bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Projecting the suitability of global and local habitats for myrtle rust (Austropuccinia psidii) using model consensus
Authors: Narouei‐Khandan H. A. , Worner S. P. , Viljanen S. L. H. , van Bruggen A. H. C. , Jones E. E.
Published: October 2019

Myrtle rust (caused by Austropuccinia psidii) affects more than 500 known host species in the Myrtaceae family. Three different modelling approaches (CLIMEX, MaxEnt and Multi‐Model Framework) were used to project the habitat suitability for myrtle rust at both global and local scales. Current data on the global occurrence of myrtle rust were collected from online literature and expert solicitation. Long‐term averages of climate data (1960–1990) were sourced from WorldClim and CliMond websites. Recent reports of myrtle rust in New Zealand were used for validation of model outputs but not in model training and testing. The model outputs were combined into a consensus model to identify localities projected to be suitable for myrtle rust according to two or three models (hotspots). In addition to the locations where the pathogen is currently present, all models successfully projected independent occurrence data in New Zealand suitable for establishment of the pathogen. Climate suitability for the pathogen was primarily related to temperature followed by rainfall in MaxEnt and the CLIMEX model. The results confirmed the optimum temperature range of this pathogen in the literature (15–25 °C). Additional analysis of the precipitation variables indicated that excessive rain (more than 2000 mm in warmest quarter of the year) combined with high temperatures (>30 °C) constrain pathogen establishment. The results of the current study can be useful for countries such as New Zealand, China, South Africa and Singapore where the pathogen has not fully spread or established.
Regulatory enforcement against organizational insiders: Interactions in the pursuit of individual accountability
Authors: Jordanoska Aleksandra
Published: October 2019

The UK Financial Conduct Authority has developed and implemented policies targeting individuals for regulatory non‐compliance in the post‐2008 crisis period. This article develops a tripartite framework that differentiates between individual–firm, regulator–individual, and regulator–firm interactions to capture the complexity of these enforcement proceedings. Drawing on interviews with stakeholders, administrative decisionmaking observations, and documentary analysis, it outlines the process of individualizing responsibility for non‐compliance and finds that this approach poses evidential and investigative challenges for the regulator as a result of individual and corporate responses. The evidence shows that individuals are more likely than firms to engage in an adversarial response to an investigation rather than to settle. At the same time, through an inverse process of “corporatization” of the enforcement proceedings, firms may employ resources and strategies aimed at obscuring individual responsibility or binding together more closely the corporate and the individual case. The article concludes that the prospects of a successful outcome in investigating individuals depend not only on regulators' activities but also on corporate responses and on which managers are considered assets to the firm and which may be thrown to the wolves.
Similarity measurement on human mobility data with spatially weighted structural similarity index (SpSSIM)
Authors: Jin Chanwoo , Nara Atsushi , Yang Jiue‐An , Tsou Ming‐Hsiang
Published: October 2019

Understanding diverse characteristics of human mobility provides profound knowledge of urban dynamics and complexity. Human movements are recorded in a variety of data sources and each describes unique mobility characteristics. Revealing similarity and difference in mobility data sources facilitates grasping comprehensive human mobility patterns. This study introduces a new method to measure similarities on two origin–destination (OD) matrices by spatially extending an image‐assessment tool, the structural similarity index (SSIM). The new measurement, spatially weighted SSIM (SpSSIM), utilizes weight matrices to overcome the SSIM sensitivity issue due to the ordering of OD pairs by explicitly defining spatial adjacency. To evaluate SpSSIM, we compared performances between SSIM and SpSSIM with resampling the orders of OD pairs and conducted bootstrapping to test the statistical significance of SpSSIM. As a case study, we compared OD matrices generated from three data sources in San Diego County, CA: U.S. Census‐based Longitudinal Employer–Household Dynamics Origin–Destination employment statistics, Twitter, and Instagram. The case study demonstrated that SpSSIM was able to capture similarities of mobility patterns between datasets that varied by distance. Some regions showed local dissimilarity while the global index indicated they were similar. The results enhance the understanding of complex mobility patterns from various datasets, including social media.
Design and Prototype Test Data for a 300 kW Active Magnetic Bearings-Supported Turbine Generator for Natural Gas Pressure Letdown
Authors: Khatri Rasish , Hawkins Lawrence A. , Ortiz Neri Massimiliano , Cangioli Francesco , Biliotti Davide
Published: October 2019

A 300 kW integrated and fully sealed turboexpander-generator for natural gas pressure letdown (PLD) was developed by Baker Hughes, a GE company (BHGE), in conjunction with Calnetix Technologies. This paper describes the design and analysis of the generator, magnetic bearings, and touchdown bearings, with a focus on the dynamic performance and key characteristics of the machine. The permanent magnet (PM) synchronous generator is supported by PM-biased, homopolar magnetic bearings and has a maximum continuous operating speed (MCOS) of 31.5 krpm. A touchdown bearing system is implemented using rolling element bearings with soft mount supports. Also described is a thrust load balancing scheme that uses the thrust bearing coil current for reference. A time transient simulation showing the effect of process conditions on the AMB dynamics is shown. Preliminary data from the prototype mechanical run test are shown, including transfer functions measured using the magnetic bearings, Campbell diagram, and touchdown bearing drop test results.
An acoustic analysis of American English liquids by adults and children: Native English speakers and native Japanese speakers of English
Authors: Aoyama Katsura , Flege James E. , Akahane-Yamada Reiko , Yamada Tsuneo
Published: October 2019

This study investigated acoustic characteristics of American English liquids produced by native English (NE) and native Japanese (NJ) speakers reported in Aoyama, Flege, Guion, Akahane-Yamada, and Yamada [(2004). J. Phonetics 32, 233–250]. For a larger longitudinal study, the data were collected twice to investigate the acquisition of American English by the NJ speakers (Time 1, Time 2). Aoyama, Flege, Guion, Akahane-Yamada, and Yamada [(2004). J. Phonetics 32, 233–250] evaluated productions of /l/ and /ɹ/ in the NE and NJ adults and children (16 participants each) using NE speakers' perceptual judgments and showed that the NJ children's production of /ɹ/ improved from Time 1 to Time 2. In the current study, four acoustic parameters (duration, F1, F2, and F3) were measured in 256 tokens each of English /l/ and /ɹ/. Results showed that some acoustic parameters, such as F2, changed from Time 1 to Time 2 in the NJ speakers' productions, indicating improvements. However, the NJ speakers' productions were different from the NE speakers' productions in almost all acoustic parameters at both Time 1 and Time 2. Results suggest that the improvements in the NJ children's productions of /ɹ/ reported in Aoyama, Flege, Guion, Akahane-Yamada, and Yamada [(2004). J. Phonetics 32, 233–250] were due to a combination of changes, not due to a change in one acoustic parameter such as F3 in /ɹ/.
Kids Active: Evaluation of an Educator-Led Active Play and Fundamental Movement Skill Intervention in the Irish Preschool Setting
Authors: Duff Christina , Issartel Johann , O’ Brien Wesley , Belton Sarahjane
Published: October 2019

The Kids Active program was developed with the aim of increasing physical activity (PA) and fundamental movement skill (FMS) levels of children in preschool services in Ireland through training educators to encourage active play opportunities. In this study, the impact of a six-week pilot program on educator confidence, as well as children’s PA levels and FMS proficiency, is evaluated. Educators’ (n = 32) confidence to teach PA was measured through questionnaire, while data (anthropometric data, PA via accelerometry, and proficiency in four FMS; run, vertical jump, overhand throw, and catch) were collected from 141 children in five intervention and four control services. Educators in the intervention group achieved significantly higher confidence scores at post-intervention testing in comparison to the control group. No significant differences between control and intervention groups were found for children’s PA across the three-hour period. Children in the intervention group significantly increased scores in the overhand throw. Small positive changes in educator confidence to teach PA and in children’s performance of the skill of overhand throw indicate potential effects of the Kids Active intervention that warrant further investigation of efficacy over longer periods of time.
Physical Activity Levels of Older Persons Admitted to Transitional Care Programs: An Accelerometer-Based Study
Authors: Salih Salih A. , Peel Nancye M. , Enright Di , Marshall Wendy
Published: October 2019

The aim of this study was to determine the level of physical activity (PA) of older persons at admission and discharge from a Transitional Care Program (TCP) and to examine the correlation between changes in functional outcomes and PA level. Forty-two subjects recruited from two metropolitan TCPs in Brisbane, Australia. On admission to a TCP and within two weeks following hospital discharge, clients were requested to wear an accelerometer for the 7-day period after entry and prior to discharge from TCP. The median (IQR) length of the TCP stay was 56 (43–76) days. On admission, participants spent 1224 (IQR 113.5–1279.7) minutes sitting or lying, 173 (IQR 135.2–249) minutes standing, and 35 (IQR 22.0–54.0) minutes walking per day; while at discharge participants (n = 32) spent 1165.5 (IQR 1112.5–1220.7) minutes lying or sitting (p < .05), 212 (IQR 166.0–264,0) minutes standing (p = .05), and 45.5 (IQR 39.0–65.0) minutes walking (p < .001)] a day. The difference in walking time at admission and discharge is strongly correlated with a change in the Modified Barthel Index (Spearman’s rho = 0.6, p < .001). The implementation of strategies to reduce sedentary time and change clients’ behavior should be considered through promoting PA for TCP clients.
Are Correlates of Physical Activity in Adolescents Similar Across Ethnicity/Race and Sex: Implications for Interventions
Authors: Miller Jonathan M. , Pereira Mark A. , Wolfson Julian , Laska Melissa N. , Nelson Toben F. , Neumark-Sztainer Dianne
Published: October 2019

Background: This study tested for differences in personal, social, and environmental correlates of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) across ethnicity/race in male and female adolescents.Methods: Self-reported MVPA and 47 potential correlates of MVPA were measured in an ethnically/racially diverse cross-sectional sample of adolescents, in Minnesota, who participated in EAT-2010 (Eating and Activity in Teens). Interactions of potential correlates with ethnicity/race on MVPA were tested in linear hierarchical regression models in boys and girls.Results: Boys reported 1.7 more weekly hours of MVPA than girls. White adolescents reported 1.1 to 2.1 more weekly hours of MVPA than nonwhite adolescents. Among girls, neighborhood road connectivity was negatively correlated with MVPA among Hispanic and Asian participants. Among boys, sports participation was positively correlated with MVPA among all ethnicities/races, except Asians. Home media equipment was positively correlated with MVPA among Hispanic boys, but negatively correlated among white boys.Conclusions: A few correlates of physical activity among adolescents differed intersectionally by ethnicity/race and sex. Sports participation and home media equipment may have differing impacts on physical activity across ethnicities and races in boys, whereas neighborhood features like road connectivity may have differing impacts on physical activity across ethnicities and races in girls.
Effects of a 12-Week Chronic Stretch Training Program at Different Intensities on Joint and Muscle Mechanical Responses: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Beltrão Natália Barros , Ximenes Santos Camila , de Oliveira Valéria Mayaly Alves , Pirauá André Luiz Torres , Behm David , Pitangui Ana Carolina Rodarti , de Araújo Rodrigo Cappato
Published: October 2019

Context: Stretching intensity is an important variable that can be manipulated with flexibility training. However, there is a lack of evidence regarding this variable and its prescription in stretching programs. Objective: To investigate the effects of 12 weeks of knee flexor static stretching at different intensities on joint and muscle mechanical properties. Design: A randomized clinical trial. Setting: Laboratory. Participants: A total of 14 untrained men were allocated into the low- or high-intensity group. Main Outcome Measures: Assessments were performed before, at 6 week, and after intervention (12 wk) for biceps femoris long head architecture (resting fascicle length and angle), knee maximal range of motion (ROM) at the beginning and maximal discomfort angle, knee maximal tolerated passive torque, joint passive stiffness, viscoelastic stress relaxation, knee passive torque at a given angle, and affective responses to training. Results: No significant differences were observed between groups for any variable. ROM at the beginning and maximal discomfort angle increased at 6 and 12 weeks, respectively. ROM significantly increased with the initial angle of discomfort (P < .001, effect size = 1.38) over the pretest measures by 13.4% and 14.6% at the 6- and 12-week assessments, respectively, and significantly improved with the maximal discomfort angle (P < .001, effect size = 1.25) by 15.6% and 18.8% from the pretest to the 6- and 12-week assessments, respectively. No significant effects were seen for muscle architecture and affective responses. Initial viscoelastic relaxation for the low-intensity group was lower than ending viscoelastic relaxation. Conclusion: These results suggest that stretching with either low or high discomfort intensities are effective in increasing joint maximal ROM, and that does not impact on ROM, stiffness, fascicle angle and length, or affective response differences.
Predict science to improve science
Authors: DellaVigna Stefano , Pope Devin , Vivalt Eva
Published: October 2019

Systematic collection of predictions of research findings can provide many benefits
Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Canavalia gladiata in Macrophage Cells and DSS-Induced Colitis Mouse Model
Authors: Lee Hwa-Jeong , Park Jung Up , Guo Rui Hong , Kang Bok Yun , Park In-Kyu , Kim Young Ran
Published: October 2019

Canavalia gladiata, known as sword bean, has been used as a Chinese traditional medicine for anti-inflammatory effects. However, the action mechanisms of sword bean have not yet been clearly defined. In the present study, the whole parts of a ripened sword bean (RSB) and the green sword bean (GSB) containing bean pod were extracted with ethanol by reflux extraction. The two crude extracts (RSBE and GSBE) from RSB and GSB were validated by a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) analysis of gallic acid as a reference chemical. The anti-inflammatory effects of two sword bean extracts were extensively investigated using LPS-stimulated macrophage cells. First, RSBE and GSBE significantly inhibited the production of pro-inflammatory mediators, such as tumor necrosis factor-[Formula: see text] (TNF-[Formula: see text]), interleukin-6 (IL-6), prostaglandinE2 (PGE2), and nitric oxide (NO) in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells. RSBE and GSBE showed no cytotoxicity to RAW264.7 cells and mouse peritoneal macrophage cells. In addition, the overexpression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) induced by LPS in RAW264.7 cells was significantly decreased by RSBE and GSBE. Western blotting and immunostaining analysis showed that RSBE and GSBE inhibited the nuclear translocation of NF-[Formula: see text]B subunits, which correlated with the inhibitory effects on inhibitor kappa B (I[Formula: see text]B) degradation. In dextran sulfated sodium (DSS)-induced colitis mice model, RSBE restored body weight, colon length, and the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-[Formula: see text], IL-6, interleukin-1[Formula: see text] (IL-1[Formula: see text]), and interferon-[Formula: see text] (IFN-[Formula: see text]). In addition, RSBE significantly suppressed the expression of COX-2, iNOS, and NF-[Formula: see text]B.
Depth-Dependent Cellular Response from Dental Bulk-Fill Resins in Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells
Authors: Lee Su-Min , Kim Soo-Youn , Kim Jae-Heon , Jun Soo-Kyung , Kim Hae-Won , Lee Jung-Hwan , Lee Hae-Hyoung
Published: October 2019

The proper choice of dental composite resins is necessary based on the minimal cytotoxicity and antiodontogenesis on human dental pulp stem cells for dental pulp-dentin tissue repair and regeneration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxicity and antidifferentiation effects of dental bulk-fill resins, able to be polymerized as a bulk status for filling deep cavity of a tooth by single light curing, against human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) from three compartments corresponding to depth (0-2, 2-4, and 4-6 mm) from the light-curing site. Three bulk-fill composite resins (SDR, Venus bulk-fill (VBF), and Beautifil Bulk Flowable (BBF)) and a conventional flowable composite resin (Filtek Z350 XT flowable restorative (ZFF)) were individually filled into a cylindrical hole (h=2 mm, Ф=10 mm), and three compartments (total ~6 mm of height) were combined as a single assembly for light curing. The resin samples from the three layers were separated and eluted in the culture medium. The extracts were exposed to hDPSCs, and cytotoxicity and differentiation capability were evaluated. Depth of cure and surface hardness according to depth were determined. All bulk-fill resins except BBF revealed cytotoxicity from 4 to 6 or 2 to 4 mm, while ZFF was cytotoxic at over 2 mm. Depth of cure was detected from 3.55 to 4.02 mm in the bulk-fill resins (vs. ~2.25 mm in conventional resin), and 80% hardness compared with that of a fully polymerized top surface was determined from 4.2 to 6 mm in the bulk-fill resin (vs. 2.4 mm in conventional resin). Antidifferentiation was revealed at a depth of 4-6 mm in the bulk-fill resin. There was a difference in depth of cytotoxicity and antidifferentiation between the bulk-fill composite resins, which was mainly due to different cure depths and ingredients. Therefore, careful consideration of choice of bulk-fill resins is necessary especially for restoration of deep cavities for maintaining the viability and differentiation ability of dental pulp stem cells.
Effects of Macrofungal Polysaccharides Combined with Vemurafenib on Melanoma and Its Associated Mechanism
Authors: Wu Wenya , Su Zhigang , Fan Shasha
Published: October 2019

Fungal polysaccharides have demonstrated various biological functions such as antitumor, immune regulation, and antioxidant activities. It has also been reported to be beneficial in reshaping the immune system’s surveillance on tumor cells and in helping the immune system kill tumor cells. In this study, a melanoma mouse model was constructed, and a macrofungal polysaccharide (MFPS) extracted from Pleurotus ostreatus combined with Vemurafenib monoclonal antibody was used to study their effects against melanoma and its antitumor mechanism by using the lactate dehydrogenase release assay, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and flow typing assay. Results indicated that MFPS enhanced the inhibitory effect of Vemurafenib on tumor growth in melanoma-bearing mice and the secretion of cytokines IFN-γ and IL-12 in PBMCs of melanoma-bearing mice. In addition, the combination of MFPS1 and Vemurafenib can enhance the immunomodulatory activity of melanoma-bearing mice as well as elicit the activation and proliferation of B cells and T cells.
Seismic Fragility Analysis of Buildings Based on Double-Parameter Damage Models considering Soil-Structure Interaction
Authors: Zhai Panpan , Zhao Peng , Lu Yang , Ye Chenying , Xiong Feng
Published: October 2019

Most conventional seismic fragility analyses of RC buildings usually ignore or greatly simplify the soil-structure interaction (SSI), and the maximum interstory drift ratio (MIDR) is often adopted to establish seismic fragility curves. In this work, an eight-story RC building was designed to study the influence of the SSI on the seismic fragility of RC buildings. Three double-parameter damage models (DPDMs) were considered for the fragility assessment: the Park–Ang model, the Niu model, and the Lu–Wang model. Results show that considering SSI induces a higher fragility than that of the fixed model and that employing the DPDMs for the fragility analysis provides more reasonable results than those evaluated using the MIDR damage index.
Differences in cNOS/iNOS Activity during Resistance to Trypanosoma cruzi Infection in 5-Lipoxygenase Knockout Mice
Authors: Panis Carolina , Victorino Vanessa Jacob , Tatakihara Vera Lúcia Hideko , Cecchini Rubens , Rizzo Luiz Vicente , Yamauchi Lucy Megumi , Yamada-Ogatta Sueli Fumie , Martins-Pinge Marli Cardoso , Pinge-Filho Phileno
Published: October 2019

Infection with the protozoanTrypanosoma cruzicauses Chagas disease and consequently leads to severe inflammatory heart condition; however, the mechanisms driving this inflammatory response have not been completely elucidated. Nitric oxide (NO) is a key mediator of parasite killing inT. cruzi-infected mice, and previous studies have suggested that leukotrienes (LTs) essentially regulate the NO activity in the heart. We used infected 5-lipoxygenase-deficient mice (5-LO−/−) to explore the participation of nitric oxide synthase isoforms, inducible (iNOS) and constitutive (cNOS), in heart injury, cytokine profile, and oxidative stress during the early stage ofT. cruziinfection. Our evidence suggests that the cNOS of the host is involved in the resistance of 5-LO−/−mice duringT. cruziinfection. iNOS inhibition generated a remarkable increase inT. cruziinfection in the blood and heart of mice, whereas cNOS inhibition reduced cardiac parasitism (amastigote nests). Furthermore, this inhibition associates with a higher IFN-γproduction and lower lipid peroxidation status. These data provide a better understanding about the influence of NO-interfering therapies for the inflammatory response towardT. cruziinfection.
Efficacy of a Peruvian Botanical Remedy (Sabell A4+) for Treating Liver Disease and Protecting Gastric Mucosal Integrity
Authors: Swain Mark G. , Wallace John L. , Tyrrell D. Lorne , Cabanillas José , Aung Steven K. H. , Liu Hongqun , Finnie-Carvalho Lindsay , Shrestha Grishma , Semple Hugh A. , Green Francis H. Y.
Published: October 2019

The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of a Peruvian botanical formulation for treating disorders of hepatic function and gastric mucosal integrity. The formulation A4+ (Sabell Corporation) contains extracts of Curcuma longa rhizome, Cordia lutea flower, and Annona muricata leaf. Individually these plants have been used as traditional remedies for liver disease. We report the efficacy of A4+ and its components using a variety of in vitro and in vivo disease models. The methods used included tests for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral activity as well as mouse models of liver disease, including Concanavalin A-induced immune-mediated hepatitis and a bile duct ligation model for evaluating sickness behaviour associated with liver disease. Rat models were used to evaluate the gastric mucosal protective property of A4+ following indomethacin challenge and to evaluate its anti-inflammatory action in an “air pouch” model. In all tests, A4+ proved to be more effective than placebo. A4+ was antioxidant and anti-inflammatory and diminished Hepatitis C virus replication in vitro. In animal models, A4+ was shown to protect the liver from immune-mediated hepatitis, improve behavioural function in animals with late stage liver disease, and protect the rat gastric mucosa from ulceration following NSAID exposure. We conclude that A4+ ameliorated many aspects of liver injury, inhibited hepatitis C virus replication, and protected the gastric mucosa from NSAIDs. These varied beneficial properties appear to result from positive interactions between the three constituent herbs.
Changes in Serum Cytokines May Predict Therapeutic Efficacy of Tofacitinib in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Li Yuxuan , Yuan Lin , Yang Jie , Lei Yue , Zhang Hui , Xia Liping , Shen Hui , Lu Jing
Published: October 2019

Objective. Tofacitinib is a novel therapy for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The aim of this study was to measure various serum cytokines levels and to explore potential markers predictive of therapeutic efficacy of tofacitinib for RA patients. Methods. Thirty-two patients with RA were given tofacitinib (5 mg bid). Serum cytokines levels of Th1 (IFN-γ), Th2 (IL-6), Th17 (IL-17), Tregs (IL-35), and TNF-α were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Results. Disease activity was significantly decreased as early as week 4 after tofacitinib treatment. Serum IL-35 levels were significantly increased and serum levels of TNF-α, IL-17, IL-6, and IFN-γ were significantly reduced in response to tofacitinib since week 4. Conclusions. After treatment with tofacitinib, RA patients may benefit from monitoring of disease activity as early as week 4. IL-35 also might be a predictive indicator of the disease activity and drug efficacy. Meanwhile, tofacitinib might be CS-sparing in RA.
Characteristics of Peripheral Immune Function in Reproductive Females with Uterine Leiomyoma
Authors: Liu Zhi-Qin , Lu Mei-Yin , Sun Ru-Liang , Yin Zhi-nan , Liu Bin , Wu Yang-zhe
Published: October 2019

Inflammation and immunity are thought as risk factors for uterine leiomyoma; however, detailed reports on this topic are scarce. The present study aimed to analyze the characteristics of immune function and clinical significance of circulating CD4/CD8 T, NK, and γδ T cells in reproductive females with uterine leiomyoma. We analyzed the above-mentioned cells in 30 reproductive females with uterine leiomyoma and 68 healthy females using flow cytometry. After that, the correlation between function of immune cells and clinical phenotypes was analyzed. Compared with healthy controls, central memory (CM) CD4/CD8 T cells as well as Treg and Tfh cells were notably increased in leiomyoma patients; however, NK and γδ T cells were decreased in patients. Moreover, such alterations of these cells in patients with leiomyoma were associated with shorter menstrual cycles, longer menstrual period, anemia, pelvic lesions, more and larger myomas, and higher levels of CA125. Additionally, the increased Tfh1/Tfh2 ratio and Tfh17 were significantly associated with longer menstrual period, more myomas, and higher CA125 levels independent of age in patients with uterine leiomyoma. In conclusion, hallmarks of peripheral immune function are remarkably correlated with clinical phenotypes in reproductive females with uterine leiomyoma. This preliminary work may provide proof-of-concept for evaluating efficacy of treatment and prognosis of reproductive females with uterine leiomyoma with the help of quantitative analysis of peripheral immune function, which may inspire performing further investigations on the relevance of immune function with different diseases.
Reliability Analysis of Structures by Iterative Improved Ensemble of Surrogate Method
Authors: Liu Bolin , Xie Liyang
Published: October 2019

Surrogate models have been widely adopted for reliability analysis. The common approach is to construct a series of surrogates based on a training set and then pick out the best one with the highest accuracy as an approximation of the time‐consuming limit state function. However, the traditional method increases the risk of adopting an inappropriate model and does not take full advantage of the data devoted to constructing different surrogates. Furthermore, obtaining more samples is very expensive and sometimes even impossible. Therefore, to save the cost of constructing the surrogate and improve the prediction accuracy, an ensemble strategy is proposed in this paper for efficiently analyzing the structural reliability. The values of the weights are obtained by a recursive process and the leave‐one‐out technique, in which the values are updated in each iteration until a given prediction accuracy is achieved. Besides, a learning function is used to guide the selection of the next sampling candidate. Because the learning function utilizes the uncertainty estimator of the surrogate to guide the design of experiments (DoE), to accurately calculate the uncertainty estimator of the ensemble of surrogates, the concept of weighted mean square error is proposed. After the high‐quality ensemble of surrogates of the limit state function is available, the Monte Carlo method is employed to calculate the failure probabilities. The proposed method is evaluated by three analytic problems and one engineering problem. The results show that the proposed ensemble of surrogates has better prediction accuracy and robustness than the stand‐alone surrogates and the existing ensemble techniques.
IRW and IQW Reduce Colitis-Associated Cancer Risk by Alleviating DSS-Induced Colonic Inflammation
Authors: Ma Yong , Jiang Hongmei , Fang Jun , Liu Gang
Published: October 2019

Background and Objective. Bioactive peptides exert great influence in animals and human health by targeting gastrointestinal tracts. The colitis model of mice was induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). Thirty-two 8-week-old mice weighing 23 g on average were randomly assigned to four groups of 8 each: mice fed basal diet (CON), mice fed basal diet with 5% DSS (DSS), mice fed 0.03% IRW with 5% DSS (IRW-DSS), and mice fed 0.03% IRW with 5% DSS (IQW-DSS). After an adaptation period of 3 days, on day 8, all mice were slaughtered. Serum samples were collected to determine the level of amino acids; colonic tissue was quick-frozen for the determination of gene expression. Methods. The aim of this study was to assess the ability of two kinds of peptides (IRW and IQW) to repair intestinal inflammatory in the DSS-induced model in accordance with serum amino acids and intestinal inflammatory factors. Results. The results demonstrated that the addition of IRW and IQW had a mitigating effect on DSS-induced intestinal inflammation. The level of Asp decreased in the serum of mice supplemented with IRW-DSS (P<0.05), and IQW enhanced the level of Leu, but lowered the level of Ser (P<0.05). IQW and IRW addition reduced the level of TNF-α and IL-17 (P<0.05). No other significant effects were observed. Conclusions. The present study demonstrated that intracolic administration of IRW and IQW might be a novel option for preventing inflammatory bowel disease via regulating the level of serum amino acid and enhancing the intestinal immune defense.
Possible Error in Reflection Pulse Oximeter Readings as a Result of Applied Pressure
Authors: Fine Ilya , Kaminsky Alexander
Published: October 2019

Pulse oximetry is one of the most widely used techniques in modern medicine. In pulse oximetry, photoplethysmography (PPG) signals are measured at two different wavelengths and converted into the parameter Gamma, which is used to calculate the oxygen saturation of arterial blood. Although most pulse oximetry sensors are based on transmission geometry, the reflection mode is required for different form factors such as the forehead or wrists. In reflection oximetry, local pressure is applied to the measurement surface. We investigated the relationship between applied pressure and Gamma and found that for the reflection mode, Gamma tends to increase with increasing applied pressure. To explain this, we described the PPG signal in terms of two alternative models: a volumetric model and a Scattering-Driven Model (SDM). We assumed that the application of external pressure results in a decrease in local blood flow. We showed that only SDM correctly qualitatively describes Gamma as a function of the decrease in blood flow. We concluded that both described models coexist and that the relative influence of each depends on the measurement geometry and blood perfusion in the skin.
The Optimal Green Product Design with Cost Constraint and Sustainable Policies for the Manufacturer
Authors: Zhang Linghong , Zhou Hao
Published: October 2019

In this paper, we study how the manufacturer balances the investment between the green product and the ordinary product as consumer environmental awareness (CEA) increases. The green product and ordinary product have a basic commonality traditional quality but difference between the premium environmental quality and premium traditional quality. With the cost constraint, we present manufacturer’s optimal strategy: producing one product or two products and the optimal traditional quality of the ordinary product or the optimal environmental quality of the green product. Then, we further study the effect of government subsidy and tax on manufacturer’s strategies and analyze the effectiveness of the policies. Finally, we give some numerical examples and sensitivity analysis. The main findings are as follows: (1) manufacturer’s cost constraint affects product’s optimal quality but may not influence manufacturer’s optimal product strategy: the manufacturer may not produce two products even through the budget is sufficient large; (2) the government policy could induce the manufacturer to invest green product but may be inefficient; the subsidy and tax policies are mutual exclusion; and either subsidy or tax could play a role in changing manufacturer’s strategy. Some management insights are given.
Gentle Manual Acupuncture Could Better Regulate Gastric Motility and Vagal Afferent Nerve Discharge of Rats with Gastric Hypomotility
Authors: Liu Yangyang , Bai Yang , Pan Yue , Xu Zhifang , Fang Yuxin , Wang Shenjun , Du Yuanhao , Guo Yi
Published: October 2019

The variation of stimulus intensity of manual acupuncture (MA) may produce diverse acupuncture effects. However, the intensity-effect relationship and the underlying mechanism of MA are still elusive. In this study, the effects of MA regulation of gastric motility were investigated after lifting-thrusting MA treatment with four different frequencies (1 Hz, 2 Hz, 3 Hz, and 4 Hz) at ST36. The experiments were conducted on rats with gastric hypomotility caused by atropine. The results showed that the gastric motility amplitude decreased after atropine injection, while the treatment of four types of MA affected the gastric motility amplitude in varying degrees. Specifically, 2 Hz MA exhibited the most effective results, while 4 Hz MA had the least effect; the effects of 1 Hz MA and 3 Hz MA were between the effects induced with 2 Hz and 4 Hz. Furthermore, the response of gastric vagal afferent nerve discharge and gastric motility was examined after MA treatment with frequencies of 2 Hz and 4 Hz, respectively, on ST36 in order to elucidate the mechanism of MA regulation of gastric motility. The results showed that 2 Hz MA was able to increase the amplitude of gastric motility and discharge frequency of gastric vagal afferent nerves, while 4 Hz MA exhibited seldom effects. These findings suggest that gentle MA (2 Hz) has more stimulating effects than strong stimulation with MA (4 Hz) on gastric hypomotility. In addition, gastric motility regulated by MA was associated with vagal afferent nerve activation.
Effect of Polysaccharides from Bletilla striata on the Healing of Dermal Wounds in Mice
Authors: Zhang Chen , He Yanan , Chen Zhejie , Shi Jinfeng , Qu Yan , Zhang Jinming
Published: October 2019

Bletilla striata has been largely used in traditional folk medicine in China as a wound healing agent and to treat gastritis and several other health problems. Some studies have shown that plant polysaccharides may have the ability to promote wound healing. The aim of this work was to evaluate the wound healing activity of the polysaccharide extracted from Bletilla striata. Firstly, a Bletilla striata polysaccharide was extracted by water extraction and alcohol precipitation and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The Bletilla striata polysaccharide was then tested for cell migration and proliferation using the mouse fibroblast cell line. Then, the Bletilla striata hydrogel was fabricated for acute wound health care of the mouse full-thickness excision. The results showed that the BSP enhanced the proliferation and migration of L929 cells. The superior wound healing capacity of the BSP hydrogel was demonstrated that it significantly accelerated the wound healing process in vivo in full-thickness skin defect wounded models. Compared to the saline group, the BSP hydrogel could accelerate wound healing and promote re-epithelialization and collagen deposition by means of TGF-β/Smad signal pathway activation. Taken together, BSP hydrogel would be a useful pharmaceutic candidate for acute cutaneous wound health care.
Functional Characterization of LIPA (Lysosomal Acid Lipase) Variants Associated With Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Evans Trent D. , Zhang Xiangyu , Clark Reece E. , Alisio Arturo , Song Eric , Zhang Hanrui , Reilly Muredach P. , Stitziel Nathan O. , Razani Babak
Published: October 2019

Objective:

LIPA (lysosomal acid lipase) mediates cholesteryl ester hydrolysis, and patients with rare loss-of-function mutations develop hypercholesterolemia and severe disease. Genome-wide association studies of coronary artery disease have identified several tightly linked, common intronic risk variants in
LIPA
which unexpectedly associate with increased mRNA expression. However, an exonic variant (rs1051338 resulting in T16P) in linkage with intronic variants lies in the signal peptide region and putatively disrupts trafficking. We sought to functionally investigate the net impact of this locus on LIPA and whether rs1051338 could disrupt LIPA processing and function to explain coronary artery disease risk.

Approach and Results:

In monocytes isolated from a large cohort of healthy individuals, we demonstrate both exonic and intronic risk variants are associated with increased LIPA enzyme activity coincident with the increased transcript levels. To functionally isolate the impact of rs1051338, we studied several in vitro overexpression systems and consistently observed no differences in LIPA expression, processing, activity, or secretion. Further, we characterized a second common exonic coding variant (rs1051339), which is predicted to alter LIPA signal peptide cleavage similarly to rs1051338, yet is not linked to intronic variants. rs1051339 also does not impact LIPA function in vitro and confers no coronary artery disease risk.

Conclusions:

Our findings show that common LIPA exonic variants in the signal peptide are of minimal functional significance and suggest coronary artery disease risk is instead associated with increased LIPA function linked to intronic variants. Understanding the mechanisms and cell-specific contexts of LIPA function in the plaque is necessary to understand its association with cardiovascular risk.
Dynamic spatiotemporal patterns of brain connectivity reorganize across development
Authors: Vohryzek Jakub , Griffa Alessandra , Mullier Emeline , Friedrichs-Maeder Cecilia , Sandini Corrado , Schaer Marie , Eliez Stephan , Hagmann Patric
Published: October 2019

Late human development is characterized by the maturation of high-level functional processes, which rely on reshaping of white matter connections, as well as synaptic density. However, the relationship between the whole-brain dynamics and the underlying white matter networks in neurodevelopment is largely unknown. In this study, we focused on how the structural connectome shapes the emerging dynamics of cerebral development between the ages of 6 and 33 years, using functional and diffusion magnetic resonance imaging combined into a spatiotemporal connectivity framework. We defined two new measures of brain dynamics, namely the system diversity and the spatiotemporal diversity, which quantify the level of integration/segregation between functional systems and the level of temporal self-similarity of the functional patterns of brain dynamics, respectively. We observed a global increase in system diversity and a global decrease and local refinement in spatiotemporal diversity values with age. In support of these findings, we further found an increase in the usage of long-range and inter-system white matter connectivity and a decrease in the usage of short-range connectivity with age. These findings suggest that dynamic functional patterns in the brain progressively become more integrative and temporally self-similar with age. These functional changes are supported by a greater involvement of long-range and inter-system axonal pathways.
Mechanical Properties of Resin Reinforced Fiber-Ceramic-Fiber Composites Prepared by Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding
Authors: Kong Ling-Mei , Wang Xiao-Bing , Zheng Wei , Wu Guang-Da , Qi Yan-Yan , Xue Ya-Juan , Wang Bao-Chun
Published: October 2019

Ceramic-fiber composites have important applications in protection field. In this work, the stable and reliable resin reinforced fiber-ceramic-fiber (RRFCF) composites with sandwich structure were prepared by using the vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) process. The mechanical
properties of the prepared RRFCF composites with different configurations were studied. Results showed that the thickness values of the glassfiber-reinforced plastic layers (panel thickness: ta and backplane thickness: tc) had significant influences on the
unique mechanical properties of the RRFCF composites. The stress distribution of RRFCF composites with different configurations under loading was analyzed by simulation. The fatigue behaviors of Z-type (ta < tc) and F-type (ta >
tc) RRFCF composites were investigated and found to be in good agreement with the simulated results. Moreover, the flexural strength and modulus of Z-type composites were obtained and found to be higher than those of F-type composites. These results have important
guiding significance for the engineering application of RRFCF composites.
Synthesis of Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Nanocomposites via a Simple Two-Phase Ligands Exchange
Authors: Noh Hyun Sung , Jung Jaehan
Published: October 2019

The surface of nanocrystals (NCs) was precisely engineered with bifunctional ligands via a simple yet effective two-phase ligand exchange strategy where the introduction of bifunctional ligands and displacement of insulating aliphatic ligands are simultaneously occurred. This is advantageous
compared to conventional ligands exchange procedure where the desired ligands are often introduced through two-step processes after treating NC surface with short mobile ligands such as pyridine or short amines. In this study, 4-azidobenzoic acid possessing carboxylic acid for binding with
NCs and azide group for chemical coupling was utilized as bifunctional ligands. A correlation between the concentration and the efficiency of ligands replacement was corroborated by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy
measurement. Lastly, organic–inorganic nanocomposites were crafted via click coupling between 1-octyne and azidobenzoic acid capped CdSe NCs. The success of coupling was substantiated by FTIR and 1H NMR.
Tailoring the Magnetic Properties and Magnetocaloric Effect in Double Perovskites Sr2FeMo1–xNbxO6
Authors: Hussain Imad , Khan S. N. , Rao Tentu Nageswara , Uddin Riyaz , Kim Jong Woo , Koo Bon Heun
Published: October 2019

The crystal structure, magnetic and magnetocaloric properties of the Sr2FeMo1–xNbxO6 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.3) samples prepared by solid state reaction method were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and magnetic
measurements. The room temperature XRD profiles obtained for all the samples revealed the formation of the double perovskite tetragonal structure with I4/mmm symmetry. Maximum values of spontaneous magnetization (17.6 emu/g at 150 K) and Curie temperature, TC (380 K) were
observed in the Sr2FeMo0.9Nb0.1O6 sample indicating that low Niobium (Nb) substitution (x = 0.1) at the Mo site in the host material resulted in higher magnetization and TC. Lower values of magnetization and TC
were recorded in the samples with higher Nb concentration (x = 0.2, 0.3) that was attributed to the decrease in orbital hybridization and increase in anti-site disorder resulting from heavy doping. A second order of the magnetic phase transition in each sample was confirmed by the magnetization
measurements and Arrott plots. The maximum magnetic entropy change and relative cooling power (RCP) were enhanced in lowest Nb doped sample (x = 0.1) suggesting that this compound can be used in magnetic refrigeration technology.
Study of LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 Coated with Li2ZrO3 Nanolayers in All-Solid-State Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Kim Young-Jin , Rajesh Rajagopal , Ryu Kwang-Sun
Published: October 2019

The Li2ZrO3 nanolayer was coated over LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 cathode material (NCM) to produce all-solid-state lithium ion batteries and their enhanced electrochemical properties were determined. To relieve interfacial resistance
resulting from insufficient contact, a Li2ZrO3 nanolayer is a suitable cathode coating agent because it can block corrosive species and decrease contact loss, along with elimination of the space-charge layer. All-solid-state cells using Li2ZrO3-coated
NCM material showed higher capacity than pristine NCM. X-ray diffraction patterns showed the same peak separations and lattice parameters as pristine material. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy images obtained with electron dispersive spectroscopy mapping confirmed
homogeneous coating with a uniformly thick Li2ZrO3 layer of around 5 nm. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed that the surface of NCM had two different O1s peaks, with a Zr–O peak, and Ni, Co, Mn, and Zr peaks. Electrochemical studies on pristine and
Li2ZrO3-coated NCM materials were conducted using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy with galvanostatic cycle performances by constructing an all-solid-state cell. The impedance spectra showed relieved interfacial resistance with low polarization as coating agent
was added. Notably, the 4 wt.% Li2ZrO3-coated NCM exhibited capacity retention of 81% at a current density of 0.12 mA/cm2 after 30 cycles, while that of the pristine cell hadunstable cycle performance and a low capacity retention of 69 percent. Thus, the Li2ZrO3-coated
NCM material exhibited potential for all-solid-state batteries requiring high power or stable application.