bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Decadal Trends among Total Solar Irradiance Composites of Satellite Observations
Authors: Scafetta Nicola , Willson Richard C.
Published: March 2019

We present a new analysis of the two-decade-old controversy over interpretation of satellite observations of total solar irradiance (TSI) since 1978 and the implications of our findings for TSI as a driver of climate change. Our approach compares the methods of constructing the two most commonly referenced TSI composites (ACRIM and PMOD) that relate successive observational databases and two others recently constructed using a novel statistical approach. Our primary focus is on the disparate decadal trending results of the ACRIM and PMOD TSI composite time series, namely, whether they indicate an increasing trend from 1980 to 2000 and a decreasing trend thereafter (ACRIM) or a continuously decreasing trend since 1980 (PMOD). Construction of the four-decade observational TSI composites from 1978 to the present requires the use of results from two less precise Earth Radiation Budget experiments (Nimbus7/ERB and ERBS/ERBE) during the so-called ACRIM-Gap (1989.5–1991.8), between the end of the ACRIM1 and the beginning of the ACRIM2 experiments. The ACRIM and PMOD composites used the ERB and ERBE results, respectively, to bridge the gap. The well-established paradigm of positive correlation between Solar Magnetic Field Strength (SMFS) and TSI supports the validity of the upward trend in the ERB results and the corresponding decadal upward trend of the ACRIM composite during solar cycles 21 and 22. The ERBE results have a sensor degradation caused downward gap trend, contrary to the SMFS/TSI paradigm, that biased the PMOD composite decadal trend downward during solar cycles 21 and 22. The different choice of gap bridging data is clearly the cause of the ACRIM and PMOD TSI trending difference, agreeing closely in both magnitude and direction. We also analyze two recently proposed statistical TSI composites. Unfortunately their methodology cannot account for the gap degradation of the ERBE experiment and their resulting uncertainties are too large to uniquely distinguish between the trending of the ACRIM and PMOD composites. Our analysis supports the ACRIM TSI increasing trend during the 1980 to 2000 period, followed by a long-term decreasing trend since.
Detection of Jihadism in Social Networks Using Big Data Techniques Supported by Graphs and Fuzzy Clustering
Authors: Sánchez-Rebollo Cristina , Puente Cristina , Palacios Rafael , Piriz Claudia , Fuentes Juan P. , Jarauta Javier
Published: March 2019

Social networks are being used by terrorist organizations to distribute messages with the intention of influencing people and recruiting new members. The research presented in this paper focuses on the analysis of Twitter messages to detect the leaders orchestrating terrorist networks and their followers. A big data architecture is proposed to analyze messages in real time in order to classify users according to different parameters like level of activity, the ability to influence other users, and the contents of their messages. Graphs have been used to analyze how the messages propagate through the network, and this involves a study of the followers based on retweets and general impact on other users. Then, fuzzy clustering techniques were used to classify users in profiles, with the advantage over other classifications techniques of providing a probability for each profile instead of a binary categorization. Algorithms were tested using public database from Kaggle and other Twitter extraction techniques. The resulting profiles detected automatically by the system were manually analyzed, and the parameters that describe each profile correspond to the type of information that any expert may expect. Future applications are not limited to detecting terrorist activism. Human resources departments can apply the power of profile identification to automatically classify candidates, security teams can detect undesirable clients in the financial or insurance sectors, and immigration officers can extract additional insights with these techniques.
Determination of Allowance Time by Work Sampling and Heart Rate in Manufacturing Plant in Juárez México
Authors: Ferreira García Karen Y. , de la Riva Rodriguez Jorge , Sánchez Leal Jaime , Reyes-Martínez Rosa M. , Prieto Arturo Woocay
Published: March 2019

We propose a methodology for determination of Allowance Time (AT), based on heart rate and work sampling of a production line composed of thirteen stations operated by four workers. The current production line presents a high rate of personnel turnover and absenteeism and with an AT value established by the company of 6.3%. The AT determination is of critical importance, given that through this the workers need to maintain their work rhythm at 100% during the entire workday without fatigue. The resulting allowance after the study was 15% instead of 6.3%, increasing the standard time and causing a decrease in personnel turnover and absenteeism and consequently increasing the production capacity and the reduction of costs.
Ex VivoExpansion of Murine MSC Impairs Transcription Factor-Induced Differentiation into Pancreaticβ-Cells
Authors: Gerace Dario , Martiniello-Wilks Rosetta , Habib Rosaline , Ren Binhai , Nassif Najah Therese , O’Brien Bronwyn Anne , Simpson Ann Margaret
Published: March 2019

Combinatorial gene and cell therapy as a means of generating surrogateβ-cells has been investigated for the treatment of type 1 diabetes (T1D) for a number of years with varying success. One of the limitations of current cell therapies for T1D is the inability to generate sufficient quantities of functional transplantable insulin-producing cells. Due to their impressive immunomodulatory properties, in addition to their ease of expansion and genetic modificationex vivo, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are an attractive alternative source of adult stem cells for regenerative medicine. To overcome the aforementioned limitation of current therapies, we assessed the utility ofex vivoexpanded bone marrow-derived murine MSCs for their persistence in immune-competent and immune-deficient animal models and their ability to differentiate into surrogateβ-cells. CD45-/Ly6+murine MSCs were isolated from the bone marrow of nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice and nucleofected to express the bioluminescent protein,Firefly luciferase (Luc2). The persistence of a subcutaneous (s.c.) transplant ofLuc2-expressing MSCs was assessed in immune-competent (NOD) (n=4) and immune-deficient (NOD/Scid) (n=4) animal models of diabetes.Luc2-expressing MSCs persisted for 2 and 12 weeks, respectively, in NOD and NOD/Scidmice.Ex vivoexpanded MSCs were transduced with the HMD lentiviral vector (MOI = 10) to express furin-cleavable human insulin (INS-FUR) and murineNeuroD1andPdx1. This was followed by the characterization of pancreatic transdifferentiation via reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and static and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS).INS-FUR-expressing MSCs were assessed for their ability to reverse diabetes after transplantation into streptozotocin- (STZ-) diabetic NOD/Scidmice (n=5).Transduced MSCs did not undergo pancreatic transdifferentiation, as determined by RT-PCR analyses, lacked glucose responsiveness, and upon transplantation did not reverse diabetes. The data suggest thatex vivoexpanded MSCs lose their multipotent differentiation potential and may be more useful as gene therapy targets prior to expansion.
Experimental and Numerical Analyses of Freezing Behavior of an Embankment in Cold Regions
Authors: Luo Xiaoxiao , Ma Qinguo , Niu Fujun , Su Wenji , Hu He
Published: March 2019

Frost heave is the prevailing damage to the embankment in cold regions. It is a challenge to ascertain frost damage behavior of the embankment due to the complication of freezing‐thawing process involving water migration, heat convection process of water, ice‐water phase transition, and frost heave. To investigate the freezing behavior of the embankment, a hydro‐thermo‐mechanical numerical model is deduced, and an embankment model test is carried out. Finally, the moisture, temperature, and deformation during the freezing‐thawing process are analyzed. The results show that (1) there exist two warm frozen layers and a frozen layer at the bottom of the embankment at the time of the minimum air temperature and at the time of the maximum thaw depth, respectively. (2) Under the drive of temperature gradient, the water migrates and the redistributions occur. The soil in the freezing‐thawing front is filled with unfrozen water and ice, and its water content is high, which directly lead to frost heave. (3) The horizontal deformation at the shoulder is larger than those in other zones, which easily leads to denudation damage. Meantime, the deformation difference between the shoulder and middle will lead to the longitudinal cracks and consequently embankment failures. The study will provide a theoretical basis and reference for the design, maintenance and research of embankment in cold regions.
Development of Date Pit–Polystyrene Thermoplastic Heat Insulator Material: Physical and Thermal Properties
Authors: Abu-Jdayil Basim , Hittini Waseem , Mourad Abdel-Hamid
Published: March 2019

This study is aimed at developing a thermoplastic composite based on date pit powder waste for use as a thermal insulator in building industries. Date pits are the by-product of date stoning, either for the production of pitted dates or for the manufacture of date paste. The date pit powder (DPP) used in this study was obtained from the UAE University farm in Al Foah, UAE. DPP waste contents ranging from 0 wt.% to 50 wt.% were used to prepare the DPP-polystyrene composite. Date pit powder was mixed with polystyrene using a melt extruder, and then the mixture was transferred to the hot press to produce the final sample. The thermal and physical characteristics of the produced composites were measured experimentally and analyzed theoretically in terms of date pit and polystyrene properties. The characterized properties of the DPP-polystyrene composites, namely, density, thermal conductivity, water retention, thermal stability, and microstructure, showed that a stable composite material with insulation and construction capacity can be formed by the addition of date pit powder to the polystyrene matrix. The theoretical modeling of the measured thermal conductivity and the scanning electron microscope (SEM) monographs supported the hypothesis of date pit agglomeration in the composite matrix. The prepared composites showed low thermal conductivity (0.0515-0.0562 W/m K at 25°C) and very low density (457-630 kg/m3), thus demonstrating their potential for use as a thermal insulator for building materials. In addition, replacing one-third of the classical construction wall content with DPP-polystyrene composite showed promise for constructive applications as a thermal insulator with 85% reduction in the overall thermal conductivity. Indeed, these properties are similar to those of other conventional insulating materials. This will lead to produce an inexpensive insulation material that exploits a common waste product in date fruit-producing countries.
The Effect of Tanreqing Injection on the Pharmacokinetics of Sirolimus in Rats
Authors: Zhang Feng , Sun Liang , Zhai Jianxiu , Xia Tianyi , Jiang Wei , Li Mingming , Gao Shouhong , Tao Xia , Chen Wansheng , Chai Yifeng
Published: March 2019

To evaluate the effect of Tanreqing injection on the pharmacokinetics of sirolimus in rats, a high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method was developed for sirolimus assay in whole blood. Calibration curve of sirolimus was acquired over a concentration ranging from 2.5 to 100 ng/mL with r2= 0.9955. The matrix effects and extraction recoveries of sirolimus ranged from 144% to 152% and from 80% to 96%, respectively. The inter- and intraday relative standard deviations were both <10%. The stability investigation showed that the blood samples were stable for 30-day-storage at -20°C, for 8 h storage at room temperature, for 24 h storage in the auto-sampler at 4°C, and for three freeze-thaw cycle process. The pharmacokinetic results demonstrated that the Cmax, AUC, and AUMC of sirolimus in rats (7.5 mg/kg, i.g.) were increased after beincoadministration with Tanreqing Injection at 2.5, 5.0, and 7.5 mL/kg (i.v.), respectively, or at 5 min, 2 h, and 4 h (5.0 mL/kg, i.v.) after SRL dosing, respectively. For the first time, the results proved the herb-drug interaction between Tanreqing Injection and sirolimus and accordingly suggested avoiding concurrent reception of those two drugs for patients.
Value of 3D Preoperative Planning for Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty Based on Biplanar Weightbearing Radiographs
Authors: Knafo Y. , Houfani F. , Zaharia B. , Egrise F. , Clerc-Urmès I. , Mainard D.
Published: March 2019

Two-dimensional (2D) planning on standard radiographs for total hip arthroplasty may not be sufficiently accurate to predict implant sizing or restore leg length and femoral offset, whereas 3D planning avoids magnification and projection errors. Furthermore, weightbearing measures are not available with computed tomography (CT) and leg length and offset are rarely checked postoperatively using any imaging modality. Navigation can usually achieve a surgical plan precisely, but the choice of that plan remains key, which is best guided by preoperative planning. The study objectives were therefore to (1) evaluate the accuracy of stem/cup size prediction using dedicated 3D planning software based on biplanar radiographic imaging under weightbearing and (2) compare the preplanned leg length and femoral offset with the postoperative result. This single-centre, single-surgeon prospective study consisted of a cohort of 33 patients operated on over 24 months. The routine clinical workflow consisted of preoperative biplanar weightbearing imaging, 3D surgical planning, navigated surgery to execute the plan, and postoperative biplanar imaging to verify the radiological outcomes in 3D weightbearing. 3D planning was performed with the dedicated hipEOS® planning software to determine stem and cup size and position, plus 3D anatomical and functional parameters, in particular variations in leg length and femoral offset. Component size planning accuracy was 94% (31/33) within one size for the femoral stem and 100% (33/33) within one size for the acetabular cup. There were no significant differences between planned versus implanted femoral stem size or planned versus measured changes in leg length or offset. Cup size did differ significantly, tending towards implanting one size larger when there was a difference. Biplanar radiographs plus hipEOS planning software showed good reliability for predicting implant size, leg length, and femoral offset and postoperatively provided a check on the navigated surgery. Compared to previous studies, the predictive results were better than 2D planning on conventional radiography and equal to 3D planning on CT images, with lower radiation dose, and in the weightbearing position.
Cervical Discogenic Pain Treatment with Percutaneous Jellified Ethanol: Preliminary Experience
Authors: Eloqayli Haytham
Published: March 2019

Background. Percutaneous DiscoGel® (Gelscom SAS, France), introduced in 2007 as a promising new minimal invasive technique, showed efficacy and safety in lumbar spine surgery, with limited use and scientific reports with regard to the cervical spine. Since the first publication of its use on the cervical spine (2010), less than 100 cases have been published. We introduce an initial experience with this relatively new procedure. We hypothesized that percutaneous DiscoGel® is a safe and effective option for chronic neck pain of cervical discogenic origin. Method. This was a clinical study on 10 patients with chronic discogenic pain operated on for 18 cervical discs with percutaneous DiscoGel®. Inclusion criteria were patients with chronic axial or referred neck pain with MRI showing a cervical disc that is consistent with patient symptoms and failed conservative treatment. Exclusion criteria were clinical myelopathy, motor deficit, severe stenosis or reduced disc height by more than 50%, or previous cervical spine surgery. Results. A total of 10 cases consisting of 6 females and 4 males underwent treatment with percutaneous DiscoGel® for 18 cervical discs. C5/C6 was the most affected level. The mean preoperative VAS score was 8; the postoperative VAS scores at 6 weeks and 3 months were 2.2 and 2.9, respectively. There were no postoperative complications or neurological deficits. Conclusion. The present study has the limitation of the small number of cases; however, with the limited number of studies and less than 100 published cases in the literature, this initial work shows that cervical percutaneous DiscoGel® is an effective minimally invasive bridging option between conservative and open surgical treatment for cervical discogenic pain, with a high success rate. The differentiation of pain types (nociceptive, referred, radicular, and trapezius myalgia) that can coexist is crucial for procedure selection and improving treatment outcome.
Dengue Situation in Bangladesh: An Epidemiological Shift in terms of Morbidity and Mortality
Authors: Mutsuddy Pulak , Tahmina Jhora Sanya , Shamsuzzaman Abul Khair Mohammad , Kaisar S. M. Golam , Khan Md Nasir Ahmed
Published: March 2019

The escalating dengue situation in Bangladesh has been emerging as a serious public health problem in terms of morbidity and mortality. Results of analysis of 40,476 cases of Bangladesh occurring during 2000–2017 indicated that 49.73% of the dengue cases occurred during the monsoon season (May–August) and 49.22% during the post-monsoon season (September–December). However, data also showed that, since 2014, these trends have been changing, and dengue cases have been reported during the pre-monsoon season. During 2015–2017, in the pre-monsoon season, the dengue cases were reported to be more than seven times higher compared to the previous 14 years. The findings closely correlate with those of the pre-monsoon Aedes vector survey which revealed the presence of high density of larva and pupa of the dengue vectors in the environment all the year round. In our study, climate changes, such as average rainfall, humidity, and temperature, after 2014, and rapid unplanned urbanization were the strong predictors of an imbalance in the existing ecology that has led to increase in dengue cases in 2016 and the emergence of the chikungunya virus for the first time in Bangladesh in 2017. Although 2018 dengue data are relevant but not included in this study due to study time frame, it is interesting to report an increase in the number of dengue cases in pre (2016) and post (2018, which is highest within 18 years) chikungunya outbreak, which favors the study hypothesis. Despite the efforts to control dengue, based primarily on the vector control and case management, the burden and costs of the disease and similar vector-borne diseases will continue to grow in future in our country. Developing a cost-effective vaccine against all the 4 strains of dengue remains a challenge. The CDC, in collaboration with other research organizations, may come forward to initiate and coordinate a large-scale randomized clinical trial of an effective dengue vaccine in Bangladesh.
SLC9A3 Affects Vas Deferens Development and Associates with Taiwanese Congenital Bilateral Absence of the Vas Deferens
Authors: Wu Yi-No , Chen Kuo-Chiang , Wu Chien-Chih , Lin Ying-Hung , Chiang Han-Sun
Published: March 2019

Background.The pathophysiology of Taiwanese congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens (CBAVD) is different from that in Caucasians. In particular, major cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) mutations and cystic fibrosis are absent in the former. Instead, deficiency in solute carrier family 9 sodium/hydrogen exchanger isoform 3 (SLC9A3) may play a role by generating obstructive azoospermia and degraded epithelial structure in the reproductive tract.Objectives.The objective of the study was to test whether SLC9A3 variants cause Taiwanese CBAVD.Materials and Methods.Six-month-oldSlc9a3−/−male mice were used to evaluate the effect of long-term SLC9A3 loss on the reproductive system. A case-control cohort of 29 men with CBAVD and 32 fertile men were genotyped for SLC9A3 variants.Results.SLC9A3 was expressed and localized in the apical border of the epithelium of human vas deferens and glandular epithelium of the seminal vesicle. SLC9A3 deficiency specifically induces atrophy of vas deferens and unfolding of seminal vesicle mucosa in mice. Loss of SLC9A3 increased the incidence of CBAVD in humans from 3.1% to 37.9% (p < 0.001). Up to 75.9% of CBAVD patients carry at least one variant in either SLC9A3 or CFTR.Discussion.Our findings build upon previous data associated with CBAVD pathogenesis. Here, we now report for the first time an association between CBAVD and loss ofSLC9A3and propose that specific defects in the reproductive duct due toSLC9A3variants drive CBAVD development.Conclusion.The data implicate loss of SLC9A3 as a basis of Taiwanese CBAVD and highlight SLC9A3 function in reproduction.
Unusual Presentation of Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis in a Kidney Transplant Patient
Authors: Yang Danwen , Thamcharoen Natanong , Marcus Chelsea , Varkaris Andreas , Aird William , Khankin Eliyahu V. , Cardarelli Francesca
Published: March 2019

We are presenting a case of a middle-aged woman with history of remote kidney transplantation who had multiple admissions for septic shock-like picture, recurrent fever, and hypotension. Her shock manifestation would resolve after stress dose steroid administration and less than 24 hours of vasopressor administration. Initially, extensive workup was performed without revealing etiology. Eventually, a bone marrow biopsy was carried out leading to the diagnosis of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, most likely related to recent cytomegalovirus infection.
Characterization and Synergistic Antimicrobial Evaluation of Lipopeptides from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens Isolated from Oil-Contaminated Soil
Authors: Sudarmono Pratiwi , Wibisana Ahmad , Listriyani Lira W. , Sungkar Saleha
Published: March 2019

Lipopeptides show great potential for biomedical application. Several lipopeptides exhibit narrow and broad-spectrum inhibition activities. The aim of the study is to characterize the lipopeptides produced by B. amyloliquefaciens strain MD4-12 and evaluate the synergistic antimicrobial activity in combination with a conventional antibiotic against Gram-negative bacteria. B. amyloliquefaciens strain MD4-12 was isolated from oil-contaminated soil. The isolate was cultivated in McKeen medium, and the lipopeptides were isolated by precipitation and extraction with methanol. Characterization of the lipopeptides by ESI-MS gave nine mass ion peaks with m/z 994–1072, resulted from protonating of the main ions in [M + H]+ and [M + Na]+ ion form. These mass ion peaks attributed to surfactin homologs. By tandem mass spectrometry, five variants of surfactin with the same amino acid sequence in peptide moiety could be revealed. The peptide moiety contains seven amino acids identified as Glu-Leu/Ile-Leu-Val-Asp-Leu-Leu/Ile while the fatty acid moiety comprises a different length of chain from C12 to C16. Surfactin showed antibacterial activity against various Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Combination surfactin with ampicillin showed a synergistic effect against P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853.
One-Carbon Metabolism Links Nutrition Intake to Embryonic Development via Epigenetic Mechanisms
Authors: Wu Si , Zhang Jun , Li Feifei , Du Wei , Zhou Xin , Wan Mian , Fan Yi , Xu Xin , Zhou Xuedong , Zheng Liwei , Zhou Yachuan
Published: March 2019

Beyond energy production, nutrient metabolism plays a crucial role in stem cell lineage determination. Changes in metabolism based on nutrient availability and dietary habits impact stem cell identity. Evidence suggests a strong link between metabolism and epigenetic mechanisms occurring during embryonic development and later life of offspring. Metabolism regulates epigenetic mechanisms such as modifications of DNA, histones, and microRNAs. In turn, these epigenetic mechanisms regulate metabolic pathways to modify the metabolome. One-carbon metabolism (OCM) is a crucial metabolic process involving transfer of the methyl groups leading to regulation of multiple cellular activities. OCM cycles and its related micronutrients are ubiquitously present in stem cells and feed into the epigenetic mechanisms. In this review, we briefly introduce the OCM process and involved micronutrients and discuss OCM-associated epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation, histone modification, and microRNAs. We further consider the underlying OCM-mediated link between nutrition and epigenetic modifications in embryonic development.
Suicidal Ideation, Attempt, and Associated Factors among Patients with Tuberculosis in Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Molla Alemayehu , Mengesha Atikilt , Derajew Habtamu , Kerebih Habtamu
Published: March 2019

Background. Suicidal behaviors among people with tuberculosis are one of the commonest psychiatric emergencies that need a major public health concern. People with tuberculosis show suicidal ideation and attempt, which are problems to end life. In Ethiopia large numbers of people are affected by tuberculosis. Therefore, assessing suicide among patients with tuberculosis is important in implementing further interventions. Methods. An institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted among systematic random samples of 415 and face-to-face interview was used. Suicidal ideation and attempt were assessed by using suicidality module World Health Organization (WHO) composite International diagnostic interview (CIDI). Data was analyzed by using SPSS version 20. Bivariate and multivariate binary logistic analyses were done to identify associated factors to both suicidal ideation and attempt. P values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant and strength of the association was presented by adjusted odds ratio with 95% C.I. Results. The prevalence of suicidal ideation and attempt among tuberculosis patients was 17.3% (95%CI, 13.7-20.6) and 7.5 %( 95%CI, 4.8-10.4), respectively. Being female (AOR=2.7, 95% CI 1.39, 5.23), no formal education (AOR=3.35, 95%CI 1.26, 9.91), extra-pulmonary tuberculosis (AOR=2.35, 95%CI 1.1, 4.98), depression (AOR=4.9, 95%CI, 2.56, 9.4), and perceived TB stigma (AOR=3.24, 95%CI, 1.64, 6.45) were statistically associated with suicidal ideation. Factors like being female (AOR=4.57, 95%CI, 1.7, 12.27), MDR-TB (AOR=3.06, 95%CI, 1.23, 7.57), comorbid HIV illness (AOR=6.67, 95%CI, 2.24, 19.94), and depression (AOR=4.75, 95%CI, 1.89, 11.91) were associated with suicidal attempt. Conclusion. Developing guidelines and training of health workers in TB clinics is important to screen and treat suicide among patients with tuberculosis.
Research Progress on High‐Intermediate Frequency Extension Methods of SEA
Authors: Su Jintao , Zheng Ling , Deng Zhaoxiang , Jiang Yuhan
Published: March 2019

Statistical energy analysis (SEA) can accurately describe the average vibration characteristics through system energy flow and transmission feedback. It is a powerful tool to solve the problem of high‐frequency acoustics‐vibration. SEA is widely used in vehicles, ships, aviation, and other transportation engineering fields. However, the expansion of SEA, based on the assumption of modal equipartition and weak coupling, is limited to the intermediate frequency. Although the SEA basic theory can be extended by relaxing the hypothesis conditions or the analysis of the medium‐frequency acoustics‐vibration can be carried out using the finite element method (FEM) and SEA mixing method, there are still many challenges associated with these options. To improve the basic theory of SEA and knowledge of intermediate frequency extension methods, as well as attract the attention of domestic scholars, this paper describes classical SEA and intermediate frequency extension methods. First, coupling loss factor (CLF) error propagation and parameter acquisition in classical SEA are introduced, and the three relative error calculation methods of CLF are compared. Then, the method of obtaining parameters is described from three aspects of energy transfer, input load, and modal density. Second, SEA intermediate frequency extension technology (experimental statistical energy analysis (ESEA), finite element statistical energy analysis (FE‐SEA), statistical modal energy distribution analysis (SMEDA), and waveguide analysis (WGA)) are introduced. Neutron structure assembly and modeling, interval and mixed interval analysis, interval variable and mixed interval variable response are also described, so as to justify the development of a hybrid, large‐scale interval algorithm. Finally, the engineering application of the above method is introduced, the limitations and shortcomings of SEA and intermediate frequency extension methods are reviewed, and unsolved problems are further discussed.
Estimation of Minimum Torsional Reinforcement of Reinforced Concrete and Steel Fiber-Reinforced Concrete Members
Authors: Ju Hyunjin , Han Sun-Jin , Zhang Dichuan , Kim Jong , Wu Wei , Kim Kang Su
Published: March 2019

The current code specifies a minimum torsional reinforcement ratio to prevent possible brittle failure after torsional cracking in concrete members. However, since there are many researches, in which even the concrete members with the minimum torsional reinforcement fail to secure sufficient reserved strength after torsional cracking, continuous research needs to be carried out. Accordingly, in the authors’ previous research, a minimum torsional reinforcement ratio was proposed based on the reserved strength concept and was extended to the steel fiber-reinforced concrete members in order to suggest the minimum fiber factor as the minimum torsional reinforcement ratio. In the present study, a pure torsion test was carried out on reinforced concrete and steel fiber-reinforced concrete members after a brief introduction on the above, and the proposed model was verified based on the test results. The test results of six torsional specimens were compared with those of the proposed model, and it was found that the proposed model provides a reasonable evaluation on the torsional failure mode of the specimen according to the reserved strength ratio.
Biochemical Changes in Blood of Patients with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Treated with Granulocyte-Colony Stimulating Factor
Authors: Sienkiewicz Dorota , Kułak Wojciech , Paszko-Patej Grażyna , Okurowska-Zawada Bożena , Sienkiewicz Jerzy , Kułak Piotr
Published: March 2019

Introduction.In addition to the “gold standard” of therapy—steroids and gene therapy–there are experimental trials using granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) for patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). The aim of this study was to present the biochemical changes in blood after repeating cycles of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor G-CSF therapy in children with DMD.Materials and Methods.Nineteen patients, aged 5 to 15 years, with diagnosed DMD confirmed by genetic tests, participated; nine were in wheelchairs, and ten were mobile and independent. Patients had a clinical assessment and laboratory tests to evaluate hematological parameters and biochemistry. G-CSF (5μg/kg/day) was given subcutaneously for five days during five nonconsecutive months over the course of a year.Results.We found a significant elevation of white blood cells, and the level of leucocytes returned to norm after each cycle. No signs of any inflammatory process were found by monitoring C-reactive protein. We did not detect significant changes in red blood cells, hemoglobin, and platelet levels or coagulation parameters. We found a significant elevation of uric acid, with normalization after finishing each treatment cycle. A significant decrease of the mean value activity of aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) of the G-CSF treatment was noted. After each five days of therapy, the level of cholesterol was significantly lowered. Also, glucose concentration significantly decreased after the fourth cycle.Conclusions.G-SCF decreased the aminotransferases activity, cholesterol level, and glucose level in patients with DMD, which may be important for patients with DMD and metabolic syndrome.
A 40-Year-Old Male Presenting with Hereditary Multiple Exostosis: Management and Considerations
Authors: Wells Matthew , Birchard Zackary
Published: March 2019

Hereditary multiple exostosis is a rare condition in which numerous benign osteochondromas form throughout the body, typically in areas of high bone turnover such as the metaphyseal plates of long bones. While many of these lesions remain clinically asymptomatic, other growth locations can lead to excruciating pain, limit a joint’s range of motion, and compromise neurovascular structures. These patients undergo multiple surgeries throughout their lifetime in order to remove symptomatic osteochondromas. Due to deformities and changes in bone structure, these patients also suffer from significant arthritis which may also require surgery. It is important that a skilled orthopedic surgeon follow these patients in order to help them make informed decisions and limit the number of surgeries within their lifetime. The purpose of this case report is to discuss one instance in which a patient’s significant arthritis was operatively managed in the setting of hereditary multiple exostosis.
An EEMD‐Based Denoising Method for Seismic Signal of High Arch Dam Combining Wavelet with Singular Spectrum Analysis
Authors: Li Bo , Zhang Lixin , Zhang Qiling , Yang Shengmei
Published: March 2019

Due to complicated noise interference, seismic signals of high arch dam are of nonstationarity and a low signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) during acquisition process. The traditional denoising method may have filtered effective seismic signals of high arch dams. A self‐adaptive denoising method based on ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD) combining wavelet threshold with singular spectrum analysis (SSA) is proposed in this paper. Based on the EEMD result for seismic signals of high arch dams, a continuous mean square error criterion is used to distinguish high‐frequency and low‐frequency components of the intrinsic mode functions (IMFs). Denoised high‐frequency IMF using wavelet threshold is reconstructed with low‐frequency components, and SSA is implemented for the reconstructed signal. Simulation signal denoising analysis indicates that the proposed method can significantly reduce mean square error under low SNR condition, and the overall denoising effect is superior to EEMD and EEMD‐Wavelet threshold denoising algorithms. Denoising analysis of measured seismic signals of high arch dams shows that the performance of denoised seismic signals using EEMD‐Wavelet‐SSA is obviously improved, and natural frequencies of the high arch dams can be effectively identified.
Plasm YKL-40 Levels Are Associated with Hypertension in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Li Kun , Chen Zhiting , Qin Yanwen , Wei Yong-Xiang
Published: March 2019

Background. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common disease. It can cause many serious complications. OSA may increase the risk of hypertension. However, the exact mechanism of OSA causing hypertension is not fully understood. YKL-40/chitinase-3-like protein-1 plays an important role in vascular injury, repair, and generation. We sought to explore the role of YKL-40 in endothelial dysfunction and hypertension in OSA patients. Methods. All subjects were examined by polysomnography (PSG) and the expression of YKL-40 in the plasm of the subjects was measured by luminex. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) was measured by B-mode ultrasound. Results. According to the conditions of OSA and hypertension, we studied four groups of 157 subjects, including OSA group (OSA, N=77), OSA with hypertension group (OSA+HT, N=37), hypertension group (HT, N=20), and healthly group (Con, N=23). YKL-40 levels were significantly elevated in OSA, OSA+HT, and HT group compared to Con groups. We used the ROC to predict the sensitivity and specificity of YKL-40 in all OSA patients or all hyperpietic patients. For OSA patients, the AUC of YKL-40 is 0.807 (95% confidence interval 0.725–0.888; p<0.01). For hyperpietic patients, the AUC of YKL-40 is 0.656 (95% confidence interval 0.570–0.742, p=0.01). There was a significant correlation between the parameter of OSA and hypertension and YKL-40 (P<0.05) and a significant correlation between Max-CIMT and YKL-40 (P<0.05). Conclusion. Elevated circulating levels of YKL-40 are associated with hypertension in OSA patients. The specificity of YKL-40 suggests that it could be a potential biomarker for OSA and hypertension.
Immobilization of Lead and Nickel Ions from Polluted Yam Peels Biomass Using Cement-Based Solidification/Stabilization Technique
Authors: Villabona-Ortiz Ángel , Tejada-Tovar Candelaria , Gonzalez-Delgado Ángel , Herrera-Barros Adriana , Cantillo-Arroyo Gina
Published: March 2019

Nowadays, biomass has been employed to prepare biosorbents for heavy metals uptake; however, further disposal of polluted material has limited its application. In this work, nickel and lead removal was performed using yam peels and the resulting polluted biomass was mixed with concrete to produce bricks. The biomass was characterized by FT-IR analysis for testing functional groups diversification before and after adsorption process. The effect of adsorbent dosage, temperature, and initial solution concentration was evaluated to select suitable values of these parameters. Adsorption results were adjusted to kinetic and isotherm models to determine adsorption mechanism. Desorption experiments were also performed to determine the appropriate desorbing agent as well as its concentration. Immobilization technique of cement-based solidification/stabilization was applied and the polluted biomass was incorporated to concrete bricks at 5 and 10%. Mechanical resistance and leaching tests were carried out to analyze the suitability of heavy metals immobilization. The suitable values for dosage, temperature, and initial solution concentration were 0.5 g/L, 40°C and 100 ppm, respectively. The kinetic model that best fitted experimental results was pseudo-second order indicating a dominant physicochemical interaction between the two phases. The highest desorption yields were found in 52.47 and 74.84% for nickel and lead ions. The concrete bricks exhibited compression resistance above 5 MPa and all the leachate reported concentrations below the environmental limit. These results suggested that nickel and lead immobilization using concrete bricks is a good alternative to meet disposal problems of contaminated biomass.
The Antioxidative Action of ZTP by Increasing Nrf2/ARE Signal Pathway
Authors: Yang Liang , Xu Bing , Yuan Chunxu , Dai Zhi , Wang Yong , Li Qiongya , Yang Qifan , Li Nuomin , Qing Hong
Published: March 2019

So far, more than 25,000 brain diseases have been shown to be related to oxidative stress. Excessive free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) can attack cells resulting in dysfunctional proteins, lipids, and nucleic acid, finally leading to imbalance of energy metabolism, cell death, gene mutation, and immune reaction. Therefore oxidative stress plays an important role in neuronal diseases. As a traditional Chinese medicine, Zhengtian Pill (ZTP) was reported to have the ability to reduce the blood viscosity of migraine model rats, with increased beta-endorphin, serotonin, adrenaline, and dopamine in brain tissue. Moreover ZTP can effectively accelerate blood circulation and attenuate blood coagulation. However, the molecular mechanisms of ZPT are still unclear. Through the behavioral test we found that ZTP can significantly improve depression-like behavior induced by LPS when rat was treated with ZTP (L 0.17 g/kg, M 0.34 g/kg, and H 0.7 g/kg) intraperitoneal injection once a day for 30 consecutive days. And ZTP can resist oxidative stress (>72 h) for a longer time. And ZTP can promote the levels of ATP and SOD and reduce the levels of ROS and MDA in the brain. At the same time, ZTP can have antioxidant stress through increasing the expression level of Nrf2/HO-1/P38. These results show that ZTP may be a potential antioxidant stress drug for variety of diseases associated with oxidative stress injury.
RACK1 Acts as a Potential Tumor Promoter in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Li Xue-Yang , Hu Yi , Li Nian-Shuang , Wan Jian-Hua , Zhu Yin , Lu Nong-Hua
Published: March 2019

Background. The receptor of activated protein kinase C 1 (RACK1) promotes the progression and invasion of several cancers. However, the role of RACK1 in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer (CRC) has not been clearly defined. Herein, we aimed to investigate the biological role of RACK1 in CRC. Materials and Methods. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) dataset were searched, and the expression of RACK1 in CRC tissues and adjacent normal tissues was evaluated. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to detect the expression of RACK1 in human CRC, adenoma, and normal tissues. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of RACK1 in human CRC cell lines. Functional assays, such as BrdU, colony formation, and wound healing and transwell invasion assays, were used to explore the biological role of RACK1 in CRC. Results. RACK1 was upregulated in CRC tissues compared with its expression in adjacent normal tissues in TCGA and the GEO dataset (P<0.05). Moreover, RACK1 was significantly overexpressed in CRC and adenoma tissues compared with its expression in normal tissues (P<0.05). Loss-of-function experiments showed that RACK1 promoted cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro. Conclusions. Our data indicated that RACK1, as an oncogene, markedly promoted the progression of CRC, which suggested that RACK1 is a potential therapeutic target for CRC management.
Acute and Subacute Toxicity of Methanol Extract ofSyzygium guineenseLeaves on the Histology of the Liver and Kidney and Biochemical Compositions of Blood in Rats
Authors: Loha Million , Mulu Abay , Abay Solomon M. , Ergete Wondwossen , Geleta Bekesho
Published: March 2019

Plant medicine is the oldest form of health care known to mankind.Syzygium guineenseis one of the many species of Ethiopian medicinal plants which has a long history of use as remedies for various ailments such as dysentery, diarrhea, and hypertension. In many countries, herbal medicines and related products are introduced into the market without safety or toxicological evaluation. The aim of this study was to investigate the histopathological effect of 80% methanol extract ofS. guineenseon liver and kidney and blood parameters of rats. For acute toxicity study, rats were randomly divided into three groups (n=4). The control group received distilled water, while the experimental groups received a single dose of 2000 mg/kg and 5000 mg/kg 80% methanolic extract ofS. guineenseleaves per oral. For subacute toxicity study, the rats were randomly divided into three groups (n=6). The control group received distilled water, while the experimental groups received 500 mg/kg and 1500 mg/kg 80% methanol extract ofS. guineenseleaves orally for 28 days. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected for hematology and clinical chemistry evaluations. Gross pathology and histopathology of liver and kidneys were assessed. In the acute toxicity study, rats treated with 2000 mg/kg and 5000 mg/kg showed no toxicological signs observed on behavior, gross pathology, and body weight of rats. In the subacute toxicity study rats have showed no significant changes on behavior, gross pathology, body weight, and hematological and biochemical parameters, whereas both experimental groups had a lower blood glucose level compared with the control group (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the gross and histopathology of the liver and kidneys of experimental animals in extract exposed groups and their counterpart control. The 80% methanol extract ofS. guineensedoes not produce adverse effects in rats after acute and subacute treatment. Before marketing aS. guineenseleaf based remedy, subchronic and chronic toxicity evaluations need to be done.
Research on Multiobjective Topology Optimization of Diesel Engine Cylinder Block Based on Analytic Hierarchy Process
Authors: Wu Fenghe , Wang Zhaohua , Han Jinxu , Pei Guobin
Published: March 2019

There are alternating impact loads for the diesel engine cylinder block. The topology optimization of the extreme single‐working condition cannot guarantee its overall mechanical performance, and the traditional multiworking condition optimization has the problem that the weight coefficients are difficult to determine. Thus, a multiobjective topology optimization method based on analytic hierarchy process is proposed. Firstly, the static, dynamic characteristics and structure efficiency are calculated by the finite element analysis which indicates the direction of topology optimization for the cylinder block. The hierarchical structure model of topology optimization, including 12 weighting coefficients, is constructed considering static multiworking condition stiffness and dynamic multiorder natural frequency. The comprehensive evaluation function for the cylinder block is established by the compromise programming method and the weight coefficients are determined based on analytic hierarchy process. The optimization mathematical model is established and the multiobjective topology optimization of the cylinder block is carried out. The optimization results show that the proposed method can take into account structural multiworking condition performance, which has obvious advantages over the single objective topology optimization. The simulation results show that the static and dynamic characteristics are improved to some extent and the overall mechanical performance of the new model is more uniform with a 5.22% reduction in weight. It shows that the topology structure of the cylinder block is more reasonable.
Application of AHP and EIE in Reliability Analysis of Complex Production Lines Systems
Authors: Niu Guo-cheng , Wang Yifan , Hu Zhen , Zhao Qingxu , Hu Dong-mei
Published: March 2019

It is necessary to grasp the operation state of the production system for scientific scheduling, process improvement, fault analysis, equipment maintenance, or replacement. The matter‐element information entropy is proposed to evaluate the health index of the product line, and the parameter self‐optimization support vector machine is used to predict the future health index. A new type of three‐dimensional cross compound element is established by synthesizing the operation state of equipment, energy consumption, production efficiency, and human factors. The subjective, objective, and joint weights are determined by the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method, entropy, and the combination weighting method, respectively. The health index is calculated by complex element correlation entropy. The calculations of the beer filling production line show that the combined weighting method is an effective method on the health index calculation and can accurately reflect the actual operation state of the production. Support vector machine (SVM) optimized by multiparameters is established to predict the health index; the simulation shows that Least Squares Support Vector Machine (LSSVM) based on radial basis function (RBF) has prominent prediction effect. It can provide accurate data support for the production and management of enterprises.