bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Support Stiffness on Dynamic Characteristics of the Hydraulic Pipe Subjected to Basic Vibration
Authors: Qu Wei , Zhang Huailiang , Li Wei , Sun Wenqian , Zhao Lina , Ning Haihui
Published: November 2018

The basic vibration generated during the tunneling process of hard rock tunnel results in the change of the support stiffness of the hydraulic pipe, which causes the problem of reduction of pipe transmission efficiency. A transverse motion equation of the hydraulic pipe was established by correlating with Hamilton’s principle under basic vibration. In consideration of the fluid‐structure interaction (FSI), the support was simplified as an equivalent and a spring. The bidirectional fluid‐solid coupling analysis method was used to investigate dynamic characteristics of the pipeline under different support stiffness conditions. The finite element method (FEM) and the experimental analysis are applied to verify the proposed methodology. The numerical results show that the maximum displacement of the pipe decreases with the increase of the support stiffness; the maximum stress of the pipe decreases first and then increases with the increase of the support stiffness; the amplitude of the fluid pressure fluctuation at the outlet of the pipe increases with the increase of the support stiffness. But the fluid pressure fluctuation with the higher stiffness is first stable, which can indicate that the support stiffness can increase the damping of the pipe system. This study can get a significant access to the structural design of the pipeline under basic vibration.
Avulsion Fracture of the Tibial Tuberosity Combined with Lateral Tibial Plateau in an Adolescent
Authors: Mahmoud Jameel , Alrashedan Bander S. , Allimmia Khalid M. , Alanazi Basam , Alshehri Talal A.
Published: November 2018

Avulsion fractures of the tibial tuberosity are commonly sustained in adolescent males during sport activities which involve jumping and tackling. Tibial tuberosity avulsions combined with lateral tibial plateau in an adolescent are rare injuries. We received an unusual case of left Ogden type IIIB avulsion fracture of the tibial tuberosity with an articular involvement of the lateral tibial plateau (Salter Harris type IV) in a 14-year-old boy. The injury was sustained after jumping from three stairs where the boy predominantly landed on his left lower limb. Unlike other cases reported, since they were athletes and injuries were sustained during sport activities, our case is an obese individual who jumped off few stairs. The results following surgical treatment are excellent since the fracture united, and the articular surface was restored without the need of arthrotomy with gaining full range of motion. Therefore, displaying this case in the literature will be helpful since it is rare and was successfully treated differently from the previously reported cases.
Protective Effects of Aqueous Extracts of Flos lonicerae Japonicae against Hydroquinone‐Induced Toxicity in Hepatic L02 Cells
Authors: Gao Yanfang , Tang Huanwen , Xiong Liang , Zou Lijun , Dai Wenjuan , Liu Hailong , Hu Gonghua
Published: November 2018

Hydroquinone (HQ) is widely used in food stuffs and is an occupational and environmental pollutant. Although the hepatotoxicity of HQ has been demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo, the prevention of HQ‐induced hepatotoxicity has yet to be elucidated. In this study, we focused on the intervention effect of aqueous extracts of Flos lonicerae Japonicae (FLJ) on HQ‐induced cytotoxicity. We demonstrated that HQ reduced cell viability in a concentration‐dependent manner by administering 160 μmol/L HQ for 12 h as the positive control of cytotoxicity. The aqueous FLJ extracts significantly increased cell viability and decreased LDH release, ALT, and AST in a concentration‐dependent manner compared with the corresponding HQ‐treated groups in hepatic L02 cells. This result indicated that aqueous FLJ extracts could protect the cytotoxicity induced by HQ. HQ increased intracellular MDA and LPO and decreased the activities of GSH, GSH‐Px, and SOD in hepatic L02 cells. In addition, aqueous FLJ extracts significantly suppressed HQ‐stimulated oxidative damage. Moreover, HQ promoted DNA double‐strand breaks (DSBs) and the level of 8‐hydroxy‐2 ′‐deoxyguanosine and apoptosis. However, aqueous FLJ extracts reversed HQ‐induced DNA damage and apoptosis in a concentration‐dependent manner. Overall, our results demonstrated that the toxicity of HQ was mediated by intracellular oxidative stress, which activated DNA damage and apoptosis. The findings also proved that aqueous FLJ extracts exerted protective effects against HQ‐induced cytotoxicity in hepatic L02 cells.
Characterizing Critical Transition State for Network Fundamental Diagram
Authors: Hong Rongrong , An Chengchuan , Lu Zhenbo , Xia Jingxin , Nie Qinghui , Rao Wenming
Published: November 2018

Macroscopic Fundamental Diagram (MFD) reveals the relationship between network accumulation and flow at the macroscopic level. The network traffic flow state analysis is a fundamental problem for the MFD-based applications. Theoretical and experimental investigations have provided insights into the dynamics and characters of traffic flow states. Although many empirical studies had been conducted in the field of MFD, few studies were dedicated to investigate the network traffic flow states with field data. This study aims to develop a data-driven method based on time series analysis of MFD state points to characterize critical transition state (CTS) of network traffic flow using field data. The proposed method was tested in a real network of Kunshan City, China. The test results showed that the CTS points can be well captured by the proposed method. The identified CTS points distinguished the traffic states between free-flow state and optimal accumulation state, and the optimal accumulation state was characterized. The day-to-day pattern of CTS points was investigated by the Gaussian Mixture Model-based clustering model. An extended application of real-time identification of CTS points was also discussed. The proposed method is helpful to understand the temporal evolution process of network traffic flow and provides potentials for developing more reliable network traffic flow management strategies, such as optimizing traffic signal plans and developing strategies for congestion tooling.
Using Insider Swapping of Time Intervals to Perform Highly Invisible Network Flow Watermarking
Authors: Liu Weiwei , Liu Guangjie , Xia Yang , Ji Xiaopeng , Zhai Jiangtao , Dai Yuewei
Published: November 2018

Network flow watermarking (NFW) is an emerging flow correlation technique to deanonymize an anonymous communication system or detect stepping stones, in which a watermark is encoded into a network flow by manipulating some flow characteristics, predominantly by altering timing information. Although interval-based NFWs that employ time intervals as carrier have proven to be capable of resisting moderate network interference, they are vulnerable to some statistic-based attacks, which may expose the very existence of watermark and enable attackers to damage or remove watermark from the observed flow. In this study, using insider swapping of time intervals and an adaptive centroid quantization framework, we design a highly invisible NFW scheme, which is undetectable by multi-flow attacks (MFA), Kullback-Leibler divergence (KLD) test, Kolmogorov-Smirnov (K-S) test, and spread spectrum flow watermark (SSFW) detection. Experimental results using real traffic and public dataset show that the proposed NFW scheme can outperform three typical NFW schemes on invisibility while maintaining a strong interference-resistance capability of network jitter, packet loss, and dummy packet insertion.
Lead Environmental Pollution and Childhood Lead Poisoning at Ban Thi Commune, Bac Kan Province, Vietnam
Authors: Hai Doan Ngoc , Tung Lo Van , Van Duong Khanh , Binh Ta Thi , Phuong Ha Lan , Trung Nguyen Dinh , Son Nguyen Duc , Giang Hoang Thi , Hung Nguyen Minh , Khue Pham Minh
Published: November 2018

Lead poisoning is a public health problem in many areas of the world. Children are at particularly high risk for adverse effects of lead exposure; even at low concentrations, lead can affect physical, mental, and behavioral development. Children living near lead-zinc mines are at high risk for environmental lead poisoning, especially the contaminated soil. We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study in Ban Thi Commune, northern Vietnam. 195 children (92,9% participation) aged 3-14 years old (average: 7.69 ± 2.90) were randomly selected from a list of all children prepared by the village health collaborators. 109 (55.90%) were boys and 86 (44.10%) were girls. The research measures were the lead concentration in native soil and the children’s total blood lead concentration determined by the inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) method. The results showed that lead content in soil was many times higher than American Environmental Protection Agency and Vietnam standards (average 2980.23 ± 6092.84 mg/kg dry weight of soil (range 80.05 – 33820.62)). Average blood lead levels for children were 15.42 ± 6.45 μg/dL (95% CI: 14.50 -16.33 μg/dL). The percentage of children with lead levels >10 μg/dL (value considered to be lead poisoning for children according to the Ministry of Health of Vietnam) was 79.49% of the total number of children. None of the children in this study had blood lead level (BLL) that required chelation treatment according to Vietnam MOH guideline (BLL ≥45 μg/dL). There is weakly evidence that lead exposure relates to the physical development of children. Children with low lead concentrations (less than 10 μg/dL) had height and weight of 1.47-3.51 cm and 1.19-2.81 kg, greater than those with BLL >10 μg/dL (p>0.05).
A Comparison between the i-gel® and air-Q® Supraglottic Airway Devices Used for the Patients Undergoing General Anesthesia with Muscle Relaxation
Authors: Massoudi Nilofar , Fathi Mohammad , Nooraei Navid , Salehi Alireza
Published: November 2018

Objectives. The aim of the present study was to compare two supraglottic airway (SGA) devices (i.e., the i-gel® © Intersurgical Ltd and air-Q® (Reusable) Cookgas company) in terms of the insertion time, amount of leak during ventilation with maximum positive pressure, and postoperative complications in patients referring to Modarres Hospital in Tehran.Method.The present double-blind clinical trial was performed on 60 patients undergoing elective surgeries that required general anesthesia with muscle relaxation. Patients were randomly assigned to either i-gel® (n= 30) or Air-Q® (n= 30) groups.Results.The mean age, body mass index, duration of surgery, duration of anesthesia, and gender ratio were not significantly different between the two groups. Mean ± SD values of the SGA devices’ insertion time (in seconds) in the air-Q® and i-gel® groups were 4.87 ± 1.6 and 6.80 ± 1.2, respectively (P < 0.001). The mean OLP in the Air-Q® group was significantly higher than that of the i-gel® group (35.9 ± 9.6 versus 24.8 ± 3.7, p < 0.001). The frequency of complications occurred after the supraglottic airway insertion was higher in the i-gel® group. However, only in terms of sore throat, the difference between the two groups was statistically significant: 6 (20%) had sore throat (P = 0.024) in the i-gel groups, but in in the Air-Q® groups no one had this side effect after surgery.Conclusion.It was concluded that the Air-Q® supraglottic airway was placed faster and easier with fewer complications than the i-gel in general anesthesia with muscle relaxation. The frequency of the occurrence of all three complications, cough, sore throat, and blood, on the cuff (6 (20%) was higher in the i-gel group than that in the air-Q® group (cough3 (10%), sore throat 0 (0%), and blood on the cuff 3 (10%) (P < 0.05).
Finding the Best Third-Party Logistics in the Automobile Industry: A Hybrid Approach
Authors: Karbassi Yazdi Amir , Hanne Thomas , Osorio Gómez Juan Carlos , García Alcaraz Jorge Luis
Published: November 2018

Given the current economic climate, many companies are considering outsourcing some activities to reduce costs and to focus on their core competency; thus, by adopting a competency-focused approach they enhance their chances to survive in a growing and competitive market. Third-Party Logistics (3PL) is a system that facilitates logistic activities. First, however, the organizations need to assess which companies are suitable for outsourcing. The aim of this paper is to depict a structural system for 3PL selection and validate it in real-world automobile companies. We use the Delphi method to determine criteria for 3PL selection and apply Evaluation by an Area-based Method for Ranking (EAMR) to prioritize the candidate alternatives. This method is used in combination with a Shannon Entropy based approach for determining the required weights. Computational analysis shows which criteria and companies have high priority, and based on that candidate alternatives for outsourcing are evaluated. The results suggest how automobile companies select 3PL companies and allocate their work to them.
Redox Profiling Reveals Clear Differences between Molecular Patterns of Wound Fluids from Acute and Chronic Wounds
Authors: Bodnár Edina , Bakondi Edina , Kovács Katalin , Hegedűs Csaba , Lakatos Petra , Robaszkiewicz Agnieszka , Regdon Zsolt , Virág László , Szabó Éva
Published: November 2018

Wound healing is a complex multiphase process which can be hampered by many factors including impaired local circulation, hypoxia, infection, malnutrition, immunosuppression, and metabolic dysregulation in diabetes. Redox dysregulation is a common feature of many skin diseases demonstrated by virtually all cell types in the skin with overproduction of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. The objective of this study was to characterize the redox environment in wound fluids and sera from patients suffering from chronic leg ulcers (n = 19) and acute wounds (bulla fluids from second degree burns; n = 11) with serum data also compared to those from healthy volunteers (n = 7). Significantly higher concentrations of TNF‐α, interleukine‐8, vascular endothelial growth factor, and lactate dehydrogenase (measure of cell damage) were found in fluids from chronic wounds compared to acute ones. The extent of protein carbonylation (measure of protein oxidation), lipid peroxidation, and tyrosine nitration (indicator of peroxynitrite production) was similar in acute and chronic wound fluids, while radical scavenging activity and glutathione (GSH) levels were elevated in chronic wound fluids compared to acute wounds. Sera were also assessed for the same set of parameters with no significant differences detected. Nitrotyrosine (the footprint of the potent oxidant peroxynitrite) and poly(ADP‐ribose) (the product of the DNA damage sensor enzyme PARP‐1) could be detected in wound biopsies. Our data identify multiple signs of redox stress in chronic wounds with notable differences. In chronic wounds, elevations in antioxidant levels/activities may indicate compensatory mechanisms against inflammation. The presence of nitrotyrosine and poly(ADP‐ribose) in tissues from venous leg ulcers indicate peroxynitrite production and PARP activation in chronic wounds.
Study on the Resonant Parameters of Y (4220) and Y (4390)
Authors: Zhang Jielei , Yuan Limin , Wang Rumin
Published: November 2018

Many vector charmonium-like states have been reported recently in the cross sections of e+e-→ωχc0, π+π-hc, π+π-J/ψ, π+π-ψ(3686), and π+D0D⁎-+c.c. To better understand the nature of these states, a combined fit is performed to these cross sections by using three resonances Y(4220), Y(4390), and Y(4660). The resonant parameters for the three resonances are obtained. We emphasize that two resonances Y(4220) and Y(4390) are sufficient to explain these cross sections below 4.6 GeV. The lower limits of Y(4220) and Y(4390)’s leptonic decay widths are also determined to be (36.4±2.0±4.2) and (123.8±6.5±9.0) eV.
Damage Degree Detection of Cracks in a Locomotive Gear Transmission System
Authors: Liu XinChang , Sun Qi , Chen ChunJun
Published: November 2018

The gear transmission system is a vital component of the locomotive bogie. During locomotive operation, the damage to the gear transmission system spreads rapidly and affects the locomotive’s operational safety. In this paper, a method is proposed to detect the degree of tooth root crack damage. First, a dynamic locomotive model with a gear transmission is built, and the vertical acceleration of the locomotive subsystem (car body, bogie frame, wheelset, and motor) vibrations is obtained under various degrees of tooth root crack damage on the gear transmission system. By comparing the characteristics of those signals, the subsystem that is more sensitive to the effect of the tooth root crack is found. The characteristic parameters of the sensitive subsystem are calculated, and a multidimensional characteristic parameter matrix is established. The multidimensional characteristic parameter matrix is optimized and reduced by principal component analysis (PCA). Using the Grey relational analysis method, the degree of tooth root crack damage is detected. The proposed method demonstrates the ability to recognize the degree of tooth root crack damage.
Analysis of Titin in Red and White Muscles: Crucial Role on Muscle Contractions Using a Fish Model
Authors: Wu Ming-Ping , Chang Nen-Chung , Chung Chi-Li , Chiu Wan-Chun , Hsu Cheng-Chen , Chen Hui-Min , Sheu Joen-Rong , Jayakumar Thanasekaran , Chou Duen-Suey , Fong Tsorng-Harn
Published: November 2018

Several studies have compared molecular components between red and white skeletal muscles in mammals. However, mammalian skeletal muscles are composed of mixed types of muscle fibers. In the current study, we analyzed and compared the distributions of titin, lipid, phosphate ions, and fatty acid levels in red and white muscles using a fish model (Tilapia), which is rich in red and white muscles, and these are well separated. Oil-red O staining showed that red muscle had more-abundant lipids than did white muscle. A time-of-flight secondary-ion mass spectrometric (TOF-SIMS) analysis revealed that red muscle possessed high levels of palmitic acid and oleic acid, but white muscle contained more phosphate ions. Moreover, elastica-van Gieson (EVG) and Mito-Tracker green FM staining showed that collagen and elastic fibers were highly, respectively, distributed in connective tissues and mitochondria in red muscle. An electron micrographic analysis indicated that red muscle had a relatively higher number of mitochondria and longer sarcomere lengths and Z-line widths, while myofibril diameters were thicker in white muscle. Myofibrillar proteins separated by SDS-PAGE showed that the major giant protein, titin, was highly expressed in white muscle than in red muscle. Furthermore, ratios of titin to myosin heavy chain (MHC) (titin/MHC) were about 1.3 times higher in white muscle than red muscle. We postulated that white muscle is fit for short and strong contractile performance due to high levels of titin and condensed sarcomeres, whereas red muscle is fit for low intensity and long-lasting activity due to high levels of lipids and mitochondria and long sarcomeres.
Dynamic Characteristics of Satellite Solar Arrays under the Deployment Shock in Orbit
Authors: Li Dong-Xu , Liu Wang , Fan Cai-Zhi
Published: November 2018

Understanding the dynamic characteristics of solar arrays is important for satellite structural design and attitude control design. Considerable theoretical researches have been carried out towards this problem, but they have not been supported by actual orbit data from outer space yet. In this paper, the on‐orbit vibration characteristic data of solar arrays under the deployment shock are measured by using vibration measurement apparatuses based on structural strain. With these valuable experimental data, more eigenfrequencies of the solar arrays in the microgravity environment are obtained, and the prediction that the vibration of solar arrays will have larger amplitude and longer decay time under vacuum conditions is verified. Moreover, by comparing the eigenfrequency of main vibration under the space condition with that under the ground condition, the accurate value of the system damping ratio is gained, which has an important guideline significant for the structural design of solar arrays.
Study of Methanol Extracts from Different Parts of Peganum harmala L. Using 1H-NMR Plant Metabolomics
Authors: Li Yinping , He Qing , Du Shushan , Guo Shanshan , Geng Zhufeng , Deng Zhiwei
Published: November 2018

A nuclear magnetic resonance- (NMR-) based metabolomics method was used to identify differential metabolites of methanol extracts obtained from six parts of Peganum harmala L. (P. harmala), namely, the root, stem, leaf, flower, testa, and seed. Two multivariate statistical analysis methods, principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), were combined to clearly distinguish among the P. harmala samples from the six different parts. Eleven differential components were screened by the PLS-DA loading plot, and the relative contents were calculated by univariate analysis of variance. Chemometric results showed significant differences in the metabolites of the different parts of P. harmala. The seeds contained large amounts of harmaline, harmine, and vasicine compared to other organs. The acetic acid, proline, lysine, and sucrose contents of the roots were significantly higher than those of the other parts. In the testa, the vasicine, asparagine, choline, and 4-hydroxyisoleucine contents were clearly dominant. The obtained data revealed the distribution characteristics of the metabolomes of the different P. harmala parts and provided fundamental knowledge for the rational development of its medicinal parts.
High Throughput Screening of Additives Using Factorial Design to Promote Survival of Stored Cultured Epithelial Sheets
Authors: Reppe Sjur , Jackson Catherine Joan , Ringstad Håkon , Tønseth Kim Alexander , Bakke Hege , Eidet Jon Roger , Utheim Tor Paaske
Published: November 2018

There is a need to optimize storage conditions to preserve cell characteristics during transport of cultured cell sheets from specialized culture units to distant hospitals. In this study, we aimed to explore a method to identify additives that diminish the decrease in the viability of stored undifferentiated epidermal cells using multifactorial design and an automated screening procedure. The cultured cells were stored for 7–11 days at 12°C in media supplemented with various additives. Effects were evaluated by calcein staining of live cells as well as morphology. Twenty-six additives were tested using (1) a two-level factorial design in which 10 additives were added or omitted in 64 different combinations and (2) a mixture design with 5 additives at 5 different concentrations in a total of 64 different mixtures. Automated microscopy and cell counting with Fiji enabled efficient processing of data. Significant regression models were identified by Design-Expert software. A calculated maximum increase of live cells to 37 ± 6% was achieved upon storage of cell sheets for 11 days in the presence of 6% glycerol. The beneficial effect of glycerol was shown for epidermal cell sheets from three different donors in two different storage media and with two different factorial designs. We have thus developed a high throughput screening system enabling robust assessment of live cells and identified glycerol as a beneficial additive that has a positive effect on epidermal cell sheet upon storage at 12°C. We believe this method could be of use in other cell culture optimization strategies where a large number of conditions are compared for their effect on cell viability or other quantifiable dependent variables.
Research on Plaintext Restoration of AES Based on Neural Network
Authors: Hu Xinyi , Zhao Yaqun
Published: November 2018

Known plaintext attack is a common attack method in cryptographic attack. For ciphertext, only known part of the plaintext but unknown key, how to restore the rest of the plaintext is an important part of the known plaintext attack. This paper uses backpropagation neural networks to perform cryptanalysis on AES in an attempt to restore plaintext. The results show that the neural network can restore the entire byte with a probability of more than 40%, restoring more than half of the plaintext bytes with a probability of more than 63% and restoring more than half of the bytes above 89%.
Differential Gene Expression Profile of Renin-Angiotensin System in the Left Atrium in Mitral Regurgitation Patients
Authors: Liu Wen-Hao , Fang Yen-Nan , Wu Chia-Chen , Chen Mien-Cheng , Chang Jen-Ping , Lin Yu-Sheng , Pan Kuo-Li , Ho Wan-Chun , Chang Tzu-Hao , Huang Yao-Kuang , Fang Chih-Yuan , Chen Chien-Jen , Lee Wei-Chieh
Published: November 2018

Background. Left atrial enlargement is a mortality and heart failure risk factor in primary mitral regurgitation (MR) patients. Pig models of MR have shown differential expression of genes linked to the renin-angiotensin system. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the key genes of the renin-angiotensin that are expressed differentially in the left atrial myocardium in MR patients. Methods. Quantitative RT-PCR was used to compare gene expression in the renin-angiotensin system in the left atrium in MR patients, aortic valve disease patients, and normal subjects. Results. Plasma angiotensin II concentrations did not significantly differ between MR patients and aortic valve disease patients (P=0.582). Compared to normal controls, however, MR patients had significantly downregulated expressions of angiotensin-converting enzyme, angiotensin I converting enzyme 2, type 1 angiotensin II receptor, glutamyl aminopeptidase, angiotensinogen, cathepsin A (CTSA), thimet oligopeptidase 1, neurolysin, alanyl aminopeptidase, cathepsin G, leucyl/cystinyl aminopeptidase (LNPEP), neprilysin, and carboxypeptidase A3 in the left atrium. The MR patients also had significantly upregulated expressions of MAS1 oncogene (MAS1) and mineralocorticoid receptor compared to normal controls. Additionally, in comparison with aortic valve disease patients, MR patients had significantly downregulated CTSA and LNPEP expression and significantly upregulated MAS1 expression in the left atrium. Conclusions. Expressions of genes in the renin-angiotensin system, especially CTSA, LNPEP, and MAS1, in the left atrium in MR patients significantly differed from expressions of these genes in aortic valve disease patients and normal controls. Notably, differences in expression were independent of circulating angiotensin II levels. The results of this study provide a rationale for pharmacological therapies or posttranslational regulation therapies targeting genes expressed differentially in the renin-angiotensin system to remedy structural remodeling associated with atrial enlargement and heart failure progression in patients with MR.
Stay-Green QTLs Response in Adaptation to Post-Flowering Drought Depends on the Drought Severity
Authors: Kamal Nasrein Mohamed , Gorafi Yasir Serag Alnor , Tsujimoto Hisashi , Ghanim Abdelbagi Mukhtar Ali
Published: November 2018

Stay-green trait enhances sorghum adaptation to post-flowering drought. Six stay-green backcross introgression lines (BILs) carrying one or more stay-green QTLs (Stg1-4) and their parents were characterized under non-stress (W100: 100% of soil field capacity (FC)) and two levels of post-flowering drought (W75: 75% FC; W50: 50% FC) in a controlled condition. We aimed to study the response and identify the drought threshold of these QTLs under different levels of post-flowering drought and find traits closely contributing to grain yield (GY) under different drought severity. W50caused the highest reduction in BILs performance. From W100to W50, the GY of the recurrent parent reduced by 70%, whereas that of the BILs reduced by only 36%. W75and W50induce different behavior/response compared to W100. Harvest index contributed to the GY under the three water regimes. For high GY under drought transpiration rate at the beginning of drought and mid-grain filling was important at W75, whereas it was important at mid-grain filling and late-grain filling at W50. Stay-green trait can be scored simply with the relative number of green leaves/plants under both irrigated and stress environments. QTL pyramiding might not always be necessary to stabilize or increase the GY under post-flowering drought. The stay-green QTLs increase GY under drought by manipulating water utilization depending on drought severity.
A Rare Case of Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia Presenting as T-Cell Lymphoblastic Crisis
Authors: Padhi Parikshit , Topalovski Margarita , El Behery Radwa , Cantu Eduardo S. , Medavarapu Ramadevi
Published: November 2018

Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia in blast crisis can manifest as either myeloid (more common) or lymphoid blast crisis. Most lymphoblastic crises are of B-cell lineage. T-cell blast crisis is extremely rare, with only a few reported cases. We present a case of a middle-aged man who was diagnosed with CML on peripheral blood and bone marrow biopsy. Because of a generalized lymphadenopathy noted at the time of diagnosis, a lymph node biopsy was also performed, which revealed a T-cell lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma, BCR/ABL1 positive, with clonal evolution. This is a very rare manifestation of CML in blast crisis with no standard treatment and with poor outcomes despite chemotherapy or allogeneic stem cell transplant. Given its rarity, it would be difficult to develop standard chemotherapy protocols. We believe the treatment for this condition should be similar to any lymphoid blast crisis. The patient was treated with induction chemotherapy (hyper-CVAD regimen) plus dasatinib for 3 cycles followed by sibling-donor allogeneic stem cell transplant and is currently on maintenance dasatinib and has minimal residual disease at this time.
Adding Handles to Optimize Manual Box Handling
Authors: Nogueira Helen Cristina , Januario Leticia Bergamin , Moreira Roberta de Fátima Carreira , Oliveira Ana Beatriz
Published: November 2018

The risk factors for developing musculoskeletal disorders in material handling tasks are well known. Among strategies for controlling risks, modifying boxes by adding handles is suggested. However, there are no clear recommendations regarding box modification as an approach to improve musculoskeletal health. In this study, we investigated the main literature databases to identify effects of box modification on reducing physical load. Electronic and manual searches were performed to identify studies that evaluated effects of boxes handles on physical exposure during handling tasks. The included studies were very heterogeneous (methods of assessment, types of handles used, and methodological quality), jeopardizing synthesis of evidence. Despite the mentioned limitations, we could suggest some features that could improve manual handling in practical settings, like the use of cylindrical handles forms with intermediate diameters (between 31 and 51 mm) and 30° inclination. Those characteristics demonstrated positive results on physical exposure. Regular cut-outs were indicated as a beneficial approach when boxes are handled in high surfaces. When handling occurs in medium heights or in the floor level, handles positioned on the top of the box might bring better results. Efforts to standardize methods are important to support both objective and subjective assessment of box handle design, as well to improve the internal validity of studies.
Oxidative Modification of LDL by Various Physicochemical Techniques: Its Probable Role in Diabetes Coupled with CVDs
Authors: Alouffi Sultan , Faisal Mohammad , Alatar Abdulrahman A. , Ahmad Saheem
Published: November 2018

Background. Pro- and antiatherogenic properties of oxidised low density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL) are responsible for different chronic diseases including diabetes and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The constant attack on the body from oxidative stress makes the quantification of various oxidation products necessary. In this study, the oxidative stress causing the structural and chemical changes occurring in the LDL molecule is comprehensively done. Moreover, the prevalence of the autoantibodies against the oxidised LDL is also determined. Methods. Our study made an attempt to see the effect of Ox-LDL as an enhancer of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) coupled with CVD. Primarily, we detected the oxidation of LDL with different concentration of Fenton reaction. The biochemical parameters were assessed for the changes occurring in the LDL molecule. In a clinical set up, 20 sera samples were taken from patients who are healthy, 30 from those with diabetes, 20 from those with CVD, and 30 from diabetes with CVD patients. Results. In biochemical assays there were markedly increased TBARS, carbonyl, and HMF content in Ox-LDL as compared to native LDL. The prevalence of autoantibodies against the T2DM was recorded to be 36%, while for CVD it was recorded to be 29%. However, it was found that 50% of the sera samples showed autoantibodies against oxidized LDL in the sera of T2DM with CVD complications as compared to the native analogue. Conclusion. There is significant change in the LDL molecule as revealed by various physicochemical analysis. The change in the LDL macromolecule as a result of oxidation triggered the development of the autoantibodies against it.
Ellagic Acid Suppresses the Oxidative Stress Induced by Dietary‐Oxidized Tallow
Authors: Zeb Alam , Akbar Adnan
Published: November 2018

Dietary tallow was thermally oxidized at 180°C in an open fryer. The oxidized tallow (OT) and unoxidized tallow were characterized for oxidation parameters and fatty acid composition using GC‐MS. Tallow samples were fed to rabbits along with 50, 100, and 150 mg/kg/day of ellagic acid (EA) for three weeks. Results revealed that the peroxide value (PV) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) significantly increased, while radical scavenging activity (RSA) of the tallow decreased significantly with oxidation. GC‐MS analysis showed eight fatty acids in the tallow samples, where palmitic acid (48.5‐49.7 g/100 g), linoleic acid (18.7‐23.7 g/100 g), stearic acid (13.5‐15.6 g/100 g), and margaric acid (6.32‐6.42 g/100 g) were the major fatty acids. Animal studies showed that oxidized tallow (OT) alone or in combination with EA significantly altered the body weight of the rabbits. Serum biochemical parameters and renal function tests were affected by OT and ameliorated by EA. The toxic effects of OT on haematological indices were minimized by EA. The supplementation of OT alone had significant effects on the liver structure and functions. The coadministration of EA reduced the toxic properties of OT on the liver, by increasing the antioxidant (GSH) system. The rabbit heart was also affected by the OT, which was ameliorated by EA supplementation. These results suggested that the supplementation of EA was beneficial against the OT‐induced oxidative stress and may be considered for foods containing oxidized lipids.
Packet Scheduling for Multiple‐Switch Software‐Defined Networking in Edge Computing Environment
Authors: Xue Hai , Kim Kyung Tae , Youn Hee Yong
Published: November 2018

Software‐defined networking (SDN) decouples the control plane and data forwarding plane to overcome the limitations of traditional networking infrastructure. Among several communication protocols employed for SDN, OpenFlow is most widely used for the communication between the controller and switch. In this paper two packet scheduling schemes, FCFS‐Pushout (FCFS‐PO) and FCFS‐Pushout‐Priority (FCFS‐PO‐P), are proposed to effectively handle the overload issue of multiple‐switch SDN targeting the edge computing environment. Analytical models on their operations are developed, and extensive experiment based on a testbed is carried out to evaluate the schemes. They reveal that both of them are better than the typical FCFS‐Block (FCFS‐BL) scheduling algorithm in terms of packet wait time. Furthermore, FCFS‐PO‐P is found to be more effective than FCFS‐PO in the edge computing environment.
Demographics, Practising Arrangements, and Standards: Survey among New Zealand Dentists
Authors: Lee Robert James , Ratnayake Jithendra , Veerasamy Arthi , Loch Carolina , Cathro Peter , Brunton Paul A.
Published: November 2018

Background. To determine the demographic profile and practising arrangements of general dentists in New Zealand.Methods. A questionnaire comprising 19 sections with 125 questions was distributed via mail to 351 general dentists in New Zealand who were selected, at random, from the Dental Council of New Zealand’s 2016 register.Results. Two hundred and four questionnaires were returned, of which 188 were usable giving a response rate of 53.5%. The majority of the respondents (63.5%) were male and practice principals (56.8%). Fifty-nine percent of the practices were located in city or town centres with a wide geographic distribution. Sole practitioners accounted for 24.1% of respondents, with the mean number of dentists per practice being 3.2. The majority of respondents (71.6%) attended five or more continuing professional development courses in the past year. Ninety-one percent of respondents used a computerized management system, and 95.3% used the Internet. The use of nickel-titanium endodontic files (83.9%) and digital imaging (82.2%) was the most frequently cited clinical innovations. Articaine was the most popular local anaesthetic of choice.Conclusions. Dentistry is an ever-changing profession, with evidence that NZ dentists continue to develop, learn, and embrace advancements in technologies to supply high-quality evidence-based treatment.
Apparent Horizon and Gravitational Thermodynamics of Universe in the Eddington-Born-Infeld Theory
Authors: Ding Jia-Cheng , Fan Qi-Qi , Li Cong , Li Ping , Deng Jian-Bo
Published: November 2018

The thermodynamics of Universe in the Eddington-Born-Infeld (EBI) theory was restudied by utilizing the holographic-style gravitational equations that dominate the dynamics of the cosmical apparent horizon ΥA and the evolution of Universe. We started in rewriting the EBI action of the Palatini approach into the Bigravity-type action with an extra metric qμν. With the help of the holographic-style dynamical equations, we discussed the property of the cosmical apparent horizon ΥA including timelike, spacelike, and null characters, which depends on the value of the parameter of state wm in EBI Universe. The unified first law for the gravitational thermodynamics and the total energy differential for the open system enveloped by ΥA in EBI Universe were obtained. Finally, applying the positive-heat-out sign convention, we derived the generalized second law of gravitational thermodynamics in EBI Universe.
Arthroscopic Resection for Benign Fibrous Histiocytoma in the Epiphysis of the Femur
Authors: Shimizu Junya , Emori Makoto , Okada Yohei , Hasegawa Tadashi , Yamashita Toshihiko
Published: November 2018

A 16-year-old woman presented to her local hospital with a few-month history of right knee pain. On MRI, the lesion exhibited an intermediate signal on T1-weighted and T2-weighted images. The orthopedic physician made a diagnosis of osteochondritis dissecans. After 13 months from the first visit, the patient underwent MRI of the knee once more, which demonstrated that the osteolytic lesion grew larger. To achieve a definitive diagnosis, we attempted to perform a resection biopsy with knee arthroscopy. We performed biopsy, and the tumor was removed completely. The tumor occurred in an epiphysis, and the pathological findings concluded that the pathological diagnosis was benign fibrous histiocytoma. One year after surgery, she was asymptomatic. Computed tomography revealed that the previous tumor bone cavity was filled with bone formation and no evidence of recurrence.
Genetic Diversity of Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus Infection in Goats in Southwestern China
Authors: Deng Yu , Wang Silu , Liu Runxia , Hao Guiying
Published: November 2018

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) affects cows, pigs, sheep, goats, and other ruminants, as well as some wild animals. BVDV causes considerable economic losses every year and many countries have developed programs aimed at the eradication of this disease. The genetic diversity of BVDV in diseased goats has never been described in southwestern China. Thus, in this study, we applied antigen-capture ELISA and RT-PCR to survey the infection rate of BVDV in diseased goats in this region. Our results demonstrated that the average BVDV infection rate in goats was 17.51%, with all positive samples indicating infection by BVDV-1 and not BVDV-2, BVDV-3, or Border disease virus. The molecular characteristics of the 5′-untranslated region (5′-UTR) of BVDV-1 were recognized as belonging predominantly to the BVDV-1a, 1b, 1c, 1m, and 1p subtypes. BVDV-1b and 1m were the most abundant subtypes identified in this region, similar to the BVDV epidemics in cattle in other regions of China. This is the first study that describes the genetic characterization of BVDV in sick goats from southwestern China and is important for future studies and control programs.
Cross-Cultural Adaptation, Validity, and Reliability of the Patient-Rated Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire for Thai Patients
Authors: Dhippayom Jananya P. , Trevittaya Piyawat , Cheng Andy S. K.
Published: November 2018

Introduction. The Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ) is a patient-rated hand outcome instrument. It is widely used in orthopedic and neurological conditions of the hands and upper limbs. To gain more knowledge on hand outcomes from a Thai patient perspective, an MHQ-Thai version is required. Purpose of the Study. The study is aimed at translating and cross-culturally adapting the MHQ into Thai and at examining the validity and reliability of the translated version. Methods. The Beaton protocol for cross-cultural adaptation of self-reported measures was used in the translation process. Three occupational therapists were asked to assess content validity while 30 participants were asked to fill in the questionnaire in order to assess construct validity, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability. Results. All six domains of the MHQ were translated into Thai without any major problems. However, items related to the characteristics of the patients were adapted to suit the Thai context. The MHQ-Thai version had good content validity (IOC 0.972). The construct validity revealed a low-to-high correlation between every subscale of the MHQ-Thai version. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of the test-retest reliability for the six domains ranged from 0.788 to 0.956, with excellent correlation (ICC = 0.953) for the total score. Cronbach’s alpha was 0.835 for the total score of the MHQ-Thai version, indicating good internal consistency. Discussion and Conclusions. MHQ was successfully cross-culturally adapted into Thai. The MHQ-Thai version is a valid and reliable instrument for evaluating the self-perception of Thai people who have hand and upper limb injuries.
The Antitumor and Immunomodulatory Effect of Yanghe Decoction in Breast Cancer Is Related to the Modulation of the JAK/STAT Signaling Pathway
Authors: Mao Dan , Feng Lei , Gong Hui
Published: November 2018

Background. Yanghe decoction (YHD) has been used in the treatment of breast cancer for hundreds of years in Asia. However, the underlying mechanisms are currently unknown. The present study aims to evaluate the efficacy of YHD on antitumor and immune system enhancement in a 4T1 mouse breast cancer model and to clarify the antitumor mechanisms of YHD in breast cancer. Materials and Methods. The YHD was orally administrated for 2 weeks after inoculation. Tumor tissues were then removed, weighed, and homogenized. Flow cytometry was used to detect the number of Myeloid‐Derived Suppressor Cells (MDSCs), Natural Killer T Cells (NKTs), and T cell subsets. Quantitative real‐time PCR was used to detect the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and arginase‐1 (ARG‐1). Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of signal transducers and the activator of transcription 1 (STAT1), phosphorylated‐signal transducers and the activator of transcription 1 (p‐STAT1), signal transducers and the activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), and phosphorylated‐signal transducers and the activator of transcription 3 (p‐STAT3). The expression levels of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β), and interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) were detected using an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Results. We found that the tumor weight of YHD high‐dose group was significantly lower compared with the control group (p<0.05). The YHD depressed the expression of MDSCs, iNOS, ARG‐1, IL‐6, TGF‐β, and p‐STAT3 and significantly increased the expression of IFN‐γ, NKTs, CD4+ T cells, and p‐STAT1. Conclusion. Our results showed that The mechanisms of YHD inhibit 4T1 breast tumor growth may be related to downregulating the expression of iNOS and ARG‐1, negatively regulating the Janus kinase/STAT3 (JAK/STAT3) pathway by repressing the expression of IL‐6 and TGF‐β. Meanwhile, YHD enhances the immune capacity via increasing the expression of NKTs, CD4+ T cells, IFN‐γ, and p‐STAT1.
A Newly Authenticated Compound from Traditional Chinese Medicine Decoction Induces Melanogenesis in B16‐F10 Cells by Increasing Tyrosinase Activity
Authors: Xin Xiu Juan , Zou Jiahong , Zou Tao , Shang Huoli , Sun Li Yun
Published: November 2018

Vitiligo is a kind of skin dysfunction on melanogenesis. The highly prevalent, chronic, and distinctive complexion changes on patients have imposed enormous psychic and economic burden on both individuals and society. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a kind of precious source on chronic disease treatment, including skin dysfunctional diseases. In our previous study, a new compound named apigenin‐7‐butylene glucoside has been authenticated and purified from a prescription of Chinese traditional medicine formula which has been used clinically in vitiligo treatment. The aim of this work is to evaluate the effects of this compound on melanogenesis using melanoma cell B16‐F10 in vitro. The results showed that apigenin‐7‐butylene glucoside had almost no cytotoxicity on B16‐F10 cells within a lower dose of 5.0 μg ml−1 and enhanced the melanin level to about 41% and tyrosinase activity to 1.32‐fold when compared with controls. The compound showed minor cytotoxicity to B16‐F10 cells at the higher concentration of 10 μg ml−1 and 50 μg ml−1, the inhibition rate was 8.4% and 11.8%, and the melanin level and tyrosinase activity showed a decreased trend because of the lower cell number at the higher concentrations. The results indicated that apigenin‐7‐butylene glucoside was safe to B16‐F10 cells within a lower concentration, <5.0 μg ml−1. Incubated with 5.0 ug ml−1of apigenin‐7‐butylene glucoside for 48 hours, the mRNA and protein levels of Tyr, Trp-1, and Trp-2 genes were all increased except Mitf in B16‐F10 cells. The stimulation of apigenin‐7‐butylene glucoside on melanogenesis of B16‐F10 cells through Tyr, Trp‐1, and Trp‐2 pathway highlighted the potential usage of the compound in vitiligo treatment.