bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reduction of Dental Caries Among Children and Adolescents From a 15-Year Community Water Fluoridation Program in a Township Area, Korea
Authors: Kim Han-Na , Kong Wook-Sung , Lee Jung-Ha , Kim Jin-Bom
Published: April 2019

Since 2000, a community water fluoridation program (CWFP) has been implemented in Hapcheon for over 15 years. We aimed to evaluate the caries-reducing effect on permanent teeth after this implementation. In 2015, evaluation surveys were conducted by our study group, 498 subjects aged 8, 10, 12, and 15 years. As the control, 952 similarly aged subjects were selected from the Sixth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2013-2015 KNHANES). Data of a prospective cohort of 671 8-,10- and 12-year-olds, collected when CWFP started, were used for the evaluation. Caries-reducing effects were estimated by decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) scores between CWFP and control groups, pre- and post-program. Confounders including the mean number of sealant teeth and gender were adjusted for. The mean adjusted DMFT scores of 10-, 12- and 15-year-olds in Hapcheon were significantly lower compared to KNHANES DMFT scores; in addition, those of 8-, 10- and 12-year-olds after the 15-year CWFP were significantly lower than in 2000. The caries-reducing effect among 12-year-olds was 37.6% compared to those recorded in KNHANES, and 67.4% compared to those in 2000. In conclusion, the caries-reducing effect was so high that health policy makers should consider CWFP as a priority policy for caries-reducing in Korean children and adolescents.
Identifying Risk Factors Of A(H7N9) Outbreak by Wavelet Analysis and Generalized Estimating Equation
Authors: Yan Qinling , Tang Sanyi , Jin Zhen , Xiao Yanni
Published: April 2019

Five epidemic waves of A(H7N9) occurred between March 2013 and May 2017 in China. However, the potential risk factors associated with disease transmission remain unclear. To address the spatial–temporal distribution of the reported A(H7N9) human cases (hereafter referred to as “cases”), statistical description and geographic information systems were employed. Based on long-term observation data, we found that males predominated the majority of A(H7N9)-infected individuals and that most males were middle-aged or elderly. Further, wavelet analysis was used to detect the variation in time-frequency between A(H7N9) cases and meteorological factors. Moreover, we formulated a Poisson regression model to explore the relationship among A(H7N9) cases and meteorological factors, the number of live poultry markets (LPMs), population density and media coverage. The main results revealed that the impact factors of A(H7N9) prevalence are manifold, and the number of LPMs has a significantly positive effect on reported A(H7N9) cases, while the effect of weekly average temperature is significantly negative. This confirms that the interaction of multiple factors could result in a serious A(H7N9) outbreak. Therefore, public health departments adopting the corresponding management measures based on both the number of LPMs and the forecast of meteorological conditions are crucial for mitigating A(H7N9) prevalence.
Perinatal Exposure to Environmental Endocrine Disruptors in the Emergence of Neurodevelopmental Psychiatric Diseases: A Systematic Review
Authors: Rivollier Fabrice , Krebs Marie-Odile , Kebir Oussama
Published: April 2019

Background: Exposure to endocrine disruptors is on the rise, with new compounds regularly incriminated. In animals and humans, this exposure during critical developmental windows has been associated with various developmental abnormalities, including the emergence of psychiatric disorders. We aimed to review the association between perinatal endocrine disruptor exposure and neurodevelopmental disorders in humans, focusing on cognitive and psychiatric disorders. Methods: We performed a systematic review with key words referring to the fields of neurodevelopment and endocrine disruptors. We reviewed 896 titles, choosing studies on the basis of titles and abstracts. We searched through the methodology sections to find perinatal exposure and neurodevelopmental disorders, following the categories indicated in the Diagnostic and Statistic Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition). References in some studies brought us to a total of 47 studies included here. Results: Convergent studies report an association between exposure to endocrine disruptors and autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, global developmental delay, intellectual disability, communication disorders and unspecified neurodevelopmental disorders. Conclusion: Sufficient data exist to report that exposure to some endocrine disruptors is a risk factor for the emergence of neurodevelopmental disorders. Studying endocrine disruptor exposure in humans is still associated with some limits that are difficult to overcome.
Child-To-Parent Violence: Which Parenting Style Is More Protective? A Study with Spanish Adolescents
Authors: Suárez-Relinque Cristian , del Moral Arroyo Gonzalo , León-Moreno Celeste , Callejas Jerónimo Juan Evaristo
Published: April 2019

The link between parenting style and violent behavior during adolescence has become a relevant topic of research over the last few years. In order to deepen the understanding of this relationship, the aim of the present study was to examine what type of parenting style (authoritative, indulgent, authoritarian, and neglectful) is more protective against child-to-parent violence (CPV). A total of 2112 adolescents of both sexes participated in this study (50.2% men and 49.8% women), aged between 12 and 18 years (M = 14. 72, SD = 1.55). A multivariate factorial design (MANOVA, 4 × 2 × 3) was applied using parenting style, sex, and age group (12–14, 15–16, and 17–18 years) as independent variables and dimensions of CPV (physical and verbal aggression against the mother and father) as dependent variables. As shown in the results, the lowest scores on all the dimensions of CPV examined corresponded to the adolescents from indulgent families. Further, two interaction effects were observed between parenting style and age in verbal aggression against the mother and verbal aggression against the father. Regarding these effects, the adolescents from indulgent families obtained the lowest scores in two of the three age groups analyzed (12–14 years and 15–16 years). In the 17–18 years group, adolescents from authoritative families obtained similar but lower values than those coming from families with an indulgent style of parenting. These findings suggest that indulgent style is the most protective parenting style against CPV and also highlight the importance of affective warmth, emotional nurturance, and support giving in preventing CPV.
When CAR Meets Stem Cells
Authors: Lee Jung Min
Published: April 2019

The generation of immune cells from human pluripotent stem cells (embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells) has been of keen interest to regenerative medicine. Pluripotent stem cell-derived immune cells such as natural killer cells, macrophages, and lymphoid cells, especially T cells, can be used in immune cell therapy to treat incurable cancers. Moreover, since the advent of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) technology, the success of CAR-T cells in the clinic has galvanized new efforts to harness the power of CAR technology to generate CAR-engineered immune cells from pluripotent stem cells. This review provides a summary of pluripotent stem cell-derived immune cells and CAR technology, together with perspectives on combining pluripotent stem-cell derived immune cells and CAR engineering to pave a new way for developing next generation immune cell therapy.
Acoustic, Pitfall Trap, and Visual Surveys of Stored Product Insect Pests in Kenyan Warehouses
Authors: Njoroge Anastasia , Affognon Hippolyte , Richter Uwe , Hensel Oliver , Rohde Barukh , Chen Davie , Mankin Richard
Published: April 2019

Grain production is an important component of food security in Kenya but due to environmental conditions that favor rapid growth of insect populations, farmers and other agricultural stakeholders face ongoing and novel challenges from crop and stored product pest insects. To assist development of methods to reduce economic losses from stored product insect pests in Kenya, acoustic, visual, and pitfall trap surveys were conducted in five grain storage warehouses. Two commercially available acoustic systems successfully detected the pests of greatest economic importance, Sitophilus zeamais (Motschulsky) and Prostephanus truncatus (Horn). Other insects of lesser economic importance also were observed in the visual surveys, including Sitotroga cerealella (Olivier) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), and Tribolium castaneum (Herbst). This study demonstrated that the use of acoustic technology with visual surveys and pitfall traps can help managers to identify and target infestations within their warehouses, enabling them to reduce postharvest losses. With most warehouses being located in relatively noisy urban or peri-urban areas, background noise considerations are being incorporated into the design of future acoustic detectors for stored pest infestations. Kenya must import grain yearly to meet consumption needs; however, if the current yearly postharvest losses of 20–30% in warehouses decreased, import costs could be reduced considerably.
A High Visceral-To-Subcutaneous Fat Ratio is an Independent Predictor of Surgical Site Infection after Gastrectomy
Authors: Kim Jung Ho , Kim Jinnam , Lee Woon Ji , Seong Hye , Choi Heun , Ahn Jin Young , Jeong Su Jin , Ku Nam Su , Son Taeil , Kim Hyoung-Il , Han Sang Hoon , Choi Jun Yong , Yeom Joon-Sup , Hyung Woo Jin , Song Young Goo , Noh Sung Hoon
Published: April 2019

Recent studies have shown that body composition is an important factor that affects surgical site infection (SSI). However, each study has utilized different body composition criteria. Therefore, in this study, we aim to determine the most predictable body composition criteria for the prediction of SSI after gastrectomy. The visceral fat area (VFA), subcutaneous fat area (SFA), and muscle area were assessed by a preoperative-stage computed tomographic (CT) scan. To compare the predictive performance of body composition for SSI, logistic regression models were used, and the models were compared using the receiver operation characteristic (ROC) curve and the area under the curve (AUC) value. Of the 1038 eligible patients, 58 patients (5.6%) developed SSI. The VFA-to-SFA ratio showed the best predictive performance (mean AUC 75.11). The cutoff value for the SSI of the VFA-to-SFA ratio was 0.94, and the sensitivity and specificity were 67.86% and 77.65%, respectively. A multivariate logistic analysis indicated that a total gastrectomy (OR, 2.13; p = 0.017), stage III or IV cancer (OR, 2.66; p = 0.003), and a high VFA-to-SFA ratio (OR, 8.09; p < 0.001) were independent risk factors for SSI after gastrectomy. The VFA-to-SFA ratio is the most predictable body composition model for use in predicting the incidence of SSI after gastrectomy.
Arterial Lymphatics in Atherosclerosis: Old Questions, New Insights, and Remaining Challenges
Authors: Csányi Gábor , Singla Bhupesh
Published: April 2019

The lymphatic network is well known for its role in the maintenance of tissue fluid homeostasis, absorption of dietary lipids, trafficking of immune cells, and adaptive immunity. Aberrant lymphatic function has been linked to lymphedema and immune disorders for a long time. Discovery of lymphatic cell markers, novel insights into developmental and postnatal lymphangiogenesis, development of genetic mouse models, and the introduction of new imaging techniques have improved our understanding of lymphatic function in both health and disease, especially in the last decade. Previous studies linked the lymphatic vasculature to atherosclerosis through regulation of immune responses, reverse cholesterol transport, and inflammation. Despite extensive research, many aspects of the lymphatic circulation in atherosclerosis are still unknown and future studies are required to confirm that arterial lymphangiogenesis truly represents a therapeutic target in patients with cardiovascular disease. In this review article, we provide an overview of factors and mechanisms that regulate lymphangiogenesis, summarize recent findings on the role of lymphatics in macrophage reverse cholesterol transport, immune cell trafficking and pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, and present an overview of pharmacological and genetic strategies to modulate lymphatic vessel density in cardiovascular tissue.
Cardiac and Peripheral Autonomic Responses to Orthostatic Stress During Transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Tobaldini Eleonora , Toschi-Dias Edgar , Appratto de Souza Liliane , Rabello Casali Karina , Vicenzi Marco , Sandrone Giulia , Cogliati Chiara , La Rovere Maria Teresa , Pinna Gian Domenico , Montano Nicola
Published: April 2019

Previous studies showed that transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) modulates the autonomic nervous system (ANS) in resting condition. However, the autonomic regulation in response to an orthostatic challenge during tVNS in healthy subjects remains unknown. We tested the hypothesis that tVNS reduces heart rate (HR) and alters the responsivity of ANS to orthostatic stress in healthy subjects. In a randomized and cross-over trial, thirteen healthy subjects underwent two experimental sessions on different days: (1) tVNS and (2) control. Using a tVNS device, an auricular electrode was placed on the left cymba conchae of the external ear; an electric current with a pulse frequency of 25 Hz and amplitude between 1 and 6 mA was applied. For the assessment of ANS, the beat-to-beat HR and systolic arterial pressure (SAP) were analyzed using linear and nonlinear approaches during clinostatic and orthostatic conditions. In clinostatic conditions, tVNS reduced HR (p < 0.01), SAP variability (p < 0.01), and cardiac and peripheral sympathetic modulation (p < 0.01). The responsivity of the peripheral sympathetic modulation to orthostatic stress during tVNS was significantly higher when compared to the control session (p = 0.03). In conclusion, tVNS reduces the HR and affects cardiac and peripheral autonomic control and increases the responses of peripheral autonomic control to orthostatic stress in healthy subjects.
Effect of Comedications and Endotoxins on Mesenchymal Stem Cell Secretomes, Migratory and Immunomodulatory Capacity
Authors: Durand Nisha , Russell Athena , Zubair Abba C.
Published: April 2019

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are becoming an increasingly popular therapeutic option among patients with a broad range of ailments to modulate immunity and induce regeneration. The majority of patients receiving these MSC therapies are on concurrent medication or have ongoing infection. In the present study, we examined the effect of immunosuppressive drugs and lipopolysaccharides (LPS)/endotoxins on the secretory profile, migration towards site of injury, and suppression of lymphocyte proliferation of bone marrow-derived MSCs (BMSCs). Generally, LPS coculture augmented the secretory capacity of BMSCs while exposure to immunosuppressive drugs resulted primarily in no change or attenuated secretion, with some cases of increased secretion, dependent on the cytokine assayed. Among the immunosuppressants evaluated, Hydrocortisone had the most widespread inhibitory effect, while LPS from E. coli O111:B4 had the most potent stimulatory effect. In addition, we also showed that Hydrocortisone or LPS from E. coli O111:B4 affected the migratory and immunosuppressive capacity of BMSCs. Following simulation with Hydrocortisone, BMSC migration was attenuated, and immunosuppressive capacity against T cell proliferation was enhanced, however, the opposite effects were seen with LPS from E. coli O111:B4. Our data suggests that the clinical outcomes of MSC-based therapy are affected by the use of immunosuppressive medication or the presence of endotoxemia in patients.
Comparison of Operating Conditions, Postoperative Pain and Recovery, and Overall Satisfaction of Surgeons with Deep vs. No Neuromuscular Blockade for Spinal Surgery under General Anesthesia: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Oh Seok Kyeong , Kwon Woo-Keun , Park Sangwoo , Ji Sul Gi , Kim Joo Han , Park Youn-Kwan , Lee Shin Young , Lim Byung Gun
Published: April 2019

We aimed to investigate operating conditions, postoperative pain, and overall satisfaction of surgeons using deep neuromuscular blockade (NMB) vs. no NMB in patients undergoing lumbar spinal surgery under general anesthesia. Eighty-three patients undergoing lumbar fusion were randomly assigned to receive deep NMB (n = 43) or no NMB (n = 40). In the deep-NMB group, rocuronium was administered to maintain deep NMB (train-of-four count 0, post-tetanic count 1–2) until the end of surgery. In the no-NMB group, sugammadex 4 mg/kg at train-of-four (TOF) count 0–1 or sugammadex 2 mg/kg at TOF count ≥2 was administered to reverse the NMB 10 min after placing the patient prone. Peak inspiratory airway pressure, plateau airway pressure, lumbar retractor pressure significantly were lower in the deep-NMB group. Degree of surgical field bleeding (0–5), muscle tone (1–3), and satisfaction (1–10) rated by the surgeon were all superior in the deep-NMB group. Pain scores, rescue fentanyl consumption in post-anesthesia care unit (PACU), and postoperative patient-controlled analgesia consumption were significantly lower in the deep-NMB group, and this group had a shorter length of stay in PACU. Compared to no NMB, deep NMB provides better operating conditions, reduced postoperative pain and higher overall satisfaction in lumbar spinal surgery.
A Novel Multi-Biomarker Assay for Non-Invasive Quantitative Monitoring of Kidney Injury
Authors: Watson Drew , Yang Joshua Y. C. , Sarwal Reuben D. , Sigdel Tara K. , Liberto Juliane M. , Damm Izabella , Louie Victoria , Sigdel Shristi , Livingstone Devon , Soh Katherine , Chakraborty Arjun , Liang Michael , Lin Pei-Chen , Sarwal Minnie M.
Published: April 2019

The current standard of care measures for kidney function, proteinuria, and serum creatinine (SCr) are poor predictors of early-stage kidney disease. Measures that can detect chronic kidney disease in its earlier stages are needed to enable therapeutic intervention and reduce adverse outcomes of chronic kidney disease. We have developed the Kidney Injury Test (KIT) and a novel KIT Score based on the composite measurement and validation of multiple biomarkers across a unique set of 397 urine samples. The test is performed on urine samples that require no processing at the site of collection and without target sequencing or amplification. We sought to verify that the pre-defined KIT test, KIT Score, and clinical thresholds correlate with established chronic kidney disease (CKD) and may provide predictive information on early kidney injury status above and beyond proteinuria and renal function measurements alone. Statistical analyses across six DNA, protein, and metabolite markers were performed on a subset of residual spot urine samples with CKD that met assay performance quality controls from patients attending the clinical labs at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) as part of an ongoing IRB-approved prospective study. Inclusion criteria included selection of patients with confirmed CKD and normal healthy controls; exclusion criteria included incomplete or missing information for sample classification, logistical delays in transport/processing of urine samples or low sample volume, and acute kidney injury. Multivariate logistic regression of kidney injury status and likelihood ratio statistics were used to assess the contribution of the KIT Score for prediction of kidney injury status and stage of CKD as well as assess the potential contribution of the KIT Score for detection of early-stage CKD above and beyond traditional measures of renal function. Urine samples were processed by a proprietary immunoprobe for measuring cell-free DNA (cfDNA), methylated cfDNA, clusterin, CXCL10, total protein, and creatinine. The KIT Score and stratified KIT Score Risk Group (high versus low) had a sensitivity and specificity for detection of kidney injury status (healthy or CKD) of 97.3% (95% CI: 94.6–99.3%) and 94.1% (95% CI: 82.3–100%). In addition, in patients with normal renal function (estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥ 90), the KIT Score clearly identifies those with predisposing risk factors for CKD, which could not be detected by eGFR or proteinuria (p < 0.001). The KIT Score uncovers a burden of kidney injury that may yet be incompletely recognized, opening the door for earlier detection, intervention and preservation of renal function.
A Novel Heterozygous Deletion Variant in KLOTHO Gene Leading to Haploinsufficiency and Impairment of Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Martín-Núñez Ernesto , Donate-Correa Javier , Kannengiesser Caroline , De Brauwere David-Paul , Leroy Christine , Oudin Claire , Friedlander Gérard , Prieto-Morín Carol , Tagua Víctor G. , Ureña-Torres Pablo A. , Navarro-González Juan F.
Published: April 2019

Hyperphosphatemia is commonly present in end-stage renal disease. Klotho (KL) is implicated in phosphate homeostasis since it acts as obligate co-receptor for the fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), a major phosphaturic hormone. We hypothesized that genetic variation in the KL gene might be associated with alterations in phosphate homeostasis resulting in hyperphosphatemia. We performed sequencing for determining KL gene variants in a group of resistant hyperphosphatemic dialysis patients. In a 67-year-old female, blood DNA sequencing revealed a heterozygous deletion of a T at position 1041 (c.1041delT) in exon 2. This variation caused a frameshift with substitution of isoleucine for phenylalanine and introduction of a premature termination codon (p.Ile348Phefs*28). cDNA sequencing showed absence of deletion-carrier transcripts in peripheral blood mononuclear cells suggesting degradation of these through a nonsense-mediated RNA decay pathway. Experiments in vitro showed that p.Ile348Phefs*28 variant impaired FGF23 signaling pathway, indicating a functional inactivation of the gene. In the patient, serum levels of KL were 2.9-fold lower than the mean level of a group of matched dialysis subjects, suggesting a compromise in the circulating protein concentration due to haploinsufficiency. These findings provide a new loss-of-function variant in the human KL gene, suggesting that genetic determinants might be associated to clinical resistant hyperphosphatemia.
Factors Predicting the Surgical Risk of Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures
Authors: Kao Fu-Cheng , Huang Yu-Jui , Chiu Ping-Yeh , Hsieh Ming-Kai , Tsai Tsung-Ting
Published: April 2019

The aim of our study was to investigate the association between global spinal alignment, spinopelvic parameters, and outcomes of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCF). Patients with vertebral compression fractures seen at our hospital between October 2017 and November of 2018 with a bone mineral density (BMD) T-score < −2.5 were recruited for the study. Surgical intervention was performed after eight weeks of conservative treatment depending on clinical symptoms and the willingness of patients. Spinopelvic and sagittal alignment parameters were compared between patients who had surgery and those that did not. Seventy-nine patients were included in the study. Twenty-five patients (31.6%, mean age: 73.28 ± 9.78 years) received surgery, and 54 (68.3%, mean age: 73 ± 8.58 years) conservative treatment only. Pelvic tilt, pelvic incidence, and local kyphotic angle were statistically different between the groups (all p < 0.05). A sagittal vertical axis ≥ 50 mm, distance between the C7 plumb line and the center of the fractured vertebra (DSVA) ≥ 60 mm, pelvic incidence outside of the range of 44 to 62°), and pelvic tilt ≥ 27° were associted with the need for surgical intervention. Measurement of spinopelvic parameters can predict the need for surgery in patients with OVCF.
Impact of Antithrombotic Regimen and Platelet Inhibition Extent on Leaflet Thrombosis Detected by Cardiac MDCT after Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Jimenez Charline , Ohana Mickaël , Marchandot Benjamin , Kibler Marion , Carmona Adrien , Peillex Marilou , Heger Joe , Trimaille Antonin , Matsushita Kensuke , Reydel Antje , Hess Sébastien , Jesel Laurence , Ohlmann Patrick , Morel Olivier
Published: April 2019

The impact of antithrombotic regimen and platelet inhibition extent on subclinical leaflet thrombosis (SLT) detected by cardiac multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is not well established. Hypoattenuation affecting motion (HAM) has been proposed as a surrogate marker of SLT, and is characterized by hypoattenuated leaflet thickening (HALT) and concomitant reduction in leaflet motion (RELM). We sought to investigate (i) the prevalence of HAM and HALT after TAVR detected by MDCT, (ii) the predictors of SLT, (iii) the impact of oral anticoagulant (OAC) and platelet inhibition extent assessed by platelet reactivity index vasodilator stimulated phosphoprotein (PRI-VASP) and closure time adenosine diphosphate (CT-ADP) on SLT. Of 187 consecutive patients who underwent TAVR from 1 August 2017 to 31 March 2018, 90 of them had cardiac CT at relevant follow-up. Clinical, biological, echocardiographic, procedural characteristics and treatments were collected before, at discharge, and 1 year after TAVR. P2Y12 platelet inhibition extent and primary haemostasis disorders were investigated using platelet PRI-VASP and CT-ADP point-of-care assays. Eighty-five post-TAVR CTs out of 90 were ranked for clarity and assessed with sufficient diagnostic quality. HAM was evidenced in 13 patients (15.3%) and HALT in 30 patients (35%). Procedural characteristics, including aortic valve calcium score, annulus size, or procedural heparin regimens, were equivalent between groups. Likewise, no impact of P2Y12 inhibition (PRI-VASP) nor primary haemostasis disorders (CT-ADP) on SLT could be evidenced. No impact of SLT on valve deterioration evaluated by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and clinical events could be established at 12 months follow-up. By multivariate analysis, lack of oral anticoagulant therapy at discharge (HR 12.130 CI 95% (1.394–150.582); p = 0.028) and higher haemoglobin levels were evidenced as the sole independent predictors of SLT. In four patients with HAM, MDCT follow-up was obtained after initiation of OAC therapy and showed a complete regression of HAM. SLT was evidenced in a sizeable proportion of patients treated by TAVR and was mainly determined by the lack of oral anticoagulant therapy. Conversely, no impact of platelet inhibition extent on SLT could be evidenced.
Towing Operation Methods of Offshore Integrated Meteorological Mast for Offshore Wind Farms
Authors: Ding Hongyan , Hu Ruiqi , Le Conghuan , Zhang Puyang
Published: April 2019

An offshore integrated meteorological mast (OIMM) is introduced which has great application potential for the development of offshore wind turbine power. This innovative OIMM features in two aspects: the integrated construction and the integrated transportation. Its integrated techniques enable this OIMM to be prefabricated onshore and transported by a relatively small tugboat to the installation site. It is efficient in construction, rapid in transportation and saving in cost. The towing process is an important section for the integrated transportation, which makes the towing operation necessary to investigate. With the numerical simulation software MOSES, the hydrodynamic behavior of the towing operation is investigated. Two special wet towing methods (surface towing and submerged towing) are adopted and analyzed in terms of the towing resistance, towing speed, fairlead position and the motion response. The results show that for both towing methods, to obtain a higher speed by increasing the towing force is uneconomic since the towing resistance increases a much higher percentage than the towing speed dose. Surface towing has a smaller resistance but larger motion response compared to submerged towing. The submerged towing shows a clear descending heave motion. The heave and pitch motions are smaller with the lower fairlead position and fluctuate less with deeper submerged depth.
Yeast Species in the Oral Cavities of Older People: A Comparison between People Living in Their Own Homes and Those in Rest Homes
Authors: Thiyahuddin Nurulhuda Mohd , Lamping Erwin , Rich Alison M. , Cannon Richard D.
Published: April 2019

Oral candidiasis is prevalent among older people due to predisposing factors such as impaired immune defenses, medications and denture use. An increasing number of older people live in rest home facilities and it is unclear how this institutionalized living affects the quantity and type of fungi colonizing these people’s oral cavities. Smears and swabs of the palate and tongue and saliva samples were taken from participants residing in rest homes (RH; n = 20) and older people living in their own homes (OH; n = 20). Yeast in samples were quantified and identified by culturing on CHROMagar Candida and sequencing the ITS2 region of rDNA. A higher proportion of RH residents had Candida hyphae present in smears compared to OH participants (35% vs. 30%) although this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.74). RH residents had, on average, 23 times as many yeast per mL saliva as OH participants (p = 0.01). Seven yeast species were identified in OH samples and only five in RH samples, with Candida albicans and Candida glabrata being the most common species isolated from both participant groups. The results indicate that older people living in aged-care facilities were more likely to have candidiasis and have a higher yeast carriage rate than similarly aged people living at home. This may be due to morbidities which led to the need for residential care and/or related to the rest home environment.
The Spectrum of Interactions between Cryptococcus neoformans and Bacteria
Authors: Mayer François L. , Kronstad James W.
Published: April 2019

Cryptococcus neoformans is a major fungal pathogen that infects immunocompromised people and causes life-threatening meningoencephalitis. C. neoformans does not occur in isolation either in the environment or in the human host, but is surrounded by other microorganisms. Bacteria are ubiquitously distributed in nature, including soil, and make up the dominant part of the human microbiota. Pioneering studies in the 1950s demonstrated antifungal activity of environmental bacteria against C. neoformans. However, the mechanisms and implications of these interactions remain largely unknown. Recently, interest in polymicrobial interaction studies has been reignited by the development of improved sequencing methodologies, and by the realization that such interactions may have a huge impact on ecology and human health. In this review, we summarize our current understanding of the interaction of bacteria with C. neoformans.
Decision Making in Power Distribution System Reconfiguration by Blended Biased and Unbiased Weightage Method
Authors: Kamble Sachin Gorakh , Vadirajacharya Kinhal , Patil Udaykumar Vasudeo
Published: April 2019

The term smart grid (SG) has been used by many government bodies and researchers to refer to the new trend in the power industry of modernizing and automating the existing power system. SGs must utilize assets optimally by making use of the information, like equipment capacity, voltage drop, radial network structure, minimizing investment and operating costs, minimizing energy loss and reliability indices, and so on. One way to achieve this is to re-route or reconfigure distribution systems (DSs). Distribution systems are reconfigured to choose a switching combination of branches of the system that optimize certain performance parameters of the power supply, while satisfying some specified constraints. In this paper, a blended biased and unbiased weightage (BBUW) multiple attribute decision-making (MADM) method is proposed for finding the compromised best configuration and compared it with other decision-making methods, such as the weighted sum method (WSM), weighted product method (WPM), and the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method. The BBUW method is implemented for two distribution systems, and the result obtained shows a good co-relationship between BBUW and other decision-making methods. Further weights obtained from the BBUW method are used for the WSM, WPM and TOPSIS methods for decision making. Examples of the distribution system are worked out in this paper to demonstrate the validity and effectiveness of the method.
Erratum: Patience, Matthew: Acquisition of the Tap-Trill Contrast by L1 Mandarin–L2 English–L3 Spanish Speakers. Languages 3 (2018): 42
Authors:   Languages Editorial Office
Published: April 2019

The Editorial Office of Languages wants to make the following correction to the paper (Patience 2018): [...]
In Vitro Physico-Chemical Characterization and Standardized In Vivo Evaluation of Biocompatibility of a New Synthetic Membrane for Guided Bone Regeneration
Authors: da Costa Pereira Lívia , de Almeida Barros Mourão Carlos Fernando , Neves Novellino Alves Adriana Terezinha , Figueiredo de Brito Resende Rodrigo , Pinheiro Guedes de Uzeda Marcelo José , Granjeiro José Mauro , Seabra Louro Rafael , Diuana Calasans-Maia Mônica
Published: April 2019

This study’s aim was to evaluate the biocompatibility and bioabsorption of a new membrane for guided bone regeneration (polylactic-co-glycolic acid associated with hydroxyapatite and β-tricalcium phosphate) with three thicknesses (200, 500, and 700 µm) implanted in mice subcutaneously. Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and the quantification of carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen were used to characterize the physico-chemical properties. One hundred Balb-C mice were divided into 5 experimental groups: Group 1—Sham (without implantation); Group 2—200 μm; Group 3—500 μm; Group 4—700 μm; and Group 5—Pratix®. Each group was subdivided into four experimental periods (7, 30, 60 and 90 days). Samples were collected and processed for histological and histomorphometrical evaluation. The membranes showed no moderate or severe tissue reactions during the experimental periods studied. The 500-μm membrane showed no tissue reaction during any experimental period. The 200-μm membrane began to exhibit fragmentation after 30 days, while the 500-μm and 700-µm membranes began fragmentation at 90 days. All membranes studied were biocompatible and the 500 µm membrane showed the best results for absorption and tissue reaction, indicating its potential for clinical guided bone regeneration.
Effect of Al Content in the Mg-Based Alloys on the Composition and Corrosion Resistance of Composite Hydroxide Films Formed by Steam Coating
Authors: Ishizaki Takahiro , Miyashita Tomohiro , Inamura Momo , Nagashima Yuma , Serizawa Ai
Published: April 2019

Mg alloys are expected to be used in fields of the transportation industry because of their lightweight property, however, they show low corrosion resistance. To improve the corrosion resistance, preparation of the protective film on Mg alloys is essential. In this study, composite hydroxide films were prepared on three types of Mg alloys with different aluminum contents—that is, AZ31, AZ61, and AZ91D—by steam coating to investigate the relationship between the Mg-Al layered double hydroxide (LDH) content in the film and the Al content in the Mg alloys. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation demonstrated that films were formed densely on all Mg alloy surfaces. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses revealed that all films prepared on AZ61 and AZ91D were composed of Mg(OH)2, AlOOH, and Mg-Al LDH, while the film containing Mg(OH)2 and Mg-Al LDH were formed only on AZ31. The Mg-Al LDH content in the film prepared on AZ61 was relatively higher than those prepared on AZ31 and AZ91D. The content of AlOOH in the film increased with an increase in the Al content in the Mg alloys. The film thickness changed depending on the treatment time and type of Mg alloy. Polarization curve measurements in 5 mass% NaCl solution demonstrated that the film prepared on the AZ61 showed complete passive behavior within the potential range of −1.0 to −0.64 V. In addition, immersion tests in 5 mass% NaCl aqueous solution for 480 h demonstrated that the film on the AZ61 had superior durability against 5 mass% NaCl aqueous solution. These results indicated that the film on the AZ61 had the most superior corrosion resistance among all samples. The results obtained in this study suggest that the LDH content in the film could be related to the corrosion resistance of the film.
Performance Evaluation of Asphalt Rubber Mixture with Additives
Authors: Cheng Xianpeng , Liu Yamin , Ren Wanyan , Huang Ke
Published: April 2019

Crumb rubber, as a recycled material used in asphalt mixture, has gained more attention in recent years due to environmental benefits and the advantages of its pavement, such as excellent resistance to cracking, improved durability, less road maintenance, lower road noise, etc. However, the high-temperature performance of mixture with crumb rubber does not perform well. In order to improve the performance, this paper examined the effect of additives on the laboratory performance of asphalt rubber Stone Matrix Asphalt (AR-SMA) with additives. Three groups of AR-SMA: no additives, Styrene–Butadiene–Styrene (SBS) and Granular Polymer Durable additive (GPDa) were included, with no additives as a control group. Each group was investigated at three asphalt rubber content (ARC): 6.4%, 6.9%, 7.4% with regard to high-temperature and fatigue properties. The results show that with increasing ARC, the high-temperature performance of mixture without additive decreases, and the high-temperature performance increases first and then decreases for SBS and GPDa. Moreover, the rutting resistance of AR-SMA with GPDa at 6.9% ARC performs best. Under the condition of mixtures with appropriate ARC, AR-SMA with GPDa has higher fatigue life and sensitivity to fatigue cracking than the control group. Simultaneously, the fatigue performance of AR-SMA with GPDa is not as significant as that without additive with increasing ARC. In a word, GPDa is a good choice to improve the performance of AR-SMA. However, it should be noted that optimal asphalt content of AR-SMA mixtures with GPDa is higher than that of traditional mixtures.
Enhanced CO2 Adsorption on Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Materials by Salt and Base Co-Activation Method
Authors: Wei Ruiping , Dai Xingchao , Shi Feng
Published: April 2019

Nitrogen-doped carbon materials with enhanced CO2 adsorption were prepared by the salt and base co-activation method. First, resorcinol-formaldehyde resin was synthesized with a certain salt as an additive and used as a precursor. Next, the resulting precursor was mixed with KOH and subsequently carbonized under ammonia flow to finally obtain the nitrogen-doped carbon materials. A series of samples, with and without the addition of different salts, were prepared, characterized by XRD (X-ray powder diffraction), elemental analysis, BET (N2-adsorption-desorption analysis), XPS (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy) and SEM (Scanning electron microscopy) and tested for CO2 adsorption. The results showed that the salt and base co-activation method has a remarkable enhancing effect on the CO2 capture capacity. The combination of KCl and KOH was proved to be the best combination, and 167.15 mg CO2 could be adsorbed with 1 g nitrogen-doped carbon at 30 °C under 1 atm pressure. The materials characterizations revealed that the introduction of the base and salt could greatly increase the content of doped nitrogen, the surface area and the amount of formed micropore, which led to enhanced CO2 absorption of the carbon materials.
Dual Hesitant Pythagorean Fuzzy Heronian Mean Operators in Multiple Attribute Decision Making
Authors: Tang Mei , Wang Jie , Lu Jianping , Wei Guiwu , Wei Cun , Wei Yu
Published: April 2019

On account of the indeterminacy and subjectivity of decision makers (DMs) in complexity decision-making environments, the evaluation information over alternatives presented by DMs is usually fuzzy and ambiguous. As the generalization of intuitionistic fuzzy sets (IFSs), the Pythagorean fuzzy set (PFS) is more useful in expressing fuzzy and ambiguous information. Meanwhile, in order to consider human hesitance, dual hesitant Pythagorean fuzzy sets (DHPFSs) are presented, which can be more valid for handling real multiple attribute decision-making (MADM) problems. To fuse the information in DHPFSs more effectively, in this article, some dual hesitant Pythagorean fuzzy Heronian mean operators, which can consider the relationships between arguments being fused, are defined and studied. Evidently, the new proposed operators can obtain more exact results than other existing methods. In addition, some important properties of these Heronian mean (HM) operators are discussed. Subsequently, the defined aggregation operators are used in MADM with dual hesitant Pythagorean fuzzy numbers (DHPFNs), and the MADM model is developed. In accordance with the defined operators and the built model, the dual hesitant Pythagorean fuzzy generalized weighted Heronian mean (DHPFGWHM) operator and dual hesitant Pythagorean fuzzy generalized geometric weighted Heronian mean (DHPFGGWHM) operator are applied to deal with the green supplier selection in supply chain management, and the availability and superiority of the proposed operators are analyzed by comparing them with some existing approaches. The method presented in this paper can effectively solve the MADM problems in which the decision-making information is expressed by DHPFNs and the attributes are interactive.
Generalized Nonsmooth Exponential-Type Vector Variational-Like Inequalities and Nonsmooth Vector Optimization Problems in Asplund Spaces
Authors: Irfan Syed Shakaib , Rahaman Mijanur , Ahmad Iqbal , Ahmad Rais , Husain Saddam
Published: April 2019

The aim of this article is to study new types of generalized nonsmooth exponential type vector variational-like inequality problems involving Mordukhovich limiting subdifferential operator. We establish some relationships between generalized nonsmooth exponential type vector variational-like inequality problems and vector optimization problems under some invexity assumptions. The celebrated Fan-KKM theorem is used to obtain the existence of solution of generalized nonsmooth exponential-type vector variational like inequality problems. In support of our main result, some examples are given. Our results presented in this article improve, extend, and generalize some known results offer in the literature.
Structure of Normed Simple Annihilator Algebras
Authors: Ludkowski Sergey V.
Published: April 2019

This article is devoted to normed simple annihilator algebras. Their structure is investigated in the paper. Maximal families of orthogonal irreducible idempotents of normed simple annihilator algebras are scrutinized. Division subalgebras of annihilator algebras are studied. Realizations of these algebras by operator algebras in Banach spaces are described. For this purpose, quasi finite dimensional operators are investigated.
Fractional Order Complexity Model of the Diffusion Signal Decay in MRI
Authors: Magin Richard L. , Karani Hamid , Wang Shuhong , Liang Yingjie
Published: April 2019

Fractional calculus models are steadily being incorporated into descriptions of diffusion in complex, heterogeneous materials. Biological tissues, when viewed using diffusion-weighted, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), hinder and restrict the diffusion of water at the molecular, sub-cellular, and cellular scales. Thus, tissue features can be encoded in the attenuation of the observed MRI signal through the fractional order of the time- and space-derivatives. Specifically, in solving the Bloch-Torrey equation, fractional order imaging biomarkers are identified that connect the continuous time random walk model of Brownian motion to the structure and composition of cells, cell membranes, proteins, and lipids. In this way, the decay of the induced magnetization is influenced by the micro- and meso-structure of tissues, such as the white and gray matter of the brain or the cortex and medulla of the kidney. Fractional calculus provides new functions (Mittag-Leffler and Kilbas-Saigo) that characterize tissue in a concise way. In this paper, we describe the exponential, stretched exponential, and fractional order models that have been proposed and applied in MRI, examine the connection between the model parameters and the underlying tissue structure, and explore the potential for using diffusion-weighted MRI to extract biomarkers associated with normal growth, aging, and the onset of disease.
On Determination of Wave Velocities through the
Eigenvalues of Material Objects
Authors: Nikabadze Mikhail U. , Lurie Sergey A. , Matevossian Hovik A. , Ulukhanyan Armine R.
Published: April 2019

The statement of the eigenvalue problem for a tensor–block matrix of any order and of anyeven rank is formulated. It is known that the eigenvalues of the tensor and the tensor–block matrixare invariant quantities. Therefore, in this work, our goal is to find the expression for the velocities ofwave propagation of some medias through the eigenvalues of the material objects. In particular, weconsider the classical and micropolar materials with the different anisotropy symbols and for themwe determine the expressions for the velocities of wave propagation through the eigenvalues of thematerial objects.
The Role of p.Ser1105Ser (in NPHS1 Gene) and p.Arg548Leu (in PLCE1 Gene) with Disease Status of Vietnamese Patients with Congenital Nephrotic Syndrome: Benign or Pathogenic?
Authors: Thi Kim Lien Nguyen , Van Dem Pham , Thu Huong Nguyen , Minh Dien Tran , Thi Thu Thuy Ta , Van Tung Nguyen , Huy Hoang Nguyen , Thi Quynh Huong Nguyen
Published: April 2019

Background and Objectives: Congenital nephrotic syndrome (CNS), a genetic disease caused by mutations in genes on autosomes, usually occurs in the first three months after birth. A number of genetic mutations in genes, which encode for the components of the glomerular filtration barrier have been identified. We investigated mutations in NPHS1, NPHS2, PLCE1 (NPHS3), and WT1 genes that relate to the disease in Vietnamese patients. Materials and Methods: We performed genetic analysis of two unrelated patients, who were diagnosed with CNS in the Vietnam National Children’s Hospital with different disease status. The entire coding region and adjacent splice sites of these genes were amplified and sequenced using the Sanger method. The sequencing data were analyzed and compared with the NPHS1, NPHS2, PLCE1, and WT1 gene sequences published in Ensembl (ENSG00000161270, ENSG00000116218, ENSG00000138193, and ENSG00000184937, respectively) using BioEdit software to detect mutations. Results: We detected a new variant p.Ser607Arg and two other (p.Glu117Lys and p.Ser1105Ser) in the NPHS1 gene, as well as two variants (p.Arg548Leu, p.Pro1575Arg) in the PLCE1 gene. No mutations were detected in the NPHS2 and WT1 genes. Patient 1, who presented a heterozygous genotype of p.Ser1105Ser and p.Arg548Leu had a mild disease status but patient 2, who presented a homozygous genotype of these alleles, had a severe phenotype. Conclusions: These results suggest that variants p.Ser1105Ser (in NPHS1 gene) and p.Arg548Leu (in PLCE1 gene) in the homozygous form might play a role in the development of the disease in patients.