bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of HTST Thermal Treatments on End-Use Quality Characteristics of Goat Milk
Authors: Prasantha B. D. Rohitha , Wimalasiri K. M. S.
Published: December 2019

Goat milk samples were pasteurized at high-temperature (72°C, 75°C, and 81°C) and in short-time (15 s and 25 s) combinations. Physical, chemical and microbial qualities of the pasteurized milk samples were evaluated 0, 2, 3, and 4 weeks of storage at 4°C. Despite the different thermal treatments, specific-gravity and viscosity were comparatively stable immediately after pasteurization (IAP). The viscosity of pasteurized milk at 81°C showed significant increase (P<0.05) from 1.58 ± 0.18 to 2.30 ± 0.15 mPa s during four weeks of storage. Relative lightness “L” value decreased by about 10% during the storage period of 81°C pasteurization samples. Acidity increased with heat treatment irrespective of holding time, but in 81°C pasteurized sample higher acidity was developed at end of the storage. Fat oxidation 2-3 times higher at 81°C than 72°C pasteurized samples. Total protein (TP%) and nonprotein nitrogen contents were stable IAP but TP reduced significantly (P<0.05) at two weeks storage. The whey protein denaturation increased with pasteurization treatments and storage time. Antioxidant activity of raw goat milk was 34.8 ± 5.01 μmol l−1 and was decreased by 20–43% IAP compared to raw milk samples, but gradually increased during storage. IAP, mesophilic counts were in the range of 980–110 cfu ml−1 (72°C/15–81°C/25 s) and increased from 2236 to 680 cfu ml−1 samples stored at 4 weeks. Results showed that best quality stability of pasteurized goat milk achieved by heat treatments between 72°C/25 s and 75°C/25 s heat treatments up to 3 weeks of storage under 4°C.
Overexpression of MALAT1 Relates to Lung Injury through Sponging miR-425 and Promoting Cell Apoptosis during ARDS
Authors: Wang Lu , Liu Jiao , Xie Wenjie , Li Guang , Yao Lan , Zhang Rui , Xu Bin
Published: December 2019

Background. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a severe form of acute lung injury during which severe inflammatory responses induce cell apoptosis, necrosis, and fibrosis. Metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) is a multiple function long noncoding RNA that was found overexpressed during acute lung injury. However, the roles of MALAT1 in ARDS patients are still unknown.Methods. Total RNA was extracted from the plasma, plasma exosome, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 65 ARDS patients and 36 healthy controls. The MALAT1 and six candidate miRNAs levels were detected by qRT-PCR. The interaction between MALAT1 and miR-425 was predicted using a bioinformatics tool and verified by dual luciferase assay. Exosomes from ARDS patients were cultured with A549 and HFL-1 cells to confirm the delivery of miR-425 by exosomes. Cell apoptosis and viability were determined by flow cytometry and MTT assay.Results. We found MALAT1 was significantly increased in the ARDS patients’ plasma and PBMCs. The MALAT1 level in PBMCs was negatively correlated with exosomal miR-425 level. MALAT1 interacted with miR-425 and protected phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) expression in A549 and HFL-1 cells. Exosomes from ARDS patients delivered less miR-425 into A549 and HFL-1 cells and induced cell apoptosis via upregulating PTEN.Conclusion. This study identified increased MALAT1 and decreased miR-425 in ARDS patients and unveiled their roles during the pathogenesis of ARDS.
Kaempferol Promotes Apoptosis While Inhibiting Cell Proliferation via Androgen-Dependent Pathway and Suppressing Vasculogenic Mimicry and Invasion in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Da Jun , Xu Mingxi , Wang Yiwei , Li Wenfeng , Lu Mujun , Wang Zhong
Published: December 2019

Kaempferol is a well-known natural flavonol reported to be a potential treatment for multiple cancers. In this study, we demonstrated that cell growth of androgen-sensitive LNCaP cells could be inhibited 33% by 5 μM kaempferol, around 60% by 10 μM kaempferol, and almost 100% by 15 μM kaempferol. Also, kaempferol showed relatively limited effect on PC-3 cells and nonmalignant RWPE-1 cells. In the presence of DHT, the IC50 for kaempferol was 28.8±1.5 μM in LNCaP cells, 58.3±3.5 μM in PC-3 cells, and 69.1±1.2 μM in RWPE-1 cells, respectively. Kaempferol promotes apoptosis of LNCaP cells in a dose-dependent manner in the presence of dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Then, luciferase assay data showed that kaempferol could inhibit the activation of androgen receptors induced by DHT significantly. The downstream targets of androgen receptors, such as PSA, TMPRSS2, and TMEPA1, were found decreased in the presence of kaempferol in qPCR data. It was then confirmed that the protein level of PSA was decreased. Kaempferol inhibits AR protein expression and nuclear accumulation. Kaempferol suppressed vasculogenic mimicry of PC-3 cells in an in vitro study. In conclusion, kaempferol is a promising therapeutic candidate for treatment of prostate cancer, where the androgen signaling pathway as well as vasculogenic mimicry are involved.
The Herb-Drug Pharmacokinetic Interaction of Fluoxetine and Its Metabolite Norfluoxetine with a Traditional Chinese Medicine in Rats by LC-MS/MS
Authors: Yan Lijing , Wang Sheng , Zhao Linlin , Qiu Juan , Zhou Lu , Wang Wenbo , Xu Xia , Wang Dongsheng , Qiu Xinjian , Qin Dilan
Published: December 2019

Background. Fluoxetine (FLU) is the first-line and widely used medication for depression. The combination of Chaihu Shugan san (CSGS) and FLU is commonly used to enhance antidepressant effects and reduce side effects. Objective. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the potential pharmacokinetic effect of CSGS on FLU. Materials and Methods. Thirty-two healthy adult male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into four groups, the fluoxetine group and multiple dose groups A, B, and C. The rats in the different groups were orally administered with a combination of FLU and different doses of CSGS for 14 d. On the fifteenth day, serial blood samples were taken from the caudal vein before the administration and at 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 24, 36, and 48 h after the administration. A liquid-liquid extraction method was applied to extract the analytes from serum. Then, the concentrations of FLU and its metabolite, norfluoxetine (NOF), were determined using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by DAS 3.2.8 program and compared by statistic analysis. Results. Compared with the FLU group, the FLU and NOF area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) (0–∞) in multiple dose group C was significantly increased, while the NOF AUCs (0–∞) in multiple dose group A and multiple dose group B were decreased. Compared with the FLU group, the NOF clearance (CL) in multiple dose group C was decreased, while the CL in multiple dose groups A and B was increased. Discussion and Conclusion. There were some differences in pharmacokinetic parameters between the FLU group and multiple dose groups, and CSGS can affect the pharmacokinetics of fluoxetine.
The Characteristics of Oil Occurrence and Long-Distance Transportation due to Injected Fluid in Tight Oil Reservoirs
Authors: Yang Liu , Yang Jun , Gao Jian , Zhang Xuhui
Published: December 2019

In tight oil reservoirs, the injected fluid needs to travel a long distance to expel oil from the micro/nano-size pores to natural fractures or man-made fractures. The flow characteristics of injected fluid are not known well due to the long distance displacement and complex pore structure. In this study, the tight reservoir samples are from typical tight oilfield of China and the oil distribution characteristics are studied based on mineral composition, physical properties and pore size distribution. The long core displacement experiment is conducted based on injection of water, N2, and CO2, which aims to study the individual flooding feasibility. The results show that the oil mainly distributes in the form of spots and accumulates in the micro/nano-pores. Both oil spots and clay minerals have associated characteristics. The microfractures are not the storage space for oil spots, but can connect the oil spots to improve the mobility of the crude oil. In addition, the oil can achieve long distance migration under the injection of water, N2, and CO2, which presents different pressure distribution characteristics. The reservoir pressure of water flooding decreases first and increases later with displacement time. The reservoir pressure of N2 flooding rises gradually over displacement time. The reservoir pressure of CO2 flooding increases first and decreases over displacement time. In contrast to water flooding, N2, and CO2 can increase the reservoir energy, which contributes to tight oil production. In comparison, CO2 has better performances than N2 in terms of oil displacement efficiency. The study contributes to understanding the oil distribution characteristics and provides the guidance for field trials using different flooding techniques.
Common Fixed Point Theorems on Generalized Ratio Contraction Mapping in Extended Rectangular b-Metric Spaces
Authors: Nurwahyu Budi
Published: December 2019

In this paper, we propose and prove the common fixed point theorems on generalized contraction mappings in extended rectangular b-metric spaces by utilizing the weakly compatible function property.
Construction of New S-Box Using Action of Quotient of the Modular Group for Multimedia Security
Authors: Shahzad Imran , Mushtaq Qaiser , Razaq Abdul
Published: December 2019

Substitution box (S-box) is a vital nonlinear component for the security of cryptographic schemes. In this paper, a new technique which involves coset diagrams for the action of a quotient of the modular group on the projective line over the finite field is proposed for construction of an S-box. It is constructed by selecting vertices of the coset diagram in a special manner. A useful transformation involving Fibonacci sequence is also used in selecting the vertices of the coset diagram. Finally, all the analyses to examine the security strength are performed. The outcomes of the analyses are encouraging and show that the generated S-box is highly secure.
Etiology and Clinical Presentation of Disorders of Sex Development in Kenyan Children and Adolescents
Authors: Amolo Prisca , Laigong Paul , Omar Anjumanara , Drop Stenvert
Published: December 2019

Objective. The purpose of this study was to describe baseline data on etiological, clinical, laboratory, and management strategies in Kenyan children and adolescents with Disorders of Sex Development (DSD). Methods. This retrospective study included patients diagnosed with DSD who presented at ages 0–19 years from January 2008 to December 2015 at the Kenyatta National (KNH) and Gertrude’s Children’s (GCH) Hospitals. After conducting a search in the data registry, a structured data collection sheet was used for collection of demographic and clinical data. Data analysis involved description of the frequency of occurrence of various variables, such as etiologic diagnoses and patient characteristics. Results. Data from the records of 71 children and adolescents were reviewed at KNH (n = 57, 80.3%) and GCH (n = 14, 19.7%). The mean age at the time of diagnosis was 2.7 years with a median of 3 months. Thirty-nine (54.9%) children had karyotype testing done. The median age (IQR) of children with reported karyotypes and those without was 3.3 years (1.3–8.9) and 8.3 years (3.6–12.1), respectively (p=0.021). Based on karyotype analysis, 19 (48.7%) of karyotyped children had 46,XY DSD and 18 (46.2%) had 46,XX DSD. There were two (5.1%) children with sex chromosome DSD. Among the 71 patients, the most common presumed causes of DSD were ovotesticular DSD (14.1%) and CAH (11.3%). Majority (95.7%) of the patients presented with symptoms of DSD at birth. The most common presenting symptom was ambiguous genitalia, which was present in 66 (93.0%) patients either in isolation or in association with other symptoms. An ambiguous genitalia was initially observed by the patient’s mother in 51.6% of 62 cases despite the high rate (84.7%) of delivery in hospital. Seventeen (23.9%) of the cases had a gender reassignment at final diagnosis. A psychologist/psychiatrist or counselor was involved in the management of 23.9% of the patients. Conclusion. The commonest presumed cause of DSD was ovotesticular DSD in contrast to western studies, which found CAH to be more common. Investigation of DSD cases is expensive and needs to be supported. We would have liked to do molecular genetic analysis outside the country but financial challenges made it impossible. A network for detailed diagnostics in resource-limited countries would be highly desirable. There is a need to train health care workers and medical students for early diagnosis. Psychological evaluation should be carried out for all patients at diagnosis and support given for families.
Antimicrobial and Substantivity Properties of Silver Nanoparticles against Oral Microbiomes Clinically Isolated from Young and Young-Adult Patients
Authors: Espinosa-Cristóbal León Francisco , Holguín-Meráz Carolina , Zaragoza-Contreras Erasto Armando , Martínez-Martínez Rita Elizabeth , Donohue-Cornejo Alejandro , Loyola-Rodríguez Juan Pablo , Cuevas-González Juan Carlos , Reyes-López Simón Yobanny
Published: December 2019

The dental plaque is an oral microbiome hardly associated to be the etiological agent of dental caries and periodontal disease which are still considered serious health public problems. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have demonstrated to have good antimicrobial properties affecting a wide variety of microorganisms, including oral bacteria; however, there is no scientific information that has evaluated the antimicrobial effect of AgNPs against clinical oral biofilms associated with dental caries and periodontal disease. The aim of this study was to determine the antimicrobial and substantivity effects of AgNPs in oral biofilms isolated clinically from patients with dental caries and periodontal disease. Sixty-seven young and young-adult subjects with dental caries and periodontal disease were clinically sampled through the collection of subgingival dental plaque. The inhibitory effect of AgNPs was performed with standard microbiological assays by triplicate using two sizes of particle. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was used to identify the presence of specific bacterial species. All AgNPs showed an inhibitory effect for all oral biofilms for any age and, generally, any gender (p>0.05); however, the effectiveness of the antimicrobial and substantivity effects was related to particle size, time, and gender (p<0.05). The identified microorganisms wereS. mutans,S. sobrinus,S. sanguinis,S. gordonii,S. oralis,P. gingivalis,T. forsythia, andP. intermedia. The AgNPs could be considered as a potential antimicrobial agent for the control and prevention of dental caries and periodontal disease.
PM2.5 Exposure in the Respiratory System Induces Distinct Inflammatory Signaling in the Lung and the Liver of Mice
Authors: Jeong Soi , Park Sang A , Park Inwon , Kim Pilhan , Cho Nam Hoon , Hyun Jin Won , Hyun Young-Min
Published: December 2019

Fine particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) is a harmful air pollutant currently threatening public health. Although many studies have been performed on the general negative effects of PM2.5 in mice and humans, the migration patterns of various immune cells in response to PM2.5 exposure remain unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the immune cell migratory response in the lung and the liver of intratracheally PM2.5-inoculated mice. To investigate the migration trajectory of immune cells in the lung and the liver tissues of mice, we employed microscopic tools including two-photon intravital imaging, histological analysis, and transmission electron microscopy. Our data from two-photon intravital imaging showed that there was no significant difference in the number of infiltrated neutrophils in the lung and the liver of PM2.5-treated mice, compared to the nontreated condition. However, from the histological analysis and the transmission electron microscopy after vascular perfusion to remove intravascular leukocytes, we observed that some leukocytes were frequently observed in the lung and the liver of PM2.5-treated mice. Interestingly, quantification of leukocyte population using flow cytometry showed significant increase of neutrophils and macrophages in the lung, but not much in the liver, 24 h post-PM2.5 treatment. These data imply that two-photon intravital imaging of the lung and the liver actually visualized neutrophils, which were adherent to the luminal side of the vasculature. We then conducted mRNA microarray analysis to further observe how PM2.5 affects gene expression patterns in the lung and the liver. PM2.5 treatment changed the mRNA expression associated with the IL-17 signaling pathway in the lung and changed the mRNA expression associated with metabolic pathways in the liver. In summary, these results suggest that the immune response in the lung is distinctly regulated from that in the liver under acute PM2.5-induced inflammation and that these organs consequently are regulated via distinct signaling pathways.
The Impact of Step Recommendations on Body Composition and Physical Activity Patterns in College Freshman Women: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Bailey Bruce W. , Bartholomew Ciera L. , Summerhays Caleb , Deru Landon , Compton Sharla , Tucker Larry A , LeCheminant James D. , Hicks Joseph
Published: December 2019

Purpose. Transitioning from high school to college generally results in reduced physical activity and weight gain at a rate that is higher than the general population. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of three progressively higher step recommendations over 24 weeks on changes in body weight and body composition. Methods. Ninety-two freshmen college women wore a multifunction pedometer for 24 weeks after being randomly assigned to a daily step level: 10,000, 12,500, or 15,000. Pedometer data were downloaded every two weeks and participants were counseled on meeting their step recommendation. Body weight and body composition were assessed at baseline and 24 weeks. Body composition was assessed by dual X-ray absorptiometry. Results. On average, women took 10,786 ± 1501, 12,650 ± 2001, and 13,762 ± 2098 steps per day for the 10,000-, 12,500-, and 15,000-step groups, respectively (F = 15.48, P<0.0001). Participants gained 1.4 ± 2.6, 1.8 ± 2.1, and 1.4 ± 2.1 kg for the 10,000-, 12,500-, and 15,000-step groups, respectively (F = 37.74, P<0.0001). Weight gain was not significantly different between groups (F = 0.18, P=0.8385). There was also no difference in fat weight gain (F = 0.41, P=0.7954). Discussion. A step recommendation beyond 10,000 does not prevent weight or fat gain over the first year of college. Future research should focus on either intensity of physical activity or the addition of dietary interventions to prevent weight gain during the first year of college.
Application of Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (Rusle) Model to Assess Soil Erosion in “Kalu Ganga” River Basin in Sri Lanka
Authors: Panditharathne D. L. D. , Abeysingha N. S. , Nirmanee K. G. S. , Mallawatantri Ananda
Published: December 2019

Soil erosion is one of the main forms of land degradation. Erosion contributes to loss of agricultural land productivity and ecological and esthetic values of natural environment, and it impairs the production of safe drinking water and hydroenergy production. Thus, assessment of soil erosion and identifying the lands more prone to erosion are vital for erosion management process. Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (Rusle) model supported by a GIS system was used to assess the spatial variability of erosion occurring atKalu Gangariver basin in Sri Lanka. Digital Elevation Model (30 × 30 m), twenty years’ rainfall data measured at 11 rain gauge stations across the basin, land use and soil maps, and published literature were used as inputs to the model. The average annual soil loss inKalu Gangariver basin varied from 0 to 134 t ha−1year−1and mean annual soil loss was estimated at 0.63 t ha−1year−1. Based on erosion estimates, the basin landscape was divided into four different erosion severity classes: very low, low, moderate, and high. About 1.68% of the areas (4714 ha) in the river basin were identified with moderate to high erosion severity (>5 t ha−1year−1) class which urgently need measures to control soil erosion. Lands with moderate to high soil erosion classes were mostly found inBulathsinghala,Kuruwita, andRathnapuradivisional secretarial divisions. Use of the erosion severity information coupled with basin wide individual RUSLE parameters can help to design the appropriate land use management practices and improved management based on the observations to minimize soil erosion in the basin.
NFIL3 Acts as a Nuclear Factor to Increase Osteosarcoma Progression
Authors: Xu Jiaxing , Xu Gongping , Zhang Tingxin , Chen Tiantian , Zhao Wei , Wang Guangyou
Published: December 2019

Purpose. Osteosarcoma is one of the most common primary malignant, aggressive bone neoplasms. However, the mechanisms of osteosarcoma proliferation, migration, and invasion are not well understood. To explore the possible mechanism of osteosarcoma progression, we used a public database for gene analysis to identify the possible factors that are important in osteosarcoma progression. Nuclear factor interleukin 3 (NFIL3) regulated was highly expressed in sarcoma tissues. In this study, we meant to probe the function of NFIL3 in osteosarcoma proliferation, migration, and invasion. Methods. The expression of NFIL3 in osteosarcoma tissues was analysed via RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry staining. In order to elucidate the function of NFIL3 in osteosarcoma, we performed cell growth assays and colony formation assays to explore the role of NFIL3 in proliferation in osteosarcoma cells. Futhermore, we analysed osteosarcoma cell migration and invasion via wound healing assays and transwell migration and invasion assays. Results. NFIL3 is overexpressed in osteosarcoma tissues; 15 of the 20 osteosarcoma tissues analysed highly expressed NFIL3. Our in vitro experiments confirmed that NFIL3 promoted the proliferation of M6-63 and SaOS2 cells (P<0.01). In addition, NFIL3 promoted the migration and invasion of osteosarcoma cells (P<0.05). Conclusion. NFIL3 is highly expressed in osteosarcoma tissues and thus promotes the proliferation, migration, and invasion of osteosarcoma cells. NFIL3 is potential to become a new target for development of novel treatment strategies of osteosarcoma.
The Efficacy of Cognitive Training for Elderly Chinese Individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Peng Zhenren , Jiang Hu , Wang Xiaomin , Huang Kaiyong , Zuo Yukun , Wu Xiangmin , Abdullah Abu S. , Yang Li
Published: December 2019

The age of the population is shifting toward the elderly range, which may lead to an increased risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The aims of this study are to evaluate the cognitive function in elderly people using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), to identify the relationship between cognitive function and different characteristics, and to evaluate the efficacy of the intervention after six months of cognitive training. In this study, we included 2886 subjects aged ≧60 years in the baseline survey, and 140 subjects with MCI who participated in the baseline survey were randomly divided into an intervention group (N = 70) and a control group (N = 70). The control group was not provided any intervention measures, and the intervention group was administered cognitive training. The education level, monthly income, sleep time, exercise time, reading times, and time spent engaging in community activities and performing housework were positively correlated with MoCA scores, but age was negatively correlated with MoCA scores. The total MoCA score of the intervention group increased from 19.77 ± 2.24 points to 21.09 ± 2.20 points after six months of cognitive training, but the score of the control group decreased from 20.41 ± 2.10 points to 19.17 ± 2.57 points. The two-way repeated-measures ANOVA revealed a very significant effect of the interaction between time and cognitive training on the total MoCA score. Seventeen participants in the intervention group improved to normal levels, and no participants progressed to dementia after six months of cognitive training. Thus, the efficacy of the intervention was statistically significant. Our study concludes that older age is associated with a cognitive decline. Factors that are more likely to protect against cognitive decline included a higher education level and monthly income, sufficient sleep time, regular physical exercise and reading, frequently engaging in community activities, and continuing to perform housework. Moreover, the cognitive training intervention is effective and may help to decrease the deterioration of cognitive function in patients with MCI, and the interaction between intervention time and cognitive training significantly improves cognitive function.
Ganoderma lucidum Polysaccharide Enhanced the Antitumor Effects of 5-Fluorouracil against Gastric Cancer through Its Upregulation of NKG2D/MICA
Authors: Yang Xi , Zhang Rui , Yao Jing , Xi Chen , Du Shuzhang
Published: December 2019

5-Fluorouracil (5-Fu) is one of the frequently used first-line cytotoxic drugs for chemotherapy against gastric cancer. Chemotherapy and immunotherapy are currently the main methods for treating gastric cancer. Immunotherapy can enhance the antitumor effect of chemotherapy drugs at the same time reducing its toxicity. The combination of these two therapies to treat cancer has become a mainstay and has received increasing attention in clinical practice. Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide (GLP) is isolated from the Ganoderma lucidum fruiting body. Studies have shown that GLP has antitumor effects, where GLP does not directly kill tumors, rather exerting its antitumor function by stimulating immune cells including natural killer (NK) cells and T cells. In this study, the antitumor effect of GLP combined with 5-Fu was studied in vivo. At the same time, the associated mechanism of GLP combined with 5-Fu in gastric cancer cell lines BGC823 and SGC7901 was investigated in vitro. The results showed that GLP could stimulate the killing effect of NK-92 cells on gastric cancer cell lines BGC823 and SGC7901 and synergistically enhance the toxic effects of NK-92 cells on gastric cancer cell lines BGC823 and SGC7901. Moreover, GLP could further promote the activity of NK-92 cells by activating the NK cell activating receptor NKG2D and its downstream DAP10/PI3K/ERK signaling pathway.
A Real-Time Timetable Rescheduling Method for Metro System Energy Optimization under Dwell-Time Disturbances
Authors: Yang Guang , Wang Junjie , Zhang Feng , Zhang Shiwen , Gong Cheng
Published: December 2019

Automatic Train Systems (ATSs) have attracted much attention in recent years. A reliable ATS can reschedule timetables adaptively and rapidly whenever a possible disturbance breaks the original timetable. Most research focuses the timetable rescheduling problem on minimizing the overall delay for trains or passengers. Few have been focusing on how to minimize the energy consumption when disturbances happen. In this paper, a real-time timetable rescheduling method (RTTRM) for energy optimization of metro systems has been proposed. The proposed method takes little time to recalculate a new schedule and gives proper solutions for all trains in the network immediately after a random disturbance happens, which avoids possible chain reactions that would attenuate the reuse of regenerative energy. The real-time feature and self-adaptability of the method are attributed to the combinational use of Genetic Algorithm (GA) and Deep Neural Network (DNN). The decision system for proposing solutions, which contains multiple DNN cells with same structures, is trained by GA results. RTTRM is upon the foundation of three models for metro networks: a control model, a timetable model and an energy model. Several numerical examples tested on Shanghai Metro Line 1 (SML1) validate the energy saving effects and real-time features of the proposed method.
The Value of lncRNA GHET1 as a Prognostic Factor for Survival of Chinese Cancer Outcome: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Song Junying , Chen Xian , Tian Qingwu , Lun Limin , Wang Qing , Wang Hongwei , Li Xiaopeng , Liu Zhongqiang , Tian Liyuan , Jing Xuran , Zhang Yunyuan , Tian Runhua
Published: December 2019

Aim. There is increasing evidence that high expression levels of the gastric carcinoma highly expressed transcript 1 (GHET1), a long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), are associated with cancer prognosis and may be used as a valuable biomarker for cancer patients. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to analyze existing data to reveal potential clinical applications of GHET1 for cancer prognosis and tumor progression. All of these studies included in this meta-analysis were collected through a variety of retrieval strategies; and the enrolled articles were qualified via the meta-analysis of enrolled studies in epidemiology (MOOSE) and the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) checklists. Materials and Methods. The literature collection was performed by a comprehensive search through electronic databases for studies published on or before March 10, 2019. These included the Cochrane library, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Springer, Science Direct, and three Chinese databases: CNKI, Weipu, and Wanfang. Seven studies that met the specified criteria were analyzed in the present research. Results. The combined results indicate that an elevated GHET1 expression level is significantly associated with poor overall survival (OS) (HR=2.40, 95% CI: 1.87–3.08, p<0.001) and tumor progression (III/IV vs. I/II: HR=1.80, 95% CI: 1.48–2.18, p<0.001) in multiple cancers. The elevated GHET1 expression was also associated with lymph node metastasis (LNM) (HR=2.44, 95% CI: 1.86–3.20, p<0.001) in Chinese cancer patients. Conclusions. The present findings indicate that an increased GHET1 expression level is associated with poor OS, tumor progression, and LNM in patients with multiple tumors and may serve as a useful prognostic biomarker in Chinese cancer patients.
The Exact Controllability of the Molecular Graph Networks
Authors: Wei Liang , Li Faxu , Zhao Haixing , Deng Bo , Ye Zhonglin
Published: December 2019

In this paper, we mainly study the exact controllability of several types of extended-path molecular graph networks. Based on the construction of extended-path molecular graph networks with C3, C4, or K4, using the determinant operation of the matrix and the recursive method, the exact characteristic polynomial of these networks is deduced. According to the definition of minimum driver node number ND, the exact controllability of these networks is obtained. Moreover, we give the minimum driver node sets of partial small networks.
Physicians’ Attitude towards The Use of Social Media for Professional Purposes in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alanzi Turki , Al-Yami Susan
Published: December 2019

Purpose. In relation to this research, only a few studies have been carried out around the world. However, in Saudi Arabia, there have been no investigations into this subject. In this sense, the objective of this study was to investigate the physicians’ attitudes towards the use of social media for professional purposes in Saudi Arabia. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 235 physicians from different regions of Saudi Arabia. The data were collected by means of a survey. The survey questionnaire was distributed using the WhatsApp application. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the results. Results. The most common social media used by the respondents was Facebook, and the majority of the participants agreed that social media improved their knowledge and skills. However, most of the participants did not interact with patients using these tools, did not feel comfortable conducting an online consultation, and believed that social media affected the choice of the healthcare provider. Similarly, 30.6% of the respondents opined that it is not appropriate to search online information about patients, and 44.3% of them considered that patients would not trust the medical advice if a physician obtained the information from a website. Conclusion. The results showed that the majority of the respondents considered that social media improved the knowledge and abilities of physicians. In addition, the respondents reflected that there were ethical issues that must be taken into account when using social media and more than half of them did not interact with their patients employing these tools. The outcomes of this research will help to develop programs directed at the physicians in Saudi Arabia to enhance their knowledge, professional skills, medicine practice, patient-doctor interaction, and handle the risks involved in the use of social media.
Design Analysis and Experimental Study of Robotic Chair for Proton Heavy Ion Radiotherapy
Authors: Zhang Yongde , Yang Zhikang , Jiang Jingang , Dai Xuesong , Qin Peiwang , Guo Shijie , Zuo Sihao
Published: December 2019

Proton heavy ion radiotherapy is widely used and currently represents the most advanced radiotherapy technology. However, at present, proton heavy ion radiotherapy chairs in fixed beam radiotherapy rooms do not have a head and neck positioning function. This paper presents a novel design for a proton heavy ion radiotherapy chair with a head and neck positioning device. The design of the posture adjustment mechanism and the head and neck positioning device of the treatment chair is based on U-TRIZ theory and ergonomics, respectively. A positive kinematic analysis of the posture adjusting mechanism was carried out, as well as a workspace analysis of the head and neck positioning device. Finally, positioning error experiment and ergonomic evaluation were performed on a prototype of the head and neck positioning device. The proposed design of the treatment chair satisfies the requirements for posture adjustment and achieves the head and neck positioning function. The experimental results also provide a basis for further optimization of the design.
The Child Evaluation Checklist (CHECK): A Screening Questionnaire for Detecting Daily Functional “Red Flags” of Underrecognized Neurodevelopmental Disorders among Preschool Children
Authors: Rosenblum Sara , Zandani Irit Ezra , Deutsch-Castel Tsofia , Meyer Sonya
Published: December 2019

Background. Early identification of invisible comorbid neurodevelopmental disorders, such as specific learning disorders, attention deficit hyperactive disorders, and developmental coordination disorders, is crucial to improving children’s daily functional deficits related to executive functions. However, a practical questionnaire to address parents’ concerns is lacking. Aims. To develop a reliable and valid assessment tool that can identify young children at risk for invisible underrecognized neurodevelopmental disorders. This article describes the development and standardization of the Child Evaluation Checklist (CHECK). Methods and Procedures. Participants were 186 children aged 3 to 6 years: 91 with suspected invisible neurodevelopmental disorders, and 95 controls with typical development. Parents completed a demographic questionnaire, the CHECK, and the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Preschool Version (BRIEF-P). Outcomes and Results. The CHECK’s construct validity indicated high internal consistency for each part (Part A: α=.94; Part B: α=.90) and moderate-to-high consistency for each of Part A’s four factors. Significant correlations, as well as significant group differences, were found between the CHECK factors and BRIEF-P scores. Conclusions and Implications. Use of the CHECK allows for timely identification of suspicious (“red flags”) invisible neurodevelopmental disorders. It may support parents’ sufficient awareness and knowledge to refer their children for comprehensive evaluation and intervention.
Recognition of Changes in Air and Soil Temperatures at a Station Typical of China’s Subtropical Monsoon Region (1961–2018)
Authors: Zhan Ming-jin , Xia Lingjun , Zhan Longfei , Wang Yuanhao
Published: December 2019

Trends in soil temperature are important but rarely reported indicators of climate change. Based on daily air and soil temperatures (depth: 0, 20, 80, and 320 cm) recorded at the Nanchang Weather Station (1961–2018), this study investigated the variation trend, abrupt changes, and years of anomalous annual and seasonal mean air and soil temperatures. The differences and relationships between annual air and soil temperatures were also analyzed. The results showed close correlations between air temperature and soil temperature at different depths. Annual and seasonal mean air and soil temperatures mainly displayed significant trends of increase over the past 58 years, although the rise of the mean air temperature and the mean soil temperature was asymmetric. The rates of increase in air temperature and soil temperature (depth: 0, 20, and 80 cm) were most obvious in spring; the most significant increase in soil temperature at the depth of 320 cm was in summer. Mean soil temperature displayed a decreasing trend with increasing soil depth in both spring and summer. Air temperature was lower than the soil temperature at depths of 0 and 20 cm but higher than the soil temperature at depths of 80 and 320 cm in spring and summer. Mean ground temperature had a rising trend with increasing soil depth in autumn and winter. Air temperature was lower than the soil temperature at all depths in autumn and winter. Years with anomalously low air temperature and soil temperature at depths of 0, 20, 80, and 320 cm were relatively consistent in winter. Years with anomalous air and soil temperatures (depths: 0, 20, and 80 cm) were generally consistent; however, the relationship between air temperature and soil temperature at 320 cm depth was less consistent. The findings provide a basis for understanding and assessing climate change impact on terrestrial ecosystems.
Robust Protocol‐Based ℋ∞ Consensus Control of Time‐Varying Uncertain Multiagent Systems Subject to Missing Measurements
Authors: Sun Mengmeng , Chen Dongyan
Published: December 2019

In this paper, we consider the design problem of a robust ℋ∞ consensus controller for discrete time‐varying uncertain multiagent systems (DTVUMASs) with stochastic communication protocol (SCP) and missing measurements. The SCP is described by a set of random variables with a known probability to arrange signal transmission of addressed multiagent systems. Moreover, we depict the missing measurement phenomenon by a sequence of Bernoulli‐distributed random variables having known probabilities. The controller parameters are designed to ensure that the closed‐loop DTVUMASs satisfy the ℋ∞ performance with the satisfactory consensus criterion. Together with the completing squares approach and the stochastic analysis methodology, some sufficient conditions are proposed by solving coupled backward recursive Riccati difference equations (BRRDEs) to guarantee the ℋ∞ consensus performance. Finally, we present a numerical simulation example to illustrate the effectiveness of the designed controller design scheme.
Reactivation of Denervated Schwann Cells by Embryonic Spinal Cord Neurons to Promote Axon Regeneration and Remyelination
Authors: Fang Xinyu , Zhang Chaofan , Zhang Chongjing , Cai Yuanqing , Yu Zibo , Huang Zida , Li Wenbo , Zhang Wenming
Published: December 2019

In peripheral nerve injuries (PNIs) in which proximal axons do not regenerate quickly enough, significant chronic degeneration of Schwann cells (SCs) can occur at the distal stump of the injured nerve and obstruct regeneration. Cell transplantation can delay the degeneration of SCs, but transplanted cells fail to generate voluntary electrical impulses without downstream signal stimulation from the central nervous system. In this study, we combined cell transplantation and nerve transfer strategies to investigate whether the transplantation of embryonic spinal cord cells could benefit the microenvironment of the distal stump of the injured nerve. The experiment consisted of two stages. In the first-stage surgery, common peroneal nerves were transected, and embryonic day 14 (E14) cells or cell culture medium was transplanted into the distal stump of the CPs. Six months after the first-stage surgery, the transplanted cells were removed, and the nerve segment distal to the transplanted site was used to bridge freshly cut tibial nerves to detect whether the cell-treated graft promoted axon growth. The phenotypic changes and the neurotrophic factor expression pattern of SCs distal to the transplanted site were detected at several time points after cell transplantation and excision. The results showed that at different times after transplantation, the cells could survive and generate neurons. Thus, the neurons play the role of proximal axons to prevent chronic degeneration and fibrosis of SCs. After excision of the transplanted cells, the SCs returned to their dedifferentiated phenotype and upregulated growth-associated gene expression. The ability of SCs to be activated again allowed a favorable microenvironment to be created and enhanced the regeneration and remyelination of proximal axons. Muscle reinnervation was also elevated. This transplantation strategy could provide a treatment option for complex neurological injuries in the clinic.
Evolutionary Game Analysis of the Stress Effect of Cross‐Regional Transfer of Resource‐Exhausted Enterprises
Authors: Yu Hui , Wang Wei , Yang Baohua , Li Cunfang
Published: December 2019

This paper analyses the stress effect of cross‐regional transfer of resource‐exhausted enterprises from eastern China to central and Western China. A tripartite evolutionary game model including the central government, the local government of the operation recipient region, and the resource‐exhausted transfer enterprises is established under the assumption of limited rationality. By analysing the evolutionary equilibrium and using MATLAB, for example, analysis, the relationship between equilibrium probability and various parameters, as well as the key influencing factors of equilibrium strategy were explored. The research shows, first, that the degree of punishment imposed by the central government on the local governments, the implementation of regulation by the local governments, and the amount of rewards/punishments implemented by the local governments for transfer enterprises are the key factors affecting evolutionary stability. Second, it shows that the local governments’ penalty for transfer enterprises has a significant impact on the convergence speed of enterprises’ strategic choice to “Completely Control Pollution.” Finally, from the perspective of the relationships between the central government and the local governments, as well as with transfer enterprises, countermeasures and suggestions are put forward to effectively prevent the stress effect of the cross‐regional transfer behaviour of resource‐exhausted enterprises.
Epidemiological Study on the Status of Nutrition-Support Therapies by Emergency Physicians in China
Authors: Niu Chi , Guo Wei , Gu Wei
Published: December 2019

Objectives. This study aimed to investigate the current status of nutrition-support therapies by emergency physicians in China and to provide an evidence-based case to improve the regulation of enteral and parenteral nutrition-support therapies. Methods. Physicians from the Emergency Branch of the China Geriatrics Society were enrolled in the present survey. A questionnaire related to nutrition-support therapy, including the time, location, ways, indications, complications, and nutrition-support training for physicians was answered. Results. 527 questionnaires were collected from over 300 hospitals in 25 provinces of China. The time to initiation of emergency nutrition support was often delayed. Furthermore, the treatment intensity and standardized training of physicians are weaknesses concerning nutrition support. Treatment standardization has been significantly improved, including blood glucose monitoring, precaution and management of complications, and the use of immunomodulators. Conclusions. Emergency physicians should pay attention to early identifying and providing nutrition support to those patients who need it. Finally, standardized training should be developed for emergency nutrition-support therapy.
Dexmedetomidine Attenuates Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Diabetes Mellitus by Inhibiting Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress
Authors: Li Jinjie , Zhao Ying , Zhou Nan , Li Longyun , Li Kai
Published: December 2019

Objective. With the increasing incidence of diabetes mellitus (DM) combined with myocardial ischemia, how to reduce myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in DM patients has become a major problem faced by clinicians. We investigated the therapeutic effects of dexmedetomidine (DEX) on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in DM rats and its effect on endoplasmic reticulum stress. Methods. SD rats with SPF grade were randomly divided into 6 groups: non-DM rats were divided into the sham operation group (NDM-S group), ischemia-reperfusion group (NDM-IR group), and dexmedetomidine group (NDM-DEX group); DM rats were divided into the diabetic sham operation group (DM-S group), diabetes-reperfusion group (DM-IR group), and diabetes-dexmedetomidine (DM-DEX) group, with 10 rats in each group. Then the effects of DEX on the changes of CK-MB and cTnT levels were examined. The effects of myocardial pathological damage and myocardial infarct size were detected. The apoptosis of cardiomyocytes was detected. The apoptosis of heart tissue cells was also tested through the expressions of cleaved caspase-3, Bcl-2, and Bax proteins. The expression of endoplasmic reticulum stress-related proteins GRP78, CHOP, ERO1α, ERO1β, and PDI was examined. The hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) injury cell model was established, the effects of DEX, DEX+ ERS agonist on cell apoptosis was also detected. Results. The myocardial damage of DM-IR was more severe than that of NDM-IR rats. DEX could reduce the expression of CK-MB and cTnT, reduce pathological damage, and reduce scar formation and improve fibrosis. DEX can reduce the expression of GRP78, CHOP, ERO1α, ERO1β, and PDI proteins in vivo and in vitro. And the effect of DEX on cell apoptosis could be blocked by ERS agonist. Conclusion. DEX attenuates myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in DM rats and H/R injury cell, which is associated with the reduction of ERS-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis.