bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Naturally occurring point mutation Cys460Trp located in the I‐EGF1 domain of integrin β3 alters the binding of some anti‐HPA‐1a antibodies
Authors: Holzwarth Sarah Theresa , Bayat Behnaz , Zhu Jieqing , Phuangtham Roongaroon , Fischer Lars , Boeckelmann Doris , Röder Lida , Berghöfer Heike , Schmidt Silke , Bein Gregor , Santoso Sentot
Published: August 2020

Background

Fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT) is caused by the destruction of platelets in the fetus or newborn by maternal platelet alloantibodies, mostly against human platelet antigen (HPA)‐1a. Recent studies indicate that two anti‐HPA subtypes exist: Type I reacts with epitopes residing on the plexin‐semaphorin‐integrin (PSI) and type II with plexin‐semaphorin‐integrin/integrin epidermal growth factor 1 (I‐EGF1) domains of the β3 integrin. Here, we evaluated whether a Cys460Trp mutation in the I‐EGF1 domain found in a patient with Glanzmann thrombasthenia can alter the binding of anti‐HPA‐1a.

Methods

Stable HEK293 cell lines expressing wild‐type and mutant αIIbβ3 and αvβ3 were generated to prove the reactivity of different antibodies against HPA‐1a.

Results

Flow cytometry analysis of wild‐type (Cys460) and mutant (Trp460) expressed on HEK293 cells showed equal surface expression of αIIbβ3 and αvβ3. When tested with mutant αIIbβ3 cells, reduced binding was observed in Type II but not in Type I anti‐HPA‐1a. These results could be confirmed with platelets carrying Cys460Trp mutation. Interestingly, reduced binding of Type I antibodies was detected with mutant αvβ3 cells. Both antibody types were found in maternal sera from FNAIT cases by an antigen‐capture assay with use of HEK293 transfected cells.

Conclusions

These observations confirm the existence of Type I and Type II anti‐HPA‐1a. Furthermore, this study underlines different immunogenicity of HPA‐1a antigen(s) residing on either αIIbβ3 or αvβ3. Further analysis of FNAIT cases from mothers having a fetus with and without intracranial bleedings with use of such an approach may highlight the functional relevance of different anti‐HPA‐1a subtypes.
Tissue oxygenation in peripheral muscles and functional capacity in cystic fibrosis: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Coelho Cristiane Cenachi , Aquino Evanirso da Silva , Diniz Ana Luiza Reis , Santos Mariana da Silva , Oliveira Lídia Cunha de , Poeiras Priscila Trindade Caetano , Pereira Danielle Aparecida Gomes
Published: August 2020

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

How do peripheral muscle tissue oxygenation and physical conditioning levels of children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis compare to demographically matched controls?

What is the main finding and its importance?

Children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis consumed more oxygen, more quickly and exhibited slower recovery, demonstrating that there may have been deficiencies in oxygen supply related to both oxygen uptake and oxygen transport.

Cystic fibrosis affects skeletal muscle performance and functional capacity. However, it is currently unclear how peripheral muscle behaviour is affected, especially in children and adolescents. To examine this, we compared tissue oxygenation of children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis against healthy volunteers. We also evaluated the functional capacity of participants via the modified shuttle test (MST) and assessed for associations between performance and near‐infrared spectroscopy. A total of 124 participants enrolled. Participants were divided into either the cystic fibrosis group (CFG) or the healthy group (HG). Statistical comparisons between groups were evaluated with the Mann–Whitney U test and associations with functional capacity were evaluated using Spearman's correlation coefficient. CFG volunteers scored lower on the MST compared to the HG. They walked shorter distances (P = 0.001) with less efficiency because they performed the tests with a less efficient walking economy (P = 0.001) and a greater deoxyhaemoglobin concentration (P = 0.001). Further, they experienced reduced tissue oxygen saturation (P = 0.037) faster than the HG. As a result, they presented lower respiratory (P = 0.001) and lower heart (P = 0.001) rate values at the end of the MST, with a longer post‐test heart rate recovery time (P = 0.005). There was a significant association between deoxygenation time and functional capacity. The CFG consumed more oxygen, more quickly, with a slower recovery, reflecting impairments in the dynamics of muscle oxygen extraction. The results suggest differences in functional capacity and haemodynamic recovery in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis.
Characterizing Novel Honeycomb Infill Pattern for Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Nazmul Ahsan A. M. M. , Khoda Bashir
Published: August 2020

Prismatic closed cells, i.e., honeycomb structures, are often used as infill in additive manufacturing (AM) for providing physical stability to the skin and mechanical integrity to the object. These cells are periodic in nature and uniform in density. In this research, a new fabrication pattern for honeycomb infill is proposed for material deposition-based additive manufacturing applications. The proposed pattern uniformly distributes the material within the cell and can accommodate a controllable variational honeycomb infill while maintaining continuity with relative ease. First, the honeycomb unit cell geometry is defined for uniform and non-uniform voxel sizes. A continuous toolpath scheme is then designed to achieve the honeycomb structure with uniform wall thickness. Unlike traditional honeycomb cells, the aspect ratio of the proposed cell type is not restricted, which helps to introduce variational honeycomb architecture in the infill. Additionally, the proposed cell type is four-time smaller than the traditional cell, which increases the unit cell packing density for the same R3 space. The proposed infill structures are fabricated with both uniform and variational patterns, which are then compared with the traditional honeycomb pattern with compression testing. In comparison to the traditional samples, the proposed uniform and variational infill patterns have achieved higher elastic modulus, collapse strength, and absorbed more specific energy along the X-direction. However, the values measured for both proposed patterns are lower along the Y-direction. Similar results are achieved for two different materials (PLA and TPU), which indicates the consistency of our findings.
Optimization of the Weld Setup in Magnetically Assisted Laser Welding by Thermo-Magnetic Modeling
Authors: Carpenter Kevin , Tabei Ali
Published: August 2020

The application of magnetic fields during solidification processes has been reported to control the flow and turbulence in the melt pool and leads to improvements in the microstructure, namely crystallographic orientations and grain size. In order to maximize the benefits of assisting a welding process with externally applied magnetic fields, it is necessary to optimize the weld setup, as the relative distances between magnets and weldment can remarkably affect the magnitude and direction of the applied field. Furthermore, the usage of permanent magnets requires an additional caution as ferromagnetic magnets demagnetize as temperature increases, up to the Curie temperature, when they become paramagnetic. This work computationally models magnetically assisted welding in stainless steel 316L with SmCo26 permanent magnets, while providing a complete account for the heat transfer phenomena and subsequent demagnetization. The number of magnets, the orientation of their poles, and their position relative to the weld for minimal demagnetization and maximum magnetic field in the melt pool are optimized. It was found that three magnetic field orientations concentrate the magnetic strength at the weld, referred to as “parallel,” “oblique,” and “perpendicular.” A 20 cm flat butt joint weldment with optimized arrangements yielded a drop of only 0.21% in the perpendicular arrangement, and as much as 1.53% in the parallel, with initial magnitudes of 0.3325 T and 0.3796 T, respectively.
Development of an Aging Process for Friction Stir Extruded Joints
Authors: Jarrell Adam W. , Terry Brayden C. , Strauss Alvin M. , Cook George E.
Published: August 2020

Friction stir extrusion is a derivative process of friction stir welding for joining dissimilar materials. The process forms a mechanical joint through extrusion to form interlocking features between two metals. When joining AA6061-T6 to mild steel through extrusion of a dovetail, much of the T6 heat treatment of the aluminum in and around the weld is lost during the process. This paper details the examination of a post-processing aging process to return AA6061 to the T6 condition. Through a 10-h precipitation hardening process at 170 °C. The welds experienced a 23.9% increase in the tensile strength from 2193 N as-welded to 2718 N after 10 h. Hardness measurements showed a return close to T6 conditions in both the weld nugget and extruded material, 67.5–83.5 HRF and 54.7–81.8 HRF, respectively, during the heat treatment period. The steel showed no substantial changes in hardness during the heat treatment. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) analysis revealed significant changes in the sizes of two species of inclusions within the aluminum during both the welding and post-processing.
Effect of Structure on Response of a Three-Dimensional-Printed Photopolymer-Particulate Composite Under Intermediate Strain Rate Loading
Authors: Keyhani Amirreza , Zhou Min
Published: August 2020

The thermo-mechanical response of an additively manufactured photopolymer-particulate composite under conditions of macroscopic uniaxial compression without lateral confinement at overall strain rates of 400–2000 s−1 is studied. The material has a direct-ink-written unidirectional structure. Computations are performed to quantify the effects of microstructure attributes including anisotropy, defects, and filament size on localized deformation, energy dissipations, and temperature rises. To this effect, an experimentally informed Lagrangian finite element framework is used, accounting for finite-strain elastic–plastic deformation, strain-rate effect, failure initiation and propagation, post-failure internal contact and friction, heat generation due to friction and inelastic bulk deformation, and heat conduction. The analysis focuses on the material behavior under overall compression. Despite relatively low contribution to overall heating, friction is localized at fracture sites and plays an essential role in the development of local temperature spikes unknown as hotspots. The microstructural attributes are found to significantly affect the development of the hotspots, with local heating most pronounced when loading is transverse to the filaments or when the material has higher porosities, stronger inter-filament junctions, or smaller filament sizes. Samples with smaller filament sizes undergo more damage, exhibit higher frictional dissipation, and develop larger hotspots that occur primarily at failure sites.
Molecular characterization of three Niemann–Pick type C2 proteins in the predatory mite Neoseiulus barkeri Hughes (Acari: Phytoseiidae)

Authors: Li Ya Ying , Ma Rong Jiang , Tian Chuan Bei , Yuan Jin Ge , Xu Ya Jing , Chen Han Qiu , Liu Huai
Published: August 2020

In arthropods, a host of studies focused on insect olfactory systems, where most functional proteins including odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) and chemosensory proteins (CSPs) have been identified. However, in other arthropods such as ticks and mites, genes encoding for OBPs and CSPs are absent. The Niemann-Pick type C2 (NPC2), as a third class of binding proteins, was indicated as potential carriers for semiochemicals and participants in chemical communication. Here, we cloned three full-length NPC2 genes (NbNPC2-1, NbNPC2-2 and NbNPC2-3) from a predatory mite Neoseiulus barkeri Hughes (Acari: Phytoseiidae) and investigated the expression levels of these genes by quantitative real-time PCR. These NPC2 proteins possessed a conserved motif of six cysteines paired in three disulfide bridges with a coincidence to insect OBPs. The 3D molecular modeling of NbNPC2 showed ligand-binding pocket of NbNPC2-1 was composed of a flexible β-structure that contributed to binding to a wide range of potential semiochemicals. Three NPC2 genes all possessed one signal peptide revealed their specific character as secretory proteins. Three NPC2 genes in N. barkeri displayed the highest expression levels in adult males, suggesting a putative role in detecting of the female sex pheromones and highly specific binding to female sex pheromone. The expression levels were lowest in the stage of eggs and increased with developmental stage growing, indicating that NPC2 genes were continuously expressed in post-embryonic stages. NbNPC2-1 in the stage of adult females was expressed 6 and 4 times higher than that of larva and nymph, suggesting NbNPC2-1 might contribute an important role in odor recognition of adult females to hunt for suitable areas for the oviposition and predation. These results showed that NPC2 genes might be involved in chemical communications of adult males, and that NbNPC2-1 preformed specified olfactory functions in adult females. This study provided a foundation for research to determine the roles of NPC2 proteins acting as odorant carrier and involved in chemical communication in phytoseiid mites.
The Asymptotic Structure of Gravity at Spatial Infinity in Four Spacetime Dimensions
Authors: Henneaux Marc , Troessaert Cédric
Published: August 2020

A review of our results on the asymptotic structure of gravity at spatial infinity in four spacetime dimensions is given. Finiteness of the action and integrability of the asymptotic Lorentz boost generators are key criteria that we implement through appropriate boundary conditions. These conditions are “twisted parity conditions,” expressing that the leading order of the asymptotic fields obeys strict parity conditions under the sphere antipodal map up to an improper gauge transformation. The asymptotic symmetries are shown to form the infinite-dimensional Bondi-Metzner-Sachs group, which has a nontrivial action. The charges and their algebra are worked out. The presentation aims at being self-contained and at possessing a pedagogical component.
Initial charm program on direct measurements of weak decay constant fDs and branching fraction B(Ds → μνμ) and prospect with high-precision
Authors: Zhang C. C.
Published: August 2020

First direct measurements of the weak decay constant [Formula: see text] and the [Formula: see text] branching fractions to [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] at the BES experiments in 1990s are reviewed. Referring to the BESIII results of [Formula: see text] and branching fraction [Formula: see text] with best precision1 to date, prospect for challenge on precision measurements of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] at BESIII is presented.
Classification of proper teleparallel conformal symmetry of spherically symmetric static spacetimes using diagonal tetrads
Authors: Qureshi Muhammad Amer , Shabbir Ghulam , Mahomed K. S. , Aziz Taha
Published: August 2020

We study proper teleparallel conformal vector fields in spherically symmetric static spacetimes. The main objective of this paper is to present the classification for the above-mentioned spacetimes. The problem has been examined by two methods: direct integration technique and diagonal tetrads. We show that the spherically symmetric static spacetimes do not admit proper teleparallel conformal vector field, so are actually the teleparallel killing vector fields.
Five-dimensional Brans–Dicke compactified universe dominated by a varying speed of light
Authors: El-Nabulsi Rami Ahmad
Published: August 2020

We extend the model of a 5D Brans–Dicke gravity theory reduced to 4D through the presence of a hypersurface-orthogonal space-like killing vector field in the underlying 5D spacetime by including a varying speed of light. The resulting model is characterized by the presence of two scalar fields. We focus on late-time power law solutions which emerge in general when scalar fields couple to spacetime curvature and do not contradict the SNIa astrophysical data. Analytic solutions in 4-dimensions are derived and late-time accelerated expansion was found. The universe is dominated by dark energy, free from phantom field and is characterized by a decaying energy matter density, decaying scalar fields, and a decreasing celerity of light. The model is confronted with astrophysical observations and is found to fit these data.
Coupled channel analysis of fusion excitation function for 9Be+64Zn system at near and above barrier energies
Authors: Chetna  , Singh Pardeep , Kharab Rajesh
Published: August 2020

We have calculated excitation functions of incomplete fusion, complete fusion and total fusion processes for [Formula: see text] system at near and above barrier energies. In particular, breakup effects of weakly bound projectile [Formula: see text], which has been considered as a two body system [Formula: see text] with a breakup threshold of 1.667 MeV, have been studied. The calculations are performed by using the code FRESCO, which is based on Continuum Discretized Coupled Channel (CDCC) approach. The present analysis of the total fusion excitation function for the system [Formula: see text] shows that it is suppressed at above barrier energies and enhanced at sub barrier energies when the breakup effects are taken into account. In addition, the comparison of the probabilities of incomplete fusion from neutron capture and that from alpha capture shows the dominance of former over later.
Phase transition in decaying black holes
Authors: Sinha Aloke Kumar
Published: August 2020

We had earlier derived the most general criteria for thermal stability of a quantum black hole, with arbitrary number of parameters, in any dimensional spacetime. These conditions appeared in form of a series of inequalities connecting second order derivatives of black hole mass with respect to its parameters. Some black holes like asymptotically flat rotating charged black holes do not satisfy all the stability criteria simultaneously, but do satisfy some of them in certain region of parameter space. They are known as “Quasi Stable” black holes. In this paper, we will show that quasi stable black holes although ultimately decay under Hawking radiation undergo phase transitions. These phase transitions are different from phase transition in ADS Schwarzschild black hole. These are marked by sign changes in certain physical quantities apart from specific heat of the black hole. We will also discuss the changes in the nature of fluctuations of the parameters of these quasi stable black holes with different phases.
The Am(1) Q-system
Authors: Nepomechie Rafael I.
Published: August 2020

We propose a Q-system for the [Formula: see text] quantum integrable spin chain. We also find compact determinant expressions for all the Q-functions, both for the rational and trigonometric cases.
MHD free convection in a porous non-uniformly heated triangle cavity equipped with a circular obstacle subjected to various thermal configurations
Authors: Mousa Mohammed M.
Published: August 2020

This study numerically investigates the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) free convection of a fluid in a porous triangle cavity containing a circular obstacle subjected to various thermal configurations. The investigation is conducted using a penalty finite element technique. The inclined side walls are non-uniformly heated while the bottom is maintained cold isothermal. Three types of thermal configurations are considered at the obstacle boundary. The effects of various physical parameters on the MHD free convection have been studied. The temperature field, fluid flow and heat transfer are strongly dependent on the type of thermal boundary condition of the circular obstacle, Prandtl number and magnetic induction. The obtained results are verified with a grid sensitivity study and validated using existing results in literature. A comparison between the present results and ones existing in literature illustrates the reliability and dependability of this study.
Classification Algorithm of Case Retrieval Based on Granularity Calculation of Quotient Space
Authors: Lu Jiaxing , Jiang Qing , Huang He , Zhang Zhengyong , Wang Rujing
Published: August 2020

Case retrieval is one of the key steps of case-based reasoning. The quality of case retrieval determines the effectiveness of the system. The common similarity calculation methods based on attributes include distance and inner product. Different similarity calculations have different influences on the effect of case retrieval. How to combine different similarity calculation results to get a more widely used and better retrieval algorithm is a hot issue in the current case-based reasoning research. In this paper, the granularity of quotient space is introduced into the similarity calculation based on attribute, and a case retrieval algorithm based on granularity synthesis theory is proposed. This method first uses similarity calculation of different attributes to get different results of case retrieval, and considers that these classification results constitute different quotient spaces, and then organizes these quotient spaces according to granularity synthesis theory to get the classification results of case retrieval. The experimental results verify the validity and correctness of this method and the application potential of granularity calculation of quotient space in case-based reasoning.
Hamming spaces and locally matrix algebras
Authors: Bezushchak Oksana , Oliynyk Bogdana
Published: August 2020

We study an abstract class of Hamming spaces (known also as measure algebras) that generalizes standard Hamming spaces [Formula: see text]. We classify countable locally standard Hamming spaces and show that each of them can be realized as the Boolean algebra of idempotents of a Cartan subalgebra of a locally matrix algebra.
Experimental Study on Dam-Break-Like Tsunami Surge Impacts on Small Balls Climbing on Different Slopes
Authors: Chen Cheng , Wang Fangyu , Lin Hui
Published: August 2020

An experimental study was carried out to investigate the tsunami surge impacts on small balls climbing on different slopes. Dam-break flows were generated in a flume to simulate tsunami surge. The water surface profiles at the sluice gate were observed, the tsunami inundation height and the surge velocity in the flume were measured, and the maximum climbing heights of small balls on different slopes were recorded. Results show that the dam-break speed and the tsunami surge strength increase with increasing reservoir water level. The increasing tsunami inundation height, the decreasing ball density, and the decreasing ball diameter have positive effects on the maximum ball climbing height. Based on the normalized experimental data, equations for estimating the maximum ball climbing heights on different slopes were proposed as functions of the inundation height, the ball diameter, and the ball density. The calculated values from the equation are generally within [Formula: see text]% of the measured values in the experimental ranges.
A Study on the Evolution and Optimization of Production–Ecological–Living Space Structure in Chinese Cities
Authors: WU Zhanyun , SHAN Jingjing
Published: August 2020

Urban land-use structure is the result of the joint effects of physical geographic environment, economic development level and institutional environment. Cities’ differences in resources endowment, administrative level and scale all exert great influences on their production–ecological–living (PEL) space structure. According to the results of land-use analysis of 661 cities above the county level between 2000 and 2017, the Chinese cities’ PEL spaces suffer an unbalanced structure, mismatches among regions and unreasonable classification of scales. The existing spatial planning system, space-use regulation and urban growth control deviate to some degree from the expected goal, i.e. coordinated development, of PEL spaces. In the future, efforts should be made to accelerate the establishment of a spatial planning system, strengthen the space-use regulation and improve planning regulations and polices of national land, so as to enhance the governance of national land space and facilitate the coordinated development of the PEL spaces in Chinese cities.
Emergence and development of Uyghur medicine from the perspective of Chinese traditional medicine
Authors: Gao Zhen , Lu Linwei , Ding Jessica , Teng Fangzhou , Yan Chen , Zhu Xueyi , Dong Jingcheng
Published: August 2020

The origin of medicine, to some extent, can be seen as the evolution of primitive medical knowledge and experience, and it is a process of continuous integration as well as inheritance of the good and elimination of the bad. There are four important factors, including labor (the external factor), survival instinct (the internal factor), representative doctors (the dominant factor), and philosophy (the critical factor), and only by the inspiration of philosophy can we establish and improve the theoretical system of medicine that will comprise the accumulated primitive medical experience, and instinctive medical practice. Here, we proposed that Uyghur Medicine is considered neither indigenous nor introduced. It is rooted in Chinese traditional cultures, and after integrating ancient Chinese philosophy with primitive medical experience and practice in Western China, and subsequently being inspired and enlightened by traditional Chinese medicine (TCM, Han Medicine), it gradually evolves and matures over time. Consequently, TCM (Han Medicine) has extensively contributed to the emergence and development of Uyghur Medicine. Specifically, the medical knowledge and practice of TCM (Han Medicine) introduced into Western China are the basis, whereas those of Persian Medicine and Ancient Indian Medicine introduced through the Silk Road are the important sources of enrichment.
Study on the protective effect of different extraction sites of Hyssopus officinalis and Dracocephalum moldavica combination on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats
Authors: Maihemuti Maimaitiming , Abulaiti Remila , Parhat Alimjan
Published: August 2020

Objective: To investigate and evaluate the protective effect of the combination of Hyssopus officinalis and Dracocephalum moldavica on cerebral ischemia reperfusion rat model.

Methods: The rat model of cerebral ischemia reperfusion was established and SD rats were randomly divided into six groups: normal group, model group, water extraction site, ethanol extraction site, ether extraction site and total extraction site groups. After 22 h of reperfusion, the rats were scored for neural dysfunction, and the contents of brain water, MDA and SOD were measured. Histopathological changes of cortex and hippocampus were observed by HE staining. The brain tissue was stained with TTC, and the infarct area was photographed and calculated.

Results: Compared with the model group, the water extraction site, the total extraction site decreased IL-6 in brain tissue ([Formula: see text]), while the ethanol site and ethanol extraction site and the total extraction site could reduce the score of nerve function loss, percentage of cerebral infarction area and MDA content ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]). The level of SOD in the brain tissues of rats was significantly increased in both ethanol sites and total extraction sites ([Formula: see text]). Compared with the model group, the total extraction sites showed significant decrease of TNF-[Formula: see text] content ([Formula: see text]). Compared with the normal group, the water content in the model group was significantly increased, and there was a decreasing trend but it was not significant after drug treatment groups.

Conclusion: The ethanol and total extraction site of Hyssopus officinalis and Dracocephalum moldavica combination exerts protective effects on rat model of cerebral ischemia reperfusion.
Clinical observation of the use of portable pulmonary function test trainer in patients with stable COPD
Authors: Wu Yuhua , Zhou Jian , Ma Mengyu , Xie Jing , Wang Ahong , Li Jing , Li Xinhua , Chang Meijia , Pei Xiaoli , Ji Qiaomeng , Zhang Ge , Wang Jing , Li Na
Published: August 2020

Objective: To investigate the clinical effects of the use of portable pulmonary function tester in patients with stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

Methods: A total of 80 patients with stable COPD were enrolled in our hospital from March 2018 to March 2019. They were divided into two groups according to different treatment methods. The comparison group was used for routine pulmonary function training, and the intervention group was trained for Portable Pulmonary Function Training and Test Device (PPFTTD). Comparison was made of forced expiratory volume in one second/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC), measured/predicted value of the first second forced expiratory volume (FEV1 measured/predicted value), measured/predicted value of maximal voluntary ventilation per minute between the two groups. Quality of life (QOL) scores such as daily living ability, social activity, depressive psychological symptoms, and anxiety psychological symptoms were measured.

Results: The FEV1/FVC value, measured/predicted value of FEV1 and MVV of intervention group were higher than those in the comparison group ([Formula: see text]). QOL scores, such as daily living ability, social activity, depression psychological symptoms, and anxiety psychological symptoms in the intervention group, were lower than those in the comparison group ([Formula: see text]).

Conclusion: In the treatment of stable COPD, the use of portable pulmonary function tester is significant, and it should be widely promoted and applied in clinical practice.
Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects of Carpesium cernuum L. Methanolic Extract in LPS-Stimulated RAW 264.7 Macrophages
Authors: Park Yea-Jin , Cheon Se-Yun , Lee Dong-Sung , Cominguez Divina C. , Zhang Zhiyun , Lee Sangwoo , An Hyo-Jin
Published: August 2020

A hypernomic reaction or an abnormal inflammatory process could cause a series of diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, neurodegeneration, and cancer. Additionally, oxidative stress has been identified to induce severe tissue injury and inflammation. Carpesium cernuum L. (C. cernuum) is a Chinese folk medicine used for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and detoxifying properties. However, the underlying molecular mechanism of C. cernuum in inflammatory and oxidative stress conditions remains largely unknown. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of a methanolic extract of C. cernuum (CLME) on lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) induced RAW 264.7 mouse macrophages and a sepsis mouse model. The data presented in this study indicated that CLME inhibited LPS-induced production of proinflammatory mediators such as nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in RAW 264.7 cells. CLME treatment also reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and enhanced the expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) protein in a dose-dependent manner in the LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Moreover, CLME treatment abolished the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), enhanced the activation of nuclear factor-erythroid 2 p45-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and reduced the expression of extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK) and ERK kinase (MEK) phosphorylation in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. These outcomes implied that CLME could be a potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent.
Facility Maintenance Traceability Information Coding in BIM‐Based Facility Repair Platform
Authors: Pan Nai-Hsin , Chen Kuei-Yen
Published: August 2020

The importance of facility management (FM) has gradually been recognized in the life cycle of a building. Both new and existing buildings require a more efficient approach and advanced technology to improve the efficiency of the FM. The study is aimed to enhance the facility repair process. Thus, the study presents a building information modeling (BIM)‐based facility repair platform framework, which enables expedited reporting for repairs and a comprehensive listing of the status, location, and maintenance record facilities. To effectively facilitate the FM information transfer among stakeholders, firstly, the study presents a facility traceability coding structure for building facilities, the proposed platform framework. The proposed facility traceability information coding in QR code format can help general users and FM personnel identify and locate the specific or abnormal facility quickly. Secondly, the study demonstrates that how to apply the proposed code in QR code format in the BIM‐based facility repair platform with a case test. The research findings showed that the proposed method enables FM personnel to significantly improve the efficiency of FM, which can help FM personnel make preliminary facility repair judgments and schedule maintenance plan to track the status of the facility repair which can help improve the efficiency of facility management and simplify the repair process.
Prevention of Oxygen-Induced Inflammatory Lung Injury by Caffeine in Neonatal Rats
Authors: Endesfelder Stefanie , Strauß Evelyn , Bendix Ivo , Schmitz Thomas , Bührer Christoph
Published: August 2020

Background. Preterm birth implies an array of respiratory diseases including apnea of prematurity and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Caffeine has been introduced to treat apneas but also appears to reduce rates of BPD. Oxygen is essential when treating preterm infants with respiratory problems but high oxygen exposure aggravates BPD. This experimental study is aimed at investigating the action of caffeine on inflammatory response and cell death in pulmonary tissue in a hyperoxia-based model of BPD in the newborn rat. Material/Methods. Lung injury was induced by hyperoxic exposure with 80% oxygen for three (P3) or five (P5) postnatal days with or without recovery in ambient air until postnatal day 15 (P15). Newborn Wistar rats were treated with PBS or caffeine (10 mg/kg) every two days beginning at the day of birth. The effects of caffeine on hyperoxic-induced pulmonary inflammatory response were examined at P3 and P5 immediately after oxygen exposure or after recovery in ambient air (P15) by immunohistological staining and analysis of lung homogenates by ELISA and qPCR. Results. Treatment with caffeine significantly attenuated changes in hyperoxia-induced cell death and apoptosis-associated factors. There was a significant decrease in proinflammatory mediators and redox-sensitive transcription factor NFκB in the hyperoxia-exposed lung tissue of the caffeine-treated group compared to the nontreated group. Moreover, treatment with caffeine under hyperoxia modulated the transcription of the adenosine receptor (Adora)1. Caffeine induced pulmonary chemokine and cytokine transcription followed by immune cell infiltration of alveolar macrophages as well as increased adenosine receptor (Adora1, 2a, and 2b) expression. Conclusions. The present study investigating the impact of caffeine on the inflammatory response, pulmonary cell degeneration and modulation of adenosine receptor expression, provides further evidence that caffeine acts as an antioxidative and anti-inflammatory drug for experimental oxygen-mediated lung injury. Experimental studies may broaden the understanding of therapeutic use of caffeine in modulating detrimental mechanisms involved in BPD development.
Time Series Prediction of Electricity Demand Using Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference Systems
Authors: Acakpovi Amevi , Ternor Alfred Tettey , Asabere Nana Yaw , Adjei Patrick , Iddrisu Abdul-Shakud
Published: August 2020

This paper is concerned with the reliable prediction of electricity demands using the Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS). The need for electricity demand prediction is fundamental and vital for power resource planning and monitoring. A dataset of electricity demands covering the period of 2003 to 2018 was collected from the Electricity Distribution Company of Ghana, covering three urban areas namely Mallam, Achimota, and Ga East, all in Ghana. The dataset was divided into two parts: one part covering a period of 0 to 500 hours was used for training of the ANFIS algorithm while the second part was used for validation. Three scenarios were considered for the simulation exercise that was done with the MATLAB software. Scenario one considered four inputs sampled data, scenario two considered an additional input making it 5, and scenario 3 was similar to scenario 1 with the exception of the number of membership functions that increased from 2 to 3. The performance of the ANFIS algorithm was assessed by comparing its predictions with other three forecast models namely Support Vector Regression (SVR), Least Square Support Vector Machine (LS-SVM), and Auto-Regressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA). Findings revealed that the ANFIS algorithm can perform the prediction accurately, the ANFIS algorithm converges faster with an increase in the data used for training, and increasing the membership function resulted in overfitting of data which adversely affected the RMSE values. Comparison of the ANFIS results to other previously used methods of predicting electricity demands including SVR, LS-SVM, and ARIMA revealed that there is merit to the potentials of the ANFIS algorithm for improved predictive accuracy while relying on a quality data for training and reliable setting of tuning parameters.
The Theory and Demonstration of the Solid-Fluid Transformation of Ice Water
Authors: Wang Yong-Yan , Fan Xi-Yan , Qin Nan , Li Jian-Guang , Su Chuan-Qi
Published: August 2020

In this paper, a mathematical model for describing the solid-fluid transformation of ice water is put forward based on the special geometry cases. The correctness of the obtained model is verified through comparison with numerical analysis and experiments. The good agreement indicates that the obtained model is available for the study of the solid-fluid transformation of ice water. The theory derived in this paper lays a foundation for the research of solid-fluid transformation phenomena of other materials and may have important applications in engineering areas such as rheology, creep, and instability of materials.
Guided Wave Propagation for Monitoring the Rail Base
Authors: Yue Guodong , Cui Xiushi , Zhang Ke , Wang Zhan , An Dong
Published: August 2020

In order to monitor the rail base, the dispersion characteristics and propagation properties of the guided wave are studied. Firstly, two modes named as Modes V1 and V2 are selected by the semianalytical finite element method (SAFE). The region at the bottom edge can be monitored by Mode V1, while the junction of the base edge and the flange can be detected by Mode V2. Then, the characteristics in the propagation process are analyzed using the finite element method (FEM). The two modes can be separated about 0.6 ms after they are excited. Thirdly, a wave attenuation algorithm based on mean is proposed to quantify the wave attenuation. Both waves can have weak attenuation and be detected within 5 m. Finally, a mode-identified experiment is performed to validate the aforementioned analysis. And a defect detection experiment is performed to demonstrate the excellent monitoring characteristics using Mode V2. These results can be used to monitor the rail base in practice engineering.
Nurses’ Knowledge and Attitude towards Postoperative Pain Management in Ghana
Authors: Adams Shamsu-Deen Mahama , Varaei Shokoh , Jalalinia Fatemeh
Published: August 2020

Background. Pain management is a very important aspect of nursing care among postoperative patients. Deficit in the knowledge and bad attitude towards pain management among nurses remain a problem in Ghana. In order to manage pain better in the surgical wards, nurses should be well equipped with knowledge of pain assessment and management. Purpose. The purpose of the study was to determine nurse’s knowledge and attitude towards pain management among postoperative patients in surgical units in Ghana. Methodology. This study used the quantitative study approach with a descriptive cross-sectional study design. A sample of 211 nurses was recruited using the convenience sampling method. Data were collected using a questionnaire regarding postoperative pain management. Descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and the chi-squared test were used to analyze the data using SPSS version 16.0. Results. The mean age of the nurses was 29.77, with the youngest nurse being 23 years and oldest being 39 years. Majority (72.5%) of nurses had moderate knowledge, and 89.6% of the nurses had negative attitude towards pain management. There was no significant relationship between nurse’s knowledge and years of experience as a nurse (r = −0.03, p=0.64), as well as no significant relationship between knowledge and number of years working in the surgical ward (r = 0.06, p=0.36). Also, there was no significant relationship between nurses’ knowledge and nurses’ attitude (r = 0.06, p=0.36). Conclusion and recommendation. The level of knowledge and attitude towards postoperative management were generally inadequate among nurses. Therefore, there is the need to implement in-service training on pain management for nurses working in the surgical units frequently.
Effects of Combined Supplementation of Conjugated Linoleic Acid, Methionine Chromium, Betaine, and Cysteamine on Meat Tenderness of Rats
Authors: Yang Lingyuan , Zhang Lingmei , Huang Xingguo , Yin Yulong , Li Tiejun , Chen Jiashun
Published: August 2020

A systemic design was carried out to investigate the optimal combination of BET, Met‐Cr, CLA, and CS for improving the meat tenderness in rats. A total of 104 six‐week old male Sprague‐Dawley rats were randomly assigned to 13 treatments with 4 replicates of 2 rats each. The experiments lasted for 5 weeks. The results showed that inclusion of Met‐Cr decreased the contents of intramuscular fat (IMF), fat among muscle cells, and lipid droplets inside muscle cells (P < 0.05), and inclusion of CLA or Met‐Cr increased the contents of IMF, fat among muscle cells, and lipid droplets inside muscle cells (P < 0.05). CS increased the contents of total collagen (TC) and soluble collagen (SC), and CLA decreased the contents of TC and SC (P < 0.05). The combination of BET and CLA increased IMF and SC contents and decreased TC contents (P < 0.05). The combination of BET and CS could increase fat contents among muscle cells and decrease TC and SC contents (P < 0.05). The combination of CLA and Met‐Cr decreased IMF contents (P < 0.05). The combination of CLA and CS, as well as Met‐Cr and CS, decreased fat contents among muscle cells (P < 0.05). These combinations may regulate lipogenesis and decrease the deposition of fat in muscles. There existed a significant positive correlation between IMF and SC content, which might indicate that IMF content improves meat’s tenderness partly by increasing SC content in muscle.
Ritodrine-Induced Agranulocytosis: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Daimon Atsushi , Nunode Misa , Sano Takumi , Tanaka Tomohito , Fujita Daisuke , Ohmichi Masahide
Published: August 2020

Ritodrine hydrochloride is used for preterm labor, although serious side effects, including agranulocytosis, are reported. We report a case of ritodrine hydrochloride-induced agranulocytosis accompanied by bacteremia due to catheter infection. At 24 weeks of gestation, a female patient presented due to threatened premature labor and was administered continuous intravenous infusion of ritodrine hydrochloride. On day 36 after starting intravenous ritodrine hydrochloride, she was diagnosed with agranulocytosis. The white blood cell and granulocyte count nadirs were 1,660/μl and 438/μl. The cumulative dose of ritodrine hydrochloride was 2,610 mg. Ritodrine therapy was immediately stopped, and she was given an intravenous injection of antibiotics and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor. From her blood culture, methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus was detected. However, she started vaginal delivery two days after we stopped the ritodrine infusion. When using ritodrine hydrochloride, it is necessary to frequently check the white blood cell count, regardless of the total dose and treatment period.
Oral Corticosteroid Relieves Post-COVID-19 Anosmia in a 35-Year-Old Patient
Authors: Touisserkani Sam K. , Ayatollahi Azin
Published: August 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a highly infectious respiratory illness caused by SARS-CoV-2. Not much is yet known about this new viral disease. In our early encounter with the COVID-19, before the pandemic and during the early days of dealing with this novel viral disease in our country, we saw some cases of anosmia in patients infected by SARS-CoV-2. In many cases, this chemosensitive dysfunction persisted after the negativization of the nasopharyngeal swab. We report effective treatment of anosmia by oral corticosteroid therapy in a patient recovered from COVID-19.
Evaluation of the Utility of Capsular Stabilization Devices in a Zonular Fiber Defect Model with the Slit Side View System
Authors: Kunishige Tomoyuki , Suzuki Hisaharu , Nakano Yuji , Igarashi Tsutomu , Takahashi Hiroshi
Published: August 2020

Capsular stabilization devices were evaluated in a zonular fiber defect model using the slit side view (SSV) system to confirm their utility for capsular stabilization during phacoemulsification. A zonular fiber defect model was made by cutting Zinn’s zonule under observation with a slit lamp microscope in a porcine eye. Phacoemulsification was performed, and the movement of the lens capsule and the depth of the anterior chamber were observed using the SSV in three groups: control group: no surgical instruments used, CE group: a capsule expander was inserted, and CTR group: a capsular tension ring was inserted. In the control group, the equator of the lens was unstable and was easily suctioned to the port of the ultrasound handpiece. The lens capsule was stable in both in the CE and CTR groups. In the CTR group, the equator responsible for the zonular rupture also returned and closed true to its original position. The utility of the capsular stabilization devices in this zonular fiber defect model was confirmed with the SSV system.
Study on Synergies of Fly Ash with Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes in Manufacturing Fire Retardant Epoxy Nanocomposite
Authors: Nguyen Tuan Anh , Nguyen Quang Tung
Published: August 2020

In this study, fly ash (FA) and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were used to make environmentally friendly nanocomposites, which have high fire retardant properties and high mechanical properties. Industrial waste such as fly ash has become a major concern during the treatment of environmental pollution. MWCNTs were used in this experiment to enhance the flame retardant properties and mechanical properties of materials with fly ash additives. MWCNTs content (0.03, 0.04, and 0.05 wt.%) and fly ash content (30, 40, and 50 wt.%) were studied for three different levels. The flame retardancy of the material is significantly improved by the addition of fly ash/MWCNTs at different rates, especially at 0.04 wt. % MWCNTs and 40 wt. % fly ash with LOI at 26.8%. Regarding mechanical properties, tensile strength increases as fly ash/MWCNTs increase, up to a critical point. On the other hand, the compressive strength of composite increases continuously as fly ash/MWCNTs increase. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to observe the morphology of fly ash and MWCNTs as well as its distribution in the matrix. This will help analyze the influence of the effectiveness of the combination of fly ash and MWCNTs to the flame retardancy and mechanical properties of fly ash/MWCNTs/epoxy nanocomposites.