bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measurement and improvement of emergency department performance through inspection and rating: an observational study of emergency departments in acute hospitals in England
Authors: Allen Thomas , Walshe Kieran , Proudlove Nathan , Sutton Matt
Published: April 2019

Introduction

Hospital inspection and the publication of inspection ratings are widely used regulatory interventions that may improve hospital performance by providing feedback, creating incentives to change and promoting choice. However, evidence that these interventions assess performance accurately and lead to improved performance is scarce.

Methods

We calculated six standard indicators of emergency department (ED) performance for 118 hospitals in England whose EDs were inspected by the Care Quality Commission, the national regulator in England, between 2013 and 2016. We linked these to inspection dates and subsequent rating scores. We used multilevel linear regression models to estimate the relationship between prior performance and subsequent rating score and the relationship between rating score and post-inspection performance.

Results

We found no relationship between performance on any of the six indicators prior to inspection and the subsequent rating score. There was no change in performance on any of the six indicators following inspection for any rating score. In each model, CIs were wide indicating no statistically significant relationships.

Discussion

We found no association between established performance indicators and rating scores. This might be because the inspection and rating process adds little to the external performance management that EDs receive. It could also indicate the limited ability of hospitals to improve ED performance because of extrinsic factors that are beyond their control.
Multicentre, randomised controlled trial of PDSAFE, a physiotherapist-delivered fall prevention programme for people with Parkinson’s
Authors: Chivers Seymour Kim , Pickering Ruth , Rochester Lynn , Roberts Helen C , Ballinger Claire , Hulbert Sophia , Kunkel Dorit , Marian Ioana R , Fitton Carolyn , McIntosh Emma , Goodwin Victoria A , Nieuwboer Alice , Lamb Sarah E , Ashburn Ann
Published: April 2019

Objective

To estimate the effect of a physiotherapist-delivered fall prevention programme for people with Parkinson’s (PwP).

Methods

People at risk of falls with confirmed Parkinson’s were recruited to this multicentre, pragmatic, investigator blind, individually randomised controlled trial with prespecified subgroup analyses. 474 PwP (Hoehn and Yahr 1–4) were randomised: 238 allocated to a physiotherapy programme and 236 to control. All participants had routine care; the control group received a DVD about Parkinson’s and single advice session at trial completion. The intervention group (PDSAFE) had an individually tailored, progressive home-based fall avoidance strategy training programme with balance and strengthening exercises. The primary outcome was risk of repeat falling, collected by self-report monthly diaries, 0–6 months after randomisation. Secondary outcomes included Mini-BESTest for balance, chair stand test, falls efficacy, freezing of gait, health-related quality of life (EuroQol EQ-5D), Geriatric Depression Scale, Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly and Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire, fractures and rate of near falling.

Results

Average age is 72 years and 266 (56%) were men. By 6 months, 116 (55%) of the control group and 125 (61.5%) of the intervention group reported repeat falls (controlled OR 1.21, 95% CI 0.74 to 1.98, p=0.447). Secondary subgroup analyses suggested a different response to the intervention between moderate and severe disease severity groups. Balance, falls efficacy and chair stand time improved with near falls reduced in the intervention arm.

Conclusion

PDSAFE did not reduce falling in this pragmatic trial of PwP. Other functional tasks improved and reduced fall rates were apparent among those with moderate disease.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN48152791.
On the need for dependence characterization in random fields: Findings from cone penetration test (CPT) data
Authors: Wang Fan , Li Heng
Published: April 2019

Random field theory is widely used to model spatial variability of soil properties. However, random field modeling focuses mainly on the estimate of spatial correlation structure. The dependence structure that is necessary to construct the joint probability distribution over a random field is usually not characterized. The aim of this research is twofold. First, this paper focuses on characterizing the dependence structure underlying a random field based on cone penetration test (CPT) data. The copula approach is adopted to represent dependencies and the best-fit dependence (copulas) are identified from the CPT data. It is found that the nonGaussian dependencies can be a real phenomenon in spatial fluctuation of the soil shear strength parameter. Second, this paper provides formulations for generating random fields with Gaussian or nonGaussian dependencies, and investigates whether the improper use of the dependence structure could lead to significant bias in failure probability. The generated one-dimensional (1-D) and two-dimensional (2-D) random fields of a cohesive slope under different dependencies are compared. Large deviation in probabilistic results implies that the effect of dependencies on failure probability can be nontrivial. Therefore, the complete random field characterization should involve the estimate of both correlation structure and dependence structure.
Does long-term storage of clay samples influence their mechanical characteristics?
Authors: Abdellaziz Mustapha , Hussien Mahmoud N. , Chekired Mohamed , Karray Mourad
Published: April 2019

The prime objective of this study is to assess the influence of long-term storage on the physical and mechanical characteristics of clay samples. Samples from two different clays were sealed and stored in a temperature- and humidity-controlled room at the geotechnical laboratory of the Université de Sherbrooke for up to 27 years. The stored clay samples were tested before and after long-term storage and the results compared in this note. The comparison showed that even with long-term storage, the majority of the physical and mechanical characteristics of the samples were preserved.
Optical design and laboratory test of an internal pushbroom hyperspectral microscopy
Authors: Zhang Zhoufeng , Hu Bingliang , Yin Qinye , Yu Tao , Zhang Zhaohui
Published: April 2019

Hyperspectral imaging is an emerging technology for various medical applications, especially in disease diagnosis of early and biomedical research based on their unique spectral signatures. A hyperspectral microscopy based on a prism-grating-prism is designed for various medical applications. The spectral range between 400 nm to 800 nm is sampled by 256 spectral channels, the modulation transfer function (MTF) values of full spectrum and full field of view are close to the diffraction limit, the smile is less than 6.4% of a pixel, and the keystone is less than 1.6% of a pixel. At the same time, the hyperspectral microscopy used an internal pushbroom technology, which has the advantages of compact structure and good portability. The spectral imaging results demonstrate the great potential of this internal pushbroom hyperspectral microscopy for the pathologists to automatically detect tumor tissue in pathological slides and early disease diagnosis.
Synthesis of the Composite Additive Fine Powders for ZnO Varistor by Low-Temperature Combustion
Authors: Ri Chol-Nam , Kim Chol-Jun , Kim Song-Gol , Kim Myong-Hak
Published: April 2019

The composite oxide additive containing Mn, Ni, Cr and Co elements for the ZnO varistor was successfully synthesized through the low-temperature combustion synthesis approach. The combustion reaction was carried out using nitrate mixtures of Mn, Ni, Cr and Co as oxidants and hydrazine as fuel. Herein, hydrazine acts as a bidentate bridge ligand, and it forms a complex with metal nitrate. Controlling the pH value of reactant solution by adding the hydrazine had a considerable effect on the combustion characteristics of the precursor and the final synthesized powder properties. The results of the XRD, FT-IR, SEM and TEM analysis indicated that the suitable pH value for synthesizing the composite additive powder with fine grain size and good crystallinity was 7. The precursor prepared at [Formula: see text] exhibited steady and slow combustion characteristics, and its yield rate achieved ca. 100%. With this method, the composite additive fine powder suitable for improvement of the electrical characteristics of ZnO varistor can be synthesized simultaneously on a large scale.
Simulation of Subjective Closed Captioning Quality Assessment Using Prediction Models
Authors: Nam Somang , Fels Deborah
Published: April 2019

As a primary user group, Deaf or Hard of Hearing (D/HOH) audiences use Closed Captioning (CC) service to enjoy the TV programs with audio by reading text. However, the D/HOH communities are not completely satisfied with the quality of CC even though the government regulators entail certain rules in the CC quality factors. The measure of the CC quality is often interpreted as an accuracy on translation and regulators use the empirical models to assess. The need of a subjective quality scale comes from the gap in between current empirical assessment models and the audience perceived quality. It is possible to fill the gap by including the subjective assessment by D/HOH audiences. This research proposes a design of an automatic quality assessment system for CC which can predict the D/HOH audience subjective ratings. A simulated rater is implemented based on literature and the CC quality factor representative value extraction algorithm is developed. Three prediction models are trained with a set of CC quality values and corresponding rating scores, then they are compared to find the feasible prediction model.
Analysis of a delayed diffusive model with Beddington–DeAngelis functional response
Authors: Meng Xin-You , Wang Jiao-Guo
Published: April 2019

In this paper, a delayed diffusive phytoplankton-zooplankton model with Beddington–DeAngelis functional response and toxins is investigated. Existence of equilibria of the system are solved. The global asymptotic stability of the zooplankton-free equilibrium is obtained. The local stability of the coexistent equilibrium and existence of Hopf bifurcation are discussed. In addition, the properties of the Hopf bifurcation are studied based on the center manifold and normal form theory for partial differential equations. Finally, some numerical simulations are also carried out to confirm our theoretical analysis.
An Alternative Learning Gain Based on the Rasch Model
Authors: Nitta Hideo , Aiba Takuya
Published: April 2019

Using the Rasch model for the pretest–posttest analysis, a learning gain, the “Rasch gain”, is introduced as the simple difference of the estimated ability parameter for students. It is shown that, although the Rasch gain strongly correlates with the normalized learning gain introduced by Hake, the Rasch gain has advantages over the Hake gain as a scientific measure.
Interrogating the Structural Dynamics and Energetics of Biomolecular Systems with Pressure Modulation
Authors: Winter Roland
Published: April 2019

High hydrostatic pressure affects the structure, dynamics, and stability of biomolecular systems and is a key parameter in the context of the exploration of the origin and the physical limits of life. This review lays out the conceptual framework for exploring the conformational fluctuations, dynamical properties, and activity of biomolecular systems using pressure perturbation. Complementary pressure-jump relaxation studies are useful tools to study the kinetics and mechanisms of biomolecular phase transitions and structural transformations, such as membrane fusion or protein and nucleic acid folding. Finally, the advantages of using pressure to explore biomolecular assemblies and modulate enzymatic reactions are discussed.
Challenges of the Circular Economy: A Material, Metallurgical, and Product Design Perspective
Authors: Reuter Markus A. , van Schaik Antoinette , Gutzmer Jens , Bartie Neill , Abadías-Llamas Alejandro
Published: April 2019

Circular economy's (CE) noble aims maximize resource efficiency (RE) by, for example, extending product life cycles and using wastes as resources. Modern society's vast and increasing amounts of waste and consumer goods, their complexity, and functional material combinations are challenging the viability of the CE despite various alternative business models promising otherwise. The metallurgical processing of CE-enabling technologies requires a sophisticated and agile metallurgical infrastructure. The challenges of reaching a CE are highlighted in terms of, e.g., thermodynamics, transfer processes, technology platforms, digitalization of the processes of the CE stakeholders, and design for recycling (DfR) based on a product (mineral)-centric approach, highlighting the limitations of material-centric considerations. Integrating product-centric considerations into the water, energy, transport, heavy industry, and other smart grid systems will maximize the RE of future smart sustainable cities, providing the fundamental detail for realizing and innovating the United Nation's Sustainability Development Goals.
Elevated glucose concentration in culture media decreases membrane trafficking of SGLT2 in LLC-PK1 cells via a cAMP/PKA-dependent pathway
Authors: Sunilkumar Siddharth , Ford Sue M.
Published: April 2019

Na+-dependent glucose reabsorption in the renal proximal tubule is dynamically regulated by changes in blood glucose levels. There is, however, a disparity in reports studying the relationship between hyperglycemia and Na+-glucose-linked transporter (SGLT) function and expression. Similarly, manipulation of the glucose content in growth media of cultured renal cells has been shown to influence SGLT activity. In this investigation, SGLT activity was significantly lower in proximal tubule LLC-PK1 cells cultured in medium containing 17.5 than 5 mM glucose. α-Methyl d-glucopyranoside (AMG) transport kinetics showed reduced apparent Vmax and Km in cells grown in 17.5 mM glucose. SGLT2 was identified as the isoform responsible for glucose transport, and protein expression analyses showed decreased apical membrane localization of SGLT2 in cells grown in 17.5 mM glucose, explaining the reduced activity. Multiple signaling pathways have been implicated in regulation of SGLT activity and trafficking. Elevated media glucose decreased intracellular cAMP and PKA activation, leading to decreased SGLT2 trafficking into the plasma membrane, which was reversed after treatment with 1 µM forskolin. The effects of media glucose on SGLT activity were found to be dependent on p38 MAPK activation due to PKA-mediated signaling. Glucose-modulated AMG uptake is reversible and was associated with altered SGLT2 membrane trafficking and cAMP alterations. In summary, elevated glucose concentrations in culture medium decrease SGLT activity in LLC-PK1 cells by reducing membrane trafficking of SGLT2 via decreasing intracellular cAMP, resulting in a lowered PKA-dependent phosphorylation of p38 MAPK.
Cold acclimation triggers lipidomic and metabolic adjustments in the spotted wing drosophilaDrosophila suzukii(Matsumara)
Authors: Enriquez Thomas , Colinet Hervé
Published: April 2019

Chronic cold exposure is detrimental to chill susceptible insects that may accumulate chill injuries. To cope with deleterious effects of cold temperature, insects employ a variety of physiological strategies and metabolic adjustments, such as production of cryoprotectants, or remodeling of cellular membranes. Cold tolerance is a key element determining the fundamental niche of species. Because Drosophila suzukii is an invasive fruit pest, originating from East Asia, knowledge about its thermal biology is urgently needed. Physiological mechanisms underlying cold tolerance plasticity remain poorly understood in this species. Here, we explored metabolic and lipidomic modifications associated with the acquisition of cold tolerance in D. suzukii using Omics technologies (LC- and GC-MS/MS). In both cold-acclimated males and females, we observed physiological changes consistent with homeoviscous/homeophasic adaptation of membranes: reshuffling of phospholipid head groups and increasing unsaturation rate of fatty acids. Modification of fatty acids unsaturation were also observed in triacylglycerides, which would likely increase accessibility of lipid reserves. At the metabolic level, we observed clear-cut differentiation of metabolic profiles with cold-acclimated metabotypes showing accumulation of several potential cryoprotectants (sugars and amino acids). Metabolic pathway analyses indicated a remodeling of various processes, including purine metabolism and aminoacyl tRNA biosynthesis. These data provide a large-scale characterization of lipid rearrangements and metabolic pathway modifications in D. suzukii in response to cold acclimation and contribute to characterizing the strategies used by this species to modulate cold tolerance.
Loss of reticulocalbin 2 lowers blood pressure and restrains ANG II-induced hypertension in vivo
Authors: Li Jing , Cechova Sylvia , Wang Lina , Isakson Brant E. , Le Thu H. , Shi Weibin
Published: April 2019

Hypertension affects over 1 billion people worldwide and increases the risk for heart failure, stroke, and chronic kidney disease. Despite high prevalence and devastating impact, its etiology still remains poorly understood for most hypertensive cases. Rcn2, which encodes reticulocalbin 2, is a candidate gene for atherosclerosis that we have previously reported in mice. Here, we identified Rcn2 as a novel regulator of blood pressure in mice. Rcn2 was abundantly expressed in the endothelium and adventitia of normal arteries and was dramatically upregulated in the medial layer of the artery undergoing structural remodeling. Deletion of Rcn2 lowered basal blood pressure and attenuated ANG II-induced hypertension in C57BL/6 mice. siRNA knockdown of Rcn2 dramatically increased production of the nitric oxide (NO) breakdown products nitrite and nitrate by endothelial cells but not by smooth muscle cells. Isolated carotid arteries from Rcn2−/−mice showed an increased sensitivity to the ACh-induced NO-mediated relaxant response compared with arteries of Rcn2+/+mice. Analysis of a recent meta-data set showed associations of genetic variants near RCN2 with blood pressure in humans. These data suggest that Rcn2 regulates blood pressure and contributes to hypertension through actions on endothelial NO synthase.
Genetic disruption ofNpr1depletes regulatory T cells and provokes high levels of proinflammatory cytokines and fibrosis in the kidneys of female mutant mice
Authors: Gogulamudi Venkateswara Reddy , Mani Indra , Subramanian Umadevi , Pandey Kailash N.
Published: April 2019

The present study was designed to determine the effects of gene knockout of guanylyl cyclase/natriuretic peptide receptor-A (GC-A/NPRA) on immunogenic responses affecting kidney function and blood pressure (BP) in Npr1 (coding for GC-A/NPRA)-null mutant mice. We used female Npr1 gene-disrupted ( Npr1−/−, 0 copy), heterozygous ( Npr1+/−, 1 copy), wild-type ( Npr1+/+, 2 copy), and gene-duplicated ( Npr1++/++, 4 copy) mice. Expression levels of Toll-like receptor (TLR)2/TLR4 mRNA were increased 4- to 5-fold in 1-copy mice and 6- to 10-fold in 0-copy mice; protein levels were increased 2.5- to 3-fold in 1-copy mice and 4- to 5-fold in 0-copy mice. Expression of proinflammatory cytokines and BP was significantly elevated in 1-copy and 0-copy mice compared with 2-copy and 4-copy mice. In addition, 0-copy and 1-copy mice exhibited drastic reductions in regulatory T cells (Tregs). After rapamycin treatment, Tregs were increased by 17% ( P < 0.001) in 0-copy mice and 8% ( P < 0.001) in 1-copy mice. Renal mRNA and protein levels of TLR2 and TLR4 were decreased by 70% in 0-copy mice and 50% in 1-copy mice. There were significantly higher levels of Tregs and very low levels of TLR2/TLR4 expression in 4-copy mice ( P < 0.001). These findings indicate that the disruption of Npr1 in female mice triggers renal immunogenic pathways, which transactivate the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and renal fibrosis with elevated BP in mutant animals. The data suggest that rapamycin treatment attenuates proinflammatory cytokine expression, dramatically increases anti-inflammatory cytokines, and substantially reduces BP and renal fibrosis in mutant animals.
Hair cell and neural contributions to the cochlear summating potential
Authors: Pappa Andrew K. , Hutson Kendall A. , Scott William C. , Wilson J. David , Fox Kevin E. , Masood Maheer M. , Giardina Christopher K. , Pulver Stephen H. , Grana Gilberto D. , Askew Charles , Fitzpatrick Douglas C.
Published: April 2019

The cochlear summating potential (SP) to a tone is a baseline shift that persists for the duration of the burst. It is often considered the most enigmatic of cochlear potentials because its magnitude and polarity vary across frequency and level and its origins are uncertain. In this study, we used pharmacology to isolate sources of the SP originating from the gerbil cochlea. Animals either had the full complement of outer and inner hair cells (OHCs and IHCs) and an intact auditory nerve or had systemic treatment with furosemide and kanamycin (FK) to remove the outer hair cells. Responses to tone bursts were recorded from the round window before and after the neurotoxin kainic acid (KA) was applied. IHC responses were then isolated from the post-KA responses in FK animals, neural responses were isolated from the subtraction of post-KA from pre-KA responses in NH animals, and OHC responses were isolated by subtraction of post-KA responses in FK animals from post-KA responses in normal hearing (NH) animals. All three sources contributed to the SP; OHCs with a negative polarity and IHCs and the auditory nerve with positive polarity. Thus the recorded SP in NH animals is a sum of contributions from different sources, contributing to the variety of magnitudes and polarities seen across frequency and intensity. When this information was applied to observations of the SP recorded from the round window in human cochlear implant subjects, a strong neural contribution to the SP was confirmed in humans as well as gerbils.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Of the various potentials produced by the cochlea, the summating potential (SP) is typically described as the most enigmatic. Using combinations of ototoxins and neurotoxins, we show contributions to the SP from the auditory nerve and from inner and outer hair cells, which differ in polarity and vary in size across frequency and level. This complexity of sources helps to explain the enigmatic nature of the SP.
A supervised machine learning approach to characterize spinal network function
Authors: Dalrymple A. N. , Sharples S. A. , Osachoff N. , Lognon A. P. , Whelan P. J.
Published: April 2019

Spontaneous activity is a common feature of immature neuronal networks throughout the central nervous system and plays an important role in network development and consolidation. In postnatal rodents, spontaneous activity in the spinal cord exhibits complex, stochastic patterns that have historically proven challenging to characterize. We developed a software tool for quickly and automatically characterizing and classifying episodes of spontaneous activity generated from developing spinal networks. We recorded spontaneous activity from in vitro lumbar ventral roots of 16 neonatal [postnatal day (P)0–P3] mice. Recordings were DC coupled and detrended, and episodes were separated for analysis. Amplitude-, duration-, and frequency-related features were extracted from each episode and organized into five classes. Paired classes and features were used to train and test supervised machine learning algorithms. Multilayer perceptrons were used to classify episodes as rhythmic or multiburst. We increased network excitability with potassium chloride and tested the utility of the tool to detect changes in features and episode class. We also demonstrate usability by having a novel experimenter use the program to classify episodes collected at a later time point (P5). Supervised machine learning-based classification of episodes accounted for changes that traditional approaches cannot detect. Our tool, named SpontaneousClassification, advances the detail in which we can study not only developing spinal networks, but also spontaneous networks in other areas of the nervous system.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Spontaneous activity is important for nervous system network development and consolidation. Our software uses machine learning to automatically and quickly characterize and classify episodes of spontaneous activity in the spinal cord of newborn mice. It detected changes in network activity following KCl-enhanced excitation. Using our software to classify spontaneous activity throughout development, in pathological models, or with neuromodulation, may offer insight into the development and organization of spinal circuits.
Rostral lumbar segments are the key controllers of hindlimb locomotor rhythmicity in the adult spinal rat
Authors: Gerasimenko Yury , Preston Chet , Zhong Hui , Roy Roland R. , Edgerton V. Reggie , Shah Prithvi K.
Published: April 2019

The precise location and functional organization of the spinal neuronal locomotor-related networks in adult mammals remain unclear. Our recent neurophysiological findings provided empirical evidence that the rostral lumbar spinal cord segments play a critical role in the initiation and generation of the rhythmic activation patterns necessary for hindlimb locomotion in adult spinal rats. Since added epidural stimulation at the S1 segments significantly enhanced the motor output generated by L2 stimulation, these data also suggested that the sacral spinal cord provides a strong facilitory influence in rhythm initiation and generation. However, whether L2 will initiate hindlimb locomotion in the absence of S1 segments, and whether S1 segments can facilitate locomotion in the absence of L2 segments remain unknown. Herein, adult rats received complete spinal cord transections at T8 and then at either L2 or S1. Rats with spinal cord transections at T8 and S1 remained capable of generating coordinated hindlimb locomotion when receiving epidural stimulation at L2 and when ensembles of locomotor related loadbearing input were present. In contrast, minimal locomotion was observed when S1 stimulation was delivered after spinal cord transections at T8 and L2. Results were similar when the nonspecific serotonergic agonists were administered. These results demonstrate in adult rats that rostral lumbar segments are essential for the regulation of hindlimb locomotor rhythmicity. In addition, the more caudal spinal networks alone cannot control locomotion in the absence of the rostral segments around L2 even when loadbearing rhythmic proprioceptive afferent input is imposed.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY The exact location of the spinal neuronal locomotor-related networks in adult mammals remains unknown. The present data demonstrate that when the rostral lumbar spinal segments (~L2) are completely eliminated in thoracic spinal adult rats, hindlimb stepping is not possible with neurochemical modulation of the lumbosacral cord. In contrast, eliminating the sacral cord retains stepping ability. These observations highlight the importance of rostral lumbar segments in generating effective mammalian locomotion.
Safety and Efficacy of Tianfoshen Oral Liquid in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients as an Adjuvant Therapy
Authors: Zhao Lei , Wang Jing , Li Huihui , Che Juanjuan , Ma Nina , Cao Bangwei
Published: April 2019

Ethnopharmacological Relevance. As an important Chinese herb injection, Tianfoshen (TFS) oral liquid is widely used in Chinese non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Aim of the Study. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Tianfoshen (TFS) oral liquid plus chemotherapy in Chinese NSCLC patients with Qi and Yin deficiency syndrome, an observational study was conducted in Beijing Friendship Hospital between August 2012 and July 2016. Patients, enrolled in this study, were diagnosed with NSCLC and were treated with Cisplatin in combination with Paclitaxel/Navelbine/Gemcitabine/Docetaxel as a first-line treatment, or Pemetrexed for recurrent patients. The primary endpoint was the improvement of traditional Chinese medicine syndrome and objective response rate in patients. The secondary endpoint was the occurrence of drug-related adverse events. Results. A total of 108 patients were included in this study and underwent the safety and efficacy assessments. Compared to the baseline, the total scores of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome after 3 or 8/9 weeks of TFS treatment were statistically significant (P<0.0001), and the clinical efficiency rate was 36.11% and 50.93%, respectively. The objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) of TFS group were slightly higher than those of without-TFS group, although the comparison was not statistically significant. The incidence of common adverse events related to TFS was 7.41% whereas the incidence of serious adverse events was 0.93%. Conclusions. As an adjuvant therapy of chemotherapy, TFS showed an acceptable tolerability profile in the clinical practice of Chinese NSCLC patients with Qi and Yin deficiency syndrome, but it seems to have no effect on the ORR and DCR.
Analysis on Vibration Characteristics of Air Film Damping with Open Boundaries
Authors: Zhang Hong , Cui Dong-ze , Jiao Ying-jie , Chen Xi
Published: April 2019

Air film damping (AFD) has been a research focus for the fatigue damage suppression problem of aeroengine blade decades ago; however significant progress has not been made in the past decade. In this paper, we present a theoretical model and experimental analysis about this technology. The dissipation mechanism of the AFD is established by assumption that the viscous gas inside the thin air film is Poiseuille flow and the energy dissipation equation of AFD with open boundaries is deduced and evaluated. Blade simulated testing specimens are designed. The vibration measurements are performed by RC‐3000 vibration exciter and detected by applying the contactless laser vibrometer system. The theoretical results consist with the experimental results, and both show that AFD appears promising performance in vibration suppression. We also present how the structure parameters, such as installation position, air film length and thickness, and thin skin thickness, influence the vibration suppression effect.
Decreased Frequencies of Th17 and Tc17 Cells in Patients Infected with Avian Influenza A (H7N9) Virus
Authors: Bao Jiaqi , Cui Dawei , Wang Xiaochen , Zou Qianda , Zhao Dejian , Zheng Shufa , Yu Fei , Huang Li , Dong Yuejiao , Yang Xianzhi , Xie Guoliang , Chen Weizhen , Chen Yu
Published: April 2019

The outbreak of avian influenza A (H7N9) virus infection, with a high mortality rate, has caused concern worldwide. Although interleukin-17- (IL-17-) secreting CD4+ T (Th17) and CD8+ T (Tc17) cells have been proven to play crucial roles in influenza virus infection, the changes and roles of Th17 and Tc17 cells in immune responses to H7N9 infection remain controversial. In this study, we found that the frequencies of Th17 and Tc17 cells among human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) as well as IL-17A protein and mRNA levels were markedly decreased in patients with acute H7N9 virus infection. A positive correlation was found between the serum IL-17A level and the frequency of these two cell groups. In vitro infection experiments revealed decreased Th17 and Tc17 cell frequency and IL-17A levels at various time points postinfection. In addition, Th17 cells were the predominant sources of IL-17A in PBMCs of patients infected with H7N9 virus. Taken together, our results indicate immune disorder in acute H7N9 infection and a restored Th17 and Tc17 cell frequency might serve as a biomarker for predicting recovery in patients infected with this virus.
The Correlation between Serum Uric Acid and Renal Function in Elderly Chinese Diabetes with Normoalbuminuria
Authors: Qin Qiaojing , Qian Yingjun , Zhu Guanghua , Fan Weifeng , Niu Jianying , Gu Yong
Published: April 2019

Objective. The elder diabetic patients increases rapidly in China and often accompany with hyperuricemia. Recently evidences show that renal function has been impaired in part of diabetic patients with normoalbuminuria. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between serum uric acid (SUA) and renal function in Chinese elder diabetes with normoalbuminuria. Methods. The physical examination data from 1052 cases of diabetic residents with normoalbuminuria aged 70 years and over in the Jiangchuan community of Minhang District, Shanghai, from October 2011 to September 2014 was analyzed retrospectively. Each received height, body weight, waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), blood pressure (BP), and collected samples of fasting blood and morning urine to detect blood routine, blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), blood lipids, serum creatinine, urinary albumin, urine creatinine, and urine PH value. Correlation between SUA and renal function, an index of which is estimated using estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), was analyzed. Results. The prevalence of hyperuricemia was 21.10%. Levels of WC and triglyceride (TG) increased and the levels of HbA1c, high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), eGFR, and urine PH decreased while the levels of SUA increased. Moreover, negative correlation of eGFR with age, WC, leukocyte, and SUA (Pearson r=0.415) was observed via Pearson correlation analysis. It indicates the strong association between SUA and eGFR. Furthermore, eGFR independently associated with SUA, age, leukocyte, hemoglobin (Hb), and fasting blood glucose (FBG) was confirmed by multiple linear stepwise regression analysis. Conclusion. SUA may play an important role in the decrease of eGFR in elderly Chinese diabetic patients with normoalbuminuria.
Ethnopharmacological Inspections of Organic Extract ofOroxylum indicumin Rat Models: A Promising Natural Gift
Authors: Begum Mst. Marium , Islam Azharul , Begum Rayhana , Uddin Md. Sahab , Rahman Md. Sohanur , Alam Sumiya , Akter Wahida , Das Munny , Rahman Md. Sohanur , Imon A. H. M. Rahmatullah
Published: April 2019

The stem bark ofOroxylum indicum(O. indicum) was aimed at testing for anti-inflammatory, antiulcerative, antihyperglycemic, and antidyslipidemic activities. Liver enzyme concentration (SGPT, SGOT) had also been assessed. After being extracted in organic solvent, 3 distinct doses, 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg b.w. (p.o.), were used. For edema formation 0.1 ml carrageenan at a dose of 1% w/v was injected into paw of left hind. It showed a fall of edemas 37.50%, 48.34%, and 55.83% while used doses were 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg b.w. (p.o.) individually. The EtOH extract ofO. indicum(50%) and its fractions PET, CLF, EtOAc, and nBUT were studied against ethanol-induced gastric mucosal damage. Only PET and n-BuOH exhibited the highest percentage of protection and were 96% and 99%, respectively, persuaded by ethanol. In OGTT glibenclamide revealed reduction of glucose level to 7.55 ± 0.22 mmol/L from 10.57 ± 0.32 mmol/L after 30 minutes. Antihyperglycemic activities were assessed for 8- and 12-week duration in diabetic rats. Glibenclamide reduced glucose level from 33.50±0.31 to 7.90±0.19 mmol/L in 12 weeks. In 12 and 8 weeks, combination therapy lowered blood glucose level to a normal extent by 79% and 61% individually. In antidyslipidemic activities after 12-week treatment, it revealed simvastatin; MEOI (400 mg/kg b.w.) and combination of both reduced TC level by 44%, 28%, and 48% consequently followed by TG and LDL. In 8-week treatment, HDL levels were increased by 34%, 13%, and 36%, and in 12 weeks increased by 36%, 8%, and 38% consequently. Liver enzyme concentration after 12 weeks of treatment with glibenclamide, 400 mg/kg b.w. (p.o.) of MEOI and combination of both, exhibited the fact that concentration of SGPT showed downturn by 43.23%, 8.01%, and 54.86% and SGOT by 42.40%, 5.31%, and 44.85%. This study remarked thatO. indicumhas anti-inflammatory, antiulcer, antidiabetic, and antidyslipidemic potentials but has no ameliorative effect on liver enzyme.
Prognostic Value of MicroRNA-15a in Human Cancers: A Meta-Analysis and Bioinformatics
Authors: Yang Fei-ran , Li Hui-jie , Li Ting-ting , Zhao Yu-feng , Liu Zong-kai , Li Xiu-rong
Published: April 2019

Background.Although several studies have proved the relationship between the prognostic value of miRNA-15a and different types of cancer, the result remains controversial. Thus, a meta-analysis was conducted to clarify the prognostic value of miRNA-15a expression level in human cancers.Methods.We enrolled appropriate literature by searching the databases of PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. Subsequently, we extracted HRs and their 95% CIs and calculated pooled results of miRNA-15a for overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Besides, subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis, and publication bias were also revealed in this study. We also further validated this meta-analysis using the Kaplan-Meier plotter database.Result.10 studies, including 1616 patients, were embraced in our meta-analysis. The result showed the lower expression of miRNA-15a significantly predicted adverse OS (HR=2.17, 95% CI: 1.41-3.34), but there is no significant association between the expressing level and DFS in cancer patient (HR=2.04, 95% CI: 0.60-6.88). Based on Kaplan-Meier plotter database, we found the same results in bladder Carcinoma, head-neck squamous cell carcinoma, liver hepatocellular carcinoma, lung squamous cell carcinoma, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, rectum adenocarcinoma, stomach adenocarcinoma, and uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma, but opposite results were found in cervical squamous cell carcinoma and esophageal carcinoma.Conclusion.Low expressing levels of miRNA-15a indicated poor OS, while miRNA-15a can be used as a prediction biomarker in different cancer types.
Numerical Study on Zika Epidemic Early Warning Algorithms Driven by Dynamical Network Biomarker
Authors: Zhan Qingyi , Zhang Zhifang
Published: April 2019

This paper focuses on the numerical study and precise forecast of Zika epidemic. An early warning index algorithm of Zika epidemic is given, and the applications of this algorithm are investigated. We pay attention to the mathematical approaches to estimate the tendency of Zika epidemic in detail. A numerical experiment is provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method by the numerical calculation of early warning index of Brazil.
Applying the EDPS Method to the Research into Thermophysical Properties of Solid Wood of Coniferous Trees
Authors: Krišťák Ľuboš , Igaz Rastislav , Ružiak Ivan
Published: April 2019

The results of using the EDPS (extended dynamic plane source) method to determine thermophysical properties of solid wood of coniferous trees growing in Slovakia with 0% and 12% equilibrium moisture content are presented in the paper. Solid wood of two different tree species: Norway spruce (Picea abiesL.) and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestrisL.) was used in the research. The research was carried out independently in three anatomical planes. Coefficients of thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, and specific heat capacity were determined following the research. Comparing the research results to the values determined by other authors and already published models to calculate individual parameters, the fact that the data gathered using the EDPS method can be accepted in case of all studied thermophysical properties can be stated.
Human Mitotic Centromere-Associated Kinesin Is Targeted by MicroRNA 485-5p/181c and Prognosticates Poor Survivability of Breast Cancer
Authors: Lu Huajun , Wang Chaoqun , Xue Lijun , Zhang Qi , Luh Frank , Wang Jianghai , Lin Tiffany G. , Yen Yun , Liu Xiyong
Published: April 2019

Purpose. This study aims to evaluate the prognostic value of human Mitotic Centromere-Associated Kinesin (MCAK), a microtubule-dependent molecular motor, in breast cancers. The posttranscriptional regulation of MCAK by microRNAs will also be explored.Methods. The large-scale gene expression datasets of breast cancer (total n=4,677) were obtained from GEO, NKI, and TCGA database. Kaplan-Meier and Cox analyses were used for survival analysis. MicroRNAs targeting MCAK were predicted by bioinformatic analysis and validated by a dual-luciferase reporter assay.Results. The expression of MCAK was significantly associated with aggressive features of breast cancer, including tumor stage, Elston grade, and molecular subtypes, for global gene expression datasets of breast cancer (p<0.05). Overexpression of MCAK was significantly associated with poor outcome in a dose-dependent manner for either ER-positive or ER-negative breast cancer. Evidence from bioinformatic prediction, coexpression assays, and gene set enrichment analyses suggested that miR-485-5p and miR-181c might target MCAK and suppress its expression. A 3’UTR dual-luciferase target reporter assay demonstrated that miR-485-5p and miR-181c mimics specifically inhibited relative Firefly/Renilla luciferase activity by about 50% in corresponding reporter plasmids. Further survival analysis also revealed that miR-485-5p (HR=0.59, 95% CI 0.37-0.92) and miR-181c (HR=0.54, 95% CI 0.34-0.84) played opposite roles of MCAK (HR=2.80, 95% CI 1.77-4.57) and were significantly associated with better outcome in breast cancers.Conclusion. MCAK could serve as a prognostic biomarker for breast cancers. miR-485-5p and miR-181c could specifically target and suppress the MCAK gene expression in breast cancer cells.
Seismic Response of Steel SMFs Subjected to Vertical Components of Far‐ and Near‐Field Earthquakes with Forward Directivity Effects
Authors: Shahbazi Shahrokh , Mansouri Iman , Hu Jong Wan , Sam Daliri Noura , Karami Armin
Published: April 2019

In the near‐field earthquake, forward directivity effects cause long‐period pulse with a short effective time and a large domain in the velocity time history. This issue increases the ductility needs of structures, and in recent decades, the destructive effects of these kinds of records have been evaluated in comparison with far‐field earthquakes. This brings about the necessity to compare a structure’s behavior subjected to vertical components of near‐field (NF) earthquakes, including forward directivity effects vs. the effects of vertical components of far‐field (FF) earthquakes. The present study investigated 3‐, 5‐, 8‐, and 20‐story steel moment frames with special ductility (SMF) through which modeling effects of panel zone have been applied, subjected to vertical component of near‐field (NF) earthquakes with forward directivity and the vertical component of far‐field earthquakes. By investigating the results, it can be clearly seen that the average values of the maximum displacement, shear force of the stories, and the velocity of each story under the impact of the near‐field earthquake are greater than the amount of that under the effect of a far‐field earthquake. However, this comparison is not valid for the amount of acceleration, axial force, and moments in the columns of the structures accurately.
Purinergic Signaling Pathway in Human Olfactory Neuronal Precursor Cells
Authors: Solís-Chagoyán Héctor , Flores-Soto Edgar , Valdés-Tovar Marcela , Cercós Montserrat G. , Calixto Eduardo , Montaño Luis M. , Barajas-López Carlos , Sommer Bettina , Aquino-Gálvez Arnoldo , Trueta Citlali , Benítez-King Gloria A.
Published: April 2019

Extracellular ATP and trophic factors released by exocytosis modulatein vivoproliferation, migration, and differentiation in multipotent stem cells (MpSC); however, the purinoceptors mediating this signaling remain uncharacterized in stem cells derived from the human olfactory epithelium (hOE). Our aim was to determine the purinergic pathway in isolated human olfactory neuronal precursor cells (hONPC) that exhibit MpSC features. Cloning by limiting dilution from a hOE heterogeneous primary culture was performed to obtain a culture predominantly constituted by hONPC. Effectiveness of cloning to isolate MpSC-like precursors was corroborated through immunodetection of specific protein markers and by functional criteria such as self-renewal, proliferation capability, and excitability of differentiated progeny. P2 receptor expression in hONPC was determined by Western blot, and the role of these purinoceptors in the ATP-induced exocytosis and changes in cytosolic Ca2+([Ca2+]i) were evaluated using the fluorescent indicators FM1-43 and Fura-2 AM, respectively. The clonal culture was enriched with SOX2 and OCT3/4 transcription factors; additionally, the proportion of nestin-immunopositive cells, the proliferation capability, and functionality of differentiated progeny remained unaltered through the long-term clonal culture. hONPC expressed P2X receptor subtypes 1, 3-5, and 7, as well as P2Y2, 4, 6, and 11; ATP induced both exocytosis and a transient [Ca2+]iincrease predominantly by activation of metabotropic P2Y receptors. Results demonstrated for the first time that ex vivo-expressed functional P2 receptors in MpSC-like hONPC regulate exocytosis and Ca2+signaling. This purinergic-triggered release of biochemical messengers to the extracellular milieu might be involved in the paracrine signaling among hOE cells.
Convergence Analysis of an Accelerated Iteration for Monotone Generalizedα-Nonexpansive Mappings with a Partial Order
Authors: Chen Yi-An , Wen Dao-Jun
Published: April 2019

In this paper, we introduce a new accelerated iteration for finding a fixed point of monotone generalizedα-nonexpansive mapping in an ordered Banach space. We establish some weak and strong convergence theorems of fixed point for monotone generalizedα-nonexpansive mapping in a uniformly convex Banach space with a partial order. Further, we provide a numerical example to illustrate the convergence behavior and effectiveness of the proposed iteration process.
A Single‐Stage Buck‐Boost Three‐Level Neutral‐Point‐Clamped Inverter with Two Input Sources for the Grid‐Tied Photovoltaic Power Generation
Authors: Ge Xuefeng , Chen Mengxing , Shi Mingming , Zhou Qi , Li Juan , Huang Di , Yuan Xiaodong , Yuan Yubo
Published: April 2019

This paper proposes a novel single‐stage buck‐boost three‐Level neutral‐point‐clamped (NPC) inverter with two independent dc sources coupled for the grid‐tied photovoltaic (PV) application, which can effectively solve the unbalanced operational conditions generally appearing between two independent PV sources. The proposed control scheme can simultaneously guarantee the maximum power point (MPP) operation of both PV sources and maintain the output waveform quality. Compared to the traditional two‐stage PV inverter, the proposed NPC inverter could reduce the PV array voltage requirement and the voltage rating of dc‐link capacitors; also it shows advantages in operational efficiency. MATLAB simulations and experimental results are presented to examine the performance of the proposed three‐level NPC inverter.