bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endovascular treatment for large vessel occlusion stroke in patients with ventricular assist devices
Authors: Kadono Yoshinori , Nakamura Hajime , Saito Shunsuke , Nishida Takeo , Takagaki Masatoshi , Shigematsu Tomoyoshi , Asai Katsunori , Murakami Tomoaki , Todo Kenichi , Fujinaka Toshiyuki , Sakaguchi Manabu , Toda Koichi , Sawa Yoshiki , Kishima Haruhiko
Published: May 2019

Background

Embolic stroke with large vessel occlusion (LVO) is a major adverse event during ventricular assist device (VAD) support. In this study we aimed to clarify the efficacy of, and problems associated with, endovascular treatment (EVT) of LVO in patients with VAD support.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed EVT for LVO in patients with VAD support between 2006 and 2017 at our institute and evaluated baseline characteristics, treatment variables, outcomes, and complications.

Results

The study cohort comprised 12 consecutive patients (age 35.4±20.4 years), with 15 LVO events involving 20 arterial occlusions, who had undergone EVT. The median Alberta Stroke Program Early CT score was 10 and good collaterals were observed in 10 of 17 occluded middle cerebral artery areas. No study patients had received intravenous thrombolysis therapy. EVT was performed on 18 of the 20 occluded arteries and mechanical thrombectomy on 13 vessels. The successful reperfusion (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction grade ≥2 b) rate was 67% in all EVTs and 85% with mechanical thrombectomy. Histological analysis showed fibrin-rich thrombi in four of five samples. Seven of 12 patients (58%) maintained their neurological function (modified Rankin Scale score ≤2 or equal to pre-stroke score) at 90 days. Periprocedural complications comprised two symptomatic intracranial hemorrhages and the 90-day mortality rate was 13%. Seven of 10 cardiac transplant candidates (70%) returned to the waiting list and three of them received transplants.

Conclusions

Endovascular therapy for acute LVO stroke is feasible even in patients with VAD support.
MRA versus DSA for the follow-up imaging of intracranial aneurysms treated using endovascular techniques: a meta-analysis
Authors: Ahmed Syed Uzair , Mocco J , Zhang Xiangnan , Kelly Michael , Doshi Amish , Nael Kambiz , De Leacy Reade
Published: May 2019

Background

Treated aneurysms must be followed over time to ensure durable occlusion, as more than 20% of endovascularly treated aneurysms recur. While digital subtraction angiography (DSA) remains the gold standard, magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) is attractive as a non-invasive follow-up technique. Two different MRA techniques have traditionally been used: time-of-flight (TOF) and contrast-enhanced (CE) MRA. We analysed data from studies comparing MRA techniques with DSA for the follow-up of aneurysms undergoing endovascular treatment. Subgroup analysis of stent-assisted coiling (SAC) and flow diversion (FD) techniques was completed.

Methods

Comprehensive searches using the Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane databases were performed and updated to November 2018. Pooled sensitivity and specificity were calculated using aneurysm occlusion status as defined by the Raymond–Roy occlusion grading scale.

Results

The literature search yielded 1579 unique titles. Forty-three studies were included. For TOF-MRA, sensitivity and specificity of all aneurysms undergoing endovascular therapy were 88% and 94%, respectively. For CE-MRA, the sensitivity and specificity were 88% and 96%, respectively. For SAC and FD techniques, sensitivity and specificity of TOF-MRA were 86% and 95%, respectively. CE-MRA had sensitivity and specificity of 90% and 92%.

Conclusion

MRA is a reliable modality for the follow-up of aneurysms treated using endovascular techniques. While the data are limited, MRA techniques can also be used to reliably follow patients undergoing FD and SAC. However, clinical factors must be used to optimize follow-up regimens for individual patients.
Medial branch radiofrequency ablation outcomes in patients with centralized pain
Authors: Morffi Dayaris , Larach Daniel B , Moser Stephanie E , Goesling Jenna , Hassett Afton L , Brummett Chad M
Published: May 2019

Background and objectives

We hypothesized that patients with characteristics of centralized pain (fibromyalgia (FM)-like phenotype) would be less likely to respond to radiofrequency ablation (RFA), which may explain some of the failures of this peripherally directed therapy.

Methods

We conducted a prospective, observational study of patients undergoing RFA using a number of validated self-report measures of pain, mood and function. The 2011 Fibromyalgia Survey Criteria were used to assess for symptoms of centralized pain and was the primary predictor of interest. We constructed multivariable linear regression models to evaluate covariates independently associated with change in pain 3 months after RFA.

Results

141 patients scheduled for medial branch blocks were enrolled in the study; 55 underwent RFA (51 with complete 3 months’ follow-up). Patients with higher FM scores had less improvement in overall body pain; however, this was not statistically significant (adjusted mean change in pain FM+0.41, FM−1.11, p=0.396). In a secondary analysis, the FM score was not associated with change in back pain (p=0.720), with both groups improving equally. This cohort also reported significant improvement in anxiety, physical function, catastrophizing, and sleep disturbance at 3 months after RFA.

Conclusions

Although patients with high baseline centralized pain exhibited less improvement in overall pain, this trend was not statistically significant, possibly due to insufficient power. The same trend was not seen with change in spine pain with both groups improving equally. Centralized pain patients may have less improvement in overall pain but may have equal improvement in their site-specific pain levels after localized interventions.
Homogeneous–heterogeneous reaction effects in flow of tangent hyperbolic fluid on a stretching cylinder
Authors: Salahuddin T. , Tanveer Anum , Malik M.Y.
Published: May 2019

This study relates hyperbolic tangent fluid flow on a permeable stretching cylinder with homogeneous–heterogeneous reaction effects. The prevailing continuity, momentum, and concentration equations are transformed into ordinary differential equations using the similarity transformation method. The resulting nonlinear system of equations is numerically tackled with an efficient, unconditionally stable, accurate, and extensively validated finite difference scheme: the Keller box technique. Graphs are sketched for the interpretation of physical parameters. The coefficient of skin friction is included to illustrate the fluid behavior near the surface of the cylinder. Comparison to the preceding literature is provided for better accuracy of numerical results.
A SPICE Model for GaN-Gate Injection Transistor (GIT) at Room Temperature
Authors: Garcia Frances , Shamsir Samira , Islam Syed K. , Tolbert Leon M.
Published: May 2019

In this paper, an equivalent circuit model is developed for a commercial Gallium Nitride (GaN) gate injection transistor (GIT) device at room temperature. The I-V and C-V characteristics are extracted from the commercial device datasheet and fitted in MATLAB. The fitted equations are realized as a combination of behavioral circuit components to be carried out in SPICE simulation. The equivalent circuit model is tested in a simple configuration for I-V curve simulation through varying of parameters and then in a simple boost configuration typical for power electronics applications to check for convergence and expected results.
A Novel One SWS-FET Transistor for AND/OR Logic Gate
Authors: Saman Bander , Heller E. , Jain F. C.
Published: May 2019

This paper presents the design and modeling of AND/OR logic gate using one high-mobility n-channel spatial wave-function switched field-effect transistor (n-SWS-FET), which provide a significant reduction of cell area and power dissipation. In SWSFET, the channel between source and drain has two or more quantum well (QW) layers separated by a high band gap material between them. The gate voltage controls the charge carrier concentration in the two quantum well layers and it causes the switching of charge carriers from one channel to other channel of the SWS device. This switching property promises to build AND/OR logic gate with one n-SWS-FET transistor, where Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) AND/OR gate is built by 6 transistors. The proposed gate configures as AND/OR by change sources signal. The SWS-FET device with two well Si/Si0.5Ge0.5 has been modeled using Berkeley Short-channel IGFET Model (BSIM4.6.0) and Analog Behavioral Model (ABM), the model is suitable for transient analysis at circuit level. This model is optimized for AND/OR logic and used to replace a conventional CMOS logic.
Simulation and prediction of optical characterization of casting (Adamantan-Fulgide) thin films using (CTANNs) approach
Authors: EL-Barry A. M. A. , Habashy D. M.
Published: May 2019

For reinforcement, the photochromic field and the cooperation between the theoretical and experimental branches of physics, the computational, theoretical artificial neural networks (CTANNs) and the resilient back propagation (R[Formula: see text]) training algorithm were used to model optical characterizations of casting (Admantan-Fulgide) thin films with different concentrations. The simulated values of ANN are in good agreement with the experimental data. The model was also used to predict values, which were not included in the training. The high precision of the model has been constructed. Moreover, the concentration dependence of both the energy gaps and Urbach’s tail were, also tested. The capability of the technique to simulate the experimental information with best accuracy and the foretelling of some concentrations which is not involved in the experimental data recommends it to dominate the modeling technique in casting (Admantan-Fulgide) thin films.
Tunable narrow band perfect metamaterial absorber based on guided-mode resonance
Authors: Ren Zhibin , Sun Yahui , Zhang Shuqing , Lin Zihao , Wang Chunyu
Published: May 2019

The tunable narrow band perfect metamaterial absorber (PMA) based on guided-mode resonance (GMR) for the visible spectral region is proposed. The PMA is composed of a one-dimensional grating layer, two waveguide layers and an Ag substrate. Tunable narrow band PMAs are designed using rigorous coupled-wave analysis by comparing the GMR effects for the filters and absorbers. Afterwards, two tunable PMA samples are fabricated through thin-film deposition and ultraviolet lithographic patterning. Finally, the reflection spectra of the fabricated PMA samples are measured. The absorption spectra obtained by subtracting the measured reflection spectra from 1 are consistent with the theory.
A STRATEGY OF OPTIMAL EFFICACY OF T11 TARGET STRUCTURE IN THE TREATMENT OF BRAIN TUMOR
Authors: KHAJANCHI SUBHAS , BANERJEE SANDIP
Published: May 2019

We report a mathematical model depicting gliomas and immune system interactions by considering the role of immunotherapeutic drug T11 target structure (T11TS). The mathematical model comprises a system of coupled nonlinear ordinary differential equations involving glioma cells, macrophages, activated cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTLs), immunosuppressive cytokine transforming growth factor-[Formula: see text] (TGF-[Formula: see text]), immunostimulatory cytokine interferon-[Formula: see text] (IFN-[Formula: see text]) and the concentrations of immunotherapeutic agent T11TS. For the better understanding of the circumstances under which the gliomas can be eradicated from a patient, we use optimal control strategy. We design the objective functional by considering the biomedical goal, which minimizes the glioma burden and maximizes the macrophages and activated CTLs. The existence and the characterization for the optimal control are established. The uniqueness of the quadratic optimal control problem is also analyzed. We demonstrate numerically that the optimal treatment strategies using T11TS reduce the glioma burden and increase the cell count of activated CTLs and macrophages.
Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance Properties of Concentric Dual-Ring Nanodisk
Authors: Mu Haiwei , Wang Jianxin , Liu Qiang , Liu Wei , Li Xianli , Lv Jingwei , Liu Chao , Wang Famei , Sun Tao , Chu Paul K.
Published: May 2019

The extinction spectral properties based on localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of the concentric dual-ring nanodisk (CDRN) structure are investigated by discrete dipole approximation (DDA) and plasmon hybridization theory. The CDRN nanostructure shows flexible tunable multipole resonances in the near-infrared regime and the coupled resonance wavelengths depend on the structural parameters of the nanostructure, which has great potential in multichannel LSPR-based bio-sensing applications.
Peakon Solutions of Alice-Bob b-Family Equation and Novikov Equation
Authors: Wang Jing , Xiong Na , Li Biao
Published: May 2019

By requiring B=P^sT^dA and substituting u=A+B into the b-family equation and Novikov equation, we can obtain Alice-Bob peakon systems, where P^s and T^d are the arbitrary shifted parity transformation and delayed time reversal transformation, respectively. The nonlocal integrable Camassa-Holm equation and Degasperis-Procesi equation can be derived from the Alice-Bob b-family equations by choosing different parameters. Some new types of interesting solutions are solved including explicit one-peakons, two-peakons, and N-peakons solutions.
Low Long Noncoding RNA Growth Arrest-Specific Transcript 5 Expression in the Exosomes of Lung Cancer Cells Promotes Tumor Angiogenesis
Authors: Cheng Ying , Dai Xin , Yang Ti , Zhang Nan , Liu Zhenzhong , Jiang Yiguo
Published: May 2019

Angiogenesis plays a key role in the development and progression of lung cancer. Recent studies have found that tumor cells can stimulate angiogenesis by secreting exosomes, which contain many long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), some of which are important for the development of lung cancer. However, the roles and mechanisms of exosomal lncRNAs in lung cancer angiogenesis have not yet been reported. In this study, lung cancer in mice was induced by urethane; we found that growth arrest specific 5 (GAS5) was lowly expressed in the serum exosomes and lung cancer tissues of mice with lung cancer. And there was a significant positive correlation between GAS5 expression in serum exosomes and lung cancer tissues. Furthermore, GAS5 was lowly expressed in human lung cancer tissues, lung cancer cells, and cells culture supernatant exosomes. The exosomes of lung cancer cells promoted human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) proliferation and tube formation and inhibited their apoptosis. GAS5 overexpression in lung cancer cells increased GAS5 level in cell culture supernatant exosomes. And the exosomes of lung cancer cells containing high GAS5 level inhibited HUVECs proliferation and tube formation and increased their apoptosis. In addition, we found that GAS5 competitively bound miRNA-29-3p with phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), upregulating PTEN mRNA and protein expression, and inhibited level of phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha (PI3K) and serine/threonine kinase 1 (AKT) phosphorylation in HUVECs. Overall, our results suggest that exosomal GAS5 could be a new therapeutic target for lung cancer which inhibits angiogenesis.
Acute Severe Anaphylaxis in Nepali Patients with Neurotoxic Snakebite Envenoming Treated with the VINS Polyvalent Antivenom
Authors: Sharma Sanjib Kumar , Alirol Emilie , Ghimire Anup , Shrestha Suman , Jha Rupesh , Parajuli Surya B. , Shrestha Deekshya , Shrestha Surya Jyoti , Bista Amir , Warrell David , Kuch Ulrich , Chappuis Francois , Taylor Walter Robert John
Published: May 2019

Diagnosing and treating acute severe and recurrent antivenom-related anaphylaxis (ARA) is challenging and reported experience is limited. Herein, we describe our experience of severe ARA in patients with neurotoxic snakebite envenoming in Nepal. Patients were enrolled in a randomised, double-blind trial of high vs. low dose antivenom, given by intravenous (IV) push, followed by infusion. Training in ARA management emphasised stopping antivenom and giving intramuscular (IM) adrenaline, IV hydrocortisone, and IV chlorphenamine at the first sign/s of ARA. Later, IV adrenaline infusion (IVAI) was introduced for patients with antecedent ARA requiring additional antivenom infusions. Preantivenom subcutaneous adrenaline (SCAd) was introduced in the second study year (2012). Of 155 envenomed patients who received ≥ 1 antivenom dose, 13 (8.4%), three children (aged 5−11 years) and 10 adults (18−52 years), developed clinical features consistent with severe ARA, including six with overlapping signs of severe envenoming. Four and nine patients received low and high dose antivenom, respectively, and six had received SCAd. Principal signs of severe ARA were dyspnoea alone (n=5 patients), dyspnoea with wheezing (n=3), hypotension (n=3), shock (n=3), restlessness (n=3), respiratory/cardiorespiratory arrest (n=7), and early (n=1) and late laryngeal oedema (n=1); rash was associated with severe ARA in 10 patients. Four patients were given IVAI. Of the 8 (5.1%) deaths, three occurred in transit to hospital. Severe ARA was common and recurrent and had overlapping signs with severe neurotoxic envenoming. Optimising the management of ARA at different healthy system levels needs more research. This trial is registered withNCT01284855.
Morinda citrifolia and Its Active Principle Scopoletin Mitigate Protein Aggregation and Neuronal Apoptosis through Augmenting the DJ-1/Nrf2/ARE Signaling Pathway
Authors: Narasimhan Kishore Kumar S. , Jayakumar Deepthy , Velusamy Prema , Srinivasan Ashokkumar , Mohan Thangarajeswari , Ravi Divya Bhavani , Uthamaraman Saraswathi , Sathyamoorthy Yogesh Kanna , Rajasekaran Namakkal Soorappan , Periandavan Kalaiselvi
Published: May 2019

Given the role of oxidative stress in PD pathogenesis and off-target side effects of currently available drugs, several natural phytochemicals seem to be promising in the management of PD. Here, we tested the hypothesis that scopoletin, an active principle obtained from Morinda citrifolia (MC), efficiently quenches oxidative stress through DJ-1/Nrf2 signaling and ameliorates rotenone-induced PD. Despite reducing oxidative stress, the administration of MC extract (MCE) has lessened protein aggregation as evident from decreased levels of nitrotyrosine and α-synuclein. In vitro studies revealed that scopoletin lessened rotenone-induced apoptosis in SH-SY5Y cells through preventing oxidative injury. Particularly, scopoletin markedly upregulated DJ-1, which then promoted the nuclear translocation of Nrf2 and transactivation of antioxidant genes. Furthermore, we found that scopoletin prevents the nuclear exportation of Nrf2 by reducing the levels of Keap1 and thereby enhancing the neuronal defense system. Overall, our findings suggest that scopoletin acts through DJ-1-mediated Nrf2 signaling to protect the brain from rotenone-induced oxidative stress and PD. Thus, we postulate that scopoletin could be a potential drug to treat PD.
Designing Hierarchical ZSM-5 Materials for Improved Production of LPG Olefins in the Catalytic Cracking of Triglycerides
Authors: Vu Xuan Hoan , Armbruster Udo
Published: May 2019

LPG olefins (propene and butenes) are key building blocks in the petrochemical industry whose demand has been expanding steadily in recent years. The use of FCC (fluid catalytic cracking) units for conversion of triglycerides is a promising option for the future to boost production of LPG olefins. However, a need for innovative cracking catalysts is rising due to the different nature between petroleum and biomass-derived feedstocks. In this study, series of hierarchical ZSM-5 materials, namely, mesoporous ZSM-5, nanosized ZSM-5, and composite ZSM-5 were prepared, aiming to enhance the production of LPG olefins along with transportation fuels. Mesoporous ZSM-5 materials were synthesized by the postsynthetic modifications involving base treatment and subsequent acid washing, whereas nanosized ZSM-5 and composite ZSM-5 were synthesized by the direct-synthetic routes for a comparative purpose. The obtained materials were characterized by XRD, FTIR, N2 sorption, TEM, AAS, ICP-AES, and NH3-TPD, and their catalytic performance was assessed in the cracking of triolein as a representative of triglycerides under FCC conditions. It was found that the subsequent strong acid washing step of alkaline treated ZSM-5 for removal of aluminum debris and external acid sites is needed to improve the catalytic performance. The resulting mesoporous ZSM-5 material shows higher yields of the desired products, i.e., gasoline and LPG olefins than its parent, commercial ZSM-5 at the almost complete conversion (ca. 90 wt.%). The selectivity toward LPG olefins is also enhanced over all the hierarchical ZSM-5 materials, particularly high for composite ZSM-5 (ca. 94 wt.%). The improved diffusion and lowered acidity of the hierarchical ZSM-5 materials might be responsible for their superior catalytic performance.
Nanoliposomal L-Asparaginase and Its Antitumor Activities in Lewis Lung Carcinoma Tumor-Induced BALB/c Mice
Authors: Do Thi Thao , Do Thi Phuong , Nguyen Thi Nga , Nguyen Thi Cuc , Vu Thi Thu Phuong , Nguyen Thi Giang An
Published: May 2019

Although L-Asparaginase (L-ASP) is an effective chemotherapeutic agent, it has side effects such as fever, skin rashes, chills, anaphylaxis, and severe allergic reactions. Moreover, the short half-life of L-ASP reduces its antitumor activity. To reduce its side effects and broaden its pharmaceutical applications, L-ASP obtained from Pectobacterium carotovorum was subjected to liposomal conjugation. The enzyme was then loaded into liposomes using the hydrated thin-film method. The in vitro cytotoxic activity of liposomal L-ASP was evaluated with the MTT assay using cancerous cell lines, and its antitumor effects were examined in Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) tumorized mice. The average size of the liposomes containing purified L-asparagine was 93.03 ± 0.49 nm. They had a zeta potential of –15.45 ± 6.72 mV, polydispersity index of 0.22 ± 0.02, and encapsulation efficiency of 53.99 ± 5.44%. The in vitro cytotoxic activity of liposomal L-ASP was less effective against LLC, MCF-7 (human breast carcinoma), HepG2 (human hepatocellular carcinoma), SK-LU-1 (human lung carcinoma), and NTERA-2 (pluripotent human embryonic carcinoma) cells than that of free L-ASP. However, the antitumor activity of liposomal L-ASP was significantly greater than that of untrapped L-ASP at the same doses (6 UI/mouse) in terms of tumor size (6309.11 ± 414.06 mm3) and life span (35.00 ± 1.12 days). This is the first time the antitumor activities of PEGylated nanoliposomal L-ASP have been assessed in LLC carcinoma tumor-induced BALB/c mice and showed significantly improved pharmacological properties compared to those of free L-ASP (P<0.05). Thus, nanoliposomal L-ASP should be considered for its widening applications against carcinoma tumors.
Research on Hydrophobic Properties of Grating Structure on Monocrystalline Silicon Fabricated Using Micromachining
Authors: Ding Wenyu , Cao Ziyang , Wang Bangfu , Xu Shunjie , Wang Zhongwang
Published: May 2019

In this paper, micromilling was used to process the surface of single crystal silicon, and six different structural parameters of the grating structure were tested to get the contact angle in a different wettability. The contact angle obtained by the experiment was compared with the theoretical values of the Wenzel and Cassie model optimized based on the characteristics of micromilling. The relationship between structural parameters and wettability was verified. First, the contact angle of the parallel grating structure was greater than the vertical direction, which was influenced by the solid-liquid interface tension. Second, the hydrophobicity of the specimen was in good agreement with the predicted trend of the optimized prediction model C when the width of the convex is reduced. The support of the theoretical model to the experimental results is instructive to the construction of the structure. In addition, the molecular dynamics were used to verify the hydrophobicity of grating structures from a molecular point of view.
Prognostic Effect of Long Noncoding RNA NEAT1 Expression Depends on p53 Mutation Status in Cancer
Authors: Idogawa Masashi , Nakase Hiroshi , Sasaki Yasushi , Tokino Takashi
Published: May 2019

Recently, many studies have revealed that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in various biological and pathological processes. Our previous study reported that lncRNA NEAT1 is a direct transcriptional target of p53. NEAT1 is an essential component of paraspeckles, which have recently been identified as a novel type of nuclear compartment. Although our previous findings indicate that NEAT1 induction contributes to the tumor-suppressor function of p53, the role of NEAT1 in cancer is still controversial. In this study, we comprehensively analyzed the relationship between NEAT1 expression and p53 mutation status. Interestingly, survival analysis based on NEAT1 expression in several cancer tissues revealed that the p53 wild-type group with high NEAT1 expression had a good prognosis, while poor prognosis or no correlation between NEAT1 expression and survival was observed in the p53-mutated group. These results demonstrate that the tumor-suppressive effect of NEAT1 depends on p53 function and is consistent with our previous report showing that NEAT1 supports the tumor-suppressive function of p53. Specifically, NEAT1 seems to play a tumor-suppressive role only in the presence of wild-type p53. These results provide important clues to the roles of NEAT1 in cancer.
The Synthesis Followed by Spectral and Calorimetric Evaluation of Stability of Human Milk Fat Substitutes Obtained from Thistle Milk and Lard
Authors: Bryś Joanna , Flores lnês Filipa Vaz , Górska Agata , Ostrowska–Ligęza Ewa , Bryś Andrzej , Niemiec Tomasz , Koczoń Piotr
Published: May 2019

The central point of current investigations was the first time ever synthesis of modern substitutes of human milk fat followed by versatile evaluation of their oxidative properties. The enzymatic interesterification conducted at 70°C for 2, 4, and 6 hours, respectively, with milk thistle oil and lard blend as starting reactants was catalyzed by 1,3-specific lipase Lipozyme RM IM, obtained from Rhizomucor miehei. Pressure Differential Scanning Calorimetry (PDSC) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) were applied to evaluate quality of products formed. Although PDSC curves showed lower oxidative stability of newly synthesized fats as compared to both starting materials separately, they can be considered adequate substitutes of human fat milk fat, as distribution of fatty acids in triacylglycerol molecules of substitutes obtained is much alike human milk fat itself, as resulted from analysis of GC data collected. Obvious changes in chemical structure of fats occurring during interesterification resulted in specific alterations in IR spectra of processed materials. Spectral data accompanied by PLS technique were successfully used for accurate determination of oxidative stability of new fats through indirect procedure, i.e., IR-PDSC-reference analysis of induction time. Additionally IR data exclusively, i.e., without any reference data, occurred powerfully in discrimination of human fat milk substitutes obtained.
Investigation of Bacteriological Quality of Meat from Abattoir and Butcher Shops in Bishoftu, Central Ethiopia
Authors: Bersisa Abebe , Tulu Dereje , Negera Chaluma
Published: May 2019

The study was conducted from November 2015 to November 2016 to determine bacterial load and identify pathogenic bacteria (S. aureus,E. coli, andSalmonellaespecies) in meat from abattoir and butcher shops as well as to assess associated hygienic and sanitation practices being experienced in the selected study site. A cross-sectional study was conducted where a simple random sampling method was used to select butcher shops, and the municipal abattoir was purposively selected. A structured questionnaire survey was also used to assess hygienic status of the municipal abattoir and butcher shops. A total of 124 samples (48 swab samples from abattoir carcass, 4 samples of carcass washing water about 20 ml of each, and 36 swab samples each from butcher shop cutting table and cutting knife, respectively) were collected during the study period. The collected samples were processed for aerobic plate count, and the total mean count was found to be 4.53 log10 cfu/cm2from abattoir carcass swab samples, 2.4 log10 cfu/ml from water samples, 6.58 log10 cfu/cm2from butcher shops cutting table, and 6.1 log10 cfu/cm2from cutting knife swab samples.E. coliwas the dominant bacterial species isolated (35.2%), followed byS. aureus(22.5%) andSalmonellaespecies (9.9%). According to the questionnaire survey, 48.4% (15/31) of the abattoir workers did not receive any training regarding food safety issues. Moreover, a majority (66.67%) of the respondents of the butcher house workers were grade 1–4 (elementary) in their educational level and do not use hairnet and handle money with bare hands during serving meat to consumers. The study showed that the hygienic status of the abattoir and butcher shops in the study area is poor, and the obtained results of bacterial load are higher than the acceptable limit of the standard. Therefore, the necessary strategies towards hygiene and sanitation of meat in the town should be implemented.
Electrochemical Characterization of Iron (III) Doped Zeolite-Graphite Composite Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode and Its Application for AdsASSWV Determination of Uric Acid in Human Urine
Authors: Amare Meareg
Published: May 2019

Iron (III) doped zeolite/graphite composite modified glassy carbon electrode was prepared for determination of uric acid in human urine samples. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopic and cyclic voltammetric results confirmed surface modification of the surface of glassy carbon electrodes. Appearance of oxidative peak current with an over threefold enhancement at significantly reduced overpotential for uric acid at the composite modified electrode relative to the unmodified and even graphite modified electrode confirmed the electrocatalytic property of the composite towards electrochemical oxidation of uric acid. Under optimized method and solution parameters, linear dependence of peak current on uric acid concentration in a wide range of 1-120 μM, low detection limit value (0.06 μM), replicate results with low RSD, and excellent recovery results (96.61-103.45%) validated the developed adsorptive anodic stripping square wave voltammetric (AdsASSWV) method for determination of uric acid even in aqueous human urine samples. Finally, the developed composite modified electrode was used for determination of uric acid content in human urine samples collected from three young male volunteers. While the uric acid level in the urine samples from two of the studied volunteers was within the normal range, of the third was under the normal range.
Exploring the Effect of Boarding and Alighting Ratio on Passengers’ Behaviour at Metro Stations by Laboratory Experiments
Authors: Seriani Sebastian , Fernandez Rodrigo , Luangboriboon Nattanon , Fujiyama Taku
Published: May 2019

The objective of this work was to study the effect of the ratio between passengers boarding and alighting on the passengers’ behaviour at metro stations. A mock-up of a vehicle and the relevant portion of the platform was built to run a series of simulation experiments at University College London’s Pedestrian Accessibility and Movement Environment Laboratory (PAMELA). Different scenarios were tested based on the next generation London Underground trains. The scenarios were classified according to different load conditions. Four types of behaviour are described. In most cases boarding is first, and passengers compete for space to enter the train. In the case of alighting, first passengers are faster than the rest of alighters due to the space available on the platform as boarding passengers give way to those who are getting off the train. In addition, alighters form lanes of flow depending on the number of passengers waiting to board the train on the platform. With respect to the train, if the density inside the train is higher than 4 passengers per square metre, then the flow at the doors starts to decrease. More experiments are needed to study the relationship between platform density and boarding and alighting time.
Ligustrazine Attenuates Myocardial Injury Induced by Coronary Microembolization in Rats by Activating the PI3K/Akt Pathway
Authors: Su Qiang , Lv Xiangwei , Ye Ziliang
Published: May 2019

Background/Aims. Coronary microembolization- (CME-) induced myocardial injury and progressive cardiac dysfunction are mainly caused due to CME-induced myocardial local inflammatory response and myocardial apoptosis. Ligustrazine plays an important protective role in multiple cardiovascular diseases, but its role and the protection mechanism in CME is unclear. This study hypothesized that ligustrazine attenuates CME-induced myocardial injury in rats. This study also explored the mechanism underlying this attenuation. Methods. Forty SD rats were randomly divided into CME group, ligustrazine group, ligustrazine+LY294002 (ligustrazine+LY) group, and sham group (ten rats in each). In each group, the cardiac function, apoptotic index, serum c-troponin I (cTnI) level, inflammation [interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)], and oxidative stress [nitric oxide (NO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA)] were determined. Western blotting was used to detect the proteins which are present in the PI3K/Akt pathway. Results. Ligustrazine improved cardiac dysfunction induced by CME, increased serum NO and SOD activities, and decreased the serum level in IL-1β, MDA, cTnI, and TNF-α. Moreover, ligustrazine inhibited myocardial apoptosis, which is perhaps caused by the upregulated Bcl-2, the downregulated cleaved caspase-3 and Bax, and the increased protein level in endothelial nitric oxide synthase and phosphorylated Akt. These effects, however, were reduced if ligustrazine was coadministered with LY294002. Conclusions. Ligustrazine attenuates CME-induced myocardial injury. The effects associated with this attenuation may be achieved by activating the myocardium PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
Metabolic Response in Rats following Electroacupuncture or Moxibustion Stimulation
Authors: Xu Jingjing , Lin Xianwei , Cheng Kian-Kai , Zhong Huan , Liu Mi , Zhang Guoshan , Shen Guiping , Dong Jiyang
Published: May 2019

Electroacupuncture and moxibustion are traditional Chinese medicine practices that exert therapeutic effects through stimulation of specific meridian acupoints. However, the biological basis of the therapies has been difficult to establish; thus the current practices still rely on ancient TCM references. Here, we used a rat model to study perturbations in cortex, liver, and stomach metabolome and plasma hormones following electroacupuncture or moxibustion treatment on either stomach meridian or gallbladder meridian acupoints. All treatment groups, regardless of meridian and mode of treatment, showed perturbation in cortex metabolome and increased phenylalanine, tyrosine, and branched-chain amino acids in liver. In addition, electroacupuncture was found to increase ATP in cortex, creatine, and dimethylglycine in stomach and GABA in liver. On the other hand, moxibustion increased plasma enkephalin concentration, as well as betaine and fumarate concentrations in stomach. Furthermore, we had observed meridian-specific changes including increased N-acetyl-aspartate in liver and 3-hydroxybutyrate in stomach for gallbladder meridian stimulation and increased noradrenaline concentration in blood plasma following stimulation on stomach meridian. In summary, the current findings may provide insight into the metabolic basis of electroacupuncture and moxibustion, which may contribute towards new application of acupoint stimulation.
Adaptive Model Predictive Control for Cruise Control of High-Speed Trains with Time-Varying Parameters
Authors: Xu Xiaokang , Peng Jun , Zhang Rui , Chen Bin , Zhou Feng , Yang Yingze , Gao Kai , Huang Zhiwu
Published: May 2019

The cruise control of high-speed trains is challenging due to the presence of time-varying air resistance coefficients and control constrains. Because the resistance coefficients for high-speed trains are not accurately known and will change with the actual operating environment, the precision of high speed train model is lower. In order to ensure the safe and effective operation of the train, the operating conditions of the train must meet the safety constraints. The most traditional cruise control methods are PID control, model predictive control, and so on, in which the high-speed train model is identified offline. However, the traditional methods typically suffer from performance degradations in the presence of time-varying resistance coefficients. In this paper, an adaptive model predictive control (MPC) method is proposed for cruise control of high-speed trains with time-varying resistance coefficients. The adaptive MPC is designed by combining an adaptive updating law for estimated parameters and a multiply constrained MPC for the estimated system. It is proved theoretically that, with the proposed adaptive MPC, the high-speed trains track the desired speed with ultimately bounded tracking errors, while the estimated parameters are bounded and the relative spring displacement between the two neighboring cars is stable at the equilibrium state. Simulations results validate that proposed method is better than the traditional model predictive control.
Study on Evaluating the Sustainability of Innovative Products
Authors: Geng Lisha , Xing Jinge , Kong Zaojie , Geng Lixiao , Gao Haiyan
Published: May 2019

In the process of product innovations, it is necessary to evaluate the sustainability of innovative products in order to meet the demands of sustainable development. So, the calculation process for evaluating the sustainability of innovative products is proposed in this paper. Firstly, the performances of the innovative products in social, economic, and environmental aspects are calculated based on the concepts proposed in this paper, including social matching degree, economic feasible degree, and environmental improving rate. Then, the vector-cosine method in the three-dimensional space is proposed to calculate the sustainability integrated in the three aspects, which regards innovative products as the vectors. Both the size and direction of the vectors are considered to calculate the sustainability. Finally, a case study of the cloud rail made by BYD Company in China is provided to illustrate the validity of the proposed calculation process.
The Impact of Car-Sharing on the Willingness to Postpone a Car Purchase: A Case Study in Hangzhou, China
Authors: Hui Ying , Wang Yujiao , Sun Qinlu , Tang Lei
Published: May 2019

This paper aims to explore the potential of car-sharing in reducing car ownership and what are the impact factors. Based on the data of Hangzhou “Fun Car-sharing” system, a discrete choice model was established to study the willingness to postpone car purchase with participation in car-sharing. Compared with previous studies, this study included the variables involved in the questionnaire and those related to the usage characteristics extracted from rental data and GPS data. The questionnaire data indicate that about 50% of respondents will postpone car purchase by participating in car-sharing. The discrete choice model indicates that car-sharing in China can play a role in delaying car purchase. The results further suggest that respondents who use car-sharing more frequently, travel to work by car, or have an activity anchor in their trip are more likely to postpone car purchase. Moreover, respondents whose most common travel purpose of car-sharing is work-related or car purchase plan is definite are less likely to postpone car purchase after participating in car-sharing. The insights gained in this study can help cities and car-sharing operators to formulate relevant policies and regulation that optimally integrate car-sharing services into the overall urban transport systems.
Integral Majorization Type Inequalities for the Functions in the Sense of Strong Convexity
Authors: Zaheer Ullah Syed , Khan Muhammad Adil , Khan Zareen Abdulhameed , Chu Yu-Ming
Published: May 2019

In this article, we establish several integral majorization type and generalized Favard’s inequalities for the class of strongly convex functions. Our results generalize and improve the previous known results.
Relativistic Ultrafast Electron Microscopy: Single-Shot Diffraction Imaging with Femtosecond Electron Pulses
Authors: Yang Jinfeng , Yoshida Yoichi
Published: May 2019

We report on a single-shot diffraction imaging methodology using relativistic femtosecond electron pulses generated by a radio-frequency acceleration-based photoemission gun. The electron pulses exhibit excellent characteristics, including a root-mean-square (rms) illumination convergence of 31 ± 2 μrad, a spatial coherence length of 5.6 ± 0.4 nm, and a pulse duration of approximately 100 fs with (6.3 ± 0.6) × 106 electrons per pulse at 3.1 MeV energy. These pulses facilitate high-quality diffraction images of gold single crystals with a single shot. The rms spot width of the diffracted beams was obtained as 0.018 ± 0.001 Å−1, indicating excellent spatial resolution.
Defining the Hallmarks of Metastasis
Authors: Welch Danny R. , Hurst Douglas R.
Published: May 2019

Metastasis is the primary cause of cancer morbidity and mortality. The process involves a complex interplay between intrinsic tumor cell properties as well as interactions between cancer cells and multiple microenvironments. The outcome is the development of a nearby or distant discontiguous secondary mass. To successfully disseminate, metastatic cells acquire properties in addition to those necessary to become neoplastic. Heterogeneity in mechanisms involved, routes of dissemination, redundancy of molecular pathways that can be utilized, and the ability to piggyback on the actions of surrounding stromal cells makes defining the hallmarks of metastasis extraordinarily challenging. Nonetheless, this review identifies four distinguishing features that are required: motility and invasion, ability to modulate the secondary site or local microenvironments, plasticity, and ability to colonize secondary tissues. By defining these first principles of metastasis, we provide the means for focusing efforts on the aspects of metastasis that will improve patient outcomes.
Genetic Insights Into Smooth Muscle Cell Contributions to Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Wong Doris , Turner Adam W. , Miller Clint L.
Published: May 2019

Coronary artery disease is a complex cardiovascular disease involving an interplay of genetic and environmental influences over a lifetime. Although considerable progress has been made in understanding lifestyle risk factors, genetic factors identified from genome-wide association studies may capture additional hidden risk undetected by traditional clinical tests. These genetic discoveries have highlighted many candidate genes and pathways dysregulated in the vessel wall, including those involving smooth muscle cell phenotypic modulation and injury responses. Here, we summarize experimental evidence for a few genome-wide significant loci supporting their roles in smooth muscle cell biology and disease. We also discuss molecular quantitative trait locus mapping as a powerful discovery and fine-mapping approach applied to smooth muscle cell and coronary artery disease-relevant tissues. We emphasize the critical need for alternative genetic strategies, including cis/trans-regulatory network analysis, genome editing, and perturbations, as well as single-cell sequencing in smooth muscle cell tissues and model organisms, under both normal and disease states. By integrating multiple experimental and analytical modalities, these multidimensional datasets should improve the interpretation of coronary artery disease genome-wide association studies and molecular quantitative trait locus signals and inform candidate targets for therapeutic intervention or risk prediction.
NFATc1-E2F1-LMCD1–Mediated IL-33 Expression by Thrombin Is Required for Injury-Induced Neointima Formation
Authors: Govatati Suresh , Pichavaram Prahalathan , Janjanam Jagadeesh , Zhang Baolin , Singh Nikhlesh K. , Mani Arul M. , Traylor James G. , Orr A. Wayne , Rao Gadiparthi N.
Published: May 2019

Objective—

IL (interleukin)-33 has been shown to play a role in endothelial dysfunction, but its role in atherosclerosis is controversial. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to examine its role in vascular wall remodeling following injury.

Approach and Results—

Thrombin induced IL-33 expression in a time-dependent manner in human aortic smooth muscle cells and inhibition of its activity by its neutralizing antibody suppressed thrombin induced human aortic smooth muscle cell migration but not DNA synthesis. In exploring the mechanisms, we found that Par1 (protease-activated receptor 1), Gαq/11 (Gα protein q/11), PLCβ3 (phospholipase Cβ3), NFATc1 (nuclear factor of activated T cells), E2F1 (E2F transcription factor 1), and LMCD1 (LIM and cysteine-rich domains protein 1) are involved in thrombin-induced IL-33 expression and migration. Furthermore, we identified an NFAT-binding site at −100 nt that mediates thrombin-induced IL-33 promoter activity. Interestingly, we observed that NFATc1, E2F1, and LMCD1 bind to NFAT site in response to thrombin and found that LMCD1, while alone has no significant effect, enhanced either NFATc1 or E2F1-dependent IL-33 promoter activity. In addition, we found that guidewire injury induces IL-33 expression in SMC and its neutralizing antibodies substantially reduce SMC migration and neointimal growth in vivo. Increased expression of IL-33 was also observed in human atherosclerotic lesions as compared to arteries without any lesions.

Conclusions—

The above findings reveal for the first time that thrombin-induced human aortic smooth muscle cell migration and injury-induced neointimal growth require IL-33 expression. In addition, thrombin-induced IL-33 expression requires LMCD1 enhanced combinatorial activation of NFATc1 and E2F1.