakened abdominal wall was 17.0 ± 0.7 cm and 19.0 ± 1.2 cm, respectively (P = 0.022), and the weak abdominal wall group showed a significant decrease of 1.116 ± 0.221 MPa in tensile stress (P < 0.001) and 9.126 ± 2.073% in tensile strain (P < 0.001). In materials implantation experiment, compared with polypropylene group, ACTM group decreased 2.409 ± 0.806 MPa after 24 weeks (P < 0.001) and 2.319 ± 0.486 MPa after 48 weeks (P < 0.001) in tensile stress and increased 15.259% after 24 weeks (P < 0.001) and 15.845% after 48 weeks (P < 0.001) remarkably in tensile strain. Conclusion. The abdominal wall weakness model in rabbits was successfully established. ACTM is a promising biological material to be possibly further applied in clinical surgery in patients with abdominal wall weakness.
Characterization, Disintegration, and Dissolution Analyses of Carrageenan-Based Hard-Shell Capsules Cross-Linked with Maltodextrin as a Potential Alternative Drug Delivery System
Authors: Fauzi Muhammad Al Rizqi Dharma , Pudjiastuti Pratiwi , Hendradi Esti , Widodo Riyanto Teguh , Amin Mohd. Cairul Iqbal Mohd.
Published: March 2020

Hard-shell capsules commonly consist of gelatin which is not a universal material considering it is extracted from animal parts. Moreover, the mad cow disease triggered the scrutinization of the use of gelatin in pharmaceutical products. Hence, an alternative to conventional hard-shell capsules is needed. Carrageenan- (CRG-) based hard-shell capsules were successfully prepared by cross-linking CRG with maltodextrin (MD) and plasticizing with sorbitol (SOR). These CRG-MD/SOR hard-shell capsules were produced as an alternative to conventional hard-shell capsules in the oral drug delivery system (DDS). The physical properties of CRG-MD/SOR capsules were characterized using the degree of swelling, FTIR, and SEM analyses. The disintegration and dissolution profile release of paracetamol from CRG-MD/SOR hard-shell capsules was performed in an aqueous medium with three different pH levels. The degree of swelling of CRG-MD/SOR was 529.23±128.10%. The main peaks in the FTIR spectrum of CRG-MD/SOR were at 1248, 930, 847, and 805 cm−1 for ester sulfate groups, 3,6-anhydrogalactose, galactose-4-sulfate, and 3,6-anhydrogalactose-2-sulfate, respectively. The SEM analysis exhibited minuscule pores on the surface of CRG and CRG-MD/SOR at 5000 times of magnification. The CRG-MD/SOR capsules required 18.47±0.11 min on average to disintegrate. The CRG-MD/SOR dissolution was better in a weakly acidic medium (pH 4.5) than in a strongly acidic (pH 1.2) and neutral (pH 6.8) media. Based on the aforementioned results, CRG-MD/SOR capsules are the potential candidate to replace conventional hard-shell capsules.
Reactive Carbonyls Induce TOR- and Carbohydrate-Dependent Hormetic Response in Yeast
Authors: Semchyshyn Halyna
Published: March 2020

The induction of the beneficial and detrimental effects by reactive carbonyl species in yeast has been investigated. In this study, we have presented evidence that glyoxal and methylglyoxal at low concentrations were able to induce a hormetic adaptive response in glucose-grown but not fructose-grown yeast. The hormetic effect was also TOR-dependent. The mutation in genes encoding either TOR1 or TOR2 protein makes yeast highly sensitive to bothα-dicarbonyls studied. Simultaneous disruption of TOR1 and TOR2 resulted in higher yeast sensitivity to theα-dicarbonyls as compared to parental cells, but double mutant survived better under carbonyl stress than its single mutant counterparts. The data obtained are consistent with the previous works which reported high toxicity of theα-dicarbonyls and extend them with the report on the beneficial TOR-dependent hormetic effect of glyoxal and methylglyoxal.
Quadratic Program on a Structured Nonconvex Set
Authors: Xu Yi , Han Lili
Published: March 2020

In this paper, we focus on a special nonconvex quadratic program whose feasible set is a structured nonconvex set. To find an effective method to solve this nonconvex program, we construct a bilevel program, where the low-level program is a convex program while the upper-level program is a small-scale nonconvex program. Utilizing some properties of the bilevel program, we propose a new algorithm to solve this special quadratic program. Finally, numerical results show that our new method is effective and efficient.
Dynamic Characteristics of the Surrounding Soil during the Vibrational Pulling Process of a Pile Based on DEM
Authors: Sun Tingting , Zhang Zhihua , Yang Jixin , Yang Jingnan , Zhang Xuan
Published: March 2020

When bridge construction has been completed, the temporary support system, such as a steel-pipe pile, is dismantled, and problems that are related to the steel-pipe piles pulling from the strata are encountered. It is difficult to measure the dynamic characteristics of the surroundings during the deep pile-pulling process. A numerical model of the pulling pile is established by using the discrete element method (DEM). A sinusoidal dynamic load is executed on the pile with various vibrational frequencies. The stress, bond, coordination number, porosity, and velocity field distribution of the surrounding soil during the pile-pulling process are studied. The results demonstrate that, during the pile-pulling process, the shearing state of the surrounding soil depends on the position of the pile. The number and area of bond fractures gradually increase, the coordination number decreases, and the porosity gradually increases when the pile-pulling distance increases. Under a vibrational load, the area that corresponds to particles with large velocity and displacement expands with the increase of the vibrational frequency. The major influence zone of the pile pulling on both sides is concentrated within 6dpile, which can be used to evaluate the safety of the existing bridge nearby during pile pulling.
Multiplexed 129Xe HyperCEST MRI Detection of Genetically Reconstituted Bacterial Protein Nanoparticles in Human Cancer Cells
Authors: Mizushima Ryota , Inoue Kanako , Fujiwara Hideaki , Iwane Atsuko H. , Watanabe Tomonobu M. , Kimura Atsuomi
Published: March 2020

Gas vesicle nanoparticles (GVs) are gas-containing protein assemblies expressed in bacteria and archaea. Recently, GVs have gained considerable attention for biotechnological applications as genetically encodable contrast agents for MRI and ultrasonography. However, at present, the practical use of GVs is hampered by a lack of robust methodology for their induction into mammalian cells. Here, we demonstrate the genetic reconstitution of protein nanoparticles with characteristic bicone structures similar to natural GVs in a human breast cancer cell line KPL-4 and genetic control of their size and shape through expression of reduced sets of humanized gas vesicle genes cloned into Tol2 transposon vectors, referencing the natural gas vesicle gene clusters of the cyanobacteria planktothrix rubescens/agardhii. We then report the utility of these nanoparticles as multiplexed, sensitive, and genetically encoded contrast agents for hyperpolarized xenon chemical exchange saturation transfer (HyperCEST) MRI.
Does Helium Pneumoperitoneum Reduce the Hyperinflammatory Response in Septic Animals during Laparoscopy?
Authors: Roberto Rodrigues Bicalho Paulo , Magna Ribeiro Fernanda , Henrique Ferreira Marçal Pedro , Gomes de Alvarenga Daniel , Silva Fernando de Sá
Published: March 2020

Background/Aim. An exacerbated reaction to peritoneal infection and attendant surgical procedures is characterized by an intense hyperinflammatory state, the magnitude of which is proportional to the severity of tissue injury. Laparoscopy generates lower levels of tissue damage compared with open surgery and should induce less pronounced immune responses. The aim of this study was to determine whether laparoscopy assisted by helium rather than carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum would induce an attenuated inflammatory state in septic animals. Materials and Methods. Thirty-two Wistar rats were divided randomly into four equal groups, two of which were submitted to carbon dioxide or helium pneumoperitoneum-assisted laparoscopic cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) induced sepsis and subsequent abdominal lavage. Two control groups were submitted to identical laparoscopic procedures with carbon dioxide or helium as insufflator gas but without CLP. After 24 hours, serum levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukins 1 and 6 (IL-1 and IL-6, respectively), and cortisol were determined. Results. Mean concentrations of I L-1 and IL-6 in the groups of septic animals submitted to laparoscopy with carbon dioxide or helium pneumoperitoneum were not significantly different but were significantly higher than those of their respective non-CLP controls. In contrast, the levels of TNF-α and cortisol in the two groups of septic animals were similar but were not significantly different from those of their respective non-CLP controls. Conclusions. Laparoscopy with helium insufflation was similar to carbon dioxide in relation to the inflammatory response since levels of the proinflammatory TNF-α, IL-1, and IL-6 and of the anti-inflammatory cortisol were comparable for both gases.
Deciduous Dental Pulp Stem Cells for Maxillary Alveolar Reconstruction in Cleft Lip and Palate Patients
Authors: Tanikawa Daniela Y. S. , Pinheiro Carla C. G. , Almeida Maria Cristina A. , Oliveira Claudia R. G. C. M. , Coudry Renata de Almeida , Rocha Diógenes Laercio , Bueno Daniela Franco
Published: March 2020

Background. To reduce morbidity to cleft patients, new approaches have been developed and here, we report for the first time the use of deciduous dental pulp stem cells (DDPSC) associated with a hydroxyapatite-collagen sponge (Bio-Oss Collagen® 250 mg, Geistlich) for closing alveolar defects during secondary dental eruption, further comparing these results to historical controls. Methods. Six patients, aged 8 to 12, were selected. Autologous DDPSC were isolated from each patient, then associated with the biomaterial and this bone tissue engineered set was used to fill the alveolar defect. Computed tomography was performed to assess both preoperative and 6- and 12-month postoperative outcomes. Overall morbidity was recorded. Historical controls consisted of sixteen patients previously selected and randomly assigned to group one (rhBMP-2) or group two (iliac crest bone graft). Results. DDPSC could be isolated and characterized as mesenchymal stem cells. Progressive alveolar bone union has occurred in all patients. Similarly to group two 75.4%, SD±4.0, p>0.999, but statistically different from group one (59.6%, SD±9.9, p=0.001), completion of the defect with 75.6% (SD±4.8) of bone filling was detected 6 months postoperatively. Dental eruption routinely occurred in 66.7% of patients. No complications were detected, in comparison to significant swelling in 37.5% of group one patients and significant donor site pain in 87.5% of group two. Conclusion. For this selected group of patients, DDPSC therapy resulted in satisfactory bone healing with excellent feasibility and safety, which adds significantly to the prospect of stem cell use in clinical settings. Clinical Question/Level of Evidence. Therapeutic, II. This trial is registered with https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01932164?term=NCT01932164&rank=1.
Influencing Factors Analysis on Land-Lost Farmers’ Happiness Based on the Rough DEMATEL Method
Authors: Liu Lixia , Wang Tingting , Xie Lei , Zhan Xueli
Published: March 2020

In this paper, fifteen indicators from four dimensions are selected to construct an evaluation system for the happiness of land-lost farmers. The factors affecting the happiness of land-lost farmers are analyzed using the rough DEMATEL method. The results show that land expropriation compensation (F6) and job stability (F7) are the driving factors for improving the happiness of land-lost farmers. The government can improve the social environment policies, such as land acquisition, social security, and employment to influence other factors and improve the level of happiness of land-losing farmers. This study has important guiding significance and reference value for the reform of China’s land expropriation, the protection of land-lost farmers’ rights and interests and the improvement of their happiness, and the maintenance of social harmony and stability.
A Semianalytical Solution for In-Plane Vibration Analysis of Annular Panels with Arbitrary Distribution of Internal Point Constraints
Authors: Lyu Peng , Du Jingtao , Liu Zhigang
Published: March 2020

In this paper, a semianalytical solution for the in-plane vibration analysis of annular panel with arbitrary distribution of internal point constraints is established for the first time. In-plane dynamic behavior of such panel structure is described via energy principle. A modified version of Fourier series is constructed for the in-plane vibration displacement expansion supplemented with the boundary smoothed terms, and the arbitrarily concentrated constraint in each field point is described in conjunction with Dirac delta function. A standard matrix eigenvalue problem containing various in-plane modal information of such annular panel is derived and solved through Rayleigh–Ritz procedure. Several numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the correctness and effectiveness of the proposed model by comparing the results with those from other approaches. Three representative types of point constraints, including point, line, and area configurations, are considered by collection of point constraints, and it is shown that the current model can make an accurate and efficient modal parameter prediction for annular panel with such most general case of point constraints.
Delivering Sustainable Solutions through Improved Mix and Structural Design Functions for Bitumen Stabilised Materials
Authors: Jenkins K. J. , Rudman C. E. , Bierman C. R.
Published: March 2020

The evolution of cold recycling using bitumen stabilisation technology has been supported by progressive research initiatives and best practice guidelines. The first generic guidelines for bitumen stabilised materials (BSMs) were published only in 2002. These guidelines provided a generic approach for the analysis of foamed bitumen and bitumen emulsion technologies. From that point, bitumen stabilisation became the common term for the inclusion of either of the two bituminous binders. The TG2 2nd edition guideline of 2009 took a bold step recognising the shear properties of the bitumen stabilised material (BSM) as the key performance indicators. In addition, advancements in structural design and application of BSMs provided practitioners with robust guidelines. The subsequent decade has provided an opportunity to interrogate data from more than 300 BSM mix designs and 69 LTPP sections. The data have led to research developments including significant new performance properties of BSMs, refined mix design methods, and updated new pavement design methods. This includes an entire design process that has been updated with a streamlined mix design procedure and a new frontier curve for the pavement number design method, as well as a new mechanistic design function. It is anticipated that the research findings and implementation of the newly developed technology will lead to improved application in BSM technology.
The Early Results of the Laparoscopic Mini-Gastric Bypass/One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass on Patients with Different Body Mass Index
Authors: Mahmoudieh Mohsen , Keleidari Behrouz , Afshin Naser , Sayadi Shahraki Masoud , Shahabi Shahmiri Shahab , Sheikhbahaei Erfan , Melali Hamid
Published: March 2020

Introduction. Obesity is among the newest health matters that human beings are struggling with. Length of bypassed intestine is important in achievement of most weight loss and least nutritional and absorptive disorders. This study has aimed to assess short-term metabolic and nutritional effects of laparoscopic mini-gastric bypass/one anastomosis gastric bypass (MGB/OAGB) with a loop bypass length of 180 centimeters (cm) and compare these factors among patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 40–45 and 45–50 kilograms per square meter (kg/m2). Methods. 25 patients were put in group 1 (BMI = 40–45 kg/m2) and 25 patients in group 2 (BMI = 45–50 kg/m2). Patients’ BMI, postoperative weight, excess weight loss, and laboratory tests including fasting blood sugar (FBS), lipid profile, serum iron (Fe), ferritin, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), 25-OH vitamin D, vitamin B12, liver function tests, and albumin were recorded preoperatively and within 3- and 6-month follow-up. Results. Weight loss and BMI reduction was significantly more in patients with higher BMI level (P=0.007), and excess weight loss was higher in patients with lower preoperative BMI level (P=0.007). Six-month follow-up showed statistically significant reduction in total cholesterol, total triglyceride, Fe, and vitamin B12 among patients with higher BMI level (P value <0.05). Conclusion. Based on this study, 180-cm intestinal bypassed length works for patients with a BMI level of 40–45 and 45–50 kg/m2, according to their significant decrease in weight, BMI, and improving glycolipid profile.
Pressure Differences from Clear Aligner Movements Assessed by Pressure Sensors
Authors: Son Ho-jung , Lee Kyeong-ho , Sim Ji-young , Kim Hae-young , Kim Ji-hwan , Kim Woong-chul
Published: March 2020

Objectives. In this study, a clear aligner was moved at intervals of 0.25 mm and pressure variations were assessed using a sensor. Methods. The model used for producing the clear aligner was created using a 3‐dimensional printer. A clear, circular thermoplastic of 0.75 mm thickness was used for making the clear aligner using the vacuum forming method. A pressure sensor was used to assess the pressure in the device, and the variation in the sheet pressure was statistically analyzed tooth movement using the clear aligner, moving at an interval of 0.25 mm, is recommended. Results. The results of pressure sensor assessment showed that the pressure of the devices with 0.25 mm and 1.00 mm movements was identical to that of the device with 0 mm movement. In other words, the pressure sensor could not distinguish the pressure of devices that moved 0.25 mm and 1.00 mm. Conclusions. This experiment demonstrated that a movement of more than 0.50 mm is needed to apply the appropriate pressures needed for orthodontics in a clear polymer sheet.
Research on Dynamic Comprehensive Evaluation of Resource Allocation Efficiency of Technology Innovation in the Aerospace Industry
Authors: Dongri Han , Li Tuochen , Shi Ziyi , Feng Shaosong
Published: March 2020

From the perspective of input and output, this paper constructs an evaluation index system for the status quo of technology innovation resource allocation in China’s aerospace industry. Taking the industrial panel data of 20 provincial regions from 2007 to 2016 in China as samples, this paper uses the stochastic frontier method, which is improved by the projection pursuit model based on accelerated genetic algorithm, to analyze the factors influencing the allocation efficiency of technology innovation resource in the aerospace industry and then make a static evaluation for the current situation. In addition, based on the perspective of velocity characteristics, this study uses the dynamic comprehensive evaluation model to evaluate the resource allocation of technology innovation in the aerospace industry. The empirical research shows that the resource allocation efficiency of technology innovation in the aerospace industry is generally at the lower middle level, indicating an unbalanced trend of “reverse” allocation with the level of regional economic development. It is also found that the efficiency improvement effect in recent years is not obvious. At last, based on the study’s findings, some countermeasures and suggestions are put forward to improve the current situation.
Myelodysplastic Syndrome with Transfusion Dependence Treated with Venetoclax
Authors: Jehangir Waqas , Karabachev Alexander , Jahangir Taimoor , Umyarova Elvira
Published: March 2020

Myelodysplastic syndromes are characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis in one or more lineages of the bone marrow. They are a group of heterogeneous clonal stem cell malignancies with a high risk to progress to acute myeloid leukemia. Currently, there are no curative FDA-approved medications for myelodysplastic syndromes. Hematopoietic cell transplantation is potentially the only curative option; however, treatment is often unavailable due to age and comorbidities. Hypomethylating agents, azacitidine and decitabine, and the immunomodulatory agent, lenalidomide, are the only FDA approved medications for the treatment of MDS, all of which are noncurative. Venetoclax, an inhibitor of the antiapoptotic protein BCL-2 used to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia, is currently being evaluated in clinical trials as a monotherapy in high-risk myelodysplastic syndromes/acute myeloid leukemia. We present a patient with transfusion-dependent myelodysplastic syndromes refractory to the current standard of care treatment not a candidate for hematopoietic cell transplantation who responded well to monotherapy treatment with venetoclax and has since remained transfusion-independent.
Analysis and Experimental Study on Bearing Capacity of “All‐Inclusive” Underpinning Joint
Authors: Yue Kefeng , Yan Lei
Published: March 2020

Aiming at the phenomenon of punching failure and large slip at the new‐to‐old concrete interface of “beam‐column” underpinning joint, a new type of “all‐inclusive” underpinning joint is tested and numerically analyzed, which adopts the spraying glue + grooving + planting bars + prestressed + hooping connection method. The experimental and numerical analysis results show that the connection method of “all‐inclusive” underpinning joint can effectively avoid punching failure of the joint, and the failure mode is mainly flexure‐shear. Then, the “all‐inclusive” underpinning joint can delay the initial slip at the new‐to‐old concrete interface and reduce the overall slip. Finally, combining the theoretical and experimental results, a simplified calculation formula for the bearing capacity of the “all‐inclusive” underpinning joint is improved. The theoretical results are in good agreement with the experimental results, which indicates that the calculation of the bearing capacity of the underpinning joint using the formula in this paper is feasible and can provide experimental and theoretical references for similar projects.
Methods Used in Computer-Aided Diagnosis for Breast Cancer Detection Using Mammograms: A Review
Authors: Ramadan Saleem Z.
Published: March 2020

According to the American Cancer Society’s forecasts for 2019, there will be about 268,600 new cases in the United States with invasive breast cancer in women, about 62,930 new noninvasive cases, and about 41,760 death cases from breast cancer. As a result, there is a high demand for breast imaging specialists as indicated in a recent report for the Institute of Medicine and National Research Council. One way to meet this demand is through developing Computer-Aided Diagnosis (CAD) systems for breast cancer detection and diagnosis using mammograms. This study aims to review recent advancements and developments in CAD systems for breast cancer detection and diagnosis using mammograms and to give an overview of the methods used in its steps starting from preprocessing and enhancement step and ending in classification step. The current level of performance for the CAD systems is encouraging but not enough to make CAD systems standalone detection and diagnose clinical systems. Unless the performance of CAD systems enhanced dramatically from its current level by enhancing the existing methods, exploiting new promising methods in pattern recognition like data augmentation in deep learning and exploiting the advances in computational power of computers, CAD systems will continue to be a second opinion clinical procedure.
Ultrawideband Discharge Source DOA Estimation Method Using Multiple Baseline Wideband Time-Domain Interferometry with Hilbert Transform
Authors: Yan Jiangzehui , Xu Luping , Li Chunhua , Tie Weihao , Sun Xuerong
Published: March 2020

The research interest of ultrawideband (UWB) discharge source location estimation has increased these years. In this paper, a direction of arrival (DOA) estimation method using multiple baseline wideband time-domain interferometry with Hilbert transform for UWB discharge source is proposed based on time-domain and frequency-domain characteristics of radiated RF electromagnetic pulses (EMPs) from discharge sources. Monte Carlo simulations are then carried out; the results indicate that, the proposed method provides a better performance in UWB discharge source DOA estimation than the traditional time-domain method, especially in low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) conditions. Moreover, the influences of antenna array configurations and incident angles of radiated EMPs on the estimation precision are also studied. It has been shown that, the accuracy of both elevation angle and azimuth angle estimation improves with the increase of the antenna element number and baseline length. As for the influence of incident angles, the estimation accuracy of elevation angle enhances when real elevation angle increases, while that of azimuth angle tends to be opposite. Meanwhile, the real azimuth angle has little effect on the DOA estimation. Finally, an experimental setup for discharge source DOA estimation is introduced and the experiment results are illustrated.
Storage Stability of Volatile Organic Compounds from Petrochemical Plant of China in Different Sample Bags
Authors: Han Fenglei , Zhong Huangrong , Li Ting , Wang Yongqiang , Liu Fang
Published: March 2020

According to the emission characteristics of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the petrochemical plants of China, the storage stability of VOCs for two different bags, polyester aluminum (PEA) and polyvinyl fluoride (PVF), was investigated in this study by comparing the adsorption of gas samples. A series of experiments were carried out to study the impact of different factors of sampling in the petrochemical industry. The results showed that the C2∼C3 substances can be adsorbed by the Tedlar bag, and after being refilled with pure nitrogen, the VOCs adsorbed previously by the bag material can be released. The aromatic hydrocarbon VOCs with larger molecular weight had a relatively lower recovery rate than the smaller molecular weights. And the average recovery of PEA airbags was significantly better than that of PVF airbags for storing stationary VOCs in the refinery of China. More kinds of substances can be detected in the airbags that had been added with helium protective gas, and it had a higher recovery rate for both kinds of simple bags after 24 hours of storage time, which indicated that the airbags without protective gas had adsorbed these substances.
Combined Therapy of AXL and HDAC Inhibition Reverses Mesenchymal Transition in Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma
Authors: Meel Michaël H. , de Gooijer Mark C. , Metselaar Dennis S. , Sewing A. Charlotte P. , Zwaan Kenn , Waranecki Piotr , Breur Marjolein , Buil Levi C.M. , Lagerweij Tonny , Wedekind Laurine E. , Twisk Jos W.R. , Koster Jan , Hashizume Rintaro , Raabe Eric H. , Montero Carcaboso Ángel , Bugiani Marianna , Phoenix Timothy N. , van Tellingen Olaf , van Vuurden Dannis G. , Kaspers Gertjan J.L. , Hulleman Esther
Published: March 2020

Purpose:

Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is an incurable type of pediatric brain cancer, which in the majority of cases is driven by mutations in genes encoding histone 3 (H3K27M). We here determined the preclinical therapeutic potential of combined AXL and HDAC inhibition in these tumors to reverse their mesenchymal, therapy-resistant, phenotype.

Experimental Design:

We used public databases and patient-derived DIPG cells to identify putative drivers of the mesenchymal transition in these tumors. Patient-derived neurospheres, xenografts, and allografts were used to determine the therapeutic potential of combined AXL/HDAC inhibition for the treatment of DIPG.

Results:

We identified AXL as a therapeutic target and regulator of the mesenchymal transition in DIPG. Combined AXL and HDAC inhibition had a synergistic and selective antitumor effect on H3K27M DIPG cells. Treatment of DIPG cells with the AXL inhibitor BGB324 and the HDAC inhibitor panobinostat resulted in a decreased expression of mesenchymal and stem cell genes. Moreover, this combination treatment decreased expression of DNA damage repair genes in DIPG cells, strongly sensitizing them to radiation. Pharmacokinetic studies showed that BGB324, like panobinostat, crosses the blood–brain barrier. Consequently, treatment of patient-derived DIPG xenograft and murine DIPG allograft-bearing mice with BGB324 and panobinostat resulted in a synergistic antitumor effect and prolonged survival.

Conclusions:

Combined inhibition of AXL and HDACs in DIPG cells results in a synergistic antitumor effect by reversing their mesenchymal, stem cell-like, therapy-resistant phenotype. As such, this treatment combination may serve as part of a future multimodal therapeutic strategy for DIPG.
Therapeutic and Prophylactic Antitumor Activity of an Oral Inhibitor of Fucosylation in Spontaneous Mammary Cancers
Authors: Disis Mary L. , Corulli Lauren R. , Gad Ekram A. , Koehnlein Marlese R. , Cecil Denise L. , Senter Peter D. , Gardai Shyra J. , Okeley Nicole M.
Published: March 2020

2-fluorofucose (2FF) inhibits protein and cellular fucosylation. Afucosylation of IgG antibodies enhances antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity by modulating antibody affinity for FcγRIIIa, which can impact secondary T-cell activation. Immune responses toward most common solid tumors are dominated by a humoral immune response rather than the presence of tumor-infiltrating cytotoxic T cells. IgG antibodies directed against numerous tumor-associated proteins are found in the sera of both patients with breast cancer and transgenic mice bearing mammary cancer. We questioned whether 2FF would have antitumor activity in two genetically distinct transgenic models; TgMMTV-neu (luminal B) and C3(1)-Tag (basal) mammary cancer. 2FF treatment significantly improved overall survival. The TgMMTV-neu doubled survival time compared with controls [P < 0.0001; HR, 7.04; 95% confidence interval (CI), 3.31–15.0], and survival was significantly improved in C3(1)-Tag (P = 0.0013; HR, 3.36; 95% CI, 1.58–7.14). 2FF treated mice, not controls, developed delayed-type hypersensitivity and T-cell responses specific for syngeneic tumor lysates (P < 0.0001). Serum IgG from 2FF-treated mice enhanced tumor lysis more efficiently than control sera (P = 0.004). Administration of 2FF for prophylaxis, at two different doses, significantly delayed tumor onset in both TgMMTV-neu; 20 mmol/L (P = 0.0004; HR, 3.55; 95% CI, 1.60–7.88) and 50 mmol/L (P = 0.0002; HR: 3.89; 95% CI, 1.71–8.86) and C3(1)-Tag; 20 mmol/L (P = 0.0020; HR, 2.51; 95% CI, 1.22–5.18), and 50 mmol/L (P = 0.0012; HR, 3.36; 95% CI, 1.57–7.18). Mammary cancer was prevented in 33% of TgMMTV-neu and 26% of C3(1)-Tag. 2FF has potent antitumor effects in mammary cancer models. The agent shows preclinical efficacy for both cancer treatment and prevention.
Use of Techniques for Scleral and Iris Fixation in Secondary Implantation of Intraocular Lenses
Authors: Castaldelli Gabriel Bezerra , Firmino Giulia de Carvalho , Castaldelli Volney Anderson , Costa Rafael de Souza , Ribeiro João Crispim 
Published: March 2020

Scleral and iris fixation of intraocular lenses (IOL) are useful in the treatment of surgical or traumatic aphakia, luxation, and subluxation of IOL if the patient does not present appropriate capsular support. However, there is no consensus in the literature about which of these 2 methods is safer and better. The authors performed a literature review searching the main postoperative outcomes obtained with the use of each surgical method. Scleral and iris fixation of IOL are efficient in correction of the patients’ visual acuity, even though each technique presents distinct complications which depend especially on the experience of the surgeon with the performed surgical method. It is important to understand that individuals submitted to scleral or iris fixation present previous preoperative complications in their eyes. Besides, both procedures are very complex, involving intense manipulation of the eye globe. The success rate of these surgical techniques is highly variable and has a close relation to the preoperative conditions of the patient’s eye and the improvement of the surgeon’s learning curve.