bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tracing metal sources for the giant McArthur River Zn-Pb deposit (Australia) using lead isotopes
Authors: Gigon Joséphine , Deloule Etienne , Mercadier Julien , Huston David L. , Richard Antonin , Annesley Irvine R. , Wygralak Andrew S. , Skirrow Roger G. , Mernagh Terrence P. , Masterman Kristian
Published: April 2020

Giant hydrothermal ore deposits form where fluids carrying massive amounts of metals scavenged from source rocks or magmas encounter conditions favorable for their localized deposition. However, in most cases, the ultimate origin of metals remains highly disputed. Here, we show for the first time that two metal sources have provided, in comparable amounts, the 8 Mt of lead of the giant McArthur River zinc-lead deposit (McArthur Basin, Northern Territory, Australia). By using high-resolution secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) analysis of lead isotopes in galena, we demonstrate that the two metal sources were repeatedly involved in the metal deposition in the different ore lenses ca. 1640 Ma. Modeling of lead isotope fractionation between mantle and crustal reservoirs implicates felsic rocks of the crystalline basement and the derived sedimentary rocks in the basin as the main lead sources that were leached by the ore-forming fluids. This sheds light on the crucial importance of metal tracing as a prerequisite to constrain large-scale ore-forming systems, and calls for a paradigm shift in the way hydrothermal systems form giant ore deposits: leaching of metals from several sources may be key in accounting for their huge metal tonnage.
What lies beneath? Reconstructing the primitive magmas fueling voluminous silicic volcanism using olivine-hosted melt inclusions
Authors: Barker Simon J. , Rowe Michael C. , Wilson Colin J.N. , Gamble John A. , Rooyakkers Shane M. , Wysoczanski Richard J. , Illsley-Kemp Finnigan , Kenworthy Charles C.
Published: April 2020

Understanding the origins of the mantle melts that drive voluminous silicic volcanism is challenging because primitive magmas are generally trapped at depth. The central Taupō Volcanic Zone (TVZ; New Zealand) hosts an extraordinarily productive region of rhyolitic caldera volcanism. Accompanying and interspersed with the rhyolitic products, there are traces of basalt to andesite preserved as enclaves or pyroclasts in caldera eruption products and occurring as small monogenetic eruptive centers between calderas. These mafic materials contain MgO-rich olivines (Fo79–86) that host melt inclusions capturing the most primitive basaltic melts fueling the central TVZ. Olivine-hosted melt inclusion compositions associated with the caldera volcanoes (intracaldera samples) contrast with those from the nearby, mafic intercaldera monogenetic centers. Intracaldera melt inclusions from the modern caldera volcanoes of Taupō and Okataina have lower abundances of incompatible elements, reflecting distinct mantle melts. There is a direct link showing that caldera-related silicic volcanism is fueled by basaltic magmas that have resulted from higher degrees of partial melting of a more depleted mantle source, along with distinct subduction signatures. The locations and vigor of Taupō and Okataina are fundamentally related to the degree of melting and flux of basalt from the mantle, and intercaldera mafic eruptive products are thus not representative of the feeder magmas for the caldera volcanoes. Inherited olivines and their melt inclusions provide a unique “window” into the mantle dynamics that drive the active TVZ silicic magmatic systems and may present a useful approach at other volcanoes that show evidence for mafic recharge.
Cryptococcal pneumonia in an adolescent with a gain-of-function variant in signal transduction and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1)
Authors: Marinelli Lisa , Ristagno Elizabeth , Fischer Philip , Abraham Roshini , Joshi Avni
Published: April 2020

An adolescent male with a history of autoimmune enteropathy, autoimmune hypothyroidism, aphthous stomatitis and recurrent oralCandidainfections only in the setting of curative antibiotic courses presented with cryptococcal pneumonia and perihilar adenitis, which was successfully treated with antifungal therapy. The patient had a complex history with several immunological anomalies. Whole exome sequencing revealed a knownSTAT1pathogenic variant, associated with gain of function (GOF). This case expands our understanding of the broad clinical phenotype manifested bySTAT1GOF and emphasises the importance of consideration of this diagnosis in patients presenting with opportunistic infections and autoimmunity.
Eye trauma in falls presenting to the emergency department from 2006 through 2015
Authors: Usmani Bushra , Latif Asad , Iftikhar Mustafa , Sepah Yasir J , Parker Channing , Fliss Justin A , Dansingani Kunal K , Shah Syed Mahmood Ali
Published: April 2020

Aims

To characterise the epidemiology of eye trauma in the event of falls presenting to the emergency departments (ED) in the USA.

Method

Retrospective cohort study. Nationwide Emergency Department Sample was used to analyse fall encounters presenting to the ED with eye trauma from 2006 to 2015. National estimates of the leading diagnoses were determined, and multivariable regression was used to determine the relationship between factors involved in fall encounters presenting with eye trauma.

Results

From 2006 to 2015, an estimated 87 991 036 fall encounters presented to the ED, of which 952 781 encounters had eye trauma as either a primary or secondary diagnosis. The overall incidence of fall encounters with eye trauma per 100 000 US population increased from 30.7 encounters in 2006 to 33.8 encounters per 100 000 population in 2014 with a decrease seen in 2015. Eye trauma, including vision-threatening type, was highest in females (n=500 520, 52.5%), elderly (n=400 209, 42%) and children (n=2 06 741, 21.7%). Elderly were more likely to have eye trauma in the setting of falls (adjusted OR (aOR) 2.06, 95% CI 2.02 to 2.11) and be admitted (aOR 1.89, 95% CI 1.86 to 1.91) than adults (reference). The leading types of eye trauma were contusion of orbital tissues (n=174 292, 18.3%), laceration of eyelid and periocular area (n=172 361, 18.1%) and orbital fractures (n=151 013, 15.8%).

Conclusions

Falls are preventable, yet the incidence of falls and resulting eye trauma are increasing despite our best efforts. As ophthalmologists, we should not only develop guidelines to recognise and counsel at-risk groups under our care but also strategies for prevention of eye trauma secondary to falls.
Allogenic simple limbal epithelial transplantation (alloSLET) from cadaveric donor eyes in patients with persistent corneal epithelial defects
Authors: Riedl Jana Catharina , Musayeva Aytan , Wasielica-Poslednik Joanna , Pfeiffer Norbert , Gericke Adrian
Published: April 2020

Background/aim

To describe the clinical outcome of allogenic simple limbal epithelial transplantation (alloSLET) utilising tissue from cadaveric donor eyes after failed re-epithelialisation of the corneal surface.

Methods

Medical records of 14 eyes from 14 patients treated for persistent corneal epithelial defects with alloSLET were reviewed. The primary outcome measure was complete epithelialisation of the corneal surface. Secondary outcome measures were best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and postoperative side effects due to surgery or medical therapy.

Results

Of the 14 eyes, 7 received alloSLET only and 7 alloSLET together with penetrating keratoplasty (PK). Thirteen (92.9%) of 14 eyes had an epithelialised corneal surface 3 and 6 months after surgery and 10 (71.4%) of 14 eyes displayed an epithelialised corneal surface 12 months after surgery. In both subgroups, alloSLET only and alloSLET with PK, respectively, 5 (71.4%) of 7 eyes had a stable corneal epithelium 12 months after surgery, respectively. Postoperatively, BCVA improved markedly in the whole patient collective. However, the increase was not significant when looking at the two individual subgroups. One patient lost his bandage contact lens several times within the first postoperative month and had a partial detachment of the amniotic membrane. The ocular surface of this patient failed to epithelialise. In three patients, limbal donor pieces translocated to the centre of the cornea, which possibly prolonged the improvement of BCVA.

Conclusion

AlloSLET appears to be an effective treatment option in eyes with non-healing corneal epithelial defects when autologous limbal tissue is not available.
Prevalence and risk factors for wheeze, decreased forced expiratory volume in 1 s and bronchoconstriction in young children living in Havana, Cuba: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Suárez-Medina Ramón , Venero-Fernández Silvia , Alvarez-Valdés Vilma , Sardiñas-Baez Nieves , Cristina Carmona , Loinaz-Gonzalez Maria , Verdecia-Pérez Zunilda , Corona-Tamayo Barbara , Betancourt-López Maria , Britton John , Fogarty Andrew W
Published: April 2020

Objectives

Asthma has not been extensively studied in low-income and middle-income countries, where risk factors and access to treatment may differ from more affluent countries. We aimed to identify the prevalence of asthma and local risk factors in Havana, Cuba.

Setting

Four municipalities in Havana, Cuba.

Participants

A population-based cohort study design of young children living in Havana, Cuba. Children were recruited from primary care centres at age 12–15 months.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Data on wheeze in the past 12 months, asthma treatment and environmental exposures collected regularly until the age of 6 years, when forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and reversibility to aerosolised salbutamol were also measured.

Results

1106 children provided data at the age of 6 years old. The prevalence of wheeze in the previous 12 months was 422 (38%), and 294 (33%) of the study population had bronchodilatation of 12% or more in FEV1after administration of inhaled salbutamol. In the previous 12 months, 182 (16%) of the children had received inhaled corticosteroids, 416 (38%) salbutamol inhalers and 283 (26%) a course of systemic steroids.

Wheeze in the first year and a family history of asthma were both positively associated with bronchodilatation to inhaled salbutamol (1.94%; 95% CI 0.81 to 3.08 and 1.85%; CI 0.14 to 3.57, respectively), while paracetamol use in the first year was associated with wheeze at 6 years (OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.14 to 2.35). There were large differences in FEV1, bronchodilatation and risk of wheeze across different geographical areas.

Conclusions

Asthma is common in young children living in Havana, and the high prevalence of systemic steroids administrated is likely to reflect the underuse of regular inhaled corticosteroids. If replicated in other comparable low-income and middle-income countries, this represents an important global public health issue.
Role of the kinetic chain in shoulder rehabilitation: does incorporating the trunk and lower limb into shoulder exercise regimes influence shoulder muscle recruitment patterns? Systematic review of electromyography studies
Authors: Richardson Eleanor , Lewis Jeremy S , Gibson Jo , Morgan Chris , Halaki Mark , Ginn Karen , Yeowell Gillian
Published: April 2020

Objective

To investigate the influence of trunk and lower limb motion on electromyography (EMG) muscle activity and recruitment patterns around the shoulder.

Design

Systematic review.

Data sources

MEDLINE, CINAHL, PEDro, AMED, PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic reviews, SportsDiscuss and PROSPERO.

Eligibility criteria

Studies investigating both multiregional kinetic chain (KC) shoulder exercisesandlocalised non-kinetic chain (nKC) shoulder exercises in healthy subjects under the same experimental conditions were included in this review.

Results

KC exercises produced greater EMG activation levels in 5 of 11 studies for the lower trapezius. Of the remaining studies, five found no difference between the exercise types and one favoured nKC exercises. KC exercises produced greater EMG activation levels in 5 of 11 studies for the serratus anterior. Of the remaining studies, three reported the opposite and three found no significant difference between the exercise types. nKC exercises produced greater EMG activation in infraspinatus in three of four studies. KC exercises produced the lowest trapezius muscle ratios in all studies. Studies investigating the upper trapezius, middle trapezius, supraspinatus, subscapularis, biceps brachii, latifissimus dorsi, pectoralis major, deltoid, and trapezius and serratus anterior ratios showed inconsistency.

Conclusion

This review found evidence that integrating the KC during shoulder rehabilitation may increase axioscapular muscle recruitment, produce lower trapezius muscle ratios and reduce the demands on the rotator cuff. Stepping appears preferable to squatting.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42015032557, 2015.
A nationwide causal mediation analysis of survival following ST-elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Dondo Tatendashe Bernadette , Hall Marlous , Munyombwe Theresa , Wilkinson Chris , Yadegarfar Mohammad E , Timmis Adam , Batin Philip D , Jernberg Tomas , Fox Keith AA , Gale Chris P
Published: April 2020

Objective

International studies report a decline in mortality following ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The extent to which the observed improvements in STEMI survival are explained by temporal changes in patient characteristics and utilisation of treatments is unknown.

Methods

Cohort study using national registry data from the Myocardial Ischaemia National Audit Project between first January 2004 and 30th June 2013. 232 353 survivors of hospitalisation with STEMI as recorded in 247 hospitals in England and Wales. Flexible parametric survival modelling and causal mediation analysis were used to estimate the relative contribution of temporal changes in treatments and patient characteristics on improved STEMI survival.

Results

Over the study period, unadjusted survival at 6 months and 1 year improved by 0.9% and 1.0% on average per year (HR: 0.991, 95% CI: 0.988 to 0.994 and HR: 0.990, 95% CI: 0.987 to 0.993, respectively). The uptake of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) (HR: 1.025, 95% CI: 1.021 to 1.028) and increased prescription of P2Y12inhibitors (HR: 1.035, 95% CI: 1.031 to 1.039) were significantly associated with improvements in 1-year survival. Primary PCI explained 16.8% (95% CI: 10.8% to 31.6%) and 13.2% (9.2% to 21.9%) of the temporal survival improvements at 6 months and 1 year, respectively, whereas P2Y12inhibitor prescription explained 5.3% (3.6% to 8.8%) of the temporal improvements at 6 months but not at 1 year.

Conclusions

For STEMI in England and Wales, improvements in survival between 2004 and 2013 were significantly explained by the uptake of primary PCI and increased use of P2Y12inhibitors at 6 months and primary PCI only at 1 year.

Trial registration number

NCT03749694
Resistance to carbapenems and other antibiotics in Klebsiella pneumoniae found in seals indicates anthropogenic pollution
Authors: Duff James Paul , AbuOun Manal , Bexton Steve , Rogers Jon , Turton Jane , Woodford Neil , Irvine Richard , Anjum Muna , Teale Christopher
Published: April 2020

Background

The beta‐lactamase enzyme OXA‐48 has spread widely in recent years in Enterobacteriaceae associated with man, disseminated primarily on incompatibility group L/M plasmids. OXA‐48 confers resistance to carbapenems, important antimicrobials for treating highly resistant bacterial infections in humans. This enzyme has rarely been detected in bacteria from animals. Furthermore, the use of carbapenem compounds is not permitted in food‐producing animals in Europe and to our knowledge has not been reported in food‐producing animals globally.

Methods

Bacterial isolates from lesions in stranded, free‐living, juvenile common seals (Phoca vitulina) were identified. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing and whole genome sequencing analysis were used to characterise antimicrobial resistance genes carried by the bacteria.

Results

Here, we report the detection of Klebsiella pneumoniae subspecies pneumoniae carrying the bla
OXA‐48 gene on an incompatibility group L/M plasmid from an infection in a common seal.

Conclusion

Evidence is accruing that marine mammals may be infected with bacteria originating from anthropogenic sources, such as human sewage, contaminating the environment.
MD simulation studies of the physical and mechanical properites of P3HT-based blends
Authors: Bouzid L. , Hiadsi S. , Bensaid M.O. , Haddadi K. , Belaid L. , Ghrici Y.F.
Published: April 2020

In this research, the physical and mechanical properties of semi-crystalline polymerpoly-(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl)-based blends were investigated. The volume versus temperature curves of polymerpoly-(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl)/methano-fullerene derivative[6]-phenyl-C64-butyricacidmethyl ester (P3HT:PCBM) and polymerpoly-(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl)/DOCN-PPV (P3HT/CNPh-PPV) were plotted; however, we obtained one single temperature for each curve between glass transition temperatures of the compounds, which could be considered a good indicator of miscibility. In addition, the Coesif energy density of P3HT, PCBM, and CNPh-PPV were calculated and used to obtain the solubility parameters δP3HT, δPCBM, and δCNPh-PPV. The interaction parameter χ was calculated and used in the investigation and we confirmed the miscibility of our polymer systems. By using the dissipative particle dynamic method, the morphologies of P3HT/PCBM and P3HT/CNPh-PPV were enhanced.
Stable three generation standard-like model from a tachyonic ten dimensional heterotic-string vacuum
Authors: Faraggi Alon E. , Matyas Viktor G. , Percival Benjamin
Published: April 2020

Recently it was proposed that the ten dimensional tachyonic superstring vacua may serve as good starting points for the construction of viable phenomenological models. Such phenomenologically viable models enlarge the space of possible string solutions, and may offer novel insight into some of the outstanding problems in string phenomenology. In this paper we present a three generation standard-like model that may be regarded as a compactification of a ten dimensional tachyonic vacuum. We discuss the features of the model as compared to a similar model that may be regarded as compactification of the ten dimensional $$SO(16)\times SO(16)$$SO(16)×SO(16) heterotic-string. We further argue that in the four dimensional model all the geometrical moduli are fixed perturbatively, whereas the dilaton may be fixed by hidden sector non-perturbative effects.
Production of nickel oxide nanostructure particles and their photocatalytic degradation of different organic dye
Authors: Kerli Suleyman , Soğuksu Ali Kemal , Kavgacı Mustafa
Published: April 2020

In this study, nickel oxide nanostructured particles were produced by hydrothermal method. X-Ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) measurements were performed to determine the physical properties of these nanostructured particles. When XRD results are examined, it is seen that NiO nanoparticles are cubic structure. It is understood from the TEM images that these particles are nanostructured. The photocatalytic activities of nanostructured particles were investigated. This examination was carried out by using methylene and methyl blue dyes under the xenon lamp. It has been observed that the photocatalytic degradation rates are high. It was found that the degradation of NiO nanostructured particles on methylene blue was about 59%, the decomposition on methylene blue added H2O2 was about 96% and the degradation on methyl blue was about 92%.
A mixed clustering coefficient centrality for identifying essential proteins
Authors: Lu Pengli , Yu JingJuan
Published: April 2020

Essential protein plays a crucial role in the process of cell life. The identification of essential proteins not only promotes the development of drug target technology, but also contributes to the mechanism of biological evolution. There are plenty of scholars who pay attention to discover essential proteins according to the topological structure of protein network and biological information. The accuracy of protein recognition still demands to be improved. In this paper, we propose a method which integrates the clustering coefficient in protein complexes and topological properties to determine the essentiality of proteins. First, we give the definition of In-clustering coefficient (IC) to describe the properties of protein complexes. Then we propose a new method, complex edge and node clustering (CENC) coefficient, to identify essential proteins. Different Protein–Protein Interaction (PPI) networks of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, MIPS and DIP are used as experimental materials. Through some experiments of logistic regression model, the results show that the method of CENC can promote the ability of recognizing essential proteins by comparing with the existing methods DC, BC, EC, SC, LAC, NC and the recent UC method.
Defective edge states and anomalous bulk-boundary correspondence for topological insulators under non-Hermitian similarity transformation
Authors: Wang C. , Wang X.-R. , Guo C.-X. , Kou S.-P.
Published: April 2020

It was known that for non-Hermitian topological systems due to the non-Hermitian skin effect, the bulk-edge correspondence is broken down. In this paper, by using one-dimensional Su–Schrieffer–Heeger model and two-dimensional (deformed) Qi–Wu–Zhang model as examples, the focus is on a special type of non-Hermitian topological system without non-Hermitian skin effect — topological systems under non-Hermitian similarity transformation. In these non-Hermitian systems, the defective edge states and the breakdown of bulk-edge correspondence are discovered. To characterize the topological properties, a new type of inversion symmetry-protected topological invariant — total [Formula: see text] topological invariant — has been introduced. In topological phases, defective edge states appear. With the help of the effective edge Hamiltonian, it was found that the defective edge states are protected by (generalized) chiral symmetry and thus the (singular) defective edge states are unstable against the perturbation breaking the chiral symmetry. In addition, the results are generalized to non-Hermitian topological insulators with inversion symmetry in higher dimensions. This work could help people to understand the defective edge states and the breakdown of bulk-edge correspondence for non-Hermitian topological systems.
Blood flow restriction exercise stimulates mobilization of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells and increases the circulating ACE2 levels in healthy adults
Authors: Joshi Shrinidh , Mahoney Sean , Jahan Jesmin , Pitts Logan , Hackney Kyle J. , Jarajapu Yagna PR
Published: April 2020

Although many studies have explored the mechanisms of skeletal muscle growth and adaptation with hypoxia exercise interventions, less attention has been given to the potential for vascular adaptation and regenerative capacity. This study shows for the first time an acute upregulation of the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and increase in CD34+ vasculogenic cells following an acute bout of blood flow restriction with low-intensity exercise. These rapid changes collectively promote skeletal muscle angiogenesis. Therefore, this study supports the potential of hypoxic exercise interventions with low intensity for vascular and muscle health.
Effects of an allosteric hemoglobin affinity modulator on arterial blood gases and cardiopulmonary responses during normoxic and hypoxic low-intensity exercise
Authors: Stewart Glenn M. , Chase Steven , Cross Troy J. , Wheatley-Guy Courtney M. , Joyner Michael J. , Curry Timothy , Lehrer-Graiwer Josh , Dufu Kobina , Vlahakis Nicholas E. , Johnson Bruce D.
Published: April 2020

In humans, a novel allosteric hemoglobin-oxygen affinity modulator was administered to comprehensively examine the cardiopulmonary consequences of stabilizing a portion of the available hemoglobin in a high-oxygen affinity state during submaximal exercise in normoxia and hypoxia. Oral administration of voxelotor enhanced arterial oxygen saturation during submaximal exercise without altering oxygen consumption and central hemodynamics; however, the partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide was reduced and the partial pressure of arterial oxygen was increased implying that hyperventilation also contributed to the increase in oxygen saturation. The preservation of arterial oxygen saturation and content was particularly evident during hypoxic submaximal exercise, when arterial desaturation typically occurs, but this did not influence arterial-venous oxygen difference.
Endothelin-1-induced endothelial microvesicles impair endothelial cell function
Authors: Brewster L. Madden , Garcia Vinicius P. , Levy Ma’ayan V. , Stockelman Kelly A. , Goulding Anabel , DeSouza Noah M. , Greiner Jared J. , Hijmans Jamie G. , DeSouza Christopher A.
Published: April 2020

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a potent vasoconstrictor peptide released by the endothelium that contributes to the regulation of vascular tone. Overexpression of ET-1 has been implicated in the etiology of atherosclerotic vascular disease. Endothelial cell-derived microvesicles (EMVs) play a pivotal role in vascular health and disease. Their functional phenotype is largely dictated by the stimulus for release. EMVs released in response to various pathological conditions have been shown to elicit deleterious vascular effects. In the present study, we determined, in vitro, the effect of ET-1 on EMV release from endothelial cells and the effects of ET-1-generated EMVs on endothelial cell inflammation, apoptosis, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). ET-1 induced a marked increase in EMV release. ET-1-generated EMVs significantly increased endothelial cell inflammation and reduced eNOS protein expression and activation. Moreover, the endothelial effects of ET-1-derived EMVs were similar to the direct effects of ET-1. ET-1-generated EMVs may contribute to the proatherogenic profile of ET-1.
Multivariate Model Based on UV-Vis Spectroscopy and Regression in Partial Least Squares for Determination of Diameter and Polydispersity of Silver Nanoparticles in Colloidal Suspensions
Authors: Rodrigues J. F. B. , Junior E. P. S. , Oliveira K. S. , Wellen M. R. R. , Simões S. S. , Fook M. V. L.
Published: April 2020

In the universe of nanomaterials, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have attracted the attention of researchers because of their optical, catalytic, antimicrobial, fungicidal, and bactericidal properties. Recently, studies have correlated the toxicity and efficacy of antimicrobial activity with surface-volume ratio, morphology, polydispersity, ligand types, particle size, and stability of AgNPs. Soon, the need for characterization of properties such as diameter and polydispersity is clear. The methodologies conventionally used for characterization of AgNPs, although accurate, are generally expensive and laborious and can degrade the sample. Thus, the development of methodologies based on UV-Vis spectroscopy and chemometric techniques appears as an alternative for the characterization of diameter and polydispersity of the nanoparticles. For the development of the methodology in question, 50 samples were synthesized, varying the type, volume, and concentration of the reagents in order to increase the diameter and polydispersity values. All samples were analyzed by DLS and UV-Vis spectroscopy. For the construction of multivariate calibration models, the calibration and validation sets were selected using the SPXY algorithm, and their predictive capacity was evaluated based on the method figures. The model that presented the best predictive capacity was the one built with the pretreated spectra with the 1st derivative with a 15-point window and 2nd-order polynomial, providing prediction errors of 5.31% and 4.43% for diameter and polydispersity, respectively.
Optimized Design and Experiment on Novel Combination Vacuum and Spoon Belt Metering Device for Potato Planters
Authors: Wanzhi Zhang , Chenglong Liu , Zhaoqin Lü , Xieteng Qi , Haoyu Lü , Jialin Hou
Published: April 2020

To improve the efficient and precise seeding of potatoes, a novel combination vacuum and spoon belt metering device was designed. The overall structure and working principle of vacuum and spoon belt metering devices were illustrated and analyzed. The stress of the potato seed situated on the vacuum and spoon belt metering device was analyzed theoretically. The structure and parameters of the key parts of the seed metering device were studied and calculated. Three-factor and three-level response surface experiments were designed based on the Box–Behnken central composite experimental design principle. After selecting seeding speed, spoon aperture, and cleaning-seed air amount as the experimental factors and selecting missing seed index, multiple seed index, and qualified seed index as the experimental indexes, the performance of the seed metering device with high efficiency and precision was verified by the experiments. The mathematical model of the response surface was established, and the influence of each factor on the performance of the seed metering device was analyzed using Design-Expert 10.0.4 software. To improve the efficient and precise seeding of potatoes, the three experimental factors were optimized. Experimental results show that the order of the factors affecting the missing seed index was seeding belt speed > cleaning air pressure > spoon aperture; the order of the factors affecting the multiple seed index was spoon aperture > cleaning air pressure > seeding belt speed; the order of the factors affecting the qualified seed index was seeding belt speed > cleaning air pressure > spoon aperture; when the seeding belt speed was 0.43 m·s−1, the spoon aperture was 15.72 mm, and the cleaning air pressure was 2.94 kPa, the experiment had realized potato’s highly efficient and precise seeding and the missing seed index was 3.97%, the multiple seed index was 4.65%, and the qualified seed index was 91.38%. This paper can provide a theoretical and technical reference for improving the efficient and precise seeding of potatoes.
A Band-Rejection Vivaldi Antenna with High Selectivity Using Hybrid HRW/CCLL
Authors: Xiong Mengfei , Duan Junping , Zhang Binzhen
Published: April 2020

A simplified notched design method for the Vivaldi antenna is exhibiting high frequency-band-selectivity characteristics. By suitably introducing half-wavelength resonator (HWR) and complementary capacitively loaded loop (CCLL), the notched-band selectivity is promoted while maintaining the wide impedance bandwidth of the antenna applicable for wireless communications. HWR is bent in the middle to focus the first notch pole, and the second notch pole is obtained by CCLL on the radiating patch. Additionally, the resonant frequency of the notched pole can be determined by the position and size of two loaded resonators in theoretical analysis, thereby realizing a wideband antenna with the desired notched band. Finally, the Vivaldi antenna of loading resonator was fabricated to verify the feasibility of this new method. Measured and simulated experimental results reveal that the antenna exhibits directional pattern in the passband, low gain at the band-rejection, and excellent selectivity within a frequency range. The simulation and measurement results are in good agreement. The proposed antenna achieves S11<−10 dB in 2.6–13.7 GHz and a notch band from 4.49 to 6.64 GHz to reject IEEE 802.11a and HIPERLAN/2 frequency band. Moreover, the proposed antenna has good frequency selectivity, and its gain is good enough in the passband with peak gain up to 10.8 dBi. This antenna design presents frequency suitability, demonstrating that a UWB antenna with a controllable notched band has been realized.
Symmetry Breaking, Coexisting Bubbles, Multistability, and Its Control for a Simple Jerk System with Hyperbolic Tangent Nonlinearity
Authors: Kengne Léandre Kamdjeu , Kengne Jacques , Mboupda Pone Justin Roger , Kamdem Tagne Hervé Thierry
Published: April 2020

Symmetry is an important property found in a large number of nonlinear systems. The study of chaotic systems with symmetry is well documented. However, the literature is unfortunately very poor concerning the dynamics of such systems when their symmetry is altered or broken. In this paper, we investigate the dynamics of a simple jerk system with hyperbolic tangent nonlinearity (Kengne et al., Chaos Solitons, and Fractals, 2017) whose symmetry is broken by adding a constant term modeling an external excitation force. We demonstrate that the modified system experiences several unusual and striking nonlinear phenomena including coexisting bifurcation branches, hysteretic dynamics, coexisting asymmetric bubbles, critical transitions, and multiple (i.e., up to six) coexisting asymmetric attractors for some suitable ranges of system parameters. These features are highlighted by exploiting common nonlinear analysis tools such as graphs of largest Lyapunov exponent, bifurcation diagrams, phase portraits, and basins of attraction. The control of multistability is investigated by using the method of linear augmentation. We demonstrate that the multistable system can be converted to a monostable state by smoothly adjusting the coupling parameter. The theoretical results are confirmed by performing a series of PSpice simulations based on an electronic analogue of the system.
Erchen Plus Huiyanzhuyu Decoction Inhibits the Growth of Laryngeal Carcinoma in a Mouse Model of Phlegm‐Coagulation‐Blood‐Stasis Syndrome via the STAT3/Cyclin D1 Pathway
Authors: Tan Xi , Luo Qiulan , Zhou Shiqing , Huang Wei , Feng Xiaocong , Chen Wenyong , Yang Chaojie , Li Yunying
Published: April 2020

Erchen plus Huiyanzhuyu decoction (EHD), a Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) formula that consists of Erchen decoction and Huiyanzhuyu decoction, has achieved satisfactory results in the clinic. The main function of EHD is to remove phlegm and blood stasis, and EHD is suitable for phlegm‐coagulation‐blood‐stasis (PCBS) syndrome in laryngeal cancer (LC). In this study, a xenograft mouse model of LC with PCBS syndrome was constructed by feeding a high‐fat diet, swimming in ice water, and subcutaneously injecting epinephrine hydrochloride for 2 weeks. Based on the successful Chinese medicine syndrome model, Hep2‐luciferase‐GFP cells were injected subcutaneously under the armpit of the right upper limb in mice to form tumours. A mouse model of LC with PCBS syndrome was established via heterotopic transplantation. Then, the mice received intragastric administration of different concentrations of EHD daily, and cisplatin (DDP) was intraperitoneally injected every week for 21 days. Tumour fluorescence in mice was measured with a living animal imager on days 7, 14, 21, and 28 during treatment. The results of this experiment confirmed that a mouse model of Chinese medicine syndrome was successfully constructed. Moreover, EHD slowed the growth of xenograft tumours in nude mice; decreased the expression levels of STAT3, p‐STAT3, and cyclin D1; and upregulated the expression level of P27. In brief, EHD inhibited laryngeal tumour growth in a xenograft mouse model of PCBS syndrome and regulated the STAT3/cyclin D1 signalling pathway. This study was the first to construct a Chinese medicine xenograft mouse model of LC with PCBS syndrome; in addition, this study clarified that EHD regulated the STAT3/cyclin D1 signalling pathway to inhibit the growth of LC and that EHD may be a promising novel therapeutic compound for the treatment of patients with LC.
Synovial Fluid Cell Proteomic Analysis Identifies Upregulation of Alpha-Taxilin Proteins in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Potential Prognostic Marker
Authors: Sarkar Ashish , Sharma Shivani , Agnihotri Prachi , Sarkar Tanmoy , Kumari Pooja , Malhotra Rajesh , Datta Barun , Kumar Vijay , Biswas Sagarika
Published: April 2020

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease affecting the joints and surrounding tissue. Identification of novel proteins associated with the progression of a disease is a prerequisite for understanding the pathogenesis of RA. The present study was undertaken to identify the potential biomarkers from a less explored biological sample such as synovial fluid (SF) cells which is specific for RA and to analyze their functional aspects using proteomic approach. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) was performed using synovial fluid cells of RA and osteoarthritis (OA) patients, and 7 differentially expressed proteins were identified using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS/MS). Αlpha-Taxilin (α-Taxilin) has been found as one of the novel, significantly up regulated protein in RA. It has been validated in the synovium, synovial fluid (SF), SF cells, and plasma samples by Western blot, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), immunohistochemistry (IHC), and real-time PCR. The identification of autoantibody against α-Taxilin and in silico studies has further helped us to understand its involvement in disease mechanism. The present study will therefore provide knowledge towards the etiology of RA that pave the way for suitable prognostic marker identification along with other clinical parameters.
Expression of Collagen (Types I, III, and V), HSP47, MMP-2, and TIMP-1 in Retrobulbar Adipose Tissue of Patients with Thyroid-Associated Orbitopathy
Authors: Luo Hongyang , Liu Taixiang , Yang Huasheng , Ye Huijing , Luo Xin
Published: April 2020

Objective. This study aimed to investigate the expression of collagen (types I, III, and V), heat shock protein 47 (HSP47), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) in the retrobulbar adipose tissues of patients with thyroid-associated orbitopathy (TAO). Materials and Methods. The retrobulbar adipose tissues were collected from 4 TAO patients undergoing orbital decompression and 4 ocular enucleation patients with atrophic eyeball caused by ocular trauma between May 2019 and September 2019. Masson staining was performed to analyze the differences in collagen expression and degree of histologic fibrosis in each sample. The protein expressions of collagen (types I, III, and V), HSP47, MMP-2, and TIMP-1 were determined by western blotting. The data of western blotting were analyzed using SPSS version 17.0, with independent t-tests. Results. The results of Masson staining showed that the expression of collagen fibers in the TAO group was significantly higher than that in the control group, and the fibers were diffuse and irregular in distribution. The expression level of collagen (types I, III, and V), HSP47, MMP-2, and TIMP-1 in the TAO group were significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion. The proliferation and fibrosis of retrobulbar adipose tissue in TAO patients might be related to the increased expression of collagen (types I, III, and V) and HSP47 and decreased degradation of extracellular matrix.
Frequency of Mismatch Repair Protein (MMRP) Deficiency among Young Jordanians Diagnosed with Colorectal Carcinoma (CRC)
Authors: Maraqa Bayan , Al-Shbool Ghassan , Abu-Shawer Osama , Souleiman Mamoun , Alshakhatreh Osama , Al-Omari Amal , Abdelkhaleq Hadeel , Taqash Ayat , Al-Hussaini Maysa
Published: April 2020

Purpose. Microsatellite instability (MSI) caused by mismatch repair protein (MMRP) deficiency is detected in 15% of sporadic colorectal cancers (CRCs). Our aim is to investigate the frequency of MMRP deficiency in young CRC patients, using immunohistochemical analysis. Methods. This study targeted cases of CRC at King Hussein Cancer Center from 2004 until 2012 in patients 45 years of age or younger at the time of diagnosis. Clinicopathological data was obtained from 155 patients’ records. Immunohistochemistry for MLH1, MSH2, PMS2, and MSH6 proteins was performed on paraffin-embedded tissue containing carcinoma. Results. The median age of patient at diagnosis was 38 years. A total of 29 (19%) cases showed deficient MMRP(dMMRP)expression. Loss of expression of PMS2 was seen in 17 cases, 12 cases of which showed loss of MLH1 expression. Loss of expression of MSH6 was seen in 10 cases, 9 of which showed loss of MSH2 expression. One case (3.4%) showed loss of all four MMR proteins, and another case (3.4%) showed loss of PMS2/MLH1 and MSH6. There was a significant association between abnormal MMR protein expression and tumor location proximal to splenic flexure (p value 0.000), pathologic features suggestive of microsatellite instability (p value 0.000), P53 negativity (p value 0.000), and stage (p value 0.02). Patients with dMMRP CRC appeared to have a significantly better overall survival compared to patients with proficient MMRP(pMMRP)(p value 0.02). Loss of MSH2/MSH6 was significantly associated with positive family history of cancer (p value = 0.020). Conclusions. The prevalence of dMMRP tumors in this age group appears to be similar to international literature. dMMRP tumors tends to be associated with earlier stages and better outcomes compared to pMMRP cases. dMMRP can serve as a biomarker for better prognosis. These results are of value in directing the clinical management of young patients with CRC.
Hexagon-Based Generalized Voronoi Diagrams Generation for Path Planning of Intelligent Agents
Authors: Tang Fen , You Xiong , Zhang Xin , Li Kunwei
Published: April 2020

Grid-based Generalized Voronoi Diagrams (GVDs) are widely used to represent the surrounding environment of intelligent agents in the fields of robotics, computer games, and military simulations, which improve the efficiency of path planning of intelligent agents. Current studies mainly focus on square-grid-based GVD construction approaches, and little attention has been paid to constructing GVDs from hexagonal grids. In this paper, an algorithm named hexagon-based crystal growth (HCG) is presented to extract GVDs from hexagonal grids. In addition, two thinning patterns for obtaining one-cell-wide GVDs from rough hexagon-based GVDs are proposed. On the basis of the principles of a leading square-grid-based algorithm named Brushfire, a hexagon-based Brushfire algorithm is realized. A comparison of the HCG and the hexagon-based Brushfire algorithm shows that HCG is much more efficient. Further, the usefulness of hexagon-based GVDs for the path planning tasks of intelligent agents is demonstrated using several representative simulation experiments.
In-Depth Analysis and Defect Reduction for Ethiopian Cotton Spinning Industry Based on TQM Approach
Authors: Simegnaw Ahmmed Abdella , Ayele Million
Published: April 2020

Competition is truly global. Higher product quality is required for a company to become more competitive both locally and in international markets. Any textile company basically competes on its reputation for quality, reliability, and capability of processes and costs of quality and delivery. Currently, most of textile industries in Ethiopia are suffering from quality-related problems due to high process variations. These problems include poor performance of manufacturing products in the export market, insufficient qualitative raw material supply, customer dissatisfaction, low productivity, and poor utilization of the resources. These problems led to the manufacturing of low-quality products with a high cost, and because of this, most of the Ethiopian textile companies in the country are not competitive and profitable. The main objective of this study is to examine the existing traditional models of quality and to introduce an improved and emerged quality measuring system based on a methodological approach by using six sigma total quality management tools and analyzed by STATA 14.0 software. The analytical findings show that the application of total quality management (TQM) programs, tools, and techniques has been expanded beyond the traditional quality concepts and has improved the acceptable quality level of the product by 57.96% with a low cost.
Quantile-Based Estimative VaR Forecast and Dependence Measure: A Simulation Approach
Authors: Syuhada Khreshna , Nur’aini Risti , Mahfudhotin
Published: April 2020

A Value-at-Risk (VaR) forecast may be calculated for the case of a random loss alone and/or of a random loss that depends on another random loss. In both cases, the VaR forecast is obtained by employing its (conditional) probability distribution of loss data, specifically the quantile of loss distribution. In practice, we have an estimative VaR forecast in which the distribution parameter vector is replaced by its estimator. In this paper, the quantile-based estimative VaR forecast for dependent random losses is explored through a simulation approach. It is found that the estimative VaR forecast is more accurate when a copula is employed. Furthermore, the stronger the dependence of a random loss to the target loss, in linear correlation, the larger/smaller the conditional mean/variance. In any dependence measure, generally, stronger and negative dependence gives a higher forecast. When there is a tail dependence, the use of upper and lower tail dependence provides a better forecast instead of the single correlation coefficient.
PTS-FNN-Based Health Prediction Method for Flexible Photoelectric Film Material Processing Equipment
Authors: Deng Yaohua , Yao Kexing , Jin Tuo , Feng Zhaoxi , Liu Xiali
Published: April 2020

Roll-to-Roll (R2R) processing is a common processing method for flexible photoelectric film materials. Due to the physical properties of the materials, the change in the performance of the R2R processing equipment can easily cause deformation of the flexible film material, it is particularly important to predict the performance degradation of the processing equipment. Based on the accuracy and real-time requirements of performance degradation prediction, a PTS-FNN model for performance degradation prediction was proposed in this paper, which combines the Possibilistic C-Means (PCM) fuzzy clustering and Takagi–Sugeno Fuzzy Neural Network (TS-FNN). We also studied the PCM classification algorithm of input data of PTS-FNN model, the predecessor network of TS-FNN prediction model and the construction method of post-component network. Finally, the implementation process of PCM classification algorithm and TS-FNN prediction model were given. The R2R processing equipment health prediction experiment system was built and the PTS-FNN model experiment was carried out. The experimental results showed that the training time of PTS-FNN model was 50.37% less than the standard TS-FNN prediction model. The prediction accuracy increased by 5.48%, and the PTS-FNN had no error in the judgment of state 1 and state 4.
Assessment of Changes in Concentration of Total Antioxidant Status, Acute-Phase Protein, and Prolactin in Patients with Osteoarthritis Subjected to a Complex Spa Treatment with Radon Water: Preliminary Results
Authors: Kuciel-Lewandowska Jadwiga , Kasperczak Michał , Pawlik-Sobecka Lilla , Paprocka-Borowicz Małgorzata , Gnus Jan
Published: April 2020

Spa treatment brings many clinical benefits such as improved physical activity, pain relief, and improved quality of life. In the literature, there are only few objective studies evaluating changes in metabolism possibly influencing clinical outcomes. The main purpose of our study was the assessment of the effect of spa treatment on changes in concentration of TAS, CRP, and PRL in patients with osteoarthritis. Patients receiving spa treatment were enrolled. TAS, CRP, and PRL levels were obtained using standard tests before the beginning of treatment as well as on days 5 and 18. The study group consisted of n=35 patients with peripheral joint and spinal osteoarthritis. The control group consisted of 15 people selected from the resort staff, who also suffered from osteoarthritis and had no contact with radon. An increase in TAS concentration was found in the study group following therapy while the control group was characterized by a significant decrease in TAS. On day 5, an increase in TAS concentration was found in both groups, however, with much worse result in the control group. No changes in CRP concentration were statistically significant. PRL concentration was proven to decrease in a statistically significant way after treatment in the study group. This trial is registered with NCT03274128.