bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Network Pharmacology and Experimental Validation of Sanqi-Danshen in the Treatment of Osteoporosis
Authors: He Changqiang , Li Qinlu , Zhao Jingtao
Published: May 2022

Osteoporosis (OP) is a systemic skeletal disorder with a systemic metabolic bone disease including reduced bone mineral density (BMD), deteriorated skeletal micro-architecture and ultimately lead to fragility fracture. Sanqi is the dry roots of Panax notoginseng (Burk.) F. H.
Chen, and Danshen is the dry root and rhizome of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge. The two are considered to be a pair of drugs in OP. However, the mechanism has not been fully clarified. Herein, a systematic study based on network pharmacology was designed to elucidate this pair of drugs. The
pharmacological system generated 66 bio-active ingredients and 213 targets from Sanqi-Danshen. Additionally, 1762 targets have entered the analysis, and 96 candidates of Sanqi-Danshen on OP were selected. Quercetin and luteolin might be the essential components of Sanqi-Danshen for OP therapy
in network analysis. The Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) indicated that Sanqi-Danshen can have effects on bone metabolism, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory activity for OP treatment through AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications, Leishmaniasis,
IL- 17 signaling pathway (p < 0.05, q < 0.05). PPI network and sub-networks identified 5 hub genes including NTRK1, TP53, EGFR, CUL3 and HSP90AA1 were exerting potential therapeutic effects in OP. Different concentrations of quercetin and luteolin could lead to raw264.7
cells cytotoxicity and apoptosis. Moreover, the BLI and RT-PCR also confirmed that quercetin and luteolin have a good affinity to IL-6 and these compounds would regulate the mRNA expression of NTRK1, Caspase-3, IL-6, ESR1 and TNF-α. In summary, the drug pairs of Sanqi and Danshen
show a multi-compound, multi-target to OP treatment, and our research would provide a scientific basis and guidance for further clinical applications and mechanism action.
Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Characterized Hydrolysate Fractions Possess Anticancer Activity In Vitro
Authors: Feng Nianjie , She Shaowen , Hu Chuanqin , Wu Qian
Published: May 2022

To find new plant-derived antitumor drugs, hydrolysate and fractions of poplar were analyzed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay for their inhibitory effect against liver cancer HepG-2 cells. Strong cytotoxicity of hydrolysate was revealed at
processing temperature of 180 °C or above. The hydrolysate formed at 180 °C was sequentially extracted using organic solvent to obtain five fractions, and only the diethyl ether-soluble fraction (FDe) showed specific cytotoxicity. The eluted fraction of acetone/n-hexane
(F1) was further isolated by column chromatography separation from the FDe fraction at a yield of 70%, and could severely decrease cell viability. LC-MS chromatography indicated that 5-hydroxymethyl furfural, ρ-hydroxybenzoic acid and syringaldehyde
were the main compounds in the F1 fraction. Furthermore, the results of flow cytometry, Western blotting, and polymerase chain reaction indicated that syringaldehyde could tightly control the growth and metabolism of HepG-2 cells. The findings could move forward the value-added
applications of lignocellulosic hydrolysate on traditional medicines.
Noxiousness Valuation of Two Pharmaceutical Plants on White Garden Snail and Their Side Influences on Biochemical Parameters and Histopathological Changes in Brown Rat
Authors: Mohamed Ghada R. , Ahmed Nevin , Sami Rokayya , Mansour Ahmed M. A. , Hassan Nibal A. , Benajiba Nada , Elbath Moamen A.
Published: May 2022

The current study aimed to evaluated the toxicity of Abrus precatorius (AP) and Ricinus communis (RC) plants on land snail (Theba pisana) and their effects on biochemical and histological changes in brown rat (Rattus norvegicus). Different concentration (1%,
1.5%, 2% and 2.5%) of AP and RC were used in this study to evluate their effects. The findings of this study pertained that the seeds of AP and RC had potential impact to control T. pisana and the LC50 of AP and RC had negative effects on many life cycle stages of T. pisana.
The oviposition and new generation of T. pisana decreased by 81.2% and 62.5% and by 100% and 96.7%, while the infertility rate declined by 96.4% and 82.4% after treating T. pisana by AP and RC, respectively. Results also showed that AP and RC had weak influences on the liver,
spleen, intestine, kidney and testis tissues of R. norvegicus. Furthermore, the effect was relatively higher for A. precatorius than R. communis on R. norvegicus males.
Evaluation of Nutritional, Physico-Chemical and Function Properties of Cactus Pear Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Pulp and Cladode: A Comparative Study
Authors: Al-Mushhin Amina A. M.
Published: May 2022

The objective of this research was to evaluation of chemical, functional, and nutritional components of both pulp and cladode. The results indicated that cladode had higher moisture content (90.7%) and ash content (1.54%) compared to the pulp. While the cladode showed higher amount
of protein content (1.08%), crude fiber (3.03%), crude fat (0.63%) and total carbohydrate (17.2%) compared to cladode. The significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher pH (6.96), TSS (18.45 °Brix) and titratable acidity (0.18%) were recorded in pulp of cactus pear compared to cladode. The
range of mineral contents such as magnesium, potassium, calcium, copper and zink were recorded between (0.16–96.45), (2.34–16.23), (5.64–16.65), (27.16–33.55), and (50.56–65.94) (μg/100 g DW), respectively. It could be noticed that pulp of cactus pear
had a higher content of vitamin C(75.07 mg/100 g FW) and lower content of carotenoids (2.41 μg/ml FW) as compared to cladode. The statically significant (P ≤0.05) and higher amino acids were found in cladode of cactus pear; the Valine (0.40–3.71 g/100 g) and Serine
(1.74–3.34 g/100 g) were found higher in cladode. The high phenolic (2.2 g/100 g) and tannin content (2.55 g/100 g) compared to cladode extract 1.03 g/100 g (2.34 g/100 g) on dry basis, respectively. Phytic acid content was higher in cladode (0.55 g/100 g DW) than in the pulp (0.34 g/100
g DW). Pulp and cladode values were similar to each other for Sophisticated analytical Saponins contents 0.55 g/100 g DW. Sophisticated analytical approaches will promote the use of the cactus plants in foods, medicines, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries.
Litter Amount of Pinus massoniana Natural Forest at Different Ages in Hengshan Mountain
Authors: Zeng Zhangquan , Li Minghong , Song Yang , Yang Rui , Xia Jianglin , Kuang Daiyong , Yang Qing , Zhang Canming
Published: May 2022

Litter participates in material circulation and energy transfer, and is an important part of carbon pool, which affects the ecological service function of soil and water conservation. In this paper, the natural forest of Pinus massoniana in Hengshan Mountain was taken as the
research object. Through collecting the litter of the natural forest of Pinus massoniana, the composition of the litter and the annual litter amount of each component were analyzed. The results showed that: the litter was mainly composed of bark, cones, branches, needles, broad leaves
and semi decomposition. The average annual litter amount of each component was 49.47 g/m2, 84.35 g/m2, 108.87 g/m2, 318.45 g/m2, 101.11 g/m2, 372.62 g/m2, respectively. The main components were semi decomposition, needles and
branches. The annual total amount was 884.61–1207.68 g/m2, which increased with the forest age. To master the litter composition characteristics of Pinus massoniana natural forest is helpful for the further study of its decomposition characteristics and the measurement
of water.
Chemical Profile by Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry of Ethyl Acetate and N-butanol Extracts of Centaurea tougourensis Boiss. & Reut
Authors: Bensaad Mohamed Sabri , Dassamiour Saliha , Hambaba Leila , Kahoul Mohamed Amine , Sami Rokayya , Al Masoudi Luluah M. , Al-Mushhin Amina A. M. , Benajiba Nada
Published: May 2022

Nowadays, plants bioactive compounds are considered as a new source of therapy, especially for the elaboration process of more effective drugs. 80% of the actual drug substances are purely natural and originate from plants, representing a new hope, especially for the treatment of chronic
illnesses. The aim of this study is to characterize the phytochemical composition of C. tougourensis via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) approach. This method allowed the identification of 45 compounds in the n-butanol extract (n-BuOH), in which 12 compounds were in majority,
namely; 2H-Furo [2,3-b] indole, 3,3a,8,8atetrahydro-2,3-dimethyl- (16.12%), Benz [c] pyran-1,3-dione, 4,4-dimethyl- (14.87%), Octadecanoic acid,9-oxo-, methyl ester (9.69%), Hydromorphone (7.94%), Acetamide, N-[3-[2-(2,3-dihydro-3-hydroxy-2-oxo-3-indolyl)-1-oxoethyl]p (6.14%), 2,6-Di-n-propyl-4-(2-furyl)pyridine
(6.11%), Norhydrocodone (5.98%), Anthracene, 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8-octahydro- (4.72%), 2,4,6-Trimethylbenzonitrile, N-oxide (4.47%), 3-O-Methyl-d-glucose (2.94%), 3,5-Diethyl-4-(2-furyl) pyridine (2.75%) and 3H-Pyrrolo [3,2-f] quinoline, 5-methoxy-1,2,7,9-tetramethyl- (2.30%). Concerning the ethyl
acetate (EA) extract; 23 compounds were identified, in which 13 compounds were in majority, namely; [Bi-1,4-cyclohexadien-1-yl]-3,3,′6,6′-tetrone, 4,4′-dihydroxy-2,2,′5,5′-tetramethyl- (27.31%), Thiosulfuric acid, S-(2-aminoethyl) ester (15.07%), 2-Pentadecanone,
6,10,14-trimethyl- (8.91%), 3-Methyl-4-(phenylthio)-2-prop-2-enyl-2,5-dihydrothiophene 1,1-dioxide (7.12%), Tetrapentacontane, 1,54-dibromo- (5.74%), Heptacos-1-ene (5.03%), Propionic acid, 3-iodo-, tetradecyl ester (4.92%), 2-Methyl-E-7-octadecene (4.68%), 7,8-Epoxylanostan-11-ol, 3-acetoxy-
(3.65%), 4-Fluoro-1-methyl-5-carboxylic acid, ethyl(ester) (3.15%), Tetrapentacontane, 1,54-dibromo- (2.79%), Undec-10-ynoic acid, tetradecyl ester (2.77%), 3,7,11,15-Tetramethyl-2-hexadecen-1-ol (2.72%).
Combined Effects of Bacteria and Hydroxyapatite on Rice and Microorganisms in Cadmium Contaminated Soil
Authors: Xu Hong , Zhang Yuanke , Qi Yilin , Ma Liang , Ran Song , Chen Qiming , Zhang Cheng , Zeng Xiaoxi
Published: May 2022

Cadmium (Cd) has caused serious soil environmental problems and directly harming plants, microorganisms, and even humans. It is vital and necessary to develop effective methods to solve the problem of soil Cd pollution and improve soil environment. In this study, alkali-producing bacteria
combined with hydroxyapatite (HAP) to explore their effects on rice Cd accumulation, rice yield, soil available Cd, and soil microorganisms. Results showed that the soil available Cd content decreased in all groups. The bacteria combined with 0.5% and 2% ratio HAP treatment groups decreased
soil available Cd by 7.17% and 0.58%, respectively. However, Cd content of grains in the former treatment group was as high as 0.27 mg/kg, and the latter treatment group was 0.18 mg/kg, they were lower than control group (0.31 mg/kg). As to the rice yield, most treatment groups can increase
rice yield comparing to control group, and the bacteria combined with 2% ratio HAP increased by 13.79%. On the soil microorganisms, treatment groups had no obvious impact on diversity of soil microbial communities (p > 0.05), but there were significant differences in phylum classification,
and the bacteria combined with 2% ratio HAP had more complex network of soil microorganisms. Besides, the bacteria could to adapt to this soil environment and colonize. So, the bacteria combined with 2% ratio HAP had great potentials for Cd contaminated soil remediation.
Freedom of Discussion versus Predetermined Futures in Deliberation Processes
Authors: Przybylska Anna , Bucholc Marta , Mazur Shin
Published: May 2022

Methods of deliberative consultations usually propose expert information materials to increase knowledge among lay citizens about the considered subject. These materials sometimes also include alternative scenarios for action presented with pros and cons. In our study, we pose the following research questions: (1) Do the participants tend to use predetermined scenarios or diverge from them and generate their reference structures for the deliberation’s indeterminate outcomes? (2) How do the scenarios intervene in the “loping to-and-fro form of movement” in the interactions? (3) How is the knowledge about the preexisting scenarios reflected in the “as if” ontology of thought and action? We introduce play and game as two ideal types of deliberation processes emphasizing the opposition of freedom and pre-determination of outcomes. The analysis used empirical material from online group discussions about various aspects of studying at Warsaw universities. The results showed that regardless of the situation in groups, predefined scenarios are the focus of discussions and anchoring points for the “loping to-and-fro form of movement.” However, participants demonstrated some selectivity, and they did not consider all alternatives. Moreover, they introduced some modifications and new proposals. At the same time, participants tended to diverge more from briefing materials in argumentation. Experiential arguments prevailed, and the pros and cons of each scenario appeared rarely across groups. Interestingly, stricter moderation did not necessarily intervene here, and the group with the highest level of own proposals in some instances followed the game rules more accordingly than other groups. Finally, the language of listening and understanding is frequent, regardless of the number of predefined scenarios discussed by groups, which strengthened the “as if” ontology of thought and action.
Clinical recommendations for the care of people with treatment-refractory obsessive-compulsive disorder when undergoing deep brain stimulation
Authors: Acevedo Nicola , Castle David , Groves Clare , Bosanac Peter , Mosley Philip E , Rossell Susan
Published: May 2022

Deep brain stimulation is an emerging therapy for treatment-refractory obsessive-compulsive disorder patients. Yet, accessibility is limited, treatment protocols are heterogeneous and there is no guideline or consensus on the best practices. Here, we combine evidence from scientific investigations, expert opinions and our clinical expertise to propose several clinical recommendations from the pre-operative, surgical and post-operative phases of deep brain stimulation care for treatment-refractory obsessive-compulsive disorder patients. A person-centered and biopsychosocial approach is adopted. Briefly, we discuss clinical characteristics associated with response, the use of improved educational materials, an evaluative consent process, comprehensive programming by an expert clinician, a more global assessment of treatment efficacy, multi-disciplinary adjunct psychotherapy and the importance of peer support programs. Furthermore, where gaps are identified, future research suggestions are made, including connectome surgical targeting, scientific evaluation of hardware models and health economic data. In addition, we encourage collaborative groups of data and knowledge sharing by way of a clinical registry and a peer group of programming clinicians. We aim to commence a discussion on the determinants of deep brain stimulation efficacy for treatment-refractory obsessive-compulsive disorder patients, a rare and severe patient group, and contribute to more standardized and evidence-based practices.
Measurement of master node delay in networked control systems
Authors: Huang Yongmeng , Ji Shuai , Huang Zuguang , Zhang Chengrui , Hu Tianliang
Published: May 2022

Master node delay is an unavoidable factor in a networked control system (NCS), which will lead to performance deterioration of the system, and large delay may even cause instability. In order to measure the master node delay in NCSs, its influence factors are analyzed and a non-perturbative black-box measurement method is proposed. In this method, a FPGA-based (Field-Programmable Gate Array) measurement device is developed, which sends out testing frames to master node periodically and triggers the master node to send out a response frame for every testing frame. Then the measurement device can get the measurement delay value by calculating the time interval between sending the testing frame and receiving the response frame, which consists of master node delay and some other delay that can be calculated precisely. Therefore, the accurate master node delay can be obtained by further processing the measurement delay value. A set of experiments were carried out and the results show that the proposed method can effectively measure the master node delay without a thorough understanding about its hardware and operating system software, and is not constrained by the type of operating system. Besides, as the master node delay can be measured exactly in the actual working condition without perturbing its user program by using this method, the results can reflect the real-time performance of the master node accurately. So that, it can provide a direct reference for choosing an appropriate master node for NCSs.
Elementary School Teachers’ Openness to Cultural Diversity and Professional Satisfaction
Authors: Tardif-Grenier Kristel , Goulet Mélissa , Archambault Isabelle , McAndrew Marie
Published: May 2022

Teachers’ professional satisfaction promotes students’ educational success. Studies have shown that teaching in a context of high cultural diversity may affect teachers’ level of satisfaction (e.g., satisfaction with students, perceived warmth in the teacher–student relationship, sense of efficacy). This longitudinal study conducted among 69 Canadian elementary school teachers found that those who reported more openness to their students’ cultural diversity presented a more positive perception of students and reported greater warmth in their relationships with students but experienced a lower sense of professional efficacy. This study highlights the importance of teachers’ openness to cultural diversity, an understudied variable.
Immunoglobulin G4-related disease presenting with hypertrophy and sclerosis of the inferior turbinate
Authors: Yang Jingpu , Jin Chengxun , Gao Yunhe , Wang Zonggui
Published: May 2022

Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a novel clinical disease entity characterized by elevated serum IgG4 concentration and tumefaction or tissue infiltration by IgG4+ plasma cells. 1 We report the case of a 56-year-old man who presented with nasal obstruction for 5 years. Rhinoscopy revealed hypertrophy and sclerosis of the inferior turbinate, whereas computed tomography revealed inflammation of the anterior ethmoid sinus and frontal sinuses. An endoscopic inferior turbinectomy was performed, and IgG4-RD was definitively diagnosed based on the histopathological features of the turbinate tissue. Prednisolone was administered postoperatively. IgG4-RD presenting with hypertrophy and sclerosis of the inferior turbinate is rare. Awareness of IgG4-RD originating in the sinonasal cavity is essential to avoid delayed diagnosis.
Transoral Endoscopic-Assisted Retrieval of Extraluminal Parapharyngeal Foreign Body
Authors: Wu Po-Hsuan , Cheng Po-Wen
Published: May 2022

The ingested fish bone (FB) is a common presentation for otolaryngologists in Asia. For FBs which could be identified by examinations with or without nasopharyngoscopy, direct removal would be an appropriate management. However, an ingested FB could occasionally perforate pharyngeal mucosa and migrate extraluminally. Otolaryngologists should be extremely careful while evaluation and management of extraluminal FBs to prevent life-threatening condition. In this case report, we present a patient with a parapharyngeal extraluminal FB for 2 days which was detected by computed tomography scan of the neck. A transoral endoscopic-assisted retrieval of fish bone was performed after right tonsillectomy.
Marital dissatisfaction, psychological control and parent-child conflict in Chinese families - An actor–partner interdependence model analysis
Authors: Leung Janet Tsin Yee , Shek Daniel Tan Lei , Kwok Lydia Man Hang , Yung Eunice Tsz Yan
Published: May 2022

Although family systems theories highlight the associations of marital quality with parenting practice and parent-child relationship, studies examining individual and inter-spousal linkages of marital dissatisfaction with psychological control and parent-child conflict among Chinese families are almost non-existent. Adopting the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model (APIM), dyadic interdependence in the associations of marital dissatisfaction with psychological control and parent-child conflict were examined in a sample of 386 Chinese families in Hong Kong. Fathers, mothers and adolescent children were involved in the data collection (Mfather’s age = 48.7; Mmother’s age = 44.7; Mchildren’s age = 14.6; 53.1% of adolescents were boys). Results showed that while father-perceived marital dissatisfaction was positively associated with paternal and maternal psychological control, mother-perceived marital dissatisfaction was not. Moreover, marital dissatisfaction perceived by each parent was linked to greater conflict between their children and the other parent, but it was not associated with his/her own conflict with children. The findings showed that Chinese fathers who perceived greater marital dissatisfaction might spill over their stress and hostility from marital dissatisfaction to practicing paternal psychological control and trigger their spouse to exercise maternal psychological control for their children. Besides, poorer marital satisfaction might be linked to conflictual relationship between their children and their spouse, hence increasing the risk of family triangulation. The present study suggests the importance of adopting a family-based intervention approach in helping Chinese parents facing marital dissatisfaction.
Effect of aortic cannulation depth on air emboli transport during cardiopulmonary bypass: A computational study
Authors: Ho Raymond , McDonald Charles , Pauls Jo P , Li Zhiyong
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Varying the insertion depth of the aortic cannula during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) has been investigated as a strategy to mitigate cerebral emboli, yet its effectiveness associated with CPB flow is not fully understood. We compared different arterial cannula insertion depths and pump flow influencing air microemboli entering the aortic arch branch arteries (AABA).

Methods

A computational approach used a patient-specific aorta model to evaluate four cannula locations at (1) proximal arch, (2) mid arch, (3) distal arch, and (4) descending aorta. We injected 0.1 mm microemboli (N=720) at 2 and 5 L/min and assessed the embolic load and the particle averaged transit times ( entering the AABA.

Results

Location 4 had the lowest embolic load (2 L/min: N= 63) and (5 L/min: N= 54) compared to locations 1 to 3 in the range of (N= 118 to 116 at 2 L/min:) and (N= 92 to 146 at 5 L/min). There was no significant difference between 2 L/min and 5 L/min (p = 0.31), despite 5 L/min attaining a lower mean (±standard deviation) than 2 L/min (38.0±23.4 vs 44.5±21.1), respectively. Progressing from location 1 to 4, increased 3.11s -7.40 s at 2 L/min and 1.81s -4.18s at 5 L/min.

Conclusion

It was demonstrated that the elongated cannula insertion length resulted in lower embolic loads, particularly at a higher flow rate. The numerical results suggest that CPB management could combine active flow variation with improving cannula performance and provide a foundation for a future experimental and clinical investigation to reduce surgical cerebral air microemboli.
An intelligent bearing fault diagnosis based on hybrid signal processing and Henry gas solubility optimization
Authors: Mishra Rismaya Kumar , Choudhary Anurag , Mohanty AR , Fatima S
Published: May 2022

Bearing is regarded as one of the core elements in rotating machines and its fault diagnosis is essential for better reliability and availability of the rotating machines. This paper puts forward an intelligent vibration signal-based fault diagnosis approach for bearing faults identification at an early stage, irrespective of speed conditions. The proposed methodology comprises of a frequency shift-based hybrid signal processing technique that involves a combination of Hilbert Transform (HT) and Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) followed by sliding window-based feature extraction. Thereafter, a newly developed Henry Gas Solubility Optimization (HGSO) is implemented to select the relevant features. At last, the optimal attributes are used to train the Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model for the classification of the different bearing faults. To test the effectiveness of the speed independent model, experimental validation was done with constant and varying speed conditions. The results demonstrate that the proposed methodology has a tremendous potential to eliminate unplanned failures caused by bearing in rotating machinery.
Wrinkling suppression in thin membranes using designed geometrical features
Authors: Nazzal Mohammad , Alkhader Maen , Agha Akshat , Abu‐Farha Fadi , Ali Zain , AlDamaty Waleed
Published: May 2022

The rapidly increasing use of thin membranes; especially in the fabrication of flexible electronics, has motivated investigating the wrinkling behavior of these membranes. Wrinkling has an undesirable effect since wrinkles degrade the surface accuracy of structures incorporating thin membranes. This work introduces and evaluates an approach based on including optimized geometric features in thin membranes to suppress their wrinkling behavior. The ability of the optimized geometric features to suppress wrinkling in a 25 μm thick polyimide membrane subjected to uniaxial stretching is investigated computationally and experimentally in this work. A finite element model is developed to predict the wrinkling behavior of the membrane. An experimental setup equipped with 3D digital image correlation system is used to determine the wrinkles pattern, amplitude, and wavelength. Symmetric circular holes are introduced in the membrane to redistribute the stress field, eliminate the fluctuation in the minor principal stress in the membrane, and suppress wrinkles. The location and size of the circular holes are determined by coupling the Non-Linear Programming by Quadratic Largrangian technique and finite element simulations. An optimal design is obtained and the experimental results show that the optimally designed holes effectively suppressed the wrinkling behavior.
A reliability study of railway switch and crossing components
Authors: Litherland Jack , Andrews John
Published: May 2022

Within any railway network Switches and Crossings (S&C) are essential. They allow trains to change tracks, allowing different routes to be selected. Despite their necessity, they generally have a lower reliability than plain line track and are often subject to breakdowns due to the high number of interlinking electrical and mechanical components they contain. Due to their location such as station throats and major junctions, S&C breakdown is generally very disruptive to traffic causing significant delays. Ensuring that S&C units are maintained correctly and minimising their risk of failure, is therefore of critical importance to railway asset managers. This research uses maintenance and failure data to determine probability distributions for the degradation, failure, inspection and maintenance of nine critical components within S&C units. These distributions can then be used within an asset management framework to simulate the expected operational behaviour of an S&C unit under a given set of conditions, allowing more informed asset management decisions to be taken.
Aboriginal earth mounds of the Calperum Floodplain (Murray Darling Basin, South Australia): New radiocarbon dates, sediment analyses and syntheses, and implications for behavioural change
Authors: Jones Robert , Roberts Amy , Westell Craig , Moffat Ian , Jacobsen Geraldine , Rudd Rachel
Published: May 2022

This paper presents the results of an archaeological investigation into anthropogenic earth (oven) mounds located on the Murray River floodplain at Calperum Station in the Renmark region of South Australia. Six mounds were excavated and their contents examined. Sediment analyses were also conducted to assess magnetic susceptibility, grain size and loss on ignition. Radiocarbon age estimates were obtained on shell and charcoal. Mound contents primarily included anthropogenically burnt clay (heat retainers), charcoal, fragments of mussel shell as well as very minor quantities of other faunal material and stone artefacts (which were consistent with previous lithic assessments for the region). The radiocarbon age determinations from 15 samples indicate that mounds were formed by Aboriginal people on the Calperum floodplain from at least 3981–3723 cal BP and utilised up to the time of European invasion. The very minimal amount of faunal remains (other than mussel shell), artefacts and a general lack of other material evidence apart from clay heat retainers, confirms that these features were single purpose and not used as living areas. Sediment analyses and radiocarbon dates indicate a high degree of homogeneity within mounds but provide insights into an economic transition on the Calperum floodplain, at around 4000 cal BP involving a food-production procurement strategy based on heat retainer technology and the exploitation of emergent macrophytes.
Local Dexamethasone Administration Delays Allogeneic Islet Graft Rejection in the Anterior Chamber of the Eye of Non-Human Primates
Authors: Tun Sai Bo Bo , Chua Minni , Tan Gavin Siew Wei , Leibiger Ingo , Ali Yusuf , Barathi Veluchamy Amutha , Berggren Per-Olof
Published: May 2022

Pancreatic islet transplantation into the anterior chamber of the eye (ACE) has been shown to improve glycemic control and metabolic parameters of diabetes in both murine and primate models. This novel transplantation site also allows the delivery of therapeutic agents, such as immunosuppressive drugs, locally to prevent islet graft rejection and circumvent unwanted systemic side effects. Local intravitreal administration of micronized dexamethasone implant was performed prior to allogeneic islet transplantation into the ACEs of non-human primates. Two study groups were observed namely allogeneic graft without immunosuppression (n = 4 eyes) and allogeneic graft with local immunosuppression (n = 8 eyes). Survival of islet grafts and dexamethasone concentration in the ACE were assessed in parallel for 24 weeks. Allogeneic islet grafts with local dexamethasone treatment showed significantly better survival than those with no immunosuppression (median survival time- 15 weeks vs 3 weeks, log-rank test p<0.0001). Around 73% of the grafts still survived at week 10 with a single local dexamethasone implant, where the control group showed no graft survival. Dexamethasone treated islet grafts revealed a good functional response to high glucose stimulation despite there was a transient suppression of insulin secretion from week 8 to 12. Our findings show a significant improvement of allografts survival in the ACE with local dexamethasone treatment. These results highlight the feasibility of local administration of pharmacological compounds in the ACE to improve islet graft survival and function. By eliminating the need for systemic immunosuppression, these findings may impact clinical islet transplantation in the treatment of diabetes, and the ACE may serve as a novel therapeutic islet transplantation site with high potential for local pharmacological intervention.
MGE-Like Neural Progenitor Cell Survival and Expression of Parvalbumin and Proenkephalin in a Jaundiced Rat Model of Kernicterus
Authors: Yang Fu-Chen , Vivian Jay L. , Traxler Catherine , Shapiro Steven M. , Stanford John A.
Published: May 2022

Kernicterus is a permanent condition caused by brain damage from bilirubin toxicity. Dystonia is one of the most debilitating symptoms of kernicterus and results from damage to the globus pallidus (GP). One potential therapeutic strategy to treat dystonia in kernicterus is to replace lost GP neurons and restore basal ganglia circuits through stem cell transplantation. Toward this end, we differentiated human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) into medial ganglion eminence (MGE; the embryological origin of most of the GP neurons)-like neural precursor cells (NPCs). We determined neurochemical phenotype in cell culture and after transplanting into the GP of jaundiced Gunn rats. We also determined grafted cell survival as well as migration, distribution, and morphology after transplantation. As in the GP, most cultured MGE-like NPCs expressed γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), with some co-expressing markers for parvalbumin (PV) and others expressing markers for pro-enkephalin (PENK). MGE-like NPCs survived in brains at least 7 weeks after transplantation, with most aggregating near the injection site. Grafted cells expressed GABA and PV or PENK as in the normal GP. Although survival was low and the maturity of grafted cells varied, many cells produced neurite outgrowth. While promising, our results suggest the need to further optimize the differentiation protocol for MGE-like NPC for potential use in treating dystonia in kernicterus.
Critical electro-magneto-mechanical loads of a higher-order shear deformable cylindrical nano panel
Authors: Ma Bo , Wang Xianglei , Mannani Shayan , Arefi Mohammad
Published: May 2022

This work studies electro-magneto-mechanical critical loads of a shear deformable cylindrical panel subjected to a combination of electric, magnetic, and mechanical loads. A higher-order shear deformation model is used to derive kinematic relations. The critical load equations are extracted using the virtual work’s principle. The buckling loads are obtained with calculation of external works due to electro-magneto-mechanical loads. Zero out of plane shear strains at the top and the bottom surfaces are satisfied using application of third-order shear deformation theory with some modifications. The analytical solution is presented to investigate impact of influencing parameters such as nano-scale length, length to radius ratio, span angle, and Pasternak’s foundation parameters on the electro-magneto-mechanical buckling loads. A large parametric analysis is presented to discuss the impact of influencing parameters such as nano-scale parameter, span angle, Pasternak’s foundation parameters, and length to radius ratio on the critical loads.
Effects of core structure on the performance of Terfenol-D rod
Authors: Liu Qiang , He Xiping
Published: May 2022

To improve the vibration performance of the Terfenol-D rod and make its work more efficient, six types of Terfenol-D rods were studied in this paper. The dynamic simulation analyses of the rods were carried out, and the core loss of the rods were calculated and analyzed. Three structures of rods were manufactured, and their output amplitude were tested. The results showed that an untreated rod had the highest resonance frequency, the largest mechanical quality factor, and the smallest output amplitude and outer surface stress; compared with the untreated rod, the resonant frequency and mechanical quality factor of the sliced and slit rods reduced, the output amplitude and outer surface stress of the sliced and slit rods increased; the resonant frequency and mechanical quality factor of the sliced rods were smaller than those of the slit rods; and the output amplitude and outer surface stress of the sliced rods were larger than those of the slit rods. The untreated rod had the largest core loss on the outer diameter surface; the core loss on the outer diameter surface of the sliced and slit rods reduced, and the core loss of sliced rods was less than that of slit rods. The radially slit rod had the largest overall core loss; the overall core loss of the radially cut and bonded rod and the sliced rods was less than that of the untreated rod and the radially slit rod.
Lagrange formal calculus as applied to Lagrange mechanics: An exercise in anachronism
Authors: Bersani Alberto Maria , Bersani Enrico , Caressa Paolo
Published: May 2022

When Lagrange wrote his masterpiece Mécanique Analytique, the foundations of analysis were not completely understood: to erect the great building of Analytical Mechanics upon solid foundations, the Piedmontese mathematician tried to lay the foundations of differential calculus in a purely algebraic way, using power series instead of functions, regardless about convergence and uniqueness issues. While this foundation was unsatisfactory as shown by Cauchy some decades later, it can shed light on how Lagrange considered the analytical objects (curves, energies, etc.) he dealt with in Mechanics. In this paper, we review these Lagrangian foundations of analysis, and we try to adopt its obvious modern counterpart, i.e., formal power series, to express some results in Analytical Mechanics related to Helmholtz conditions and Rayleigh description of dissipation. By means of purely algebraic manipulations, we will easily recover results otherwise proved by means of modern analysis.
Changes in Work Status, Couple Adjustment, and Recovery Capital: Secondary Analysis of Data From a Congruence Couple Therapy Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Lee Bonnie K , Ofori Dei Samuel M
Published: May 2022

Purpose:

Employment and family/social relationships are 2 of the highest priorities among those in substance use recovery. This study examined the relationship of work status with couple adjustment and other recovery capital treatment outcomes among symptomatic alcohol, substance use, and gambling participants ( N = 38) using data collected in a randomized trial comparing a systemic Congruence Couple Therapy (CCT) and individual-based Treatment-as-Usual (TAU).

Method:

Change scores and associations between work status and couple adjustment together with 8 other recovery outcome variables at post-treatment (5 months from baseline) and follow-up (8 months from baseline) in TAU ( n = 17) and CCT ( n = 21) were analyzed.

Results:

Number of those working increased with both CCT and TAU but without reaching significance in either CCT (Cochran’s Q = 5.429, P = .066) or TAU (Cochran’s Q = 2.800, P = .247). Relative to those not working in the combined sample, those working showed significantly improved scores in post-treatment and follow-up in addictive symptoms, couple adjustment, psychiatric symptoms, depression, and life stress. Separating the CCT and TAU groups, similar trend was found in the CCT group but was inconsistent in the TAU group.

Conclusion:

Significantly greater improvement in addictive symptoms and recovery capital of couple adjustment, mental health, and life stress was found in the working vs not-working group. Compared to individual-based TAU, exploratory findings indicate that the systemic treatment of CCT showed a clearer and more consistent difference in improved working days, addictive symptoms and recovery capital. Replication with larger samples is needed to generalize these results.
Detection and Determination of Staphylococcus aureus in Camel Milk and Associated Factors in Fedis, Eastern Hararghe, Ethiopia
Authors: Tasse Ibsa , Mengistu Dechasa Adare , Belina Dinaol , Girma Sisay
Published: May 2022

Background:

Camel milk is the key food for pastoralists in the arid and semi-arid areas of the eastern lowlands of Ethiopia. Unless it is handled under good hygienic conditions, milk can be a good medium for bacterial growth and can lead to foodborne diseases caused by various pathogenic microorganisms, such as Staphylococcus aureus. The current study was aimed to determine the prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus in raw camel milk and associated factors in Fedis, Eastern Ethiopia.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2, 2018 to May 26, 2019 in Fedis, Eastern Hararghe, Ethiopia. The questionnaire was used to determine the hygienic practices of camel milkers and sellers. Laboratory analysis was conducted to determine the level of Staphylococcus aureus. A total of 156 (78 from households and 78 from selling sites) milk samples were collected randomly from selected camel herd owners and selling sites for the isolation and enumeration of Staphylococcus aureus. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS software version 22.0. Finally, Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests were used to analyze the data. A P-value of .05 was considered as the cut-off point for statistical significance.

Results:

A total of 156 samples, including 78 samples of raw milk from the households and 78 samples from the market were purchased to determine Staphylococcus aureus. Out of 156 samples, Staphylococcus aureus was detected in 60 (38.5%) samples, of which 27 (34.6%) and 33 (42.3%) were among those collected from household and market, respectively. The overall mean Staphylococcus aureus count was 4.83 log CFU/mL, with household and market samples accounted for 2.76 and 5.08 log CFU/mL, respectively. Furthermore, 23 (38.3%) of the samples were contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus beyond the recommended level (4-5 log CFU/mL). There was a statistically significant association ( P-value of <.05) between the prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus and other variables such as age of the camel, parity, lactation stages, and sources of milk.

Conclusion:

More than one-third of milk samples were contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus at levels higher than the maximum permitted level. The findings of the current study suggests that there is a potential risk of foodborne infection and intoxication. Therefore, implementation of adequate hygiene and safety practices is very important to prevent the consumption of contaminated fruit juices, which leads to foodborne illness.
Fifteen years with patient choice and free establishment in Swedish primary healthcare: what do we know?
Authors: Fredriksson Mio , Isaksson David
Published: May 2022

Background:

In 2007, a reform of Swedish primary healthcare began when some regions implemented enhanced patient choice in combination with free establishment for private providers. Although heavily debated, in 2010 it became mandatory for all regions to implement this choice system.

Aim:

The aim of this article was to review all published research articles related to the primary healthcare choice reform in Sweden, to investigate what has been published about the reform and summarise its first 15 years.

Methods:

A scoping review was performed to cover the breadth of research on the reform. Searches were made in Scopus, Web of Science and PubMed for articles published between 2007 and 2021, resulting in 217 unique articles. In total, 52 articles were included.

Results:

The articles were summarised and presented in relation to six overarching themes: arguments about the primary healthcare choice reform; governance and financial reimbursements; choice of provider and use of information; effects on equity and access; effects on quality; and differences between private and public primary healthcare centres.

Conclusions:

The articles show that the reform has led to an increase in access to primary healthcare, but most studies indicate that the increase is inequitably distributed in terms of socioeconomy and geographical location. The effects on quality are unclear but several studies show that the mechanisms supposed to lead to quality improvements do not work as intended. Furthermore, from a population health perspective, it is time to discuss how such a responsibility can be reintegrated into primary healthcare and function with the choice system.
VisAC: An interactive tool for visual analysis of consanguinity in the ancestry of individuals
Authors: Borges José
Published: May 2022

Genealogy studies are growing in popularity, and researchers are increasingly using visualization methods to summarize and communicate their findings. A family tree is a visual representation of family members and their relationships that is commonly used to support the research of a family’s history and publish the results. In some cases, an ancestor may occur in more than one place in the lineage of an individual, which is one of the reasons for the occurrence of consanguineous marriages, that is, marriages between blood relative spouses. Current methods for family tree visualization were not designed to analyze and assess the level of consanguinity in the ancestry of individuals. This paper proposes VisAC, an interactive tool to support the visual analysis of consanguinity in individuals’ ancestry. The inbreeding coefficient is used as a measure of consanguinity. The coefficient corresponds to an estimate of the probability that two alleles (a variant of a given gene) in the DNA were inherited from the same individual. A visualization design and an interactive tool were developed with genealogists’ support. In addition, the feedback collected through a questionnaire about two demo videos and tests with three target users strongly supports the effectiveness of the family tree visual representation and the adequacy of the interactive tool for the exploratory analysis task. Real-world examples are given to illustrate the usefulness of the visualization design, and an example of exploratory analysis is presented to illustrate the use of the interactive tool. In summary, this work formulates the task of visual analysis of consanguinity in ancestors’ trees and proposes VisAC, a new visualization tool to support the task.
Microsatellite instability and chemosensitivity in solid tumours
Authors: Cherri Sara , Oneda Ester , Noventa Silvia , Melocchi Laura , Zaniboni Alberto
Published: May 2022

The use of biomarkers that influence a targeted choice in cancer treatments is the future of medical oncology. Within this scenario, in recent years, an important role has been played by knowledge of microsatellite instability (MSI), a molecular fingerprint that identifies defects in the mismatch repair system. This knowledge has changed clinical practice in the adjuvant setting of colon cancer, and its role in the neoadjuvant setting in gastric tumours is becoming increasingly interesting, as well as in endometrial cancers in both early and advanced diseases. Furthermore, it has undoubtedly conditioned the first lines of treatment in the metastatic setting in different types of cancers. The incidence of MSI is different in different cancer types, as well as in early cancers versus metastatic disease. Knowing the incidence of MSI in the various histologies can provide insight into the potential use of this biomarker considering its prognostic value, especially in the early stages, and its predictive role with respect to treatment response. In particular, MSI can guide the choice of chemotherapy treatments in the adjuvant setting of colon and perioperative setting in gastric tumours, which could lead to immunotherapy treatments in these patients in both the early stages of the disease and the metastatic setting where the response to immunotherapy drugs in diseases with MSI is now well established. In this review, we focus on colon, gastric and endometrial cancers, and we briefly discuss other cancer types where MSI could have a potential role in oncological treatment decisions.