bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
WOUND HEALING PROPERTIES OF SWIETENIA MAHAGONI SEED EXTRACTED USING SCCO2: AN IN VITRO STUDY
Authors: Hartati Hartati , Salleh Liza Md , Idris Irma Suryani , Azis Andi Asmawati
Published: December 2018

Swietenia mahagoni seed has been traditionally used as a wound healing agent. The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro healing properties of Swietenia mahagoni seed extract. A supercritical carbon dioxide (SCCO2) extract of Swietenia mahagoni seeds was tested regarding its ability to stimulate the growth of human skin fibroblasts (HSF 1184) in vitro using the colorimetric methylthiazol tetrazolium (MTT) assay and scratch assay in a selected range of extract concentrations. The results show that the Swietenia mahagoni seed extract at a concentration of 0.01 mg/mL was able to stimulate the growth of human skin fibroblasts. The scratch assay showed that all of the extracts led to a significantly higher percentage of wound closure compared to the control. The wound healing capabilities of Swietenia mahagoni seed extract may be due to its fibroblast stimulation activity, which may promote repair of the wounded dermis. Thus, it may serve as a good herbal component to incorporate into products designed to promote wound healing.
IDENTIFICATION OF GASTROINTESTINAL HELMINTHS INFECTION FROM GOATS ISOLATED IN A FARM IN KUANTAN, PAHANG, MALAYSIA
Authors: Mohd Azlan Mawaddah , Mat Yusof Afzan , Mohammad Mardhiah
Published: December 2018

Livestock is a group of domesticated animal that is reared in an agricultural setting. It usually served as a source of income for most peoples in Malaysia. However, the productions of this livestock especially goats have been decreasing due to the occurrence of gastrointestinal helminths infection. The aim of this study was to identify the presence and species of gastrointestinal helminths from 120 fecal samples collected directly from the rectum of goats from a farm located in Kuantan, Pahang. Firstly, the physical observation was evaluated on all goats. Then, their fecal sample was examined within 96 hours using Formal-ether Sedimentation method for the morphological characteristics identification of gastrointestinal helminthic species under the microscope. This study has identified the majority of goats with a good physical condition, that they have no sign of blood loss and have appropriate body frame. However, the microscopic identification has revealed 89 from the total samples positive with gastrointestinal helminths species while 76 of the positive showed presence of mixed species. The species found were Haemonchus contortus, Trichostrongylus spp., Trichuris ovis, Oesophagostomum spp., Ostertagia spp., and Strongyloides papillosus. This high infection of gastrointestinal helminths observed in goats is related to an impaired immune system, poor farm management, and uncontrolled anthelmintic treatment. The presence of various species of gastrointestinal helminths within a goat is an important cause of morbidity and loss of production. Therefore, this study suggested the need for an effective system of management, diagnosis and appropriate treatment that can reduce the risk of infection and increase the productivity of the animals. Â Â
EFFECT OF pH ON ADSORPTION OF ORGANIC ACIDS AND PHENOLIC COMPOUNDS BY AMBERLITE IRA 67 RESIN
Authors: Hashim Haslaniza , Wan Ahmad Wan Yaacob , Zubairi Saiful Irwan , Maskat Mohamad Yusof
Published: December 2018

Adsorption of model solution containing organic acids (octanoic and hexanoic acid) and phenolic compounds (rutin, scopoletin and quercetin) on a weak base anion exchange Amberlite IRA 67 resin was studied in a model system. This research was carried out to understand the effect of pH on single and multicompounds studied for its further use in actual system (fruit system). It was shown that the pH dependence of adsorption capacity of weak base anion exchange Amberlite IRA 67 resin had similar increasing trend on organic acids (hexanoic and octanoic acid) and phenolic compounds (rutin, scopoletin and quercetin) studied as pH values increased. In single solution of each phenolic compound, it was observed that total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (FRAP and DPPH) gave highest values closer to neutral pH regime. The pH dependence of adsorption capacity in multicompounds solution also showed similar trend for organic acid compounds. Similar trend was also found in multicompounds solution of phenolic compounds in total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (FRAP and DPPH). The findings obtained in this study will help to gain better understanding of the complex mechanisms of ion exchange resin and adsorption process involving multicompounds system.
CRYSTAL ENGINEERING OF QUERCETIN BY LIQUID ASSISTED GRINDING METHOD
Authors: Athiyah Umi , Kusuma Putu Andika , Tutik Tutik , Lestari Maria L. A. D. , Isadiartuti Dewi , Paramita Diajeng Putri , Setyawan Dwi
Published: December 2018

Quercetin has been proposed to exhibit numerous pharmacological benefits yet suffer low bioavailability due to the extremely low solubility. A research to study the impact of cocrystallization of quercetin with succinic acid on the solubility and dissolution profile has been performed. Cocrystallization in molar stoichiometry of 1:1 was carried out via liquid assisted grinding with methanol in ball milling apparatus. Cocrystal formation was identified by hot stage microscopy (HSM) at first, then cocrystal phase was characterized using differential thermal analysis (DTA), powder X-ray diffractometry (PXRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Solubility and dissolution test were conducted as well. DSC thermogram exhibits new endothermic peak at 280.32°C representing the melting point of cocrystal phase alongside with endothermic point of pure compounds. Powder X-ray diffractograms show new diffraction peaks on behalf of cocrystal formation at 2θ=8.92, 9.88, 13.04, 29.78, 35.35°. FT-IR spectroscopy reveals band shifting in –OH group region. On SEM photographs, one can observe crystal habit of succinic acid being covered by crystal with different habit. This indicates that quercetin interacts with succinic acid only on the surfaces and causes imperfect formation of cocrystal phase. Cocrystallization quercetin improves solubility by 1.62 times higher and dissolution rate by 1.25 higher than pure quercetin (one-way ANOVA, p < 0.05).
A Genre and Multimodal Analysis of Milk Formula Advertisements in a Local Parenting Magazine
Authors: Yong Yong Lee , Cheong Yin Mei Cecilia
Published: December 2018

The interplay of language and images is no longer uncommon in advertisements. This is particularly true for milk formula advertisements. Strategically used and effectively applied, these elements can persuade readers to desire the products. In this book chapter, the communicative purposes and rhetorical structure of milk formula advertisements will be presented. This is also followed by the strategies used on the multimodal features where the compositional meaning metafunction in shaping the milk formula advertisements will be discussed.
Inducible nitric oxide synthase‐derived nitric oxide reduces vagal satiety signalling in obese mice
Authors: Yu Yang , Park Sung Jin , Beyak Michael J.
Published: December 2018

Key points

Obesity is associated with disrupted satiety regulation. Mice with diet‐induced obesity have reduced vagal afferent neuronal excitability and a decreased afferent response to satiety signals. A low grade inflammation occurs in obesity with increased expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS).

Inhibition of iNOS in diet‐induced obese mice restored vagal afferent neuronal excitability, increased the afferent response to satiety mediators and distention of the gut, and reduced short‐term energy intake.

A prolonged inhibition of iNOS reduced energy intake and body weight gain during the first week, and reduced amounts of epididymal fat after 3 weeks.

We identified a novel pathway underlying disrupted satiety regulation in obesity. Blocking of this pathway might be clinically useful for the management of obesity.

Vagal afferents regulate feeding by transmitting satiety signals to the brain. Mice with diet‐induced obesity have reduced vagal afferent sensitivity to satiety signals. We investigated whether inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)‐derived NO contributed to this reduction. C57BL/6J mice were fed a high‐ or low‐fat diet for 6–8 weeks. Nodose ganglia and jejunum were analysed by immunoblotting for iNOS expression; NO production was measured using a fluorometric assay. Nodose neuron excitability and intestinal afferent sensitivity were evaluated by whole‐cell patch clamp and in vitro afferent recording, respectively. Expression of iNOS and production of NO were increased in nodose ganglia and the small intestine in obese mice. Inhibition of iNOS in obese mice by pre‐treatment with an iNOS inhibitor increased nodose neuron excitability via 2‐pore‐domain K+ channel leak currents, restored afferent sensitivity to satiety signals and reduced short‐term energy intake. Obese mice given the iNOS inhibitor daily for 3 weeks had reduced energy intake and decreased body weight gain during the first week, compared to mice given saline, and lower amounts of epididymal fat at the end of 3 weeks. Inhibition of iNOS or blocking the action of iNOS‐derived NO on vagal afferent pathways might comprise therapeutic strategies for hyperphagia and obesity.
Impact of Blade Flexibility on Wind Turbine Loads and Pitch Settings
Authors: Zhu Xiaocheng , Chen Jinge , Shen Xin , Du Zhaohui
Published: December 2018

Along with the upscaling tendency, lighter and so more flexible wind turbine blades are introduced for reducing material and manufacturing costs. The flexible blade deforms under aerodynamic loads and in turn affects the flow field, arising the aeroelastic problems. In this paper, the impacts of blade flexibility on the wind turbine loads, power production, and pitch actions are discussed. An advanced aeroelastic model is developed for the study. A free wake vortex lattice model instead of the traditionally used blade element momentum (BEM) method is used to calculate the aerodynamic loads, and a geometrically exact beam theory is adopted to compute the blade structural dynamics. The flap, lead-lag bending, and torsion degrees-of-freedom (DOFs) are all included and nonlinear effects due to large deflections are considered. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 5 MW reference wind turbine is analyzed. It is found that the blade torsion deformations are significantly affected by both the aerodynamic torsion moment and the sectional aerodynamic center offset with respect to the blade elastic axis. Simulation results further show that the largest bending deflection of the blade occurs at the rated wind speed, while the torsion deformation in toward-feather direction continuously increases along with the above-rated wind speed. A significant reduction of the rotor power is observed especially at large wind speed when considering the blade flexibility, which is proved mainly due to the blade torsion deformations instead of the pure-bending deflections. Lower pitch angle settings are found required to maintain the constant rotor power at above-rated wind speeds.
The Aftermath of Bronchoconstriction
Authors: O'Sullivan Michael J. , Lan Bo
Published: December 2018

Asthma is characterized by chronic airway inflammation, airway remodeling, and excessive constriction of the airway. Detailed investigation exploring inflammation and the role of immune cells has revealed a variety of possible mechanisms by which chronic inflammation drives asthma development. However, the underlying mechanisms of asthma pathogenesis still remain poorly understood. New evidence now suggests that mechanical stimuli that arise during bronchoconstriction may play a critical role in asthma development. In this article, we review the mechanical effect of bronchoconstriction and how these mechanical stresses contribute to airway remodeling independent of inflammation.
Tunable Two-Way Unidirectional Acoustic Diodes: Design and Simulation
Authors: Chen Yingjie , Wu Bin , Su Yipin , Chen Weiqiu
Published: December 2018

Predeformation simultaneously changes the effective material stiffness as well as the geometric configuration and therefore may be utilized to tune wave propagation in soft phononic crystals (PCs). Moreover, the band gaps of soft PCs, as compared with those of the hard ones, are more sensitive to the external mechanical stimuli. A one-dimensional tunable soft acoustic diode based on soft functionally graded (FG) PCs is proposed. The two-way asymmetric propagation behavior is studied at the resonant frequency within the band gap. Numerical results show that the operating frequency (i.e., the resonant peak) of the soft graded acoustic diode can be altered by adjusting the mechanical biasing fields (including the longitudinal prestress and the lateral equibiaxial tension). The adjustment becomes significant when the strain-stiffening effect of the Gent hyperelastic material is properly harnessed. Furthermore, the prestress or equibiaxial tension can affect the two-way filtering of the soft FG PC in a separate and different manner. In addition, it is much easier to realize the tunable acoustic diode by exploiting soft FG materials with stronger compressibility. It is shown that the introduction of acoustic impedance is beneficial for predicting the tunable effects. The simulations and conclusions should provide a solid guidance for the design of tunable two-way unidirectional acoustic diodes made from soft hyperelastic materials.
Amplitude Death Induced by Intrinsic Noise in a System of Three Coupled Stochastic Brusselators
Authors: Díaz-Hernández O. , Ramírez-Álvarez Elizeth , Flores-Rosas A. , Enriquez-Flores C. I. , Santillán M. , Padilla-Longoria Pablo , Escalera Santos Gerardo J.
Published: December 2018

In this work, we study the interplay between intrinsic biochemical noise and the diffusive coupling, in an array of three stochastic Brusselators that present a limit-cycle dynamics. The stochastic dynamics is simulated by means of the Gillespie algorithm. The intensity of the intrinsic biochemical noise is regulated by changing the value of the system volume (Ω), while keeping constant the chemical species' concentration. To characterize the system behavior, we measure the average spike amplitude (ASA), the order parameter R, the average interspike interval (ISI), and the coefficient of variation (CV) for the interspike interval. By analyzing how these measures depend on Ω and the coupling strength, we observe that when the coupling parameter is different from zero, increasing the level of intrinsic noise beyond a given threshold suddenly drives the spike amplitude, SA, to zero and makes ISI increase exponentially. These results provide numerical evidence that amplitude death (AD) takes place via a homoclinic bifurcation.
MRI-TRUS fusion guided prostate biopsy – initial experience and assessment of the role of contralateral lobe systematic biopsy
Authors: Andras Iulia , Crisan Dana , Cata Emanuel , Tamas-Szora Attila , Caraiani Cosmin , Coman Radu-Tudor , Bungardean Catalina , Mirescu Claudiu , Coman Ioan , Crisan Nicolae
Published: December 2018

Aims: To present our initial experience and results of MRI-TRUS fusion guided prostate biopsy and assess the role of contralateral lobe systematic biopsy.Material and method: A number of 119 patients with clinical or biochemical suspicion for prostate cancer (PCa) were included. All patients harbored at least one PIRADS score ≥ 3 lesion and underwent MRI-TRUS fusion guided biopsy, as well as a concurrent systematic biopsy. The biopsy was performed by the same operator, using a rigidregistration software system.Results: The mean age of the patients was 62.2 years. The mean pre-biopsy PSA was 9.15 ng/dl. The diagnosis rate of MRI-TRUS fusion guided biopsy was 47% for overall PCa and 29.4% for clinically significant (cs) PCa. A higher PIRADS score was significantly associated with the presence of overall and csPCa. MRI-TRUS fusion guided biopsy had a higher percentage of positive biopsy cores (51% vs 29%), higher likelihood of csPCa (OR 5.36, p=0.008) and upgrading (14.8%) in comparison with systematic biopsy but missed 6.7% csPCa. The contralateral lobe systematic biopsy could have been avoided without losing the PCa diagnosis all patients with PIRADS score 5, both in initial and repeat biopsy setting. Anterior and transitional lesions were more likely to be diagnosed only by targeted cores.Conclusion: MRI-TRUS guided prostate biopsy improves the detection of PCa, but systematic biopsy is still essential. In selected cases (PIRADS 5), contralateral lobe systematic biopsy can safely be avoided. Pre-biopsy mpMRI might reduce the number of biopsy sessions in patients with anterior and transitional lesions.
The Accuracy of the Placement of Wearable Monitors to Classify Sedentary and Stationary Time Under Free-Living Conditions
Authors: Flórez-Pregonero Alberto , Buman Matthew S. , Ainsworth Barbara E.
Published: December 2018

Background: Published accelerometer cut-points have limited accuracy in measuring sedentary (SED) and stationary time (STA) despite hip or wrist placement. Few studies have evaluated established cut-points to measure SED and STA in free-living settings. Methods: This study evaluated published uniaxial and triaxial cut-points of accelerometers and identified optimal cut-points to measure SED and STA. Twenty participants, ages 18–65, wore three ActiGraph GT3X+ (one on each wrist and the waist) and two GENEActiv accelerometers (one on each wrist) for one weekday and one weekend day during simultaneous direct observation of movement. ActiGraph uniaxial cut-points (50, 100, 150, and 500 counts per minute [cpm]) and GENEActiv vector magnitude cut-points (VMCP; 217 and 386 cpm) were compared against the criterion measure of direct observation. As compared to the criterion, accuracy was determined with mean percent error, Bland-Altman plots, kappa coefficient, sensitivity, and specificity. Receiver operating characteristic curves identified cut-points with greatest discrimination to detect SED and STA. Results: For the GENEActiv, the 217 VMCP was most accurate for measuring SED and STA regardless of which arm wore the monitor. The ActiGraph was most accurate worn on the right hip using 100 and 150 uniaxial cpm to measure STA and 50 cpm to measure SED. Optimal ActiGraph VMCP cut-points to classify SED and STA were ActiGraph 2,000 cpm (left-wrist) and 63 cpm (right hip), respectively. Conclusion: Accuracy of ActiGraph uniaxial cut-points and GENEActiv VMCP is limited in assessing SED in free-living settings. Newer cut-points may increase the accuracy of measuring SED and STA from monitors in free-living settings.
Spatially structured cell populations process multiple sensory signals in parallel in intact vascular endothelium
Authors: Lee Matthew D. , Wilson Calum , Saunter Christopher D. , Kennedy Charles , Girkin John M. , McCarron John G.
Published: December 2018

Clusters of endothelial cells exhibit distinct sensitivities to different agonists and cooperate to process multiple signals.
Controlling chemokine secretion
Authors: Williams Erin R.
Published: December 2018

Activating the ion channel activity of TRPML2 on endosomes promotes cytokine secretion by macrophages.
Therapeutic hypothermia for mild neonatal encephalopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kariholu Ujwal , Montaldo Paolo , Markati Theodora , Lally Peter J , Pryce Russell , Teiserskas Justinas , Liow Natasha , Oliveira Vânia , Soe Aung , Shankaran Seetha , Thayyil Sudhin
Published: December 2018

Objectives

To examine if therapeutic hypothermia reduces the composite outcome of death, moderate or severe disability at 18 months or more after mild neonatal encephalopathy (NE).

Data source

MEDLINE, Cochrane database, Scopus and ISI Web of Knowledge databases, using ‘hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy’, ‘newborn’ and ‘hypothermia’, and ‘clinical trials’ as medical subject headings and terms. Manual search of the reference lists of all eligible articles and major review articles and additional data from the corresponding authors of selected articles.

Study selection

Randomised and quasirandomised controlled trials comparing therapeutic hypothermia with usual care.

Data extraction

Safety and efficacy data extracted independently by two reviewers and analysed.

Results

We included the data on 117 babies with mild NE inadvertently recruited to five cooling trials (two whole-body cooling and three selective head cooling) of moderate and severe NE, in the meta-analysis. Adverse outcomes occurred in 11/56 (19.6%) of the cooled babies and 12/61 (19.7%) of the usual care babies (risk ratio 1.11 (95% CIs 0.55 to 2.25)).

Conclusions

Current evidence is insufficient to recommend routine therapeutic hypothermia for babies with mild encephalopathy and significant benefits or harm cannot be excluded.
Assessment of resistance of nasal continuous positive airway pressure interfaces
Authors: Green Elys Alexandra , Dawson Jennifer Anne , Davis Peter G , De Paoli Antonio G , Roberts Calum Timothy
Published: December 2018

Objective

To compare the resistance of interfaces used for the delivery of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in neonates, as measured by the generated system pressure at fixed gas flows, in an in vitro setting.

Design

Gas flows of 6, 8 and 10 L/min were passed through three sizes of each of a selection of available neonatal nasal CPAP interfaces (Hudson prong, RAM Cannula, Fisher & Paykel prong, Infant Flow prong, Fisher & Paykel mask, Infant Flow mask). The expiratory limb was occluded and pressure differential measured using a calibrated pressure transducer.

Results

Variation in resistance, assessed by mean pressure differential, was seen between CPAP interfaces. Binasal prong interfaces typically had greater resistance at the smallest assessed sizes, and with higher gas flows. However, Infant Flow prongs produced low pressures (<1.5 cmH2O) at all sizes and gas flows. RAM Cannula had a high resistance, producing a pressure >4.5 cmH2O at all sizes and gas flows. Both nasal mask interfaces had low resistance at all assessed sizes and gas flows, with recorded pressure <1 cmH2O in all cases.

Conclusions

There is considerable variation in measured resistance of available CPAP interfaces at gas flows commonly applied in clinical neonatal care. Use of interfaces with high resistance may result in a greater drop in delivered airway pressure in comparison to set circuit pressure, which may have implications for clinical efficacy. Device manufacturers and clinicians should consider CPAP interface resistance prior to introduction into routine clinical care.
Hepatitis Service Provision at HMP Birmingham: Progressing a Previous Service Improvement Plan
Authors: Arif Tooba
Published: December 2018

Introduction

Hepatitis B is a vaccine-preventable disease, and hepatitis C is amenable to treatment. Both are highly prevalent in the prison population. This project provides a comprehensive evaluation of current hepatitis services at Her Majesty’s Prison Birmingham, assessing progress since previous work and proposing further suggestions for improvement.

Methods

A review of hepatitis services was undertaken in 2013, in the context of underperformance against national targets. This revealed that the hepatitis B vaccination and hepatitis C testing coverage was 22% and 0%, respectively. A resulting service improvement plan included interventions such as the development of a bloodborne virus (BBV) policy, implementing opt-out testing and introducing dried blood spot testing for ease of administration. In 2015, national guidelines were used to evaluate current practice, with comparison to previous practice. The indicators assessed included BBV policy, vaccination and testing protocols, prisoner education and reporting of results. Discussions were held with prison stakeholders to address areas that required development, producing a revised action plan.

Results

Hepatitis services were available to all prisoners starting their sentence in 2015, n=4998. Testing was offered on an opt-out basis to all entrants, increasing the testing coverage by 7.6% from 2013. Vaccination was offered to 57% of entrants, with coverage slightly lower than 2013, largely due to prisoner refusal. In light of this, many strategies were devised to educate prisoners, increase opportunities to receive testing and vaccination, and decrease the risk of patients being lost to follow-up. An update in 2016 saw progress in many of these areas.

Discussion

Being in prison provides offenders with stability in their lifestyle and easier access to healthcare services. By optimising these services in line with national guidance, and implementing specific strategies to encourage uptake of hepatitis testing and vaccination, we may be better able to serve this vulnerable sector of the population.
Care bundles for acute kidney injury: a balanced accounting of the impact of implementation in an acute medical unit
Authors: Logan Rachael , Davey Peter , Davie Alison , Grant Suzanne , Tully Vicki , Valluri Achyut , Bell Samira
Published: December 2018

In 2009, a National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death report detailed significant shortcomings in recognition and management of patients with acute kidney injury (AKI). As part of a national collaborative to reduce harm from AKI, the Scottish Patient Safety Programme developed two care bundles to improve response (‘SHOUT’) and review (‘BUMP’) of AKI.

Baseline data from eight patients with AKI on the acute medical unit (AMU) in Ninewells Hospital showed 62% compliance with SHOUT. However, most patients were transferred from AMU within 24 hours so BUMP could not be assessed. Our aim was to achieve >95% compliance with SHOUT on AMU within 2 months. The content of the SHOUT bundle was condensed onto a sticker for the case notes, which was implemented using Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles. Compliance was assessed weekly and feedback obtained from stakeholders concerning their opinion of the sticker, SHOUT bundle and care bundles in general.

Use of the sticker was 27% in week 1 but fell to 5% by week 4. Compliance with the bundle varied from 45% to 60% and was only slightly improved by use of the sticker (OR 1.58, 95% CI 0.39 to 6.42). Staff found the sticker burdensome and did not agree that all elements of SHOUT were equally important. This opinion was supported by finding that their compliance with sepsis and hypovolaemia recommendations was 91%–100% throughout, whereas urinalysis was documented in only 55%–63% of patients. Several staff mentioned ‘bundle fatigue’ and on one day we identified 22 other care bundles or structured improvement forms in AMU.

We concluded that the AMU staff had legitimate concerns about the SHOUT care bundle and that our intervention was demotivating. Overcoming bundle fatigue will not be a simple task. We plan to work with staff on integrating AKI into patient safety huddles and on using modelling and recognition of good practice to improve motivation.
Serum metabolites detect the presence of advanced fibrosis in derivation and validation cohorts of patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Caussy Cyrielle , Ajmera Veeral H , Puri Puneet , Hsu Cynthia Li-Shin , Bassirian Shirin , Mgdsyan Mania , Singh Seema , Faulkner Claire , Valasek Mark A , Rizo Emily , Richards Lisa , Brenner David A , Sirlin Claude B , Sanyal Arun J , Loomba Rohit
Published: December 2018

Objective

Non-invasive and accurate diagnostic tests for the screening of disease severity in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) remain a major unmet need. Therefore, we aimed to examine if a combination of serum metabolites can accurately predict the presence of advanced fibrosis.

Design

This is a cross-sectional analysis of a prospectivederivationcohort including 156 well-characterised patients with biopsy-proven NAFLD and twovalidationcohorts, including (1) 142 patients assessed using MRI elastography (MRE) and(2) 59 patients with biopsy-proven NAFLD with untargeted serum metabolome profiling.

Results

In thederivationcohort, 23 participants (15%) had advanced fibrosis and 32 of 652 analysed metabolites were significantly associated with advanced fibrosis after false-discovery rate adjustment. Among the top 10 metabolites, 8 lipids (5alpha-androstan-3beta monosulfate, pregnanediol-3-glucuronide, androsterone sulfate, epiandrosterone sulfate, palmitoleate, dehydroisoandrosterone sulfate, 5alpha-androstan-3beta disulfate, glycocholate), one amino acid (taurine) and one carbohydrate (fucose) were identified. The combined area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of the top 10 metabolite panel was higher than FIB--4 and NAFLD Fibrosis Score (NFS) for the detection of advanced fibrosis: 0.94 (95% CI 0.897 to 0.982) versus 0.78 (95% CI0.674 to 0.891), p=0.002 and versus 0.84 (95% CI 0.724 to 0.929), p=0.017, respectively. The AUROC of the top 10 metabolite panel remained excellent in the independent validation cohorts assessed by MRE or liver biopsy: c-statistic of 0.94 and 0.84, respectively.

Conclusion

A combination of 10 serum metabolites demonstrated excellent discriminatory ability for the detection of advanced fibrosis in anderivationand two independentvalidationcohorts with greater diagnostic accuracy than the FIB-4-index and NFS. This proof-of-concept study demonstrates that a non-invasive blood-based diagnostic test can provide excellent performance characteristics for the detection of advanced fibrosis.
A management strategy evaluation of the commercial sockeye salmon fishery in Bristol Bay, Alaska
Authors: Cunningham Curry J. , Anderson Christopher M. , Wang Jocelyn Yun-Ling , Link Michael , Hilborn Ray
Published: December 2018

Bristol Bay, Alaska, is home to the largest sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) fishery in the world, harvesting an average of 25 million fish with an ex-vessel value exceeding US$100 million annually. Daily fishing effort is adaptively managed to achieve stock-specific escapement goals. Traditional methods for defining these goals relied on stock–recruitment analysis; however, this approach often ignores three fundamental sources of uncertainty: estimation error, implementation uncertainty, and time-varying recruitment dynamics. To compare escapement goal alternatives, we conducted a management strategy evaluation that simulated time-varying recruitment across production regimes and replicated the daily in-season management process. Results indicate (i) implementation uncertainty can be reasonably approximated with simple rules reflecting fishery managers’ daily decision process; (ii) despite implementation uncertainty, escapement goals are likely to be realized or exceeded, on average; and (iii) management strategies targeting escapement levels estimated by traditional methods to produce maximum sustainable yield may result in lower catch and greater variability in fishing opportunity compared with a strategy with defining high and low escapement goals that are targeted depending on assessed run size, which may maximize future catch while reducing the frequency of extremely low harvests.
Fungal pathogens pose a potential threat to animal and plant health in desertified and pika-burrowed alpine meadows on the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Li Yaoming , Jiang Lili , Lv Wangwang , Cui Shujuan , Zhang Lirong , Wang Qi , Meng Fandong , Li Bowen , Liu Peipei , Suonan Ji , Renzeng Wangmu , Li Xine , Luo Caiyun , Zhang Zhenhua , Dorji Tsechoe , Wang Yanfen , Wang Shiping
Published: December 2018

Intact Tibetan meadows provide significant defense against soil-borne pathogen dispersal. However, dramatic meadow degradation has been observed due to climate change and pika damage, but their impacts on soil-borne pathogens are still unclear. With approximately 40% of the world’s population living in Tibetan Plateau and its downstream watersheds, this lack of knowledge should be of great concern. Here, we used Illumina amplicon sequencing to characterize the changes in potential human, domestic animal, plant, and zoonotic bacterial and fungal pathogens in nondegraded, desertified, and pika-burrowed meadows. The relative abundance of bacterial domestic animal pathogens and zoonotic pathogens were significantly increased by desertification. Pika burrowing significantly increased the relative abundance of bacterial human pathogens and zoonotic pathogens. The species richness and relative abundance of fungal pathogens was significantly increased by desertification and pika burrowing. Accordingly, fungal plant and animal pathogens categorized by FUNGuid significantly increased in desertified and pika-burrowed meadows. Soil chemical and plant properties explained 38% and 64% of the bacterial and fungal pathogen community variance, respectively. Therefore, our study indicates for the first time that both alpine meadow desertification and pika burrowing could potentially increase infectious disease risks in the alpine ecosystem, especially for fungal diseases.
Regular Connected Bipancyclic Spanning Subgraphs of Torus Networks
Authors: Lu Miao , Zhang Shurong , Yang Weihua
Published: December 2018

It is well known that an [Formula: see text]-dimensional torus [Formula: see text] is Hamiltonian. Then the torus [Formula: see text] contains a spanning subgraph which is 2-regular and 2-connected. In this paper, we explore a strong property of torus networks. We prove that for any even integer [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text], the torus [Formula: see text] contains a spanning subgraph which is [Formula: see text]-regular, k-connected and bipancyclic; and if [Formula: see text] is odd, the result holds when some [Formula: see text] is even.
Specific features of penetration and trapping of a magnetic flux in film and bulk YBCO high-temperature superconductors
Authors: Rostami Kh. R.
Published: December 2018

An oscillatory differential method of local diagnostics of superconductors is applied to the analysis of the trapped magnetic flux and the effective demagnetization factor in YBCO samples. Regular steps over certain intervals of the external field are observed on the magnetic-field dependence of these parameters. It is demonstrated that, as the external field increases, crystallites in a sample are decomposed into sub- and nanocrystallites with a size much less than the penetration depth [Formula: see text] of the magnetic field. The first critical thermodynamic magnetic fields of sub- and nanocrystallites are determined. These results allow one to reveal the interaction mechanism between magnetic and crystalline microstructures of superconductors and provide a deeper insight into the physical processes that occur in high-temperature superconductors (HTSCs) in a magnetic field.
Current transport for a spatially periodic potential system with color noises
Authors: Ning Lijuan , Wang Jie
Published: December 2018

The transport of an underdamped particle driven by an external force in a periodic asymmetric potential with color noises is investigated. The corresponding mathematical model is established. By the method of the numerical simulation, we present the movement of the steady current of underdamped particles. Different parameters have different influences on current transport, such as increasing or decreasing. It is shown that the cooperations among the external force and the noises parameter lead to the phenomena: when the external force is not zero, the large external force may cause the large current value or the absolute value of the current. The current value is due to the effect of the cooperations of external force and noise parameter.
Effect of plate thickness on the fatigue crack growth rate of a low carbon bainitic steel
Authors: Li RenDong , Chen Hui , Liang Ying , Zhao Xu
Published: December 2018

An investigation has been conducted to figure out the effect of plate thickness on the fatigue crack growth rate (FCGR) of a low carbon bainitic steel. Based on the standard ASTM E647, standard compact tension specimens with three different plate thicknesses were used in fatigue crack growth test and the crack closure was taken into consideration when calculating crack lengths. When analyzing the data obtained in fatigue tests, two different mathematic models were used to fit the relationship curve between crack length a and cycle number N. Results show that the low carbon bainitic steel with a bigger plate thickness has a lower crack growth rate in a short crack growing period. More information for crack growth behavior was obtained via the scanning electron microscope technique.
Research on evolution law of material comprehensive performance of S38C steel for high speed railway axle
Authors: Wang Yuguang , Liu Xiyang , Li Zhongwen , Xu Xiaojun , Peng Jinfang , Zhu Minhao
Published: December 2018

In order to understand the evolution law of material comprehensive performance of S38C steel for high speed railway axle, the new axle and other one were characterized after serving 4.3 million kilometers. In this paper, the surface morphology and microstructure were observed and the hardness, tensile properties, residual stress were examined. Results show that fretting fatigue wear happened on the 4.3 million-kilometer axle and the damage of the wheel seat surface was relatively serious. After the high-frequency quenching, a dense martensitic structure was formed on the surface of the axle, which improved the strength and hardness of the axle surface. The surface hardness and cross-section hardness distribution of the two axles were basically consistent. There was little difference in tensile mechanical performance of the two axles. But, the tensile mechanical property of the material in the surface quenching zone was much higher than that of the central matrix material. After the axle was serviced for 4.3 million kilometers, the residual stress both on the surface and in the cross-section at the wheel seat increased.
Study on the Modeling Method of Knowledge Base System in Web Environment
Authors: Jiang Qing , Xiao Zhengxing , Ru Cuiping , Zhang Zhengyong , Wang Liusan , Wang Rujing , Huang He , Li Bin , Yin Yanxin , Huang Xiaoping
Published: December 2018

A knowledge model for knowledge base system in the Web environment is proposed, which includes problem description layer and knowledge layer. A knowledge base is made up of a set of knowledge models. Knowledge models are used to support knowledge representation and reasoning. Visual knowledge modeling tool and visual knowledge service tool based on Web environment realize the construction of knowledge base system in Web environment. The knowledge base system supports the construction of agricultural expert system. By comparison with CommonKADS, it is proved that this method can improve the efficiency of knowledge acquisition, management and maintenance in Web environment. This method also has the reference significance to the construction of the knowledge base system in the Web environment in other domains.
Non-Riemannian description of Robinson–Trautman spacetimes in Brans–Dicke theory of gravity
Authors: Adak Muzaffer , Dereli Tekin , Şenikoğlu Yorgo
Published: December 2018

The variational field equations of Brans–Dicke scalar-tensor theory of gravitation are given in a non-Riemannian setting in the language of exterior differential forms over four-dimensional spacetimes. A conformally rescaled Robinson–Trautman metric together with the Brans–Dicke scalar field are used to characterize algebraically special Robinson–Trautman spacetimes. All the relevant tensors are worked out in a complex null basis and given explicitly in an appendix for future reference. Some special families of solutions are also given and discussed.
Uncertainty Handling in Bilevel Optimization for Robust and Reliable Solutions
Authors: Lu Zhichao , Deb Kalyanmoy , Sinha Ankur
Published: December 2018

Uncertainties in variables and parameters cause optimization problems to move away from globally-optimal and uncertain solutions. Practitioners resort to finding robust and reliable solutions in such situations. Bilevel optimization problems involving a hierarchy of two nested optimization problems have received a growing attention in the recent past due to their relevance in practice. While a number of studies on bilevel solution methodologies and applications are available for a deterministic setup, but studies on uncertainties in bilevel optimization are rare. In this paper, we suggest methodologies for handling uncertainty in both lower and upper level variables that may occur from different practicalities. For the first time, we perform a systematic study demonstrating the effect of uncertainties in each level along with the definition of robustness and reliability in the context of bilevel optimization. The issues and complexities introduced due to such uncertainties are then studied through a number of test cases, for brevity, we only show results on three test cases. Finally, two real-world bilevel problems involving uncertainties in their variables are solved. The study provides foundations and demon- strates viable directions for further research in uncertainty-based bilevel optimization problems.
Dealing with Inliers in Feature Vector Data
Authors: Kumar Dheeraj , Ghafoori Zahra , Bezdek James C. , Leckie Christopher , Ramamohanarao Kotagiri , Palaniswami Marimuthu
Published: December 2018

Inliers (bridge points) between clusters degrade the ability of many algorithms to find clusters in numerical data. We present three new approaches to the detection and removal of inliers. Two approaches are based on Local Outlier Factor (LOF) scores. We also discuss using LOF scores for an isolation Nearest Neighbour Ensemble (iNNE) approach to inlier detection. The third approach uses MaxiMin (MM) sampling to remove both inliers and outliers. We compare the three approaches on a synthetic and two real-life datasets. The failure of single linkage clustering due to the existence of bridging points is used as a means for evaluating the relative effectiveness of the three methods. We also show how inliers can degrade the quality of images built by the improved Visual Assessment of Tendency (iVAT) algorithm, which provides a visual representation of potential single linkage clusters in the data.
On the Fusion of Multiple Measure Based Belief Structures
Authors: Yager Ronald R.
Published: December 2018

We introduce the concept of a fuzzy measure and describe the process of combining fuzzy measures to form new measures. We discuss the role of fuzzy measures in modeling uncertain information and its use in modeling granular uncertain information with the aid of measure based belief structures. We turn to the problem of fusing multiple measure based belief structures. First we look at the case when the belief structures being fused have the same focal elements. Then we turn to case where the structures being fused have different focal elements. Finally we compare measure-based fusion with Dempster’s rule.
Computing with Words: Revisiting the Qualitative Scale
Authors: Zuheros Cristina , Li Cong-Cong , Cabrerizo Francisco Javier , Dong Yucheng , Herrera-Viedma Enrique , Herrera Francisco
Published: December 2018

Computing with Words (CW) is a methodology which takes an essential role in decision making problems, thus the first aim of this paper is to highlight the importance of CW in decision making. There are many proposals of CW models that can be classified in two main fields: approaches based on membership functions and approaches based on qualitative scales. This paper focuses on the qualitative scales since it provides a closer environment to human knowledge and more accurate results avoiding a loss of information. An analysis and discussion of the qualitative scales of linguistic values in CW for decision making is provided. Finally, we highlight the open challenges for the qualitative scales in linguistic decision making.
Information-Based Analysis of the Relation Between Visual Stimuli and Human Eye Movements
Authors: Namazi Hamidreza , Daneshi Asieh , Shirzadian Touraj , Azarnoush Hamed , Jafari Sajad
Published: December 2018

Analysis of the influence of external stimuli on human eye movements is an important challenge in vision research. In this paper, we investigate the influence of applied visual stimuli on variations of eye movements. For this purpose, we employ information theory, which provides us with tools such as Shannon entropy as the indicator of information content of process. This study for the first time reveals the relation between the information content of eye movements and the information content of visual stimuli. Based on the performed analysis, the information content of eye movements time series shifts toward the information content of applied visual stimuli, where the greater variation in Shannon entropy of visual stimuli causes the greater variation in the Shannon entropy of eye movements time series. The observed behavior is explained through nervous system. As a rehabilitation purpose, the employed methodology in this research can be investigated in case of patients with vision problems, with the aim of improving patients’ vision.
Real-variable characterizations of Orlicz-slice Hardy spaces
Authors: Zhang Yangyang , Yang Dachun , Yuan Wen , Wang Songbai
Published: December 2018

In this paper, the authors first introduce a class of Orlicz-slice spaces which generalize the slice spaces recently studied by Auscher et al. Based on these Orlicz-slice spaces, the authors then introduce a new kind of Hardy-type spaces, the Orlicz-slice Hardy spaces, via the radial maximal functions. This new scale of Orlicz-slice Hardy spaces contains the variant of the Orlicz–Hardy space of Bonami and Feuto as well as the Hardy-amalgam space of de Paul Ablé and Feuto as special cases. Their characterizations via the atom, the molecule, various maximal functions, the Poisson integral and the Littlewood–Paley functions are also obtained. As an application of these characterizations, the authors establish their finite atomic characterizations, which further induce a description of their dual spaces and a criterion on the boundedness of sublinear operators from these Orlicz-slice Hardy spaces into a quasi-Banach space. Then, applying this criterion, the authors obtain the boundedness of [Formula: see text]-type Calderón–Zygmund operators on these Orlicz-slice Hardy spaces. All these results are new even for slice Hardy spaces and, moreover, for Hardy-amalgam spaces, the Littlewood–Paley function characterizations, the dual spaces and the boundedness of [Formula: see text]-type Calderón–Zygmund operators on these Hardy-type spaces are also new.
Symmetry operators and exact solutions of a type of time-fractional Burgers–KdV equation
Authors: Naderifard Azadeh , Hejazi S. Reza , Dastranj Elham , Motamednezhad Ahmad
Published: December 2018

In this paper, group analysis of the fourth-order time-fractional Burgers–Korteweg–de Vries (KdV) equation is considered. Geometric vector fields of Lie point symmetries of the equation are investigated and the corresponding optimal system is found. Similarity solutions of the equation are presented by using the obtained optimal system. Finally, a useful method called invariant subspaces is applied in order to find another solutions.