bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nutrition and physical performance in older people—effects of marine protein hydrolysates to prevent decline in physical performance: a randomised controlled trial protocol
Authors: Nygård Linda Anette Kornstad , Mundal Ingunn , Dahl Lisbeth , Šaltytė Benth Jūratė , Rokstad Anne Marie Mork
Published: October 2018

Introduction

Age-related loss of muscle mass, muscle strength and muscle function (sarcopenia) leads to a decline in physical performance, loss of independence and reduced quality of life. Nutritional supplements may delay the progression of sarcopenia. The aim of this randomised, double-blinded controlled trial including 100 participants (≥65 years) is to assess the effect of a marine protein hydrolysate (MPH) on sarcopenia-related outcomes like hand grip strength, physical performance or gait speed and to study the associations between physical performance and nutritional intake and status.

Method and analysis

The intervention group (n=50) will receive 3 g of MPH per day in 12 months. The control group (n=50) receive placebo. Assessments of Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), hand grip strength, anthropometric measurements, nutritional status as measured by the Mini Nutritional Assessment, dietary intake, supplement use, biomarkers of protein nutrition and vitamin D, and health-related quality of life (EQ-5D), will be performed at baseline and after 6 and 12 months of intervention. Linear mixed models will be estimated to assess the effect of MPH on SPPB, hand grip strength and quality of life, as well as associations between physical performance and nutrition.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has been approved by the Regional Committee in Ethics in Medical Research in Mid-Norway in September 2016 with the registration ID 2016/1152. The results will be actively disseminated through peer-reviewed journals, conference presentations, social media, broadcast media and print media.

Trial registration number

NCT02890290.
Prostate cancer aggressiveness and age: Impact of p53, BCL-2 and microvessel density
Authors: Calvocoressi Lisa , Uchio Edward , Ko John , Radhakrishnan Krishnan , Aslan Mihaela , Concato John
Published: October 2018

Older men are more likely to have advanced prostate cancer at time of their diagnosis, but whether prostate tumors are inherently (biologically) more aggressive with advancing age is uncertain. To address this gap in knowledge, we analyzed data from veterans (n=971) diagnosed with prostate cancer during 1991–1995. Factors included age, detection of prostate cancer by screening, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level, anatomic stage, and Gleason score. Information on molecular markers obtained from immunohistochemical staining of prostate tissue, included B cell lymphoma-2 (bcl-2), p53, and microvessel density (MVD), each having a previously documented association with disease progression and increased risk of prostate cancer death. We first examined the bivariate association of demographic, clinical, and molecular factors with age, and found evidence that race, screening status, Gleason score, PSA, bcl-2, p53, and MVD varied across categories of age in this study population. After further characterizing the association between age and Gleason score, we used logistic regression to examine the association between age and molecular markers—accounting for race, screening status, PSA, and Gleason score. Comparing men older than 80 years to those younger than 70 years, adjusted ORs and 95% CIs were 1.89 (0.73 to 4.92), 1.91 (1.05 to 3.46), and 2.00 (1.06 to 3.78), for positive bcl-2, p53, and MVD markers, respectively; no statistically significant associations were found for men 70–79 years old, compared with men younger than 70 years. These novel findings suggest that very elderly men often present with biologically aggressive prostate cancer; the results also have potential implications for therapeutic decision-making.
Predictors and impact of hemorrhagic transformations after endovascular thrombectomy in patients with acute large vessel occlusions
Authors: Lee Yu Bin , Yoon Woong , Lee Yun Young , Kim Seul Kee , Baek Byung Hyun , Kim Joon-Tae , Park Man-Seok
Published: October 2018

Background

Predictors and impact of hemorrhagic transformation (HT) after thrombectomy remain to be elucidated.

Objective

To investigate the independent predictors and impact of each hemorrhagic infarction (HI) and parenchymal hematoma (PH) after thrombectomy in patients with acute stroke due to intracranial large vessel occlusion (LVO).

Materials and methods

We retrospectively reviewed data from 400 patients with acute LVO who underwent thrombectomy. Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine independent predictors of HI and PH on post-treatment CT scans. Associations between HT and poor outcome (modified Rankin Scalescore ≥3) at 90 days were analyzed.

Results

HT was observed in 98 patients (62 HIs (15.5%) and 36 PHs (9%)). Independent predictors of HI were male sex, atrial fibrillation, and time from symptom onset to groin puncture. Hyperlipidemia (OR=0.221, 95% CI 0.064 to 0.767, P=0.017) and successful reperfusion (OR=0.246, 95% CI 0.093 to 0.651, P=0.005) were independently associated with a lower chance of PH, while hypertension (OR=2.260, 95% CI 1.014 to 5.035, P=0.046) and longer procedure duration (OR=1.046, 95% CI 1.016 to 1.077, P=0.003) were independently associated with a higher chance of PH. Only PH (OR=10.154, 95% CI 3.260 to 31.632, P<0.001) was an independent predictor of poor outcome.

Conclusions

PH is independently associated with poor outcome, whereas HI does not predict outcome after thrombectomy in patients with acute LVO. Our findings suggest that rapid and successful reperfusion is essential to prevent PH in patients undergoing thrombectomy for acute LVO. In addition, our study suggests that hyperlipidemia is associated with a lower risk of PH in such patients.
SAFE study (Safety and efficacy Analysis of FRED Embolic device in aneurysm treatment): 1-year clinical and anatomical results
Authors: Pierot Laurent , Spelle Laurent , Berge Jérôme , Januel Anne-Christine , Herbreteau Denis , Aggour Mohamed , Piotin Michel , Biondi Alessandra , Barreau Xavier , Mounayer Charbel , Papagiannaki Chrisanthi , Lejeune Jean-Paul , Gauvrit Jean-Yves , Derelle Anne-Laure , Chabert Emmanuel , Costalat Vincent
Published: October 2018

Background and purpose

Flow diversion is an innovative and increasingly used endovascular treatment for intracranial aneurysms. Its initial evaluation with the first devices available showed good efficacy of this treatment with variable safety results. The Flow Direction Endoluminal Device (FRED) has a specific design and was evaluated in a single-arm, multicenter, prospective, Good Clinical Practice study: SAFE (Safety and efficacy Analysis of FRED Embolic device in aneurysm treatment). This analysis reports clinical results at 1 year and anatomical results at 6 months and 1 year.

Methods

Patients with unruptured and recanalized aneurysms located in the anterior circulation treated with FRED and FRED Jr were prospectively included. A Clinical Event Committee and a Core Laboratory independently evaluated clinical outcome and anatomical results.

Results

Thirteen interventional neuroradiology centers included 103 patients/aneurysms. Aneurysm locations were supraclinoid internal carotid artery (ICA) in 71 (68.9%), cavernous ICA in 15 (14.6%), anterior cerebral or anterior communicating artery in 9 (8.7%), and middle cerebral artery in 8 (7.8%). Most aneurysms were small (<10 mm) in 71 patients (68.9%). Cumulative 1-year mortality and morbidity rates were 2/103 (1.9%) and 3/103 (2.9%), respectively, one death being related to cancer. At 1 year, anatomical results were: complete occlusion in 66/90 patients (73.3%), neck remnant in 7/90 patients (7.8%), and aneurysm remnant in 17/90 patients (18.9%).

Conclusions

SAFE study analysis at 1 year confirms the excellent safety profile of the FRED device for aneurysm treatment, with low morbidity and mortality rates (2.9% and 1.9%, respectively) and demonstrates its efficacy (adequate occlusion in 73/90 (81.1%)).

Clinical trial registration

Unique identifier:NCT02921698; Results.
How to improve the assessment of the impact of occupational diseases at a national level? The Netherlands as an example
Authors: van der Molen Henk F , Hulshof Carel TJ , Kuijer P Paul FM
Published: October 2018

Objective

To explore the impact of occupational diseases (ODs) through estimations of population attributable fractions (PAFs) in a national context.

Methods

PAFs were calculated for eight prevalent ODs using existing data on the prevalence of exposure to risk factors at work and the strength of their association with diseases based on systematic reviews. Six systematic reviews with meta-analyses and two overview papers were selected. All addressed the relationship between occupational exposure to work-related risk factors for these eight prevalent ODs. Prevalence figures for exposure to work-related risk factors were retrieved from the Dutch National Working Conditions Survey (NWCS) based on self-reports by approximately 40 000 workers. The specific risk factors retrieved from the reviews were matched with the available and dichotomised self-reported exposure items from the NWCS by two authors.

Results

The eight frequently reported ODs among the Dutch working population revealed PAFs varying between 3% and 25%. Lateral epicondylitis and distress/burnout had the highest attributable fractions, with percentages of 25% and 18%, respectively. For knee osteoarthritis (13%), shoulder soft tissue disorders (10%) and non-specific low back pain (10%) approximately 1 in 10 cases were attributable to work. PAFs for irritant contact dermatitis, noise-induced hearing loss and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were 15%, 6% and 3%, respectively.

Conclusion

Data from systematic reviews and self-reported data on exposure provide opportunities to estimate the impact of ODs. For the Netherlands, they revealed substantial and varying attributions of work for prevalent diseases.
Disparity in spatial distribution of pericardial calcifications in constrictive pericarditis
Authors: Senapati Alpana , Isma’eel Hussain A , Kumar Arnav , Ayache Ayman , Ala Chandra K , Phelan Dermot , Schoenhagen Paul , Johnston Douglas , Klein Allan L
Published: October 2018

Background

Pericardial calcification is seen among patients with constrictive pericarditis (CP). However, the pattern of pericardial calcium distribution and the association with clinical outcomes and imaging data are not well described.

Methods

This was a retrospective study from 2007 to 2013 to evaluate the pattern of pericardial calcium distribution by CT in CP using a semiquantitative calcium scoring system to calculate total pericardial calcium burden and distribution. Calcium localisation was allocated to 20 regions named after the corresponding heart structure. Baseline clinical data, imaging data and clinical outcomes were collected and compared between the calcified pericardium and non-calcified pericardium groups. We assessed the effect of pericardial calcium on clinical outcomes and echocardiographic data between the two groups.

Results

Of the 123 consecutive patients with CP (93 male; mean age 61±13 years) between 2007 and 2013, 49 had calcified pericardium and 74 had non-calcified pericardium. Distribution of calcium on the left ventricle (LV) basal anterior, mid-anterior and apical segments in addition to right ventricle (RV) apical segment was involved in <30% of the cases with the remaining segments involved in >35% of cases. A potential protective role of RV calcium on regional myocardial mechanics was noted.

Conclusion

Preferential distribution of calcium in CP in a partial band-like pattern (from basal anterolateral LV going inferiorly and then encircling the heart to reach the RV outflow tract) with extension into the mitral and tricuspid annuli was noted. Pericardial calcium was not significantly associated to clinical outcomes.
Provocative biomarker stress test: stress-delta N-terminal pro-B type natriuretic peptide
Authors: Limkakeng Jr Alexander T , Leahy J Clancy , Griffin S Michelle , Lokhnygina Yuliya , Jaffa Elias , Christenson Robert H , Newby L Kristin
Published: October 2018

Objective

Stress testing is commonly performed in emergency department (ED) patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We hypothesised that changes in N-terminal pro-B type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) concentrations from baseline to post-stress testing (stress-delta values) differentiate patients with ischaemic stress tests from controls.

Methods

We prospectively enrolled 320 adult patients with suspected ACS in an ED-based observation unit who were undergoing exercise stress echocardiography. We measured plasma NT-proBNP concentrations at baseline and at 2 and 4  hours post-stress and compared stress-delta NT-proBNP between patients with abnormal stress tests versus controls using non-parametric statistics (Wilcoxon test) due to skew. We calculated the diagnostic test characteristics of stress-delta NT-proBNP for myocardial ischaemia on imaging.

Results

Among 320 participants, the median age was 51 (IQR 44–59) years, 147 (45.9%) were men, and 122 (38.1%) were African–American. Twenty-six (8.1%) had myocardial ischaemia. Static and stress-deltas NT-proBNP differed at all time points between groups. The median stress-deltas at 2  hours were 10.4 (IQR 6.0–51.7) ng/L vs 1.7 (IQR −0.4 to 8.7) ng/L, and at 4  hours were 14.8 (IQR 5.0–22.3) ng/L vs 1.0 (−2.0 to 10.3) ng/L for patients with ischaemia versus those without. Areas under the receiver operating curves were 0.716 and 0.719 for 2-hour and 4-hour stress-deltas, respectively. After adjusting for baseline NT-proBNP levels, the 4-hour stress-delta NT-proBNP remained significantly different between the groups (p=0.009).

Conclusion

Among patients with ischaemic stress tests, static and 4-hour stress-delta NT-proBNP values were significantly higher. Further study is needed to determine if stress-delta NT-proBNP is a useful adjunct to stress testing.
Prevalence of left ventricle non-compaction criteria in adult patients with bicuspid aortic valve versus healthy control subjects
Authors: Shen Mylène , Capoulade Romain , Tastet Lionel , Guzzetti Ezequiel , Clavel Marie-Annick , Salaun Erwan , Bédard Élisabeth , Arsenault Marie , Chetaille Philippe , Tizón-Marcos Helena , Le Ven Florent , Pibarot Philippe , Larose Éric
Published: October 2018

Objective

The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of left ventricle non-compaction (LVNC) criteria (or hypertrabeculation) in a cohort of patients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) and healthy control subjects (CTL) without cardiovascular disease using cardiovascular MR (CMR).

Methods

79 patients with BAV and 85 CTL with tricuspid aortic valve and free of known cardiovascular disease underwent CMR to evaluate the presence of LVNC criteria. The left ventricle was assessed at end-systole and end-diastole, in the short-axis, two-chamber and four-chamber views and divided into the 16 standardised myocardial segments. LVNC was assessed using the non-compacted/compacted (NC/C) myocardium ratio and was considered to be present if at least one of the myocardial segments had a NC/C ratio superior to the cut-off values defined in previous studies: Jenniet al(>2.0 end-systole); Petersenet al(>2.3 end-diastole); or Fazioet al(>2.5 end-diastole).

Results

15 CTL (17.6%) vs 8 BAV (10.1%) fulfilled Jenniet al’s criterion; 69 CTL (81.2%) vs 49 BAV (62.0%) fulfilled Petersenet al’s criterion; and 66 CTL (77.6%) vs 43 BAV (54.4%) fulfilled Fazioet al’s criterion. Petersenet aland Fazioet al’s LVNC criteria were met more often by CTL (p=0.006 and p=0.002, respectively) than patients with BAV, whereas this difference was not statistically significant according to Jenniet al’s criterion (p=0.17). In multivariable analyses, after adjusting for age, sex, the presence of significant valve dysfunction (>mild stenosis or >mild regurgitation), indexed LV mass, indexed LV end-diastolic volume and LV ejection fraction, BAV was not associated with any of the three LVNC criteria.

Conclusion

Patients with BAV do not harbour more LVNC than the general population and there is no evidence that they are at higher risk for the development of LVNC cardiomyopathy.
Integrating Complementary Appearance, Posture and Motion Cues for RGB-D Action Recognition
Authors: Chen Wanjun , Zhang Erhu , Zhang Yan
Published: October 2018

This work presents a novel approach to multimodal human action recognition by jointly using visual RGB and depth (including skeleton joint positions) data captured from depth camera. For the depth feature extraction, Local Surface Geometric Feature (LSGF) is adopted to capture the geometric appearance and postures cues. Simultaneously, the improved dense trajectory feature (IDT) is extracted from RGB modality to jointly characterize the motion, visual appearance and trajectory shape information. These features from different modalities are complementary to each other. Then a two-stage integration scheme is proposed, which incorporates the probability weights of each classifier for action recognition. The proposed approach is evaluated on four publicly available human action databases: NJUST RGB-D Action, MSR-ActionPairs, MSR-DailyAct3D, and UTD-MHAD. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed approach outperforms or is comparable to the state-of-the-art methods.
Does GW170817 falsify MOND?
Authors: Sanders R. H.
Published: October 2018

The gravitational-wave event GW170817 and the near-simultaneous corresponding gamma-ray burst (GRB 170817 A) falsify modified gravity theories in which the gravitational geometry differs non-conformally from physical geometry. Thus, the observations of this event definitively rule out theories, such as TeVeS, a suggested relativistic extension of Milgrom’s modified Newtonian dynamics (MOND), that predict a significantly different Shapiro delay for electromagnetic and gravitational radiation. While not falsifying MOND per se, GW170817 severely constrains relativistic extensions of MOND to theories that do not rely on additional matter-coupling fields but rather upon modified field equations for one universal gravitational and physical metric. Here, I mention a simple preferred-frame theory as an example.
Minimal length and the flow of entropy from black holes
Authors: Alonso-Serrano Ana , Da̧browski Mariusz P. , Gohar Hussain
Published: October 2018

The existence of a minimal length, predicted by different theories of quantum gravity, can be phenomenologically described in terms of a generalized uncertainty principle. We consider the impact of this quantum gravity motivated effect onto the information budget of a black hole and the sparsity of Hawking radiation during the black hole evaporation process. We show that the information is not transmitted at the same rate during the final stages of the evaporation, and that the Hawking radiation is not sparse anymore when the black hole approaches the Planck mass.
IceCube: Opening a new window on the universe from the South Pole
Authors: Halzen Francis
Published: October 2018

After updating the status of the measurements of the cosmic neutrino flux by the IceCube experiment, we summarize the observations of the first identified source of cosmic rays and speculate on the connection between the two observations.
Dynamic Analysis of Nonclassically Damped Systems with Linear Behavior Using Load-Dependent Ritz Vectors
Authors: Chen Huating , Hao Hong , Bi Kaiming , Tan Ping , Peng Lingyun , Zhou Fulin
Published: October 2018

In the present paper, a practical superposition method is proposed for complex load-dependent Ritz (CLDR) vectors for use in the dynamic analysis of nonclassically damped systems. In particular, an algorithm for CLDR vector generation is developed and the CLDR vectors are calculated in the physical space, instead of the state space, to reduce the computational effort and storage space, while improving the stability of the algorithm. Moreover, single CLDR vector (i.e. using only one starting vector) and block CLDR vector (i.e. using multi-starting vectors) generation procedures are introduced for the uni and multidirectional loading patterns respectively, and the latter is applied to the system with repeated natural frequencies. In addition, a criterion, which is based on the spatial load distribution, is proposed to determine a proper number of the CLDR vectors prior to their use in the dynamic analysis. Two numerical examples are provided to illustrate the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed method. Also, the performance of the cut-off criterion is presented and 10% error or less in the participation loading distribution is recommended for practical applications.
Convergence rate of SVM for kernel-based robust regression
Authors: Wang Shuhua , Chen Zhenlong , Sheng Baohuai
Published: October 2018

It is known that to alleviate the performance deterioration caused by the outliers, the robust support vector (SV) regression is proposed, which is essentially a convex optimization problem associated with a non-convex loss function. The theory analysis for its performance cannot be finished by the usual convex analysis approach. For a robust SV regression algorithm containing two homotopy parameters, a non-convex method is developed with the quasiconvex analysis theory and the error estimate is given. An explicit convergence rate is provided, and the effect degree of outliers on the performance is quantitatively shown.
Autonomous dynamical system description of de Sitter evolution in scalar assisted f(R) − ϕ gravity
Authors: Kleidis K. , Oikonomou V. K.
Published: October 2018

In this paper we will study the cosmological dynamical system of an [Formula: see text] gravity in the presence of a canonical scalar field [Formula: see text] with an exponential potential by constructing the dynamical system in a way that it is rendered autonomous. This feature is controlled by a single variable [Formula: see text], which when it is constant, the dynamical system is autonomous. We focus on the [Formula: see text] case which, as we demonstrate by using a numerical analysis approach, leads to an unstable de Sitter attractor, which occurs after [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text]-foldings. This instability can be viewed as a graceful exit from inflation, which is inherent to the dynamics of de Sitter attractors.
Preparation and Microwave Absorption Properties of the Fe/TiO2/Al2O3 Composites
Authors: Li Yun , Cheng Haifeng , Wang Nannan , Zhou Shen , Xie Dongjin , Li Tingting
Published: October 2018

To reduce the imbalance of impedance matching between the magnetic metal nanowires and free space, Fe/TiO2 core/shell nanowire arrays with different diameters were fabricated in the templates of anodic aluminum oxide membranes by electrodeposition. The influences of the microstructure on the microwave absorption properties of the Fe/TiO2/Al2O3 composites were studied by the transmission/reflection waveguide method. It was demonstrated experimentally that both the interfacial polarization and the diameter of the Fe/TiO2 core/shell nanowires have critical effects on the microwave absorption properties. We also investigated the angle dependence of the microwave absorption properties. Due to the interfacial polarization and associated relaxation, the Fe/TiO2/Al2O3 composites exhibited optimal microwave absorption properties when microwave propagation direction was accordant with the axis of the nanowires. Finally, we managed to obtain an optimal reflection loss of below [Formula: see text]10[Formula: see text]dB (90% absorption) over 10.2–14.8[Formula: see text]GHz, with a thickness of 3.0[Formula: see text]mm and the minimum value of [Formula: see text]39.4[Formula: see text]dB at 11.7[Formula: see text]GHz.
Preparation of Bi/Bi2MoO6 Plasmonic Photocatalyst with High Photocatalytic Activity Under Visible Light Irradiation
Authors: Zou Chentao , Yang Zhiyuan , Liang Mengjun , He Yunpeng , Yang Yun , Yang Shuijin
Published: October 2018

Bi metal deposited on Bi2MoO6 composite photocatalysts have been successfully synthesized via a simple reduction method at room temperature with using NaBH4 as the reducing agent. The photocatalytic activity of the composite was evaluated by degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) and bisphenol A (BPA) solution under visible light. The rate constant of Bi/Bi2MoO6 composite to RhB is 10.8 times that of Bi2MoO6, and the degradation rate constant of BPA is 6.9 times of that of Bi2MoO6. Nitrogen absorption–desorption isotherm proved that the increase of specific surface area is one of the reasons for the improvement of photocatalytic degradation activity of Bi/Bi2MoO6 composites. The higher charge transfer efficiency of Bi/Bi2MoO6 is found through the characterization of the photocurrent and impedance, which are attributed to the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effect produced by the introduction of the metal Bi monomer in the composite. Free radical capture experiments proved that cavitation is the main active species. Based on the above conclusions, a possible mechanism of photocatalytic degradation is proposed.
Few-Layered MoS2 Nanoparticles Loaded TiO2 Nanosheets with Exposed {001} Facets for Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Chen Chujun , Xin Xia , Zhang Jinniu , Li Gang , Zhang Yafeng , Lu Hongbing , Gao Jianzhi , Yang Zhibo , Wang Chunlan , He Ze
Published: October 2018

To improve the high charge carrier recombination rate and low visible light absorption of {001} facets exposed TiO2 [TiO2(001)] nanosheets, few-layered MoS2 nanoparticles were loaded on the surfaces of TiO2(001) nanosheets by a simple photodeposition method. The photocatalytic activities towards Rhodamine B (RhB) were investigated. The results showed that the MoS2–TiO2(001) nanocomposites exhibited much enhanced photocatalytic activities compared with the pure TiO2(001) nanosheets. At an optimal Mo/Ti molar ratio of 25%, the MoS2–TiO2(001) nanocomposites displayed the highest photocatalytic activity, which took only 30[Formula: see text]min to degrade 50[Formula: see text]mL of RhB (50[Formula: see text]mg/L). The active species in the degradation reaction were determined to be h[Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]OH according to the free radical trapping experiments. The reduced charge carrier recombination rate, enhanced visible light utilization and increased surface areas contributed to the enhanced photocatalytic performances of the 25% MoS2–TiO2(001) nanocomposites.
Inexpensive Bismuth-Film Electrode Supported on Pencil-Lead Graphite for Determination of Pb(II) and Cd(II) Ions by Anodic Stripping Voltammetry
Authors: Bedin Karen C. , Mitsuyasu Edson Y. , Ronix Amanda , Cazetta André L. , Pezoti Osvaldo , Almeida Vitor C.
Published: October 2018

The present work reports the development and application of bismuth-film electrode (BiFE), obtained by in situ method on the pencil-lead graphite surface, for simultaneous Cd(II) and Pb(II) determination at trace levels, as alternative to replace the mercury-film electrodes. Experimental factors, deposition time (td), deposition potential (Ed), and Bi(III) concentration (CBi), were investigated by applying a 23factorial design using 0.10 mol/L acetate buffer solution (pH 4.5) as supporting electrolyte. The analysis conditions of the differential pulse technique weretd= 250 s,Ed= -1.40 V, andCBi= 250 mg L−1. The validation of the method employing BiFE was accomplished by determination of merit figures. The detection limits were of 11.0μg L−1for Cd(II) and 11.5μg L−1for Pb(II), confirming that proposed method is attractive and suitable for heavy metals determination. Additionally, the BiFE developed was successfully applied for the Cd(II) and Pb(II) determination in wastewater sample of battery industry.
Effect of Compression Loading on Human Nucleus Pulposus-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Liang Hang , Chen Sheng , Huang Donghua , Deng Xiangyu , Ma Kaige , Shao Zengwu
Published: October 2018

Purpose. Mechanical loading plays a vital role in the progression of intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration, but little is known about the effect of compression loading on human nucleus pulposus-derived mesenchymal stem cells (NP-MSCs). Thus, this study is aimed at investigating the effect of compression on the biological behavior of NP-MSCs in vitro. Methods. Human NP-MSCs were isolated from patients undergoing lumbar discectomy for IVD degeneration and were identified by immunophenotypes and multilineage differentiation. Then, cells were cultured in the compression apparatus at 1.0 MPa for different times (0 h, 24 h, 36 h, and 48 h). The viability-, differentiation-, and differentiation-related genes (Runx2, APP, and Col2) and colony formation-, migration-, and stem cell-related proteins (Sox2 and Oct4) were evaluated. Results. The results showed that the isolated cells fulfilled the criteria of MSC stated by the International Society for Cellular Therapy (ISCT). And our results also indicated that compression loading significantly inhibited cell viability, differentiation, colony formation, and migration. Furthermore, gene expression suggested that compression loading could downregulate the expression of stem cell-related proteins and lead to NP-MSC stemness losses. Conclusions. Our results suggested that the biological behavior of NP-MSCs could be inhibited by compression loading and therefore enhanced our understanding on the compression-induced endogenous repair failure of NP-MSCs during IVDD.
Evolution of Microstructure and Microsegregation of Ti‐45Al‐8Nb Alloy during Directional Solidification
Authors: Xu Xiangjun , Hu Rui , Lin Junpin , Guo Jian
Published: October 2018

High Nb‐containing TiAl alloys have good oxidation resistance and mechanical properties, but the microstructure and the properties are substantially affected by the segregation. To quantitatively investigate the segregation behavior of Al during solidification, microstructures of directionally solidified (DS) Ti‐45Al‐8Nb (in atomic percent) alloy prepared at withdrawing rates of 30 μm/s and 200 μm/s and a temperature gradient of 4200 K/m were observed by optical microscope and electronic probe microanalyzer. The microsegregations were characterized by wave dispersive spectroscopy. The results show that the DS ingots include the no melting zone, directionally solidified zone with columnar grains, mushy zone, and quenched liquid zone. The primary dendritic arm spacings are 353 μm and 144 μm, respectively, for the two ingots. But the solidified microstructures of the ingots are large lamellar colonies, which contain a few B2 patches and γ bands induced by microsegregation. From dendritic zone to columnar zone, the volume fractions of B2 patches and γ bands decrease. The segregation extents of Al and Nb decrease with the increase of solidification rate. There exists an obvious back diffusion process of Al during solidification and cooling after solidification. According to evolution of Al concentration profiles from mushy zone to columnar grain zone, interdiffusion coefficient for Al in β‐Ti at near solidus temperature is semiquantitatively calculated, and the value is (6 – 11) × 10−11 m2/s.
Analysis of In Vitro Cyto- and Genotoxicity of Barbatimão Extract on Human Keratinocytes and Fibroblasts
Authors: Pellenz Neida L. , Barbisan Fernanda , Azzolin Veronica F. , Duarte Thiago , Bolignon Aline , Mastella Moisés H. , Teixeira Cibele F. , Ribeiro Euler E. , Cruz Ivana B. Mânica da , Duarte Marta M. M. F.
Published: October 2018

Barbatimão (Stryphnodendron adstringens, Mart.) is a native Brazilian species used in traditional medicine and some commercial preparations owing to its strong wound-healing activity. However, controversy regarding its use due to safety concerns over the potential genotoxic effect of this plant remains. In order to clarify this issue, the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of barbatimão in vitro on cell viability, DNA damage, and induction of apoptosis in two commercial cell lines of keratinocytes (HaCaT) and fibroblasts (HFF-1) was evaluated. Barbatimão stem bark hydroalcoholic extract (70% ethanol) was obtained and lyophilized for subsequent use in all experiments. The main bioactive molecules quantified by HPLC were gallic acid, caffeic acid, quercetin, catechin, and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). Barbatimão (0.024 to 1.99 mg/mL) was found to decrease cellular mortality as compared to the control group. GEMO assay, a noncellular DNA protocol that uses H2O2-exposed calf thymus DNA, revealed not only a genotoxic effect of barbatimão, but also a potential genoprotective action against H2O2-triggered DNA fragmentation. These results indicated that barbatimão at concentrations of 0.49 and 0.99 mg/mL, which are near to the levels found in commercial preparations, exerted an in vitro genoprotective effect on cells by decreasing the levels of DNA oxidation quantified by 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Gene and protein apoptotic markers, quantified by qRT-PCR (BAX/Bcl-2 genes) and immunoassays (Caspases 3 and 8), respectively, also indicated a decrease in apoptotic events in comparison with control cells. Collectively, the results suggest that barbatimão could exert genoprotective and antiapoptotic effects on human keratinocytes and fibroblasts.
Development and Analysis of the Control Effect of a Reid Damper with Self‐Centering Characteristics
Authors: Kang Ying-jie , Peng Ling-yun
Published: October 2018

To improve the recoverability of structures following an earthquake, a Reid friction damper with self‐centering characteristics is proposed and its hysteretic behavior is studied by theoretical analysis and experimental research. The main parameters of the damper are the equivalent stiffness and energy dissipation coefficient. Based on a 10‐story steel frame structure, 10 energy dissipation design schemes using the proposed Reid damper are proposed. The additional equivalent damping ratios of the 10 schemes are equal, whereas the energy dissipation coefficients of the dampers are different. The vibration control effects of the energy dissipation structures are analytically investigated under four earthquake loads. The experimental results of the friction damper are in good agreement with the theoretical results, and the hysteretic behavior of the damper follows that of a typical Reid model. The seismic response and structural damage can be reduced using any of the 10 design schemes; however, the effects are different. When the energy dissipation coefficient is in the range of 0.1–0.3, the control effect on the interstory drift is better; however, the structural acceleration response and damping force of the dampers increase. When the energy dissipation coefficient is in the range of 0.6–1.0, the energy dissipation effect of the dampers is good; however, the self‐centering ability is poor. Therefore, the optimum range of the energy dissipation coefficient of a Reid damper intended for energy dissipation structures should be 0.3–0.6.
Drought Propagation Patterns under Naturalized Condition Using Daily Hydrometeorological Data
Authors: Li Jianzhu , Guo Yuangang , Wang Yixuan , Lu Shanlong , Chen Xu
Published: October 2018

Drought propagation pattern forms a basis for establishing drought monitoring and early warning. Due to its regional disparity, it is necessary and significant to investigate the pattern of drought propagation in a specific region. With the objective of improving understanding of drought propagation pattern in the Luanhe River basin, we first simulated soil moisture and streamflow in naturalized situation on daily time scale by using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model. The threshold level method was utilized in identifying drought events and drought characteristics. Compared with meteorological drought, the number of drought events was less and duration was longer for agricultural and hydrological droughts. The results showed that there were 3 types of drought propagation pattern: from meteorological drought to agricultural/hydrological drought (M-A/H), agricultural/hydrological drought without meteorological drought (NM-A/H), and meteorological drought only (M). To explain the drought propagation pattern, possible driven factors were determined, and the relations between agricultural/hydrological drought and the driven factors were built using multiple regression models with the coefficients of determination of 0.4 and 0.656, respectively. These results could provide valuable information for drought early warning and forecast.
A Hybrid Approach to Call Admission Control in 5G Networks
Authors: Al-Maitah Mohammed , Semenova Olena O. , Semenov Andriy O. , Kulakov Pavel I. , Kucheruk Volodymyr Yu.
Published: October 2018

Artificial intelligence is employed for solving complex scientific, technical, and practical problems. Such artificial intelligence techniques as neural networks, fuzzy systems, and genetic and evolutionary algorithms are widely used for communication systems management, optimization, and prediction. Artificial intelligence approach provides optimized results in a challenging task of call admission control, handover, routing, and traffic prediction in cellular networks. 5G mobile communications are designed as heterogeneous networks, whose important requirement is accommodating great numbers of users and the quality of service satisfaction. Call admission control plays a significant role in providing the desired quality of service. An effective call admission control algorithm is needed for optimizing the cellular network system. Many call admission control schemes have been proposed. The paper proposes a methodology for developing a genetic neurofuzzy controller for call admission in 5G networks. Performance of the proposed admission control is evaluated through computer simulation.
A Novel Efficient Feature Dimensionality Reduction Method and Its Application in Engineering
Authors: Cheng Zhun , Lu Zhixiong
Published: October 2018

In the engineering field, excessive data dimensions affect the efficiency of machine learning and analysis of the relationships between data or features. To render feature dimensionality reduction more effective and faster, this paper proposes a new feature dimensionality reduction approach combining a sampling survey method with a heuristic intelligent optimization algorithm. Drawing on feature selection, this method builds a feature‐scoring system and a reduced‐dimension length‐scoring system based on the sampling survey method. According to feature scores and reduced‐dimension lengths, the method selects a number of features and reduced‐dimension lengths that are ranked in the front with high scores. This feature dimensionality reduction method allows for in‐depth optimal selection of features and reduced‐dimension lengths with high scores using an improved heuristic intelligent optimization algorithm. To verify the effectiveness of the dimensionality reduction method, this paper applies it to road roughness time‐domain estimation based on vehicle dynamic response and gene‐selection research in bioengineering. Results in the first case show that the proposed method can improve the accuracy of road roughness time‐domain estimation to above 0.99 and reduce measured data of the vehicle dynamic response, reducing the experimental workload significantly. Results in the second case show that the method can select a set of genes quickly and effectively with high disease recognition accuracy.
The Mechanobiology of the Actin Cytoskeleton in Stem Cells during Differentiation and Interaction with Biomaterials
Authors: Ambriz X. , de Lanerolle P. , Ambrosio J. R.
Published: October 2018

An understanding of the cytoskeleton’s importance in stem cells is essential for their manipulation and further clinical application. The cytoskeleton is crucial in stem cell biology and depends on physical and chemicals signals to define its structure. Additionally, cell culture conditions will be important in the proper maintenance of stemness, lineage commitment, and differentiation. This review focuses on the following areas: the role of the actin cytoskeleton of stem cells during differentiation, the significance of cellular morphology, signaling pathways involved in cytoskeletal rearrangement in stem cells, and the mechanobiology and mechanotransduction processes implicated in the interactions of stem cells with different surfaces of biomaterials, such as nanotopography, which is a physical cue influencing the differentiation of stem cells. Also, cancer stem cells are included since it is necessary to understand the role of their mechanical properties to develop new strategies to treat cancer. In this context, to study the stem cells requires integrated disciplines, including molecular and cellular biology, chemistry, physics, and immunology, as well as mechanobiology. Finally, since one of the purposes of studying stem cells is for their application in regenerative medicine, the deepest understanding is necessary in order to establish safety protocols and effective cell-based therapies.
Prevalence and Genotype Distribution of Human Papillomavirus in Invasive Cervical Cancer, Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia, and Asymptomatic Women in Southeast China
Authors: Wang Xuelian , Zeng Yanli , Huang Xiumin , Zhang Youzhong
Published: October 2018

Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women and it is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). High variation has been reported in the attribution of specific HPV genotypes to cervical neoplasia among various geographic regions. For effective control of cervical cancer through HPV vaccination, it is essential to estimate the cost-effectiveness of vaccination, to monitor the potential transition into other HPV genotypes, and to understand the distribution of specific HPV genotypes across a specific geographic region. In this study, the distribution of HPV genotypes was investigated in southeast China, from 2011 to 2016. The 12,816 cervical swabs collected from women (age 18–78 years, median 43.6 years) outpatients were analyzed. HPV prevalence among 12,816 cervical swabs analyzed was 22.3% (2,856/12,816). Among these positive cases, 2,216 had only one HPV genotype while 640 had multiple HPV genotypes. The cases with multiple types revealed 23 different HPV genotypes with the five most prevalent being HPV18 (18.2%), HPV52 (14.1%), HPV16 (11.9%), HPV58 (10.6%), and HPV33 (5.5%). The rates of HPV infection in patients with cervical inflammation, CIN-1, CIN-2, CIN-3, squamous carcinoma, and adenocarcinoma were 38.4%, 80.5%, 82.6%, 92.3%, 97.5%, and 93.4%, respectively. Four HPV genotypes, HPV18, HPV16, HPV52, and HPV58, were more prevalent in patients with CIN-2-CIN-3 and invasive cervical cancer. A comparison of HPV genotypes attribution to cervical cancer between southeast China and global incidences revealed distinct differences. Due to this unique prevalence, it is essential to streamline the vaccination development protocol prior to administering vaccines based on global data.
Hyperthermic Effect of Ginger (Zingiber officinale) Extract‐Containing Beverage on Peripheral Skin Surface Temperature in Women
Authors: Sugimoto Keiichiro , Takeuchi Hiroaki , Nakagawa Kazuya , Matsuoka Yasuhiro
Published: October 2018

Ginger is known to warm the body. Therefore, we conducted a placebo‐controlled crossover trial to investigate the hyperthermic effect of a palatable ginger‐containing beverage in healthy women with cold‐sensitive extremities. Six women drank 280 mL of 0.07% ginger extract‐containing or placebo beverage in a temperature‐controlled room (21°C). Their palm temperatures were measured as measure of surface body temperature using a thermographic camera before intake and every 10 min after intake for 60 min. Palm temperature increased immediately following intake of the ginger and placebo beverages. However, palm temperature following intake of the ginger beverage increased for 20 min, while palm temperature following placebo intake decreased again after 10 min. The increased palm temperature following ginger intake was maintained significantly longer than after placebo intake (p < 0.05). In response to a questionnaire, some subjects answered that their increased body temperature was maintained after drinking the ginger beverage. Ginger extract‐containing beverage may thus improve cold sensitivity.
Inhibitory Effects of Momordicine I on High‐Glucose‐Induced Cell Proliferation and Collagen Synthesis in Rat Cardiac Fibroblasts
Authors: Chen Po-Yuan , Shih Neng-Lang , Hao Wen-Rui , Chen Chun-Chao , Liu Ju-Chi , Sung Li-Chin
Published: October 2018

Diabetes‐associated cardiac fibrosis is a severe cardiovascular complication. Momordicine I, a bioactive triterpenoid isolated from bitter melon, has been demonstrated to have antidiabetic properties. This study investigated the effects of momordicine I on high‐glucose‐induced cardiac fibroblast activation. Rat cardiac fibroblasts were cultured in a high‐glucose (25 mM) medium in the absence or presence of momordicine I, and the changes in collagen synthesis, transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) production, and related signaling molecules were assessed. Increased oxidative stress plays a critical role in the development of high‐glucose‐induced cardiac fibrosis; we further explored momordicine I’s antioxidant activity and its effect on fibroblasts. Our data revealed that a high‐glucose condition promoted fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis and these effects were abolished by momordicine I (0.3 and 1 μM) pretreatment. Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of momordicine I on high‐glucose‐induced fibroblast activation may be associated with its activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) and the inhibition of reactive oxygen species formation, TGF‐β1 production, and Smad2/3 phosphorylation. The addition of brusatol (a selective inhibitor of Nrf2) or Nrf2 siRNA significantly abolished the inhibitory effect of momordicine I on fibroblast activation. Our findings revealed that the antifibrotic effect of momordicine I was mediated, at least partially, by the inhibition of the TGF‐β1/Smad pathway, fibroblast proliferation, and collagen synthesis through Nrf2 activation. Thus, this work provides crucial insights into the molecular pathways for the clinical application of momordicine I for treating diabetes‐associated cardiac fibrosis.