bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic Responses of Vehicle‐CRTS III Slab Track System and Vehicle Running Safety Subjected to Uniform Seismic Excitation
Authors: Lou Ping , Gong Kailun , Zhao Chen , Xu Qingyuan , Luo Robert K.
Published: July 2019

The dynamic model for the vehicle‐CRTS III slab track system is established subjected to uniform seismic excitation, and the calculation program with MATLAB is compiled and verified. The influences of track parameters, seismic intensity, and running speed of the vehicle on the dynamic responses of the system and the vehicle running safety are analyzed. The results show that (1) the track parameters have certain influence on the dynamic responses of the system, and the seismic intensity and the running speed of the vehicle have important influence on the vehicle running safety; (2) the derailment coefficient is highly sensitive to seismic intensity, and the wheel load reduction rate is also highly sensitive to the running speed of the vehicle.
Study on the Antihypertensive Mechanism of Astragalus membranaceus and Salvia miltiorrhiza Based on Intestinal Flora-Host Metabolism
Authors: Han Cong , Jiang Yue-hua , Li Wei , Liu Yao , Qi Zhen-qiang
Published: July 2019

Our previous studies have shown that the combination of Astragalus membranaceus and Salvia miltiorrhiza (HD) had a good antihypertensive effect, but its potential mechanism remained unclear. This study aimed to investigate the role of intestinal flora and serum metabolism induced by HD against hypertension. 16 spontaneous hypertensive rats (SHRs) were divided into HD group (5.9 g/kg) and model group (M) (normal saline), with eight Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats as control group (W) (normal saline). Rats were fed by gavage once a day for 28 days. The changes of intestinal flora and serum metabolism were analyzed by 16S rDNA sequencing and LC-MS/MS assay. HD decreased blood pressure steadily, improved the structure and composition of imbalance flora in SHRs, increased the abundance and diversity of flora, and decreased flora Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio. Rumen bacterium NK4A214, Clostridium sp. MC 40 increased remarkably in M group. Akkermansia, Akkermansia muciniphila, and Lactobacillus intestinalis increased significantly in HD group, which were functionally related to the significant increase of Lachnoclostridium, Faecalibaculum, and Lactobacillus reuteri in W group, which were all probiotics producing butyric acid, lactic acid, and regulating inflammation and other antihypertensive related factors. HD also changed the serum metabolic pattern of SHRs. 16 potential biomarkers related to inflammation, vasodilation, steroid hormones, oxidative stress, and etc. changed significantly, mainly enriched in arachidonic acid metabolism, tryptophan metabolism, steroid hormone biosynthesis, and glutathione metabolism. The correlation analysis demonstrated that the dominant genius and species in three groups were highly correlated with steroid hormone biosynthesis, arachidonic acid metabolism, tryptophan metabolism, and vitamin B6 metabolism. Our research indicated that HD had a good antihypertensive effect, which may be driven by the protective intestinal flora and beneficial metabolites induced by it, and the metabolites were closely related to the changes of intestinal flora. It provided new insights for the antihypertensive mechanism of HD.
Are Anesthesiology Providers Good Guessers? Heart Rate and Oxygen Saturation Estimation in a Simulation Setting
Authors: Riveros Perez Efrain , Jimenez Enoe , Albo Camila , Sanghvi Yashi , Yang Nianlan , Rocuts Alexander
Published: July 2019

Background. Anesthesia providers may need to interpret the output of vital sign monitors based on auditory cues, in the context of multitasking in the operating room. This study aims to evaluate the ability of different anesthesia providers to estimate heart rate and oxygen saturation in a simulation setting. Methods. Sixty anesthesia providers (residents, nurse anesthetics, and anesthesiologists) were studied. Four scenarios were arranged in a simulation context. Two baseline scenarios with and without waveform visual aid, and two scenarios with variation of heart rate and/or oxygen saturation were used to assess the accuracy of the estimation made by the participants. Results. When the accurate threshold for the heart rate was set at less than 5 beats per minute, the providers only had a correct estimation at two baseline settings with visual aids (p=0.22 and 0.2237). Anesthesia providers tend to underestimate the heart rate when it increases. Providers failed to accurately estimate oxygen saturation with or without visual aid (p=0.0276 and 0.0105, respectively). Change in recording settings significantly affected the accuracy of heart rate estimation (p<0.0001), and different experience levels affected the estimation accuracy (p=0.041). Conclusion. The ability of anesthesia providers with different levels of experience to assess baseline and variations of heart rate and oxygen saturation is unsatisfactory, especially when oxygen desaturation and bradycardia coexist, and when the subject has less years of experience.
Circulating Exosomes Derived-miR-146a from Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients Regulates Senescence of Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Dong Chen , Zhou Qiao , Fu Ting , Zhao Rui , Yang Junling , Kong Xiaoli , Zhang Zhongyuan , Sun Chi , Bao Yanfeng , Ge Xinyu , Zhang Zexu , Lu Zhimin , Li Jing , Zheng Wenjie , Gu Zhifeng , Ji Juan
Published: July 2019

The senescence of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) plays a crucial role in the development and progression of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Exosomes, small spherical bilayer proteolipid vesicles, contribute to the communication between various cells and their microenvironment by transferring information via their cargo, including the proteins, lipids, and RNAs. While exosomal miRNAs participate in various biological activities, correlations of circulating exosomes with senescent signs of BM-MSCs remain unclear. In our study, we aimed at exploring the roles of circulating exosomal miRNAs in the senescence of MSCs. We found that exosomes derived from SLE serum could increase the proportions of SA-β-gal positive cells, disorganize cytoskeletons, and reduce growth rates. Moreover, the expression of miR-146a declined significantly in serum exosomes of SLE patients compared with healthy controls. miR-146a could be internalized into MSCs via exosomes and participate in MSCs senescence through targeting TRAF6/NF-κB signaling. These results clarified the novel mechanism of MSCs senescence in SLE patients.
Factors Associated with Depression among Heart Failure Patients at Cardiac Follow-Up Clinics in Northwest Ethiopia, 2017: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Yazew Kassahun Gebeyehu , Beshah Debrework Tesgera , Salih Mohammed Hassen , Zeleke Tadele Amare
Published: July 2019

Background. Depression is a comorbid disorder in patients with heart failure and it is a major public health problem worldwide. Little is known about the depression among heart failure patients in low-income countries, while, in Ethiopia, none was studied. Objective. This study is to assess the prevalence of depression and associated factors among heart failure patients at cardiac follow-up clinics at Amhara Region Referral Hospitals, Northwest Ethiopia, 2017. Methods. A hospital based cross-sectional study was conducted between March 30, 2017, and May 15, 2017, G.C., by using a systematic random sampling technique to select 422 of 1395 HF patients. Structured interviewer-administered questionnaires and patient card review with a checklist that incorporates the PHQ-9 tool for depression measurement were used. The collected data were checked, coded, and entered into Epi-info version 7 and exported to SPSS version 20. Bivariate logistic regression at p-value <0.2 was exported to multivariate logistic regressions and p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results. A total of 403 were included with a response rate of 95.5%. Among the participants, 51.1% had depressive symptoms. Factors associated with depressive symptoms were poor self-care behavior 1.60 [AOR (95% CI=1.01, 2.55)], poor social support 1.90 [AOR (95% CI=1.16, 3.12)], being female 2.70 [AOR (95% CI=1.44, 5.07)], current smoking history 4.96 [AOR (95% CI=1.54, 15.98)], and duration of heart failure (>1 year) 1.64 [AOR (95% CI=1.04, 2.59)]. Conclusions. Around half of the patients were depressive. The patients who had poor self-care behavior, were females, had poor social support, had a current history of smoking, and had duration of chronic heart failure >1 year need special attention. Therefore, all referral hospitals need efforts to focus on those problems and target improvements of depressive symptoms.
Efficacy of Electroacupuncture Combined with Methadone Maintenance Therapy: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Chen Yu-Liang , Lee Tsung-Chieh , Chen Yun-Tai , Lo Lun-Chien , Hsu Wen-Yu , Ouyang Wen-Chen
Published: July 2019

High compliance with methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) is crucial to successful opioid abstinence in addicts. However, MMT has numerous side effects, including reductions in quality of life and quality of sleep. Many studies have demonstrated that electroacupuncture relieves withdrawal symptoms in opioid addicts. The present study was a case-control study. From January 2015 to September 2016, 106 patients undergoing MMT at a medical center in central Taiwan were recruited and separated into an electroacupuncture treatment group and a control group. Electroacupuncture was performed for 15 minutes twice weekly for 4 weeks. The electroacupuncture treatment group was discovered to have improved quality of life, especially in terms of vitality and mental health. Although electroacupuncture did not significantly improve sleep quality, we found that sleep quality was significantly improved once methadone dosage had been reduced. Electroacupuncture can improve quality of life in patients undergoing MMT. If methadone dosage can be reduced and electroacupuncture can be employed, both sleep and life quality can be improved.
Noninvasive Evaluation of Liver Fibrosis Reverse Using Artificial Neural Network Model for Chronic Hepatitis B Patients
Authors: Wei Wei , Wu Xiaoning , Zhou Jialing , Sun Yameng , Kong Yuanyuan , Yang Xu
Published: July 2019

The diagnostic performance of an artificial neural network model for chronic HBV-induced liver fibrosis reverse is not well established. Our research aims to construct an ANN model for estimating noninvasive predictors of fibrosis reverse in chronic HBV patients after regular antiviral therapy. In our study, 141 consecutive patients requiring liver biopsy at baseline and 1.5 years were enrolled. Several serum biomarkers and liver stiffness were measured during antiviral therapy in both reverse and nonreverse groups. Statistically significant variables between two groups were selected to form an input layer of the ANN model. The ROC (receiver-operating characteristic) curve and AUC (area under the curve) were calculated for comparison of effectiveness of the ANN model and logistic regression model in predicting HBV-induced liver fibrosis reverse. The prevalence of fibrosis reverse of HBV patients was about 39% (55/141) after 78-week antiviral therapy. The Ishak scoring system was used to assess fibrosis reverse. Our study manifested that AST (aspartate aminotransferase; importance coefficient = 0.296), PLT (platelet count; IC = 0.159), WBC (white blood cell; IC = 0.142), CHE (cholinesterase; IC = 0.128), LSM (liver stiffness measurement; IC = 0.125), ALT (alanine aminotransferase; IC = 0.110), and gender (IC = 0.041) were the most crucial predictors of reverse. The AUC of the ANN model and logistic model was 0.809 ± 0.062 and 0.756 ± 0.059, respectively. In our study, we concluded that the ANN model with variables consisting of AST, PLT, WBC, CHE, LSM, ALT, and gender may be useful in diagnosing liver fibrosis reverse for chronic HBV-induced liver fibrosis patients.
Vimentin Overexpressions Induced by Cell Hypoxia Promote Vasculogenic Mimicry by Renal Cell Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Lin Hao , Hong Yingkai , Huang Bin , Liu Xincheng , Zheng Junhong , Qiu Shaopeng
Published: July 2019

Vasculogenic mimicry (VM), the novel approach for tumor cells to obtain blood supply, was reported to be involved in antiangiogenic resistance and poor prognosis in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying VM formed by RCC cells are still not clearly depicted. In the present study, we found that OS-RC-2 acquired the VM forming ability accompanied with the increased expressions of Vimentin and AXL and decreased expression of E-Cadherin by CoCl2 treatment. Downregulation of Vimentin by siRNA severely impaired the capability of OS-RC-2 and 786-O to form VM structures induced by cell hypoxia in vitro. Moreover, knockdown of Vimentin inhibited cell migration and invasion, which could be prompted by hypoxia induction in RCC cells. In our clear cell RCC tissues, we found that VM was positively correlated with Vimentin overexpression and both predicted poor prognosis. In conclusion, Vimentin plays an important role in hypoxia induced VM formation of RCC cells and targeted Vimentin might be beneficial for RCC therapy.
Robust H∞ Consensus Control for Linear Discrete-Time Swarm Systems with Parameter Uncertainties and Time-Varying Delays
Authors: Jia Xiao , Hu Laihong , Feng Fujun , Xu Jun
Published: July 2019

Robust H∞ consensus control problems of linear swarm systems with parameter uncertainties and time-varying delays are investigated. In this literature, a linear consensus protocol for high-order discrete-time swarm systems is proposed. Firstly, the robust H∞ consensus control problem of discrete-time swarm systems is transformed into a robust H∞ control problem of a set of independent uncertain systems. Secondly, sufficient linear matrix inequality conditions for robust H∞ consensus analysis of discrete-time swarm systems are given by the stability theory, and a H∞ performance level γ is determined meanwhile. Thirdly, the convergence result is derived as a final consensus value of swarm systems. Finally, numerical examples are presented to demonstrate theoretical results.
Ultrasound-Proven Severe Synovitis Induced by PD-1 Inhibitor Therapy in a Patient Predisposed to Seronegative Inflammatory Arthritis
Authors: Kawashiri Shin-ya , Iwamoto Naoki , Ohba Kojiro , Kawakami Atsushi
Published: July 2019

A 71-year-old Japanese woman was treated with programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) inhibitor, nivolumab, for renal cell carcinoma with lung metastasis. Although she had been treated with antirheumatic drugs from 40 to 60 years old by the diagnosis of seronegative inflammatory arthritis, treatment was discontinued based on her achievement of remission. She developed severe polyarthralgia after the administration of nivolumab. Severe synovitis with remarkable power Doppler signals was detected by ultrasound in multiple joints and tendons, and her serum levels of proinflammatory cytokine were remarkably elevated. Nevertheless, her arthritis disappeared after the discontinuation of nivolumab and treatment with a glucocorticoid without antirheumatic drugs. The use of PD-1 inhibitor may be restricted in patients predisposed to arthritis. Alternatively, a close monitoring of these patients by rheumatologists is necessary to identify predictable flares.
Power Grid Fault Diagnosis Method Using Intuitionistic Fuzzy Petri Nets Based on Time Series Matching
Authors: Tan Mingyue , Li Jiming , Chen Xiangqian , Cheng Xuezhen
Published: July 2019

To improve the reliability of power grid fault diagnosis by enhancing the processing ability of uncertain information and adequately utilizing the alarm information about power grids, a fault diagnosis method using intuitionistic fuzzy Petri Nets based on time series matching is proposed in this paper. First, the alarm hypothesis sequence and the real alarm sequence are constructed using the alarm information and the general grid protection configuration model, and the similarity of the two sequences is used to calculate the timing confidence. Then, an intuitionistic fuzzy Petri Nets fault diagnosis model, with an excellent ability to process uncertain information from intuitionistic fuzzy sets, is constructed, and the initial place value of the model is corrected by the timing confidence. Finally, an application of the fault diagnosis model for the actual grid is established to analyze and verify the diagnostic results of the new method. The results for some test cases show that the new method can improve the accuracy and fault tolerance of fault diagnosis, and, furthermore, the abnormal state of the component can be inferred.
Study on the Damping Effect of Particle Dampers considering Different Surface Properties
Authors: Li Xiaowei , Yang Yue , Shi Weixing
Published: July 2019

Particle dampers are nonlinear vibration control devices. The surface property has a great influence on the performance of the particle damper, but it is difficult to be considered and analyzed. This paper firstly gives a view of how to establish a theoretic model of the particle damper. The dynamic equation and energy dissipation coefficient of collision are revised from the Hertz contact theory in the proposed theoretic model, considering the friction of particles. Then, a contrastive collision model relying on the finite element method is established to verify the reasonability of the theoretic model. The effects of different factors which will have an influence on the performance of the particle damper are discussed, and several conclusions on how to optimize the particle damper are proposed. Except for the aforementioned dynamic analysis, this paper also presents a particle damping index to evaluate the capability of energy dissipation of different materials, in order to facilitate the material selection in the practical design. Finally, an experiment is developed to verify the character of the collision and energy dissipation. The feasibility of the proposed method to estimate the surface property of different particles is validated by the free vibration experiment.
Chlorella vulgaris Modulates Genes and Muscle-Specific microRNAs Expression to Promote Myoblast Differentiation in Culture
Authors: Zainul Azlan Nurhazirah , Mohd Yusof Yasmin Anum , Alias Ekram , Makpol Suzana
Published: July 2019

Background. Loss of skeletal muscle mass, strength, and function due to gradual decline in the regeneration of skeletal muscle fibers was observed with advancing age. This condition is known as sarcopenia. Myogenic regulatory factors (MRFs) are essential in muscle regeneration as its activation leads to the differentiation of myoblasts to myofibers. Chlorella vulgaris is a coccoid green eukaryotic microalga that contains highly nutritious substances and has been reported for its pharmaceutical effects. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of C. vulgaris on the regulation of MRFs and myomiRs expression in young and senescent myoblasts during differentiation in vitro. Methods. Human skeletal muscle myoblast (HSMM) cells were cultured and serial passaging was carried out to obtain young and senescent cells. The cells were then treated with C. vulgaris followed by differentiation induction. The expression of Pax7, MyoD1, Myf5, MEF2C, IGF1R, MYOG, TNNT1, PTEN, and MYH2 genes and miR-133b, miR-206, and miR-486 was determined in untreated and C. vulgaris-treated myoblasts on Days 0, 1, 3, 5, and 7 of differentiation. Results. The expression of Pax7, MyoD1, Myf5, MEF2C, IGF1R, MYOG, TNNT1, and PTEN in control senescent myoblasts was significantly decreased on Day 0 of differentiation (p<0.05). Treatment with C. vulgaris upregulated Pax7, Myf5, MEF2C, IGF1R, MYOG, and PTEN in senescent myoblasts (p<0.05) and upregulated Pax7 and MYOG in young myoblasts (p<0.05). The expression of MyoD1 and Myf5 in young myoblasts however was significantly decreased on Day 0 of differentiation (p<0.05). During differentiation, the expression of these genes was increased with C. vulgaris treatment. Further analysis on myomiRs expression showed that miR-133b, miR-206, and miR-486 were significantly downregulated in senescent myoblasts on Day 0 of differentiation which was upregulated by C. vulgaris treatment (p<0.05). During differentiation, the expression of miR-133b and miR-206 was significantly increased with C. vulgaris treatment in both young and senescent myoblasts (p<0.05). However, no significant change was observed on the expression of miR-486 with C. vulgaris treatment. Conclusions. C. vulgaris demonstrated the modulatory effects on the expression of MRFs and myomiRs during proliferation and differentiation of myoblasts in culture. These findings may indicate the beneficial effect of C. vulgaris in muscle regeneration during ageing thus may prevent sarcopenia in the elderly.
Galphimia glauca and Natural Galphimines Block Schizophrenia-Like Symptoms Induced with Apomorphine and MK-801 in Mice
Authors: Santillán-Urquiza Mayra Alejandra , Herrera-Ruiz Maribel , Zamilpa Alejandro , Jiménez-Ferrer Enrique , Román-Ramos Rubén , Alegría-Herrera Elian Yuritzi , Tortoriello Jaime
Published: July 2019

Background. Galphimia glauca has been used for many years in Mexican Traditional Medicine to calm “insane people.” Triterpenes, known as galphimines, were identified in this species. One of them, Galphimine-B (G-B), acts selectively on dopaminergic neurons by antagonizing the effect of glutamate on NMDA receptors. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of G. glauca methanolic extract (GgMeOH), a Galphimine-Rich Fraction (GRF), as well as the galphimines G-A, G-B, and G-E, on the acute psychosis induced by Apomorphine (APO) in mice and on schizophrenia-like symptoms induced by subchronic administration of MK-801. Method. On the first day, ICR male mice were given GgMeOH, GRF, or one of the galphimines. On day two, animals were treated with APO, and on day 3, they were subjected to behavioral tests. In a second test, MK-801 was administered daily for 28 days. In this case, animals were treated daily with G. glauca products from day 9 to day 28 and then subjected to behavioral tests (passive avoidance test, open field test, forced swimming test, and social interaction test). Results. The increased number of stereotyped behaviors and grooming behaviors induced with APO were counteracted by all of the experimental treatments. MK-801 induced an increase in immobility time, which was blocked with G-B; GRF counteracted the decreased social interaction, and GgMeOH and GRF prevented the memory loss induced by MK-801. Conclusion. G. glauca and their derivatives products (GRF and galphimines) were able to interact with the dopaminergic and glutamatergic drugs and to block different behaviors associated with some of the positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms of induced schizophrenia in mice. It is necessary to continue with this research, in order to identify their mechanism of action.
Stability Analysis of Axisymmetric Concave Slopes Based on Two‐Dimensional Limit Equilibrium Approach considering Additional Shear Resistance
Authors: Liu Xiao-ming , Zhang Rui , Han Jie , Chen Sha
Published: July 2019

Axisymmetric concave slopes, one special type of three‐dimensional (3D) slopes, may be encountered in mining and civil engineering practice. Analysis of 3D slopes is generally complex and mostly relies on complicated numerical simulations. This paper proposes an elastoplastic solution for determining the additional shear resistances due to spatial effects of axisymmetric concave slopes. By incorporating the extra antislide forces, this paper proposes a simplified two‐dimensional (2D) limit equilibrium procedure for the stability analysis of axisymmetric concave slopes. Combined with an iteration algorithm, the procedure can obtain the factors of safety for axisymmetric concave slopes in a simple and efficient way. Comparisons of the results from the proposed method and the numerical software FLAC3D are performed to demonstrate the validity of the proposed method for practical applications. Finally, the effects of several key parameters on the stability of axisymmetric concave slopes are investigated through a parametric study.
FIB-SEM Three-Dimensional Tomography for Characterization of Carbon-Based Materials
Authors: Nan Nan , Wang Jingxin
Published: July 2019

A review on the recent advances of the three-dimensional (3D) characterization of carbon-based materials was conducted by focused ion beam-scanning electron microscope (FIB-SEM) tomography. Current studies and further potential applications of the FIB-SEM 3D tomography technique for carbon-based materials were discussed. The goal of this paper is to highlight the advances of FIB-SEM 3D reconstruction to reveal the high and accurate resolution of internal structures of carbon-based materials and provide suggestions for the adoption and improvement of the FIB-SEM tomography system for a broad carbon-based research to achieve the best examination performances and enhance the development of innovative carbon-based materials.
Rituximab as Rescue Therapy for Aggressive Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Vartzelis George , Maritsi Despoina , Nikolaidou Maria , Garoufi Anastasia , Kilidireas Constantinos
Published: July 2019

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, debilitating disease. Almost one in ten patients with MS has a history of disease onset during childhood. Although numerous therapeutic options exist for adult MS, the available treatments for pediatric patients are still limited. One of the emerging therapies is rituximab, a monoclonal anti-CD20 chimeric antibody that can deplete the CD20+ lymphocyte populations. A 12-year-old boy presented with ataxia, paresthesias, and headache while his brain MRI showed numerous T2 contrast-enhancing lesions. Gamma globulin, steroids, and cyclophosphamide failed to intercept his disease, and he progressed to a rapid clinical and radiological deterioration. Treatment with rituximab reversed the disease course in a dramatic fashion, leading to complete remission.
Combined Chylothorax and Chylous Ascites Complicating Liver Transplantation: A Report of a Case and Review of the Literature
Authors: Ivanics Tommy , Munie Semeret , Nasser Hassan , Leonard-Murali Shravan , Yoshida Atsushi , Nagai Shunji , Collins Kelly , Abouljoud Marwan , Rizzari Michael
Published: July 2019

Chyle leaks may occur as a result of surgical intervention. Chyloperitoneum, or chylous ascites after liver transplantation, is rare and the development of chylothorax after abdominal surgery is even more rare. With increasingly aggressive surgical resections, particularly in the retroperitoneum, the incidence of chyle leaks is expected to increase in the future. Here we present a unique case of a combined chylothorax and chyloperitoneum following liver transplantation successfully managed conservatively. Risk factors for chylous ascites include para-aortic manipulation, extensive retroperitoneal dissection, use of a Ligasure device, and early enteral feeding as well as early enteral feeding. The clinical presentation is typically insidious and may include painless abdominal distension. Diagnosis can be made by noting characteristic milky white drainage which on laboratory examination has a total fluid triglyceride level >110 mg/dl, an ascites/serum triglyceride ratio of >1 and a leukocyte count in fluid >1000/uL with a lymphocyte predominance. Chyle leaks may lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Numerous management options exist, with conservative nonoperative measurements leading to the most consistent and successful outcomes. This includes a step-up approach beginning with dietary modifications to a low-fat or medium chain triglyceride diet followed by nil per os with addition of total parenteral nutrition and somatostatin analogues such as octreotide. Rarely do patients require more invasive treatment. Early recognition and appropriate management are imperative to mitigate this complication.
The Existence and Uniqueness of Intuitionistic Fuzzy Solutions for Intuitionistic Fuzzy Partial Functional Differential Equations
Authors: Ben Amma Bouchra , Melliani Said , Chadli Lalla Saadia
Published: July 2019

In this paper, we consider intuitionistic fuzzy partial functional differential equations with local and nonlocal initial conditions using the Banach fixed point theorem. A new complete intuitionistic fuzzy metric space is proposed to investigate the existence and uniqueness of intuitionistic fuzzy solutions for these problems. We use the level-set representation of intuitionistic fuzzy functions and define the solution to an intuitionistic fuzzy partial functional differential equation problem through a corresponding parametric problem and further develop theoretical results on the existence and uniqueness of the solution. An example is presented to illustrate the results with some numerical simulation for α-cuts of the intuitionistic fuzzy solutions: we give the representation of the surface of intuitionistic fuzzy solutions.
H∞ Control-Based Robust CAS Design for QTW-UAV via the Multiple-Model Approach with Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Nami Chiramathe , Oka Koichi , Sato Masayuki , Harada Akinori , Muraoka Koji
Published: July 2019

Quad-Tilt-Wing (QTW) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) is one of the promising types of UAVs because of its high-speed cruise performance similar to fixed-wing aircraft and VTOL (Vertical TakeOff and Landing) ability like helicopters. The control performance of our previously designed Control Augmentation System (CAS) for the aircraft was not satisfactory due to the oscillatory motions in flight tests. This paper thus presents an H∞ control-based robust CAS design for QTW-UAV via multiple-model approach with Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) to suppress the oscillatory motions. Although the adoption of the multiple-model approach to obtain robust CAS gains is the same as in our previous design, our new method has two unique features in contrast to the previously used method, that is, the design requirement for CAS gains is given in the frequency domain to shape the frequency responses from attitude command to attitude error and PSO is used to reduce the numerical complexity coming from a brute-force method, i.e., the gridding method. The overall control performance of the designed CAS gains is examined by human-in-the-loop nonlinear flight simulations. As an extension of the proposed method, we consider the situation in which uncertainty models with different probabilistic densities should be incorporated into the nominal model and show that the nominal performance can be improved at the expense of slight performance degradation for the models with small probabilistic density.
Seismic Performance of Enclosure Wall in Postearthquake Temporary Prefabricated Light‐Weight Steel Structure
Authors: Xing Guoqi , Li Qing-hai , Yu Jingjie , Xuan Wei
Published: July 2019

For the postearthquake temporary prefabricated light‐weight steel structure, the enclosure walls composed of prefabricated slender columns and prefabricated strip slabs were used in the structure, which were manufactured from construction waste, such as fragments of bricks and tiles, concrete fragments, and chippings of stones. In order to obtain more accurate seismic performance of enclosure walls, a full‐scale two‐story experimental model was built to be placed on a shake table. In the test, acceleration transducers were fixed to the enclosure walls and steel frame, which were used to obtain the maximum acceleration of the enclosure walls and steel frame as well as natural frequency of the experimental model subjected to the seismic signal including Kobe wave and El‐Centro wave. Moreover, pull‐on the rope displacement transducers fixed to the exterior walls parallel to the direction of vibration were used to obtain the story drifts. The results of the shake table test show that when the experimental model is subjected to earthquake with maximum acceleration, enclosure walls are not damaged, owing to flexible connection between the steel frame and enclosure walls. Earthquake reduces the stiffness of enclosure walls, and the natural frequency of the experimental model decreases with increasing maximum acceleration of the seismic signal. In addition, based on the acceleration amplification coefficient, the collaborative performance of the steel frame and enclosure wall is better. Besides, when the experimental model is subjected to earthquake with maximum acceleration, the maximum story drift angle is only 1/2615.
The Mechanism of Anti–PD-L1 Antibody Efficacy against PD-L1–Negative Tumors Identifies NK Cells Expressing PD-L1 as a Cytolytic Effector
Authors: Dong Wenjuan , Wu Xiaojin , Ma Shoubao , Wang Yufeng , Nalin Ansel P. , Zhu Zheng , Zhang Jianying , Benson Don M. , He Kai , Caligiuri Michael A. , Yu Jianhua
Published: July 2019

Blockade of PD-L1 expression on tumor cells via anti–PD-L1 monoclonal antibody (mAb) has shown great promise for successful cancer treatment by overcoming T-cell exhaustion; however, the function of PD-L1 on natural killer (NK) cells and the effects of anti–PD-L1 mAb on PD-L1+ NK cells remain unknown. Moreover, patients with PD-L1− tumors can respond favorably to anti–PD-L1 mAb therapy for unclear reasons. Here, we show that some tumors can induce PD-L1 on NK cells via AKT signaling, resulting in enhanced NK-cell function and preventing cell exhaustion. Anti–PD-L1 mAb directly acts on PD-L1+ NK cells against PD-L1− tumors via a p38 pathway. Combination therapy with anti–PD-L1 mAb and NK cell–activating cytokines significantly improves the therapeutic efficacy of human NK cells against PD-L1− human leukemia when compared with monotherapy. Our discovery of a PD-1–independent mechanism of antitumor efficacy via the activation of PD-L1+ NK cells with anti–PD-L1 mAb offers new insights into NK-cell activation and provides a potential explanation as to why some patients lacking PD-L1 expression on tumor cells still respond to anti–PD-L1 mAb therapy.

Significance:

Targeting PD-L1 expressed on PD-L1+ tumors with anti–PD-L1 mAb successfully overcomes T-cell exhaustion to control cancer, yet patients with PD-L1− tumors can respond to anti–PD-L1 mAb. Here, we show that anti–PD-L1 mAb activates PD-L1+ NK cells to control growth of PD-L1− tumors in vivo, and does so independent of PD-1.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1325
Commentary on the place of valid publication and type designation of Abies densa (Pinaceae)
Authors: KHURAIJAM JIBANKUMAR SINGH , MAZUMDAR JAIDEEP , MCNEILL JOHN
Published: July 2019

Abies densa (Pinaceae), commonly attributed to Griffith (1854b: 19), is the name applied to a conifer endemic to the eastern Himalayas. The name is widely accepted as having been validly published by Griffith in 1854 (Singh & Srivastava 2013, Khuraijam & Singh 2015, Farjon 2017).
A new combination in Rohdea (Asparagaceae)
Authors: DENG YUNFEI
Published: July 2019

The genus Rohdea Roth (1821: 196) belongs to the family Asparagaceae and comprises approximately 20 species distributed in East Asia (Tanaka 2019).
Are Female Managers More Likely to Hire More Female Managers? Evidence from Germany
Authors: Bossler Mario , Mosthaf Alexander , Schank Thorsten
Published: July 2019

This article investigates whether there is state dependence in the gender composition of managers in German establishments; that is, whether the number of hired female managers depends on the past hiring decisions of an establishment. Using administrative data, the authors apply dynamic linear models, thereby accounting for unobserved heterogeneity and the endogeneity of lagged dependent variables. Results show that hiring female managers leads to the hiring of more female managers in the subsequent period. Hiring rates for male managers follow a similar pattern in that they are more likely to hire more male managers.
Porphyromonas gingivalis Impairs Oral Epithelial Barrier through Targeting GRHL2
Authors: Chen W. , Alshaikh A. , Kim S. , Kim J. , Chun C. , Mehrazarin S. , Lee J. , Lux R. , Kim R.H. , Shin K.H. , Park N.H. , Walentin K. , Schmidt-Ott K.M. , Kang M.K.
Published: July 2019

Oral mucosa provides the first line of defense against a diverse array of environmental and microbial irritants by forming the barrier of epithelial cells interconnected by multiprotein tight junctions (TJ), adherens junctions, desmosomes, and gap junction complexes. Grainyhead-like 2 (GRHL2), an epithelial-specific transcription factor, may play a role in the formation of the mucosal epithelial barrier, as it regulates the expression of the junction proteins. The current study investigated the role of GRHL2 in the Porphyromonas gingivalis ( Pg)–induced impairment of epithelial barrier functions. Exposure of human oral keratinocytes (HOK-16B and OKF6 cells) to Pg or Pg-derived lipopolysaccharides ( Pg LPSs) led to rapid loss of endogenous GRHL2 and the junction proteins (e.g., zonula occludens, E-cadherin, claudins, and occludin). GRHL2 directly regulated the expression levels of the junction proteins and the epithelial permeability for small molecules (e.g., dextrans and Pg bacteria). To explore the functional role of GRHL2 in oral mucosal barrier, we used a Grhl2 conditional knockout (KO) mouse model, which allows for epithelial tissue-specific Grhl2 KO in an inducible manner. Grhl2 KO impaired the expression of the junction proteins at the junctional epithelium and increased the alveolar bone loss in the ligature-induced periodontitis model. Fluorescence in situ hybridization revealed increased epithelial penetration of oral bacteria in Grhl2 KO mice compared with the wild-type mice. Also, blood loadings of oral bacteria (e.g., Bacteroides, Bacillus, Firmicutes, β- proteobacteria, and Spirochetes) were significantly elevated in Grhl2 KO mice compared to the wild-type littermates. These data indicate that Pg bacteria may enhance paracellular penetration through oral mucosa in part by targeting the expression of GRHL2 in the oral epithelial cells, which then impairs the epithelial barrier by inhibition of junction protein expression, resulting in increased alveolar tissue destruction and systemic bacteremia.
Mamluks, Property Rights, and Economic Development: Lessons from Medieval Egypt
Authors: Blaydes Lisa
Published: July 2019

Secure property rights are considered a common institutional feature of rapidly growing economies. Although different property rights regimes have prevailed around the world over time, relatively little scholarship has empirically characterized the historical property rights of societies outside Western Europe. Using data from Egypt’s Mamluk Sultanate (1250–1517 CE), this article provides a detailed characterization of land tenure patterns and identifies changes to real property holdings associated with an institutional bargain between Egypt’s slave soldiers—the mamluks—and the sultan. Although agricultural land was a collective resource of the state, individual mamluks—state actors themselves—established religious endowments as a privatizing work-around to the impermissibility of transferring mamluk status to their sons. The article’s characterization of landholding patterns in medieval Egypt provides an empirical illustration of how Middle Eastern institutions differed from those in other world regions as well as an understanding for how and why regimes come under political stress as a result of their property rights institutions.
Varieties of labour administration in Europe and the consequences of the Great Recession
Authors: Gavris Maria , Heyes Jason
Published: July 2019

This article focuses on national public administration activities that relate to employment, social protection and industrial relations. The International Labour Organization (ILO) refers to these activities collectively as ‘labour administration’ and regards the bodies that conduct them within individual countries as together forming national systems of labour administration. This article explores the concept of ‘national system of labour administration’ and considers the potential contribution of comparative institutional analysis in understanding how national systems are organised and change over time. The article also compares the organisation of national labour administration systems in European Union (EU) countries and analyses how these systems have developed since the start of the economic crisis that erupted in 2008.
Epileptic Spasms Predict Poor Epilepsy Outcomes After Perinatal Stroke
Authors: Lockrow Jason P. , Wright Jason N. , Saneto Russell P. , Amlie-Lefond Catherine
Published: July 2019

Perinatal stroke is a significant cause of severe epilepsy, including epileptic spasms. Although epileptic spasms due to underlying structural lesion often respond poorly to treatment and evolve into drug-resistant epilepsy, outcomes are not uniformly poor, and predictors of outcomes are not well described. We performed a single-institution retrospective review of epileptic spasms following perinatal stroke to determine if outcome depended on vascular subtype. We identified 24 children with epileptic spasms due to perinatal ischemic stroke: 11 cases of perinatal arterial stroke and 13 cases of perinatal venous infarct. Initial response to treatment was similar between groups; however, although children with perinatal arterial stroke who responded to epileptic spasms therapy had high rates of seizure freedom, many children with perinatal venous infarct, regardless of initial response, had residual drug-resistant epilepsy. We consider whether the mechanism for epileptogenesis may be different between arterial and venous strokes, and whether these 2 groups should be monitored for epileptic spasms, and subsequent epilepsy, differently.
Provider Perspectives on Stressors, Support, and Access to Mental Health Care for Latinx Youth
Authors: Rodríguez Erin M. , Smith Lauren
Published: July 2019

Despite risk for mental health difficulties, Latinx youth have among the lowest rates of mental health care utilization. With this study, we contribute to our ongoing community-based participatory research (CBPR) efforts to explore stressors and protective factors experienced by low-socioeconomic status (SES) Latinx youth, and how these factors influence mental health care utilization. We interviewed community providers and stakeholders ( N = 11) from organizations serving low-SES Latinx youth. Coded data yielded seven categories of specific stressors, protective factors, and processes by which these factors influence service utilization. Across categories, providers emphasized how combined family and socioeconomic risk contributed to disengagement from services and described schools and community programs as buffering this risk. Findings suggest that the unique experiences of low-SES Latinx youth contribute to low rates of service utilization, and that intervention should address specific factors at the family, school, and community level to improve access to care.
Analysis of Inpatient Palliative Care Consultations for Patients With Metastatic Prostate Cancer
Authors: Mistry Neil A. , Raza Syed Johar , Siddiqui Sameer A.
Published: July 2019

Objective:

To characterize the use of palliative care for patients with metastatic prostate cancer and identify its associations with costs, hospital course, and discharge.

Materials and Methods:

Using the National Inpatient Sample database from 2012 to 2013, we identified 99 070 patients with metastatic prostate cancer and analyzed the data from their hospital admissions using descriptive statistics, χ2 analysis, and regression modeling.

Results:

Palliative care services were consulted in 10.4% (10 300) of metastatic prostate cancer admissions. These admissions were associated with nonelective origin, acute complications, and reduced surgical procedures and chemotherapy. Patients in private, investor-owned hospitals had a 51.6% less consultations ( P < .001), while nonprofit and government, nonfederal hospitals had 4.7% and 7.8% more consultations ( P < .001). Median costs and charges were only marginally less (2.1% and 5.6%, respectively, P < .001), length of stay was 22% higher ( P < .001), and in-house mortality was 147.2% higher in the consultation group ( P < .001). Controlling for other factors, patients seen by palliative care were more likely to have do-not-resuscitate orders (odds ratio [OR]: 5.25, P < .001) and be transferred to another facility like hospice (OR: 3.90, P < .001) or to home health (OR: 3.85, P < .001).

Conclusions:

Palliative care consultation could improve care for patients with metastatic prostate cancer in a different manner than observed in other diseases. With our characterization of the incidence and patient and hospital factors, we can conclude that there is room to expand palliative care’s role beyond uninsured patients in large, urban teaching hospitals.
Drawing problems: thought in action
Authors: Casati Roberto
Published: July 2019

I investigate some aspects of the structure of the production of drawings by developing a practice-based phenomenology articulated around some “drawing problems.” The examples I chose cluster around decision making in drawing from life. I make a case for a propositional, explicit judgment-based action structure that makes it possible to accommodate some typical practices used in addressing drawing problems. I further hint to by-products (e.g. attention modulation) and “surrounding practices” (e.g. communication during the observation of a drawing activity) that find a plausible explanation in the propositional account of drawing.
Understanding School Sabotage Among Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence From Diverse Populations
Authors: Voth Schrag Rachel J. , Edmond Tonya , Nordberg Anne
Published: July 2019

Higher education is an important pathway to safety for survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV). Recent work documents tactics of school sabotage (behaviors aimed at sabotaging educational efforts) identified by school staff and IPV advocates. However, the perspectives of current students who are IPV survivors are unexplored. As part of a multiphasic study, 20 semi-structured qualitative interviews with community college students who reported current or recent IPV were conducted. Identified tactics included disrupting child care, emotional abuse tied to school, and using manipulation to limit access to campus or resources. Identified impacts include preventing focus, diminished academic achievement, emotional or mental health challenges, and instilling a desire to overcome.