bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conscious Sedation versus General Anesthesia for Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke Undergoing Endovascular Therapy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Jing Ren , Dai Hui-jun , Lin Fei , Ge Wan-yun , Pan Ling-hui
Published: March 2018

The aim of this study is to compare the effect of conscious sedation (CS) with general anesthesia (GA) on clinical outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) undergoing endovascular therapy (EVT). MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Registers of Controlled Trials (from inception to July 2017) were searched for reports on CS and GA of AIS undergoing EVT. Two reviewers assessed the eligibility of the identified studies and extracted data. Data were analyzed using the fixed-effects model, and the sources of heterogeneity were explored by sensitive analysis. Trial sequential analysis was conducted to monitor boundaries for the limitation of global type I error, and GRADE system was demonstrated to evaluate the quality of evidence. A total of thirteen studies were finally identified. Pooled analysis of the incidence of mRS score ≦ 2 after hospital discharge and one or three months in the CS group was higher than that in the GA group. The all-causing mortality of AIS patients in the CS group was lower than that in the GA group. There were no differences in the proportion of IA rtPA and thrombolysis between the two groups. Compared with AIS patients receiving GA, the all-causing mortality in the AIS patients receiving CS was decreased, while incidence of mRS score ≦ 2 at hospital discharge and one or three months was increased.
Electroacupuncture Ameliorates Cognitive Deficit and Improves Hippocampal Synaptic Plasticity in Adult Rat with Neonatal Maternal Separation
Authors: Guo Lili , Liang Ximin , Liang Zhanmou , Liu Xilin , He Jiang , Zheng Yuanjia , Yao Lin , Chen Yongjun
Published: March 2018

Exposure to adverse early‐life events is thought to be the risk factors for the development of psychiatric and altered cognitive function in adulthood. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether electroacupuncture (EA) treatment in young adult rat would improve impaired cognitive function and synaptic plasticity in adult rat with neonatal maternal separation (MS). Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: control group, MS group, MS with EA treatment (MS + EA) group, and MS with Sham‐EA treatment (MS + Sham‐EA) group. We evaluated the cognitive function by using Morris water maze and fear conditioning tests. Electrophysiology experiment used in vivo long‐term potentiation (LTP) at Schaffer Collateral‐CA1 synapses was detected to assess extent of synaptic plasticity. Repeated EA stimulation at Baihui (GV 20) and Yintang (GV 29) during postnatal 9 to 11 weeks was identified to significantly ameliorate poor performance in behavior tests and improve the impaired LTP induction detected at Schaffer Collateral‐CA1 synapse in hippocampus. Collectively, the findings suggested that early‐life stress due to MS may induce adult cognitive deficit associated with hippocampus, and EA in young adult demonstrated that its therapeutic efficacy may be via ameliorating deficit of hippocampal synaptic plasticity.
Rheumatoid Arthritis and miRNAs: A Critical Review through a Functional View
Authors: Moran-Moguel Maria Cristina , Petarra-del Rio Stefania , Mayorquin-Galvan Evangelina E. , Zavala-Cerna Maria G.
Published: March 2018

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease with severe joint inflammation and destruction associated with an inflammatory environment. The etiology behind RA remains to be elucidated; most updated concepts include the participation of environmental, proteomic, epigenetic, and genetic factors. Epigenetic is considered the missing link to explain genetic diversification among RA patients. Within epigenetic factors participating in RA, miRNAs are defined as small noncoding molecules with a length of approximately 22 nucleotides, capable of gene expression modulation, either negatively through inhibition of translation and degradation of the mRNA or positively through increasing the translation rate. Over the last decade and due to the feasibility of the identification of miRNAs among different tissues and compartments, they have been proposed as biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, and response to treatment in different pathologies. Nevertheless, miRNAs seem to be important regulators of networks instead of single genes; their hypothetical use as biomarkers needs to rely on a functional integrative description of their effects in the biological process of autoimmune conditions which until now is missing. Therefore, we underwent a bibliographic search for review and original articles related to miRNAs and their possible implications in rheumatoid arthritis. We found 48 different studies using the key words “miRNAs” or “micro-RNAs” and “rheumatoid arthritis” with restriction of publication dates from 2011 to 2016, in humans, using the English language. After a critical reading, we provide in this paper a functional view with respect to miRNA biogenesis, interaction with targets that are expressed in specific cells and tissues, during different stages of inflammatory responses associated with RA, and recognized specific areas where miRNAs might also have a pathogenic role but remain undescribed. Our results will be useful in designing future research projects that can support miRNAs as biomarkers or therapeutic targets in RA.
State of the Art Study on Aging of Asphalt Mixtures and Use of Antioxidant Additives
Authors: Sirin Okan , Paul Dalim K. , Kassem Emad
Published: March 2018

The detrimental effects of hardening in asphalt pavements were first recognized by pioneering pavement engineers in the 1900s and have been studied extensively during the last 70 years. This hardening process, referred to as asphalt aging, is generally defined as change in the rheological properties of asphalt binders/mixtures due to changes in chemical composition during construction and its service life period. Aging causes the asphalt material to stiffen and embrittle, which affects the durability and leads to a high potential for cracking. This paper presents the state of the art on asphalt and asphalt mixture aging and use of antioxidant additives to retard the aging. A picture of complex molecular structure of asphalt and its changes due to atmospheric condition and various protocols used to simulate aging in laboratory environment are also discussed. Emphasis is given on recent studies on simulation of aging of asphalt mixtures as there has been limited research on mixtures compared to the asphalt binder. Finally, this paper presents the application of antiaging techniques and its mechanism, use of various types of antioxidant additives to retard aging of asphalt and, hence, improve the performance of asphalt pavements.
Impact of Baseline Central Retinal Thickness on Outcomes in the VIVID-DME and VISTA-DME Studies
Authors: Midena Edoardo , Gillies Mark , Katz Todd A. , Metzig Carola , Lu Chengxing , Ogura Yuichiro
Published: March 2018

Purpose. To report the impact of baseline central retinal thickness (CRT) on outcomes in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) in VIVID-DME and VISTA-DME. Methods. Post hoc analyses of two randomized controlled trials in which 862 DME patients were randomized 1 : 1 : 1 to treatment with intravitreal aflibercept 2.0 mg every 4 weeks (2q4), intravitreal aflibercept 2.0 mg every 8 weeks after five initial monthly doses (2q8), or macular laser photocoagulation at baseline and as needed. We compared visual and anatomical outcomes in subgroups of patients with baseline CRT < 400 μm and ≥400 μm. Results. At weeks 52 and 100, outcomes with intravitreal aflibercept 2q4 and 2q8 were superior to those in laser control-treated patients regardless of baseline CRT. When looked at in a binary fashion, the treatment effect of intravitreal aflibercept versus laser was not significantly better in the ≥400 μm than the <400 μm group; when looked at as a continuous variable, baseline CRT seemed to have an impact on the treatment effect of intravitreal aflibercept versus laser. Conclusions. Post hoc analyses of VIVID-DME and VISTA-DME demonstrated the benefits of intravitreal aflibercept treatment in DME patients with baseline CRT < 400 μm and ≥400 μm. This trial is registered with NCT01331681 and NCT01363440.
Active Surface Compensation for Large Radio Telescope Antennas
Authors: Wang Congsi , Li Haihua , Ying Kang , Xu Qian , Wang Na , Duan Baoyan , Gao Wei , Xiao Lan , Duan Yuhu
Published: March 2018

With the development of radio telescope antennas with large apertures, high gain, and wide frequency bands, compensation methods, such as mechanical or electronic compensation, are obviously essential to ensure the electrical performance of antennas that work in complex environments. Since traditional compensation methods can only adjust antenna pointing but not the surface accuracy, which are limited for obtaining high surface precision and aperture efficiency, active surface adjustment has become an indispensable tool in this field. Therefore, the development process of electrical performance compensation methods for radio telescope antennas is introduced. Further, a series of analyses of the five key technologies of active surface adjustment is presented. Then, four typical large antennas that have been designed with active main reflector technology are presented and compared. Finally, future research directions and suggestions for reflector antenna compensation methods based on active surface adjustment are presented.
Distinct Epitopes on CD13 Mediate Opposite Consequences for Cell Adhesion
Authors: Garay-Canales Claudia A. , Licona-Limón Ileana , Ortega Enrique
Published: March 2018

CD13 is a membrane glycoprotein with aminopeptidase activity, expressed on several cell types, including myeloid cells (dendritic cells, monocytes, macrophages, neutrophils, etc.). CD13 participates in several functions such as proteolytic regulation of bioactive peptides, viral receptor, angiogenesis, and tumor metastasis. CD13 has also been proposed to participate in cell adhesion, as crosslinking of CD13 by certain CD13-specific antibodies induces homotypic aggregation of monocytes and heterotypic adhesion of monocytes to endothelial cells. We generated two monoclonal antibodies (mAbs C and E) that block homotypic aggregation of U-937 monocytic cells induced by CD13-specific mAb 452. Moreover, the mAbs cause detachment of cells whose aggregation was induced by CD13 crosslinking. Both mAbs also inhibit heterotypic adhesion of U-937 monocytes to endothelial cells. mAbs C and E recognize membrane CD13 but bind to epitopes different from that recognized by mAb 452. Crosslinking of CD13 by mAb C or E is required to inhibit adhesion, as monovalent Fab fragments are not sufficient. Thus, C and E antibodies recognize a distinct epitope on CD13, and binding to this epitope interferes with both CD13-mediated cell adhesion and enzymatic activity. These antibodies may represent important tools to study cell-cell interactions mediated by CD13 in physiological and pathological conditions.
Clinical and Experimental Evidences of Hydrogen Sulfide Involvement in Lead-Induced Hypertension
Authors: Possomato-Vieira José Sérgio , Gonçalves-Rizzi Victor Hugo , Nascimento Regina Aparecida do , Wandekin Rodrigo Roldão , Caldeira-Dias Mayara , Chimini Jessica Sabbatine , da Silva Maria Luiza Santos , Dias-Junior Carlos A.
Published: March 2018

Lead- (Pb-) induced hypertension has been shown in humans and experimental animals and cardiovascular effects of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) have been reported previously. However, no studies examined involvement of H2S in Pb-induced hypertension. We found increases in diastolic blood pressure and mean blood pressure in Pb-intoxicated humans followed by diminished H2S plasmatic levels. In order to expand our findings, male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: Saline, Pb, NaHS, and Pb + NaHS. Pb-intoxicated animals received intraperitoneally (i.p.) 1st dose of 8 μg/100 g of Pb acetate and subsequent doses of 0.1 μg/100 g for seven days and sodium hydrosulfide- (NaHS-) treated animals received i.p. NaHS injections (50 μmol/kg/twice daily) for seven days. NaHS treatment blunted increases in systolic blood pressure, increased H2S plasmatic levels, and diminished whole-blood lead levels. Treatment with NaHS in Pb-induced hypertension seems to induce a protective role in rat aorta which is dependent on endothelium and seems to promote non-NO-mediated relaxation. Pb-intoxication increased oxidative stress in rats, while treatment with NaHS blunted increases in plasmatic MDA levels and increased antioxidant status of plasma. Therefore, H2S pathway may be involved in Pb-induced hypertension and treatment with NaHS exerts antihypertensive effect, promotes non-NO-mediated relaxation, and decreases oxidative stress in rats with Pb-induced hypertension.
Determination of 4-Methylimidazole in Ammonia Caramel Using Gas Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS/MS)
Authors: Wieczorek Martyna N. , Przygoński Krzysztof , Jeleń Henryk H.
Published: March 2018

One of Maillard reaction products formed in the production of ammonia caramel is 4(5)-methylimidazole (4-MeI) classified as carcinogen. A method of 4-MeI determination based on ion-pair extraction and derivatisation with isobutyl chloroformate with subsequent gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis was proposed. Tandem mass spectrometry was applied to reduce the influence of matrix and increase the selectivity and sensitivity of the method. Triple quadrupole GC-MS system was used for this study. The collision energies were optimized for MRM mode. The detection (LOD) and quantification limits (LOQ) of the elaborated method were 17 and 37.8 μg kg−1, respectively, repeatability was <15% RSD for analyzed caramel samples, and the recovery for 4-MeI was 101%. Comparison of MS/MS with SIM detection on the same instrument proved almost 30 times lower LODs achieved by tandem mass spectrometry compared to SIM. Described method can be routinely used for monitoring 4-MeI as a quality and safety marker in the production of ammonia caramel.
Gallnuts: A Potential Treasure in Anticancer Drug Discovery
Authors: Gao Jiayu , Yang Xiao , Yin Weiping , Li Ming
Published: March 2018

Introduction. In the discovery of more potent and selective anticancer drugs, the research continually expands and explores new bioactive metabolites coming from different natural sources. Gallnuts are a group of very special natural products formed through parasitic interaction between plants and insects. Though it has been traditionally used as a source of drugs for the treatment of cancerous diseases in traditional and folk medicinal systems through centuries, the anticancer properties of gallnuts are barely systematically reviewed. Objective. To evidence the traditional uses and phytochemicals and pharmacological mechanisms in anticancer aspects of gallnuts, a literature review was performed. Materials and Methods. The systematic review approach consisted of searching web‐based scientific databases including PubMed, Web of Science, and Science Direct. The keywords for searching include gallnut, Galla Chinensis, Rhus chinensis, Rhus potaninii, Rhus punjabensis, nutgall, gall oak, Quercus infectoria, Quercus lusitanica, and galla turcica. Two reviewers extracted papers independently to remove the papers unrelated to the anticancer properties of gallnuts. Patents, abstracts, case reports, and abstracts in symposium and congress were excluded. Results and Conclusion. As a result, 14 articles were eligible to be evaluated. It is primarily evident that gallnuts contain a number of bioactive metabolites, which account for anticancer activities. The phytochemical and pharmacological studies reviewed strongly underpin a fundamental understanding of anticancer properties for gallnuts (Galla Chinensis and Galla Turcica) and support their ongoing clinical uses in China. The further bioactive compounds screening and evaluation, pharmacological investigation, and clinical trials are expected to progress gallnut‐based development to finally transform the wild medicinal gallnuts to the valuable authorized anticancer drugs.
Impact of Livestock Encroachments and Tree Removal on Populations of Mountain Nyala and Menelik’s Bushbuck in Arsi Mountains National Park, Ethiopia
Authors: Girma Zerihun , Chuyong George , Mamo Yosef
Published: March 2018

The study is aimed at investigating how livestock and human encroachments affect the population distribution and abundance of mountain nyala and Menelik’s bushbuck in Arsi Mountains National Park, Ethiopia. Across four dominant habitat types (Afro-alpine, Erica, natural forest, and mixed plantation forest) 5 × 20 (100 m2) plot was used to assess populations of the ungulates, wood harvesting, and livestock grazing through counting the fresh scats of both livestock and wild mammals and stumps of trees. There was significant negative correlation between the scat count of mountain nyala and livestock dung scat count during both dry (R=-0.518,p=0.031) and wet (R=-0.385,p=0.05) seasons. However, there was significant negative correlation between the scat count of Menelik’s bushbuck and livestock dung scat count only during dry season (R=-0.491,p=0.047). Season (wet versus dry) had significant effect on scat count of mountain nyala, Menelik’s bushbuck, and livestock. The study has clearly indicated that livestock outcompeted the endemic ungulates. Furthermore, the result of the study has indicated that tree removal reduced the wildlife habitat quality affecting the populations of wildlife. As a result, there is an urgent need for controlling the free-roaming domestic mammals, wood collection, and other human disturbances.
Linear Phase Sharp Transition BPF to Detect Noninvasive Maternal and Fetal Heart Rate
Authors: Marchon Niyan , Naik Gourish , Pai K. R.
Published: March 2018

Fetal heart rate (FHR) detection can be monitored using either direct fetal scalp electrode recording (invasive) or by indirect noninvasive technique. Weeks before delivery, the invasive method poses a risk factor to the fetus, while the latter provides accurate fetal ECG (FECG) information which can help diagnose fetal’s well-being. Our technique employs variable order linear phase sharp transition (LPST) FIR band-pass filter which shows improved stopband attenuation at higher filter orders. The fetal frequency fiduciary edges form the band edges of the filter characterized by varying amounts of overlap of maternal ECG (MECG) spectrum. The one with the minimum maternal spectrum overlap was found to be optimum with no power line interference and maximum fetal heart beats being detected. The improved filtering is reflected in the enhancement of the performance of the fetal QRS detector (FQRS). The improvement has also occurred in fetal heart rate obtained using our algorithm which is in close agreement with the true reference (i.e., invasive fetal scalp ECG). The performance parameters of the FQRS detector such as sensitivity (Se), positive predictive value (PPV), and accuracy (F1) were found to improve even for lower filter order. The same technique was extended to evaluate maternal QRS detector (MQRS) and found to yield satisfactory maternal heart rate (MHR) results.
Fabrication of Affordable and Sustainable Solar Cells Using NiO/TiO2 P-N Heterojunction
Authors: Ukoba Kingsley O. , Inambao Freddie L. , Eloka-Eboka Andrew C.
Published: March 2018

The need for affordable, clean, efficient, and sustainable solar cells informed this study. Metal oxide TiO2/NiO heterojunction solar cells were fabricated using the spray pyrolysis technique. The optoelectronic properties of the heterojunction were determined. The fabricated solar cells exhibit a short-circuit current of 16.8 mA, open-circuit voltage of 350 mV, fill factor of 0.39, and conversion efficiency of 2.30% under 100 mW/cm2 illumination. This study will help advance the course for the development of low-cost, environmentally friendly, and sustainable solar cell materials from metal oxides.
Thermal Feature of a Modified Solar Phase Change Material Storage Wall System
Authors: Luo Chenglong , Xu Lijie , Ji Jie , Liao Mengyin , Sun Dan
Published: March 2018

This work is to study a novel solar PCM storage wall technology, that is, a dual-channel and thermal-insulation-in-the-middle type solar PCM storage wall (MSPCMW) system. The system has the following four independent functions, passive solar heating, heat preservation, heat insulation, and passive cooling, and it can agilely cope with the requirements of climatization of buildings in different seasons throughout the year and is exactly suitable for building in regions characterized by hot summer and cold winter. The present work experimentally analyzes thermal feature of the system working in summer and winter modes, respectively.
Previous Exercise Training Reduces Markers of Renal Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Female Rats
Authors: Amaral Liliany Souza de Brito , Souza Cláudia Silva , Volpini Rildo Aparecido , Shimizu Maria Heloisa Massola , de Bragança Ana Carolina , Canale Daniele , Seguro Antonio Carlos , Coimbra Terezila Machado , de Magalhães Amélia Cristina Mendes , Soares Telma de Jesus
Published: March 2018

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of regular moderate exercise training initiated previously or after induction of diabetes mellitus on renal oxidative stress and inflammation in STZ-induced diabetic female rats. For this purpose, Wistar rats were divided into five groups: sedentary control (SC), trained control (TC), sedentary diabetic (SD), trained diabetic (TD), and previously trained diabetic (PTD). Only the PTD group was submitted to treadmill running for 4 weeks previously to DM induction with streptozotocin (40 mg/kg, i.v). After confirming diabetes, the PTD, TD, and TC groups were submitted to eight weeks of exercise training. At the end of the training protocol, we evaluated the following: glycosuria, body weight gain, plasma, renal and urinary levels of nitric oxide and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, renal glutathione, and immunolocalization of lymphocytes, macrophages, and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB/p65) in the renal cortex. The results showed that exercise training reduced glycosuria, renal TBARS levels, and the number of immune cells in the renal tissue of the TD and PTD groups. Of note, only previous exercise increased weight gain and urinary/renal NO levels and reduced NF-κB (p65) immunostaining in the renal cortex of the PTD group. In conclusion, our study shows that exercise training, especially when initiated previously to diabetes induction, promotes protective effects in diabetic kidney by reduction of renal oxidative stress and inflammation markers in female Wistar rats.
Study of Structure and Magnetic Properties of SmCo10 Alloy Prepared by Different Methods
Authors: Chi Xiang , Li Ying , Er De-quan , Han Xu-hao , Duan Xiu-li , Sun Ji-bing , Cui Chun-xiang
Published: March 2018

In this paper, the phase compositions, microstructures, atomic structures, and magnetic properties of Co‐rich SmCo10 alloys prepared by arc‐melting, annealing, and melt‐spinning were studied. It was found that as‐cast alloy is composed of Th2Zn17‐type Sm2Co17 matrix with an average grain size of ∼45 μm accompanied by lamellar eutecticum (consisting of α‐Co and Th2Zn17‐type Sm2Co17) distributed at grain boundaries. The annealed alloy has the same phase composition and phase distribution as the as‐cast alloy except that the average grain size decreases to ∼35 μm, and the eutecticum has more homogeneous distribution on the matrix. Simultaneously, the atomic structure of Sm2Co17 is unchanged with only a decrease in structural disorder after annealing. The as‐spun ribbons are composed of ∼95.5 vol.% TbCu7‐type Sm2Co17 and the rest α‐Co. The short rod‐shaped α‐Co grains are intermittently distributed at the grain boundaries of equiaxed Sm2Co17 grains. The as‐spun ribbons show a higher coercivity, and the annealed alloy shows maximum magnetization. The structural parameters were calculated by Extended X‐ray Absorption Fine Structure (EXAFS), and the relationship between structure and magnetic properties was discussed in detail.
Surface Characterization of Three‐Layer Organic Coating Applied on AISI 4130 Steel
Authors: Rovani Ane C. , Kouketsu Fernanda , da Silva Carlos H. , Pintaude Giuseppe
Published: March 2018

Resin‐bonded molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) is widely applied as a solid lubricant. However, multiple coatings are usually required to meet other requirements in mechanical systems. In this study, a quenched and tempered AISI 4130 steel was used as the substrate, being shot blasted. Furthermore, three layers were successively deposited: a zinc phosphate layer, a phenolic resin (basecoat), and a topcoat based on MoS2. The thicknesses of different layers were obtained by scanning electron microscope and by the ball‐cratering method. 3D surface roughness parameters were determined for each step of manufacturing, following three approaches: average values, isotropy level, and distribution of heights. The ball‐cratering method was successfully applied for determining the thickness of the zinc phosphate but presented a relative deviation for the others layers. The phosphating step was decisive for the final surface topography of resin‐bonded coating in terms of distribution of heights. On the other hand, the isotropy level imposed by the shot blasting of steel was practically unaltered by all manufacturing processes.
The Productivity Dynamics of China’s Environmentally Friendly Production Technologies in terms of Wastewater Treatment Techniques
Authors: Yang Fuxia , Yang Mian , Xu Jiangchuan
Published: March 2018

Low economic profit usually reduces the incentive of producers to operate their wastewater treatment technologies effectively. It is necessary to investigate the performance of environmentally friendly production technologies that reduce wastewater discharges and generate economic outputs simultaneously (EPTWs) in China over the past decade. In this paper, we apply the Malmquist-Luenberger productivity index widely used in the field of economics to evaluate the productivity change of EPTWs for 30 administrative provinces in China during 2003–2015. The pathways of the productivity change are further identified by decomposing the productivity index into two components: technological change and technical efficiency change. The results show that China’s environmental productivity index associated with wastewater reduction had undergone a downward trend, and evident spatial disparities are observed among the 30 provincial regions. Moreover, the changes of China’s environmental productivity over the whole studied period can mainly be attributed to technological progress, while the technical efficiency component has contributed little, although its annual contributing rate is in an increasing trend.
Impact Analysis of Brake Pad Backplate Structure and Friction Lining Material on Disc‐Brake Noise
Authors: Pan Gongyu , Chen Lei
Published: March 2018

This study proposes a three‐layer brake pad design, on which a six‐DOF dynamic model of brake disc‐brake pad is established, and the factors affecting the system instability are analyzed. The analysis shows that the change of mass and stiffness of the brake pad will affect the stability of the system. From the linear complex eigenvalue analysis, the unstable vibration modes of the brake system are predicted, and the effectiveness of the complex mode analysis model is verified by the brake system bench test. Brake pads with different structural shapes are designed, and their influence on the stability of the brake system is analyzed. The results show that the design of the three‐layer structure and the slotting design of the brake pad can effectively reduce the occurrence of the brake squeal, especially that of the high‐frequency squeal noise.
The Comprehensive Comparison of Thermal and Physical‐Mechanical Properties of the Recycled Rubber and Plastic Roofing Tiles versus Roofing Tiles Made with Different Traditional Materials
Authors: Gaggino Rosana , Kreiker Jerónimo , Filippín Celina , Sánchez Amono María Paz , González Laría Julián , Peisino Lucas Ernesto
Published: March 2018

The objectives of this research were to estimate the thermal transmittance and some physical‐mechanical properties of a housing cover built with roofing tiles made from recycled plastics and rubber and compare them with three other traditional solutions for housing cover: ceramic roofing tiles, concrete roofing tiles, and zinc sheets. This roofing tile has technical advantages over the others, due to its higher thermal insulation, higher resistance to freezing, higher resistance to hail, higher flexural resistance, lower specific weight, and lower water absorption, with lower cost than the traditional glazed black ceramic roofing tile. And it is also friendlier to the environment.
Role of Direct Antiviral Agents in Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C Infection in Renal Transplant Recipients
Authors: Sharma Sourabh , Mukherjee Debabrata , Nair Ranjith K. , Datt Bhaskar , Rao Ananth
Published: March 2018

Background. Since the introduction of direct antiviral agents (DAAs), morbidity of HCV has considerably decreased but still no guidelines have been formulated in renal transplant recipients (RTRs). We studied efficacy and tolerability of direct antiviral agents in RTRs.Methods. This prospective observational study was conducted at Army Hospital Research & Referral, Delhi, from June 2016 to May 2017. Forty-five HCV infected RTRs with stable graft function were included.Results. Median time between renal transplantation and the start of anti-HCV therapy was 36 months (1–120 months). The majority (66.7%) were infected with genotype 3. Baseline median HCV RNA level was 542648 IU/ml (1189–55028534 IU/ml). Sofosbuvir-Ribavirin combination (24 weeks) was given to 30 patients including 3 cirrhotics, Ledipasvir-Sofosbuvir combination to 8 patients, and Daclatasvir-Sofosbuvir combination to 7 patients, including 2 cirrhotics. Rapid virological response was observed in 29 patients treated with Sofosbuvir/Ribavirin, all 8 patients on Sofosbuvir/Ledipasvir, and all 7 patients on Sofosbuvir/Daclatasvir. End treatment response and sustained virological response (12 weeks) were achieved in all patients irrespective of genotype or treatment regimen. Decrease in mean HCV RNA level and transaminase level was statistically significant (p<0.01). Ribavirin was significantly associated with anaemia (p=0.032).Conclusions. DAA regimens are well tolerated and highly efficacious. Response to DAA is good irrespective of genotype, drug combination, initial HCV RNA level, age or sex of patient, or graft age. However, Sofosbuvir/Ledipasvir and Sofosbuvir/Daclatasvir combination is preferable.
An Improved Shuffled Frog Leaping Algorithm and Its Application in Dynamic Emergency Vehicle Dispatching
Authors: Duan Xiaohong , Niu Tianyong , Huang Qi
Published: March 2018

The traditional method for solving the dynamic emergency vehicle dispatching problem can only get a local optimal strategy in each horizon. In order to obtain the dispatching strategy that can better respond to changes in road conditions during the whole dispatching process, the real-time and time-dependent link travel speeds are fused, and a time-dependent polygonal-shaped link travel speed function is set up to simulate the predictable changes in road conditions. Response times, accident severity, and accident time windows are taken as key factors to build an emergency vehicle dispatching model integrating dynamic emergency vehicle routing and selection. For the unpredictable changes in road conditions caused by accidents, the dispatching strategy is adjusted based on the real-time link travel speed. In order to solve the dynamic emergency vehicle dispatching model, an improved shuffled frog leaping algorithm (ISFLA) is proposed. The global search of the improved algorithm uses the probability model of estimation of distribution algorithm to avoid the partial optimal solution. Based on the Beijing expressway network, the efficacy of the model and the improved algorithm were tested from three aspects. The results have shown the following: (1) Compared with SFLA, the optimization performance of ISFLA is getting better and better with the increase of the number of decision variables. When the possible emergency vehicle selection strategies are 815, the objective function value of optimal selection strategies obtained by the base algorithm is 210.10% larger than that of ISFLA. (2) The prediction error of the travel speed affects the accuracy of the initial emergency vehicle dispatching. The prediction error of ±10 can basically meet the requirements of the initial dispatching. (3) The adjustment of emergency vehicle dispatching strategy can successfully bypassed road sections affected by accidents and shorten the response time.
In Silico Knockout Screening of Plasmodium falciparum Reactions and Prediction of Novel Essential Reactions by Analysing the Metabolic Network
Authors: Oyelade Jelili , Isewon Itunuoluwa , Uwoghiren Efosa , Aromolaran Olufemi , Oladipupo Olufunke
Published: March 2018

Malaria is an infectious disease that affects close to half a million individuals every year and Plasmodium falciparum is a major cause of malaria. The treatment of this disease could be done effectively if the essential enzymes of this parasite are specifically targeted. Nevertheless, the development of the parasite in resisting existing drugs now makes discovering new drugs a core responsibility. In this study, a novel computational model that makes the prediction of new and validated antimalarial drug target cheaper, easier, and faster has been developed. We have identified new essential reactions as potential targets for drugs in the metabolic network of the parasite. Among the top seven (7) predicted essential reactions, four (4) have been previously identified in earlier studies with biological evidence and one (1) has been with computational evidence. The results from our study were compared with an extensive list of seventy-seven (77) essential reactions with biological evidence from a previous study. We present a list of thirty-one (31) potential candidates for drug targets in Plasmodium falciparum which includes twenty-four (24) new potential candidates for drug targets.
Statistical Identification of Parameters for Damaged FGM Structures with Material Uncertainties in Thermal Environment
Authors: Xu Yalan , Qian Yu , Guo Kongming
Published: March 2018

Considering that the statistic numerical characteristics are often required in the probability‐based damage identification and safety assessment of functionally graded material (FGM) structures, an stochastic model updating‐based inverse computational method to identify the second‐order statistics (means and variances) of material properties as well as distribution of constituents for damaged FGM structures with material uncertainties is presented by using measurable modal parameters of structures. The region truncation‐based optimization method is employed to simplify the computational process in stochastic model updating. In order to implement the forward propagation of uncertainties required in the stochastic model updating and avoid large error resulting in the nonconvergence of the iteration process, an algorithm is proposed to compute the covariance between the modal parameters and the identified parameters for damaged FGM structures. The proposed method is illustrated by a numerically simulated damaged FGM beam with continuous spatial variation of material properties and verified by comparing with the Monte‐Carlo simulation (MCS) method. The influences of the levels and sources of measured data uncertainties as well as the boundary conditions on the identification results are investigated. The numerical simulation results show the efficiency and effectiveness of the presented method for the identification of material parameter variability by using the measurable modal parameters of damaged FGM structures.
Different Membrane Pathways Mediate Ca2+Influx in Adrenal Chromaffin Cells Exposed to 150–400 ns Electric Pulses
Authors: Bagalkot Tarique R. , Terhune Robert C. , Leblanc Normand , Craviso Gale L.
Published: March 2018

Exposing adrenal chromaffin cells to 5 ns electric pulses (nsPEF) causes a rapid rise in intracellular Ca2+(Ca2+i) that is solely the result of Ca2+influx through voltage-gated Ca2+channels (VGCCs). This study explored the effect of longer duration nsPEF onCa2+i. Single 150, 200, or 400 ns pulses at 3.1 kV/cm evoked rapid increases inCa2+i, the magnitude of which increased linearly with pulse width and electric field amplitude. Recovery ofCa2+ito prestimulus levels was faster for 150 ns exposures. Regardless of pulse width, no rise inCa2+ioccurred in the absence of extracellular Ca2+, indicating that the source of Ca2+was from outside the cell. Ca2+responses evoked by a 150 ns pulse were inhibited to varying degrees byω-agatoxin IVA,ω-conotoxin GVIA, nitrendipine or nimodipine, antagonists of P/Q-, N-, and L-type VGCCs, respectively, and by 67% when all four types of VGCCs were blocked simultaneously. The remaining Ca2+influx insensitive to VGCC inhibitors was attributed to plasma membrane nanoporation, which comprised theE-field sensitive component of the response. Both pathways of Ca2+entry were inhibited by 200 μM Cd2+. These results demonstrate that, in excitable chromaffin cells, single 150–400 ns pulses increased the permeability of the plasma membrane to Ca2+in addition to causing Ca2+influx via VGCCs.
Framework for Parallel Preprocessing of Microarray Data Using Hadoop
Authors: Sahlabadi Amirhossein , Chandren Muniyandi Ravie , Sahlabadi Mahdi , Golshanbafghy Hossein
Published: March 2018

Nowadays, microarray technology has become one of the popular ways to study gene expression and diagnosis of disease. National Center for Biology Information (NCBI) hosts public databases containing large volumes of biological data required to be preprocessed, since they carry high levels of noise and bias. Robust Multiarray Average (RMA) is one of the standard and popular methods that is utilized to preprocess the data and remove the noises. Most of the preprocessing algorithms are time-consuming and not able to handle a large number of datasets with thousands of experiments. Parallel processing can be used to address the above-mentioned issues. Hadoop is a well-known and ideal distributed file system framework that provides a parallel environment to run the experiment. In this research, for the first time, the capability of Hadoop and statistical power of R have been leveraged to parallelize the available preprocessing algorithm called RMA to efficiently process microarray data. The experiment has been run on cluster containing 5 nodes, while each node has 16 cores and 16 GB memory. It compares efficiency and the performance of parallelized RMA using Hadoop with parallelized RMA using affyPara package as well as sequential RMA. The result shows the speed-up rate of the proposed approach outperforms the sequential approach and affyPara approach.
The Value of 18F-FDG PET/CT Mathematical Prediction Model in Diagnosis of Solitary Pulmonary Nodules
Authors: Wang Ling , Chen Yao , Tang Kun , Lin Jie , Zhang Hong
Published: March 2018

Purpose. To establish an 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) mathematical prediction model to improve the diagnosis of solitary pulmonary nodules (SPNs). Materials and Methods. We retrospectively reviewed 177 consecutive patients who underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT for evaluation of SPNs. The mathematical model was established by logistic regression analysis. The diagnostic capabilities of the model were calculated, and the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) were compared with Mayo and VA model. Results. The mathematical model was y=exp⁡x/[1+exp⁡(x)], x = −7.363 + 0.079 × age + 1.900 × lobulation + 1.024 × vascular convergence + 1.530 × pleural retraction + 0.359 × the maximum of standardized uptake value (SUVmax). When the cut-off value was set at 0.56, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of our model were 86.55%, 74.14%, and 81.4%, respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of our model was 0.903 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.860 to 0.946). The AUC of our model was greater than that of the Mayo model, the VA model, and PET (P<0.05) and has no difference with that of PET/CT (P>0.05). Conclusion. The mathematical predictive model has high accuracy in estimating the malignant probability of patients with SPNs.
Development of Step-Count Cut Points for School-Day Vigorous Physical Activity
Authors: Burns Ryan D. , Brusseau Timothy A. , Fu You , Zhang Peng
Published: March 2018

Background. No study has established step-count cut points for varying amounts of accelerometer-assessed vigorous physical activity (VPA) accrued during the school day in children. The purpose of this study was to establish step-count cut points for discriminating children meeting VPA in 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, and 20 minutes per 7-hour school day. Methods. Participants were a convenience sample of 1,053 children (mean age = 8.4 (1.8) years) recruited from 5 schools from the Mountain West region of the USA. Data within students were observed across multiple semesters totaling 2,119 separate observations. Step counts and time in VPA were assessed using ActiGraph wGT3X-BT triaxial accelerometers that were worn during the entirety of a 7-hour school day for one school week. Average censored step counts and minutes in VPA were calculated across 3 to 5 days. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were employed to derive step counts via calculation of the maximum Youden J statistic. Results. Area-under-the-curve (AUC) scores ranged from AUC = 0.81 (95% CI: 0.78–0.83; p<0.001) for meeting at least 5 minutes of VPA to AUC = 0.94 (95% CI: 0.88–1.00, p<0.001) for meeting at least 20 minutes of VPA. Approximately 3,460 steps best discriminated children meeting at least 5 minutes of VPA (sensitivity = 74.0%, specificity = 74.0%, and accuracy = 74.1%) and approximately 5,628 steps best discriminated children meeting at least 20 minutes per day of VPA (sensitivity = 85.7%, specificity = 95.1%, and accuracy = 95.1%). Conclusion. Step counts can discriminate with reasonable accuracy children that meet at least 5 minutes of school-day VPA and with strong accuracy children that meet 20 minutes of school-day VPA.
Combinatorial Effects of VEGFR Kinase Inhibitor Axitinib and Oncolytic Virotherapy in Mouse and Human Glioblastoma Stem-Like Cell Models
Authors: Saha Dipongkor , Wakimoto Hiroaki , Peters Cole W. , Antoszczyk Slawomir J. , Rabkin Samuel D. , Martuza Robert L.
Published: March 2018

Purpose: Glioblastoma (GBM), a fatal brain cancer, contains a subpopulation of GBM stem-like cells (GSCs) that contribute to resistance to current therapy. Angiogenesis also plays a key role in GBM progression. Therefore, we developed a strategy to target the complex GBM microenvironment, including GSCs and tumor vasculature.

Experimental Design: We evaluated the cytotoxic effects of VEFGR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) axitinib in vitro and then tested antitumor efficacy of axitinib in combination with oncolytic herpes simplex virus (oHSV) expressing antiangiogenic cytokine murine IL12 (G47Δ-mIL12) in two orthotopic GSC-derived GBM models: patient-derived recurrent MGG123 GSCs, forming vascular xenografts in immunodeficient mice; and mouse 005 GSCs, forming syngeneic tumors in immunocompetent mice.

Results: GSCs form endothelial-like tubes and were sensitive to axitinib. G47Δ-mIL12 significantly improved survival, as did axitinib, while dual combinations further extended survival significantly compared with single therapies alone in both models. In MGG123 tumors, axitinib was effective only at high doses (50 mg/kg), alone and in combination with G47Δ-mIL12, and this was associated with greatly decreased vascularity, increased macrophage infiltration, extensive tumor necrosis, and PDGFR/ERK pathway inhibition. In the mouse 005 model, antiglioma activity, after single and combination therapy, was only observed in immunocompetent mice and not the T-cell–deficient athymic mice. Interestingly, immune checkpoint inhibition did not improve efficacy.

Conclusions: Systemic TKI (axitinib) beneficially combines with G47Δ-mIL12 to enhance antitumor efficacy in both immunodeficient and immunocompetent orthotopic GBM models. Our results support further investigation of TKIs in combination with oHSV for GBM treatment. Clin Cancer Res; 24(14); 3409–22. ©2018 AACR.
Hyperpolarized [1-13C]-Pyruvate Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopic Imaging of Prostate Cancer In Vivo Predicts Efficacy of Targeting the Warburg Effect
Authors: Scroggins Bradley T. , Matsuo Masayuki , White Ayla O. , Saito Keita , Munasinghe Jeeva P. , Sourbier Carole , Yamamoto Kazutoshi , Diaz Vivian , Takakusagi Yoichi , Ichikawa Kazuhiro , Mitchell James B. , Krishna Murali C. , Citrin Deborah E.
Published: March 2018

Purpose: To evaluate the potential of hyperpolarized [1-13C]-pyruvate magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) of prostate cancer as a predictive biomarker for targeting the Warburg effect.

Experimental Design: Two human prostate cancer cell lines (DU145 and PC3) were grown as xenografts. The conversion of pyruvate to lactate in xenografts was measured with hyperpolarized [1-13C]-pyruvate MRSI after systemic delivery of [1-13C] pyruvic acid. Steady-state metabolomic analysis of xenograft tumors was performed with mass spectrometry and steady-state lactate concentrations were measured with proton (1H) MRS. Perfusion and oxygenation of xenografts were measured with electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) imaging with OX063. Tumor growth was assessed after lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) inhibition with FX-11 (42 μg/mouse/day for 5 days × 2 weekly cycles). Lactate production, pyruvate uptake, extracellular acidification rates, and oxygen consumption of the prostate cancer cell lines were analyzed in vitro. LDH activity was assessed in tumor homogenates.

Results: DU145 tumors demonstrated an enhanced conversion of pyruvate to lactate with hyperpolarized [1-13C]-pyruvate MRSI compared with PC3 and a corresponding greater sensitivity to LDH inhibition. No difference was observed between PC3 and DU145 xenografts in steady-state measures of pyruvate fermentation, oxygenation, or perfusion. The two cell lines exhibited similar sensitivity to FX-11 in vitro. LDH activity correlated to FX-11 sensitivity.

Conclusions: Hyperpolarized [1-13C]-pyruvate MRSI of prostate cancer predicts efficacy of targeting the Warburg effect. Clin Cancer Res; 24(13); 3137–48. ©2018 AACR.
The Symbol-Digit Modalities Test in Mild Cognitive Impairment: Evidence from Parkinson’s Disease Patients
Authors: Pascoe Maddie , Alamri Yassar , Dalrymple-Alford John , Anderson Tim , MacAskill Michael
Published: March 2018

Background: The evaluation process of the performance of the symbol-digit modalities test (SDMT) has focused much on numerical scores paying only little attention to the qualitative aspects of performance. Incorporating the gaze analysis technique, we aimed to investigate the performance of Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients on the written SDMT task. Methods: Twelve patients with PD and normal cognition (PD-N), 11 with PD and mild cognitive impairment (PD-MCI), and 13 healthy participants (NC) controlled for age, sex and education were recruited. Results: PD-MCI participants achieved significantly lower scores than NC and PD-N participants. Eye-movement parameters, however, did not differ among the study groups, and were not correlated with task performance. Conclusions: Impaired performance on the SDMT by PD-MCI participants despite relatively preserved oculomotor performance indicates that lower SDMT scores are not due – even in part – to visuomotor impairments otherwise seen in PD patients.