bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Resilience of Land Tenure Regimes During Hurricane Irma: How Colonial Legacies Impact Disaster Response and Recovery in Antigua and Barbuda
Authors: Look Cory , Friedman Erin , Godbout Geneviève
Published: March 2019

Antiguans and Barbudans have both raised concerns over the disaster recovery solutions put in place to mitigate damages sustained during Hurricane Irma in September 2017. In Barbuda, the potential loss of commonhold land ownership and the possibility of a land grab by foreign investors has tended to portray the island as a victim of disaster capitalism rather than as a resilient community. At the same time, neither island has addressed its vulnerabilities to future extreme events through any substantive legislative response, or immediate policy shifts. While it is vital that we attend to the exploitation of vulnerable populations and the efforts of economic restructuring that follow a disaster to better understand the impact of major weather events, we propose that the threat to commonhold land tenure in Barbuda and the legislative overreach of Antigua’s government on the matter following Hurricane Irma can be understood in terms of various landscape legacies and continuities rooted in ongoing struggles over land in Antigua and Barbuda spanning the periods of slavery, emancipation, and post-colonial independence. This paper situates the past with distinction in order to understand the resilience of land tenure regimes, and the ways in which this resilience affects the quality of post-disaster response in the post-Irma era. Using path dependency theory, we examine the tensions over land tenure in response to Hurricane Irma within the framework of colonial legacies of land rights. More specifically, this paper attempts to examine how these land tenure regimes took shape, and in what ways it has been contested and resisted over time. Our findings demonstrate how the imposition of modern land-use solutions atop a landscape shaped by 18th- and 19th-century practices complicates the mandate to plan for and mitigate the impacts of future disasters. The impact of Hurricane Irma on Barbuda further shows how resistance to legislative change might result in a form of ecological restraint rooted in social-cohesion and commonhold land tenure that is now coming under threat.
Neural algorithms and computing beyond Moore's law
Authors: Aimone James B.
Published: March 2019

Advances in neurotechnologies are reigniting opportunities to bring neural computation insights into broader computing applications.
Analytics for managerial work
Authors: Khatri Vijay , Samuel Binny M.
Published: March 2019

Work in finance, marketing, human resources, and operations increasingly relies on analytics---with more to come.
Welcome to the Europe region special section
Authors: Fatourou Panagiota , Hankin Chris
Published: March 2019

The computing community throughout the European Region is championing many enterprising industry, academic, and government initiatives to further develop the field and ensure a workforce prepared to take it on.

The articles in this special section, written by some of the leading voices in the region, tell stories of informatics and ICT innovations, Web science in Europe, the EuroHPC, future research directions planned for this vibrant part of the world, and much more.
Pretreatment Processes of Biomass for Biorefineries: Current Status and Prospects
Authors: Cantero D. , Jara R. , Navarrete A. , Pelaz L. , Queiroz J. , Rodríguez-Rojo S. , Cocero M.J.
Published: March 2019

This article seeks to be a handy document for the academy and the industry to get quickly up to speed on the current status and prospects of biomass pretreatment for biorefineries. It is divided into two biomass sources: vegetal and animal. Vegetal biomass is the material produced by plants on land or in water (algae), consuming sunlight, CO2, water, and soil nutrients. This includes residues or main products from, for example, intensive grass crops, forestry, and industrial and agricultural activities. Animal biomass is the residual biomass generated from the production of food from animals (e.g., manure and whey). This review does not mean to include every technology in the area, but it does evaluate physical pretreatments, microwave-assisted extraction, and water treatments for vegetal biomass. A general review is given for animal biomass based in physical, chemical, and biological pretreatments.
Cyp1b1-deficient retinal astrocytes are more proliferative and migratory and are protected from oxidative stress and inflammation
Authors: Falero-Perez Juliana , Sorenson Christine M. , Sheibani Nader
Published: March 2019

Astrocytes (ACs) are the most abundant cells in the central nervous system. Retinal ACs play an important role in maintaining the integrity of retinal neurovascular function, and their dysfunction contributes to the pathogenesis of various eye diseases including diabetic retinopathy. Cytochrome P450 1B1 (CYP1B1) expression in the neurovascular structures of the central nervous system including ACs has been reported. We previously showed that CYP1B1 expression is a key regulator of redox homeostasis in retinal vascular cells. Its deficiency in mice resulted in increased oxidative stress and attenuation of angiogenesis in vivo and proangiogenic activity of retinal vascular cells in vitro. Here, using retinal ACs prepared from wild-type ( Cyp1b1+/+) and Cyp1b1-deficient ( Cyp1b1−/−) mice, we determined the impact of Cyp1b1 expression on retinal AC function. We showed that Cyp1b1−/− retinal ACs were more proliferative and migratory. These cells also produced increased amounts of fibronectin and its receptors, αvβ3- and α5β1-integrin. These results were consistent with the increased adhesive properties of Cyp1b1−/− ACs and their lack of ability to form a network in Matrigel. This was reversed by reexpression of Cyp1b1 in Cyp1b1−/− ACs. Although no significant changes were observed in Akt/SRC/MAPK signaling pathways, production of inflammatory mediators bone morphogenetic protein-7 (BMP-7) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) was decreased in Cyp1b1−/− ACs. Cyp1b1−/− ACs also showed increased levels of connexin 43 phosphorylation and cluster of differentiation 38 expression when challenged with H2O2. These results are consistent with increased proliferation and diminished oxidative stress in Cyp1b1−/− cells. Thus, Cyp1b1 expression in ACs plays an important role in retinal neurovascular homeostasis.
Wnt signaling inhibition by monensin results in a period of Hippo pathway activation during intestinal adaptation in zebrafish
Authors: Isani Mubina A. , Gee Kristin , Schall Kathy , Schlieve Christopher R. , Fode Alexa , Fowler Kathryn L. , Grikscheit Tracy C.
Published: March 2019

Intestinal adaptation (IA) is a critical response to increase epithelial surface area after intestinal loss. Short bowel syndrome (SBS) may follow massive intestinal resection in human patients, particularly without adequate IA. We previously validated a model in zebrafish (ZF) that recapitulates key SBS pathophysiological features. Previous RNA sequencing in this model identified upregulation of genes in the Wnt and Hippo pathways. We therefore sought to identify the timeline of increasing cell proliferation and considered the signaling that might underpin the epithelial remodeling of IA in SBS. SBS was created in a ZF model as previously reported and compared with sham fish with and without exposure to monensin, an ionophore known to inhibit canonical Wnt signaling. Rescue of the monensin effects was attempted with a glycogen synthase kinase 3 inhibitor that activates wnt signaling, CHIR-99021. A timeline was constructed to identify peak cellular proliferation, and the Wnt and Hippo pathways were evaluated. Peak stem cell proliferation and morphological changes of adaptation were identified at 7 days. Wnt inhibition diminished IA at 2 wk and resulted in activation of genes of the Wnt/β-catenin and Yes-associated protein (YAP)/Hippo pathway. Increased cytoplasmic YAP was observed in monensin-treated SBS fish. Genes of the WASP-interacting protein (WIP) pathway were elevated during Wnt blockade. In conclusion, cellular proliferation and morphological changes accompany SBS even in attempted Wnt blockade. Wnt/β-catenin, YAP/Hippo pathway, and WIP pathway genes increase during early Wnt blockade. Further understanding of the effects of Wnt and YAP pathway signaling in proliferating stem cells might enrich our knowledge of targets to assist IA.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Intestinal adaptation is a critical response to increase epithelial surface area after large intestinal losses. Inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling impairs intestinal adaptation in a zebrafish model of short bowel syndrome. There is a subsequent upregulation in genes of the Yes-associated protein/Hippo and WIP pathway. These may be targets for future human therapies, as patients are salvaged by the compensation of increased intestinal epithelial surface area through successful intestinal adaptation.
Cholecystokinin, gastrin, cholecystokinin/gastrin receptors, and bitter taste receptor TAS2R14: trophoblast expression and signaling
Authors: Taher Shèdy , Borja Yamilette , Cabanela Lucía , Costers Vincent J. , Carson-Marino Morgan , Bailes Julie C. , Dhar Biswadeep , Beckworth Mark T. , Rabaglino Maria B. , Post Uiterweer Emiel D. , Conrad Kirk P.
Published: March 2019

We investigated expression of cholecystokinin (CCK) in humans and mice, and the bitter taste receptor TAS2R14 in the human placenta. Because CCK and gastrin activate the CCKBR receptor, we also explored placental gastrin expression. Finally, we investigated calcium signaling by CCK and TAS2R14. By RT-PCR, we found CCK/Cck and GAST/Gast mRNA expression in both normal human and mouse placentas, as well as in human trophoblast cell lines (TCL). Although both Cckar and – br mRNA were expressed in the mouse placenta, only CCKBR mRNA was detected in the human placenta and TCL. mRNA expression for TAS2R14 was also observed in the human placenta and TCL. Using immunohistochemistry, CCK protein was localized to the syncytiotrophoblast (ST) and extravillous trophoblast (EVT) in the human term placenta, and to trophoblast glycogen cells in mouse and human placentas. Gastrin and TAS2R14 proteins were also observed in ST and EVT of the human placenta. Both sulfated and nonsulfated CCK elicited a comparable rise in intracellular calcium in TCL, consistent with CCKBR expression. Three TAS2R14 agonists, flufenamic acid, chlorhexidine, and diphenhydramine, also evoked rises in intracellular calcium in TCL. These results establish CCK, gastrin, and their receptor(s) in both human and mouse placentas, and TAS2R14 in the human placenta. Both CCK and TAS2R14 agonists increased intracellular calcium in human TCL. Although the roles of these ligands and receptors, and their potential cross talk in normal and pathological placentas, are currently unknown, this study opens new avenues for placental research.
Chronic intermittent hypoxia enhances disease progression in myeloma-resistant mice
Authors: Ali Mahmoud , Kowkuntla Sandeep , Delloro Derick J. , Galambos Csaba , Hathi Deep , Janz Siegfried , Shokeen Monica , Tripathi Chakrapani , Xu Hongwei , Yuk Jisung , Zhan Fenghuang , Tomasson Michael H. , Bates Melissa L.
Published: March 2019

Obesity is the only known modifiable risk factor for multiple myeloma (MM), an incurable cancer of bone marrow plasma cells. The mechanism linking the two is unknown. Obesity is associated with an increased risk of sleep apnea, which results in chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH), and drives solid tumor aggressiveness. Given the link between CIH and solid tumor progression, we tested the hypothesis that CIH drives the proliferation of MM cells in culture and their engraftment and progression in vivo. Malignant mouse 5TGM1 cells were cultured in CIH, static hypoxia, or normoxia as a control in custom, gas-permeable plates. Typically MM-resistant C57BL/6J mice were exposed to 10 h/day CIH (AHI = 12/h), static hypoxia, or normoxia for 7 days, followed by injection with 5TGM1 cells and an additional 28 days of exposure. CIH and static hypoxia slowed the growth of 5TGM1 cells in culture. CIH-exposed mice developed significantly more MM than controls (67 vs. 12%, P = 0.005), evidenced by hindlimb paralysis, gammopathy, bone lesions, and bone tumor formation. Static hypoxia was not a significant driver of MM progression and did not reduce survival ( P = 0.117). Interestingly, 5TGM1 cells preferentially engrafted in the bone marrow and promoted terminal disease in CIH mice, despite a lower tumor burden, compared with the positive controls. These first experiments in the context of hematological cancer demonstrate that CIH promotes MM through mechanisms distinct from solid tumors and that sleep apnea may be a targetable risk factor in patients with or at risk for blood cancer.
Expansion of regulatory T cells using low-dose interleukin-2 attenuates hypertension in an experimental model of systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Taylor Erin B. , Sasser Jennifer M. , Maeda Kenji J. , Ryan Michael J.
Published: March 2019

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic multisystem autoimmune disorder that is characterized by prevalent hypertension, renal injury, and cardiovascular disease. Numerous studies have reported a low prevalence and/or impaired function of regulatory T (TREG) cells in both patients with SLE and murine models of the disease. Evidence suggests that TREGcell dysfunction in SLE results from a deficiency in IL-2. Recent studies have reported that low-dose IL-2 therapy expands TREGcells in mouse models of SLE, but whether expanding TREGcells protects against hypertension and renal injury during SLE is unclear. To examine this question, female SLE (NZBWF1) and control (NZW) mice were injected with vehicle or recombinant mouse IL-2 three times in 24 h followed by single maintenance doses every 5 days for 4 wk. Treatment with IL-2 effectively expanded TREGcell populations in the peripheral blood, spleen, and kidneys. Circulating levels of anti-dsDNA IgG autoantibodies, a marker of SLE disease activity, were higher in SLE mice compared with control mice but were unaffected by IL-2 treatment. As previously reported by our laboratory, mean arterial pressure, measured in conscious mice by a carotid catheter, was higher in SLE mice than in control mice. Mean arterial pressure was significantly lower in IL-2-treated SLE mice compared with vehicle-treated SLE mice, suggesting that expanding TREGcells using low-dose IL-2 attenuates the development of hypertension. While the mechanism for the protection against hypertension is unclear, it does not appear to be related to the delay of SLE disease progression.
Gait synergetic neuromuscular control in children with cerebral palsy at different gross motor function classification system levels
Authors: Yu Yi , Chen Xiang , Cao Shuai , Wu De , Zhang Xu , Chen Xun
Published: March 2019

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neural developmental disease featured with gait abnormalities. CP gait assessment is usually performed with the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) in clinics, which does not involve a thorough assessment of neuromuscular control. To understand how the neuromuscular control disorders lead to gait abnormalities, we explored the relationship between GMFCS levels and the gait synergetic control characteristics in this study. In total, 18 children with CP at different GMFCS levels (mean age: 4.41±1.30 yr) and 8 age-matched typically developing (TD) children (mean age: 4.43±1.36 yr) were recruited to perform a straight walking task, and the surface electromyographic (sEMG) signals from eight lower limb muscles on each side and accelerometer data were collected. A nonnegative matrix factorization method was applied to obtain the muscle synergies from the sEMG signals. Next, synergy structures were projected onto the basic gait synergies to test the completeness of those structures. Subsequently, synergy activation parameters, including total activation duration and coactivation index, were compared across the participants. This study showed that children with CP at GMFCS levels I and II and the TD children had similar synergy structures, but the synergy activations of these children with CP were different from those of TD children. In addition, similar to previous research, we also found that children with CP at GMFCS level III could not access all four basic synergies on both sides. Based on the synergy analysis results, a gait assessment paradigm was proposed to facilitate the clinical CP gait evaluation.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Understanding the mechanism of gait abnormality has important clinical significance for the diagnosis, prognosis, and possible treatment of motor dysfunction in children with cerebral palsy (CP). In this study, the comparisons of the lower limb muscle synergies among different groups of children with CP at different Gross Motor Function Classification System levels might provide some new insight into the mechanism underlying the gait disorder. In particular, the discrepancies of gait synergy structure and activation patterns across the study groups may indicate different neurophysiological and pathological attributes in different groups of patients.
The Polyphenolic Composition of Extracts Derived from Different Greek Extra Virgin Olive Oils Is Correlated with Their Antioxidant Potency
Authors: Kouka Paraskevi , Tsakiri Grigoria , Tzortzi Dimitra , Dimopoulou Sofia , Sarikaki Georgia , Stathopoulos Panagiotis , Veskoukis Aristidis S. , Halabalaki Maria , Skaltsounis Alexios-Leandros , Kouretas Demetrios
Published: March 2019

Olive oil possesses a predominant role in the diet of countries around the Mediterranean basin, whereas it is a known constituent of several sectors of human culture. The polyphenolic composition of olive oil seems to be a key factor in its beneficial biological properties. Based on the above, the aim of this study was to correlate the polyphenolic composition of five extracts derived from a Greek olive oil variety with their antioxidant potency and antimutagenic activities in vitro with chemical-based techniques and cell culture-based assays. According to the results obtained, the polyphenol samples with higher concentration of hydroxytyrosol (HT) were more potent in antioxidant and antimutagenic activity in vitro, as indicated by their ability to scavenge ABTS⋅+ radical and to protect the strand of plasmid DNA from free radical-induced breaking compared to the corresponding samples with higher levels of tyrosol (T) and its derivatives. However, this observation was not evident in the cell culture model (i.e., the HeLa cervical cancer cell line) to which the tested extracts were administered. Specifically, the T-rich extracts more effectively increased endogenous GSH levels measured by flow cytometry than did the HT-rich compounds. Also, olive oil compounds contributed variously to the expression of genes implicated in the cell antioxidant machinery, as indicated by quantitative PCR. Therefore, the relationship between structure and function in redox regulation is complex and merits the combination of tests. Given that factors like the production and storage regimen of the plants are major determinants of the composition of the generated extracts, we propose that specific conditions should be adopted in order to achieve their maximum biological activity. These results followed by others in the same direction could provide a solid basis for the production of functional foods enriched in olive oil extracts with potential antioxidant action in vivo.
Pharmacokinetic Study of Delavinone in Mice after Intravenous and Oral Administration by UPLC-MS/MS
Authors: Wang Shuanghu , Zhang Zhiguang , Yu Zheng , Han Cheng , Wang Xianqin
Published: March 2019

Thirty-one compounds, including delavinone, were isolated from the methanol extract of F. cirrhosa by modern chromatographic techniques. The pharmacological action of Fritillaria is widely used in clinical practice. However, the pharmacokinetic studies on delavinone have not been reported. Therefore, the chemical constituents of this species were investigated. Therefore, it is necessary to establish an analytical method to monitor the concentration of delavinone. An UPLC-MS/MS method was established to determine delavinone in the mouse blood, and the pharmacokinetics of delavinone after intravenous (1.0 mg/kg) and intragastric (2.5, 10.0 mg/kg) administration were studied. The lower limit of quantification was 1.0 ng/mL. The intraday and interday precision RSD were less than 13%, the accuracy ranged from 96.8% to 104.9%, the average recovery was better than 80.6%, and the matrix effect was between 88.8% and 103.4%. The UPLC-MS/MS method has been successfully applied to the pharmacokinetics of delavinone in mice. The noncompartment model was used to fit the main pharmacokinetic parameters. It was found that AUC in mice was higher than that in mice given orally, and the bioavailability of delavinone was 12.4%.
Finite Element Model Updating of Satellite Sailboard Based on Sensitivity Analysis
Authors: Luo Haitao , Wang Wei , Fu Jia , Jiao Lichuang
Published: March 2019

The modal analysis of a satellite sailboard finite element model is carried out to accurately investigate the response of a satellite sailboard in a complex loaded space environment through simulation. The basic excitation vibration test of the satellite sailboard is used to perform model matching and a correlation test. Appropriate design variables are selected through sensitivity analysis. Modal analysis data and vibration table excitation test response data are used to modify the finite element model. After optimization, the orthogonality of the simulated vibration mode and experimental vibration mode is good. The low‐order frequency errors in the simulation model are less than 5%, the high‐order errors are less than 10%, and the modal confidence MAC values are above 0.8. The modal frequency and mode shape are closer to the experimental modal frequency and mode shape, respectively. The simulation and test acceleration response of the modified finite element model of a honeycomb panel are compared under the two conditions of sine sweep and random vibration. The acceleration response curves of reference points are consistent, and amplitude and frequency errors are within acceptable limits. The model updating effect is evident, which provides good reference for research on satellites and other aerospace products.
Inhibition of API 5L X52 Pipeline Steel Corrosion in Acidic Medium by Gemini Surfactants: Electrochemical Evaluation and Computational Study
Authors: Hamed Ibrahim , Osman Magda Mohamed , Abdelraheem Omnia Hassan , Nessim Maher Ibrahim , El mahgary Maryam Galal
Published: March 2019

The efficiency of three new synthesized Gemini surfactants (namely, A312, A314, and A316) of the type 4,4-[1,4phenylenebis(azanylylidene)bis(N,N-dimethyl-N-alkylaminium] bromide is evaluated as corrosion inhibitors for carbon steel API 5L X52 grade in 1M HCl. The relation between the experimental inhibition efficiency and theoretical chemical parameters obtained by computational calculation in order to predict the behavior of the organic compounds as corrosion inhibitors was instigated. The chemical structures were elucidated using1HNMR spectra. Inhibition performance was investigated by potentiodynamic polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and weight loss tests. The polarization curves show that applied surfactants act as mixed type inhibitors. Nyquist plots showed the semicircle capacitive loop with different surfactants and concentrations. The inhibition efficiency orders are A312 > A314 > A316 with the highest efficiency of 94.87% for A312. Adsorption of inhibitors on API X52 steel surface was found to obey Langmuir isotherm. Theoretical evaluation of the inhibitory effect was performed by computational quantum chemical calculations. The molecule structural parameters (EHOMO), (ELUMO), energy gap (ΔE), and the dipole moment (μ) were determined. The results of experimental inhibition efficiency and theoretical calculated quantum parameters were subjected to correlation analysis.
The Role of 3D Printing in Medical Applications: A State of the Art
Authors: Aimar Anna , Palermo Augusto , Innocenti Bernardo
Published: March 2019

Three-dimensional (3D) printing refers to a number of manufacturing technologies that generate a physical model from digital information. Medical 3D printing was once an ambitious pipe dream. However, time and investment made it real. Nowadays, the 3D printing technology represents a big opportunity to help pharmaceutical and medical companies to create more specific drugs, enabling a rapid production of medical implants, and changing the way that doctors and surgeons plan procedures. Patient-specific 3D-printed anatomical models are becoming increasingly useful tools in today’s practice of precision medicine and for personalized treatments. In the future, 3D-printed implantable organs will probably be available, reducing the waiting lists and increasing the number of lives saved. Additive manufacturing for healthcare is still very much a work in progress, but it is already applied in many different ways in medical field that, already reeling under immense pressure with regards to optimal performance and reduced costs, will stand to gain unprecedented benefits from this good-as-gold technology. The goal of this analysis is to demonstrate by a deep research of the 3D-printing applications in medical field the usefulness and drawbacks and how powerful technology it is.
Combined Effect of Secondhand Smoking and Alcohol Drinking on Risk of Persistent Human Papillomavirus Infection
Authors: Seo Sang-Soo , Oh Hea Young , Kim Mi Kyung , Lee Dong Ock , Chung Youn Kyung , Kim Joo-Young , Lee Chan Wha
Published: March 2019

Tobacco smoking is established as a cofactor of human papillomavirus (HPV) for cervical cancer risk. However, the role of secondhand smoking in cervical carcinogenesis is controversial. We aimed to assess the association between secondhand smoking and high risk- (HR-) HPV persistence, a pivotal event in development of cervical cancer. In total, 9,846 women who underwent health-screening examinations from 2002 to 2011 at the National Cancer Center, Korea, were included. Secondhand smoking was defined as being exposed to secondhand smoke at home or in the workplace. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for risks of HR-HPV infection at baseline (N, 9,846, negative vs. positive), 1-year persistence (n, 1,237, 1-year negative vs. 1-year persistence), and 2-year persistence (n, 481, 2-year negative vs. 2-year persistence). Active smoking, secondhand smoking, and secondhand smoking in nonactive smokers had no association with these risks. Among alcohol drinkers, secondhand smoking in nonactive smokers had higher risks of HR-HPV infection at baseline (OR = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.05–1.48, p for multiplicative interaction = 0.003), 1-year persistence (1.75, 1.14–2.68, 0.004), and 2-year persistence (2.96, 1.42–6.15, 0.006), when compared to HR-HPV negative, 1-year negative, and 2-year negative categories, respectively. However, among nonalcohol drinkers, there was no association between smoking or secondhand smoking status and these risks. These findings suggest that women exposed to secondhand smoking at home or in the workplace might be at high risk of HR-HPV persistence when it is combined with alcohol drinking, even though neither active smoking nor secondhand smoking independently affects the risk.
Bronchoesophageal Fistula due to Esophageal Tuberculosis
Authors: Desai Pathik , Mayenkar Prachi , Northrup Thomas F. , Mallela Vijaya
Published: March 2019

This is a case report regarding a patient who presented with 6 months of dysphagia and subsequent 40-pound weight loss. The patient underwent imaging, suggestive of pulmonary TB. Further workup of his dysphagia with esophagogastroduodenoscopy and bronchoscopy revealed two bronchoesophageal fistulas. Tuberculosis is an important differential diagnosis of prolonged dysphagia in immunocompetent patients.
Bending Vibration Analysis of Tensioned Ball Screw under Nonuniform Stress during the Cutting Process
Authors: Zhang Cheng , Zhang Jianrun
Published: March 2019

The bending vibration of tensioned ball screw under nonuniform stress in the cutting process is analyzed in this paper. Differential equation of a beam under nonuniform prestress is derived according to Euler–Bernoulli beam theory. A method to solve the differential equation under different boundary conditions is proposed based on the segmentation method. The correctness of the method is verified by comparison with the traditional method and experiment, respectively. The dynamic analysis of tensioned ball screw under nonuniform stress in the cutting process is carried out with this method. The influence of the location on the ball screw and amplitude of the axial force produced in the cutting process on natural frequencies of ball screw is researched. Results show that the greater the force, the greater the change in natural frequencies. Furthermore, the change of first two natural frequencies presents a simple harmonic trend with the force moving along the ball screw. Taking a set of cutting force data as an example, the instantaneous frequency of tensioned ball screw in the cutting process is calculated in the end.
Comparisons of the Effectiveness and Safety of Tuina, Acupuncture, Traction, and Chinese Herbs for Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis
Authors: Mo Zhuomao , Li Dong , Zhang Renwen , Chang Minmin , Yang Binbin , Tang Shujie
Published: March 2019

Background. Tuina, acupuncture, traction, and Chinese herbs play an important role in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation. However, the comparative effectiveness and safety of the four commonly utilized treatment modalities are still unclear. Objective. To compare the effectiveness and safety of the four interventions for lumbar disc herniation. Methods. Randomized controlled trials comparing any two of the four interventions in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation were identified using the following databases: PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, the China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database, and Wanfang data, and network meta-analysis was performed using STATA 14.0. Results. One hundred and twenty-one studies involving a total of 13075 patients were included. In all the outcome measurements, traction demonstrated a worst effectiveness, and Tuina and acupuncture demonstrated a best effectiveness, but no significant differences were found between Tuina and acupuncture. Compared with Tuina or acupuncture, Chinese herbs showed a similar effectiveness in Visual Analogue Score and Japanese Orthopedic Association Scores, but an inferior effectiveness in invalid rate and cure rate. Conclusions. In the treatment of lumbar disc herniation, Tuina and acupuncture were superior to traction or Chinese herbs, and the effectiveness of traction was the worst. However, considering the limitations of this review, more high-quality trials, especially those comparing Chinese herbs with the other three interventions, should be carried out in the future to further confirm the current findings.
A Modelling and Control Approach for a Type of Mixed Logical Dynamical System Using in Chilled Water System of Refrigeration System
Authors: Zhang Yan , Chu Xiaoli , Liu Yang , Liu Yongqiang
Published: March 2019

The chilled water system of central air conditioning is a typical hybrid system. The dynamic adjustment of cooling capacity based on hybrid system can achieve accurate temperature control and real‐time energy saving. Mixed logical dynamical (MLD) systems have advantage for solving constrained optimization problems of this type of case by numerical methods. This paper proposes a novel modified type of MLD system, which enhances the model applicability and improves the switching flexibility and control effect for the framework. In order to meet the needs of cooling capacity and energy saving, the optimal control problem is transformed as MIQP problem by defined performance index. As a numeral example of application, the model and control method is used in pumps group control for variable water volume in chilled water system of central air conditioning. At last, the dynamic and energy‐saving effects of the system are simulated, which shows the ideal control results.
Combined Optimized Effect of a Highly Self-Organized Nanosubstrate and an Electric Field on Osteoblast Bone Cells Activity
Authors: Portan Diana V. , Deligianni Despina D. , Papanicolaou George C. , Kostopoulos Vassilis , Psarras Georgios C. , Tyllianakis Minos
Published: March 2019

The effect of an electric field within specific intensity limits on the activity of human cells has been previously investigated. However, there are a considerable number of factors that influence the in vitro development of cell populations. In biocompatibility studies, the nature of the substrate and its topography are decisive in osteoblasts bone cells development. Further on, electrical field stimulation may activate biochemical paths that contribute to a faster, more effective self-adjustment and proliferation of specific cell types on various nanosubstrates. Within the present research, an electrical stimulation device has been manufactured and optimum values of parameters that led to enhanced osteoblasts activity, with respect to the alkaline phosphatase and total protein levels, have been found. Homogeneous electric field distribution induced by a highly organized titanium dioxide nanotubes substrate had an optimum effect on cell response. Specific substrate topography in combination with appropriate electrical stimulation enhanced osteoblasts bone cells capacity to self-adjust the levels of their specific biomarkers. The findings are of importance in the future design and development of new advanced orthopaedic materials for hard tissue replacement.
Syzygium cumini Leaf Extract Reverts Hypertriglyceridemia via Downregulation of the Hepatic XBP-1s/PDI/MTP Axis in Monosodium L-Glutamate-Induced Obese Rats
Authors: França Lucas Martins , Coêlho Caio Fernando Ferreira , Freitas Larissa Nara Costa , Souza Ivana Letícia Santos , Chagas Vinicyus Teles , Debbas Victor , Lima Thais Martins de , Souza Heraldo Possolo de , Laurindo Francisco Rafael Martins , Paes Antonio Marcus de Andrade
Published: March 2019

Syzygium cumini is used worldwide for the treatment of metabolic syndrome-associated outcomes. Previously, we described the antihypertriglyceridemic effect of the hydroethanolic extract of S. cumini leaf (HESc) in monosodium L-glutamate- (MSG-) induced obese rats. This study sought to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the antihypertriglyceridemic effect of HESc in MSG-obese rats. Newborn male Wistar rats were injected subcutaneously with MSG (4.0 g/kg/day, obese group) or saline 1.25% (1.0 mL/kg/day, lean group), from 2nd through 10th postnatal day. At 8 weeks old, obese rats started to be orally treated with HESc (0.5 or 1.0 g/kg/day, n=7) or saline 0.9% (1 mL/kg/day, n=7). Lean rats received saline solution (1 mL/kg/day, n=7). Upon 8-week treatment, animals were euthanized for blood and tissue collection. Another set of adult nonobese Wistar rats was used for the assessment of HESc acute effects on Triton WR1339-induced hypertriglyceridemia. HESc reduced weight gain, as well as adipose tissue fat pads, without altering food intake of obese rats. HESc restored fasting serum glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and free fatty acids, as well as insulin sensitivity, to levels similar to lean rats. Additionally, HESc halved the triglyceride content into very low-density lipoprotein particles, as well as healed liver steatosis, in obese rats. Hepatic protein expression of the endoplasmic reticulum chaperone GRP94 was decreased by HESc, which also downregulated the hepatic triglyceride secretion pathway by reducing the splicing of X-box binding protein 1 (XBP-1s), as well as protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) and microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP) translational levels. This action was further corroborated by the acute inhibitory effect of HESc on triglyceride accumulation on Triton WR1339-treated rats. Our data support the downregulation of the XBP-1s/PDI/MTP axis in the liver of MSG-obese rats as a novel feasible mechanism for the antihypertriglyceridemic effect promoted by the polyphenolic phytocomplex present in S. cumini leaf.
Numerical Simulation of Dust Deposition in the Filter Tube of Adsorption Air Purifier
Authors: Lu Zhongliang , Wei Zhen , Li Qiang , Wang Hongli
Published: March 2019

In recent years, indoor air quality that deeply affected people’s health cannot be ignored. It is affected by many factors, and people have taken many measures to reduce the pollution level. In addition to diluting by controlling pollution sources and using natural ventilation, air purifiers have become one of the choices, but the results are not satisfactory. To improve the dust removal effect of the adsorption air purifier, we established the dynamic equation of PM2.5 concentration under different ventilation modes based on the analysis of indoor PM2.5 concentration change process, the integral and convergent operation of the equation were carried out, and the formula and main influencing factors of indoor PM2.5 concentration in steady state under different ventilation modes were obtained. Meanwhile, the mathematical model of the internal pipeline of the purifier was established by using the Navier‐Stokes equation; we selected the DPM model in the software FLUENT to simulate the deposition of particulate matter in the ventilation pipe. The results showed that the deposition of different diameter particles in the filter tube was different. The movement of the larger particle size (particle diameter >10 μm) was mainly affected by the influence of gravity and inertia, while the fine particles are easily deposited on the inner wall side of the elbow mainly by the turbulent diffusion. Therefore, the angle of the elbow should be adjusted to direct the airflow so that most of the particulate matter could deposit on the filter element, reducing the particulate matter from the exhaust port and the damage to the human body in the room, which will improve the dedusting effect of the purifier.
Power Point Therapy: An Effective and Simple Treatment for Subacute Back Pain – A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Ofner Michael , Liebhauser Martin , Walach Harald
Published: March 2019

Objective: Subacute low back pain is a frequent problem with the danger of chronification. Conventional treatment options are not always effective. Power Point therapy (PPT) is a novel approach that uses reflexological insights and can be easily applied by practitioners and patients. Methods: Randomized, active controlled study comparing 10 units of PPT of 10 min each, with 10 units of standard physiotherapy of 30 min each. Outcomes were functional scores (Roland Morris Disability, Oswestry, McGill Pain Questionnaire, Linton-Halldén – primary outcome) and health-related quality of life (SF-36), as well as blinded assessments by clinicians (secondary outcome). Results: Eighty patients consented and were randomized, 41 to PPT, 39 to physiotherapy. Measurements were taken at baseline, after the first and after the last treatment (approximately 5 weeks after enrolment). Multivariate linear models of covariance showed significant effects of time and group (p < 0.001) and for the quality of life variables also a significant interaction of time by group (p < 0.001). Clinician-documented variables showed significant differences at follow-up (p = 0.05 to p < 0.0001). Discussion: Both physiotherapy and PPT improve subacute low back pain significantly. PPT is likely more effective and should be studied further.
A Novel Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Food Challenge Matrix for Milk and Raw Egg
Authors: Vandekerckhove Marjolein , Van Droogenbroeck Bart , De Loose Marc , Coudijzer Katleen , Van Winckel Myriam , Gevaert Philippe , Lapeere Hilde
Published: March 2019

Background: The double-blind, placebo-controlled food challenge (DBPCFC) is still considered to be the gold standard in food allergy diagnosis. This test is however not common practice in routine due to several practical limitations, especially for non-IgE-mediated food allergy with its typical delayed food allergic reactions. Objective: The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate DBPCFC matrices for the diagnosis of milk and egg allergies which can be applied at home for the diagnosis of delayed food allergic reactions. The main focus was the blinding of milk and raw egg and the development of matrices which can be prepared and consumed conveniently at home with a sufficiently long shelf life (+/– 6 months or longer). Methods: A sensory test evaluated the blinding of the egg and milk in the matrices. The microbiological analysis confirmed the safety and stability of the developed matrices. To assess the applicability of the matrices, a pilot DBPCFC study for milk including 7 patients was conducted. Results: Sensory tests confirmed that the masking of the allergenic ingredients was sufficient. Microbial safety and stability of the matrices were confirmed up to 6 months of storage at ambient temperatures in the dark. The DBPCFC for milk showed different outcomes and proved its applicability for use at home. Conclusion: A novel stable DBPCFC matrix for milk and raw egg has been developed that allows convenient use at the patients’ home.
Oligodendrocyte Progenitor Cell Proliferation and Fate after White Matter Stroke in Juvenile and Adult Mice
Authors: Dingman Andra L. , Rodgers Krista M. , Dietz Robert M. , Hickey Sean P. , Frazier Alexandra P. , Clevenger Amy C. , Yonchek Joan C. , Traystman Richard J. , Macklin Wendy B. , Herson Paco S.
Published: March 2019

The incidence of stroke in children is 2.4 per 100,000 person-years and results in long-term motor and cognitive disability. In ischemic stroke, white matter (WM) is frequently injured, but is relatively understudied compared to grey matter injury. Previous research suggests that the cellular response to WM ischemic injury is different at different ages. Little is known about whether WM repair mechanisms differ in children and adults. We utilized a model of focal ischemic WM injury to determine the oligodendrocyte (OL) response to focal WM ischemic injury in juvenile and adult mice. Methods: Juvenile (21–25 days of age) versus adult (2–3 months of age) mice underwent stereotaxic injection of the potent vasoconstrictor N5-(1-iminoethyhl)-L-ornithine (L-NIO) into the lateral corpus callosum (CC). Animals were sacrificed on postoperative day 3 (acute) or 21 (chronic). Cell birth-dating was performed acutely after WM stroke with 5-ethynyl-2-deoxyuridine (EdU) injected intraperitoneally. Immunohistochemistry was performed, as well as stereology, to measure injury volume. The acute oligodendrocyte progenitor cell (OPC) proliferation and the chronic OL cell fate were determined with immunohistochemistry. Compound action potentials were measured in the CC at acute and chronic time points. Results: Acutely WM injury volume was smaller in juveniles. There was significantly greater OPC proliferation in juvenile animals (acute) compared to adults, but newly born OLs did not survive and mature into myelinating cells at chronic time points. In addition, juveniles did not have improved histological or functional recovery when compared to adults. Protecting newly born OPCs is a potential therapeutic target in children with ischemic stroke.
Low Skeletal Muscle Mass Independently Predicts Mortality in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure after an Acute Hospitalization
Authors: Lopez Persio D. , Nepal Pankaj , Akinlonu Adedoyin , Nekkalapudi Divya , Kim Kwon , Cativo Eder H. , Visco Ferdinand , Mushiyev Savi , Pekler Gerald
Published: March 2019

Background: Heart failure (HF) is a syndrome associated with exercise intolerance, and its symptoms are more common in patients with low skeletal muscle mass (SMM). Estimation of muscle mass can be cumbersome and unreliable, particularly in patients with varying body weight. The psoas muscle area (PMA) can be used as a surrogate of sarcopenia and has been associated with poor outcomes in other populations. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess if sarcopenia is associated with the survival of patients with HF after an acute hospitalization. Method: We retrospectively studied a cohort of 160 patients with HF who had abdominopelvic computed tomography during an acute hospitalization. We obtained standardized measurements of their PMA and defined sarcopenia as the lowest gender-based tertile of the said area. The patients were followed until death or discontinuation of care. We used Kaplan-Meier estimates and Cox regression analysis to assess the relationship between sarcopenia and all-cause mortality. Results: We found that the 52 patients with sarcopenia had 4.5 times the risk of all-cause mortality at 1 year compared to the rest of the cohort (CI 1.784–11.765; p = 0.0016) after adjusting for significant covariates. Stratification by age and sex revealed that this association could be limited to males and patients < 75 years old. Conclusion: The PMA, used as a surrogate of low SMM, is independently associated with an increased risk of late mortality after an acute hospitalization in patients with HF.
Making a Positive Diagnosis of Intestinal Tuberculosis with the Aid of New Biologic and Histologic Features: How Far Have We Reached?
Authors: Mehta Vatsal , Desai Devendra , Abraham Philip , Rodrigues Camilla
Published: March 2019

Background: The diagnosis of intestinal tuberculosis (TB) and its differentiation from Crohn’s disease (CD) remain a challenge. We review here in detail the various methods for the diagnosis of intestinal TB. Summary: Colonoscopy findings in intestinal TB are useful and suggestive; histopathology of colonoscopic biopsies is contributory but rarely confirmatory. Increasing the number of colonoscopic biopsies increases the histological yield. Recent culture methods that have improved the yield for TB offer hope. Mycobacteria Growth Indicator Tube (MGIT) culture is now the standard of care as its yield is superior to that of the traditional Lowenstein-Jensen medium. Increasing the number of colonoscopic biopsy samples for MGIT culture can increase the yield. The culture and histology are complimentary. Even then a significant proportion of patients do not have a positive diagnosis of intestinal TB. Scoring systems have been developed with a sensitivity and specificity of 90 and 60%, respectively, but their utility in routine practice is yet to be established. Similarly, the ratio of visceral fat to total fat is helpful in differentiating CD from intestinal TB. Polymerase chain reaction has been used but its value seems uncertain. Gene Xpert® in an emerging technique that has been found to be useful in the diagnosis of pulmonary TB, and its utility in intestinal TB needs to be looked at. Newer technologies like TB-LAMP (loop-mediated isothermal amplification) need to be assessed in clinical studies. Key Message: Optimization of the present diagnostic tools (taking an adequate number of biopsies for histology and culture) and study of newer techniques to learn their actual utility seems to be the way forward.