bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Indirect effects of dark matter
Authors: Belotsky K. M. , Esipova E. A. , Kamaletdinov A. Kh. , Shlepkina E. S. , Solovyov M. L.
Published: September 2019

Here, we briefly review possible indirect effects of dark matter (DM) of the universe. It includes effects in cosmic rays (CR): first of all, the positron excess at [Formula: see text]500[Formula: see text]GeV and possible electron–positron excess at 1–1.5[Formula: see text]TeV. We tell that the main and least model-dependent constraint on such possible interpretation of CR effects goes from gamma-ray background. Even ordinary [Formula: see text] mode of DM decay or annihilation produces prompt photons (FSR) so much that it leads to contradiction with data on cosmic gamma-rays. We present our attempts to possibly avoid gamma-ray constraint. They concern with peculiarities of both space distribution of DM and their physics. The latter involves complications of decay/annihilation modes of DM, modifications of Lagrangian of DM-ordinary matter interaction and inclusion of mode with identical fermions in final state. In this way, no possibilities to suppress were found except, possibly, the mode with identical fermions. While the case of spatial distribution variation allows achieving consistency between different data. Also, we consider stable form of DM which can interact with baryons. We show which constraint such DM candidate can get from the damping effect in plasma during large-scale structure (LSS) formation in comparison with other existing constraints.
Wormhole models in f(R,T) gravity
Authors: Elizalde Emilio , Khurshudyan Martiros
Published: September 2019

Models of static wormholes within the [Formula: see text] extended theory of gravity are investigated, in particular the family [Formula: see text], with [Formula: see text] being the trace of the energy–momentum tensor. Models corresponding to different relations for the pressure components (radial and lateral), and several equations-of-state (EoS), reflecting different matter content, are worked out explicitly. The solutions obtained for the shape functions of the generated wormholes obey the necessary metric conditions, as manifested in other studies in the literature. The respective energy conditions reveal the physical nature of the wormhole models thus constructed. It is found, in particular, that for each of those considered, the parameter space can be divided into different regions, in which the exact wormhole solutions fulfill the null energy conditions (NEC) and the weak energy conditions (WEC), respectively, in terms of the lateral pressure. Moreover, the dominant energy condition (DEC) in terms of both pressures is also valid, while [Formula: see text]. A similar solution for the theory [Formula: see text] is found numerically, where [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are either constant or functions of [Formula: see text], leading to the result that the NEC in terms of the radial pressure is also valid. For nonconstant [Formula: see text] models, attention is focused on the behavior [Formula: see text]. To finish, the question is addressed, how [Formula: see text] will affect the wormhole solutions corresponding to fluids of the form [Formula: see text], in the three cases such as NEC, WEC and DEC. Issues concerning the nonconservation of the matter energy–momentum tensor, the stability of the solutions obtained, and the observational possibilities for testing these models are discussed in Sec. 6.
Homothetic matter collineations of static plane symmetric spacetimes
Authors: Hussain Tahir , Shaheen Khudija , Saleem Faiza
Published: September 2019

In this paper, we present a complete classification of static plane symmetric spacetimes via their homothetic symmetries of the energy–momentum tensor, known as homothetic matter collineations (HMCs). The HMC equations for these spacetimes are derived and then solved by considering the degeneracy and non-degeneracy of the energy–momentum tensor. In the former case, we have obtained 6, 11 and infinite number of HMCs, while in the latter case, the solution of HMC equations yields 6-, 7-, 8-, 10- and 11-dimensional algebra of HMCs. The obtained HMCs generate some differential constraints involving the components of the energy–momentum tensor. Some examples of static plane symmetric spacetime metrics satisfying these constraints are provided and the physical interpretations of these metrics are discussed.
Three-Dimensional Static and Free Vibrational Analysis of Graphene Reinforced Composite Circular/Annular Plate Using Differential Quadrature Method
Authors: Bisheh H. , Alibeigloo A. , Safarpour M. , Rahimi A. R.
Published: September 2019

Free vibrational and bending behavior of functionally graded graphene platelet reinforced composite (FG-GPLRC) circular and annular plate with various boundary conditions is studied using the differential quadrature method (DQM). The weight fraction differs gradually across the thickness direction. Effective elasticity modulus of the nanocomposite has been estimated by the modified Halpin–Tsai model. Using equations of motion in the framework of the elasticity theory and constitutive relation, the state-space first-order differential equation along the thickness direction is derived. A semi-analytical solution is carried out based on the application of DQM along the radial direction and the state-space technique across the thickness of the plate. The present approach is validated by comparing the numerical results with those reported in the literature. Effect of graphene platelets (GPLs) weight fraction, different GPL distribution patterns, thickness-to-radius and outer-to-inner radius ratios and edge boundary conditions on the static and vibrational behavior of GPLs reinforced composite circular/annular plates are examined. The results implied that GPLs can improve the composite strength against different loading and GPLs could have an extraordinary reinforcing influence on the static and vibrational behavior of the circular/annular plates.
Characterization of Interphase/Interface Parameters of Unidirectional Fibrous Composites by Optimization-Based Inverse Homogenization
Authors: Wang Guannan , Tu Wenqiong , Chen Qiang
Published: September 2019

Optimization-based micromechanical and inverse-homogenization models are developed to inversely calculate the interphase/interface properties of unidirectional periodic fibrous composites from prescribed effective properties or localized stress concentrations. The interphase/interface effects between fibers and the surrounding matrix are described by four different mathematical models that are reviewed in the present work. In order to guarantee the stability of the characterization process, two sophisticated micromechanical models, locally exact homogenization theory and finite-volume direct averaging micromechanics, are introduced in this work and connected to the gradient-free particle swarm optimization to search for the optimal parameters to minimize the cost/objective functions that consider the homogenized or localized responses of unidirectional composites. The accuracy and efficiency of the proposed procedure are tested by substituting the optimized parameters back into the direct micromechanical models and validating against the target functions, where good agreement is always obtained. More importantly, the numerical effects generated by those parameters are also tested on the effective properties and localized stress distributions of fibrous composites.
Wave Scattering and Power Flow in Straight-Helical-Straight Waveguide Structure
Authors: Renno Jamil , Søndergaard Niels , Sassi Sadok , Paurobally Mohammad R.
Published: September 2019

The knowledge of wave scattering and power flow in waveguide structures is important for many engineering applications. In this paper, power flow and scattering in a straight-helical-straight waveguide structure are investigated using the wave and finite element (WFE) method. For simple (straight or helical) waveguides, wave scattering (and subsequently the power flow and scattering) can be resolved analytically. This is not the case for complex waveguides such as laminated or sandwiched waveguides or waveguides with noncanonical cross-sections. In such cases, the WFE method is used to model the wave behavior in each waveguide in the structure. The power flow is then studied by considering how waves reflect and transmit at the boundaries that join the straight waveguides with the helical waveguide. We present three numerical examples but analytical solutions can be obtained for the first example only; for the second and third examples, the WFE is used in earnest since the wave behavior and subsequently the power flow would at best be extremely difficult to formulate analytically.
An Investigation on the Viscoelastic Behavior of Eggshell Membrane by Nanoindentation Technology
Authors: Yang Qing-Sheng , Li Shuai-Wei , Zhu Jia-Qi , Li Xiang
Published: September 2019

The mechanical properties of eggshell membrane (ESM) are comparable to those of human patellar tendon or skin. This paper, based on static and dynamic nanoindentation technique, studied the time-dependent behavior, i.e., creep and relaxation of the ESM. The effect of loading level, loading rate and holding time on viscoelastic behavior were discussed by using the static measurement method of nanoindentation. The storage modulus, loss modulus and loss factor were obtained as a function of frequency. It was found that the outer membrane (OM) exhibits more apparent relaxation properties and stronger capacity to resist creep deformation than that of the inner membrane (IM). In addition, the loss factor of the IM is larger than that of the OM which caused a larger viscous damping of IM. This work can contribute to the bioinspired applications of ESM.
A New Contact Model of Joint Surfaces Accounting for Surface Waviness and Substrate Deformation
Authors: Li Ling , Yun Qiangqiang , Li Zhiqiang , Liu Yin , Cao Changyong
Published: September 2019

The joint surfaces in the computer numerically controlled (CNC) machines play a crucial role in transmitting load and energy in operations. In this paper, a new contact model between rough surfaces of a joint is proposed by considering the influence of surface waviness and substrate deformation. A contact model for a single asperity system is first established, in which the asperity and substrate deformations are calculated based on the Hertz theory. Then, it is extended to an entire rough surface by a statistical method, where the contact of rough surfaces is treated as the contact between a smooth waviness and a rough surface. The numerical results showed that when contact deformation is constant, the real contact area and the normal load of joint surfaces increase with increasing radius of the waviness peak while the normal load decreases with the increase of surface roughness. When a rough surface contains a coating layer or a surface film, the deformation of the joint surface has to consider both substrate deformation and asperity deformation. The substrate deformation will generate larger influence for a stiffer or harder coating. Compared with other models, the results obtained from the proposed model show better agreements with the experimental data.
Extracorporeal Life Support: The Next Step in Moderate to Severe ARDS—A Review and Meta-Analysis of the Literature
Authors: Aretha Diamanto , Fligou Fotini , Kiekkas Panagiotis , Karamouzos Vasilis , Voyagis Gregorios
Published: September 2019

Despite the use of lung protective ventilation (LPV) strategies, a severe form of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is unfortunately associated with high mortality rates, which sometimes exceed 60%. Recently, major technical improvements have been applied in extracorporeal life support (ECLS) systems, but as these techniques are costly and associated with very serious adverse events, high-quality evidence is needed before these techniques can become the “cornerstone” in the management of moderate to severe ARDS. Unfortunately, evaluation of previous randomized controlled and observational trials revealed major methodological issues. In this review, we focused on the most important clinical trials aiming at a final conclusion about the effectiveness of ECLS in moderate to severe ARDS patients. Totally, 20 published clinical studies were included in this review. Most studies have important limitations with regard to quality and design. In the 20 included studies (2,956 patients), 1,185 patients received ECLS. Of them, 976 patients received extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and 209 patients received extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal (ECCO2R). According to our results, ECLS use was not associated with a benefit in mortality rate in patients with ARDS. However, when restricted to higher quality studies, ECMO was associated with a significant benefit in mortality rate. Furthermore, in patients with H1N1, a potential benefit of ECLS in mortality rate was apparent. Until more high-quality data are derived, ECLS should be an option as a salvage therapy in severe hypoxemic ARDS patients.
Drugs and Clinical Approaches Targeting the Antiapoptotic Protein: A Review
Authors: Han Zeping , Liang Jiening , Li Yuguang , He Jinhua
Published: September 2019

B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) is a regulator protein involved in apoptosis. In the past few decades, this protein has been demonstrated to have high efficacy in cancer therapy, and several approaches targeting Bcl-2 have been tested clinically (e.g., oblimersen, ABT-737, ABT-263, obatoclax mesylate, and AT-101). This review reports potential Bcl-2 inhibitors according to current information on their underlying mechanism and the results of clinical trials. In addition, the function and mechanisms of other potentially valuable Bcl-2 inhibitors that did not show efficacy in clinical studies are also discussed. This summary of the development of Bcl-2 inhibitors provides worthwhile viewpoints on the use of biomedical approaches in future cancer therapy.
Histologic and Endoscopic Similarity between Nodular Gastric Antral Vascular Ectasia and Gastric Hyperplastic Polyps Potentially Causing Treatment Delays
Authors: Kudaravalli Pujitha , Saleem Sheikh A. , Mandru Rachana , Rawlins Sekou
Published: September 2019

Introduction. Gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) is the underlying cause for 4% of nonvariceal upper GI bleeding. Nodular GAVE and gastric hyperplastic polyps have similar appearance on upper GI endoscopy (EGD) as well as histology, which could delay specific targeted therapy. We herein, through this case, would like to highlight that high clinical suspicion is required to diagnose nodular GAVE.Case Report. A 70-year-old male with a past medical history significant for coronary artery disease s/p drug-eluting stent placement on Plavix, coronary artery bypass grafting, mechanical aortic valve replacement on warfarin, and iron deficiency anemia on replacement was admitted for the evaluation of fatigue and melena for a month. Physical examination was positive for black stool. The only significant lab was a drop in hemoglobin/hematocrit (Hg/dl/H%) of 10/32 to 4/12.5. Fibrosure was sought which suggested that the patient had an F4 cirrhosis. Endoscopy showed nodules in the gastric antrum which were presumptively treated as GAVE with argon plasma coagulation (APC). Surgical pathology showed reactive gastropathy and gastric polyps. Review of the past histology suggested that because of the overlap in the histopathological features of hyperplastic polyps and GAVE, they were misinterpreted as hyperplastic polyp rather than nodular GAVE.Discussion. GAVE can be classified endoscopically as punctate, striped, nodular, or polypoidal form. The light microscopic findings considered specific to GAVE are vascular hyperplasia, mucosal vascular ectasia, intravascular fibrin thrombi, and fibromuscular hyperplasia. However, these findings do not differentiate GAVE from hyperplastic gastric polyp. The first line of treatment for GAVE is endoscopic ablation with Nd:YAG laser or argon plasma coagulation. Response to therapy was seen with a mean of 2.6 treatment sessions. There is not a lot of evidence supportive of pharmacological treatment of GAVE with estrogen-progesterone, tranexamic acid, and thalidomide. Serial endoscopic band ligation as well as detachable snares in the management of nodular GAVE refractory to argon plasma coagulation has also been tried.Conclusion. Oftentimes, there is a delay in the diagnosis and treatment of nodular GAVE as the histopathological appearance could be similar to gastric polyps. The diagnosis of GAVE especially nodular GAVE requires a high level of clinical suspicion. Misdiagnosis of nodular GAVE can delay targeted therapy and have fatal outcomes.
Model Updating of a Stitched Sandwich Panel Based on Multistage Parameter Selection
Authors: Cao Zhifu , Fei Qingguo , Jiang Dong , Wu Shaoqing , Fan Zhiruo
Published: September 2019

The effective numerical model of stitched sandwich composite plays crucial role in dynamics analysis and structural design. A sensitivity‐based multistage model updating method is proposed for modeling of the stitched sandwich panel using the experimental modal frequencies. Based on applying the periodic boundary condition, the initial equivalent finite element model of a stitched sandwich composite is constructed; the measured frequencies are obtained from the modal test. According to relative sensitivity analysis of modal frequencies with respect to updating parameters, the different well‐conditioned groups of parameters are selected to be updated. This method is applied to a stitched sandwich panel with established configuration of the stitches. Results show that the proposed method with the smallest condition number of relative sensitivity matrix has a better performance than the multistage method using type‐based parameter group selection and the traditional model updating approach.
SOD2 Mediates Curcumin-Induced Protection against Oxygen-Glucose Deprivation/Reoxygenation Injury in HT22 Cells
Authors: Wang Yuqing , Zhang Yuanyuan , Yang Liang , Yuan Jin , Jia Ji , Yang Shuai
Published: September 2019

Curcumin (Cur) induces neuroprotection against brain ischemic injury; however, the mechanism is still obscure. The aim of this study is to explore the potential neuroprotective mechanism of curcumin against oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) injury in HT22 cells and investigate whether type-2 superoxide dismutase (SOD2) is involved in the curcumin-induced protection. In the present study, HT22 neuronal cells were treated with 3 h OGD plus 24 h reoxygenation to mimic ischemia/reperfusion injury. Compared with the normal cultured control group, OGD/R treatment reduced cell viability and SOD2 expression, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and mitochondrial complex I activity, damaged cell morphology, and increased lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) release, cell apoptosis, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), and mitochondrial superoxide (P<0.05). Meanwhile, coadministration of 100 ng/ml curcumin reduced the cell injury and apoptosis, inhibited intracellular ROS and mitochondrial superoxide accumulation, and ameliorated intracellular SOD2, cell morphology, MMP, and mitochondrial complex I activity. Downregulating the SOD2 expression by using siRNA, however, significantly reversed the curcumin-induced cytoprotection (P<0.05). These findings indicated that curcumin induces protection against OGD/R injury in HT22 cells, and SOD2 protein may mediate the protection.
A Rare Case of Cyclophosphamide-Induced Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome in a Patient with Anti-GBM Vasculitis, and Review of Current Literature
Authors: Nisar Taha , Alchaki Abdul R. , Feinstein Erin
Published: September 2019

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a clinical syndrome of headache, altered mental status, and seizures with reversible mainly posterior leukoencephalopathy on neuroimaging. Precipitating factors for PRES are multifactorial and include autoregulatory failure due to changes in blood pressure, metabolic derangements, and cytotoxic medications. We report the second case of cyclophosphamide-induced PRES in a patient with anti-glomerular basement membrane (Anti-GBM) positive vasculitis. In the acute setting, PRES can be challenging to distinguish from cerebral venous sinus thrombosis or cerebral vasculitis based on clinical presentation. Neuroimaging with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain along with a vessel imaging, can help reach the diagnosis.
Neglect of Temperature and pH Impact Leads to Underestimation of Seasonal Ecological Risk of Ammonia in Chinese Surface Freshwaters
Authors: Yan Zhen-Guang , Fan Jun-Tao , Zheng Xin , Wang Shu-Ping , Guo Xiao-Shan , Zhang Tian-Xu , Yang Su-Wen , Zhang Yi-Zhang
Published: September 2019

Ammonia nitrogen (AN) is evaluated with fixed water quality standards (WQSs) in aquatic environment management in China. Since the toxicity of AN can be influenced by water parameters, the current evaluation is not rigorous and may result in problematic conclusions. The present study collected the ecotoxicity and exposure data of AN in Chinese surface freshwaters in 2017. The species sensitivity distribution of AN was established, and the ecological risk posed by AN in Chinese surface waters was assessed with Chinese AN water quality criteria. The results showed that mollusk species are the most sensitive taxa to AN. Ecological risk assessments on AN suggested that, in summer and autumn, when the water temperature and pH are high, the risk of AN may occur at some sites with good water quality (Class II or III). This poses a threat to aquatic organisms at these sites, especially highly sensitive freshwater shellfish. It suggested that neglect of water parameters impact may lead to underestimation of ecological risk of AN in Chinese basins.
Rapid Identification of Potassium Nutrition Stress in Rice Based on Machine Vision and Object-Oriented Segmentation
Authors: Chen Lisu , Huang Shihan , Sun Yuanyuan , Zhu Enyan , Wang Ke
Published: September 2019

Special symptoms could be observed on rice leaves when exposed to potassium deficiency, and these symptoms usually display differently under different potassium levels, which offer a foundation for rapid nutrition diagnosis. In this research study, two years of hydroponic experiments on rice (providing 5 levels of potassium nutrition from extremely short to normal) were carried out and the leaf images were acquired by optical scanning at four growth periods. To diagnose the potassium nutrition content, the special symptoms including the yellowish brown leaf margin and the necrotic spots were segmented and quantized by the object-oriented method from leaf images, and the 6 further spectral characteristics of leaf were extracted by the image color analyzing function of MATLAB software. Based on the relationship between potassium content and leaf characteristics, the G value (average value of G channel in the RGB color model) calculated from the entire leaf and leaf tip, the area of yellowish leaf margin, and the number of necrotic spots were applied in the establishment of the identification model of potassium stress by using the support vector machine (SVM). The results indicated that the overall identification accuracies of rice potassium nutrition contents were 90%, 94%, 94%, and 96% at four different growth periods (productive tillering stage, invalid tillering stage, jointing stage, and booting stage), respectively. The data obtained from another year were used to validate the model, and the identification accuracies were 94%, 78%, 80%, and 84%, respectively. Generally speaking, the extraction of the specific symptoms by using object-oriented segmentation is an extension of machine vision technology in diagnosing potassium deficiency, and its application in diagnosing plant nutrition is valuable for the quantization of effective characteristics and improvement of identification accuracy.
Design and Advanced Control of Intelligent Large-Scale Hydraulic Synchronization Lifting Systems
Authors: Dong Lijing , Qiu Mingfu , Nguang Sing Kiong
Published: September 2019

Lifting systems are in great demand since more and more massive buildings or bridges tend to be shifted or lifted integrally. Hydraulic cylinders in traditional lifting systems are usually supplied by a common pump with an oil tank, which brings long distance hydraulic pipes and signal lines. This paper designs a new architecture of an intelligent lifting system, with self-contained hydraulic power supply system, wireless communication modules, and distributed controller. Based on the designed architecture of the intelligent lifting system, an advanced iterative learning control strategy is proposed to enhance its synchronization performance. With the proposed advanced control strategy, synchronization is achieved in a finite time interval even under the effect of communication time delays and saturations. The distributed controller of a lifting subsystem only uses the delayed information received from subsystems around. This is distinguished from traditional lifting systems, in which all of the lifting subsystems are normally controlled in a centralized way.
Elliptical Method for Damage Identification in Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer Laminates
Authors: Amafabia Daerefa-a Mitsheal , Montalvão Diogo , David-West Opukuro , Haritos George
Published: September 2019

Oftentimes, researchers in the area of vibration-based structural health monitoring (SHM) and damage detection focused their attention on the global properties of structures, which are modal frequencies and modal damping factors. However, the effect on the local properties for SHM, that is, modal constants, has not been extremely explored. In this paper, the elliptical plane modal identification method is proposed to be used as a damage identification method itself. It is observed that when the receptance is plotted in the elliptical plane, the area of the ellipse formed close to the resonant frequencies (which depends on the modal constants) can be used to detect damage, namely, composite carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) rectangular plates. Although a mathematical correlation has not been established yet, results show that the method is sensitive to the presence of damage in the test plates, as the area of the ellipse changes with damage.
The Four Horsemen in Colon Cancer
Authors: Hernández-Luna Marco Antonio , López-Briones Sergio , Luria-Pérez Rosendo
Published: September 2019

Worldwide, neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract have a very high incidence and mortality. Among these, colorectal cancer, which includes colon and rectum malignancies, representing both highest incidence and mortality. While gallbladder cancer, another neoplasm associated to gastrointestinal tract occurs less frequently. Genetic factors, inflammation and nutrition are important risk factors associated with colorectal cancer development. Likewise, pathogenic microorganisms inducing intestinal dysbiosis have become an important scope to determine the role of bacterial infection on tumorigenesis. Interestingly, in human biopsies of different types of gastrointestinal tract cancer, the presence of different bacterial strains, such as Fusobacterium nucleatum, Escherichia coli, Bacteroides fragilis and Salmonella enterica have been detected, and it has been considered as a high-risk factor to cancer development. Therefore, pathogens infection could contribute to neoplastic development through different mechanisms; including intestinal dysbiosis, inflammation, evasion of tumoral immune response and activation of pro-tumoral signaling pathways, such as β catenin. Here, we have reviewed the suggested bacterial molecular mechanisms and their possible role on development and progression of gastrointestinal neoplasms, focusing mainly on colon neoplasms, where the bacteria Fusobacterium nucleatum, Escherichia coli, Bacteroides fragilis and Salmonella enterica infect.
Elevated Preoperative Serum CA125 Predicts Larger Tumor Diameter in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Low AFP Levels
Authors: Zhou Sanshun , Wang Zusen , Li Manjiang , Wu Liqun
Published: September 2019

Aim. Little is known about the association between cancer antigen 125 (MUC16/CA125) concentrations and tumor diameter of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and low AFP levels. To fill this gap in our knowledge, we conducted a retrospective study of 427 patients with HCC with AFP ≤200 ng/mL who underwent R0 resection at our center. Methods. The associations between CA125 concentrations and patients’ clinicopathological characteristics were analyzed. Survival vs CA125 levels was also evaluated between patient groups with CA125 ≤30 U/mL or CA125 >30 U/mL. Independent risk factors of disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were analyzed with Cox hazard regression model. Results. Elevated preoperative serum CA125 was significantly associated with maximal tumor diameter (MTD) >5 cm and female sex (P<0.001 and P=0.044, respectively). The DFS and OS of patients with CA125 ≤30 U/mL (n = 392) were significantly higher compared with those with CA125 >30 U/mL (n = 35) (P=0.003 and P=0.001 respectively). Multivariate analysis revealed that MTD >5 cm was an independent risk factor of DFS (HR = 1.891, 95% CI: 1.379–2.592, P<0.001) and OS (2.709, 1.848–3.972, P<0.001). Conclusions. In conclusion, elevated preoperative serum CA125 predicted larger tumor diameter and poor prognosis after patients with HCC with AFP ≤200 ng/mL underwent R0 resection, which may be explained by the elevation of the preoperative serum CA125 level significantly associated with MTD>5 cm.
Cell Chromatography-Based Screening of the Active Components in Buyang Huanwu Decoction Promoting Axonal Regeneration
Authors: Yan Xiangli , Wang Shengxin , Yu Aiming , Shen Xiao , Zheng Haozhen , Wang Lisheng
Published: September 2019

Buyang Huanwu decoction (BHD), a popular formulation prescribed in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for the treatment of ischemic stroke, has been reported to have a potential role in promoting axonal regeneration. The purpose of the study was to screen and identify bioactive compounds from BHD using live PC12 cells coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). Using this approach, we successfully identified six bioactive components from BHD. These components have protective effects on oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) injury to PC12 cells. Furthermore, calycosin-7-D-glucoside (CG) and formononetin-7-O-β-D-glucoside (FG) could upregulate the protein expression of growth-associated protein 43 (GAP-43) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). This study suggests that living cells combined with HPLC-MS/MS can be used for the screening of active ingredients in TCMs.
Preliminary Investigation of the Diagnosis of Neonatal Congenital Small Bowel Atresia by Ultrasound
Authors: Hao Ju , Zhang Yao , Tianyu Li , Bo Shi , Shu Feng , Feng Shi , Chao Ji , Ying Huang
Published: September 2019

Purpose. To assess the diagnostic value of ultrasonography (US) for congenital small bowel atresia (SBA) in neonates and their sonographic characteristics. Methods. A retrospective analysis was performed of 20 neonates who were confirmed with SBA by operation from March 2014 to January 2019. All the neonates have been scanned by US before surgery, and no one underwent barium enema or upper gastrointestinal imaging prior to US. Preoperation ultrasound characteristics about intestinal morphology and intestinal contents were collected, further to summarize the typical ultrasonic features of SBA. Results. Five cases were duodenal atresia, and 15 cases were jejuno-ileal atresia. Distended proximal intestines, liquid with tiny points in it, can be found in 20 neonates. The small intestine without any gas can be found in 20 neonates. Microcolon, no gas and other contents in it, can be found in 16 cases. Conclusions. The typical ultrasonic features of SBA include dilation in proximal intestines, small intestines, and microcolon. US is a promising modality in the clinical diagnosis of SBA.
Juvenile Recurrent Parotitis: The Role of Sialendoscopy
Authors: Papadopoulou-Alataki Efimia , Dogantzis Panagiotis , Chatziavramidis Angelos , Alataki Sofia , Karananou Panagiota , Chiona Kyriaki , Konstantinidis Iordanis
Published: September 2019

Juvenile recurrent parotitis (JRP) is a recurrent parotid inflammation of nonobstructive, nonsuppurative nature. It manifests in childhood and usually resolves after puberty but may also persist into adulthood. JRP is characterized by recurrent episodes of unilateral or/and bilateral parotid swelling with pain, reduction of salivary secretion, swallowing difficulty, fever, and malaise. The cause of this condition remains obscure. Throughout the last two decades, many therapeutic methods have been used in order to reduce the frequency and severity of JRP. During the acute episodes, conservative approaches (antibiotics, analgesics, sialogogues, massage of the parotid gland, and mouth rinses) are used. Parotidectomy has been suggested in rare selective occasions. Recently, a promising concept of sialendoscopy, which is a minimal invasive endoscopic technique, has been applied. This review outlines the literature on JRP focusing on methods and challenges in diagnosing JRP along with the differential diagnosis of JRP and the function of the parotid during JRP. In addition, we describe the treatment options for JRP, pointing out the importance of sialendoscopy as a diagnostic and treatment procedure that offers improvement in patients’ daily life.
The Central Nervous System Effects and Mimicry of Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID): A Case Report with Literature Review
Authors: Farshad Sohail , Figueroa Rodriguez Fernando , Halalau Alexandra , Skender Joseph , Rasmussen Cory , Pevzner Martin
Published: September 2019

There is a scarceness of information on the central nervous system effects of common variable immunodeficiency (CVID). A 30-year-old woman with a history of recurrent upper respiratory infections, vitiligo, and immune thrombocytopenic purpura presented with right-sided numbness. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the thoracic spine revealed a signal hyperintensity. MRI of the brain demonstrated FLAIR hyperintensity in the right middle frontal gyrus. Cerebral spinal fluid was unremarkable. Serum immunoglobulins revealed hypogammaglobulinemia. Endobronchial and subsequent mediastinum biopsies were all negative for sarcoidosis and malignancy. No infectious etiology was found. She was treated with glucocorticoids and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) replacement therapy for CVID-associated myelitis. Follow-up MRI showed improvement; however, her numbness persisted despite these treatments, which led to an outside physician adding methotrexate for their suspicion of sarcoidosis. Her symptoms remained stable for two years, but when the methotrexate dose was weaned, her numbness worsened. Upon review, the treatment team refuted the diagnosis of sarcoidosis but continued treatment with prednisone, IVIG, and methotrexate for CVID-associated myelitis, from which her symptoms have stabilized. Here, we discuss CVID-associated neurological complications, its similarities to sarcoidosis, and a literature review with treatment regimens and outcomes.
Cost-Effectiveness of Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair Versus Medical Therapy in Patients With Heart Failure and Secondary Mitral Regurgitation
Authors: Baron Suzanne J. , Wang Kaijun , Arnold Suzanne V. , Magnuson Elizabeth A. , Whisenant Brian , Brieke Andreas , Rinaldi Michael , Asgar Anita W. , Lindenfeld Joann , Abraham William T. , Mack Michael J. , Stone Gregg W. , Cohen David J. ,   On behalf of the COAPT Investigators
Published: September 2019

Background:

The COAPT trial (Cardiovascular Outcomes Assessment of the MitraClip Percutaneous Therapy for Heart Failure Patients With Functional Mitral Regurgitation) demonstrated that edge-to-edge transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVr) with the MitraClip resulted in reduced mortality and heart failure hospitalizations and improved quality of life compared with maximally tolerated guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) in patients with heart failure and 3 to 4+ secondary mitral regurgitation. Whether TMVr is cost-effective compared with GDMT in this population is unknown.

Methods:

We used data from the COAPT trial to perform a formal patient-level economic analysis of TMVr+GDMT versus GDMT alone for patients with heart failure and 3 to 4+ secondary mitral regurgitation from the perspective of the US healthcare system. Costs for the index TMVr hospitalization were assessed using a combination of resource-based accounting and hospital billing data (when available). Follow-up medical care costs were estimated on the basis of medical resource use collected during the COAPT trial. Health utilities were estimated for all patients at baseline and 1, 6, 12, and 24 months with the Short Form Six-Dimension Health Survey.

Results:

Initial costs for the TMVr procedure and index hospitalization were $35 755 and $48 198, respectively. Although follow-up costs were significantly lower with TMVr compared with GDMT ($26 654 versus $38 345;
P
=0.018), cumulative 2-year costs remained higher with TMVr because of the upfront cost of the index procedure ($73 416 versus $38 345;
P
<0.001). When in-trial survival, health utilities, and costs were modeled over a lifetime horizon, TMVr was projected to increase life expectancy by 1.13 years and quality-adjusted life-years by 0.82 years at a cost of $45 648, yielding a lifetime incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $40 361 per life-year gained and $55 600 per quality-adjusted life-year gained.

Conclusions:

For symptomatic patients with heart failure and 3 to 4+ secondary mitral regurgitation, TMVr increases life expectancy and quality-adjusted life expectancy compared with GDMT at an incremental cost per quality-adjusted life-year gained that represents acceptable economic value according to current US thresholds.

Clinical Trial Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01626079.
The Relation between Husserl’s Phenomenological Account of Imaginative Empathy and High-level Simulation, and How to Solve the Problem of the Generalizability of Empathy
Authors: Williams Heath
Published: September 2019

This article provides an overview of Edmund Husserl’s lesser known account of high-level imaginative empathy. The author discusses Husserl’s solution to what we might call the ‘generalizability problem’; if empathy is conceived as a relation whereby the understanding I have of my own mind allows me to understand your mind (as some versions of simulation theory and Husserl contend), then how does empathy account for potential differences between us? The author also discusses some features that make empathy more generalizable than might be initially thought, as well as its limits. A second major aim is to use this exegesis of Husserl to show a variety of overlaps between his theory and high-level simulation theory. The author also shows how Husserl’s phenomenological theory provides a compelling response to critiques of high-level simulation from authors that utilize a hybrid cognitive science/phenomenological approach (i.e. Gallagher and Zahavi).
Systematics and biogeography of the genus Scaria Bolívar, 1887 (Orthoptera: Tetrigidae: Batrachideinae)
Authors: CADENA-CASTAÑEDA OSCAR J. , DE MELLO MENDES DIEGO MATHEUS , SILVA DANIELA SANTOS MARTINS , GRANDA JUAN MANUEL CARDONA , GARCÍA ALEXANDER GARCÍA , TUMBRINCK JOSEF
Published: September 2019

The Amazon rainforest is the world’s most extensive tropical rainforest, holding a considerable ecological and taxonomic diversity. Speciation in this region arises from multiple factors, such as topography, climate fluctuations, oceanic transgression, vegetation and the delimitation of zones circumscribed by sub-basins within the greater Amazon basin. Different scenarios have been proposed to better understand the diversification of Amazonian taxa, whether by Pleistocene refugia or by areas of endemism.                The genus Scaria is distributed mostly in Amazonia, with a single species that ranges from the Tumbes-Chocó-Magdalena ecoregion well into Central America all the way to southern Nicaragua. Eight species are currently recognized, with three additional described here as new: Scaria rafaeli sp. nov., S. jonasi sp. nov. and S. granti sp. nov., and the status of S. laeta stat. resurr. is revalidated. Two new combinations are established: S. verutum comb. nov. (formerly placed in Rehnidium Grant, 1956) and Batrachidea brevis comb. nov. (formerly placed in Scaria). New synonym is proposed: Batrachidea brevis (Hancock, 1909) = Batrachidea inermis Hebard, 1923 syn. nov. Lectotypes and paralectotypes were selected for S. laeta, S. maculata and S. lineata, as well as the neotypes for S. hamata and S. boliviana. An updated key to species of Scaria is also provided.                A cladistic analysis for 15 species was performed (12 in the inner group and 3 in the outer group) with 40 morphological characters, confirming the monophyly of Scaria. A biogeographical analysis of dispersion-vicariance indicates that the origin of the genus was probably in the Inambari endemism center as the only reconstruction of the resulting ancestral distribution, five dispersions and three vicariance events being postulated. These suggest that both types of events are equally important in the current configuration of the distribution in Scaria. Vicariance events arise mostly by isolation of the species because of the uplift of the Andes and the dispersion events comprise four waves originating from the ancestral range into central and east Amazonia.
A taxonomic monograph of the genus Solariola Flach, 1908 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Entiminae)
Authors: BELLO' CESARE , OSELLA GIUSEPPE , BAVIERA COSIMO
Published: September 2019

A revision of the genus Solariola Flach, 1908 of the tribe Peritelini Lacordaire (1863) (Curculionidae: Entiminae) which includes forty-three species is completed. According to morphological characters and distribution, the species are divided into three informal groups (the number of species ascribed to the group is in brackets). These are the Solariola doderoi group (15), the Solariola gestroi group (14) and the Solariola paganettii group (14). We present keys for the identification of the genus among the Palaeartic Peritelini and keys to identify all species groups and species. Distribution maps and data on ecology and phenology are also provided. In addition to the following nine species already belonging to the genus we list 34 new species as well: Solariola gestroi (A. & F. Solari, 1903), Solariola paganettii (Flach, 1905), Solariola doderoi A. & F. Solari (1923), Solariola hirtula (A. & F. Solari,1923), Solariola vitalei A. & F. Solari (1923), Solariola ruffoi Osella & Di Marco (1996), Solariola angelae Baviera (2015), Solariola fraterna Baviera (2015), Solariola pesarinii Baviera (2015); Solariola angelinii Bellò, Osella & Baviera sp.n., Solariola benellii Bellò, Osella & Baviera sp.n., Solariola bucolorum Bellò, Osella & Baviera sp.n., Solariola cajetanibelloi Bellò, Osella & Baviera sp.n., Solariola calida Bellò, Osella & Baviera sp.n., Solariola comata Bellò, Osella & Baviera sp.n., Solariola diottii Bellò, Osella & Baviera sp.n., Solariola fancelloi Bellò, Osella & Baviera sp.n., Solariola forbixi Bellò, Osella & Baviera sp.n., Solariola gratiensis Bellò, Osella & Baviera sp.n., Solariola hyblensis Bellò, Osella & Baviera sp.n., Solariola ientilei Bellò, Osella & Baviera sp.n., Solariola margaritae Bellò, Osella & Baviera sp.n., Solariola mariaeclarae Bellò, Osella & Baviera sp.n., Solariola mariaesilvanae Bellò, Osella & Baviera sp.n., Solariola mariaetheresiae Bellò, Osella & Baviera sp.n., Solariola melonii Bellò, Osella & Baviera sp.n., Solariola nemoralis Bellò, Osella & Baviera sp.n., Solariola normanna Bellò, Osella & Baviera sp.n., Solariola obsoleta Bellò, Osella & Baviera sp.n., Solariola pacei Bellò, Osella & Baviera sp.n., Solariola paulimagrinii Bellò, Osella & Baviera sp.n., Solariola pentaphyllica Bellò, Osella & Baviera sp.n., Solariola petriolii Bellò, Osella & Baviera sp.n., Solariola poggii Bellò, Osella & Baviera sp.n., Solariola raphaelis Bellò, Osella & Baviera sp.n., Solariola rosae Bellò, Osella & Baviera sp.n., Solariola sabellai Bellò, Osella & Baviera sp.n., Solariola saccoi Bellò, Osella & Baviera sp.n., Solariola sbordonii Bellò, Osella & Baviera sp.n., Solariola selinusia Bellò, Osella & Baviera sp.n., Solariola tedeschii Bellò, Osella & Baviera sp.n., Solariola venusta Bellò, Osella & Baviera sp.n., Solariola zoiai Bellò, Osella & Baviera sp.n..
An annotated checklist of Gelechiidae (Lepidoptera) of Israel with description of two new species
Authors: BIDZILYA OLEKSIY , KARSHOLT OLE , KRAVCHENKO VASILIY , ŠUMPICH JAN
Published: September 2019

One hundred forty-six species of Gelechiidae including 36 new records are reported from Israel. Anarsia balioneura Meyrick, 1921 and Polyhymno chionarcha Meyrick, 1913 are recorded for the first time in the Palaearctic region. Two new species are described: Metzneria freidbergi sp. nov., and Scrobipalpa aravensis sp. nov. Six new synonyms are established: Stygmatoptera Hartig, 1936 syn. nov. of Polyhymno Chambers, 1874; Eulamprotes Bradley, 1971 syn. nov. of Oxypteryx Rebel, 1911; Polyhymno abaiella Amsel, 1974 syn. nov. of Polyhymno chionarcha, Meyrick, 1913; Gelechia haifella Amsel, 1935 syn. nov. of Athrips rancidella (Herrich-Schäffer, 1854); Sophronia catharurga Meyrick, 1923 and Sophronia parahumerella Amsel, 1935 syn. nov. of Pseudosophronia exustellus (Zeller, 1847). The following new combinations are proposed: Anacampsis karmeliella (Amsel, 1935) comb. nov., Stomopteryx tesserapunctella (Amsel, 1935) comb. nov., Aproaerema languidella (Amsel, 1936) comb. nov., Aproaerema telaviviella (Amsel, 1935) comb. nov., Acompsia (Telephila) ballotellus (Amsel, 1935) comb. nov., Polyhymno dumonti (Hartig, 1936) comb. nov., Oxypteryx atrella (Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775) comb. nov., Oxypteryx immaculatella (Douglas, 1850) comb. nov. and Chrysoesthia amseli (Bidzilya, 2008) comb. nov. A lectotype is designated for Lita rhamnifoliae Amsel & Hering, 1931.The genitalia of both sexes of Sophronia sagittans Meyrick, 1923, Anacampsis karmeliella (Amsel, 1935), Stomopteryx tesserapunctella Amsel, 1935 as well as male genitalia of Stomopteryx lacteolella Caradja, 1924, Aproaerema telaviviella (Amsel, 1935), Acompsia ballotellus (Amsel, 1935), Polyhymno dumonti (Hartig, 1936) and Chrysoesthia amseli (Bidzilya, 2008) are illustrated and described for the first time. New or additional host plants are recorded for Metzneria aspretella Lederer, 1869, M. agraphella (Ragonot, 1895), M. ehikeella Gozmány, 1954 and Scrobipalpa suaedivorella (Chrétien, 1915). Photographs of the type specimens of most taxa described from Israel and Palestine are presented. The following species are removed from the list of Gelechiidae of Israel: Nothris sulcella Staudinger, 1879, N. skyvai Karsholt & Šumpich, 2015, Anarsia spartiella Schrank, 1802, Megacraspedus cerussatellus Rebel, 1930, Oxypteryx atrella (Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775), Isophrictis anthemidella (Wocke, 1871), Metzneria metzneriella (Stainton, 1851), Scrobipalpa otregata Povolný, 1972, Scrobipalpa nitentella (Fuchs, 1902), Scrobipalpa remota Povolný, 1972, Scrobipalpa salinella (Zeller, 1847) and Ephysteris diminutella (Zeller, 1847). Moreover, Stomopteryx remissella (Zeller, 1847) is recorded as new to the Altai Mountains of Russia, Anarsia balioneura Meyrick, 1921 is new to Cyprus and Libya, Polyhymno dumonti (Hartig, 1936) is new to Libya and Sudan, Scrobipalpa superstes is new to Greece, Stenolechia gemmella (Linnaeus, 1758) is new to Jordan and Polyhymno chionarcha is new to Saudi Arabia.