bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation over Prefrontal Cortex on Attention in Psychiatric Disorders: A Systematic Review
Authors: Hauer Larissa , Sellner Johann , Brigo Francesco , Trinka Eugen , Sebastianelli Luca , Saltuari Leopold , Versace Viviana , Höller Yvonne , Nardone Raffaele
Published: March 2019

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) may be effective for enhancing cognitive functioning. In this review, we aimed to systematically evaluate the effects of rTMS on attention in psychiatric diseases. In particular, we searched PubMed and Embase to examine the effectiveness of rTMS administered to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) on this specific cognitive domain. The search identified 24 articles, 21 of which met inclusion and exclusion criteria. Among them, nine were conducted in patients with depression, four in patients with schizophrenia, three in patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), two in patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, one each in patients with Alzheimer’s disease and in patients with alcohol or methamphetamine addiction. No evidence for cognitive adverse effects was found in all the included rTMS studies. Several studies showed a significant improvement of attentional function in patients with depression and schizophrenia. The beneficial effects on attention and other executive functions suggest that rTMS has the potential to target core features of ASD. rTMS may influence the attentional networks in alcohol-dependent and other addicted patients. We also reviewed and discussed the studies assessing the effects of rTMS on attention in the healthy population. This review suggests that prefrontal rTMS could exert procognitive effects on attention in patients with many psychiatric disorders.
Activation of the Alternate Renin-Angiotensin System Correlates with the Clinical Status in Human Cirrhosis and Corrects Post Liver Transplantation
Authors: Casey Stephen , Schierwagen Robert , Mak Kai Yan , Klein Sabine , Uschner Frank , Jansen Christian , Praktiknjo Michael , Meyer Carsten , Thomas Daniel , Herath Chandana , Jones Robert , Trebicka Jonel , Angus Peter
Published: March 2019

Introduction: Recent animal studies have shown that the alternate renin-angiotensin system (RAS) consisting of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), angiotensin-(1–7) (Ang-(1–7)) and the Mas receptor is upregulated in cirrhosis and contributes to splanchnic vasodilatation and portal hypertension. To determine the potential relevance of these findings to human liver disease, we evaluated its expression and relationship to the patients’ clinical status in subjects with cirrhosis. Methods: Blood sampling from peripheral and central vascular beds was performed intra-operatively for cirrhotic patients at the time of liver transplantation (LT) or trans-jugular intra-hepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) procedures to measure angiotensin II (Ang II) and Ang-(1–7) peptide levels and ACE and ACE2 enzyme activity. Relevant clinical and hemodynamic data were recorded pre-operatively for all subjects and peripheral blood sampling was repeated 3 months or later post-operatively. Results: Ang-(1–-7) and ACE2 activity were up-regulated more than twofold in cirrhotic subjects both at the time of LT and TIPS and levels returned to comparable levels as control subjects post-transplantation. Ang-(1–7) levels correlated positively with the degree of liver disease severity, as measured by the model for an end-stage liver disease (MELD) and also with clinical parameters of pathological vasodilatation including cardiac output (CO). There were strong correlations found between the ACE2:ACE and the Ang-(1–7):Ang II ratio highlighting the inter-dependence of the alternate and classical arms of the RAS and thus their potential impact on vascular tone. Conclusions: In human cirrhosis, the alternate RAS is markedly upregulated and the activation of this system is associated strongly with features of the hyperdynamic circulation in advanced human cirrhosis.
Temporal Trends of Severe Hypoglycemia and Subsequent Mortality in Patients with Advanced Diabetic Kidney Diseases Transitioning to Dialysis
Authors: Hsiao Ching-Chung , Tu Hui-Tzu , Lin Chi-Hung , Chen Kuan-Hsing , Yeh Yung-Hsin , See Lai-Chu
Published: March 2019

Background: Patients with diabetic kidney disease (DKD) are at higher risk of hypoglycemia than diabetic patients without DKD. We aimed to investigate the temporal trends of severe hypoglycemia in advanced DKD patients transitioning to dialysis and examine risk factors associated with severe hypoglycemia. We also investigated the association of severe hypoglycemia episodes with one-year mortality after initiation of dialysis in patients with advanced DKD. Methods: Using the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database, 46,779 advanced DKD patients transitioning to dialysis (Peritoneal dialysis 4216, hemodialysis 42,563) between 1997 and 2011 were enrolled. We calculated the rates of severe hypoglycemia from 5 years before dialysis until 10 years after dialysis. Cox proportional hazard model was used to examine the risk factors of post end stage renal disease (ESRD) one-year hypoglycemia and post ESRD one-year mortality in advanced DKD patients transitioning to dialysis. Results: We found that 11.5% of advanced DKD patients had at least one episode of severe hypoglycemia the year leading up to dialysis initiation. Multivariate analysis revealed hemodialysis compared with peritoneal dialysis, stroke, use of sulfonylurea, glinide, and insulin were associated with higher risk of severe hypoglycemia one year after transitioning to dialysis. Increased frequency of severe hypoglycemia-related hospitalizations was associated with incrementally higher mortality risk one year after transitioning to dialysis (Pre-ESRD hypoglycemia: Hazard ratios: 1.28 (1.18–1.38, p < 0.001), 1.64 (1.49–1.81, p < 0.001) for one, two hypoglycemia-related hospitalizations, respectively; post-ESRD hypoglycemia: HRs of 1.56 (1.40–1.73, p < 0.001), 1.72 (1.39–2.12, p < 0.001) for one, two hypoglycemia-related hospitalizations, respectively (reference group: no hypoglycemia related hospitalization)). Conclusions: Among advanced DKD patients, we observed a progressive elevated risk of hypoglycemia during the critical dialysis transition period. Increased frequency of severe hypoglycemia-related hospitalizations was associated with higher mortality risk one year after transitioning to dialysis. Further study of glycemic management strategies which prevent hypoglycemia during the critical transition period are warranted.
Quality of Childbirth Care in Women Undergoing Labour: Satisfaction with Care Received and How It Changes over Time
Authors: Donate-Manzanares Miriam , Rodríguez-Cano Teresa , Gómez-Salgado Juan , Rodríguez-Almagro Julián , Hernández-Martínez Antonio , Barrilero-Fernández Ester , Beato-Fernández Luis
Published: March 2019

(1) Background: To evaluate women’s satisfaction with the care received during childbirth undergoing labour and how this changes over time. (2) Methods: An observational, multicentre and longitudinal study in two public hospitals of Spain with a convenience sample of 248 women during the post-partum period. Satisfaction was evaluated using the Intrapartal-Specific Quality from the Patient’s Perspective questionnaire. Socio-demographic and clinical variables were considered. A bivariate analysis evaluated the relationship between satisfaction and the recorded variables to compare the hypotheses, and also to know if there were any significant differences between the scores obtained at the various evaluated time points (three days, 15 days, one year postpartum). The multivariate analysis by binary logistic regression helped complete the study about the variables related to the level of satisfaction; (3) Results: The mean scores for satisfaction at each time point were high, and they lowered with time. The bivariate analysis showed an association between satisfaction and the following variables: ‘mother’s place of birth’, ‘level of education’, ‘type of labour onset’, ‘type of birth’ and ‘type of perineal trauma’. For the multivariate analysis, women who gave birth vaginally, began labour spontaneously and had an epidural were more satisfied than those who did not; (4) Conclusions: Women seemed to obtain good levels of satisfaction with the care they received. Even so, based on continuously improved quality, we proposed some improvement measures, particularly regarding the physical environment and the information offered to patients. It is important to know at what time experience while giving birth should be evaluated as scores can lower with time as part of its normal evolution.
Constructing Governance Framework of a Green and Smart Port
Authors: Chen Jihong , Huang Tiancun , Xie Xiaoke , Lee Paul Tae-Woo , Hua Chengying
Published: March 2019

Developing a green and smart port is a significant progress in the specific application of energy conservation and emission reduction as well as intelligent technologies in global ports and maritime shipping sectors. The paper aims to analyze the inherent relationships among different structural factors and proposes specific countermeasures and governance policies for green and smart port construction. It uses interpretive structural modeling analysis to divide the factors into different levels, and draws a model map of green and smart port construction structure. The research result contributes to providing a theoretical basis for governments to formulate a green and smart port policies and establishing effective method systems and technical means for the port industry and stakeholders to leverage intelligent port technologies for the port development.
Monitoring of a Reinforced Concrete Wharf Using Structural Health Monitoring System and Material Testing
Authors: Lecieux Yann , Rozière Emmanuel , Gaillard Virginie , Lupi Cyril , Leduc Dominique , Priou Johann , Guyard Romain , Chevreuil Mathilde , Schoefs Franck
Published: March 2019

This paper presents the Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) system developed for a port wharf of a freight terminal, in Saint-Nazaire, France. This concrete structure has been equipped with a multi-sensor system for the monitoring of concrete ageing. The measurement chain is designed to detect the penetration of chloride ions in order to quantify the risk of reinforcement bars corrosion. Modifications of the mechanical behavior of the structural elements of the wharf are also monitored. At first, the sensors embedded within the structure and the acquisition devices are described. The data from the monitoring performed during the first months of the structure service life are then presented. The concrete monitoring at early age providing data like temperature history, strain and resistivity is useful both for the wharf owner and the construction company since it indicates where concrete shrinkage is likely to cause cracking and gives an indicator of material hardening. These data were compared to the results of material tests carried out on concrete. The study shows that a measurement chain dedicated to the SHM could be a useful tool for validating the quality of the construction of a reinforced concrete structure before being used in the framework of long-term monitoring.
Failure Analysis of Topside Facilities on Oil/Gas Platforms in the Bohai Sea
Authors: Yu Songsong , Zhang Dayong , Yue Qianjin
Published: March 2019

The jacket platform in the Bohai Sea oilfield is an important engineering development, offering design alternatives in this economically important region. However, ice-induced vibration in cold areas threatens the safety and operation of these platforms. On two occasions, intense ice-induced vibrations triggered the rupture of a well’s blow down pipeline, loosening the flanges on the Bohai platform, and leading to the ejection of high-pressure natural gas. Subsequent mechanical analysis of the failed parts helped define the mechanism of failure and identified the failure criteria, based on a prototype structure monitoring system. The analysis revealed that the deck’s inertial force, which resulted in ice-induced steady-state vibration, was the major cause of the accident. Three fixed cones were thus installed on the platform the following winter, effectively reducing the vibrations.
Meshfree Model for Wave-Seabed Interactions Around Offshore Pipelines
Authors: Wang Xiao Xiao , Jeng Dong-Sheng , Tsai Chia-Cheng
Published: March 2019

The evaluation of the wave-induced seabed instability around a submarine pipeline is particularly important for coastal engineers involved in the design of pipelines protection. Unlike previous studies, a meshfree model is developed to investigate the wave-induced soil response in the vicinity of a submarine pipeline. In the present model, Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations are employed to simulate the wave loading, while Biot’s consolidation equations are adopted to investigate the wave-induced soil response. Momentary liquefaction around an offshore pipeline in a trench is examined. Validation of the present seabed model was conducted by comparing with the analytical solution, experimental data, and numerical models available in the literature, which demonstrates the capacity of the present model. Based on the newly proposed model, a parametric study is carried out to investigate the influence of soil properties and wave characteristics for the soil response around the pipeline. The numerical results conclude that the liquefaction depth at the bottom of the pipeline increases with increasing water period (T) and wave height (H), but decreases as backfilled depth ( H b ), degree of saturation ( S r ) and soil permeability (K) increase.
Transmission Performance of an OFDM-Based Higher-Order Modulation Scheme in Multipath Fading Channels
Authors: Otsuka Hiroyuki , Tian Ruxiao , Senda Koki
Published: March 2019

Fifth-generation (5G) mobile systems are a necessary step toward successfully achieving further increases in data rates. As the use of higher-order quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) is expected to increase data rates within a limited bandwidth, we propose a method for orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM)-based 1024- and 4096-QAM transmission with soft-decision Viterbi decoding for use in 5G mobile systems. Through evaluation of the transmission performance of the proposed method over multipath fading channels using link-level simulations, we determine the bit error rate (BER) performance of OFDM-based 1024- and 4096-QAM as a function of coding rate under two multipath fading channel models: extended pedestrian A (EPA) and extended vehicular A (EVA). We also demonstrate the influence of phase error on OFDM-based 1024- and 4096-QAM and clarify the relationship between phase error and the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) penalty required to achieve a BER of 1 × 10−2. This work provides an effective solution for introducing higher-order modulation schemes in 5G and beyond.
Rent-Seeking Practices, Local Resource Curse, and Social Conflict in Uganda’s Emerging Oil Economy
Authors: Ogwang Tom , Vanclay Frank , van den Assem Arjan
Published: March 2019

We consider the different types of rent-seeking practices in emerging oil economies, and discuss how they contribute to social conflict and a local resource curse in the Albertine Graben region of Uganda. The rent-seeking activities have contributed to speculative behavior, competition for limited social services, land grabbing, land scarcity, land fragmentation, food insecurity, corruption, and ethnic polarization. Local people have interpreted the experience of the consequent social impacts as a local resource curse. The impacts have led to social conflicts among the affected communities. Our research used a range of methods, including 40 in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, participant observation, and document analysis. We argue there is an urgent need by all stakeholders—including local and central governments, oil companies, local communities, and civil society organizations—to address the challenges before the construction of oil infrastructure. Stakeholders must work hard to create the conditions that are needed to avoid the resource curse; otherwise, Uganda could end up suffering from the Dutch Disease and Nigerian Disease, as has befallen other African countries.
CFD Characteristics of Refrigerated Trailers and Improvement of Airflow for Preserving Perishable Foods
Authors: Yildiz Turkay
Published: March 2019

When preserving perishable goods, maintaining a constant temperature over the cold supply chain is essential. Therefore, refrigerated vehicles are an important part of the cold supply chain system. However, many traditional refrigerated cargo systems are not designed to support the homogeneity of the temperature inside cargo trailers. Indeed, refrigerating equipment is usually placed on one side of transportation systems as this is considered to be more practical. Such a configuration thus leads to significant temperature differences in the two distinct parts of a refrigerated cargo trailer, which might affect the quality, safety, and shelf life of perishable foods. This research aims to improve the temperature distribution of refrigerated trailers. In this study, it is highlighted that in the most commonly used traditional refrigerated trailer models, lower air velocity and higher product temperature are observed at the rear. There is also a partial product chilling risk at the front of the refrigerated trailer. This study investigates and reports significant differences among the three airflow design models of refrigerated cargo systems by applying turbulence flow, heat, and mass transfer models. The analyses of these three models reveal that significant improvement could be achieved by applying the proper arrangements of inlets on the ceiling of the trailer body.
Micro-Foundations of Supply Chain Integration: An Activity-Based Analysis
Authors: Ahmed Muhammad Usman , Pagell Mark , Kristal Mehmet Murat , Gattiker Thomas F.
Published: March 2019

A large body of literature has studied supply chain integration (SCI) at the macro (firm or dyad) level. However, the micro-foundations of SCI that highlight the range of different activities and choices firms have in implementing integration have not been studied. This paper identifies and analyzes integrative activities or practices that form the micro-units of firm-level SCI. Qualitative analysis yields nine elements of integration that emerge from the large number of integrative practices. In doing so, the paper maps out the structure of the broad SCI construct and discusses the theoretical repercussions of this new approach. New theoretical insights and research directions are identified based on this new micro-level activity-based view of SCI. This paper shifts the focus from where integration is done (customer vs. supplier integration) to what integration entails. SCI has become a very broad construct over time. This paper is a significant and systematic step in unraveling the structure of this broad conceptual domain. It improves nascent ideas about the multiple dimensions of integration by identifying elements based on a comprehensive list of different integrative activities that firms undertake.
Some Reciprocal Classes of Close-to-Convex and Quasi-Convex Analytic Functions
Authors: Mahmood Shahid , Sokół Janusz , Srivastava Hari Mohan , Malik Sarfraz Nawaz
Published: March 2019

The present paper comprises the study of certain functions which are analytic and defined in terms of reciprocal function. The reciprocal classes of close-to-convex functions and quasi-convex functions are defined and studied. Various interesting properties, such as sufficiency criteria, coefficient estimates, distortion results, and a few others, are investigated for these newly defined sub-classes.
Linear Operators That Preserve the Genus of a Graph
Authors: Beasley LeRoy B. , Kim Jeong Han , Song Seok-Zun
Published: March 2019

A graph has genus k if it can be embedded without edge crossings on a smooth orientable surface of genus k and not on one of genus k − 1 . A mapping of the set of graphs on n vertices to itself is called a linear operator if the image of a union of graphs is the union of their images and if it maps the edgeless graph to the edgeless graph. We investigate linear operators on the set of graphs on n vertices that map graphs of genus k to graphs of genus k and graphs of genus k + 1 to graphs of genus k + 1 . We show that such linear operators are necessarily vertex permutations. Similar results with different restrictions on the genus k preserving operators give the same conclusion.
Chebyshev Spectral Collocation Method for Population Balance Equation in Crystallization
Authors: Ruan Chunlei
Published: March 2019

The population balance equation (PBE) is the main governing equation for modeling dynamic crystallization behavior. In the view of mathematics, PBE is a convection–reaction equation whose strong hyperbolic property may challenge numerical methods. In order to weaken the hyperbolic property of PBE, a diffusive term was added in this work. Here, the Chebyshev spectral collocation method was introduced to solve the PBE and to achieve accurate crystal size distribution (CSD). Three numerical examples are presented, namely size-independent growth, size-dependent growth in a batch process, and with nucleation, and size-dependent growth in a continuous process. Through comparing the results with the numerical results obtained via the second-order upwind method and the HR-van method, the high accuracy of Chebyshev spectral collocation method was proven. Moreover, the diffusive term is also discussed in three numerical examples. The results show that, in the case of size-independent growth (PBE is a convection equation), the diffusive term should be added, and the coefficient of the diffusive term is recommended as 2G × 10−3 to G × 10−2, where G is the crystal growth rate.
Representing by Orthogonal Polynomials for Sums of Finite Products of Fubini Polynomials
Authors: Kim Dae San , Dolgy Dmitry V. , Kim Dojin , Kim Taekyun
Published: March 2019

In the classical connection problem, it is dealt with determining the coefficients in the expansion of the product of two polynomials with regard to any given sequence of polynomials. As a generalization of this problem, we will consider sums of finite products of Fubini polynomials and represent these in terms of orthogonal polynomials. Here, the involved orthogonal polynomials are Chebyshev polynomials of the first, second, third and fourth kinds, and Hermite, extended Laguerre, Legendre, Gegenbauer, and Jabcobi polynomials. These representations are obtained by explicit computations.
Ascophyllan Induces Activation of Natural Killer Cells in Mice In Vivo and In Vitro
Authors: Zhang Wei , Okimura Takasi , Oda Tatsuya , Jin Jun-O
Published: March 2019

Natural marine polysaccharides have demonstrated immune stimulatory effects in both mice and humans. Our previous study compared the ability of ascophyllan and fucoidan to activate human and mouse dendritic cells (DCs). In this study, we further examined the effect of ascophyllan on the activation of mouse natural killer (NK) cells in vivo and in vitro and compared it to that of fucoidan, a well-studied natural marine polysaccharide. Specifically, administration of ascophyllan to C57BL/6 mice increased the number of NK cells in the spleen when compared to the number in PBS-treated mice. Moreover, the number of IFN-γ-producing NK cells and expression of CD69 were markedly upregulated by ascophyllan treatment. Ascophyllan treatment also induced IFN-γ production and CD69 upregulation in isolated NK cells, but did not promote cell proliferation. Finally, ascophyllan treatment increased the cytotoxicity of NK cells against Yac-1 cells. The effects of ascophyllan on NK cell activation were considerably stronger than those of fucoidan. These data demonstrated that ascophyllan promotes NK cell activation both in mice and in vitro, and its stimulatory effect on NK cells is stronger than that of fucoidan.
Physicochemical Characteristics and Anticoagulant Activities of the Polysaccharides from Sea Cucumber Pattalus mollis
Authors: Zheng Wenqi , Zhou Lutan , Lin Lisha , Cai Ying , Sun Huifang , Zhao Longyan , Gao Na , Yin Ronghua , Zhao Jinhua
Published: March 2019

Sulfated polysaccharides from sea cucumbers possess distinct chemical structure and various biological activities. Herein, three types of polysaccharides were isolated and purified from Pattalus mollis, and their structures and bioactivities were analyzed. The fucosylated glycosaminoglycan (PmFG) had a CS-like backbone composed of the repeating units of {-4-d-GlcA-β-1,3-d-GalNAc4S6S-β-1-}, and branches of a sulfated α-l-Fuc (including Fuc2S4S, Fuc3S4S and Fuc4S with a molar ratio of 2:2.5:1) linked to O-3 of each d-GlcA. The fucan sulfate (PmFS) had a backbone consisting of a repetitively linked unit {-4-l-Fuc2S-α-1-}, and interestingly, every trisaccharide unit in its backbone was branched with a sulfated α-l-Fuc (Fuc4S or Fuc3S with a molar ratio of 4:1). Apart from the sulfated polysaccharides, two neutral glycans (PmNG-1 & -2) differing in molecular weight were also obtained and their structures were similar to animal glycogen. Anticoagulant assays indicated that PmFG and PmFS possessed strong APTT prolonging and intrinsic factor Xase inhibition activities, and the sulfated α-l-Fuc branches might contribute to the anticoagulant and anti-FXase activities of both PmFG and PmFS.
Characterization of Antifungal Lipopeptide Biosurfactants Produced by Marine Bacterium Bacillus sp. CS30
Authors: Wu Shimei , Liu Ge , Zhou Shengnan , Sha Zhenxia , Sun Chaomin
Published: March 2019

This study was initiated to screen for marine bacterial agents to biocontrol Magnaporthe grisea, a serious fungal pathogen of cereal crops. A bacterial strain, isolated from the cold seep in deep sea, exhibited strong growth inhibition against M. grisea, and the strain was identified and designated as Bacillus sp. CS30. The corresponding antifungal agents were purified by acidic precipitation, sequential methanol extraction, Sephadex LH-20 chromatography, and reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC), and two antifungal peaks were obtained at the final purification step. After analysis by mass spectrometry (MS) and tandem MS, two purified antifungal agents were deduced to belong to the surfactin family, and designated as surfactin CS30-1 and surfactin CS30-2. Further investigation showed that although the antifungal activity of surfactin CS30-1 is higher than that of surfactin CS30-2, both of them induced the increased generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and caused serious damage to the cell wall and cytoplasm, thus leading to the cell death of M. grisea. Our results also show the differences of the antifungal activity and antifungal mechanism of the different surfactin homologs surfactin CS30-1 and surfactin CS30-2, and highlight them as potential promising agents to biocontrol plant diseases caused by M. grisea.
Influence of Parenteral Nutrition Delivery Techniques on Growth and Neurodevelopment of Very Low Birth Weight Newborns: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Aldakauskienė Ilona , Tamelienė Rasa , Marmienė Vitalija , Rimdeikienė Inesa , Šmigelskas Kastytis , Kėvalas Rimantas
Published: March 2019

Background and Objectives: In very low birth weight (VLBW) newborns, parenteral nutrition (PN) is delivered via a peripheral venous catheter (PVC), a central venous catheter (CVC), or a peripherally inserted central venous catheter (PICC). Up to 45% of PICCs are accompanied by complications, the most common being sepsis. A PVC is an unstable PN delivery technique requiring frequent change. The growth and neurodevelopment of VLBW newborns may be disturbed because of catheters used for early PN delivery and complications thereof. The aim of the conducted study was to evaluate the effect of two PN delivery techniques (PICC and PVC) on anthropometric parameters and neurodevelopment of VLBW newborns. Materials and Methods: A prospective randomized clinical trial was conducted in VLBW (≥750–<1500 g) newborns that met the inclusion criteria and were randomized into two groups: PICC and PVC. We assessed short-term outcomes (i.e., anthropometric parameters from birth until corrected age (CA) 36 weeks) and long-term outcomes (i.e., anthropometric parameters from CA 3 months to 12 months as well as neurodevelopment at CA 12 months according to the Bayley II scale). Results: In total, 108 newborns (57 in the PICC group and 51 in the PVC group) were randomized. Short-term outcomes were assessed in 47 and 38 subjects, and long-term outcomes and neurodevelopment were assessed in 38 and 33 subjects of PICC and PVC groups, respectively. There were no differences observed in anthropometric parameters between the subjects of the two groups in the short- and long-term. Mental development index (MDI) < 85 was observed in 26.3% and 21.2% (p = 0.781), and psychomotor development index (PDI) < 85 was observed in 39.5% and 54.5% (p = 0.239) of PICC and PVC subjects, respectively. Conclusions: In the short- and long-term, no differences were observed in the anthropometric parameters of newborns in both groups. At CA 12 months, there was no difference in neurodevelopment in both groups.
Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition in the Pathogenesis of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Salton Francesco , Volpe Maria , Confalonieri Marco
Published: March 2019

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a serious disease of the lung, which leads to extensive parenchymal scarring and death from respiratory failure. The most accepted hypothesis for IPF pathogenesis relies on the inability of the alveolar epithelium to regenerate after injury. Alveolar epithelial cells become apoptotic and rare, fibroblasts/myofibroblasts accumulate and extracellular matrix (ECM) is deposited in response to the aberrant activation of several pathways that are physiologically implicated in alveologenesis and repair but also favor the creation of excessive fibrosis via different mechanisms, including epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). EMT is a pathophysiological process in which epithelial cells lose part of their characteristics and markers, while gaining mesenchymal ones. A role for EMT in the pathogenesis of IPF has been widely hypothesized and indirectly demonstrated; however, precise definition of its mechanisms and relevance has been hindered by the lack of a reliable animal model and needs further studies. The overall available evidence conceptualizes EMT as an alternative cell and tissue normal regeneration, which could open the way to novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, as well as to more effective treatment options.
Asthma and Chronic Rhinosinusitis: Diagnosis and Medical Management
Authors: Massoth Landon , Anderson Cody , McKinney Kibwei A.
Published: March 2019

Asthma is a prevalent inflammatory condition of the lower airways characterized by variable and recurring symptoms, reversible airflow obstruction, and bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR). Symptomatically, these patients may demonstrate wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing. This disease is a substantial burden to a growing population worldwide that currently exceeds 300 million individuals. This is a condition that is frequently encountered, but often overlooked in the field of otolaryngology. In asthma, comorbid conditions are routinely present and contribute to respiratory symptoms, decreased quality of life, and poorer asthma control. It is associated with otolaryngic diseases of the upper airways including allergic rhinitis (AR) and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). These conditions have been linked epidemiologically and pathophysiologically. Presently, they are considered in the context of the unified airway theory, which describes the upper and lower airways as a single functional unit. Thus, it is important for otolaryngologists to understand asthma and its complex relationships to comorbid diseases, in order to provide comprehensive care to these patients. In this article, we review key elements necessary for understanding the evaluation and management of asthma and its interrelatedness to CRS.
Experiment of Process Strategy of Selective Laser Melting Forming Metal Nonhorizontal Overhanging Structure
Authors: Shi Wentian , Wang Peng , Liu Yude , Han Guoliang
Published: March 2019

To improve the precision of the nonhorizontal suspension structure and the forming quality of the overhanging surface by selective laser melting, the influence of laser power on the upper surface and the overhanging surface forming quality of 316L stainless steel at different forming angles was studied in the experiment. The influence of different scanning strategies, upper surface remelting optimization, and overhang boundary scanning optimization on the formation of overhanging structures was compared and analyzed. The forming effect of chromium–nickel alloy is better than 316L stainless steel below the limit forming angle in the overhanging structure. The better forming effect of chromium–nickel alloy can be obtained by narrowing the hatch space with the boundary optimization process. The experiment results show that the forming of the overhanging structure below the limit forming angle should adopt the chessboard scanning strategy. The smaller laser power remelting is beneficial to both the forming of the overhanging surface and the quality of upper surface forming. The minimum value of surface roughness using the 110 W power laser twice during surface remelting and boundary scanning 75° overhanging surface can reach 11.9 μm and 31.1 μm, respectively. The forming accuracy error range above the limit forming angle is controlled within 0.4 mm, and the forming quality is better. A boundary count scanning strategy was applied to this study to obtain lower overhanging surface roughness values. This research proposes a process optimization and improvement method for the nonhorizontal suspension structure formed by selective laser melting, which provides the process support for practical application.
Allamanda cathartica: A Review of the Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Biotechnology
Authors: Petricevich Vera L. , Abarca-Vargas Rodolfo
Published: March 2019

In this work, we explore the current knowledge about the phytochemistry and in vitro and in vivo evaluations of the extracts and, where appropriate, the main active components characterized and isolated from the Allamanda cathartica. Of the 15 Allamanda species, most phytochemical, pharmacological, and toxicological studies have focused on A. cathartica. These plants are used for the treatment of various health disorders. Numerous phytochemical investigations of plants from the A. cathartica have shown the presence of hydrocarbons, alcohols, esters, ethers, aldehydes, ketones, fatty acids, phospholipids, volatile compounds, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, alkaloids, steroids, terpenes, lactones, and carbohydrates. Various studies have confirmed that extracts and active substances isolated from the A. cathartica have multiple pharmacological activities. The species A. cathartica has emerged as a source of traditional medicine used for human health. Further studies on the phytochemical, pharmacological, and toxicological properties and their mechanisms of action, safety, and efficacy in the species of A. cathartica is recommended.
Serum 25(OH)D and Cognition: A Narrative Review of Current Evidence
Authors: Byrn Mary A. , Sheean Patricia M.
Published: March 2019

The effect of low serum 25(OH)D on cognitive function is difficult to determine owing to the many factors that can influence these relationships (e.g., measurements, study design, and obesity). The primary purpose of this review was to synthesize the current evidence on the association between serum 25(OH)D and cognition giving special consideration to specific influential factors. A search was conducted in PubMed for studies published between 2010 and 2018 using terms related to serum 25(OH)D and cognition. Only studies that used liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) were included, since this is considered the ‘gold standard method’, to measure serum 25(OH)D. Of the 70 articles evaluated, 13 met all inclusion criteria for this review. The majority of the observational and longitudinal studies demonstrate a significant association between low serum 25(OH)D and compromised cognition. However, two randomized controlled trials showed inconsistent results on the impact of vitamin D supplementation on cognitive function. The varied methodologies for ascertaining cognition and the inclusion or exclusion of confounding variables (e.g., obesity, sunlight exposure) in the statistical analyses make drawing conclusions on the association between serum 25(OH)D and cognitive functioning inherently difficult. Despite the known higher occurrence of serum 25(OH) deficiency among minority populations, the majority of studies were conducted in with White participants. In order to more clearly discern the relationship between serum 25(OH)D and cognitive functioning, future studies should target more diverse study populations and utilize comprehensive measures to reliably capture cognition, as well as important known determinants of serum 25(OH)D.
The Effects of Hydration Parameters and Co-Surfactants on Methylene Blue-Loaded Niosomes Prepared by the Thin Film Hydration Method
Authors: Yeo Li Key , Chaw Cheng Shu , Elkordy Amal Ali
Published: March 2019

This work aimed to investigate and optimise the effects of co-surfactants, hydration volume, and time on the entrapment of methylene blue (MB) within niosomes and the vesicle sizes of MB-loaded niosomes upon different storage temperatures. Niosomes were prepared by the thin film hydration method followed by gel permeation chromatography to obtain purified niosome suspensions. The probe sonication method was used to reduce the niosome vesicle size and distribution. Highest entrapment efficiencies (%EE) were determined for niosomal formulations containing Span® 60, cholesterol, and Cremophor® ELP (E2 and E3), which were prepared with a hydration volume of 5 mL. The hydration time was 15 min for E2 and 60 min for E3 (%EE = 40.1 ± 7.9% and 32.9 ± 10.1% for E3 and E2, respectively). The final lipid contents in the formulations were shown to have an impact on %EE.
Polypharmacy in African American Adults: A National Epidemiological Study
Authors: Assari Shervin , Helmi Hamid , Bazargan Mohsen
Published: March 2019

Background: Despite the association between polypharmacy and undesired health outcomes being well established, very little is known about epidemiology of polypharmacy in the African American community. We are not aware of any nationally representative studies that have described the socioeconomic, behavioral, and health determinants of polypharmacy among African Americans. Aims: We aimed to investigate the socioeconomic and health correlates of polypharmacy in a national sample of African American adults in the US. Methods: The National Survey of American Life (NSAL, 2003–2004) included 3,570 African American adults. Gender, age, socioeconomic status (SES; education attainment, poverty index, and marital status), access to the healthcare system (health insurance and having a usual source of care), and health (self-rated health [SRH], chronic medical disease, and psychiatric disorders) in addition to polypharmacy (5 + medications) as well as hyper-polypharmacy (10 + medications) were measured. Logistic regressions were applied for statistical analysis. Results: that About 9% and 1% of all African American adults had polypharmacy and hyper-polypharmacy, respectively. Overall, higher age, higher SES (education and poverty index), and worse health (poor SRH, more chronic medical disease, and psychiatric disorders) were associated with polypharmacy and hyper-polypharmacy. Individuals with insurance and those with a routine place for healthcare also had higher odds of polypharmacy and hyper-polypharmacy. Conclusions: Given the health risks associated with polypharmacy, there is a need for systemic evaluation of medication use in older African Americans with multiple chronic conditions. Such policies may prevent medication errors and harmful drug interactions, however, they require effective strategies that are tailored to African Americans.
Post-Translational Modification of Proteins Mediated by Nitro-Fatty Acids in Plants: Nitroalkylation
Authors: Aranda-Caño Lorena , Sánchez-Calvo Beatriz , Begara-Morales Juan C. , Chaki Mounira , Mata-Pérez Capilla , Padilla María N. , Valderrama Raquel , Barroso Juan B.
Published: March 2019

Nitrate fatty acids (NO2-FAs) are considered reactive lipid species derived from the non-enzymatic oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids by nitric oxide (NO) and related species. Nitrate fatty acids are powerful biological electrophiles which can react with biological nucleophiles such as glutathione and certain protein–amino acid residues. The adduction of NO2-FAs to protein targets generates a reversible post-translational modification called nitroalkylation. In different animal and human systems, NO2-FAs, such as nitro-oleic acid (NO2-OA) and conjugated nitro-linoleic acid (NO2-cLA), have cytoprotective and anti-inflammatory influences in a broad spectrum of pathologies by modulating various intracellular pathways. However, little knowledge on these molecules in the plant kingdom exists. The presence of NO2-OA and NO2-cLA in olives and extra-virgin olive oil and nitro-linolenic acid (NO2-Ln) in Arabidopsis thaliana has recently been detected. Specifically, NO2-Ln acts as a signaling molecule during seed and plant progression and beneath abiotic stress events. It can also release NO and modulate the expression of genes associated with antioxidant responses. Nevertheless, the repercussions of nitroalkylation on plant proteins are still poorly known. In this review, we demonstrate the existence of endogenous nitroalkylation and its effect on the in vitro activity of the antioxidant protein ascorbate peroxidase.
Effects of Contact Conditions between Particles and Volatiles during Co-Pyrolysis of Brown Coal and Wheat Straw in a Thermogravimetric Analyzer and Fixed-Bed Reactor
Authors: Zhou Lingmei , Zhang Guanjun , Zhang Ligang , Klinger Denise , Meyer Bernd
Published: March 2019

Biomass is a clean and renewable energy source. In order to partially replace fossil fuels and break the limitations of the usage of biomass alone, co-pyrolysis of coal and biomass has been increasingly focused on by researchers, but few articles have investigated the effects of contact conditions between volatiles produced by thermal decomposition and particles from each other during co-pyrolysis. In the present work, co-pyrolysis behavior of wheat straw (WS) and brown coal (HKN) was investigated in a thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) up to 1100 °C and a fixed bed reactor up to 800 °C, with different contact conditions of particles (biomass was placed above, below and well-mixed with coal). The results showed that the most obvious interactions occurred for mixed sample when 10 wt.% biomass was placed below the coal and mixed sample when 50 wt.% biomass was placed above the coal, both in TGA and fixed bed reactor, with different mechanisms. The synergy effect related to interactions that occurred during co-pyrolysis lead to different behaviors compared to simply addition of coal and biomass: In TGA this was caused by longer reaction time between particles and volatile products produced in primary pyrolysis process. However, for the fixed bed reactor, much more volatiles and catalytic compounds were produced to promote the particles decomposition of WS and HKN. Therefore, opposite to TGA, obvious synergy effects occurred for the blend with less contact time and were caused by volatiles containing more H2 and catalytic materials, which reacted with particles of the other fuel species along the gas flow direction. The kinetic parameters obtained by the Coats–Redfern method agreed with experimental behaviors and synergy effects.
Water Supply Pipeline Risk Index Assessment Based on Cohesive Hierarchical Fuzzy Inference System
Authors: Fayaz Muhammad , Ahmad Shabir , Hang Lei , Kim DoHyeun
Published: March 2019

As populations grow, facilities such as roads, bridges, railways lines, commercial and residential buildings, etc., must be expanded and maintained. There are extensive networks of underground facilities to fulfil the demand, such as water supply pipelines, sewage pipelines, metro structures, etc. Hence, a method to regularly assesses the risk of the underground facility failures is needed to decrease the chance of accidental loss of service or accidents that endanger people and facilities. In the proposed work, a cohesive hierarchical fuzzy inference system (CHFIS) was developed. A novel method is proposed for membership function (MF) determination called the heuristic based membership functions determination (HBMFD) method to determine an appropriate MF set for each fuzzy logic method in CHFIS. The proposed model was developed to decrease the number of rules for the full structure fuzzy inference system with all rule implementation. Four very crucial parameters were considered in the proposed work that are inputs to the proposed CHFIS model in order to calculate the risk of water supply pipelines. In order to fully implement the proposed CHFIS just 85 rules are needed while using the traditional Mamdani fuzzy inference system, 900 rules are required. The novel method greatly reduces implementation time and rule design sets that are extremely time consuming to develop and difficult to maintain.
Performance of Anaerobic Baffled Reactor for Decentralized Wastewater Treatment in Urban Malang, Indonesia
Authors: Yulistyorini Anie , Camargo-Valero Miller , Sukarni Sukarni , Suryoputro Nugroho , Mujiyono Mujiyono , Santoso Hadi , Tri Rahayu Endang
Published: March 2019

In order to assess the impact of the Sanitation by Communities (SANIMAS) program for community-led sanitation in Indonesia (established in 2002), this research work was conducted with the aim of characterizing the current performance of anaerobic baffled reactors (ABRs), which were deployed in high numbers for the provision of domestic wastewater treatment in densely populated urban areas in Malang (Indonesia). Small and decentralized sewage treatment facilities serve ≈3% of the total population in Malang, including 89 ABR treatment plants. Our findings reveal that only 14% of the 89 ABRs in Malang have an acceptable performance with regard to pollutant removal and integrity of their building structure, but the majority of them produce a treated effluent of poor quality, according to discharge consents set by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry of the Republic of Indonesia (Regulation No. P.68/2016). Clearly the lack of consistent operation and maintenance practices have had a detrimental effect on these decentralized sewage treatment systems, despite their robustness and buffer capacity to cope with changes in organic and hydraulic loading rates. Urbanization will continue to exert pressure on the provision of sanitation services in lower and middle economies, and the role of decentralized sewage management systems is expected to be prominent in the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals era (2015–2030); however, sustainable service delivery must be conceived beyond the provision of sanitation infrastructure.