bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dissociation, cellular isolation, and initial molecular characterization of neonatal and pediatric human lung tissues
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Gautam , Huyck Heidie L. , Misra Ravi S. , Bhattacharya Soumyaroop , Wang Qian , Mereness Jared , Lillis Jacquelyn , Myers Jason R. , Ashton John , Bushnell Timothy , Cochran Matthew , Holden-Wiltse Jeanne , Katzman Philip , Deutsch Gail , Whitsett Jeffrey A. , Xu Yan , Mariani Thomas J. , Pryhuber Gloria S.
Published: July 2018

Human lung morphogenesis begins by embryonic life and continues after birth into early childhood to form a complex organ with numerous morphologically and functionally distinct cell types. Pulmonary organogenesis involves dynamic changes in cell proliferation, differentiation, and migration of specialized cells derived from diverse embryonic lineages. Studying the molecular and cellular processes underlying formation of the fully functional lung requires isolating distinct pulmonary cell populations during development. We now report novel methods to isolate four major pulmonary cell populations from pediatric human lung simultaneously. Cells were dissociated by protease digestion of neonatal and pediatric lung and isolated on the basis of unique cell membrane protein expression patterns. Epithelial, endothelial, nonendothelial mesenchymal, and immune cells were enriched by fluorescence-activated cell sorting. Dead cells and erythrocytes were excluded by 7-aminoactinomycin D uptake and glycophorin-A (CD235a) expression, respectively. Leukocytes were identified by membrane CD45 (protein tyrosine phosphatase, receptor type C), endothelial cells by platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (CD31) and vascular endothelial cadherin (CD144), and both were isolated. Thereafter, epithelial cell adhesion molecule (CD326)-expressing cells were isolated from the endothelial- and immune cell-depleted population to enrich epithelial cells. Cells lacking these membrane markers were collected as “nonendothelial mesenchymal” cells. Quantitative RT-PCR and RNA sequencing analyses of population specific transcriptomes demonstrate the purity of the subpopulations of isolated cells. The method efficiently isolates major human lung cell populations that we announce are now available through the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Lung Molecular Atlas Program (LungMAP) for their further study.
Lung eosinophilia induced by house dust mites or ovalbumin is modulated by nicotinic receptor α7 and inhibited by cigarette smoke
Authors: Gahring Lorise C. , Myers Elizabeth J. , Dunn Diane M. , Weiss Robert B. , Rogers Scott W.
Published: July 2018

Eosinophilia (EOS) is an important component of airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness in allergic reactions including those leading to asthma. Although cigarette smoking (CS) is a significant contributor to long-term adverse outcomes in these lung disorders, there are also the curious reports of its ability to produce acute suppression of inflammatory responses including EOS through poorly understood mechanisms. One possibility is that proinflammatory processes are suppressed by nicotine in CS acting through nicotinic receptor α7 (α7). Here we addressed the role of α7 in modulating EOS with two mouse models of an allergic response: house dust mites (HDM; Dermatophagoides sp.) and ovalbumin (OVA). The influence of α7 on EOS was experimentally resolved in wild-type mice or in mice in which a point mutation of the α7 receptor (α7E260A:G) selectively restricts normal signaling of cellular responses. RNA analysis of alveolar macrophages and the distal lung epithelium indicates that normal α7 function robustly impacts gene expression in the epithelium to HDM and OVA but to different degrees. Notable was allergen-specific α7 modulation of Ccl11 and Ccl24 (eotaxins) expression, which was enhanced in HDM but suppressed in OVA EOS. CS suppressed EOS induced by both OVA and HDM, as well as the inflammatory genes involved, regardless of α7 genotype. These results suggest that EOS in response to HDM or OVA is through signaling pathways that are modulated in a cell-specific manner by α7 and are distinct from CS suppression.
Directional sensitivity of dynamic cerebral autoregulation in squat-stand maneuvers
Authors: Panerai Ronney B. , Barnes Sam C. , Nath Mintu , Ball Naomi , Robinson Thompson G. , Haunton Victoria J.
Published: July 2018

Dynamic cerebral autoregulation (CA), the transient response of cerebral blood flow (CBF) to rapid changes in arterial blood pressure (BP), is usually modeled as a linear mechanism. We tested the hypothesis that dynamic CA can display nonlinear behavior resulting from differential efficiency dependent on the direction of BP changes. Cerebral blood velocity (CBV) (transcranial Doppler), heart rate (HR) (three-lead ECG), continuous BP (Finometer), and end-tidal CO2 (capnograph) were measured in 10 healthy young subjects during 15 squat-stand maneuvers (SSM) with a frequency of 0.05 Hz. The protocol was repeated with a median (interquartile range) of 44 (35–64) days apart. Dynamic CA was assessed with the autoregulation index (ARI) obtained from CBV step responses estimated with an autoregressive moving-average model. Mean BP, HR, and CBV were different (all P < 0.001) between squat and stand, regardless of visits. ARI showed a strong interaction ( P < 0.001) of SSM with the progression of transients; in general, the mean ARI was higher for the squat phase compared with standing. The changes in ARI were partially explained by concomitant changes in CBV ( P = 0.023) and pulse pressure ( P < 0.001), but there was no evidence that ARI differed between visits ( P = 0.277). These results demonstrate that dynamic CA is dependent on the direction of BP change, but further work is needed to confirm if this finding can be generalized to other physiological conditions and also to assess its dependency on age, sex and pathology.
Coordination of hamstrings is individual specific and is related to motor performance
Authors: Avrillon Simon , Guilhem Gaël , Barthelemy Aude , Hug François
Published: July 2018

The torque-sharing strategies between synergistic muscles may have important functional consequences. This study involved two experiments. The first experiment ( n = 22) aimed 1) to determine the relationship between the distribution of activation and the distribution of torque-generating capacity among the heads of the hamstring, and 2) to describe individual torque-sharing strategies and to determine whether these strategies are similar between legs. The second experiment ( n = 35) aimed to determine whether the distribution of activation between the muscle heads affects endurance performance during a sustained submaximal knee flexion task. Surface electromyography (EMG) was recorded from biceps femoris (BF), semimembranosus (SM), and semitendinosus (ST) during submaximal isometric knee flexions. Torque-generating capacity was estimated by measuring muscle volume, fascicle length, pennation angle, and moment arm. The product of the normalized EMG amplitude and the torque-generating capacity was used as an index of muscle torque. The distributions of muscle activation and of torque-generating capacity were not correlated significantly (all P > 0.18). Thus, there was a torque imbalance between the muscle heads (ST torque > BF and SM torque; P < 0.001), the magnitude of which varied greatly between participants. A significant negative correlation was observed between the imbalance of activation across the hamstring muscles and the time to exhaustion ( P < 0.001); i.e., the larger the imbalance of activation across muscles, the lower the muscle endurance performance. Torque-sharing strategies between the heads of the hamstrings are individual specific and related to muscle endurance performance. Whether these individual strategies play a role in hamstring injury remains to be determined.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY The distribution of activation among the heads of the hamstring is not related to the distribution of torque-generating capacity. The torque-sharing strategies within hamstring muscles vary greatly between individuals but are similar between legs. Hamstring coordination affects endurance performance; i.e., the larger the imbalance of activation across the muscle heads, the lower the muscle endurance.
Acquisition of motor memory determines the interindividual variability of learning-induced plasticity in the primary motor cortex
Authors: Hirano Masato , Kubota Shinji , Koizume Yoshiki , Funase Kozo
Published: July 2018

Acquisition of new motor skills induces plastic reorganization in the primary motor cortex (M1). Previous studies have demonstrated the increases in the M1 excitability through motor skill learning. However, this M1 reorganization is highly variable between individuals even though they improve their skill performance through the same training protocol. To reveal the source of this interindividual variability, we examined the relationship between an acquisition of memory-guided feedforward movements and the learning-induced increases in the M1 excitability. Twenty-eight subjects participated in experiment 1. We asked subjects to learn a visuomotor tracking task. The subjects controlled a cursor on a PC monitor to pursue a target line by performing ankle dorsiflexion and plantar flexion. In experiment 1, we removed the online visual feedback provided by the cursor movement once every six trials, which enabled us to assess whether the subjects could perform accurate memory-guided movements. Motor-evoked potentials (MEP) were elicited in the tibialis anterior muscle by transcranial magnetic stimulation of the relevant M1 before and after the learning of the visuomotor tracking task and after half the trials. We found that the MEP amplitude was increased along with the improvement in memory-guided movements. In experiment 2 ( n = 10), we confirmed this relationship by examining whether the improvement in memory-guided movements induces increases in MEP amplitude. The results of this study indicate that the plastic reorganization of the M1 induced by the learning of a visuomotor skill is associated with the acquisition of memory-guided movements.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Acquisition of novel motor skills increases excitability of the primary motor cortex (M1). We recently reported that the amount of increases in the M1 excitability is highly variable between individuals even though they learned the same skill to the similar extent, yet the sources of this interindividual variability still remain unclear. The present study revealed that this interindividual variability is associated with whether individuals acquire a motor memory, which enables them to produce accurate memory-guided movements.
Decrease in force steadiness with aging is associated with increased power of the common but not independent input to motor neurons
Authors: Castronovo Anna Margherita , Mrachacz-Kersting Natalie , Stevenson Andrew James Thomas , Holobar Ales , Enoka Roger Maro , Farina Dario
Published: July 2018

Declines in motor function with advancing age have been attributed to changes occurring at all levels of the neuromuscular system. However, the impact of aging on the control of muscle force by spinal motor neurons is not yet understood. In this study on 20 individuals aged between 24 and 75 yr (13 men, 7 women), we investigated the common synaptic input to motor neurons of the tibialis anterior muscle and its impact on force control. Motor unit discharge times were identified from high-density surface EMG recordings during isometric contractions at forces of 20% of maximal voluntary effort. Coherence analysis between motor unit spike trains was used to characterize the input to motor neurons. The decrease in force steadiness with age ( R2 = 0.6, P < 0.01) was associated with an increase in the amplitude of low-frequency oscillations of functional common synaptic input to motor neurons ( R2 = 0.59; P < 0.01). The relative proportion of common input to independent noise at low frequencies increased with variability (power) in common synaptic input. Moreover, variability in interspike interval did not change and strength of the common input in the gamma band decreased with age ( R2 = 0.22; P < 0.01). The findings indicate that age-related reduction in the accuracy of force control is associated with increased common fluctuations to motor neurons at low frequencies and not with an increase in independent synaptic input.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY The influence of aging on the role of spinal motor neurons in accurate force control is not yet understood. We demonstrate that aging is associated with increased oscillations in common input to motor neurons at low frequencies and with a decrease in the relative strength of gamma oscillations. These results demonstrate that the synaptic inputs to motor neurons change across the life span and contribute to a decline in force control.
Motor adaptations to trunk perturbation: effects of experimental back pain and spinal tissue creep
Authors: Abboud Jacques , Daneau Catherine , Nougarou François , Dugas Claude , Descarreaux Martin
Published: July 2018

In complex anatomical systems, such as the trunk, motor control theories suggest that many motor solutions can be implemented to achieve a similar goal. Although reflex mechanisms act as a stabilizer of the spine, how the central nervous system uses trunk redundancy to adapt neuromuscular responses under the influence of external perturbations, such as experimental pain or spinal tissue creep, is still unclear. The aim of this study was to identify and characterize trunk neuromuscular adaptations in response to unexpected trunk perturbations under the influence of spinal tissue creep and experimental back pain. Healthy participants experienced a repetition of sudden external trunk perturbations in two protocols: 1) 15 perturbations before and after a spinal tissue creep protocol and 2) 15 perturbations with and without experimental back pain. Trunk neuromuscular adaptations were measured by using high-density electromyography to record erector spinae muscle activity recruitment patterns and a motion analysis system. Muscle activity reflex attenuation was found across unexpected trunk perturbation trials under the influence of creep and pain. A similar area of muscle activity distribution was observed with or without back pain as well as before and after creep. No change of trunk kinematics was observed. We conclude that although under normal circumstances muscle activity adaptation occurs throughout the same perturbations, a reset of the adaptation process is present when experiencing a new perturbation such as experimental pain or creep. However, participants are still able to attenuate reflex responses under these conditions by using variable recruitment patterns of back muscles.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY The present study characterizes, for the first time, trunk motor adaptations with high-density surface electromyography when the spinal system is challenged by a series of unexpected perturbations. We propose that the central nervous system is able to adapt neuromuscular responses by using a variable recruitment pattern of back muscles to maximize the motor performance, even under the influence of pain or when the passive structures of the spine are altered.
Resource Allocation for Green Cognitive Radios: Energy Efficiency Maximization
Authors: Yang Zhou , Jiang Wenqian , Li Gang
Published: July 2018

Green cognitive radios are promising in future wireless communications due to high energy efficiency. Energy efficiency maximization problems are formulated in delay‐insensitive green cognitive radio and delay‐sensitive green cognitive radio. The optimal resource allocation strategies for delay‐insensitive green cognitive radio and delay‐sensitive green cognitive radio are designed to maximize the energy efficiency of the secondary user. The peak interference power and the average/peak transmit power constraints are considered. Two algorithms based on the proposed resource allocation strategies are proposed to solve the formulated problems. Simulation results show that the maximum energy efficiency of the secondary user achieved under the average transmit power constraint is higher than that achieved under the peak transmit power constraint. It is shown that the design of green cognitive radio should take the tradeoff between its complexity and its achievable maximum energy efficiency into consideration.
A Novel Method for Interval-Value Intuitionistic Fuzzy Multicriteria Decision-Making Problems with Immediate Probabilities Based on OWA Distance Operators
Authors: Qin Ya , Liu Yi , Liu Jun
Published: July 2018

The goal of this work is to develop a novel decision-making method which can solve some complex decision problems that include the following three-aspect information:(1)information represented in the form of interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy values (IVIFVs) not only intuitionistic fuzzy values (IFVs),(2)the probability information and the weighted information, and(3)the importance degree of each concept in the process of decision-making. Firstly, by integrating OWA operator, probabilistic weight (PW), and individual distance of two IVIFNs in the same formulation, we introduce two new distance operators named PIVIFOWAD operator and IPIVIFOWAD operator, respectively. Secondly, satisfaction degree of an alternative is proposed based on the positive ideal IVIFS and the negative ideal IVIFS and applied to MCDM. Finally, we use an illustrative example to show the feasibility and validity of the new method by comparing with the other existing methods.
The Effects of Different Oxytetracycline and Copper Treatments on the Performance of Anaerobic Digesters and the Dynamics of Bacterial Communities
Authors: Zhang Yun , Ke Xin , Sun Wei , Zhang Guangcai , Gao Xiaodan , Zhang Haijun , Wang Weiyun
Published: July 2018

Oxytetracycline and copper are the common residues in animal manures. Meanwhile, anaerobic digestion is considered as a clean biotechnology for the disposal of animal manures. In this paper, the performance of anaerobic digesters and the dynamics of bacterial communities under the different treatments of oxytetracycline and copper were discussed. The parameters of methane production and pH values were studied to reflect the performance of anaerobic digester. Results showed that the changes of methane production and pH values were not obvious compared with the control. This means that the treatments of oxytetracycline and copper almost have no effects on the performance of anaerobic digesters. This phenomenon might be due to the chelation reaction between oxytetracycline and copper. This chelation reaction might reduce the toxicity of oxytetracycline. The study on the dynamics of bacterial communities was based on the polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) method. Results indicated that the bacterial communities had significant differences under the different treatments of oxytetracycline and copper. UnculturedBacteroidetesbacterium (CU922272.1) and unculturedBacteroidetesbacterium (AB780945.1) showed adaptability to the different treatments of oxytetracycline and copper and were the dominant bacterial communities.
Analysis of Effects of Delays and Diffusion on a Predator-Prey System
Authors: Yang Gaoxiang , Zhang Fuchen
Published: July 2018

A reaction-diffusion predator-prey system with two delays is investigated. It is found that the spatially homogeneous periodic solution will occur when the sum of two delays crosses some critical values and Hopf bifurcation takes place. For the fixed domain and diffusion, some numerical simulations are also given to illustrate the theoretical analysis. In addition, special attention is paid to effects of diffusion on the bifurcating periodic solution. It is found that the diffusion would lead to the bifurcating period solution to destabilize by calculating the relevant expression of the Floquet exponent.
Usefulness of Serum Cardiac Biomarkers for Predicting In-Hospital Cardiac Complications in Acute Hip Fracture: A Prospective Cohort in 20 High Surgical Risk patients with Age over 55 Years
Authors: Sa-ngasoongsong Paphon , Thamyongkit Sorawut , Kulachote Noratep , Luksameearunothai Kitchai , Ngamukos Tachapong , Suphachatwong Chanyut
Published: July 2018

Background. Serum cardiac biomarkers have recently been demonstrated to be useful for predicting perioperative complication after hip fracture (HF). However, no previous study has revealed the comparative efficacy of different cardiac biomarkers in high surgical risk HF patients. Methods. A prospective study was conducted, from June to December 2016, in 20 acute HF patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade 3 or 4. All patients received blood test for high sensitivity Troponin-I (hsTnI) and N-terminal fragment of pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) at the time of admission and 24 hours postoperatively. Perioperative data and in-hospital, 3-month, and 6-month postoperative complications were collected. The complications were classified as cardiac and noncardiac HF-related complications. Results. The average patients’ age was 79±8 years. Six patients (30%) were male. The incidence of PCI was 30% (n=6). None of the patients (0%) died during the 6-month postoperative followup period. In-hospital overall cardiac and noncardiac complications were found in 12(60%), 5(30%), and 7(45%), respectively. The mean serum hsTnI levels in the patients with cardiac complication were significantly greater than those in the patients without cardiac complication at both time of admission (99.5 ng/mL vs 5.5 ng/mL, p=0.006) and 24 hours postoperatively (28.6 ng/mL vs 9.4 ng/mL, p=0.013). The mean serum NT-proBNP levels in patients with cardiac complication were also greater but nonsignificantly compared to those in the patients without cardiac complication at both time of admission (2299 pg/mL vs 281 pg/mL, p=0.239) and 24 hours postoperatively (2266 pg/mL vs 586 pg/mL, p=0.061). The other significant preoperative predictors for cardiac complication were low hemoglobin level (p=0.014), low glomerular filtration rate level (p=0.039), and ASA grade 4 (p=0.005). Conclusion. In-hospital cardiac complication in high-risk HF patients was significantly associated with the abnormal rise of serum hsTnI level. Therefore, we recommended using the hsTnI test in the perioperative evaluation in high-risk HF patients. Trial registration number is TCTR20160711002.
Experimental Study on a Forced-Circulation Loop Thermosiphon Solar Water Heating System
Authors: Zhang Tao
Published: July 2018

Wickless gravity loop thermosiphons (LTs) have been widely used in heat collection for distances up to several meters. This two-phase closed device, which is operating under reduced pressure, is useful in solar water heating (SWH) systems because it could address the freezing problem during winter. Compared to the normal type, forced-circulation wickless LTs have significant advantages in the long-distance heat transfer and installation freedom of condensation section. In this study, a pump-forced wickless LT-SWH system with a remolded flat-plate solar collector was put forward. Solar collector acted as the evaporation section of the wickless LT, while the spiral heat exchanger in the water tank acted as the condensation section. R600a was employed as the working fluid, and long-term outdoor experiments were carried out. Results show that the instantaneous and daily average photothermal efficiency of the proposed system can reach 69.54% and 58.22%, respectively. Temperature differences between the top and bottom and the middle and bottom of the evaporation section of the wickless LT were small, and it usually ranged between 1.1 and 3.9°C. Linear fittings of the collector and system overall performance of the pump-forced wickless LT-SWH system demonstrate the promising potential application of the system.
The Solute Carrier Transporter SLC15A3 Participates in Antiviral Innate Immune Responses against Herpes Simplex Virus-1
Authors: He Longzhen , Wang Baocheng , Li Yuanyuan , Zhu Leqing , Li Peiling , Zou Feiyan , Bin Lianghua
Published: July 2018

The innate immune response is the first line defense against viral infections. Novel genes involved in this system are continuing to emerge. SLC15A3, a proton-coupled histidine and di-tripeptide transporter that was previously found in lysosomes, has been reported to inhibit chikungunya viral replication in host cells. In this study, we found that SLC15A3 was significantly induced by DNA virus herpes simplex virus-1(HSV-1) in monocytes from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Aside from monocytes, it can also be induced by HSV-1 in 293T, HeLa cells, and HaCaT cells. Overexpression of SLC15A3 in 293T cells inhibits HSV-1 replication and enhances type I and type III interferon (IFN) responses, while silencing SLC15A3 leads to enhanced HSV-1 replication with reduced IFN production. Moreover, we found that SLC15A3 interacted with MAVS and STING and potentiated MAVS- and STING-mediated IFN production. These results demonstrate that SLC15A3 participates in anti-HSV-1 innate immune responses by regulating MAVS- and STING-mediated signaling pathways.
Adaptive Fixed-Time Fast Terminal Sliding Mode Control for Chaotic Oscillation in Power System
Authors: Ma Caoyuan , Wang Faxin , Li Zhijie , Wang Jianyu , Liu Chuangzhen , Wu Wenbei , Cheng Yuzhou
Published: July 2018

The second-order chaotic oscillation system model is used to analyze the dynamic behavior of chaotic oscillations in power system. To suppress chaos and stabilize voltage within bounded time independent of initial condition, an adaptive fixed-time fast terminal sliding mode chaos control strategy is proposed. Compared with the conventional fast terminal sliding mode control strategy and finite-time control strategy, the proposed scheme has advantages in terms of convergence time and maximum deviation. Finally, simulation results are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme and the superior performance.
Suppressive Effect of Quercetin on Nitric Oxide Production from Nasal Epithelial Cells In Vitro
Authors: Ebihara Nachi , Takahashi Kana , Takemura Haruka , Akanuma Yuko , Asano Kazuhito , Sunagawa Masataka
Published: July 2018

Nitric oxide (NO) is known to play pivotal roles as one of the final effector molecules in the development of allergic diseases, including allergic rhinitis (AR). Although quercetin has been reported to attenuate the clinical conditions of AR, its influence on NO production is not well defined. The present study aimed to examine the influence of quercetin on in vitro NO production from nasal epithelial cells after interleukin‐ (IL‐) 4 stimulation. Human nasal epithelial cells (HNEpCs) at a concentration of 1 x 105 cells/ml were stimulated with 10.0 ng/ml of IL‐4 in the presence and absence of quercetin. After 48 hours, the culture supernatants were collected and assayed for NO (NO2 and NO3) using the Griess method. The influences of quercetin on the transcription factor, STAT6, activation, and iNOS mRNA expression were also examined using ELISA and real‐time quantitative RT‐PCR, respectively. Addition of quercetin to cell cultures caused suppression of NO production from HNEpCs after IL‐4 stimulation. The minimum concentration of quercetin that caused significant suppression was 1.0 nM. Treatment of cells with quercetin at more than 1.0 nM suppressed STAT6 activation and iNOS mRNA expression induced by IL‐4 stimulation. The present results strongly suggested that quercetin favorably modified the clinical condition of AR through the suppression of NO production from nasal epithelial cells after IL‐4 stimulation.
Meshless Singular Boundary Method for Nonlinear Sine-Gordon Equation
Authors: Ji Yun
Published: July 2018

A meshless method based on the singular boundary method is developed for the numerical solution of the time-dependent nonlinear sine-Gordon equation with Neumann boundary condition. In this method, by using a time discrete scheme to approximate the time derivatives, the time-dependent nonlinear problem is transformed into a sequence of time-independent linear boundary value problems. Then, the singular boundary method is used to establish the system of discrete algebraic equations. The present method is meshless, integration-free, and easy to implement. Numerical examples involving line and ring solitons are given to show the performance and efficiency of the proposed method. The numerical results are found to be in good agreement with the analytical solutions and the numerical results that exist in literature.
Energy and Productivity Yield Assessment of a Traditional Furnace for Noncentrifugal Brown Sugar (Panela) Production
Authors: Gutiérrez-Mosquera Luis F. , Arias-Giraldo Sebastián , Ceballos-Peñaloza Adela M.
Published: July 2018

Noncentrifugal brown sugar (called panela in Colombia) is a natural sweetener obtained from the extraction, purification, and concentration of sugarcane juices. In this work, energy and productivity yield of a traditional furnace for panela production were evaluated, considering five performance indices. Experimental productions were developed in a pilot plant facility, analyzing furnace gas emissions of furnace and bagasse properties. Mass, energy, and exergy balances were performed. The following indices were obtained from the experimental runs: energy efficiency 12.726 ± 1.091%, exergy efficiency 9.013 ± 0.710%, energy losses through chimney 72.293 ± 11.507%, yield 0.144 ± 0.021 kgpanela/kgbagasse, productivity 7.450 ± 0.520 kgpanela/h, and bagasse consumption 1.258 ± 0.139 kgbagasse consumed/kgbagasse produced. It was found that these outcomes were strongly influenced by excess air and gas circulation velocity through the furnace, which affects the combustion rate and heat transfer between the gases and the juices. Finally, it was concluded that the traditional scheme is inefficient and requires various critical operational adjustments, such as combustion chamber, chimney draft control, and heat exchangers design.
The Effects of Tai Chi on Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Chao Mengyao , Wang Chunyan , Dong Xiaosheng , Ding Meng
Published: July 2018

Objective. To investigate the effects of Tai chi in type 2 diabetes mellitus (type-2 DM) patients using systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods. Seven electronic resource databases were searched, and randomized controlled trials on the role of Tai chi in type-2 DM patients were retrieved. The meta-analysis was performed with RevMan 5.3, and research quality evaluation was conducted with the modified Jadad scale. Results. Fourteen studies, with 798 individuals related to the intervention of Tai chi on diabetes, were included. The results showed that, compared with nonexercise, Tai chi had the effect of lowering fasting blood glucose [MD = −1.39, 95% CI (−1.95, −0.84), P<0.0001] and the subgroup effect size decreased with the increase of total exercise amount, there is no significant difference between Tai chi and other aerobic exercises [MD = −0.50, 95% CI (−1.02, 0.02), P=0.06]; compared with nonexercise, Tai chi could reduce HbA1c [MD = −0.21, 95% CI (−0.61, 0.19), P=0.31], and the group effect size decreased with the increase of total exercise amount. The reducing HbA1c effect of Tai chi was better than that of other aerobic exercises, but the difference was at the margin of statistical significance [MD = −0.19, 95% CI (−0.37, 0.00), P=0.05]; compared with nonexercise, Tai chi had the effect of reducing 2 h postprandial blood glucose [MD = −2.07, 95% CI (−2.89, −1.26), P=0.0002], there is no significant difference between Tai chi and other aerobic exercises in reducing 2 h postprandial blood glucose [MD = −0.44, 95% CI (−1.42, 0.54), P=0.38]. Conclusion. Tai chi can effectively affect the management of blood glucose and HbA1c in type-2 DM patients. Long-term adherence to Tai chi has a better role in reducing blood glucose and HbA1c levels in type 2 DM patients.
Epidemic Spreading in Interdependent Networks
Authors: Jiang Lurong , Xu Qiaoyu , Ouyang Bo , Lang Yicong , Dai Yanyun , Tong Jijun
Published: July 2018

We introduce a dynamic process of epidemic spreading into interdependent networks because, in reality, interdependent networks are facing the threat of epidemic spreading, which still lacks research. With our model, we reveal that (i) interdependent networks are more fragile than an isolated single network when facing the threat of an epidemic; (ii) an epidemic is not massively blocked by cascading failure, even if cascading failure spreads much faster; (iii) interdependent networks are more fragile, with a larger value of average degree compared with epidemic spreading. Moreover, we propose an iterative method for estimating the fraction of removed or failed nodes in a system of interdependent networks using percolation theory. This research can improve the comprehension of interdependent networks from the point of view of epidemic spreading.
Effect of Environmental Conditions on the Modal Response of a 10‐Story Reinforced Concrete Tower
Authors: Regni Marco , Arezzo Davide , Carbonari Sandro , Gara Fabrizio , Zonta Daniele
Published: July 2018

We analyse the effect of temperature and wind velocity on the natural frequencies and modal damping ratios of the Faculty of Engineering Tower at the Università Politecnica delle Marche, a 10‐story reinforced concrete frame building, permanently monitored with low‐noise accelerometers. The data recorded over the first 5 months of monitoring demonstrate that temperature variations and wind intensity have a clear effect on the first three natural frequencies and the corresponding damping ratios. Temperature is positively correlated to the first and second frequencies, corresponding to shear displacement modes and negatively correlated to the third frequency, corresponding to a torsional mode. All frequencies are positively correlated to wind velocity and changes in damping ratios are inversely correlated to any change in frequency. A mechanical explanation of these phenomena is offered, based on a critical review of literature case studies. These results suggest that using changes in modal parameters for damage detection always requires accurate knowledge of the correlation between modal parameters and environmental quantities (temperature, humidity, and wind velocity), an information which is only available through long‐term continuous monitoring of the structural response.
Influence of a Soft Robotic Suit on Metabolic Cost in Long-Distance Level and Inclined Walking
Authors: Jin Shanhai , Guo Shijie , Kazunobu Hashimoto , Xiong Xiaogang , Yamamoto Motoji
Published: July 2018

Metabolic cost during walking is positively linked to exercise intensity. For a walking assistive device, one of the major aims should be the maximization of wearers’ metabolic benefits for different walking situations. Toward this goal, this paper experimentally evaluates the influence of an authors’ soft robotic suit, which has been developed to assist hip flexion for energy-efficient walking of elderly persons in daily life activities, on metabolic cost reduction in the long-distance level and inclined walking. Experiment results show that, for a 79-year-old healthy male subject, the robotic suit significantly reduced metabolic cost in the condition of the robotic suit worn and powered on compared with the condition of worn but powered off.
The Dynamic Properties of a Nonlinear Economic Model with Extreme Financial Frictions
Authors: Wang Huan , Huang WenYi
Published: July 2018

A generalized economic model with two kinds of agents (farmers and landlords) is investigated. Farmers produce grains by renting lands from landlords. The land which is not rented is cultivated by less productive landlords. The economy is assumed to be with extreme frictions so that there are no markets for agents to trade grains. The rental rate is determined by the equilibrium of the supply and demand. We consider the situation that farmers are likely to take more risk when the rental rate is low and have more risk aversion if the rate goes high. The psychological anticipation is taken into account in the setting of our model. Using the optimal control theory, the dynamic properties of the rental rate and its influence to the endogenous volatility are analyzed. Besides, we clarify that the rental market has an instinctive ability to dominate the anticipation of agents.
Design Tools for Bolted End-Plate Beam-to-Column Joints
Authors: Terracciano Giusy , Della Corte Gaetano , Di Lorenzo Gianmaria , Landolfo Raffaele
Published: July 2018

Predicting the response of beam-to-column joints is essential to evaluate the response of moment frames. The well-known component method is based on a mechanical modelling of the joint, through joint subdivision into more elementary components subsequently reassembled together to obtain the whole joint characteristics. Significant advantages of the component method are the following: (i) the mechanics-based modelling approach; (ii) the easier general characteristics of components. However, the method is commonly perceived by practicing engineers as being too laborious for practical applications. Within this context, this paper summarizes the results of a theoretical study aiming to develop simplified analysis tools for bolted end-plate beam-to-column joints, based on the Eurocode 3 component method. The accuracy of the component method was first evaluated, by comparing theoretical predictions of the plastic resistance and initial stiffness with corresponding experimental data collected from the available literature. Subsequently, design/analysis charts were developed through a parametric application of the component method by means of automatic calculation tools. They are easy and quick tools to be used in the first phases of the design process, in order to identify joint configurations and geometrical properties satisfying specified joint structural performances. The parametric analysis allowed also identifying further simplified analytical tools, in the form of nondimensional equations for predicting quickly the joint structural properties. With reference to selected geometries, the approximate equations were verified to provide sufficiently accurate predictions of both the stiffness and the resistance of the examined beam-to-column joints.
Research on Optimization of Big Data Construction Engineering Quality Management Based on RNN‐LSTM
Authors: Wang Daopeng , Fan Jifei , Fu Hanliang , Zhang Bing
Published: July 2018

Construction industry is the largest data industry, but with the lowest degree of datamation. With the development and maturity of BIM information integration technology, this backward situation will be completely changed. Different business data from a construction phase and operation and a maintenance phase will be collected to add value to the data. As the BIM information integration technology matures, different business data from the design phase to the construction phase are integrated. Because BIM integrates massive, repeated, and unordered feature text data, we first use integrated BIM data as a basis to perform data cleansing and text segmentation on text big data, making the integrated data a “clean and orderly” valuable data. Then, with the aid of word cloud visualization and cluster analysis, the associations between data structures are tapped, and the integrated unstructured data is converted into structured data. Finally, the RNN‐LSTM network was used to predict the quality problems of steel bars, formworks, concrete, cast‐in‐place structures, and masonry in the construction project and to pinpoint the occurrence of quality problems in the implementation of the project. Through the example verification, the algorithm proposed in this paper can effectively reduce the incidence of construction project quality problems, and it has a promotion. And it is of great practical significance to improving quality management of construction projects and provides new ideas and methods for future research on the construction project quality problem.
The Role of the Anesthesiologist during Magnetic Resonance-Guided Focused Ultrasound Thalamotomy for Tremor: A Single-Center Experience
Authors: Sinai Alon , Katz Yeshayahu , Zaaroor Menashe , Sandler Olga , Schlesinger Ilana
Published: July 2018

Ablative incisionless neurosurgery has become possible through advances in focused ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The great advantage of MRI-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) is that the ablation is performed through an intact skull without surgery. Here, we review the new modality of MRgFUS for treating tremor and enlighten the role of the anesthesiologist in the unique procedural setting of the MRI suite. During the MRgFUS process, the patients should be awake and are required to cooperate with the medical staff to allow assessment of tremor reduction and potential occurrence of adverse effects. In addition, the patient’s head is immobilized inside the MRI tunnel for hours. This combination presents major challenges for the attending anesthesiologist, who is required to try to prevent pain and nausea and when present, to treat these symptoms. Anxiety, vertigo, and vomiting may occur during treatment and require urgent treatment. Here, we review the literature available on anesthetic management during the procedure and our own experience and provide recommendations based on our collected knowledge.
IL-6 Mediates Cross-Talk between Tumor Cells and Activated Fibroblasts in the Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Karakasheva Tatiana A. , Lin Eric W. , Tang Qiaosi , Qiao Edmund , Waldron Todd J. , Soni Monica , Klein-Szanto Andres J. , Sahu Varun , Basu Devraj , Ohashi Shinya , Baba Kiichiro , Giaccone Zachary T. , Walker Sarah R. , Frank David A. , Wileyto E. Paul , Long Qi , Dunagin Margaret C. , Raj Arjun , Diehl J. Alan , Wong K.K. , Bass Adam J. , Rustgi Anil K.
Published: July 2018

The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a major role in the pathogenesis of multiple cancer types, including upper-gastrointestinal (GI) cancers that currently lack effective therapeutic options. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) are an essential component of the TME, contributing to tumorigenesis by secreting growth factors, modifying the extracellular matrix, supporting angiogenesis, and suppressing antitumor immune responses. Through an unbiased approach, we have established that IL-6 mediates cross-talk between tumor cells and CAF not only by supporting tumor cell growth, but also by promoting fibroblast activation. As a result, IL-6 receptor (IL6Rα) and downstream effectors offer opportunities for targeted therapy in upper-GI cancers. IL-6 loss suppressed tumorigenesis in physiologically relevant three-dimensional (3D) organotypic and 3D tumoroid models and murine models of esophageal cancer. Tocilizumab, an anti-IL6Rα antibody, suppressed tumor growth in vivo in part via inhibition of STAT3 and MEK/ERK signaling. Analysis of a pan-cancer TCGA dataset revealed an inverse correlation between IL-6 and IL6Rα overexpression and patient survival. Therefore, we expanded evaluation of tocilizumab to head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patient-derived xenografts and gastric adenocarcinoma xenografts, demonstrating suppression of tumor growth and altered STAT3 and ERK1/2 gene signatures. We used small-molecule inhibitors of STAT3 and MEK1/2 signaling to suppress tumorigenesis in the 3D organotypic model of esophageal cancer. We demonstrate that IL6 is a major contributor to the dynamic cross-talk between tumor cells and CAF in the TME. Our findings provide a translational rationale for inhibition of IL6Rα and downstream signaling pathways as a novel targeted therapy in oral–upper-GI cancers.

Significance: These findings demonstrate the interaction of esophageal cancer and cancer-associated fibroblasts through IL-6 signaling, providing rationale for a novel therapeutic approach to target these cancers. Cancer Res; 78(17); 4957–70. ©2018 AACR.
Explorative Analysis of Low-Dose Metronomic Chemotherapy with Cyclophosphamide and Methotrexate in a Cohort of Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Krajnak Slavomir , Battista Marco , Brenner Walburgis , Almstedt Katrin , Elger Tania , Heimes Anne-Sophie , Hasenburg Annette , Schmidt Marcus
Published: July 2018

Background: Low-dose metronomic chemotherapy (LDMC) is increasingly used in metastatic breast cancer (MBC). In this retrospective analysis, we examined the therapeutic effects and side effects of LDMC in a cohort of MBC patients. Methods: Patients with MBC were included when LDMC with oral cyclophosphamide (CTX) and methotrexate (MTX) was administered between 2009 and 2015. The primary endpoint was disease control rate (DCR) ≥ 24 weeks after the start of LDMC. Secondary endpoints were duration of progression-free survival (PFS), rates of discontinuation due to side effects, and DCR with regard to subgroups. Results: Retrospective data of 35 patients were available for this analysis. 31% patients achieved DCR. The median PFS was 12 weeks. 9% of patients discontinued LDMC due to adverse events. DCR was 37% in the first 2 lines and 25% in further lines of therapy. 22% of patients with multiple metastases and 35% with ≤2 different metastatic sites achieved DCR. DCR was achieved in 33% of hormone receptor(HR)-positive patients and 27% of HR-negative patients. Conclusion: The DCR of 31% is in line with the results of previous phase II studies. LDMC was well tolerated. Subgroup analysis was not able to identify a group in which LDMC was more efficient.
Tolerability and Efficacy of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy with a Tri-Weekly Interval Methotrexate, Doxorubicin, Vinblastine, and Cisplatin Regimen for Patients with Locally Advanced Bladder Cancer
Authors: Arai Satoko , Hara Tomohiko , Matsui Yoshiyuki , Koido Keiichi , Hashimoto Hironobu , Shinoda Yasuo , Komiyama Motokiyo , Fujimoto Hiroyuki , Terakado Hiroyuki
Published: July 2018

Objective: Compared with standard treatment, a modified tri-weekly MVAC (methotrexate, doxorubicin, vinblastine, and cisplatin) treatment regimen with a high cisplatin dose intensity shows good efficacy and lower toxicity. Thus, we retrospectively investigated the tolerability and efficacy of a modified tri-weekly MVAC neoadjuvant regimen. Methods: We analyzed 25 patients with locally advanced bladder cancer medicated by a modified tri-weekly MVAC neoadjuvant regimen that omits treatment on days 15 and 22. The efficacy and tolerability were assessed retrospectively. Results: The numbers of patients in clinical stages 2, 3, and 4 were 13 (52.0%), 1 (4.0%), and 11 (44.0%), respectively. Surgery could be performed on all patients. Five patients (20.0%) had no cancer remaining in their surgical specimens. Remaining non-muscle-invasive cancer without metastasis was observed in 7 patients (28.0%), and the total downstaging rate was 44.0%. The 5-year overall and relapse-free survival rates were 79.0 and 75.0%, respectively. The overall relative dose intensity was 0.90. Serious hematologic toxicities rated grade 3 or greater were leukopenia in 6 patients (24.0%) and anemia in 1 patient (4.0%). Conclusions: Sufficient efficacy and tolerability of a modified tri-weekly MVAC neoadjuvant regimen were suggested. Thus, tri-weekly modified MVAC may be an option for neoadjuvant chemotherapy of advanced bladder cancer.