bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Attached primes of local cohomology modules with respect to a pair of ideals
Authors: Nguyen Minh Tri
Published: March 2020

The paper shows an extension of the Lichtenbaum–Hartshorne Vanishing theorem for local cohomology modules with respect to a pair of ideals. We also study the attached primes of top local cohomology module [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] In the case, where [Formula: see text] we show that [Formula: see text]
Is China Spoiling the Rules-Based Liberal International Order? Examining China’s Rising Institutional Power in a Multiplex World Through Competing Theories
Authors: KIM YOUCHEER
Published: March 2020

Driven by structural theories of international relations, some scholars have described China as either spoiling or shirking the rules-based liberal international order (RBLIO). The convergence of the relative US decline since the Global Financial Crisis of 2008 and China’s assertive diplomacy has aggravated this anxiety. This paper examines the theoretical and empirical validity of this argument by utilizing competing theories of social constructivism and issue–path dependence. Specifically, this paper conducts a brief empirical analysis of China’s stances on four core issues of global governance, including (1) voting patterns in the United Nations General Assembly, (2) trade and the World Trade Organization (WTO), (3) South China Sea disputes and the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), and (4) the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). The results indicate that China has been passive toward the restructuring of legal norms, merely invoking them when a specific dispute arises. Concurrently, China occasionally pursues an alternative institutional platform if the functional concentration of a target institution is diffused and fragmented. In short, the empirical analysis demonstrates the salience of claims for China’s issue–path dependence. The paper concludes with theoretical and policy implications, concluding that as China holds no predetermined, concrete stance on all components of the rules-based liberal international order, disintegrating the country from it could be a fatal mistake.
Ultrasound-Guided Transmuscular Quadratus Lumborum Block Reduces Postoperative Pain Intensity in Patients Undergoing Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: He Jian , Zhang Lei , He Wan You , Li Dong Lin , Zheng Xue Qin , Liu Qi Xia , Wang Han Bin
Published: March 2020

Background and Objectives. Pain management following total hip arthroplasty (THA) has been widely investigated; however, the best effective method is yet to be determined. The aim of this prospective, placebo-controlled study was to evaluate the analgesic efficacy of ultrasound-guided QL3 block in patients undergoing THA. Methods. Eighty-eight patients undergoing THA were randomized to receive 0.33% ropivacaine (Group QLB, n = 44) or saline (Group Con, n = 44) for QL3 block. Spinal anesthesia was then performed. Pain intensity was assessed using the visual analog scale (0: no pain to 10: worst possible pain). The primary outcome was pain scores recorded at rest at 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, and 48 h and on standing and walking at 24, 36, and 48 h postoperatively. Secondary outcomes were analgesic consumption, side effects, the 10-meter walking speed on day 6, and patient satisfaction after surgery. Results. Postoperative pain intensity was significantly lower in Group QLB compared to Group Con at rest after 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, and 48 h (p<0.001) and during mobilization after 24, 36, and 48 h (p<0.001). Morphine use was significantly lower in Group QLB compared to Group Con during 0–24 h (16.0 ± 7.1 vs. 34.1 ± 7.1 mg, p<0.001) and during 24–48 h (13.0 ± 4.0 vs. 17.4 ± 4.6 mg, p<0.001) postoperatively. The 10-meter walking speed was higher in Group QLB compared to Group Con, both at comfortable (0.79 ± 0.13 vs. 0.70 ± 0.14 m/s, p=0.012) and at maximum speeds (1.18 ± 0.26 vs. 1.06 ± 0.22 m/s, p<0.001). Incidences of nausea (7.3% vs. 31%, p=0.006), vomiting (7.3% vs. 26.2%, p = 0.022), and urinary retention (9.8% vs. 28.6%, p=0.030) were lower in Group QLB than in Group Con. Conclusions. Ultrasound-guided QL3 block is an effective pain management technique after THA.
Research on Noise Reduction Scheme of Heat Pump Unit in a Square
Authors: Zhang Xueyong , Hu Yuanyuan , Geng Shengyuan , Hu Qianyong , Wang Huanbao
Published: March 2020

Heat pump unit is a host device located in the central air-conditioning terminal, providing cold and hot water. Heat pump unit has the advantages of energy saving, environmental protection, easy maintenance, and so on. It is adopted to solve the problems of refrigeration and heating in ventilation and air conditioning from many engineering projects in China. When the equipment is turned on, however, the high noise generated by the heat pump unit has a very negative impact on the life and work of the surrounding residents. Therefore, noise reduction is needed to improve the environment quality. In this paper, the noise of the air-cooled heat pump unit of the square area in Shanghai was detected, the noise source was analyzed, and the corresponding noise reduction scheme was proposed. After the completion of the scheme, measurements indicate that A-weighted sound pressure level is less than or equal to 60 dB (A) during the day and less than or equal to 50 dB (A) at night, which meets the relevant national noise limit emission standards and conforms to the second-class quality standard of the acoustic environment.
Aerobic Biodegradation of Four Groups of Steroid Hormones in Activated Sludge
Authors: Zhang Jiaxin , Luo Jun , Chang Hong
Published: March 2020

Steroid hormones in the environment have obtained considerable attention, as they can be harmful to aquatic organisms at very low concentrations. An analytical method was developed for simultaneously monitoring four estrogens, seven androgens, seven progestogens, and eleven glucocorticoids in a single water sample using liquid chromatography-electrospray tandem mass spectrometry. Laboratory studies were then performed to investigate the aerobic biodegradation of 29 steroids belonging to the four groups. The degradation of target steroids followed first-order reaction kinetics, and the degradation half-life (t1/2) of estrogens, androgens, progestogens and glucocorticoids was 1.2–8.7 h, 0.3–1.3 h, 1.4–7.7 h, and 1.4–23.1 h, respectively. Most of the esterified glucocorticoids were more persistent than the parent compounds, but the t1/2 for halogenated glucocorticoids was longer than that of their esterified compounds. In addition, C-21 ester glucocorticoids were more prone to decomposition than C-17 esters. Hydrolysis did not significantly affect the decomposition of esterified steroids.
The Real-Time Mobile Application for Classifying of Endangered Parrot Species Using the CNN Models Based on Transfer Learning
Authors: Choe Daegyu , Choi Eunjeong , Kim Dong Keun
Published: March 2020

Among the many deep learning methods, the convolutional neural network (CNN) model has an excellent performance in image recognition. Research on identifying and classifying image datasets using CNN is ongoing. Animal species recognition and classification with CNN is expected to be helpful for various applications. However, sophisticated feature recognition is essential to classify quasi-species with similar features, such as the quasi-species of parrots that have a high color similarity. The purpose of this study is to develop a vision-based mobile application to classify endangered parrot species using an advanced CNN model based on transfer learning (some parrots have quite similar colors and shapes). We acquired the images in two ways: collecting them directly from the Seoul Grand Park Zoo and crawling them using the Google search. Subsequently, we have built advanced CNN models with transfer learning and trained them using the data. Next, we converted one of the fully trained models into a file for execution on mobile devices and created the Android package files. The accuracy was measured for each of the eight CNN models. The overall accuracy for the camera of the mobile device was 94.125%. For certain species, the accuracy of recognition was 100%, with the required time of only 455 ms. Our approach helps to recognize the species in real time using the camera of the mobile device. Applications will be helpful for the prevention of smuggling of endangered species in the customs clearance area.
Physicochemical Properties of Sponge Cake Fortified by Olive Stone Powder
Authors: Jahanbakhshi Raziyeh , Ansari Sara
Published: March 2020

Olive stones are by-products in olive oil extraction and in table olive industries. Nonetheless, they contain beneficial nutritive elements such as fiber, phenolic compounds, and omega-3 and -6 fatty acids. In this research, olive stone powder (OSP) was used to substitute 0, 15, 25, and 35% of wheat flour in sponge cake recipe. The effects of this substitution were examined on the physiochemical and sensory properties of sponge cakes. The fiber content and the total phenolic compounds of the cake samples increased significantly from 0.67 to 8.60% and from 89.14 to 739.23 μg/ml, respectively, by increasing the OSP from 0 to 35%. With increased amounts of OSP, batter viscosity and consistency decreased (from 27430 to 11030 centipoise and from 8.67 to 13.42 g/s, respectively), while the specific volume of the cakes increased (from 2.08 to 6.21 cm3/g). Parallel to the increased levels of substitution, the hardness and springiness of cakes decreased, whereas the gumminess and chewiness increased. The crumb structure of OSP-enriched cakes was more porous than that of the control. Color analysis indicated significant differences between the control and treated samples regarding L∗a∗, and b∗ parameters. Cakes had colors that were darker than expected when treated with OSP (p<0.05). According to sensory evaluations, no significant differences were observed between OSP cakes and the control sample in terms of taste, after taste, color, and odor (p>0.05). In conclusion, substituting OSP for flour by 25% can yield acceptable dietary fiber content and antioxidant phenolic compounds while showing no undesirable changes in sensory properties.
Ranking Ecological Risk of Metals to Freshwater Organisms in Lake Taihu, China
Authors: Wang Qi , Du Yalin , Sun Fuhong , Deng Xinmiao , Chang Hong
Published: March 2020

Due to the persistence and the high toxicity of metals to many aquatic organisms, metals in aquatic ecosystems have attracted considerable attention. The objective of the present study was to rank metals in Lake Taihu based on the threat they pose to aquatic organisms. The method involved the assessment of the risks of metals to native aquatic organisms and the potential influence of concentration distributions. Both quotient and probabilistic methods were used to rank the risks of arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper (Cu), mercury, manganese, nickel (Ni), lead, and zinc (Zn). Based on the probabilistic method, Cu, Ni, and Zn were the metals of great concern, with Cu posing the highest risk.
The Emerging Role of Senescence in Ocular Disease
Authors: Sreekumar Parameswaran G. , Hinton David R. , Kannan Ram
Published: March 2020

Cellular senescence is a state of irreversible cell cycle arrest in response to an array of cellular stresses. An important role for senescence has been shown for a number of pathophysiological conditions that include cardiovascular disease, pulmonary fibrosis, and diseases of the skin. However, whether senescence contributes to the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) has not been studied in detail so far and the present review describes the recent research on this topic. We present an overview of the types of senescence, pathways of senescence, senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), the role of mitochondria, and their functional implications along with antisenescent therapies. As a central mechanism, senescent cells can impact the surrounding tissue microenvironment via the secretion of a pool of bioactive molecules, termed the SASP. An updated summary of a number of new members of the ever-growing SASP family is presented. Further, we introduce the significance of mechanisms by which mitochondria may participate in the development of cellular senescence. Emerging evidence shows that extracellular vesicles (EVs) are important mediators of the effects of senescent cells on their microenvironment. Based on recent studies, there is reasonable evidence that senescence could be a modifiable factor, and hence, it may be possible to delay age-related diseases by modulating basic aging mechanisms using SASP inhibitors/senolytic drugs. Thus, antisenescent therapies in aging and age-related diseases appear to have a promising potential.
CCAAT/Enhancer-Binding Protein β Mediates Oxygen-Induced Retinal Neovascularization via Retinal Vascular Damage and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor
Authors: Li Tingting , Cai Xuan , Wang Xiangning , Zhang Xueyan , Zhang Hui , Xu Biwei , Li Shiwei , Hu Jianyan , Wu Qiang
Published: March 2020

Objective. To evaluate the role of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein β (C/EBP β) in retinal neovascularization (RNV) in an oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) model. Methods. Rats with OIR were exposed to alternating hypoxic and hyperopic conditions for 14 days. Then, the rats with OIR were assigned randomly to groups that received intravitreal injections of either shRNA lentiviral particles targeting C/EBP β (LV.shC/EBP β) or control particles (LV.shScrambled). The effectiveness of transduction using intravitreal injection of C/EBP β shRNA was examined in rats with OIR. The retinal vascular damage and accumulation of RNV were determined by retinal fluorescein-dextran perfusion, retinal ADPase staining, and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining. Retinal function was recorded by electroretinogram responses to full-field light flashes. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blot analyses were used to measure mRNA and protein levels of C/EBP β and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The expression of p-C/EBP β was also examined by western blot analyses. The location of C/EBP β expression in the retina was determined by immunohistochemistry. Results. In OIR rats, the expression levels of C/EBP β and VEGF were significantly increased at both the mRNA and protein levels (P<0.01). The p-C/EBP β expression was consistent with the level of C/EBP β. C/EBP β was predominantly localized to the ganglion cell layer (GCL) and the inner nuclear layer (INL). The retinal C/EBP β level was significantly reduced in tissues from rats with OIR transduced with LV.shC/EBP β compared with tissues from those transduced with LV.shScrambled (P<0.01). Compared with those of the rats with OIR in the LV.shScrambled group, nonperfused retinal areas, neovascular tufts, pericyte death, and the ratio of endothelial cells to pericytes in the LV.shC/EBP β group were significantly reduced. In OIR rats, retinal function was impaired. There was no significant change in retinal dysfunction between the LV.shC/EBP β group and the LV.shScrambled group. The levels of VEGF mRNA and protein in the LV.shC/EBP β group were also decreased significantly compared with those of the rats with OIR in the LV.shScrambled group (P<0.01). Conclusions. C/EBP β shRNA inhibits RNV in OIR. A potential mechanism may be that the activity of C/EBP β increases with its overexpression, which in turn aggravates the amount of the retinal vascular damage and promotes transcription of VEGF. C/EBP β might be a new therapeutic target for preventing RNV.
Effects of Environmental pH on the Growth of Gastric Cancer Cells
Authors: Li Wenjie , Zhou Ying , Shang Chunyu , Sang Hui , Zhu Hong
Published: March 2020

Background.Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) and other acid-suppressing drugs are widely used in the treatment of gastrointestinal ulcer, upper gastrointestinal bleeding, gastritis, and gastric cancer (GC). About 80% of GC patients receive acid suppression treatment. PPI suppresses the production of gastric acid by inhibiting the function of H+/K+-ATPase in gastric parietal cells and raises the pH value to achieve therapeutic purposes. Some studies have found that PPI had a certain antitumor effect in the proliferation and apoptosis of tumor cells. But the effects of environmental pH on the growth of GC cells and its mechanism are unknown. Therefore, we hoped to find the effects of culture medium pH on the biological behavior of GC cells by in vitro experiments and provide guidance for the use of acid-suppressing drugs in GC patients.Aims.We aimed to observe the effects of pH changes in GC cell culture medium on the cell biological behavior of cancer cells and to analyze the potential mechanisms. We hoped to find out the effect of acid suppression on the growth of GC cells.Methods. The GC cell lines (SGC-7901 and MKN45) were used as the research object. We adjusted the pH value in the cell culture medium to observe the changes in cell viability (MTT), apoptosis (flow cytometry), and invasion (Transwell) at pH 6, pH 7, and pH 8. qRT-PCR and western blot (WB) assays were used to determine the expression changes of genes and proteins (mTOR, AKT, Wnt, Glut, and HIF-1α) at pH 6, pH 7, and pH 8.Results.The results of MTT showed that the viability of SGC-7901 and MKN45 in the pH 8.0 group was significantly weaker than that in the pH 6.0 or pH 7.0 group (P<0.001). Flow cytometry results showed that the apoptosis of SGC-7901 and MKN45 in the pH 8.0 group was more obvious than that in the pH 6.0 or pH 7.0 group (P<0.001). The results of Transwell showed that the invasion ability of SGC-7901 and MKN45 in the pH 8.0 group was significantly weaker than that in the pH 6.0 or pH 7.0 group (P<0.001). As shown by PCR and WB results, with the increase of pH, the expression of mTOR, AKT, Wnt, Glut, and HIF-1αin SGC-7901 and MKN45 was downregulated (P<0.05).Conclusions. Compared with the microacid environment, the microalkaline environment inhibited the viability, invasion, and expression of genes and proteins (mTOR, AKT, Wnt, Glut, and HIF-1α) but promoted the apoptosis of GC cells and thus inhibited the growth of GC.
Vibration Signal Analysis of Water Seal Blasting Based on Wavelet Threshold Denoising and HHT Transformation
Authors: Liu Jiang-chao , Gao Wen-xue
Published: March 2020

The blasting vibration signal obtained from tunnel construction monitoring is affected by the external environment, which contains a lot of noise that causes distortion during signal processing. To analyse the blasting vibration signal and determine the appropriate water seal blasting charge structure for construction, combined with wavelet threshold denoising method and HHT transformation, the blasting vibration signals of the four charge structures of conventional charge, water interval charge at both ends, water interval charge at the orifice, and water interval charge at the hole bottom are denoised and HHT is analysed. The results show that the wavelet threshold method can effectively eliminate high‐frequency noise in the blasting vibration signals and retain information carried by the vibration signal itself. The frequency and energy of the blasting vibration signals of the water interval charge at both ends are densely distributed in the range of 0 s to 0.9 s and below 100 Hz. The frequency and energy of the blasting signals of the other three charging structures are reduced within the same range, sparse areas appear, and the instantaneous total energy is smaller than that with a water interval charge at both ends, which shows that the water interval charge at both ends can effectively apply explosive energy to the surrounding rock and reduce energy loss in the explosive. The blasting vibration signal energy of the water interval charge at both ends is mainly concentrated in components IMF2 to IMF5, and the corresponding frequencies are concentrated at 6 Hz to 11 Hz and 20 Hz to 70 Hz, while the blasting vibration signal energy of other three charge structures is mainly distributed in components IMF2 to IMF4, corresponding frequencies are concentrated within 20 Hz to 70 Hz, and the distribution at low frequencies is not obvious. Therefore, when using the water interval charge at both ends, it is necessary to increase the main vibration frequency of the original vibration signals by reducing the single section charge and using frequency shift technology to avoid the natural frequency of the structure and reduce resonance‐induced damage.
Woody Species Colonization along Edge-Interior Gradients of Deciduous Forest Remnants in the Mae Khum Mee Watershed, Northern Thailand
Authors: Asanok Lamthai , Taweesuk Rungrawee , Papakjan Nitpavaridsa
Published: March 2020

This study investigated the environmental factors and tree species characteristics that are important for the colonization of edge-interior gradients, for later application to the restoration of edge-transition areas created by highland agriculture in deciduous forests in the Mae Khum Mee watershed, northwest Thailand. Three belt plots (100 × 10 m) were established at the transition from the forest edge to the interior of two deciduous forest types (mixed deciduous forest [MDF] and deciduous dipterocarp forest [DDF]), for a total of six belt plots. The species composition of canopy trees and regenerated seedlings and saplings was assessed, together with several environmental factors. We analyzed the relative importance of the physical environment and recruitment limitation was evaluated in relation to the regeneration traits of tree species. The results indicated that it was difficult for DDF and MDF species to effectively colonize the near-edge areas of the forests, primarily because the key factors related to seedling and sapling colonization (i.e., recruitment limitation, the physical environment, and factors related to forest structure) did not match the edge environment. Generalist species experienced much less recruitment limitation along the edge-interior gradients of both DDFs and MDFs. Generalists such as Pterocarpus macrocarpus, Dalbergia cultrata, and Vitex pinnata exhibited more successful establishment under conditions at the edges of both deciduous forests. These findings suggest that the natural regeneration of generalist species can be utilized as a first step in forest-edge restoration due to their facilitation of subsequent colonization by primary forest species.
Synergistic Fire Retardancy of Bis(1‐methoxy‐2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidin‐4‐yl)sebacate and Tris(2,4,6‐tribromophenoxy)‐1,3,5‐triazine/Sb2O3 in HIPS
Authors: Wu Hongzhi , Liu Junhong , Zhang Qi , Sun Mingmei , Yang Jingwei , Tang Linsheng
Published: March 2020

Bis(1‐methoxy‐2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidin‐4‐yl)sebacate (NORSM) was found to perform an exceptional synergistic effect with tris(2,4,6‐tribromophenoxy)‐1,3,5‐triazine (TTBPC)/Sb2O3 in HIPS. The LOI of fire retardant HIPS (FR‐HIPS) with 16 wt% of TTBPC/Sb2O3 increased from 23.8% to 25.2%, the flame retardant rating of FR‐HIPS was improved from UL 94 V‐2 to UL 94 V‐0, and various heat release parameters such as peak heat release rate, total heat release, and mean effective heat of combustion were greatly lowered by combining NORSM of 0.50 wt%. The Py‐GC/MS results revealed that NORSM induced the role of synergistic effect; the main mechanisms were as follows: the active radicals such as methoxy radicals and aminyl radicals produced by the pyrolysis of NORSM promote the release of bromine radicals from TTBPC and the formation of HBr and CO2, which improves the flame retardancy of TTBPC/Sb2O3; the above active radicals, together with HBr, quench active free radicals, such as the hydroxyl radical (OH), and decompose the free radical source, which interrupts the chain reaction during combustion and results in a more efficient flame retardant effect in gaseous phase.
Development and Validation of LC-MS/MS for Analyzing Potential Genotoxic Impurities in Pantoprazole Starting Materials
Authors: Chen Yuyuan , Wu Song , Yang Qingyun
Published: March 2020

Pantoprazole sodium (PPZS) is a selective proton pump inhibitor used in the prevention and treatment of gastric acid-related diseases. Six potentially genotoxic impurities (PGIs) are involved in 5-difluoromethoxy-2-mercapto-1H-benzimidazole (DMBZ), which is the starting material of PPZS. To date, no suitable method has yet been developed for PGI separation and quantification at the threshold of toxicological concern levels. In this study, a sensitive and reliable liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method was developed and validated for the quantitative analysis of six PGIs in DMBZ according to the guidelines of the International Council for Harmonization (ICH). The calibration curves showed good linearity within the studied range, and the correlation coefficient of fitting exceeded 0.998 for each impurity. The sensitivity of the proposed method was in the range of 0.6–10.0 ng/mL. Good recoveries were observed in the range of 94.32%–107.43% with RSD values below 6.5%. Quantitative analysis of impurities in substance batches of DMBZ showed the high efficiency of the developed method at a low level. Hence, the proposed method is practical and useful in the detection and qualification of PGIs in DMBZ and may be applied to ensure the safe use of PPZS in clinical treatment.
Frequent Activation of Notch Signaling Pathway in Colorectal Cancers and Its Implication in Patient Survival Outcome
Authors: Shaik Jilani Purusottapatnam , Alanazi Ibrahim O. , Pathan Akbar Ali Khan , Parine Narasimha Reddy , Almadi Majid A. , Azzam Nahla A. , Aljebreen Abdulrahman M. , Alharbi Othman , Alanazi Mohammad Saud , Khan Zahid
Published: March 2020

Colorectal cancer is a major health concern as it ranks third in incidence and second major cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. A leading cause of treatment failure has been attributed to cancer stem cells that can invariably resist existing chemotherapeutic regimens. Notch signaling pathway has been involved in the maintenance of stem cells besides being crucial in cell fate decision and embryonic development. This pathway has also been implicated in several human malignancies including colorectal cancer. We investigated mRNA expression of four Notch receptors (Notch1–4), five ligands (Jag1, Jag2, Dll1, Dll3, and Dll4), and four target genes (Hes1, Hes5, Hey1, and Hey2) using highly specific TaqMan gene expression assays in colorectal adenomas and cancers. Upregulated expression of Notch receptors ranged between 29 and 73% in colorectal cancers and between 11 and 56% in adenomas. Expression of Notch3 and Notch4 receptors was significantly higher in colorectal cancers compared to normal and adenoma tissues. The Jagged and Delta-like ligands were overexpressed between 25 and 52% in colorectal cancers, while in adenomas, it ranged between 0 and 33%. Combining the data for upregulation of receptors and ligands suggests that 86% colorectal cancers and 56% adenomas exhibited overexpression of Notch pathway genes in our cohort. Notch target genes were upregulated between 24 and 33% in colorectal cancers and between 11 and 22% in adenomas. Collating upregulation of Notch receptors and ligands with the target genes showed concordance in 58% colorectal tumors. Additionally, we evaluated expression of Notch receptors, ligands, and target genes with prognosis using the TCGA mRNA expression dataset. Patients overexpressing Notch3, Notch4, and Hey1 had significantly poorer overall survival relative to those having lower levels of these genes. Taken together, Notch signaling components are aberrantly overexpressed in colorectal tumors, and development of therapeutics targeting the Notch pathway may prove to be beneficial in the management of colorectal cancers.
Early Driving Pressure Changes Predict Outcomes during Venovenous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Magunia Harry , Haeberle Helene A. , Henn Philipp , Mehrländer Martin , Vlatten Peer O. , Mirakaj Valbona , Rosenberger Peter , Koeppen Michael
Published: March 2020

Background. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) serves as a rescue therapy when systemic hypoxia persists despite conventional care for severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Due to the extracorporeal gas exchange, the paO2/FiO2 ratio cannot be used as the primary marker for disease severity and progression. Therefore, we performed a propensity score-matched analysis to identify other potential predictors of outcomes in patients supported by ECMO therapy. Results. Between December 2014 and May 2018, 105 patients underwent venovenous ECMO in our institution. From these patients, we identified 28 who died during ECMO therapy and assigned 28 control patients using propensity score matching based on the following criteria: age, ARDS severity, and SAPSII score at admission. A statistical evaluation of the patient characteristics, intensive care data, morbidities, respiratory system variables, and outcomes was performed. The baseline patient characteristics did not differ between groups and ECMO was placed on day 1 in all patients. The analyzed variables of respiratory mechanics, such as the plateau pressure, positive end-expiratory pressure, and tidal volume, did not differ between groups. The driving pressure before ECMO was equal between the nonsurvivors and the controls. Twelve hours after initiation of ECMO therapy, the driving pressure decreased by 40.8% in the survivors but by only 20.1% in the nonsurvivors. Conclusions. We report that very early driving pressure changes can serve as an indicator of disease severity and predict patient survival following ECMO therapy.
Phytochemical Screening and Cytotoxic Properties of Ethanolic Extract of Young and Mature Khat Leaves
Authors: Alsanosy Rashad , Alhazmi Hassan A. , Sultana Shahnaz , Abdalla Ashraf N. , Ibrahim Yassin , Al Bratty Mohammed , Banji David , Khardali Ibrahim , Khalid Asaad
Published: March 2020

The khat plant has been culturally used in many parts of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula for many years to induce psycho-stimulating effect. Because of the global wide-spreading nature, khat chewing is being considered as a universally growing problem. Catha abbottii, Catha edulis, and Catha transvaalensis are the three species of khat commonly chewed in Saudi Arabia and nearby regions. Khat users usually prefer to chew young leaves over mature ones due to the diverse effects produced by both. Though many of the constituents of khat leaves have been identified, the complete phytochemical profile of young and mature leaves was not performed or compared; also, no evidence is available to affirm the cytotoxicity of young or mature leaves. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the phytochemical basis of the differential response of the young and mature leaves and to assess the cytotoxicity of young and mature khat leaves. Ethanolic extracts of young and mature leaves of three khat cultivars were subjected to GC-MS. Hierarchical cluster analysis revealed the existence of two major clusters. The extracts of young leaves were found to contain the maximum content of cathinone; however, methoxyamphetamine was found in only one extract of young leaves. Cytotoxicity investigations were also conducted on both types of leaves using three cancer cell lines, human breast adenocarcinoma, human ovary adenocarcinoma, and human colon adenocarcinoma and also normal human fetal lung fibroblast cell line was used. All extracts showed comparable cytotoxicity, IC50 ranging from 22–59 μg/mL on the cancer cells; however, we observed more cytotoxicity against normal cells (IC50: 6–41 μg/mL). The predominant cytotoxicity on normal cells may pose many health hazards to khat consumers.
Assessing the Effects of Microphysical Scheme on Convective and Stratiform Characteristics in a Mei-Yu Rainfall Combining WRF Simulation and Field Campaign Observations
Authors: Liu Lin , Lin Chunze , Bai Yongqing , He Dengxin
Published: March 2020

Microphysics parameterization becomes increasingly important as the model grid spacing increases toward convection-resolving scales. Using observations from a field campaign for Mei-Yu rainfall in China, four bulk cloud microphysics schemes in the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model were evaluated with respect to their ability to simulate precipitation, structure, and cloud microphysical properties over convective and stratiform regimes. These are the Thompson (THOM), Morrison graupel/hail (MOR_G/H), Stony Brook University (SBU_YLIN), and WRF double-moment six-class microphysics graupel/hail (WDM6_G/H). All schemes were able to predict the rain band but underestimated the total precipitation by 23%–35%. This is mainly attributed to the underestimation of stratiform precipitation and overestimation of convective rain. For the vertical distribution of radar reflectivity, many problems remain, such as lower reflectivity values aloft in both convective and stratiform regions and higher reflectivity values at middle level. Each bulk scheme has its advantages and shortcomings for different cloud regimes. Overall, the discrepancies between model output and observations mostly exist in the midlevel to upper level, which results from the inability of the model to accurately represent the particle size distribution, ice processes, and storm dynamics. Further observations from major field campaigns and more detailed evaluation are still necessary.
Brain Abscess Associated with Polymicrobial Infection after Intraoral Laceration: A Pediatric Case Report
Authors: Ochi Fumihiro , Tauchi Hisamichi , Miyata Toyohisa , Moritani Tomozo , Chisaka Toshiyuki , Hamada Junpei , Nagai Kozo , Eguchi-Ishimae Minenori , Eguchi Mariko
Published: March 2020

Brain abscesses, infections within the brain parenchyma, can arise as complications of various conditions including infections, trauma, and surgery. However, brain abscesses due to polymicrobial organisms have rarely been reported in children. We herein report a case of a 9-year-old girl with unresolved congenital cyanotic heart disease (CCHD) presenting with right hemiplegia who was diagnosed with brain abscess caused by Streptococcus intermedius, Parvimonas micra, and Fusobacterium nucleatum after oropharyngeal injury. She was treated with intravenous antimicrobial therapy, drainage under craniotomy, and antiedema therapy with glycerol and goreisan, which led to the improvement of right hemiplegia to baseline; she was discharged following eight weeks of intravenous antimicrobial therapy. The clinical diagnosis of the brain abscess was difficult due to the nonspecific presentation, highlighting the importance of cranial imaging without haste in patients at increased risk for brain abscesses such as those with CCHD, presenting with fever in the absence of localizing symptoms or fever, accompanied with abnormal neurological findings.
Periapical Lesions and Their Relationship to Schneider’s Membrane in Cone-Beam Computed Tomography
Authors: Cayo-Rojas César F. , Begazo-Jiménez Leidy A. , Romero-Solórzano Luighy B. , Nicho-Valladares Miriam K. , Gaviria-Martínez Andrea , Cervantes-Ganoza Luis A.
Published: March 2020

Objective. To determine the relationship between the height of the periapical lesions adjacent to the maxillary sinus and the thickness of the Schneider membrane evaluated with cone-beam tomography. Materials and Methods. The universe was made up of 2432 tomography scans and a sample of 976, by systematic random sampling, and took into account those that presented any of the variables and/or both. For the relationship analysis, the sample was distributed according to sex, maxillary side, and age; it was formed between 18 and 86 years, in age groups of 18–36 years, 37–48 years, 49–59 years, and 60–86 years. The quantitative variables of the statistic descriptive analysis, hypothesis tests, and Spearman correlation were recorded. Results. A significantly low correlation (p<0.010) was observed between the periapical lesions and the thickness of the Schneider membrane in women (rho = 0.38) and men (rho = 0.32); in the same way, a significantly low correlation was observed in the age groups of 18–36 years (rho = 0.27) and 37–48 years (rho = 0.28), while a significantly moderate correlation was observed in the age groups of 49–59 years (rho = 0.45) and 60–86 years (rho = 0.44), and with respect to the sides, a significantly low correlation (rho = 0.28) was obtained for the right side and a significantly moderate correlation (rho = 0.45) was obtained on the left side. Conclusion. We found that the height of the periapical lesions and the thickness of the Schneider membrane are significantly related according to age, sex, and maxillary side, this relationship being accentuated at an older age and on the left side.
Molecular Mechanisms Linking Oxidative Stress and Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Yaribeygi Habib , Sathyapalan Thozhukat , Atkin Stephen L. , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: March 2020

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is the most prevalent metabolic disorder characterized by chronic hyperglycemia and an inadequate response to circulatory insulin by peripheral tissues resulting in insulin resistance. Insulin resistance has a complex pathophysiology, and it is contributed to by multiple factors including oxidative stress. Oxidative stress refers to an imbalance between free radical production and the antioxidant system leading to a reduction of peripheral insulin sensitivity and contributing to the development of T2DM via several molecular mechanisms. In this review, we present the molecular mechanisms by which the oxidative milieu contributes to the pathophysiology of insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus.
Management of OSAS: The ELIBA® Device Can Help the Patient?
Authors: Ortu Eleonora , Pietropaoli Davide , Mummolo Alessandra , IAPNOR  , Giannoni Mario , Monaco Annalisa
Published: March 2020

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is one of the most challenging diseases to treat in medicine. Here, the authors describe a case of OSAS treated with a lingual elevator of Balercia (ELIBA®). The patient, a forty-five-year-old Caucasian male, had a chief complaint of numerous episodes of nocturnal apnea. After several visits with specialists, a polysomnographic examination was performed, in which the patient’s apnea hypopnea index (AHI) was 30.4, and a lingual elevator was prescribed. The lingual elevator helped to keep the patient’s tongue in the correct position and prevented the tongue from reverting back to the soft tissue spaces in the mouth. After six months of treatment with the lingual elevator and dietary adjustments, the patient’s AHI decreased to 11.6. This simple yet customizable approach is a comfortable and easy option for patients to reduce night apnea episodes.
Development of android-based apps for courier service management
Authors: Mohd A. , A. Rashid R. , F. Abdul Hamid A. H. , A. Sarijari M. , A. Rahim M. R. , Sayuti H. , Abdul Rashid M. R.
Published: March 2020

E-commerce has grown exponentially over the years. The growth has been characterized by strong consumer demands and the increasing number of various products available online. This in turn creates a logistical problem and a high demand for an efficient courier service to support the growing markets. It is very important for courier service provider that the delivery of the parcel is being done as fast as possible. One of the courier service’s vital and most crucial business process is in the last mile parcel delivery. This is where an efficient delivery service will be of utmost importance. An efficient system needs to be developed in order to facilitate the interaction between the courier service provider and consumer to precisely determine the optimal route for the parcel delivery. In this paper, an Android-based application system for courier service management with last mile route tracking module is developed. It is a mobile application that eases the courier delivery personnel in finding their way to deliver the parcels to the customer’s doorstep. The application will guide the courier personnel to get a list of courier data such as address and contact information and then navigate them to the selected customers’ addresses based on traffic data retrieved from Google Maps API. It will choose the best route to the address and notify the customers before arriving so that the customers are ready to receive the parcel. This last mile route tracking for parcel delivery will provide the basis for an efficient courier service system.
Constructing population of initial university timetable: design and analysis
Authors: Wahid Juliana , Abdul-Rahman Syariza , Mohamed Din Aniza , Mohd-Hussin Naimah
Published: March 2020

The construction of population of initial timetable is an essential stage in population-based metaheuristic approach for solving curriculum-based university course timetabling problem because it may impact the quality of the final timetable. This paper presents population of initial timetable construction approach in curriculum based course timetabling problem by using the graph heuristics to determine the sequential order of courses/lectures to be assigned in the timetable. The graph heuristics were implemented as single and combination of two heuristics. The courses in curriculum-based university course timetabling problem that was organized based on the heuristics setting will be repeatedly assigned to valid empty slots while fulfilling all the hard constraints. If a course is unable to be assigned to whichever slots because of no more valid empty slots, it will be inserted into the unscheduled courses/lectures list. The unscheduled courses/lectures list will be assigned later to the timetable using several procedures executed in a sequence. The approaches were tested on the ITC2007 instances and the results were analyzed with some statistical tests to determine the best setting of heuristics in the construction approach.  The result shows that the construction approach with combination of largest degree followed by saturation degree heuristic, generate the maximum number of population of initial timetables. The result from this study can be used in the improvement stage of metaheuristic algorithm that uses population-based approach.
Channel length scaling and electrical characterization of graphene field effect transistor (GFET)
Authors: Sri Selvarajan Reena , Azlan Hamzah Azrul , Yusof Norliana , Yeop Majlis Burhanuddin
Published: March 2020

The exclusive monoatomic framework of graphene makes it as an alluring material to be implemented in electronic devices. Thus, using graphene as charge carrying conducting channel material in Field Effect Transistors (FET) expedites the opportunities for production of ultrasensitive biosensors for future device applications. However, performance of GFET is influenced by various parameters, particularly by the length of conducting channel. Therefore, in this study we have investigated channel length scaling in performance of graphene field effect transistor (GFET) via simulation technique using Lumerical DEVICE software. The performance was analyzed based on electrical characterization of GFET with long and short conducting channels. It proves that conducting channel lengths have vast effect on ambipolar curve where short channel induces asymmetry in transfer characteristics curve where the n-branch is suppressed. Whereas for output characteristics, the performance of GFET heavily degraded as the channel length is reduced in short channels of GFET. Therefore, channel length scaling is a vital parameter in determining the performance of GFET in various fields, particularly in biosensing applications for ultrasensitive detection.
Reverse biased nanocrystalline graphite (NCG)/p-Si schottky junction for methane gas sensor
Authors: Nawawi A. A. , Sultan S.M. , Rahmah S.F.A. , Khalid P.I. , Pu S.H.
Published: March 2020

An investigation on the effect of the reverse biased operation of NCG/p-Si Schottky contact during methane gas exposure at room temperature has been presented. The experimental results show the larger current shift at the reverse bias operation, compared to the forward bias by exposing to methane gas. This can be attributed to the adsorption of methane gas into the metal surface layer and produces a negative charge at the junction, thus reduces the barrier height of the device. The reverse barrier height was calculated under the reverse bias condition, demonstrated the value decreased from 0.58-0.53eV towards a higher concentration of methane gas. The Schottky junction also affected by the increase in a free carrier when exposure to the reducing gas such as methane. Raman spectra are reported to be detected at G, D and 2D band with the grain size 1.88nm to exhibit single crystallite graphite properties. The results correlate well with the 3D AFM scans reveal the RMS surface roughness of 1.1 to 2.8nm.
Comparison of router testbeds: embedded system-based, software-based, and multiprotocol label switching (MPLS)
Authors: Nasir M. H. M. , Radzi N. A. M. , Ahmad W. S. H. M. W. , Abdullah F. , Jamaludin M. Z.
Published: March 2020

Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) is a promising packet switching technology in the field of communication network, allowing router to forward the packets based on labels. However, off-the-shelves routers are made to be non-configurable, making it less suitable for academic research purposes. The aim of this paper is to explore the possibility of developing a configurable MPLS router by reviewing embedded system-based router, software-based router and commercial MPLS router itself. The architecture of the routers will be described in detail and their performances will be compared. From the analysis, we found that the development of reconfigurable MPLS router testbed is achievable by using embedded system-based hardware due to its freedom of reconfigurability.
Emotional speech feature selection using end-part segmented energy feature
Authors: Zaidan Noor Aina , Salam Md Sah Hj
Published: March 2020

The accuracy of human emotional detection is crucial in the industry to ensure effective conversations and messages delivery. The process involved in identifying emotions must be carried out properly and using a method that guarantees high level of emotional recognition. Energy feature is said to be a prosodic information encoder and there are still studies on energy use in speech prosody and it motivate us to run an experiment on energy features. We have conducted two sets of studies: 1) whether local or global features that contribute most to emotional recognition and 2) the effect of the end-part segment length towards emotion recognition accuracy using 2 types of segmentation approach. This paper discussed about Absolute Time Intervals at Relative Positions (ATIR) segmentation approach and global ATIR (GATIR) using end-part segmented global energy feature extracted from Berlin Emotional Speech Database (EMO-DB). We observed that global feature contribute more to the emotional recognition and global features that are derived from longer segments give higher recognition accuracy than global feature derived from short segments. The addition of utterance-based feature (GTI) to ATIR segmentation somewhat contributes to increase the accuracy by 5% up to 8% and conclude that GATIR outperformed ATIR segmentation approached in term of its higher recognition rate. The results of this study where almost all the sub-tests provide an increased result proving that global feature derived from longer segment lengths acquire more emotional information and enhance the system performance.