bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High Tibial Osteotomy: Review of Techniques and Biomechanics
Authors: Liu Xiaoyu , Chen Zhenxian , Gao Yongchang , zhang Jing , Jin Zhongmin
Published: May 2019

High tibial osteotomy becomes increasingly important in the treatment of cartilage damage or osteoarthritis of the medial compartment with concurrent varus deformity. HTO produces a postoperative valgus limb alignment with shifting the load-bearing axis of the lower limb laterally. However, maximizing procedural success and postoperative knee function still possess many difficulties. The key to improve the postoperative satisfaction and long-term survival is the understanding of the vital biomechanics of HTO in essence. This review article discussed the alignment principles, surgical technique, and fixation plate of HTO as well as the postoperative gait, musculoskeletal dynamics, and contact mechanics of the knee joint. We aimed to highlight the recent findings and progresses on the biomechanics of HTO. The biomechanical studies on HTO are still insufficient in the areas of gait analysis, joint kinematics, and joint contact mechanics. Combining musculoskeletal dynamics modelling and finite element analysis will help comprehensively understand in vivo patient-specific biomechanics after HTO.
The Prevalence of Malaria among Pregnant Women in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Tegegne Yalewayker , Asmelash Daniel , Ambachew Sintayehu , Eshetie Setegn , Addisu Ayenew , Jejaw Zeleke Ayalew
Published: May 2019

Background. Malaria during pregnancy remains a major public health concern in tropical and subtropical countries. Moreover, malaria is increasingly associated with unwanted pregnancy outcomes such as an increased risk of abortion, stillbirth, premature delivery, and low-birthweight infants. Since pregnant women are most vulnerable to malaria, implementation of the appropriate prevention and control measures among this group is very important. Therefore, the current review was designed to assess the prevalence of both symptomatic and asymptomatic malaria among pregnant women in Ethiopia.Method. In this systematic review and meta-analysis we have followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline. The databases used were PubMed, Google Scholar, HINARI, and Science Direct literature. Search terms used were “prevalence”, “malaria”, “pregnant women”, and “Ethiopia”. Joanna Briggs Institute Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument (JBI-MAStARI) was used for critical appraisal of studies. The meta-analysis was conducted using STATA 14 software. The pooled meta-logistic regression was computed to present the pooled prevalence with a 95% confidence interval (CI).Result. Among a total of 10207 studies, seven studies were included in this analysis. The estimated pooled prevalence of malaria among pregnant women in Ethiopia was 12.72% (95% CI: 7.45, 17.98). In subgroup analysis, the prevalence of malaria showed a significant variation between asymptomatic and symptomatic cases, which was 7.83% (95% CI: 2.23, 13.43) and 17.97% (95% CI: 7.31, 28.92), respectively.Conclusion. The current systematic review and meta-analysis showed that the pooled prevalence of malaria among pregnant women was found to be relatively higher compared with the general population. Therefore, the existing prevention and control measures should be strengthen.
Nonpharmacologic Interventions for the Self-Management of Anxiety in Parkinson’s Disease: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Chandler Susan K. , Robins Jo Lynne , Kinser Patricia A.
Published: May 2019

Anxiety in Parkinson’s disease (aPD) is underdiagnosed, undertreated, and understudied. As many as 50% of persons diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD) are reported to suffer from anxiety. Current treatment is largely pharmacologic, which can result in a myriad of undesirable and unsafe side effects. The aim of this paper is to examine intervention studies of self-managed nonpharmacological strategies for the treatment of anxiety. A comprehensive review was conducted on experimental or quasi-experimental trials that included self-management approaches for the nonpharmacologic treatment of anxiety as a primary or secondary aim or outcome measure. Thirteen studies were identified from four databases. Study quality demonstrated variability in design and delivery of self-managed interventions; sample sizes were small; anxiety was most commonly a secondary aim; and the use of anxiety measures varied widely. Statistical significance was evident in slightly more than 50% of the anxiety intervention studies. A common element in the interventions in all studies was the focused use of breath. Further research is needed to determine the feasibility of using focused breathing, alone, as an intervention for the self-management of anxiety in Parkinson’s disease.
Mechanical Characteristics and Energy Evolution Laws for Red Bed Rock of Badong Formation under Different Stress Paths
Authors: Wen Tao , Tang Huiming , Wang Yankun , Ma Junwei , Fan Zhiqiang
Published: May 2019

Exploring mechanical properties of red bed rock of Badong Formation Section two (b2) from the Three Gorges Reservoir is crucial to determine the instability mode of reservoir slopes. In order to reveal the energy evolution laws for b2 rocks under different stress paths, loading tests, unloading tests, and cyclic loading‐unloading tests were conducted, respectively. The results show that stress paths have significant influences on the mechanical properties and energy evolution characteristics of b2 rocks and the failure mechanism under three stress paths is revealed. Relative to the loading tests, the mechanical parameters of b2 rocks are deteriorated under the unloading conditions. In addition, the increasing trend of cumulative dissipation energy (CDE) is similar with that of total absorption energy (TAE) and the ESE‐strain curves are characterized by multistep rise. For cyclic loading‐unloading tests, the areas of hysteretic loop gradually increase as the cycle times increase, and the TAEs and the coefficient of the cumulative dissipation energy (CCDE) also increase gradually with approximately linear characteristics, while the CDEs gradually increase in an abrupt rate. This work can contribute to provide the failure mechanism of b2 rocks for evaluating the stability of reservoir slopes from the energy perspective.
Segmental Distribution of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Correlates with Microvascular Invasion in Liver Explants Undergoing Transplantation
Authors: Al-Azzawi Yasir , Rouanet Eva , Hendrix Ryan J. , Spaho Lidia , Malik Hesham , Devuni Deepika , Szabo Gyongyi , Barnard Graham
Published: May 2019

Introduction. Microvascular invasion (MVI) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients is a poor prognostic factor after liver transplantation and/or resection. Any correlation between MVI and segmental location of HCC has yet to be studied. Our aim is to evaluate the segmental location of HCC and any correlation with the presence of MVI, portal vein thrombosis (PVT) in explanted livers, and the recurrence of HCC after transplantation. Another objective of the study is to assess the treatment history (ablation or transarterial chemoembolization (TACE)) and size of the tumor with respect to the risk of MVI. Methods. A single center, retrospective chart review, including 98 HCC patients, aged 18 years and older who had liver transplantation in our institute between 2012 and 2017. We reviewed the radiological images of the HCC tumors, the pathological findings of the explanted livers, and the follow-up imaging after transplantation. Results. 98 patients with the diagnosis of HCC underwent liver transplantation between 2012 and 2017. The mean age of the cohort was 63 ± 8.2. Males represented 75% and Caucasian race represented 75% of the cohort. The most common etiology of cirrhosis was chronic hepatitis C virus infection followed by alcohol abuse and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) with percentages of 50%, 23%, and 10%, respectively. Microvascular invasion was found in 16% of the patients while PVT and the recurrence of HCC were found in 17% and 6 % of the cohort, respectively. MVI was found in 10 single HCC and 6 multifocal HCC. Right lobe HCC had more MVI when compared to the left and multilobar HCC, with percentages of 11%, 2%, and 3%, respectively. Localization of HCC in segment 8 was associated with the highest percentage of MVI when compared to all other segments. The risk of MVI in segment 8 HCC was 3.5 times higher than the risk from the other segments (p=0.002) while no vascular invasion was found in segments 1, 3, and 5. The risk of vascular invasion in untreated HCC is 3 times the risk in treated HCC (P=0.03). Conclusion. Our data indicate that the risk of microvascular invasion is highest in tumors localized to segment 8. The size and number of HCC tumors were not associated with an increased risk of microvascular invasion.
Fire Resistance Investigation of Simple Supported RC Beams with Varying Reinforcement Configurations
Authors: Song Yamin , Fu Chuanguo , Liang Shuting , Yin Ankang , Dang Longji
Published: May 2019

To investigate fire‐resistance behaviors of simple supported reinforced concrete (RC) beams with three faces exposed to fire, six full‐scale specimens were designed in accordance with the principle of “strong bending and weak shearing.” One beam was treated as the control case of room temperature while the other five beams were exposed to high temperature. Parameters related to shear capacity were discussed, such as longitudinal reinforcement ratio and stirrup ratio. The experimental results show that brittle shear failure under room temperature may transfer to shear‐bend failure at high temperature due to thermal expansion and strength degradation of concrete and steel. The greater the longitudinal reinforcement ratio, the longer the failure time of specimens. It indicates that the pinning action of longitudinal reinforcement can significantly improve the shear capacity of beams under high temperature. In addition, the configuration of stirrup reinforcement can effectively reduce the brittle change of vertical deflection when the beam enters the failure stage.
Downregulation of an Evolutionary Young miR-1290 in an iPSC-Derived Neural Stem Cell Model of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Moore Dalia , Meays Brittney M. , Madduri Lepakshe S. V. , Shahjin Farah , Chand Subhash , Niu Meng , Albahrani Abrar , Guda Chittibabu , Pendyala Gurudutt , Fox Howard S. , Yelamanchili Sowmya V.
Published: May 2019

The identification of several evolutionary young miRNAs, which arose in primates, raised several possibilities for the role of such miRNAs in human-specific disease processes. We previously have identified an evolutionary young miRNA, miR-1290, to be essential in neural stem cell proliferation and neuronal differentiation. Here, we show that miR-1290 is significantly downregulated during neuronal differentiation in reprogrammed induced pluripotent stem cell- (iPSC-) derived neurons obtained from idiopathic autism spectrum disorder (ASD) patients. Further, we identified that miR-1290 is actively released into extracellular vesicles. Supplementing ASD patient-derived neural stem cells (NSCs) with conditioned media from differentiated control-NSCs spiked with “artificial EVs” containing synthetic miR-1290 oligonucleotides significantly rescued differentiation deficits in ASD cell lines. Based on our earlier published study and the observations from the data presented here, we conclude that miR-1290 regulation could play a critical role during neuronal differentiation in early brain development.
Antimicrobial Profiling of Bacteria Isolated from Fish Sold at Informal Market in Mufakose, Zimbabwe
Authors: Gufe Claudious , Canaan Hodobo Tinashe , Mbonjani Bernard , Majonga Otlia , Marumure Jerikias , Musari Shuvai , Jongi Gilbert , Makaya Pious Vengesayi , Machakwa Jairus
Published: May 2019

The number of infections caused by antibiotic resistant bacteria is rising worldwide. Fish from multisource pollution waters can harbour multidrug-resistant bacteria that can be disseminated to humans through eating or contact of contaminated fish. A cross-sectional study was carried out to (i) isolate and phenotypically identify bacteria from 36 fish samples from informal market in Mufakose, Harare, and (ii) determine the antibiotic sensitivity pattern of the isolated bacteria against ten available antibiotics (ampicillin 10 μg, gentamycin 30 μg, penicillin G 10 μg, erythromycin 15 μg, tetracycline 30 μg, kanamycin 30 μg, neomycin 10 μg, cloxacillin 5 μg, lincomycin 15 μg, and sulfamethoxazole 25 μg) using the Kirby–Bauer disk agar diffusion method. Eight bacterial genera were isolated and identified, and they wereEscherichia,Aeromonas,Staphylococcus,Pseudomonas,Citrobacter,Klebsiella,Enterobacter, andProteus. Among the isolates,Escherichia coliwas isolated most frequently (44%) followed byStaphylococcus aureus(19%),Enterobacter aerogenes(7%),Aeromonasspp. (5%),Proteus mirabilis(5%),Citrobacter(5%), and coagulase-negativeStaphylococci(5%) and the least frequent wereKlebsiella(3%) andPseudomonas(3%). All isolates were susceptible to gentamycin. Varying antibiotic resistance rates were observed to lincomycin (100%), ampicillin (81%), penicillin (67%), erythromycin (65%), tetracycline (63%), neomycin (61%), cloxacillin (43%), kanamycin (24%), and sulphamethoxazole (13%). All the isolates were multidrug-resistant (resistant to at 3 or more drugs tested) exceptProteus mirabilis.Proteus mirabilishas multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index of 0.2, and the other isolated bacteria had MAR indexes greater than 0.2 ranging from 0.3 to 0.7. Those MAR indexes above 0.2 showed that the bacteria isolates are from a high risk source where antibiotics were frequently used, possibly from sewage effluents. Isolation of enteric bacteria such asEscherichia coliis an indication of faecal contamination, and this poses a high risk to animal and human health. These significant findings call for effective risk assessment models and management plans that protect human, animal, and environmental health.
Reinforcement Emotion-Cognition System: A Teaching Words Task
Authors: Li Minjia , Xie Lun , Zhang Anqi , Ren Fuji
Published: May 2019

The goal of this paper is to suggest a system for intelligent learning environments with robots modeling of emotion regulation and cognition based on quantitative motivation. A detailed interactive situation for teaching words is proposed. In this study, we introduce one bottom-up collaboration method for emotion-cognition interplay and behaviour decision-making. Integration with gross emotion regulation theory lets the proposed system adapt to natural interactions between students and the robot in emotional interaction. Four key ideas are advocated, and they jointly set up a reinforcement emotion-cognition system (RECS). First, the quantitative motivation is grounded on external interactive sensory detection, which is affected by memory and preference. Second, the emotion generation triggered by an initial motivation such as external stimulus is also influenced by the state in the previous time. Third, the competitive and cooperative relationship between emotion and motivation intervenes to make the decision of emotional expression and teaching actions. Finally, cognitive reappraisal, the emotion regulation strategy, is introduced for the establishment of emotion transition combined with personalized cognition. We display that this RECS increases the robot emotional interactive performance and makes corresponding teaching decision through behavioural and statistical analysis.
A Study on the Dynamic Responses and Joints Clearance Optimization of the Planar Operating Mechanism of High‐Voltage Circuit Breaker
Authors: Li Xiaofeng , Wu Shijing , Li Xiaoyong , Zhao Deng , Li Qiaoquan
Published: May 2019

The operating mechanism is responsible for a large part of machinery faults of high‐voltage circuit breaker, which plays a crucial role in the reliability of the power grid. It consists of multiple flexible links connected by revolute joints with inevitable clearances between adjacent links. Flexible links and joints clearance have negative effects on the performance of the whole mechanical system. In this study, the dynamic simulation model of the multiple links articulated operating mechanism is built, and its validity is testified by operation experiment. Then, numerical simulation investigations are implemented to analyze the effects of flexible links and joints clearance on the dynamic responses of the operating mechanism. The results demonstrate that both flexible links and joints clearance exert associated negative effects on the mechanism performance. Furthermore, aimed at improving the dynamic characteristics of the operating mechanism, the joints clearance sizes are selected as design variables, and correlated optimization works are performed. After that, the acceleration and reaction force curves of the mechanical system become smoother, and the amplitudes of the two curves are reduced distinctly.
Pharmacokinetics and Safety of Icotinib Hydrochloride Cream in Patients with Mild to Moderate Chronic Plaque Psoriasis: A Randomized Double-Blind Vehicle-Controlled Phase 1 Study
Authors: Liu Lunfei , Lou Honggang , Zhou Jiong , Shen Ying , Zheng Min , Ruan Zourong
Published: May 2019

Objective.This phase I study aimed to systematically assess the safety, local tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and preliminary efficacy of topical icotinib hydrochloride cream in patients with mild to moderate plaque psoriasis.Materials and Methods.Eligible Chinese adult patients with mild to moderate psoriasis were assigned to the icotinib cream or vehicle group. Icotinib cream with increasing concentrations (0.5%, 1.0%, 2.0%, and 4.0%) or vehicle were administered by the fingertip unit method to the skin lesions twice a day for 4 weeks. Safety assessments included the incidence and severity of adverse events (AEs), local tolerability at the treatment area, vital signs, and laboratory examinations. Plasma levels of icotinib were also measured for the pharmacokinetics calculation. The efficacy was preliminarily explored by assessing the improvement in the severity level using Target Plaque Severity Score (TPSS) and overall improvement using the Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) and Dermatological Quality Life Index.Results.Forty-one patients were enrolled and qualified for safety analysis. 27 (65.9%) patients experienced at least one AE, of which application-site adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were reported in 6 (14.6%) patients. All ADRs were of grade 1 or 2, most common irritation (4.5%), itching (3.1%), and erythema (2.4%), and resolved during follow-up. The systemic exposure to icotinib was very low; the highest plasma concentration was 0.214 ng/mL, while the area under the curve from 0 to 12 hours was 1.626 h·ng/mL. The TPSS improved for all icotinib groups after treatment in a dose- and time-dependent manner.Conclusion.This phase 1 study demonstrated favorable safety, tolerable toxicity, and preliminary efficacy of icotinib cream in patients with mild to moderate psoriasis. The dose concentration of 2.0% (twice daily based on the fingertip unit method) is recommended for further study.Study Design.This is a single-center, randomized, double-blind, and vehicle-controlled study.
Probability Mechanism Based Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm and Its Application in Resource-Constrained Project Scheduling Problems
Authors: Li Shuai , Zhang Zhicong , Yan Xiaohui , Zhang Liangwei
Published: May 2019

In this paper, a new probability mechanism based particle swarm optimization (PMPSO) algorithm is proposed to solve combinatorial optimization problems. Based on the idea of traditional PSO, the algorithm generates new particles based on the optimal particles in the population and the historical optimal particles in the individual changes. In our algorithm, new particles are generated by a specially designed probability selection mechanism. We adjust the probability of each child element in the new particle generation based on the difference between the best particles and the elements of each particle. To this end, we redefine the speed, position, and arithmetic symbols in the PMPSO algorithm. To test the performance of PMPSO, we used PMPSO to solve resource-constrained project scheduling problems. Experimental results validated the efficacy of the algorithm.
Exact Overlap Rate Analysis and the Combination with 4D BIM of Time‐Cost Tradeoff Problem in Project Scheduling
Authors: Ma Guofeng , Zhang Lingzhi
Published: May 2019

Schedulers can compress the schedule of construction projects by overlapping design and construction activities. However, overlapping may induce increased total cost with the decrease of duration. To solve the concurrency‐based time‐cost tradeoff problem effectively, this paper demonstrates an overlapping optimization algorithm that identifies an optimal overlapping strategy with exact overlap rates and generates the required duration at the minimum cost. The method makes use of overlapping strategy matrix (OSM) to illustrate the dependency relationships between activities. This method then optimizes the genetic algorithm (GA) to compute an overlapping strategy with exact overlap rates by means of overlapping and crashing. This paper then proposes an integrated framework of genetic algorithm and building information modeling (BIM) to prove the practice feasibility of theoretical research. The study is valuable to practitioners because the method allows establishing a compressed schedule which meets the limited budget within the contract duration. This article is also significant to researchers because it can compute the optimal scheduling strategy with exact overlap rates, crashing degree, and resources expeditiously. The usability and validity of the optimized method are verified by a test case in this paper.
Clinical Significance of Renal Allograft Protocol Biopsies: A Single Tertiary Center Experience in Malaysia
Authors: Fu Mei Sian , Lim Soo Jin , Jalalonmuhali Maisarah , Ng Kee Seong , Lim Soo Kun , Ng Kok Peng
Published: May 2019

Background. The role of protocol renal allograft biopsy in kidney transplantation is controversial due to the concern with procedural-related complications; however, its role is slowly evolving. Recent evidence suggests that protocol biopsy is useful in detecting subclinical renal pathology. Early recognition and treatment of renal pathologies can improve long-term outcomes of renal allografts.Methodology. A total of 362 renal allograft protocol biopsies were performed in adult recipients of kidney transplantation between 2012 and 2017. After excluding those with poor quality or those performed with a baseline serum creatinine level >200 umol/L, we analyzed 334 (92.3%) biopsies. Histology reports were reviewed and categorized into histoimmunological and nonimmunological changes. The immunological changes were subcategorized into the following: (1) no acute rejection (NR), (2) borderline changes (BC), and (3) subclinical rejection (SCR). Nonimmunological changes were subcategorized into the following: (1) chronicity including interstitial fibrosis/tubular atrophy (IFTA), chronic T-cell-mediated rejection (TCMR), unspecified chronic lesions, and arterionephrosclerosis, (2) de novo glomerulopathy/recurrence of primary disease (RP), and (3) other clinically unsuspected lesions (acute pyelonephritis, calcineurin inhibitors toxicity, postinfective glomerulonephritis, and BK virus nephropathy). Risk factors associated with SCR were assessed.Results. For the histoimmunological changes, 161 (48.2%) showed NR, 145 (43.4%) were BC, and 28 (8.4%) were SCR. These clinical events were more pronounced for the first 5 years; our data showed BC accounted for 59 (36.4%), 64 (54.2%), and 22 (40.7%) biopsies within <1 year, 1-5 years, and > 5 years, respectively (p = 0.011). Meanwhile, the incidence for SCR was 6 (3.7%) biopsies in <1 year, 18 (15.3%) in 1-5 years, and 4 (7.4%) in >5 years after transplantation (p=0.003). For the nonimmunological changes, chronicity, de novo glomerulopathy/RP, and other clinically unsuspected lesions were seen in 40 (12%), 10 (3%), and 12 (3.6%) biopsies, respectively. Living-related donor recipients were associated with decreased SCR (p=0.007).Conclusions. Despite having a stable renal function, our transplant recipients had a significant number of subclinical rejection on renal allograft biopsies.
Sleep Promoting Effects of IQP-AO-101: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Exploratory Trial
Authors: Bongartz Udo , Tan Bee-Kwan , Seibt Stephanie , Bothe Gordana , Uebelhack Ralf , Chong Pee-Win , Wszelaki Natalia
Published: May 2019

Objective. The purpose of this study was to explore the clinical benefit and tolerability of IQP-AO-101 in healthy subjects with sleep complaints. Methods. This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial involved fifty subjects with sleep complaints. Subjects with a Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score between 6 and 15 were randomized to receive either IQP-AO-101 or placebo for 6 weeks, following a run-in period of one week. Sleep parameters were assessed at baseline and after 1, 4, and 6 weeks using the modified Athens Insomnia Scale (mAIS). Subjects were also instructed to wear an activity tracker and keep a sleep diary during the study. Other questionnaires administered were the Frankfurt Attention Inventory (FAIR-2) and the Profile of Mood States (POMS-65). Blood samples for safety laboratory parameters were taken before and at the end of the study. Results. After 6 weeks, subjects who consumed IQP-AO-101 reported significant improvements in mAIS scores compared with placebo, including mAIS total score (11.76 ± 6.85 vs 4.00 ± 4.80; p < 0.001); night parameters composite score (5.20 ± 3.80 vs 2.04 ± 3.16; p = 0.001); and day parameters composite score (6.56 ± 4.10 vs 1.96 ± 2.65; p < 0.001). All individual parameters (Items 1 to 8) were also significantly improved from baseline after 6 weeks of IQP-AO-101 intake. Analysis of variance with baseline values as covariates showed statistically significant improvements across all individual parameters for IQP-AO-101 when compared to placebo. The measurements using the activity tracker, sleep diary, FAIR-2, and POMS did not reveal any significant differences between groups. No adverse effects related to the intake of IQP-AO-101 were reported. Tolerability was rated as very good by all the subjects and by the investigator for all cases. Conclusions. In this study, IQP-AO-101 was well tolerated and efficacious for promoting sleep and enhancing daytime performance in subjects with moderate sleep disturbances. Clinical Trial Registration. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, no. NCT03114696.
Effects of Porosity of Dry and Saturated Sandstone on the Energy Dissipation of Stress Wave
Authors: Li Yexue , Wang Jing
Published: May 2019

A SHPB experiment of porous sandstone was conducted to discuss the influencing principle of porosity on the energy dissipation of stress wave across dry and saturated porous sandstones. Changes in porosity before and after the SHPB experiment were analyzed by nuclear magnetic resonance. Results show that the number of wave peaks in the T2 spectrum before and after the impact test of sandstone is unchanged, but the wave peak value corresponding to small pores increases. This result indicates that the sandstone structure remains in the microcrack formation stage because the stress wave energy is adequate only for forming new microcracks but not for tearing pores and increasing pore diameter. Results further show that, at the same porosity, saturated sandstone consumes less energy than dry sandstone. With increased porosity, the energy dissipation of saturated sandstone decreases, whereas that of dry sandstone increases. This phenomenon can be explained based on three aspects. First, according to the fracture mechanics theory, the surface tension of water and Stefan effect significantly hinder crack expansion. Therefore, generating a new surface to dissipate stress wave energy of saturated sandstone is more difficult than that of dry sandstone under the same porosity. Second, during impact loading, saturated sandstone is in a nondrainage state, and its deformation can be viewed approximately as the sum of compressive deformation of sandstone and water. Water has smaller comprehensive deformation than sandstone. The deformation of saturated sandstone decreases with increased porosity, i.e., water content. Plastic deformation and the probability of new cracks decrease, so energy dissipation of saturated sandstone decreases. Third, with increased porosity, the dynamic strength of dry sandstone declines accordingly. Developing new cracks during loading to dissipate stress wave energy as surface energy is easy. Therefore, high porosity causes great energy dissipation.
Intra-Articular Injection of 2 Different Dosages of Autologous and Allogeneic Bone Marrow- and Umbilical Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Triggers a Variable Inflammatory Response of the Fetlock Joint on 12 Sound Experimental Horses
Authors: Bertoni Lélia , Branly Thomas , Jacquet Sandrine , Desancé Mélanie , Desquilbet Loïc , Rivory Pascaline , Hartmann Daniel-Jean , Denoix Jean-Marie , Audigié Fabrice , Galéra Philippe , Demoor Magali
Published: May 2019

Osteoarthritis is a significant and costly cause of pain for both humans and horses. The horse has been identified as a suitable model for human osteoarthritis. Regenerative therapy with allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is a promising treatment, but the safety of this procedure continues to be debated. The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety of intra-articular injections of allogeneic MSCs on healthy joints by comparing two different dosages and two different tissue sources, namely, bone marrow and umbilical cord blood, with a placebo treatment on the same individuals. We also assessed the influence of autologous versus allogeneic cells for bone marrow-derived MSC treatment. Twelve clinically sound horses were subjected to injections in their 4 fetlock joints. Each of the three fetlocks was administered a different MSC type, and the remaining fetlock was injected with phosphate-buffered saline as a control. Six horses received 10 million cells per joint, and the 6 other horses received 20 million cells per joint. Clinical and ultrasound monitoring revealed that allogeneic bone marrow-derived MSCs induced significantly more synovial effusion compared to umbilical cord blood-derived MSCs but no significant difference was noted within the synovial fluid parameters. The administration of 10 million cells in horses triggered significantly more inflammatory signs than the administration of 20 million cells. Mesenchymal stem cell injections induced mild to moderate local inflammatory signs compared to the placebo, with individual variability in the sensitivity to the same line of MSCs. Understanding the behavior of stem cells when injected alone is a step towards the safer use of new strategies in stem cell therapy, where the use of either MSC secretome or MSCs combined with biomaterials could enhance their viability and metabolic activity.
DREBGenes from Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgarisL.) Show Broad to Specific Abiotic Stress Responses and Distinct Levels of Nucleotide Diversity
Authors: Konzen Enéas Ricardo , Recchia Gustavo Henrique , Cassieri Fernanda , Caldas Danielle Gregorio Gomes , Berny Mier y Teran Jorge C. , Gepts Paul , Tsai Siu Mui
Published: May 2019

We analyzed the nucleotide variability and the expression profile ofDREBgenes from common bean, a crop of high economic and nutritional value throughout the world but constantly affected by abiotic stresses in cultivation areas. AsDREBgenes have been constantly associated with abiotic stress tolerance, we systematically categorized 54 putativePvDREBgenes distributed in the common bean genome. It involved from AP2 domain location and amino acid conservation analysis (valine at the 14thposition) to the identification of conserved motifs within peptide sequences representing six subgroups (A-1 to A-6) of PvDREB proteins. Four genes (PvDREB1F,PvDREB2A,PvDREB5A, andPvDREB6B) were cloned and analyzed for their expression profiles under abiotic stresses and their nucleotide and amino acid diversity in genotypes of Andean and Mesoamerican origin, showing distinct patterns of expression and nucleotide variability.PvDREB1FandPvDREB5Ashowed high relative inducibilities when genotypes of common bean were submitted to stresses by drought, salt, cold, and ABA.PvDREB2Ainducibility was predominantly localized to the stem under drought.PvDREB6Bwas previously described as an A-2 (DREB2) gene, but a detailed phylogenetic analysis and its expression profile clearly indicated it belongs to group A-6.PvDREB6Bwas found as a cold- and dehydration-responsive gene, mainly in leaves. Interestingly,PvDREB6Balso showed a high nucleotide and amino acid diversity within its coding region, in comparison to the others, implicating in several nonsynonymous amino acid substitutions between Andean and Mesoamerican genotypes. The expression patterns and nucleotide diversity of eachDREBfound in this study revealed fundamental characteristics for further research aimed at understanding the molecular mechanisms associated with drought, salt, and cold tolerance in common bean, which could be performed based on association mapping and functional analyses.
Predicting CO2 Permeation through an Enhanced Ionic Liquid Mixed Matrix Membrane (IL3M)
Authors: Mohshim Dzeti F. , Mukhtar Hilmi , Dutta Binay K. , Man Zakaria
Published: May 2019

Ionic liquid mixed matrix membranes (IL3Ms) were synthesized using polyethersulfone (PES) as the base polymer and silica-aluminophosphate (SAPO-34) as the dispersed particles, and their CO2 permeation was investigated. Three of the most widely used models for gas separation—the Maxwell, Lewis–Nielson, and Maxwell–Wagner–Sillar (MWS) models—were then applied to the membranes. Large deviations were found between the model predictions and experimental data. FESEM images suggested that local agglomeration and disorientation of the SAPO-34 particles within the membrane afforded substantial changes in the morphology. The MWS model, which considers the shape factor, was modified to incorporate the volume fraction of the wetted dispersed phase and the ideal shape factor. A direct relationship was found between the filler concentration and the shape factor. The modified model was shown to produce absolute and relative errors of less than 3%. When validated against data from the literature, the deviation remained within 5%. The modified model can be used to estimate the gas permeance of an IL3M.
Technological Advancement and the Economic Benefit of Indonesian Rain-Fed Farming Development
Authors: Sulaiman A. A. , Candradijaya A. , Syakir M.
Published: May 2019

The contribution of rain-fed farming to national food production in Indonesia has yet to be optimal. The major constraint has been limited water supply, where it relies exclusively on the rainfall, and hence its planting index (PI) is still low, on average only 1.05. The establishment of water management system to support rain-fed fields with the introduction of suitable cultivation techniques (gogo rancah, walik jerami, super jarwo, and ratoon paddy) is known to be effective in rain-fed farming. Further, the use of drought-tolerant paddy variety and changing cropping pattern to focus on paddy, maize, and soybean would potentially improve the food production capacity in Indonesia. This study has shown these interventions, when applied to the existing 4 million ha rain-fed fields, are estimated to increase annual rice production by 16.7 million tons. The production of maize and soybean is also expected to increase by 3.7 million tons and 0.98 million tons per year, respectively. It is beyond the scope of this study, however, to consider the actual benefit felt by rain-fed smallholder farmers. Future research with farmers as its focus and the capacity of Indonesian institutions toward rain-fed farming thus will contribute further to the rain-fed farming development in Indonesia. This article shares a strategy in maximising the contribution of the currently available 4 million hectares of rain-fed land to the national food production, and hence sustainable food self-sufficiency in Indonesia.
Color Stability of a New Rice Husk Composite in Comparison with Conventional Composites after Exposure to Commonly Consumed Beverages in Malaysia
Authors: Raja Kacharaju Kranthi , Hari Padmini , Chin Melissa Queen Kha , Singbal Kiran , Fareez Ismail M.
Published: May 2019

Objective. To evaluate the color stability of a new organic rice husk nanocomposite as compared to four conventional composites after exposure to commonly consumed beverages in Malaysia. Methods. One hundred and twenty-five disk samples were prepared from a new rice husk-based composite and four other conventional methacrylate-based light-cured composites of shade A2. The samples were immersed in four commonly consumed beverages: coco-based drink, kopi, Chinese tea, and teh tarik for four weeks. The color measurements were carried out every week using the reflectance spectrophotometer according to the CIE L∗a∗b∗ color system. Color changes of samples (ΔE) in each week were calculated. Statistical analysis was carried out by performing a mixed ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test in order to analyse the differences in ΔE. Results. The findings revealed a statistically significant difference of ΔE reading (p<0.05) among all composites immersed in all four beverages after four weeks. Rice husk composites exhibited lesser color stability as compared to Ceram.X One Universal (p<0.001) and G-aenial Universal Flo (p<0.001) but showed higher color stability compared to Solare-X (p<0.001) and Neofil (p<0.001). Coffee and Chinese tea had the most significant impact on color changes (p<0.05) observed in all composites over four weeks of study. Conclusion. Rice husk composite showed acceptable color stability. It can be considered as an alternative to conventional composites due to its eco-friendly properties.
Two-Stroke Thermodynamic Cycle Optimization of a Single-Cylinder Free-Piston Engine Generator
Authors: Yu Houliang , Xu Zhaoping , Zhang Qinglin , Liu Liang , Hua Ru
Published: May 2019

A free-piston engine generator (FPEG) is a new type of energy converter, which eliminates the crankshaft and connecting rod mechanism. In order to achieve efficient energy conversion, the two-stroke thermodynamic performance optimization of a single-cylinder free-piston engine generator is investigated in this paper. Firstly, the components, four-stroke thermodynamic cycle, two-stroke thermodynamic cycle, and prototype system of the FPEG are presented in detail. The one-dimensional flow simulation model of the FPEG is created based on the gas dynamics equation, Weber combustion function, and heat transfer function, and then the model is validated by the data tested from the prototype system. According to the four-stroke experimental results of the FPEG, an effective power of 4.75 kW and a peak pressure of 21.02 bar have been obtained. Then, the two-stroke thermodynamic cycle is simulated and compared under the different control parameters of intake air pressure, injection timing, ignition timing, and valve timing through the simulation model. The optimized results show that an indicated thermal efficiency of 27.6%, an indicated power of 6.7 kW, and a maximal working frequency of 25 Hz can be achieved by the prototype system, when the two-stroke thermodynamic cycle is used.
Subloading Surface Model and Experimental Study of Coal Failure under Cyclic Loading
Authors: Liu Si-fei , Wan Zhi-jun , Wang Jing-chao , Lu Shuai-feng , Li Tong-huan
Published: May 2019

The fatigue damage of rock is an important factor affecting the stability of rock structure. In this paper, the mechanical response of coal under cyclic loading was studied. In order to accurately describe the deformation characteristics of coal under cyclic loading, an elastic-plastic model of coal based on the theory of subloading surface was established and verified by experiments. The model can well reflect the Mancin effect and ratcheting effect of coal samples, which is basically consistent with the actual deformation characteristics of coal, and the theoretical value and experimental value are in good agreement. At the same time, the cyclic response characteristics of specimens under strain load disturbance were analyzed. The results show that the specific strain disturbance can only cause a certain damage to coal and the area of hysteresis loop decreases first, then stabilizes, and then increases as the number of cycles increases. In addition, the damage factor Dn in the model was analyzed in this paper. Dn, which can accurately describe the damage process of coal, accurately locate the time point of disturbance load change, and has greater sensitivity to coal failure, is helpful to improve the accuracy of the stability judgment of coal structure and ensure the safety of engineering. The above results are of great significance for strengthening the understanding of coal mass instability process and mode under cyclic loading.
The TP53 Apoptotic Network Is a Primary Mediator of Resistance to BCL2 Inhibition in AML Cells
Authors: Nechiporuk Tamilla , Kurtz Stephen E. , Nikolova Olga , Liu Tingting , Jones Courtney L. , D'Alessandro Angelo , Culp-Hill Rachel , d'Almeida Amanda , Joshi Sunil K. , Rosenberg Mara , Tognon Cristina E. , Danilov Alexey V. , Druker Brian J. , Chang Bill H. , McWeeney Shannon K , Tyner Jeffrey W.
Published: May 2019

To study mechanisms underlying resistance to the BCL2 inhibitor venetoclax in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), we used a genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 screen to identify gene knockouts resulting in drug resistance. We validated TP53, BAX, and PMAIP1 as genes whose inactivation results in venetoclax resistance in AML cell lines. Resistance to venetoclax resulted from an inability to execute apoptosis driven by BAX loss, decreased expression of BCL2, and/or reliance on alternative BCL2 family members such as BCL2L1. The resistance was accompanied by changes in mitochondrial homeostasis and cellular metabolism. Evaluation of TP53 knockout cells for sensitivities to a panel of small-molecule inhibitors revealed a gain of sensitivity to TRK inhibitors. We relate these observations to patient drug responses and gene expression in the Beat AML dataset. Our results implicate TP53, the apoptotic network, and mitochondrial functionality as drivers of venetoclax response in AML and suggest strategies to overcome resistance.

Significance:

AML is challenging to treat due to its heterogeneity, and single-agent therapies have universally failed, prompting a need for innovative drug combinations. We used a genetic approach to identify genes whose inactivation contributes to drug resistance as a means of forming preferred drug combinations to improve AML treatment.

See related commentary by Savona and Rathmell, p. 831.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 813
Conservative Care, Dialysis Withdrawal, and Palliative Care: Results from a Survey of a Non-Profit Dialysis Provider in Germany
Authors: Pommer Wolfgang , Wagner Sarah , Thumfart Julia
Published: May 2019

Background: In Germany, practice patterns of conservative renal care (CRC), dialysis withdrawal (DW), and concomitant palliative care in patients who choose these options are unknown. Method: A survey was designed including 13 structured and one open questions on the management and frequency of CRC and DW, local palliative care structure, and fundamentals of the decision-making process, and addressed to the head physicians of all renal centers (n = 193) of a non-profit renal care provider (KfH – Kuratorium für Dialyse und Nierentransplantation, Neu-Isenburg, Germany). Results: Response rate was 62.2% (n = 122 centers) comprising 14,197 prevalent dialysis patients and 159,652 renal outpatients. Two-thirds of the respondents were men (85% in the age group between 45 and 64 years). Mean time of experience in renal medicine was 22.2 years in men, 20.8 years in women. 94% of all centers provided CRC with a different frequency and proportion of patients (mean 8.4% of the center population, median 5%, range 0–50%). Mean proportion of DW was 2.85% per year (median 2%, range 1–15%). Physicians and center features were not significantly associated with utilization of CRC or DW. Palliative care management varied including local palliative teams, support by general physicians, or by the renal team itself. Hospice care was only established in patients undergoing CRC. Fundamentals of the decision-making process were the desire of the patient (90% in CRC, 67% in DW). Patients undergoing CRC changed their opinion towards treatment modality “frequently” in 18% of the cases, “occasionally” in 73%. Physicians’ decisions were mostly driven by presumed fatal prognosis and poor physical or mental conditions of the individual patient. Different barriers to provide palliative care for the renal population like lack of education in palliative medicine, shortness of staff, lack of financial resources, and local palliative care structures were reported. Conclusion: Compared to international numbers, in Germany, proportion of CRC and DW reported by non-profit renal centers is in the lower range. Center practice of palliative care management varies and is driven by availability of local palliative care resources and presumably by attitudes of the renal teams. Quality of palliative care and the decision-making process need further evaluation.
Weak Lips? A Possible Merger of /i:/ and /y:/ in Gothenburg
Authors: Gross Johan , Forsberg Julia
Published: May 2019

Background/Aims:
This study investigates a possible merger in the early stages between /i:/ and /y:/ among young speakers in Gothenburg, Sweden.
Methods:
(1) A large-scale online perception experiment testing listeners’ abilities to identify the two vowels and (2) acoustic analysis of 705 vowels from 19 speakers.
Results:
The perception study shows that listeners classify the horizontally centralized /y:/ as /i:/, both in isolated vowel items and in items containing the full word. This indicates that /y:/ is moving into the perceptual space of /i:/. Listeners also classify the unmerged /y:/ as /i:/ when listening to [y:] in isolation, indicating that lip rounding is a perceptually weak feature, for this centralized vowel, in this variety. The acoustic analysis shows that /i:/ tends to be produced as [ɨ:], and that there is no acoustic difference between /i:/ and /y:/ in measurements correlated with the first two formants, i.e. lip rounding is the most important distinctive feature.
Conclusion:
Results point in the direction of an incipient vowel merger, following a merger-by-approximation model. These results indicate a lack of perceptual strength of an articulatory feature in the disappearing phoneme, namely lip rounding, and the consequent perceptual similarities between the horizontally centralized [ɨ:] and /y:/.