bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Systems Pharmacology Approach for Identifying the Multiple Mechanisms of Action of the Wei Pi Xiao Decoction for the Treatment of Gastric Precancerous Lesions
Authors: Yang Liangjun , Liu Wei , Hu Zhipeng , Yang Maoyi , Li Jiali , Fan Xiangzhen , Pan Huafeng
Published: February 2019

The Wei Pi Xiao (WPX) decoction, based on the theory of traditional Chinese medicine, has been widely used for the treatment of gastric precancerous lesions (GPL). Although WPX is known to be effective for the treatment of GPL, its active ingredients, cellular targets, and the precise molecular mechanism of action are not known. This study aimed to identify the multiple mechanisms of action of the WPX decoction in the treatment of GPL. The active compounds, drug targets, and the key pathways involved in the therapeutic effect of WPX in the treatment of GPL were analyzed by an integrative analysis pipeline. The information pertaining to the compounds present in WPX and their disease targets was obtained from TCMSP and GeneCards, respectively. The mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effect of WPX were investigated with gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. A total of 82 bioactive compounds and 146 related targets were identified in this study. Following target analyses, the targets were further mapped to 26 key biological processes and 21 related pathways to construct a target-pathway network and an integrated GPL pathway. The study demonstrated that the WPX formula primarily treats the dysfunctions of GPL arising from cell proliferation, apoptosis, and mucosal inflammation, which offered a novel insight into the pathogenesis of GPL and revealed the molecular mechanism underlying the therapeutic effects of the WPX formula in GPL. This study offers a novel approach for the systematic investigation of the mechanisms of action of herbal medicines, which will provide an impetus to the GPL drug development pipeline.
Electro-Steering Tapered Fiber-Optic Device with Liquid Crystal Cladding
Authors: Korec Joanna , Stasiewicz Karol A. , Strzeżysz Olga , Kula Przemysław , Jaroszewicz Leszek R.
Published: February 2019

The paper presents the results of design, manufacturing, and characterization of a hybrid broad band in-line fiber-optic device. It uses nematic liquid crystal as cladding with electro-steering properties in a biconical optical fiber taper structure. Liquid crystal mixtures denoted as 6CHBT and E7 are designed for electric as well as temperature control of electromagnetic wave propagation in a broad wavelength range. The applied taper with 10±0.5 μm diameters has losses lower than 0.5 dB in whole investigated spectrum range. Three kinds of initial liquid crystal molecules’ orientations (parallel, orthogonal, and twist) in relation to the light beam propagating in a taper were applied. The performance of a tuned cladding was studied at an electric field of the range of 0–190 V and the temperature range from 20°C up to 42°C and 59°C for 6CHBT and E7, respectively. The induced reorientation of liquid crystal molecules was measured at a broad wavelength range (550-1550 nm).
Application of Improved BQGA in Robot Kinematics Inverse Solution
Authors: Lv Xiaoqing , Zhao Ming
Published: February 2019

In view of the problem that Bloch Quantum Genetic Algorithm (BQGA) is easy to fall into local optimum, an improved BQGA is proposed. The algorithm can control the step size and the mutation probability in real time in the iterative process, avoiding over the optimal solution and guaranteeing search efficiency. In addition, the improved algorithm further completes the anti-degradation mechanism, which maintains the diversity of the population while preserving the dominant gene to the maximum extent, so that the algorithm is not easy to fall into the local extremum and finally approaches the global optimal solution. The application in the inverse solution of robot kinematics shows that the improved BQGA effectively avoids the premature problem and accelerates the convergence of understanding and the search result is close to the complete solution, which provides a new idea for solving complex nonlinear and multivariate functional equations.
Flexural Behavior of Basalt Fiber Reinforced Polymer Tube Confined Coconut Fiber Reinforced Concrete
Authors: Lv Yang , Wu Xueqian , Gao Mengran , Chen Jiaxin , Zhu Yuhao , Cheng Quanxi , Chen Yu
Published: February 2019

Basalt fiber has arisen new perspectives due to the potential low cost and excellent mechanical performance, together with the use of environmental friendly coir can be beneficial to the development of sustainable construction. In this study, a new composite structure called basalt fiber reinforced polymer (BFRP) tube encased coconut fiber reinforced concrete (CFRC) is developed. The 28-day compression strength of the plain concrete is about 15 MPa, which represents the low-strength poor-quality concrete widely existing in many old buildings and developing countries. Three types of BFRP tubes, i.e., 2-layer, 4-layer, and 6-layer, with the inner diameter of 100 mm and a length of 520 mm, were prepared. The plain concrete (PC) and CFRC were poured and cured in these tubes to fabricated BFRP tube confined long cylindrical beams. Three PC cylindrical beams and 3 CFRC cylindrical beams were prepared to be the control group. The four-point bending tests of these specimens were carried out to investigate the enhancement due to the BFRP tube and coir reinforcement. The load-carrying capacity, force-displacement relationship, failure mode, and the cracking moment were analyzed. Results show that both BFRP tube confined plain concrete (PC) and BFRP tube confined CFRC have excellent flexural strength and ductility, and the inclusion of the coir can further enhance the ductility of the concrete.
Production and Digital Image Correlation Analysis of Titanium Foams with Different Pore Morphologies as a Bone-Substitute Material
Authors: Shbeh Mohammed , Oner Elif , Al-Rubaye Ammar , Goodall Russell
Published: February 2019

Ti foams are mesoporous structured materials that are characterized by their high surface area and interconnected porosity with a huge potential for biomedical applications. In this study, we investigated the production of titanium foams with different pore morphologies as a bone-substitute material via the addition of different amounts, shapes, and sizes of the space holder. Furthermore, we also carried out strain analysis using digital image correlation (DIC) in order to analyse the strain distribution across the porous samples. In addition, the nature of the relationship between the amount of the space holder added and final amount of porosity in the foams produced was also examined. The results demonstrated that the relationship between the space holder amount and porosity in the samples follows a complex one-phase exponential decay function in an increasing form. Our findings also suggest that the shape of the space holder does not play a significant role in dictating the porosity of the foams produced in the current study. However, the space holder’s shape does have a substantial role in dictating the mechanical properties of the foams produced, where Ti foams produced using a cubic or irregular space holder were found to have a lower yield stresses than those made with the spherical space holder.
The Quality of Ranking during Simulated Pairwise Judgments for Examined Approximation Procedures
Authors: Kazibudzki Paul Thaddeus
Published: February 2019

An overview of current debates and contemporary research devoted to the modeling of decision-making processes and their facilitation directs attention to the quality of priority ratios estimation through pairwise comparisons. At the core of the process are various approximation procedures for a pairwise comparison matrix which, in a sense, reflects preferences of decision-makers. Certainly, when judgments regarding these preferences are perfectly consistent (cardinally transitive), all approximation procedures coincide and the quality of the prioritization process is exemplary. However, human judgments are very rarely consistent, and thus the quality of priority ratios estimation may significantly vary. Obviously, the range of these variations depends on the applied approximation procedure for a pairwise comparison matrix. Although there are many approximation procedures which can be applied in the prioritization process, it has been promoted for many decades that only one should be applied and no others qualify. This paper suggests this opinion is a fallacy. Research results argue that a genuine, commonly applied approximation procedure for a pairwise comparison matrix may deteriorate the quality of priority ratios estimation. Thus, a number of solutions are also proposed which can improve the process of priority ratios estimation. In order to provide credible and high quality results, the problem is studied via a properly designed and coded seminal simulation algorithm, executed in Wolfram Mathematica 8.0.
Identification of Traditional Chinese Medicine Constitutions and Physiological Indexes Risk Factors in Metabolic Syndrome: A Data Mining Approach
Authors: Tang Yanchao , Zhao Tong , Huang Nian , Lin Wanfu , Luo Zhiying , Ling Changquan
Published: February 2019

Objective. In order to find the predictive indexes for metabolic syndrome (MS), a data mining method was used to identify significant physiological indexes and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) constitutions. Methods. The annual health check-up data including physical examination data; biochemical tests and Constitution in Chinese Medicine Questionnaire (CCMQ) measurement data from 2014 to 2016 were screened according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. A predictive matrix was established by the longitudinal data of three consecutive years. TreeNet machine learning algorithm was applied to build prediction model to uncover the dependence relationship between physiological indexes, TCM constitutions, and MS. Results. By model testing, the overall accuracy rate for prediction model by TreeNet was 73.23%. Top 12.31% individuals in test group (n=325) that have higher probability of having MS covered 23.68% MS patients, showing 0.92 times more risk of having MS than the general population. Importance of ranked top 15 was listed in descending order . The top 5 variables of great importance in MS prediction were TBIL difference between 2014 and 2015 (D_TBIL), TBIL in 2014 (TBIL 2014), LDL-C difference between 2014 and 2015 (D_LDL-C), CCMQ scores for balanced constitution in 2015 (balanced constitution 2015), and TCH in 2015 (TCH 2015). When D_TBIL was between 0 and 2, TBIL 2014 was between 10 and 15, D_LDL-C was above 19, balanced constitution 2015 was below 60, or TCH 2015 was above 5.7, the incidence of MS was higher. Furthermore, there were interactions between balanced constitution 2015 score and TBIL 2014 or D_LDL-C in MS prediction. Conclusion. Balanced constitution, TBIL, LDL-C, and TCH level can act as predictors for MS. The combination of TCM constitution and physiological indexes can give early warning to MS.
Solution of Nonlinear Volterra Integral Equations with Weakly Singular Kernel by Using the HOBW Method
Authors: Ali Mohamed R. , Mousa Mohamed M. , Ma Wen-Xiu
Published: February 2019

We present a new numerical technique to discover a new solution of Singular Nonlinear Volterra Integral Equations (SNVIE). The considered technique utilizes the Hybrid Orthonormal Bernstein and Block-Pulse functions wavelet method (HOBW) to solve the weakly SNVIE including Abel’s equations. We acquire the HOBW implementation matrix of the integration to derive the procedure of solving these kind integral equations. The explained technique is delineated with two numerical cases to demonstrate the benefit of the technique used by us. At last, the exchange uncovers the way that the strategy utilized here is basic in usage.
Numerical Analysis of the Effect of Microscale Components Interaction on Measurements of Fiber Optic Strain Sensors Used in Composite Structures
Authors: Tashkinov Mikhail , Shardakov Igor
Published: February 2019

The paper investigates the influence of structural components of a composite material on the strain values measured by using an embedded optical fiber with Bragg gratings. The effect of composite plies and intermediate epoxy layers on the transfer of deformations from the measured object to the optical fiber was studied taking into account various methods of the fiber attachment and surrounding media configurations. A numerical estimation of the effect of the longitudinal and transverse components of the strain tensor on the wavelength of the reflected spectrum is performed.
Influence of Ethanol Organosolv Pulping Conditions on Physicochemical Lignin Properties of European Larch
Authors: Hochegger Markus , Cottyn-Boitte Betty , Cézard Laurent , Schober Sigurd , Mittelbach Martin
Published: February 2019

Over the years, the organosolv pulping process has proven to be a valuable pretreatment method for various lignocellulosic feedstocks. The objective of this study was to characterize and assess the potential applicability of the organosolv lignin fraction from European larch sawdust, as no research has been conducted in this field so far. Eight different samples were prepared from the European larch sawdust under varied reaction conditions and one milled wood lignin sample as reference. The reaction temperature and sulfuric acid loading were varied between 420 and 460 K and 0.00 and 1.10% (w/w on dry wood basis) H2SO4, respectively. The antiradical potential (via DPPH• method), chemical structure (via ATR-FTIR, 1H NMR, 31P NMR, and thioacidolysis), as well as the molecular weight distribution of the isolated lignins were analyzed and compared. Results from thioacidolysis show a direct correlation between the amount of β-ether bonds broken and pulping process severity. Similarly, both antiradical potential and phenolic hydroxyl group content exhibit a direct relationship to reaction temperature and catalyst loading. On the contrary, the content of aliphatic hydroxyl groups and the average molecular weights both decreased with increasing process severity. The high content of phenolic hydroxyl groups and antioxidative potential of the larch organosolv fractions, especially for the sample isolated at 460 K and 1.10% H2SO4 loading, indicate good applicability as antioxidants as well as feedstocks for further downstream valorization and require additional research in this area.
Fluorescent Sensors Based on Organic Polymer-Capped Gold Nanoparticles for the Detection of Cr(VI) in Water
Authors: Wang Na , Wang Liangchen , Yang Hong , Xiong Tingting , Xiao Shangping , Zhao Jiawen , Du Weiping
Published: February 2019

“Turn-off” fluorescent sensors for Cr(VI) have been fabricated based on organic polymer-capped gold nanoparticles. The fluorescence intensity, as well as the response behavior of the sensors, is dependent on the pH values of buffer solution and dilution amounts of the sensors. When diluted 50 times with pH 2.0 buffer solution, the sensors show good linear responses toward Cr(VI) at concentrations between 2.8–5.9 μM and 5.9–29 μM. The calculated detection limit is 0.63 μM (S/N=3). The interference study and real sample assays exhibit satisfying selectivity and reliability results. Furthermore, the quenched intensity of fluorescence could be recovered by Fe(II) ion, which provides a potential method to detect Fe(II) ions. The quenching and recovering mechanisms have also been investigated. It is suggested that the quenching mechanism is based on the combined effects of internal electron transfer and the inner filter effect. Finally, the recovering mechanism is based on the redox reactions between the Cr(VI) and Fe(II) ions.
Low GAS5 Levels as a Predictor of Poor Survival in Patients with Lower-Grade Gliomas
Authors: Wang Yanfang , Xin Shan , Zhang Kai , Shi Run , Bao Xuanwen
Published: February 2019

Introduction. Gliomas are infiltrative neoplasms of a highly invasive nature. Different stages of gliomas feature distinct genomic, genetic, and epigenetic changes. The long noncoding RNA Growth Arrest Specific Transcript 5 (GAS5) is an identified tumour suppressor involved in several cancers. However, the underlying roles of the GAS5 gene in lower-grade glioma (LGG) patients are not clear. Methods. Via bioinformatic analysis based on TCGA-LGG and TCGA-GBM data, we explored the mechanisms of GAS5 expression in LGG (grades II and III) and high-grade glioma (glioblastoma multiforme, grade IV). The log-rank test and multivariate Cox analysis were performed to find the association between GAS5 and overall survival (OS) in LGG patients. Weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) and RNA-Seq analysis were applied to find the key gene network associated with GAS5. Results. We found that GAS5 expression was downregulated in both LGG and glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) compared with normal brain tissue. Low methylation in the GAS5 promoter region was detected in both LGG and GBM tissues. The amplification type was the predominant type of GAS5 gene alteration in both LGG and GBM. High GAS5 expression was more associated with long overall survival (OS) in LGG patients than in GBM patients. The multivariate survival analysis of GAS5 and clinical and molecular characteristics in LGG patients further confirmed the association between GAS5 and OS in LGG patients. We then developed a nomogram for clinical use. WGCNA and RNA-Seq analysis indicated that ribosomal biogenesis and translation initiation were the predominant events regulated by GAS5 in LGG patients. Conclusion. Taken together, these results demonstrate that GAS5 expression is associated with OS in LGG patients and that its underlying roles involve the regulation of ribosomal biogenesis and translation initiation, which may aid in identifying a new target for the treatment of LGG.
A Synthesis of Computational and Experimental Approaches of Evaluating Chemical, Physical, and Mechanistic Properties of Asphalt Binders
Authors: Hossain Kamal , Hossain Zahid
Published: February 2019

Asphalt binder is a very complex chemical compound. Much work has been done to understand and model its chemical, morphological, rheological, and mechanical features. This paper synthesizes and presents findings from pertinent studies available in the public domain. Understanding of asphalt characteristics at the very finite level is the first critical step to develop a better macroscopic‐ or pavement‐level performance model. This paper showcases a summary of current knowledge gained on (a) how chemical elemental compositions and molecular groups play critical roles in asphalt binder’s performance in pavement composites; (b) morphological properties and their relationships with the asphalt’s structural performance; and (c) mechanistic characteristics of asphalt binder’s at nanoscopic, mesoscopic, and microscopic levels, and how they are related to macroscopic‐ or pavement‐level performance.
A Median Analysis of Factors Influencing Body Fatness in Urban School-Age Children in Cameroon
Authors: Niba Loveline L. , Itor Paul B. , Aurelie Yemele K. Sibelle , Singam Foba M. , Tange Emmanuel A. , Atanga Mary B. , Navti Lifoter K.
Published: February 2019

Background. Childhood overweight/obesity is a fast growing public health problem in developing countries. The adverse health consequences of obesity have been attributed to higher body fat levels and this has drawn overwhelming attention towards more accurate assessment of body fat. The goal of this study is to evaluate the relationships between selected behavioral factors and percentage body fat (%BF) estimated using bioelectrical impedance analysis in school-age children. Methods. A cross-sectional analysis was carried out in randomly selected 6- to 11-year-old children (507 boys and 501 girls). Percentage body fat was assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis. The behavioral factors were reported by parents using a structured questionnaire. Multiple quantile regression analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between the selected behavioral factors and %BF. Results. With quantile regression, the daily consumption of fruits and vegetables, daily breakfast consumption, and high physical activity (>4–7 times/week) were significantly (p<0.001) associated with a 4.95, 3.29, and 3.66 decrease in median %BF, respectively. Also, consumption of snacks (>3 times a day) (p<0.001), high sedentary lifestyle (>3–6 hours/day) (p<0.001), and motorization to school (p<0.005) significantly increased the median %BF by 3.69, 3.01, and 1.39, respectively. The largest changes in median %BF were observed in girls. Conclusions. Efforts are needed using longitudinal studies to clarify the effects of these behavioral factors on %BF in different regions and ethnic groups of Cameroon and also to assess whether any observed differences are of clinical relevance.
High Carbohydrate High Fat Diet Induced Hepatic Steatosis and Dyslipidemia Were Ameliorated byPsidium guajavaLeaf Powder Supplementation in Rats
Authors: Mamun Md. Abdullah Al , Faruk Md. , Rahman Md. Mizanur , Nahar Kamrun , Kabir Fariha , Alam Md Ashraful , Subhan Nusrat
Published: February 2019

Psidium guajavaleaf is reported to contain many bioactive polyphenols which play an important role in the prevention and treatment of various diseases. Our investigation aimed to study the effect ofPsidium guajavaleaf powder supplementation on obesity and liver status by using experimental rats. To study the effects of guava leaf supplementation in high fat diet induced obesity, rats were randomly divided into four experimental groups (n=7), control (group I), control + guava leaf (group II), HCHF (group III), and HCHF + guava leaf (group IV). At the end of the experimental period (56 days), glucose intolerance, liver enzymes activities, antioxidant enzymes activities, and lipid and cholesterol profiles were evaluated. Our results revealed that guava leaf powder supplementation showed a significant reduction in fat deposition in obese rats. Moreover, liver enzyme functions were increased in high fat diet fed rats compared to the control rats significantly which were further ameliorated by guava leaf powder supplementation in high fat diet fed rats. High fat diet feeding also decreased the antioxidant enzyme functions and increased the lipid peroxidation products compared to the control rats. Guava leaf powder supplementation in high fat diet fed rats reduced the oxidative stress markers and reestablished antioxidant enzyme system in experimental animals. Guava leaf powder supplementation in high fat diet fed rats also showed a relative decrease in inflammatory cells infiltration and collagen deposition in the liver compared to the high fat diet fed rats. The present study suggests that the supplementation of guava leaf powder prevents obesity, improves glucose intolerance, and decreases inflammation and oxidative stress in liver of high carbohydrate high fat diet fed rats.
A Data Mining-Based Analysis of Medication Rules in Treating Bone Marrow Suppression by Kidney-Tonifying Method
Authors: You Xing , Xu Yinkun , Huang Jin , Zhi Yaofeng , Wu Fengzhen , Ding Fuping , Liang Jiaying , Cui Zhihui , Xu Jingyan , Zhang Jin
Published: February 2019

Objective. To investigate the rule of kidney-tonifying method in Chinese medicine for the treatment of bone marrow suppression (BMS), in order to provide evidence and references for the clinical application of herbs and formulae. Design. Collecting and sorting the information about the treatment of BMS related to kidney-tonifying (Bushen) method in Chinese medicine literatures on databases including Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), establishing a database of BMS treating formulae after radiotherapy and chemotherapy with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) kidney-tonifying method, and finally applying the relevant theories and techniques of data mining to analyze the medication rules of it. Results. A total of 239 formulae and 202 herbs were included in this database, in which the herbs occurred 2,602 times in general. The high frequency herbs included Astragali Radix (Huangqi), Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma (Baizhu), and Ligustri Lucidi Fructus (Nvzhenzi). The main herb categories were deficiency-tonifying herbs, blood-activating herbs, dampness-draining diuretic herbs, heat-clearing herbs, and digestant herbs. Deficiency-tonifying herbs accounted for 64.60% of the total number. A total of 8 clustering formulae are summarized according to cluster analysis and 26 herb suits association rules are identified by Apriori algorithm. Conclusion. The treatment of BMS is mainly based on the method of invigorating the spleen and tonifying the kidney and liver to strengthen healthy qi, supplementing with blood-activating herbs, and dampness-draining diuretic herbs to eliminate pathogenic factors.
The Lived Experiences of Deep Brain Stimulation in Parkinson’s Disease: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis
Authors: Shahmoon Suzette , Smith Jonathan A. , Jahanshahi Marjan
Published: February 2019

Deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN-DBS) is an effective treatment for Parkinson’s disease (PD). In this study, we used an interpretative phenomenological analysis to explore how 10 male people with PD experienced life after STN-DBS surgery. Two themes emerged. The first, “Healed and relieved: all that glitters is not gold,” highlights the benefits and the personal “costs” of surgery. The second, “The change within: new interpretations of the present and future unfold,” explores how patients reinterpreted their lives as individuals and members of society in the present and as they face their future. Relief, gratitude, disappointment, and the need for social support are expressed as well as a new appraisal of values and the future. STN-DBS alters the life course of people with PD, and this study provides new insight into psychological and social issues that surgery raises for the patient and their family system. These psychosocial issues should be taken into account when preparing the patient and their family for surgery or supporting them postoperatively.
An Advanced Persistent Distributed Denial-of-Service Attacked Dynamical Model on Networks
Authors: Zhang Chunming , Peng Junbiao , Xiao Jingwei
Published: February 2019

The advanced persistent distributed denial-of-service (APDDoS) attack does a serious harm to cyber security. Establishing a mathematical model to accurately predict APDDoS attack on networks is still an important problem that needs to be solved. Therefore, to help us understand the attack mechanisms of APDDoS on networks, this paper first puts forward a novel dynamical model of APDDoS attack on networks. A systematic analysis of this new model shows that the maximum eigenvalue of the networks is a vital factor that determines the success or failure of the attack. What is more, a new sufficient condition for the global stability of attack-free equilibrium is obtained. The global attractivity of attacked equilibrium has also been proved. Eventually, this paper gives some numerical simulations to show the main results.
Generation of Spherical Cellulose Nanoparticles from Ionic Liquid Processing via Novel Nonsolvent Addition and Drying
Authors: Al Hakkak Jafar , Grigsby Warren J. , Kathirgamanathan Kalyani , Edmonds Neil R.
Published: February 2019

A novel method to prepare spherical cellulose nanoparticles has been developed using imidazolium ionic liquid processing and regeneration from controlled acetonitrile nonsolvent addition and drying. Nanoparticles ranging from 100 to 400 nm have been prepared with high uniformity. Minimisation of moisture via solvent exchange drying led to discrete nanoparticles, whereas the presence of ambient moisture during regeneration contributed to aggregated morphologies. Chemical analyses of the spherical cellulose nanoparticles reveal a high-amorphous cellulose content. Furthermore, the range of particle sizes achieved with acetonitrile nonsolvent fractionation and solvent exchange drying suggest the size and uniformity of nanoparticle distributions reflect the fractionated cellulose weight fractions. This ionic liquid method is simple, energy efficient, and likely to have wide applicability across other biopolymers as well as potential to prepare surface functionalized spherical cellulose nanoparticles.
Simultaneous Determination of Four Aldehydes in Gas Phase of Mainstream Smoke by Headspace Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Zhang Xiaotao , Wang Ruoning , Zhang Li , Wei Jianke , Ruan Yibin , Wang Weiwei , Ji Houwei , Liu Jian
Published: February 2019

A method for simultaneous determination of acetaldehyde, propionaldehyde, acrolein, and crotonaldehyde in gas phase of cigarette mainstream smoke by headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was developed and validated. Gas phase components of mainstream cigarette smoke were extracted with methanol, and then the samples were separated on a DB 624 (60 m, 0.32 mm x 1.8 mm) column, analyzed with headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and quantified by isotope internal standard. The linearities of acetaldehyde, propionaldehyde, acrolein, and crotonaldehyde were good (R2>0.992). The recoveries of acetaldehyde, propionaldehyde, acrolein, and crotonaldehyde were between 78.5% and 115%. The relative standard deviations were less than 10%. The limits of detection and limits of quantitation were 0.014 μg/cigarette ~0.12 μg/cigarette and 0.045 μg/cigarette ~0.38 μg/cigarette, respectively. The method had advantage of high sensitivity, it did not require derivatization of 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine and avoided a large number of adverse reactions during the process of derivation to improve the accuracy of result, and it was suitable for quantitative analysis of four aldehydes in gas phase of cigarette mainstream smoke.
HDL Subclass Distribution Shifts with Increasing Central Adiposity
Authors: Woudberg Nicholas J. , Lecour Sandrine , Goedecke Julia H.
Published: February 2019

Although cross-sectional studies have shown that obesity is associated with lower concentrations of large high-density lipoprotein (HDL) subclasses, it is unknown if changes in HDL subclasses are related to changes in body fat and its distribution over time. We therefore assessed changes in HDL subclass distribution over a 5.5-year free-living follow-up period in 24 black South African women. At baseline and follow-up, body composition and body fat distribution were measured using anthropometry, dual X-ray absorptiometry, and computerized tomography. HDL subclass distribution was quantified using Lipoprint®. Over the 5.5-year follow-up period, body fat (+17.3 ± 4.5 kg,p<0.05) and trunk fat mass (+7.4 ± 1.9%, % fat mass, FM,p<0.05) increased, while leg fat mass (−2.53 ± 0.56%, % FM,p<0.001) and the distribution of large (−6.43 ± 2.12%,p<0.05) HDL subclasses decreased. A percentage decrease in large HDL subclasses was associated with a percentage increase in central fat mass (visceral adipose tissue (VAT) area,p<0.05) and a percentage decrease in peripheral fat mass (leg fat mass). These preliminary findings suggest that a relative redistribution of body fat from the periphery to the abdominal region were associated with a decrease HDL subclass size in black South African women and provide a novel link between body fat distribution and lipidology in this population.
Fabrication and Characterization of Scaffolds of Poly(ε-caprolactone)/Biosilicate® Biocomposites Prepared by Generative Manufacturing Process
Authors: Cunha Daniel Aparecido Lopes Vieira da , Inforçatti Neto Paulo , Micocci Kelli Cristina , Bellani Caroline Faria , Selistre-de-Araujo Heloisa Sobreiro , Silveira Zilda Castro , Branciforti Marcia Cristina
Published: February 2019

Scaffolds of poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) and their biocomposites with 0, 1, 3, and 5 wt.% Biosilicate® were fabricated by the generative manufacturing process coupled with a vertical miniscrew extrusion head to application for restoration of bone tissue. Their morphological characterization indicated the designed 0°/90° architecture range of pore sizes and their interconnectivity is feasible for tissue engineering applications. Mechanical compression tests revealed an up to 57% increase in the stiffness of the scaffold structures with the addition of 1 to 5 wt.% Biosilicate® to the biocomposite. No toxicity was detected in the scaffolds tested byin vitrocell viability with MC3T3-E1 preosteoblast cell line. The results highlighted the potential application of scaffolds fabricated with poly(ε-caprolactone)/Biosilicate® to tissue engineering.
Epidemiological Profile of the Pathologies of the Oral Cavity in a Peruvian Population: A 9-Year Retrospective Study of 18,639 Patients
Authors: Sabogal Ángelo , Asencios Jhonn , Robles Ada , Gamboa Eloy , Rosas José , Ríos Jorge , Mayta-Tovalino Frank
Published: February 2019

Aim. To determine the epidemiological profile of oral diseases in a marginal urban Peruvian population. Methods. A 9-year retrospective study was conducted, analysing 18,639 clinical records from the María Auxiliadora Hospital between 2006 and 2015 with diagnoses of oral lesions using ICD-10 criteria. Clinical records were analysed for sex, tumour, periapical abscess and sinus, cysts of the oral region, other lesions of the oral mucosa and cavity, gingivitis and periodontal disease, dentofacial anomalies, diseases of pulp, etc. Results. Of 18,639 cases, the prevalence was higher in women for the following pathologies: unspecified dental caries (30.6%); impacted tooth in the category of disorders of tooth development and eruption (2.0%); pulpitis (6.8%) in the category of diseases of pulp and periapical tissues; temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders (1.5%) in the category of dentofacial anomalies; acute gingivitis (7.5%); radicular cyst (0.3%) in the category of cysts of the oral region; and periapical abscess without sinus (2.0%). Conclusions. We found a significant association between sex and different types of dental caries, disturbances in tooth eruption, diseases of pulp and periapical tissues, and dentofacial anomalies. The study also shows a statistically significant association between sex and gingivitis, periodontal disease, and periodontal abscess and sinus.
Agricultural Expansion-Induced Infiltration Rate Change in a West African Tropical Catchment
Authors: Yira Yacouba , Bossa Aymar Y.
Published: February 2019

Land use and land cover in the Dano catchment is characterized by a rapid conversion from seminatural vegetation (fallow) to agriculture (cropland). The study compares both the saturated (Ks) and the unsaturated (Kh) hydraulic conductivities under cropland and fallow in the catchment to gain insights into the effect of the current land use on soil water dynamics. Hydraulic conductivity was measured under forty-two (42) pairs of adjacent cropland-fallow plots using a Hood infiltrometer. Ks, Kh, bulk density, and soil texture were further compared using a paired two-tailed Student’s t-test (p=0.05). The results showed that both Ks and Kh are highly variable irrespective of the land use type (coefficient of variation > 100%). The results also showed that Ks was significantly higher (1.16-fold on average) under fallow compared to cropland. As for Kh, the results showed that, from −2 cm to zero tension heads (h), Kh under cropland and fallow is not significantly different; however, as the supplied tension decreases up to the saturation state, Kh under fallow becomes statistically higher compared to cropland. No significant difference was found between soil textures and bulk density under cropland and fallow meaning that the observed differences of Ks and Kh under cropland and fallow were caused by land use and not preexisting difference in texture. These results suggest an increasing risk of erosion, soil fertility reduction, and flood in the catchment because of agricultural land expansion.
Dynamic Path Planning Design for Mobile Sink with Burst Traffic in a Region of WSN
Authors: Zhang Ling , Wan Cheng
Published: February 2019

In mobile wireless sensor networks, priori-trail planning for the mobile sink is a commonly used solution to data collection from the whole network, for its low protocol overhead. However, these trail-based approaches lack efficient load balance mechanism to handle burst WSN traffic, which needs to be sent to the base station correctly with low delay. This paper proposed a dynamic path planning for mobile sink to balance load and avoid traffic bottleneck. It contains grid partition of the network, priori-trail creation, burst-traffic awareness and estimation, resources collaborative strategy, and dynamic routing adjustment. Experiments on NS-2 platform show that the proposed algorithm can efficiently balance the regular and burst data traffic with a low-delay and low loss rate performance of the network.
Evolution Rules of Fractures for Mudstone under Compression Shear Load and the Fractal Characteristics of Broken Blocks
Authors: Chai Zhaoyun , Bai Jinbo , Zhang Haiyang , Yang Pan
Published: February 2019

Failure of rocks is commonly induced by compressive and shear coupling loading. Knowledge of the mechanism and process of deformation and failure of rocks under compressive shear loading condition is an important basis for the study of stability in rock engineering. Based on the nonlinear fractal theory, it is possible to examine the evolution rules of fractures in mudstone under compression shear load and the fractal characteristics of broken blocks using the shear compression test with variable angles of mudstone specimens in natural conditions. This research shows that the cohesion and friction angle parameters of rock samples are achieved by draw Mohr’s strength envelope according to the test date of variable‐angle shear compression test. It also shows that the shape of load‐displacement curves of rocks can be divided into four stages: compaction, elastic, plastic, and fracture, and the curve can accurately represent the transformation and breakage characteristics of rock during shear fracture. And the distribution of broken blocks shows a strong statistical resemblance to the fractal distribution, and the fractal dimension is able to reflect the distribution characteristics of broken blocks. With increasing the shear angle, the fractal dimension of broken blocks decreases in a logarithmic relationship.
Mathematical Modelling of the Transmission Dynamics of Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia with Vaccination and Antibiotic Treatment
Authors: Aligaz Achamyelesh Amare , Munganga Justin Manango W.
Published: February 2019

In this paper we present a mathematical model for the transmission dynamics of Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP) by considering antibiotic treatment and vaccination. The model is comprised of susceptible, vaccinated, exposed, infectious, persistently infected, and recovered compartments. We analyse the model by deriving a formula for the control reproduction number Rc and prove that, for Rc<1, the disease free equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable; thus CBPP dies out, whereas for Rc>1, the unique endemic equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable and hence the disease persists. Thus, Rc=1 acts as a sharp threshold between the disease dying out or causing an epidemic. As a result, the threshold of antibiotic treatment is αt⁎=0.1049. Thus, without using vaccination, more than 85.45% of the infectious cattle should receive antibiotic treatment or the period of infection should be reduced to less than 8.15 days to control the disease. Similarly, the threshold of vaccination is ρ⁎=0.0084. Therefore, we have to vaccinate at least 80% of susceptible cattle in less than 49.5 days, to control the disease. Using both vaccination and antibiotic treatment, the threshold value of vaccination depends on the rate of antibiotic treatment, αt, and is denoted by ραt. Hence, if 50% of infectious cattle receive antibiotic treatment, then at least 50% of susceptible cattle should get vaccination in less than 73.8 days in order to control the disease.
Pain Behaviour Scale (PaBS): An Exploratory Study of Reliability and Construct Validity in a Chronic Low Back Pain Population
Authors: Alamam Dalyah M. , Leaver Andrew , Moloney Niamh , Alsobayel Hana I. , Alashaikh Ghada , Mackey Martin G.
Published: February 2019

Objectives. To examine the interrater and intrarater reliability and construct validity of the Pain Behaviour Scale during standard physical performance tests in people with chronic low back pain and to confirm the test-retest reliability of the physical performance tests in this population. The Pain Behaviour Scale (PaBS) is an observational scale that was recently designed to uniquely measure both the presence and severity of observed pain behaviours. Methods. Twenty-two participants with chronic low back pain were observed during performance of five physical performance tests by two raters. Pain behaviours were assessed using the Pain Behaviour Scale. The Visual Analogue Scale and Modified Oswestry Disability Index were used to measure pain and disability, respectively. Descriptive statistics were used to report demographic features of participants. Reliability was analyzed using ICCs. Rater agreement was analyzed using the weighted Cohen’s kappa. Correlations between PaBS, self-reported measures, and physical performance tests were calculated using Pearson’s product-moment correlations. Results. The PaBS demonstrated excellent interrater (ICC2,1 = 1.0, 95% CI: 0.9 to 1.0) and intrarater (ICC3,1 = 0.9, 95% CI: 0.8 to 1.0) reliability. Component physical performance tests (i.e., time and distance) demonstrated good test-retest (0.6–1.0) reliability. Perfect agreement in the reporting of pain behaviours was found (95–100%). Correlations between pain behaviour severity and pain intensity (r = 0.6) and disability (r = 0.6) were moderate. Moderate correlations were found between pain behaviours and physical performance tests in sit to stand (r = 0.5), trunk flexion (r = 0.4), timed up and go (r = 0.4), and 50-foot walk (r = 0.4). Conclusion. The Pain Behaviour Scale is a valid and reliable tool for measuring the presence and severity of pain behaviour, and the physical performance tests are reliable tests.
Imaging the Proangiogenic Effects of Cardiovascular Drugs in a Diabetic Model of Limb Ischemia
Authors: Goggi J. L. , Haslop A. , Boominathan R. , Chan K. , Soh V. , Cheng P. , Robins E. G. , Bhakoo K. K.
Published: February 2019

Purpose. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) causes narrowing of arteries in the limbs, leading to tissue ischemia, gangrene, and eventually limb amputation. The presence of diabetes greatly exacerbates the course of PAD, accounting for the majority of lower limb amputations. Therapeutic strategies focussing on macrovascular repair are less effective in diabetic patients where smaller vessels are affected, and proangiogenic therapies offer a viable adjunct to improve vascularisation in these at risk individuals. The purpose of the current study was to assess the proangiogenic effects of drugs routinely used to treat cardiovascular disease in a diabetic murine model of hind limb ischemia longitudinally using multimodal imaging. Procedures. Diabetic mice underwent surgical intervention to induce hind limb ischemia and were treated with simvastatin, metformin, or a combination orally for 28 days and compared to diabetic and nondiabetic mice. Neovascularisation was assessed using [18F]FtRGD PET imaging, and macrovascular volume was assessed by quantitative time of flight MRI. At each imaging time point, VEGF expression and capillary vessel density were quantified using immunohistochemical analysis, and functional recovery and disease progression were assessed. Results. Combined use of simvastatin and metformin significantly increased neovascularisation above levels measured with either treatment alone. Early angiogenic events were accurately assessed using PET [18F]FtRGD, showing maximal retention in the ischemic hind limb by day 8, which translated to a sustained increase in vascular volume at later time points. Immunohistochemical analysis shows that combined therapy significantly increased VEGF expression and capillary density (CD31+) in a similar time course and also slowed disease progression while simultaneously improving functional foot use. Conclusions. Combined treatment with simvastatin and metformin led to a significant improvement in limb angiogenesis, vascular volume, and sustained functional recovery in a diabetic murine model of HLI. PET imaging with [18F]FtRGD provides a robust method for early detection of these proangiogenic effects preclinically and may be useful for the assessment of proangiogenic therapies used clinically to treat diabetic PAD patients.
Research on the Design Method of a Bionic Suspension Workpiece Based on the Wing Structure of an Albatross
Authors: Gao Siyang , Zhang Bangcheng , Sun Jianwei
Published: February 2019

An air suspension platform uses air pressure to realize the suspension function during the suspension process, and it has the disadvantage of large air pressure and a small suspension force. In this study, an air suspension platform was built using bionic design to reduce the required air pressure and increase the suspension force. A suspension structure mapping model was established according to the physiological structure characteristics of albatross wings. A bionic model was established by using the theoretical calculation formula and structural size parameters of the structural design. A 3D printer was used to manufacture the physical prototype of the suspended workpiece. Based on this, a suspension test rig was built. Six sets of contrast experiments were designed. The experimental results of the suspension test bench were compared with the theoretical calculation results. The results show that the buoyancy of the suspended workpiece with a V-shaped surface at a 15-degree attack angle was optimal for the same air pressure as the other workpieces. The surface structure of the suspended workpiece was applied to the air static pressure guide rail. By comparing the experimental data, the air pressure of the original air suspension guide rail was reduced by 37%, and the validity of the theory and design method was verified.