bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tribological Behavior of Cenosphere-Filled Epoxy Syntactic Foams in Dry Sliding Conditions
Authors: Sri Chaitanya Ch. , Narasimha Rao R.
Published: December 2019

The tribological behavior of the 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% cenosphere-filled epoxy syntactic foams in terms of the wear rate and the friction coefficient of the foams were reported using a pin on disc tribometer in the present study. The influence of the wear parameters like applied pressure, sliding speed, and the sliding distance on the tribological performance of syntactic foams was reported. Syntactic foams with 40% cenosphere volume fraction exhibit better tribological properties over the other syntactic foams. The worn surface examination shows the adhesive dominant wear mechanism and the wear debris with broken cenosphere particles.
Synergistic Effect Between Phosphonium-Based Ionic Liquid and Three Oxide Nanoparticles as Hybrid Lubricant Additives
Authors: Upendra M. , Vasu V.
Published: December 2019

The tribological properties of ionic liquid (IL) trihexyltetradecylphosphonium bis(2,4,4-trimethylpentyl) phosphinate along with Al2O3, CuO, and SiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) have been investigated as a lubricant additive in a group 1 mineral base oil. About 0.5 wt% concentration of additives were added in base oil, and tribological tests were conducted at mild (stipulated) and severe (ASTM D 4172D) working conditions to assess the synergy between IL and NPs. This study shows the excellent synergy between IL, Al2O3, and CuO NPs in improving tribological and extreme pressure (EP) properties. Al2O3 and CuO hybrid nanolubricants decreased friction by 19% and 24%, whereas wear by 32% and 36%, respectively, at ASTM test conditions. IL displayed very good EP properties with a total improvement of 19%, and the highest load-bearing capacity was observed for Al2O3 and CuO hybrid nanolubricants with an improvement of 30% and 34%, respectively. No conclusive evidence of synergy has been observed between IL and SiO2 NPs. Surface characterization techniques, such as scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer, and Raman spectra, demonstrated the formation of a tribofilm rich in phosphate and tribosintered NPs on the worn surface responsible for improved triboperformances.
Source localization by matching sound intensity with a vertical array in the deep ocean
Authors: Liu Wenxu , Yang Yixin , Lü Liangang , Shi Yang , Liu Zongwei
Published: December 2019

The characteristics of the reliable acoustic path (RAP) have been widely used to estimate source depth in the deep ocean. Here, a passive broadband source localization method that estimates both depth and range using the interference of the broadband signal with a non-synchronous vertical array in the RAP is demonstrated. The acoustic intensity distribution versus frequency and depth, which includes interference characteristics, is calculated from non-synchronous vertical array data and used to locate the source. Simulations and an experiment conducted in the western Pacific show that this method can successfully locate a broadband submerged source in the range of 10–30 km.
A Unified Numbering Scheme for Class C β-Lactamases
Authors: Page Malcolm G. P.
Published: December 2019

A standard numbering scheme has been proposed for class C β-lactamases. This will significantly enhance comparison of biochemical and biophysical studies performed on different members of this class of enzymes and facilitate communication in the field.
Survival of Streptococcus suis in Porcine Blood Is Limited by the Antibody- and Complement-Dependent Oxidative Burst Response of Granulocytes
Authors: Rungelrath Viktoria , Öhlmann Sophie , Alber Gottfried , Schrödl Wieland , von Köckritz-Blickwede Maren , de Buhr Nicole , Martens Alexander , Baums Christoph Georg , Schütze Nicole
Published: December 2019

Bacteremia is a hallmark of invasive
Streptococcus suis
infections of pigs, often leading to septicemia, meningitis, or arthritis. An important defense mechanism of neutrophils is the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this study, we report high levels of ROS production by blood granulocytes after intravenous infection of a pig with high levels of
S. suis
-specific antibodies and comparatively low levels of bacteremia.
Influence of graft thickness and regularity on vision recovery after endothelial keratoplasty
Authors: Tourabaly Moïse , Chetrit Yaïr , Provost Julien , Georgeon Cristina , Kallel Sofiène , Temstet Cyril , Bouheraoua Nacim , Borderie Vincent
Published: December 2019

Aim

To assess the influence of graft thickness and regularity on visual recovery and postoperative wavefront aberrations after endothelial keratoplasty (EK).

Methods

150 EKs performed in eyes with corneal endothelial disorders and no other ocular comorbidities, preoperative and postoperative assessment with spectral domain optical coherence tomography and postoperative assessment with whole eye wavefront aberrometry were retrospectively analysed. Eyes were classified into five groups: Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK), nanothin Descemet Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSAEK) (15–49 µm), ultrathin DSAEK (50–99 µm), thin DSAEK (100–149 µm) and conventional DSAEK (150–250 µm).

Results

The preoperative diagnosis was Fuchs dystrophy in 139 eyes (92.7%). The graft thickness measured after graft deswelling was in average 74 µm with a mean coefficient of variation of 17%. The average follow-up time was 32 months. The mean spectacle-corrected logarithm of minimum angle of resolution visual acuity improved from 0.76 (20/116) before surgery to 0.14 (20/27) at last follow-up visit. No significant differences in final visual acuity were found between the five groups. The time to reach 20/40 vision was significantly shorter in the DMEK and nanothin DSAEK groups compared with the remaining three DSAEK groups. No significant differences in postoperative aberrometry measurements were found between the five groups. Shorter time to reach 20/40 visual acuity was associated with better preoperative visual acuity and thinner graft. Higher final vision improvement was associated with poorer preoperative visual acuity. Higher postoperative high-order aberrations were associated with poorer preoperative visual acuity.

Conclusion

The main advantage of DMEK and nanothin DSAEK over thicker DSAEKs was the rapidity of visual recovery. Final quality of vision was not influenced by graft thickness and regularity.
Effects of PACK guide training on the management of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by primary care clinicians: a pragmatic cluster randomised controlled trial in Florianópolis, Brazil
Authors: Bachmann Max Oscar , Bateman Eric D , Stelmach Rafael , Cruz Alvaro A , Pacheco de Andrade Matheus , Zonta Ronaldo , Zepeda Jorge , Natal Sonia , Cornick Ruth Vania , Wattrus Camilla , Anderson Lauren , Georgeu-Pepper Daniella , Lombard Carl , Fairall Lara R
Published: December 2019

Introduction

The Practical Approach to Care Kit (PACK) guide was localised for Brazil, where primary care doctors and nurses were trained to use it.

Methods

Twenty-four municipal clinics in Florianópolis were randomly allocated to receive outreach training and the guide, and 24 were allocated to receive only the guide. 6666 adult patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were enrolled, and trial outcomes were measured over 12 months, using electronic medical records. The primary outcomes were composite scores of treatment changes and spirometry, and new asthma and COPD diagnosis rates.

Results

Asthma scores in 2437 intervention group participants were higher (74.8%, 20.4% and 4.8% with scores of 0, 1 and 2, respectively) than in 2633 control group participants (80.0%, 16.8% and 3.2%) (OR for higher score 1.32, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.61, p=0.006). Adjusted for asthma scores recorded in each clinic before training started, the OR was 1.24 (95% CI 1.03 to 1.50, p=0.022). COPD scores in 1371 intervention group participants (77.7%, 17.9% and 4.3% with scores of 0, 1 and 2) did not differ from those in 1181 control group participants (80.5%, 15.8% and 3.7%) (OR 1.21, 95% CI 0.94 to 1.55, p=0.142). Rates of new asthma and COPD diagnoses, and hospital admission, and indicators of investigation, diagnosis and treatment of comorbid cardiovascular disease, diabetes and depression, and tobacco cessation did not differ between trial arms.

Conclusion

PACK training increased guideline-based treatment and spirometry for asthma but did not affect COPD or comorbid conditions, or diagnosis rates.

Trial registration

NCT02786030(https://clinicaltrials.gov/).
Residential area deprivation and risk of subsequent hospital admission in a British population: the EPIC-Norfolk cohort
Authors: Luben Robert , Hayat Shabina , Khawaja Anthony , Wareham Nicholas , Pharoah Paul P , Khaw Kay-Tee
Published: December 2019

Objectives

To investigate whether residential area deprivation index predicts subsequent admissions to hospital and time spent in hospital independently of individual social class and lifestyle factors.

Design

Prospective population-based study.

Setting

The European Prospective Investigation into Cancer in Norfolk (EPIC-Norfolk) study.

Participants

11 214 men and 13 763 women in the general population, aged 40–79 years at recruitment (1993–1997), alive in 1999.

Main outcome measure

Total admissions to hospital and time spent in hospital during a 19-year time period (1999–2018).

Results

Compared to those with residential Townsend Area Deprivation Index lower than the average for England and Wales, those with a higher than average deprivation index had a higher likelihood of spending >20 days in hospital multivariable adjusted OR 1.18 (95% CI 1.07 to 1.29) and having 7 or more admissions OR 1.11 (95% CI 1.02 to 1.22) after adjustment for age, sex, smoking status, education, social class and body mass index. Occupational social class and educational attainment modified the association between area deprivation and hospitalisation; those with manual social class and lower education level were at greater risk of hospitalisation when living in an area with higher deprivation index (p-interaction=0.025 and 0.020, respectively), while the risk for non-manual and more highly educated participants did not vary greatly by area of residence.

Conclusion

Residential area deprivation predicts future hospitalisations, time spent in hospital and number of admissions, independently of individual social class and education level and other behavioural factors. There are significant interactions such that residential area deprivation has greater impact in those with low education level or manual social class. Conversely, higher education level and social class mitigated the association of area deprivation with hospital usage.
Prospective exploration of the effect of adiposity and associated microbial factors on healing and progression of diabetic foot ulcers in Tanzania: study protocol of a longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Mashili Fredirick , Joachim Agricola , Aboud Said , Mchembe Mabulla , Chiwanga Faraja , Addo Juliet , Kendall Lindsay , Ako Agbor , Abbas Zulfiqar
Published: December 2019

Background

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are associated with high morbidity and mortality in low-income countries. This coexists with an increasing prevalence of obesity which has been reported to alter antimicrobial susceptibility and potentially affect the outcome of infected foot ulcers. This study aims to determine whether adiposity and local microbial factors affect the progression and healing of foot ulcers in people with type 2 diabetes in hospital settings in Tanzania.

Methods and analysis

A prospective cohort of 300 individuals with type 2 diabetes presenting with DFUs at an outpatient clinic will be enrolled into the study. At baseline, participants will be stratified into normal and high adiposity groups (150 per group) as measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Both groups will receive DFU management according to locally appropriate standards of care and will be followed up for 24 weeks or until complete wound healing, whichever occurs first. The primary end point is complete wound healing at 24 weeks while secondary end points are ulcer progression (worsening or improving), amputation and death. Enrolling 150 participants per group will have a minimum power of 80% to detect a 20% difference in cumulative incidence of complete ulcer healing (at the 5% level of statistical significance) between the normal and high adiposity groups.

Ethical considerations and dissemination of results

This study will be conducted in compliance with the independent institutional review boards (IRBs), informed consent guidelines, the declaration of Helsinki and International Conference on Harmonisation, Good Clinical Practice Guidelines. Ethical clearance has been granted by the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences ethical review board (MUHAS Ref. No. DA.282/298/01 .C/). Permissions to conduct the study have been granted by the Abbas Medical Centre and the Muhimbili Academic Medical Centre (MAMC).

Progress and results emanating from this work will be communicated to the scientific community through conference presentations, short communications (using journal letters and interesting case reports) and peer-reviewed publications. When necessary, through proper channels, popular means of communication (newspapers, magazines and online communications) will be used to inform policy and the public.

Trial registration number

NCT03960255; Pre-results.
How representative are colorectal, lung, breast and prostate cancer patients responding to the National Cancer Patient Experience Survey (CPES) of the cancer registry population in England? A population-based case control study
Authors: Alessy Saleh A , Davies Elizabeth A , Rawlinson Janette , Baker Matthew , Lüchtenborg Margreet
Published: December 2019

Objective

To assess the representativeness of National Cancer Patient Experience Survey (CPES) responders compared with the English cancer registry population in term of age, sex, socioeconomic deprivation, ethnicity, disease stage and median survival.

Design

Population-based case-control study.

Setting

England.

Population

We identified 103 186 colorectal, lung, breast and prostate cancer patients responding to at least one survey during 2010–2014 and randomly selected one non-responder from the cancer registry matched on cancer type and yearly quarter of diagnosis.

Main outcome measure

We compared age, sex, socioeconomic deprivation, ethnicity and disease stage between the two groups using logistic regression. We also compared survival (in years) using the Mann-Whitney test.

Results

Across all cancer types survey responders were younger, more likely to have a White ethnic background, to be resident in less deprived areas and diagnosed with earlier stage disease although they varied between cancers. Median survival for responders was also higher than for the cancer registry population (colorectal: 4.8 vs 3.2; lung: 2.0 vs 0.3; breast: 5.7 vs 5.4; and prostate: 5.7 vs 5.2 years; all p-values<0.001).

Conclusion

CPES responders with the four most common cancers do not necessarily represent all patients with these cancers in terms of demographic characteristics and tumour stage at diagnosis. These limitations should be considered when interpreting findings. To capture the experiences of patients currently underrepresented in CPES, different approaches may need to be taken.
Integrating complex systems science into road safety research and practice, Part 2: applying systems tools to the problem of increasing pedestrian death rates
Authors: Naumann Rebecca B , Kuhlberg Jill , Sandt Laura , Heiny Stephen , Kumfer Wesley , Marshall Stephen W , Lich Kristen Hassmiller
Published: December 2019

Objectives

To provide a specific example of how systems dynamics tools can increase understanding of stakeholder ‘mental models’ and generate robust systems-based hypotheses about the escalating problem of rising pedestrian death rates in the USA.

Methods

We designed and facilitated two group model building (GMB) workshops. Participants generated causal loop diagrams (CLDs) individually and in small groups to explore hypotheses concerning time–dynamic interacting factors underlying the increasing rates of pedestrian deaths. Using a grounded theory approach, research team members synthesised the structures and hypotheses into a single CLD.

Results

CLDs from the 41 participants indicated four core factors hypothesised to have a direct impact on pedestrian fatalities: pedestrian–vehicle crashes, vehicle speed at the time of the crash, vehicle size/dimensions and emergency response time. Participants diagrammed how actions and reactions impacted these proximal factors over time and led to ripple effects throughout a larger system to generate an increase in pedestrian deaths. Hypothesised contributing mechanisms fell within the following broad categories: community responses; research, policy and industry influence; potential unintended consequences of responses to pedestrian deaths; and the role of sprawl.

Conclusions

This application of systems science tools suggested several strategies for advancing injury prevention research and practice. The project generated robust hypotheses and advanced stakeholder communication and depth of understanding and engagement in this key issue. The CLD and GMB process detailed in this study provides a concrete example of how systems tools can be adopted and applied to a transportation safety topic.
Aneurysm characteristics, coil packing, and post-coiling hemodynamics affect long-term treatment outcome
Authors: Damiano Robert J , Tutino Vincent M , Paliwal Nikhil , Patel Tatsat R , Waqas Muhammad , Levy Elad I , Davies Jason M , Siddiqui Adnan H , Meng Hui
Published: December 2019

Background

Recurrence of intracranial aneurysms after endovascular coiling is a serious clinical concern.

Objective

We hypothesized that recurrence is associated with aneurysm morphology and flow, as well as the coil intervention and the induced flow modifications.

Methods

We collected 52 primary-coiling aneurysm cases that were either occluded (n=34) or recurrent (n=18) at >1 year follow-up. We created aneurysm models from pre-coiling digital subtraction angiographic images, calculated aneurysm morphology, simulated pre-coiling hemodynamics, modeled coil deployment, and obtained post-coiling hemodynamics for each case. We performed univariable analysis on 26 morphologic, treatment-specific, and hemodynamic parameters to distinguish between recurrent and occluded groups, and multivariable analysis to identify independently significant parameters associated with recurrence. Univariable analysis was also performed on ruptured and unruptured aneurysm subcohorts separately to investigate if they shared specific significant parameters.

Results

Recurrence was associated with pre-coiling aneurysm morphologic and flow parameters including larger size (maximum dimension and volume), larger neck (diameter, area, and neck-to-parent-artery ratio), and higher flow momentum and kinetic energy. Recurrence was also associated with lower coil packing (packing density and uncoiled volume), higher post-treatment flow (velocity, momentum, and kinetic energy), lower post-treatment washout time, and higher post-treatment impingement force at the neck. Multivariable analysis identified two aneurysmal characteristics (neck diameter and pre-coiling flow kinetic energy), one coil packing parameter (uncoiled volume), and one post-treatment hemodynamic parameter (flow momentum) that were independently associated with recurrence. In ruptured aneurysms, recurrence was associated with larger neck (diameter and area), whereas in unruptured aneurysms, recurrence was associated with larger size (maximum dimension and volume). In both subcohorts, recurrence was associated with higher post-coiling flow momentum and kinetic energy.

Conclusion

Recurrence at >1 year after coil treatment is associated with intrinsic aneurysm characteristics, coiling itself, and flow changes induced by coiling. Larger aneurysm size and neck, less coil packing, and higher intra-aneurysmal flow before and after coiling predict recurrence.
A follow-up study of occupational styrene exposure and risk of autoimmune rheumatic diseases
Authors: Hjuler Boudigaard Signe , Stokholm Zara Ann , Vestergaard Jesper Medom , Mohr Mette Skovgaard , Søndergaard Klaus , Torén Kjell , Schlünssen Vivi , Kolstad Henrik A
Published: December 2019

Objectives

Increased risk has been suggested for autoimmune rheumatic diseases following solvent exposure. The evidence for specific solvents is limited, and little is known about exposure–response relations. Styrene is an aromatic, organic solvent and the objective of this study was to analyse the association between occupational styrene exposure and autoimmune rheumatic diseases in men and women.

Methods

We followed 72 212 styrene-exposed workers of the Danish reinforced plastics industry from 1979 to 2012. We modelled full work history of styrene exposure from employment history, survey data and historical styrene exposure measurements. We identified cases in the national patient registry and investigated gender-specific exposure–response relations by cumulative styrene exposure for different exposure time windows adjusting for age, calendar year and educational level.

Results

During 1 515 126 person-years of follow-up, we identified 718 cases of an autoimmune rheumatic disease, of which 73% were rheumatoid arthritis. When adjusting for potential confounders and comparing the highest with the lowest styrene exposure tertile, we observed a statistically non-significantly increased risk of systemic sclerosis among women (incidence rate ratio (IRR)=2.50; 95% CI 0.50 to 12.50) and men (IRR=1.86; 95 % CI 0.50 to 7.00), based on 9 and 22 cases, respectively. Results were inconsistent for the other autoimmune rheumatic diseases examined.

Conclusion

This study suggests an association between occupational styrene exposure and systemic sclerosis in men as well as in women but based on few cases. This is a new finding and has to be replicated before conclusions can be drawn.
Changes in quadrupole moments during nucleus–nucleus interaction
Authors: Nickhah Laleh , Rajabi Ali Akbar , Hamzavi Majid
Published: December 2019

In this paper, we examine the distribution of nuclei’s charge (the quadrupole moment of nuclei) for stable nuclei with [Formula: see text] when interacting with the [Formula: see text]O nuclei. The interaction potential between the nuclei was achieved using the double-folding method. The wave functions of the interacting nuclei were replaced by the density functions in the double-folding model. The wave functions of the interacting nuclei were obtained through the D-dimensional Schrödinger equation with the pseudo-Coulomb potential plus ring-shaped potential by the Nikiforov–Uvarov solution method.
Development of titanium metal matrix composites reinforced with coated powders
Authors: Singh Harshpreet , Yu Tianyi , Hayat Muhammad , Bokhari Syeda Wishal , He Zhen , Cao Peng
Published: December 2019

This paper evaluates the feasibility of using SiC and TiC as reinforcement particulates for titanium metal matrix composites (Ti-MMC). The SiC and TiC particles were coated with titanium using a chemical coating technology in order to achieve a homogeneous mixing when they were mixed with pristine Ti. The Ti-MMC with these specially prepared reinforcements were fabricated by a conventional press and sinter route. The effects of sintering temperature in Ti matrix were investigated with respect to phase constituents, microstructure and tribology properties. No in situ phases were observed during sintering and the reinforcement and matrix show sufficient bonding, which acts as a major parameter to enhance hardness and wear resistance compared to pure Ti. All the composite samples had a high sintered density. The hardness of the composites increased with an increase in the sintering temperature. It was also noticed that with the increase in the temperature ranging from [Formula: see text]C to [Formula: see text]C, improvement in the mechanical and tribological properties of the developed titanium matrix composites could be observed. The highest hardness value [Formula: see text] was recorded for Ti-2 wt.% Ti-coated SiC composite when sintered at [Formula: see text]C for 3 h.
The Knowing Model: Facilitating Behaviour Change in Organisations
Authors: Freeburg Darin
Published: December 2019

It is incumbent upon leadership to encourage member behaviour that is beneficial to both the organisation and the members themselves. This paper outlines a context-based model — utilising the existing theories and models in Knowledge Management, Library and Information Science, and Public Health — to increase leadership’s effectiveness in this area. The Knowing Model approaches behaviour change as an issue of information content, dissemination, and use — all within a complex environment. A behaviour — one that an organisation has unsuccessfully attempted to change in the past — is identified by leadership. Leaders then analyse the extent to which members were aware of these previous efforts, integrated information about them, and acted because of them. This data is used to develop an information campaign aimed at changing the target behaviour. Because organisations likely have several information dissemination channels available to them, this model is offered as a low-cost and low-resource first step in behaviour change efforts. It will not replace more extensive efforts noted in previous models, but because of its theoretical grounding it is expected to promote change in certain areas. Approaches requiring more extensive resources can then be applied to other areas. This paper outlines the Knowing Model, strategies for information dissemination, and methods for model implementation and validation.
Toward a General Direct Product Testing Theorem
Authors: Goldenberg Elazar , C. S. Karthik
Published: December 2019

The direct product encoding of a string
a
∈ { 0,1}

n

on an underlying domain
V
⊆ (
k

[
n
]

) is a function DP

V

(
a
) that gets as input a set
S
∈
V
and outputs
a
restricted to
S
. In the direct product testing problem, we are given a function
F
:
V
→ { 0,1}

k

, and our goal is to test whether
F
is close to a direct product encoding—that is, whether there exists some
a
∈ { 0,1}

n

such that on most sets
S
, we have
F
(
S
)=DP

V

(
a
)(
S
). A natural test is as follows: select a pair (
S
,
S
′)∈
V
according to some underlying distribution over
V
×
V
, query
F
on this pair, and check for consistency on their intersection. Note that the preceding distribution may be viewed as a weighted graph over the vertex set
V
and is referred to as a test graph.

The testability of direct products was studied over various domains and test graphs: Dinur and Steurer (CCC’14) analyzed it when
V
equals the
k
-th slice of the Boolean hypercube and the test graph is a member of the Johnson graph family. Dinur and Kaufman (FOCS’17) analyzed it for the case where
V
is the set of faces of a Ramanujan complex, where in this case ∣
V
∣=
O

k

(
n
). In this article, we study the testability of direct products in a general setting, addressing the question: what properties of the domain and the test graph allow one to prove a direct product testing theorem?

Towards this goal, we introduce the notion of coordinate expansion of a test graph. Roughly speaking, a test graph is a coordinate expander if it has global and local expansion, and has certain nice intersection properties on sampling. We show that whenever the test graph has coordinate expansion, it admits a direct product testing theorem. Additionally, for every
k
and
n
, we provide a direct product domain
V
⊆ (
k

n

) of size
n
, called the
sliding window domain
, for which we prove direct product testability.
The Immunoglobulins: New Insights, Implications, and Applications
Authors: Sun Yi , Huang Tian , Hammarström Lennart , Zhao Yaofeng
Published: December 2019

Immunoglobulins (Igs), as one of the hallmarks of adaptive immunity, first arose approximately 500 million years ago with the emergence of jawed vertebrates. Two events stand out in the evolutionary history of Igs from cartilaginous fish to mammals: ( a) the diversification of Ig heavy chain (IgH) genes, resulting in Ig isotypes or subclasses associated with novel functions, and ( b) the diversification of genetic and structural strategies, leading to the creation of the antibody repertoire we know today. This review first gives an overview of the IgH isotypes identified in jawed vertebrates to date and then highlights the implications or applications of five new recent discoveries arising from comparative studies of Igs derived from different vertebrate species.
Pgc1ais responsible for the sex differences in hepaticCidec/Fsp27βmRNA expression in hepatic steatosis of mice fed a Western diet
Authors: Herrera-Marcos Luis V. , Sancho-Knapik Sara , Gabás-Rivera Clara , Barranquero Cristina , Gascón Sonia , Romanos Eduardo , Martínez-Beamonte Roberto , Navarro María A. , Surra Joaquín C. , Arnal Carmen , García-de-Jalón José A. , Rodríguez-Yoldi María J. , Tena-Sempere Manuel , Sánchez-Ramos Cristina , Monsalve María , Osada Jesús
Published: December 2019

Hepatic fat-specific protein 27 [cell death-inducing DNA fragmentation effector protein C ( Cidec)/ Fsp27] mRNA levels have been associated with hepatic lipid droplet extent under certain circumstances. To address its hepatic expression under different dietary conditions and in both sexes, apolipoprotein E ( Apoe) -deficient mice were subjected to different experimental conditions for 11 wk to test the influence of cholesterol, Western diet, squalene, oleanolic acid, sex, and surgical castration on Cidec/Fsp27 mRNA expression. Dietary cholesterol increased hepatic Cidec/Fsp27β expression, an effect that was suppressed when cholesterol was combined with saturated fat as represented by Western diet feeding. Using the latter diet, neither oleanolic acid nor squalene modified its expression. Females showed lower levels of hepatic Cidec/Fsp27β expression than males when they were fed Western diets, a result that was translated into a lesser amount of CIDEC/FSP27 protein in lipid droplets and microsomes. This was also confirmed in low-density lipoprotein receptor ( Ldlr)-deficient mice. Incubation with estradiol resulted in decreased Cidec/Fsp27β expression in AML12 cells. Whereas male surgical castration did not modify the expression, ovariectomized females did show increased levels compared with control females. Females also showed increased expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator 1-α ( Pgc1a), suppressed by ovariectomy, and the values were significantly and inversely associated with those of Cidec/Fsp27β. When Pgc1a-deficient mice were used, the sex differences in Cidec/Fsp27β expression disappeared. Therefore, hepatic Cidec/Fsp27β expression has a complex regulation influenced by diet and sex hormonal milieu. The mRNA sex differences are controlled by Pgc1a.
Cicatricial Organizing Pneumonia with Dendriform Pulmonary Ossification: An Unusual Cause for a Recurrent Pneumothorax
Authors: Bin Saeedan Mnahi , Farver Carol , Mehta Atul C. , Yadav Ruchi
Published: December 2019

Cicatricial organizing pneumonia is an uncommon form of organizing pneumonia, which may manifest as persisting linear opacities on computerized tomography (CT) scan mimicking a fibrosing interstitial pneumonia. It may also manifest with pulmonary ossification, which is a metaplastic bone formation within the lung tissue. The latter presentation could be either nodular or dendriform, both secondary to underlying lung disease and rarely idiopathic. Dendriform pulmonary ossification (DPO) has rarely been described as a cause of spontaneous pneumothorax. We present a case of a 55-year-old male with history of recurrent pneumothoraces and worsening dyspnea on exertion. A CT of the chest revealed progressive bilateral sub-pleural and peribronchovascular reticular opacities associated with densely ossified branching and nodular opacities. Video-assisted thoracoscopic biopsy of the lung demonstrated cicatricial organizing pneumonia with areas of marked diffuse DPO. The case highlights that dendriform pulmonary ossification arising from cicatricial organizing pneumonia should be considered in the differential diagnosis of recurrent pneumonias among patients with lower lobe sub-pleural reticular opacities. The case highlights that dendriform pulmonary ossification rarely can cause spontaneous pneumothorax and can be associated with cicatricial organizing pneumonia and reticular opacities on imaging.
Microangiopathic Hemolytic Anemia and Fulminant Renal Failure: A Rare Manifestation of Pheochromocytoma
Authors: Sharma Nishant , Ravi Divya , Khan Mehvish , Sravanthi Metlapalli Venkata , Aloysius Mark M.
Published: December 2019

Pheochromocytoma is a rare adrenal tumor that is classically associated with the triad of paroxysmal tachycardia, diaphoresis, and headaches. However, it can have myriad manifestations. We present a case of a 31-year-old male who presented with abdominal pain, hypertensive emergency, and renal failure. Abdominal imaging demonstrated a left adrenal mass. Plasma metanephrines (153 pg/ml,n<57) and normetanephrines (1197 pg/ml,n<148) were noted to be elevated, leading to the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma. Intravenous antihypertensives were utilized to control his blood pressure. Hemodialysis was initiated given the degree of renal dysfunction. The patient subsequently developed hemolytic anemia, requiring the transfusion of multiple units of packed red cells. He developed acute respiratory failure leading to intubation, but was thereafter liberated from the ventilator following clinical stabilization. Uncontrolled hypertension precipitated by pheochromocytoma can cause microangiopathic hemolytic anemia and renal insufficiency. This case is notable not only for the occurrence of this rare presentation, but also for the severity of manifestations in a young male with no known significant comorbidities.
Ginsenoside Rg3 (Shenyi Capsule) Combined with Chemotherapy for Digestive System Cancer in China: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review
Authors: Pan Linlin , Zhang Tingting , Sun Haiyang , Liu Guirong
Published: December 2019

Objective. In China, ginsenoside Rg3 is often used in combination with chemotherapy to treat digestive system cancer. We here performed a meta-analysis and systematic review to provide a much needed high-quality evaluation of the efficacy and safety of ginsenoside Rg3 combined with chemotherapy in these cancers. Materials and Methods. The PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang, and Weipu (VIP) databases were searched. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) concerning ginsenoside Rg3 combined with chemotherapy for digestive system cancer were selected. Dichotomous data were expressed as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). The methodological quality of the included studies was evaluated according to the Cochrane evidence-based medicine system, and the statistical analyses were performed with Review Manager 5.3 and STATA 12.0 software. In addition, the Grades of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was used to rate the quality of the evidence. Trial sequential analysis (TSA) was used to evaluate information size and treatment benefits. Results. A total of 18 trials comprising 1531 patients were included in this study. The results revealed that the trials were of sufficient standard to draw reliable conclusions that ginsenoside Rg3 combined with chemotherapy could improve the objective response rate (ORR; OR 2.17, 95% CI 1.72–2.73), disease control rate (DCR; OR 2.83, 95% CI 2.02–3.96), 1-year survival rate (SR; OR = 2.33, 95% CI = 1.24–4.37), Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS; OR 2.67, 95% CI 1.76–4.03), gastrointestinal dysfunction (OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.31–0.61), and the decline of leucocyte count (OR 0.28, 95% CI 0.21–0.38). Conclusion. Ginsenoside Rg3 combined with chemotherapy can improve the clinical efficacy and alleviate treatment-induced side effects for digestive system cancer.
Piperine Alleviates Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity via Activating PPAR-γ in Mice
Authors: Yan Jie , Xu Si-Chi , Kong Chun-Yan , Zhou Xiao-Yang , Bian Zhou-Yan , Yan Ling , Tang Qi-Zhu
Published: December 2019

Background. Oxidative stress, inflammation and cardiac apoptosis were closely involved in doxorubicin (DOX)-induced cardiac injury. Piperine has been reported to suppress inflammatory response and pyroptosis in macrophages. However, whether piperine could protect the mice against DOX-related cardiac injury remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether piperine inhibited DOX-related cardiac injury in mice. Methods. To induce DOX-related acute cardiac injury, mice in DOX group were intraperitoneally injected with a single dose of DOX (15 mg/kg). To investigate the protective effects of piperine, mice were orally treated for 3 weeks with piperine (50 mg/kg, 18:00 every day) beginning two weeks before DOX injection. Results. Piperine treatment significantly alleviated DOX-induced cardiac injury, and improved cardiac function. Piperine also reduced myocardial oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis in mice with DOX injection. Piperine also improved cell viability, and reduced oxidative damage and inflammatory factors in cardiomyocytes. We also found that piperine activated peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ), and the protective effects of piperine were abolished by the treatment of the PPAR-γ antagonist in vivo and in vitro. Conclusions. Piperine could suppress DOX-related cardiac injury via activation of PPAR-γ in mice.
Canalis Sinuosus Damage after Immediate Dental Implant Placement in the Esthetic Zone
Authors: Volberg Roman , Mordanov Oleg
Published: December 2019

Dental implant failure in the anterior maxilla can be caused by the range of the features. One of them is neighboring neurovascular structure damage, such as the canalis sinuosus (CS), that carries the superior anterior alveolar nerve. The aim of the report is to demonstrate clinical symptomatology and radiographic signs of CS damage in a 45-year-old female patient who underwent upper left lateral incisor extraction and immediate implant placement and implant removal in 16 days secondary to pain and paresthesia in the maxillary left region.
Neuromodulatory Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Motor Excitability in Rats
Authors: Liu Hui-Hua , He Xiao-Kuo , Chen Hsin-Yung , Peng Chih-Wei , Rotenberg Alexander , Juan Chi-Hung , Pei Yu-Cheng , Liu Hao-Li , Chiang Yung-Hsiao , Wang Jia-Yi , Feng Xiao-Jun , Huang Ying-Zu , Hsieh Tsung-Hsun
Published: December 2019

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a noninvasive technique for modulating neural plasticity and is considered to have therapeutic potential in neurological disorders. For the purpose of translational neuroscience research, a suitable animal model can be ideal for providing a stable condition for identifying mechanisms that can help to explore therapeutic strategies. Here, we developed a tDCS protocol for modulating motor excitability in anesthetized rats. To examine the responses of tDCS-elicited plasticity, the motor evoked potential (MEP) and MEP input-output (IO) curve elicited by epidural motor cortical electrical stimulus were evaluated at baseline and after 30 min of anodal tDCS or cathodal tDCS. Furthermore, a paired-pulse cortical electrical stimulus was applied to assess changes in the inhibitory network by measuring long-interval intracortical inhibition (LICI) before and after tDCS. In the results, analogous to those observed in humans, the present study demonstrates long-term potentiation- (LTP-) and long-term depression- (LTD-) like plasticity can be induced by tDCS protocol in anesthetized rats. We found that the MEPs were significantly enhanced immediately after anodal tDCS at 0.1 mA and 0.8 mA and remained enhanced for 30 min. Similarly, MEPs were suppressed immediately after cathodal tDCS at 0.8 mA and lasted for 30 min. No effect was noted on the MEP magnitude under sham tDCS stimulation. Furthermore, the IO curve slope was elevated following anodal tDCS and presented a trend toward diminished slope after cathodal tDCS. No significant differences in the LICI ratio of pre- to post-tDCS were observed. These results indicated that developed tDCS schemes can produce consistent, rapid, and controllable electrophysiological changes in corticomotor excitability in rats. This newly developed tDCS animal model could be useful to further explore mechanical insights and may serve as a translational platform bridging human and animal studies, establishing new therapeutic strategies for neurological disorders.
The Development of Demand Identification Model for Poverty Alleviation Subjects Using Fuzzy Proximity
Authors: Jing Shuwei , Li Rui , Yan Junai , Zhang Sujiao
Published: December 2019

Given that there are problems of difficulty to identify accurately the poverty alleviation subjects’ demands. This research puts forward and applies the fuzzy proximity method on the basis of the fuzzy set theory. The method can identify accurately the demands of poverty alleviation subjects. This study calculated the fuzzy proximity vector and the positive and negative ideal grades of the four demand types, according to six poverty characteristic indexes. The demand types are determined. Then, the paper takes a case about the demand identification of a poverty alleviation subject in a village, Shanxi province in China. The application result showed that (1) the demand identification model can help identify accurately the demands of poverty alleviation subjects; (2) the poverty alleviation strategies provide a reference for the government to carry out poverty alleviation work.
Multiscale Cooperative Differential Evolution Algorithm
Authors: Du Yongzhao , Fan Yuling , Liu Xiaofang , Luo Yanmin , Tang Jianeng , Liu Peizhong
Published: December 2019

A multiscale cooperative differential evolution algorithm is proposed to solve the problems of narrow search range at the early stage and slow convergence at the later stage in the performance of the traditional differential evolution algorithms. Firstly, the population structure of multipopulation mechanism is adopted so that each subpopulation is combined with a corresponding mutation strategy to ensure the individual diversity during evolution. Then, the covariance learning among populations is developed to establish a suitable rotating coordinate system for cross operation. Meanwhile, an adaptive parameter adjustment strategy is introduced to balance the population survey and convergence. Finally, the proposed algorithm is tested on the CEC 2005 benchmark function and compared with other state-of-the-art evolutionary algorithms. The experiment results showed that the proposed algorithm has better performance in solving global optimization problems than other compared algorithms.
In Vivo Magic Angle Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Cell Tracking in Equine Low-Field MRI
Authors: Horstmeier Carolin , Ahrberg Annette B. , Berner Dagmar , Burk Janina , Gittel Claudia , Hillmann Aline , Offhaus Julia , Brehm Walter
Published: December 2019

The magic angle effect increases the MRI signal of healthy tendon tissue and could be used for more detailed evaluation of tendon structure. Furthermore, it could support the discrimination of hypointense artefacts induced by contrast agents such as superparamagnetic iron oxide used for cell tracking. However, magic angle MRI of the equine superficial digital flexor tendon has not been accomplished in vivo in standing low-field MRI so far. The aim of this in vivo study was to evaluate the practicability of this magic angle technique and its benefit for tracking superparamagnetic iron oxide-labelled multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells. Six horses with induced tendinopathy in their forelimb superficial digital flexor tendons were injected locally either with superparamagnetic iron oxide-labelled multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells or serum. MRI included standard and magic angle image series in T1- and T2∗-weighted sequences performed at regular intervals. Image analysis comprised blinded evaluation and quantitative assessment of signal-to-noise ratio. The magic angle technique enhanced the tendon signal-to-noise ratio (P<0.001). Hypointense artefacts were observable in the cell-injected superficial digital flexor tendons over 24 weeks and artefact signal-to-noise ratio differed significantly from tendon signal-to-noise ratio in the magic angle images (P<0.001). Magic angle imaging of the equine superficial digital flexor tendon is feasible in standing low-field MRI. The current data demonstrate that the technique improves discrimination of superparamagnetic iron oxide-induced artefacts from the surrounding tendon tissue.
Modeling and Analysis of Rumor Spreading with Social Reinforcement Mechanism
Authors: Xu Yuan , Mei Renjie , Yang Yujie , Kong Zhengmin
Published: December 2019

It is of great practical significance to figure out the propagation mechanism and outbreak condition of rumor spreading on online social networks. In our paper, we propose a multi-state reinforcement diffusion model for rumor spreading, in which the reinforcement mechanism is introduced to depict individual willingness towards rumor spreading. Multiple intermediate states are introduced to characterize the process that an individual's diffusion willingness is enhanced step by step. We study the rumor spreading process with the proposed reinforcement diffusion mechanism on two typical networks. The outbreak thresholds of rumor spreading on both two networks are obtained. Numerical simulations and Monte Carlo simulations are conducted to illustrate the spreading process and verify the correctness of theoretical results. We believe that our work will shed some light on understanding how human sociality affects the rumor spreading on online social networks.
Speech Watermarking for Tampering Detection Based on Modifications to LSFs
Authors: Chen Xiangning , Yuan Weitao , Wang Shengbei , Wang Chao , Wang Lin
Published: December 2019

There have been serious issues concerning the protection of speech signals from malicious tampering. Digital watermarking has been paid much attention in solving this problem. This paper proposes a tampering detection approach based on speech watermarking by modifying the line spectral frequencies (LSFs). Watermarks are embedded into LSFs that derived from linear prediction (LP) analysis with dither modulation‐quantization index modulation (DM‐QIM). Minor modifications to LSFs introduced by quantization not only enable the watermarks to be inaudible to human auditory system but also provide the possibility of robustness against meaningful processing and fragility against tampering. We evaluated the proposed approach with objective evaluations with respect to inaudibility, robustness, and fragility. The results indicated that the proposed approach for tampering detection not only satisfied inaudibility but also provided good robustness against meaningful processing and fragility against malicious tampering.