bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical benefits of systemic amoxicillin/metronidazole may depend on periodontitis severity and patients' age: An exploratory sub‐analysis of the ABPARO trial
Authors: Eickholz Peter , Koch Raphael , Kocher Thomas , Hoffmann Thomas , Kim Ti‐Sun , Meyle Joerg , Kaner Doğan , Schlagenhauf Ulrich , Harmsen Dag , Harks Inga , Ehmke Benjamin
Published: March 2019

Aim

The aim was to identify benefit thresholds for clinical variables. We hypothesize, if variables fall below or exceed these threshold levels, systemic amoxicillin/metronidazole may contribute to reducing progression of periodontitis.

Material & Methods

This is an explorative per‐protocol collective analysis (n = 345) conducted on the placebo‐controlled, multi‐centre ABPARO trial (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00707369). Patients received debridement with systemic amoxicillin 500 mg/metronidazole 400 mg (3×/day, 7 days, n = 170) or placebo (n = 175) and maintenance therapy every three months. To identify thresholds, each of the following baseline characteristics was classified into two groups (≥threshold value/<threshold value): bleeding on probing, extent of pocket probing depth (PPD) ≥ 5 mm, mean clinical attachment level and age. Treatment effect (% of sites with new attachment loss ≥ 1.3 mm at 27.5 months post‐treatment) was calculated.

Results

Adjunctive antimicrobials reduced median new attachment loss in patients < 55 years (5.2%), or with ≥ 35% PPD ≥ 5 mm (4.5%) or with a mean attachment level > 5 mm (5.2%) at baseline compared to the placebo (9.0%, 11.6%, and 12.5%, respectively; p < 0.005).

Conclusions

The clinical benefits of systemic amoxicillin/metronidazole may depend on periodontitis severity and patients' age.
Glycine increases glyoxalase‐1 function by promoting nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 translocation into the nucleus of kidney cells of streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats
Authors: Wang Ziwei , Zhao Dan , Chen Lei , Li Jingjing , Yuan Geheng , Yang Guosheng , Zhang Hong , Guo Xiaohui , Zhang Junqing
Published: March 2019

Aims/Introduction

We have previously reported that glycine suppresses the advanced glycation end‐products signaling pathway and mitigates subsequent oxidative stress in the kidneys of diabetic rats. In the present study, we investigated whether this beneficial effect was associated with upregulation of glyoxalase‐1 (Glo1) and activation of the nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2).

Materials and Methods

Both healthy rats and streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats were administrated with glycine (1% added to the drinking water) for 12 weeks. The function of Glo1, messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and protein expressions of Nrf2, and markers of oxidative status were measured in the kidneys. The mRNA expressions of other downstream signaling molecules of the Nrf2 pathway were also determined.

Results

The mRNA and protein expressions, as well as the activity of Glo1, were decreased in the kidneys of diabetic rats, accompanied by diminished glutathione levels. After glycine treatment, these parameters of Glo1 function were markedly increased. Compared with the control group, the levels of Nrf2 mRNA and protein in the total kidney lysis were both markedly elevated in the diabetic group and glycine‐treated group. However, the nuclear translocation of Nrf2 was significantly increased in the glycine‐treated group than in the diabetic group. In addition, the anti‐oxidant capacity and the expressions of other downstream molecules of the Nrf2 signaling pathway were significantly increased after glycine treatment.

Conclusions

The present study shows that glycine might enhance the function of Glo1 and restore anti‐oxidant defense by promoting the nuclear translocation of Nrf2, thus inhibiting advanced glycation end‐products formation and protecting against renal oxidative stress.
The effect of electroconvulsive seizure on survival, neuronal differentiation, and expression of the maturation marker in the adult mouse hippocampus
Authors: Ueno Miyuki , Sugimoto Mami , Ohtsubo Keisuke , Sakai Naoto , Endo Akane , Shikano Kisako , Imoto Yuki , Segi‐Nishida Eri
Published: March 2019

Electroconvulsive seizure (ECS), a model of electroconvulsive therapy in rodents, strongly increases neurogenesis in the adult hippocampus. Neurogenesis is a multi‐step process that spans proliferation, survival, neuronal differentiation, and functional maturation. Our previous study demonstrated that ECS stimulates the proliferation of neural stem‐like cells. However, the contribution of ECS to survival, neuronal differentiation, and maturation in newborn cells remains unknown. To evaluate the effect of ECS on these processes, we labeled newborn cells with bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) before ECS treatment to determine the cell age and examined the survival rate and expression of cellular markers in the BrdU‐labeled cells. Our results revealed that exposure to ECS (11 repetitions) during the differentiation phase significantly increased survival and promoted neuronal differentiation of newborn cells in the dentate gyrus. Four of ECS repetitions during the early differentiation phase were sufficient to promote dendritic outgrowth in immature neurons and enhance the expression of the immature neuronal marker, calretinin, in newborn cells. In contrast, exposure to ECS (11 repetitions) during the late maturation phase significantly suppressed the expression of the mature neuronal marker, calbindin, in newborn neurons. These results demonstrate that ECS during the differentiation phase promoted survival and neuronal differentiation and, in contrast, suppressed mature marker expression during the late maturation phase, suggesting that ECS has multiple effects on the different stages of adult neurogenesis.

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The novel capsazepine analog, CIDD‐99, significantly inhibits oral squamous cell carcinoma in vivo through a TRPV1‐independent induction of ER stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and apoptosis
Authors: De La Chapa Jorge J. , Singha Prajjal K. , Self Kristen K. , Sallaway McKay L. , McHardy Stanton F. , Hart Matthew J. , McGuff Howard Stan , Valdez Matthew C. , Ruiz Francisco , Polusani Srikanth R. , Gonzales Cara B.
Published: March 2019

Background

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a deadly disease with a mere 40% five‐year survival rate for patients with advanced disease. Previously, we discovered that capsazepine (CPZ), a transient receptor potential channel, Vanilloid subtype 1 (TRPV1) antagonist, has significant anti‐tumor effects against OSCC via a unique mechanism‐of‐action that is independent of TRPV1. Thus, we developed novel CPZ analogs with more potent anti‐proliferative effects (CIDD‐24, CIDD‐99, and CIDD‐111).

Methods

Using OSCC xenograft models, we determined the efficacy of these analogs in vivo. TRPV1 interactions were evaluated using calcium imaging and a rat model of orofacial pain. Anti‐cancer mechanism(s)‐of‐action were assessed by cell cycle analysis and mitochondrial depolarization assays.

Results

CIDD‐99 was the most potent analog demonstrating significant anti‐tumor effects in vivo (P < 0.001). CIDD‐24 was equipotent to the parent compound CPZ, but less potent than CIDD‐99. CIDD‐111 was the least efficacious analog. Calcium imaging studies confirmed that CIDD‐99 neither activates nor inhibits TRPV1 confirming that TRPV1 activity is not involved in its anti‐cancer effects. All analogs induced an S‐phase block, dose‐dependent mitochondrial depolarization, and apoptosis. Histological analyses revealed increased apoptosis and reduced cell proliferation in tumors treated with these analogs. Importantly, CIDD‐99 had the most dramatic anti‐tumor effects with 85% of tumors resolving leaving only minute traces of viable tissue. Additionally, CIDD‐99 was non‐noxious and demonstrated no observable adverse reactions

Conclusion

This study describes a novel, highly efficacious, CPZ analog, CIDD‐99, with dramatic anti‐tumor effects against OSCC that may be efficacious as a lone therapy or in combination with standard therapies.
Effect of various salts on the growth and development of Geotrichum candidum, the causal agent of carrot sour rot
Authors: Türkkan Muharrem
Published: March 2019

This study evaluated the efficacy of ammonium, calcium, potassium and sodium salts as possible alternatives to synthetic fungicides in the control of Geotrichum candidum, the causal agent of sour rot on carrots. In vitro mycelial growth of G. candidum was completely halted by ammonium bicarbonate and carbonate; calcium oxide; potassium benzoate, carbonate and sorbate; sodium benzoate, carbonate and fluoride (2% w/v). Potassium and sodium bicarbonate also reduced mycelial growth by 77.78% and 90.60%, respectively, and the difference between the effects of sodium bicarbonate and the first group of salts was not statistically significant (p < 0.05). With the exception of potassium and sodium bicarbonate, the above‐mentioned salts also halted or strongly reduced arthrospore germination. Potassium bicarbonate, and sodium bicarbonate, acetate and propionate significantly increased conidiation (p < 0.05). Of all the salts tested in vitro, only ammonium bicarbonate and carbonate, calcium oxide and sodium fluoride were toxic to G. candidum. In in vivo studies, all the calcium salts tested (acetate, chloride, citrate, formate, lactate, oxide, propionate and silicate), several of the sodium salts (acetate, bicarbonate, chloride and fluoride) and potassium bicarbonate exhibited both protective and curative activity against G. candidum, significantly reducing the severity of sour rot in comparison to pathogen‐inoculated controls (p < 0.05). Although no curative was observed with ammonium bicarbonate, ammonium carbonate, potassium carbonate, potassium chloride, sodium carbonate or sodium citrate, these salts also demonstrated significant protective activity against sour rot when compared to controls (p < 0.05). In sum, the study findings show that all of the selected salts may be used to control carrot sour rot, except for sodium fluoride, which exhibited phytotoxicity to carrots.
Delivering family psychoeducation at the mental health acute inpatient service: A practitioner narrative
Authors: Nolan Michael , Petrakis Melissa
Published: March 2019

Accessible Summary

What is known on the subject?

The admission of a loved one for first episode psychosis can cause considerable distress and confusion for family members.

Psychoeducation can enhance family members’ knowledge of the disease process and their role in supporting recovery.

What this paper adds to existing knowledge

There is limited research on psychoeducation processes within adult inpatient settings.

A Practitioner Narrative found that basic assessment questions can help guide the psychoeducation process. The Stress Vulnerability and Phases of Psychosis Models are valuable and efficient educational tools in answering many typical questions.

What are the implications for practice?

Psychoeducation sessions should be offered routinely in the early stage of a first episode psychosis, but must be individualized to family needs and concerns.

The psychoeducation structure also provides an opportunity for family members to “tell their story” to process the events leading up to a first admission and their emotional reactions to the service user's illness.

Aim

To clarify how initial psychoeducation, while typically brief, can best be targeted to the needs of families during the acute treatment phase of a first episode of psychosis, when there is often significant distress and confusion.

Method

Over 6 months of conducting inpatient psychoeducation meetings, with families of individuals experiencing first‐episode psychosis, a senior mental health nurse—as a practice development undertaking—kept a record of needs/issues expressed by families.

Thesis

The most frequent needs of families during a first episode of psychosis were: 1. Opportunity to discuss events leading to admission; 2. Space to share feelings and fears; 3. Have practical information concerning current care; 4. Education regarding the nature of psychotic symptoms and 5. Information about recovery.

Implications for Practice

Family members of individuals experiencing a first episode of psychosis often require an opportunity to process the events leading up to the admission, and their emotional reactions to the individual's illness and admission. The psychoeducation process can be individualized and targeted to the needs of families, with active listening to the family's stories. Psychoeducational frameworks that were useful for explaining issues raised were the Stress Vulnerability Model and the Phases of Psychosis.
MACK‐3 (combination of hoMa, Ast and CK18): A promising novel biomarker for fibrotic non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Chuah Kee‐Huat , Wan Yusoff Wan Nur Illyana , Sthaneshwar Pavai , Nik Mustapha Nik Raihan , Mahadeva Sanjiv , Chan Wah‐Kheong
Published: March 2019

Introduction

MACK‐3 (combination of hoMa, Ast and CK18) was reported to be a good biomarker for the diagnosis of fibrotic non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). However, there is no external validation to date.

Aim

To evaluate the accuracy of MACK‐3 for the diagnosis of fibrotic NASH.

Methodology

Consecutive adult non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients who had liver biopsy in a university hospital were included. MACK‐3 was calculated using the online calculator using the following variables: fasting glucose, fasting insulin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and cytokeratin 18 (CK18). MACK‐3 cut‐offs ≤0.134 and ≥0.550 were used to predict absence and presence of fibrotic NASH, respectively. Histopathological examination of liver biopsy specimen was reported according to the NASH Clinical Research Network Scoring System.

Results

Data for 196 subjects were analysed. MACK‐3 was good for diagnosis of fibrotic NASH (area under receiver‐operating characteristics curve [AUROC] 0.80), comparable to the Fibrosis‐4 index (FIB4) and the NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS) and superior to the BARD score and CK18. MACK‐3 was good for diagnosis of active NASH (AUROC 0.81) and was superior to other blood fibrosis tests. The overall accuracy, percentage of subjects in grey zone, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of MACK‐3 for diagnosis of fibrotic NASH was 79.1%, 46.9%, 100%, 43.8%, 43.1% and 100%, respectively, while for diagnosis of active NASH was 90.0%, 39.3%, 84.2%, 81.4%, 88.9% and 74.5%, respectively.

Conclusion

MACK‐3 is promising as a non‐invasive test for active NASH and fibrotic NASH and may be useful to identify patients who need more aggressive intervention.
Method‐dependent influence of environmental variables on reef fish assemblages when comparing trap and video surveys
Authors: Geraldi Nathan R. , Bacheler Nathan M. , Kellison G. Todd
Published: March 2019

Despite substantial survey effort and a large body of literature on abiotic and biotic factors in temperate reef ecosystems, knowledge of the complex and interactive effects of environmental variables on those communities is limited. Various survey methods have been developed to study environmental predictors of biodiversity, but there remains a gap in our understanding of how survey results are influenced by environmental factors. Here, we surveyed the fish assemblage associated with southeastern U.S. temperate marine reefs with simultaneous, paired trap, and camera gears throughout a ~50,000 km2 area during 2011–2013 and assessed the influence of environmental variables on the trap‐ and video‐surveyed assemblages. Predictor variables in the multivariate general linear models included depth, temperature, month, year, location, substrate relief, percent sessile biota, biota type, and turbidity. Depth and latitude had the greatest influence on the fish assemblage for both gears. The influence of habitat variables differed between methods and percent biota explained more variation in the fish assemblage when assessed by traps, while substrate relief and biota type explained more variation in the fish assemblage when assessed by video. In general, habitat complexity was positively related to the abundance of fishes in the video survey, but there was a negative relationship in the trap survey. Differences between gears were species‐specific and the influences of environmental variables were similar for some species such as Haemulon plumierii and Hyporthodus niveatus. The methods presented here can be used to assess method‐dependent differences in fish assemblages, which is a necessary precursor to assess the effect of environmental variables on the accuracy of surveys.
Online participatory intervention to promote and support exclusive breastfeeding: Randomized clinical trial
Authors: Cavalcanti Débora Silva , Cabral Caroline Sousa , de Toledo Vianna Rodrigo Pinheiro , Osório Mônica Maria
Published: March 2019

The support offered to mothers after hospital discharge can be decisive in maintaining exclusive breastfeeding during the first 6 months post‐partum. The objective of this study was to assess the impact on the duration of exclusive breastfeeding of a participatory intervention using an online social network. A randomized clinical trial was performed involving 251 mother–child pairings in a university hospital in the Northeast of Brazil, 123 of which assigned to the intervention group and 128 to the control group. After hospital discharge, the intervention group was followed through a closed group of an online social network, where weekly posters were published on topics related to breastfeeding and an active communication was established with the mothers. The groups were interviewed monthly over the phone until the child reached 6 months of age. The duration of exclusive breastfeeding was calculated through survival analysis, and the effect of the intervention was estimated through the Cox regression model. The exclusive breastfeeding frequencies were higher in the intervention group in all follow‐up months, reaching 33.3% in the sixth month versus 8.3% in the control group. The median exclusive breastfeeding duration was 149 days (95% CI [129.6, 168.4]) in the intervention group and 86 days (95% CI [64.9, 107.1]) in the control group (P < 0.0001). The proportional risk of early interruption of exclusive breastfeeding was 0.38 (95% CI [0.28, 0.51], P < 0.0001). This intervention had a positive impact on the duration and frequency of exclusive breastfeeding.
Protocol paper: Effects of yokukansan on medication‐overuse headache
Authors: Mitsufuji Takashi , Araki Nobuo , Ito Yasuo , Miyake Akifumi , Takeshima Takao , Iigaya Miho , Hirata Koichi , Suzuki Norihiro , Nakahara Jin , Terayama Yasuo , Sakai Fumihiko , Arai Hiroyuki , Shiibashi Michio , Isobe Hideyuki
Published: March 2019

Background

Medication‐overuse headache (MOH) is one of the most common chronic headache disorders and represents a public health problem.

Aim

As we have encountered cases of MOH treated effectively using yokukansan, we planned to analyze the effects of yokukansan on MOH in patients with migraine.

Methods

To analyze the effects of yokukansan on MOH in patients with migraine, we planned the study using a double‐blind, randomized, and placebo‐controlled trial.

Results

We started to register patients from October 2015, enrolling eight patients in 2015, 35 patients in 2016, 19 patients in 2017, and nine patients as of the time of writing in 2018. We have now collected 71 cases, but recruitment to the trial has not been completed. We need to register more cases to reach the desired number of 80.

Conclusion

This article presents the protocol for a double‐blind, randomized, and placebo‐controlled trial to collect evidence of the effects of yokukansan on MOH. The final objective of this study is to reduce headache in MOH while maintaining patient quality of life in good condition.
Assessment of ovarian reserve using serum anti‐Müllerian hormone after ovarian torsion surgery
Authors: Oskayli Meltem Caglar , Gulcin Neslihan , Ozatman Erdem , Gercel Gonca , Mutus Murat , Aksu Burhan , Durakbasa Cigdem Ulukaya
Published: March 2019

Background

The aim of this study was to determine ovarian reserve using serum anti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH) level in children who had undergone either ovarian‐preserving surgery or oophorectomy because of ovarian torsion.

Methods

Patients aged > 10 years who had undergone surgery for unilateral ovarian torsion were contacted for the study with ethics committee approval. Seventeen patients agreed to be included.

Results

A total of 10 patients had undergone ovarian detorsion and seven had undergone oophorectomy. Mean age at operation was 11.6 ± 2.23 years (range, 8–15 years) and 13.2 ± 2.17 years (range, 10–16 years), respectively (P = 0.46). Ovarian torsion was isolated in four patients in the first group, and in three in the second. The remainder had associated benign masses. At the time of this study, mean patient age was 18 ± 2.11 years (range, 14–21 years) with a mean postoperative follow up of 5.9 ± 2.8 years (range, 2–10.5 years). Echogenicity of all preserved ovaries was normal on pelvic Doppler ultrasonography, with presence of antral follicles in six. Three ovaries were smaller than expected for age, although two of these had antral follicles. Mean AMH was 5.54 ± 2.25 ng/mL in the detorsion group and 2.70 ± 2.11 ng/mL in the oophorectomy group (P = 0.04).

Conclusions

The presence of follicles in preserved ovaries after detorsion has been reported previously. AMH is expressed in granulosa cells of growing follicles and its serum level is valuable in assessing the quantitative aspects of ovarian reserve. Preservation of the ovary in children with torsion is justified in terms of future ovarian reserve.
Light‐induced systemic signalling down‐regulates photosynthetic performance of soybean leaves with different directional effects
Authors: Sun X. , Lu J. , Yang M. Y. , Huang S. R. , Du J. B. , Wang X. C. , Yang W. Y.
Published: March 2019

When plants are exposed to a heterogeneous environment, photosynthesis of leaves is not only determined by their local condition, but also by certain signals from other parts of the same plant, termed systemic regulation. Our present study was conducted to investigate the effects of light‐dependent systemic regulation on the photosynthetic performance of soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) under heterogeneous light conditions.

Soybean plants were treated with heterogeneous light. Then gas exchange characteristics were measured to evaluate the photosynthetic performance of leaves. Parameters related to photosynthetic pigments, chlorophyll fluorescence, Rubisco and photosynthates were examined to study the mechanisms of light‐dependent systemic regulation on photosynthesis.

Light‐induced systemic signalling by illuminated leaves reduced the Pn of both upper and lower non‐illuminated leaves on the same soybean plant. The decrease in gs and increase in Ci in these non‐illuminated leaves indicated restriction of carbon assimilation, which was further verified by the decline in content and activity of Rubisco. However, the activation state of Rubisco decreased only in upper non‐illuminated leaves. Quantum efficiency of PSII (ΦPSII) and ETR also decreased only in upper non‐illuminated leaves. Moreover, the effects of light‐induced systemic signalling on carbohydrate content were also detectable only in upper non‐illuminated leaves.

Light‐induced systemic signalling by illuminated leaves restricts carbon assimilation and down‐regulates photosynthetic performance of non‐illuminated leaves within a soybean plant. However, effects of such systemic regulation differed when regulated in upward or downward direction.
The history of the two‐signal model of lymphocyte activation: A personal perspective
Authors: Bretscher Peter A.
Published: March 2019

The first ideas leading to The Two‐Signal Model of lymphocyte activation were published 50 years ago, but the model was not realized in one sitting. I describe the three phases that led to its contemporary formulations. A motivation underlying all these models was to generate a minimal description of what is required for antigen to inactivate and activate mature lymphocytes that, at the same time, accounts for how peripheral tolerance is achieved. I suggest the two signal model has not only provided a substantiated framework for understanding how antigen interacts differently with B cells and CD8 T cells, to result in their inactivation and activation, but its postulates are pertinent to contemporary issues concerning the inactivation and activation of CD4 T cells.
Motor competence, perceived physical competence, physical fitness, and physical activity within Finnish children
Authors: Jaakkola Timo , Huhtiniemi Mikko , Salin Kasper , Seppälä Sanni , Lahti Jukka , Hakonen Harto , Stodden David F.
Published: March 2019

The purpose of this study was to investigate reciprocal relationships among students’ motor competence (MC) (leaping, throwing, catching, jumping skills), perceived physical competence, health‐related fitness (HRF) (20 m shuttle run, push‐up, abdominal muscles endurance tests) and objectively measured moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Participants included 422 Grade 5 Finnish children (246 girls). Two separate structural equation models investigated paths (a) from MC through both perceived physical competence and HRF to MVPA, and (b) from MVPA through both perceived physical competence and HRF to MC. Model 1 demonstrated an indirect path from MC through HRF to MVPA and a direct path from MC to perceived physical competence for both boys and girls. Additionally, model 1 revealed a direct path from perceived physical competence to MVPA for the girls and from MC to MVPA for the boys. MC, perceived physical competence, and HRF explained 13% of variance in MVPA for the girls and 25% for the boys. Model 2 indicated indirect paths from MVPA through perceived physical competence to MC and from MVPA through HRF to MC for both boys and girls. Additionally, a direct path from MVPA to MC was found in the boys’ group. MVPA, perceived physical competence, and HRF explained 48% of variance in MC for the girls and 53% for the boys. Results of this study provide preliminary support for the reciprocal nature of relationships among MC development, perceived physical competence, HRF and MVPA.
Concurrent exercise training on hyperglycemia and comorbidities associated: Non‐responders using clinical cutoff points
Authors: Álvarez Cristian , Ramírez‐Campillo Rodrigo , Lucia Alejandro , Ramírez‐Vélez Robinson , Izquierdo Mikel
Published: March 2019

This study examined the effects of a 20‐week concurrent training (CT, ie, resistance plus endurance training) intervention on cardiovascular risk factors, such as body composition, blood pressure, and lipid profile among adult women with hyperglycemia. A secondary aim was to report prevalence of non‐responders for the different study outcomes. Physically inactive overweight/obese and hyperglycemic adult women (42 ± 6 years; BMI = 30.9 ± 4.8 kg/m2) were randomly assigned to a 20‐week CT intervention group or a control (non‐exercise) group (CG) (n = 14/group). Cardiovascular risk factors for body composition (body mass, waist circumference [WC], fat mass, and lean mass), blood pressure, and lipid profile (total, LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and fasting glucose) were assessed before and after the 20‐week intervention. Our results show that a CT intervention results in a reduction of comorbidities in terms of abdominal obesity and cardiovascular risk in adult women with hyperglycemia by decreasing WC and improving lipid profile in “mean” terms. At the individual level, after CT, some subjects changed their status from a “high” to a “low” cardiovascular risk in terms of WC, while others changed from hypertension to either high blood pressure or normotension, or from high blood pressure to normotension, and others changed from hypercholesterolemia/dyslipidemia to normocholesterolemia. Overall, there were ~30%, 50%, and 20% of individuals in the CT exercise group who showed no change/adverse response for body composition, blood pressure, and lipid profile, respectively, after the 20‐week CT intervention.
Towards resolving and redefining Amphipyrinae (Lepidoptera, Noctuoidea, Noctuidae): a massively polyphyletic taxon
Authors: Keegan Kevin L. , Lafontaine James Donald , Wahlberg Niklas , Wagner David L.
Published: March 2019

Amphipyrinae have long been a catchall taxon for Noctuidae, with most members lacking discernible morphological synapomorphies that would allow their assignment to one of the many readily diagnosable noctuid subfamilies. Here data from seven gene regions (> 5500 bp) for more than 120 noctuid genera are used to infer a phylogeny for Amphipyrinae and related subfamilies. Sequence data for 57 amphipyrine genera – most represented by the type species of the genus – are examined. We present here the first large‐scale molecular phylogenetic study of Amphipyrinae and the largest molecular phylogeny of Noctuidae to date; several proposed nomenclatural changes for well‐supported results; and the identification of areas of noctuid phylogeny where greater taxon sampling and/or genomic‐scale data are needed. Adult and larval morphology, along with life‐history traits, for taxonomic groupings most relevant to the results are discussed. Amphipyrinae are significantly redefined; many former amphipyrines, excluded as a result of these analyses, are reassigned to other noctuid subfamily‐level taxa. Four genera, Chamaeclea Grote, Heminocloa Barnes & Benjamin, Hemioslaria Barnes & Benjamin and Thurberiphaga Dyar, are transferred to the tribe Chamaecleini Keegan & Wagner tribe n. in Acontiinae. Stiriina is elevated to Stiriinae rev. stat., Grotellina is elevated to Grotellinae rev. stat. and Annaphilina is elevated to Annaphilini rev. stat. Acopa Harvey is transferred to Bryophilinae, Aleptina Dyar is transferred to Condicinae, Leucocnemis Hampson and Oxycnemis gracillinea (Grote) are transferred to Oncocnemidinae, Nacopa Barnes & Benjamin is transferred to Noctuinae and Narthecophora Smith is transferred to Stiriinae. Azenia Grote (and its subtribe Azeniina), Cropia Walker, Metaponpneumata Möschler, Sexserrata Barnes & Benjamin and Tristyla Smith are transferred to Noctuidae incertae sedis. Hemigrotella Barnes & McDunnough (formerly in subtribe Grotellina) is retained in Amphipyrinae. Argentostiria Poole and Bistica Dyar are retained in Stiriini but removed from incertae sedis position.

This published work has been registered on ZooBank: http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:4A140782‐31BA‐445A‐B7BA‐6EAB98ED43FA.
Influence of Internal Inward Pressure on Stability of Open-Top Aboveground Steel Tanks Subjected to Wind Loading
Authors: Chiang Yen-Chen , Guzey Sukru
Published: March 2019

The results of wind tunnel tests indicate that there is an internal inward pressure induced by wind excitation when open-top tanks are examined, but not when close-top tanks are examined. This internal pressure is considered in many design documents outside of the U.S., however, ASCE-7 and API 650 do not explicitly address this factor. This study examined the effect of this internal pressure by conducting finite element analyses. Open-top tanks with height to diameter ratios of 0.11, 0.2, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 4.0 were modeled using a finite element program. A linear bifurcation analysis and a post-buckling analysis were then conducted to verify the tank's stability when subjected to wind loading in accordance with the wind profiles specified in the selected design documents. To ensure the quality of the analyses, a study on mesh convergence and the load increment of Riks analysis was conducted. It was determined that the presence of the additional internal pressure term has a drastic impact on the buckling capacity of all the tanks examined. As a consequence, it can be concluded that the additional internal pressure generated by the wind on an open-top tank should not be neglected.
Solving Two-Dimensional Variable-Order Fractional Optimal Control Problems With Transcendental Bernstein Series
Authors: Hassani Hossein , Avazzadeh Zakieh , Machado José António Tenreiro
Published: March 2019

This paper studies two-dimensional variable-order fractional optimal control problems (2D-VFOCPs) having dynamic constraints contain partial differential equations such as the convection–diffusion, diffusion-wave, and Burgers' equations. The variable-order time fractional derivative is described in the Caputo sense. To overcome computational difficulties, a novel numerical method based on transcendental Bernstein series (TBS) is proposed. In fact, we generalize the Bernstein polynomials to the larger class of functions which can provide more accurate approximate solutions. In this paper, we introduce the TBS and their properties, and subsequently, the privileges and effectiveness of these functions are demonstrated. Furthermore, we describe the approximation procedure which shows for solving 2D-VFOCPs how the needed basis functions can be determined. To do this, first we derive a number of new operational matrices of TBS. Second, the state and control functions are expanded in terms of the TBS with unknown free coefficients and control parameters. Then, based on these operational matrices and the Lagrange multipliers method, an optimization method is presented to an approximate solution of the state and control functions. Additionally, the convergence of the proposed method is analyzed. The results for several illustrative examples show that the proposed method is efficient and accurate.
Stabilization Conditions for a Class of Fractional-Order Nonlinear Systems
Authors: Huang Sunhua , Wang Bin
Published: March 2019

The stabilization problem of fractional-order nonlinear systems for 0<α<1 is studied in this paper. Based on Mittag-Leffler function and the Lyapunov stability theorem, two practical stability conditions that ensure the stabilization of a class of fractional-order nonlinear systems are proposed. These stability conditions are given in terms of linear matrix inequalities and are easy to implement. Moreover, based on these conditions, the method for the design of state feedback controllers is given, and the conditions that enable the fractional-order nonlinear closed-loop systems to assure stability are provided. Finally, a representative case is employed to confirm the validity of the designed scheme.
Threshold Dynamics and Bifurcation of a State-Dependent Feedback Nonlinear Control Susceptible–Infected–Recovered Model1
Authors: Cheng Tianyu , Tang Sanyi , Cheke Robert A.
Published: March 2019

A classic susceptible–infected–recovered (SIR) model with nonlinear state-dependent feedback control is proposed and investigated in which integrated control measures, including vaccination, treatment and isolation, are applied once the number of the susceptible population reaches a threshold level. The interventions are density dependent due to limitations on the availability of resources. The existence and global stability of the disease-free periodic solution (DFPS) are addressed, and the threshold condition is provided, which can be used to define the control reproduction number Rc for the model with state-dependent feedback control. The DFPS may also be globally stable even if the basic reproduction number R0 of the SIR model is larger than one. To show that the threshold dynamics are determined by the Rc, we employ bifurcation theories of the discrete one-parameter family of maps, which are determined by the Poincaré map of the proposed model, and the main results indicate that under certain conditions, a stable or unstable interior periodic solution could be generated through transcritical, pitchfork, and backward bifurcations. A biphasic vaccination rate (or threshold level) could result in an inverted U-shape (or U-shape) curve, which reveals some important issues related to disease control and vaccine design in bioengineering including vaccine coverage, efficiency, and vaccine production. Moreover, the nonlinear state-dependent feedback control could result in novel dynamics including various bifurcations.
Variable Impedance Control of Powered Knee Prostheses Using Human-Inspired Algebraic Curves
Authors: Mohammadi Alireza , Gregg Robert D.
Published: March 2019

Achieving coordinated motion between transfemoral amputee patients and powered prosthetic joints is of paramount importance for powered prostheses control. In this article, we propose employing an algebraic curve representation of nominal human walking data for a powered knee prosthesis controller design. The proposed algebraic curve representation encodes the desired holonomic relationship between the human and the powered prosthetic joints with no dependence on joint velocities. For an impedance model of the knee joint motion driven by the hip angle signal, we create a continuum of equilibria along the gait cycle using a variable impedance scheme. Our variable impedance-based control law, which is designed using the parameter-dependent Lyapunov function framework, realizes the coordinated hip-knee motion with a family of spring and damper behaviors that continuously change along the human-inspired algebraic curve. In order to accommodate variability in the user's hip motion, we propose a computationally efficient radial projection-based algorithm onto the human-inspired algebraic curve in the hip-knee plane.
Bursting, Dynamics, and Circuit Implementation of a New Fractional-Order Chaotic System With Coexisting Hidden Attractors
Authors: Wang Meng Jiao , Liao Xiao Han , Deng Yong , Li Zhi Jun , Zeng Yi Ceng , Ma Ming Lin
Published: March 2019

Systems with hidden attractors have been the hot research topic of recent years because of their striking features. Fractional-order systems with hidden attractors are newly introduced and barely investigated. In this paper, a new 4D fractional-order chaotic system with hidden attractors is proposed. The abundant and complex hidden dynamical behaviors are studied by nonlinear theory, numerical simulation, and circuit realization. As the main mode of electrical behavior in many neuroendocrine cells, bursting oscillations (BOs) exist in this system. This complicated phenomenon is seldom found in the chaotic systems, especially in the fractional-order chaotic systems without equilibrium points. With the view of practical application, the spectral entropy (SE) algorithm is chosen to estimate the complexity of this fractional-order system for selecting more appropriate parameters. Interestingly, there is a state variable correlated with offset boosting that can adjust the amplitude of the variable conveniently. In addition, the circuit of this fractional-order chaotic system is designed and verified by analog as well as hardware circuit. All the results are very consistent with those of numerical simulation.
A Creep Buckling Design Method of Elliptical Heads Based on the External Pressure Chart
Authors: Liu Fang , Gong Jian-Guo , Gao Fu-Hai , Xuan Fu-Zhen
Published: March 2019

The buckling design criteria of elliptical heads in ASME VIII-1, ASME NH, and RCC-MRx are reviewed and compared. Accordingly, an external pressure chart (EPC) based buckling design approach is developed for elliptical heads in the creep range. Results indicate that for instantaneous buckling design, RCC-MRx predicts higher allowable pressure compared with ASME NH, which is ascribed to the smaller design factor. The proposed method produces a similar result with that given by ASME VIII-1. By contrast, the proposed method leads to a reasonably conservative result with the factor n of 0.03 for the creep buckling design. While the simplified method in RCC-MRx provides an over-conservative solution.
Erosion Mechanism and Sensitivity Parameter Analysis of Natural Gas Curved Pipeline
Authors: Zhang Jie , Yi Hao , Huang Zhuo , Du Jiadai
Published: March 2019

With the deepening of natural gas exploitation, the problem of sand production in gas wells is becoming more and more serious, especially in high-yield gas wells. The solid particles in natural gas are very likely to cause erosion and wear of downstream pipelines and throttling manifolds, which makes the pipeline ineffective. Once the pipeline is damaged, the natural gas leaks, which may cause serious catastrophic accidents. In this paper, the impact of sand particles on the pipeline wall is predicted by the analysis of the research on bent and continuous pipeline combined with particle collision model. The parameters of different particles (particle shape factor, particle velocity, and particle diameter), different bent parameters (angle, diameter, and curvature-to-diameter ratio), and the influence of different continuous pipeline parameters (assembly spacing and angle) are explored on the erosion and wear mechanism of curved pipeline. The results show that the shape of the particles has a great influence on the wear of the curved pipeline. As the shape factor of the particles decreases, the wear tends to decrease. The bent area is subject to erosion changes as the particle parameters and piping parameters. The increase in pipeline diameter is beneficial to reduce the maximum and the average erosion wear rate. When the bent angle of the pipeline is less than 90 deg, the maximum erosion wear rate is basically the same. But when it is greater than 90 deg, it decreases with the increase in the bent angle. When the assembly angle of double curved pipeline is between 0 deg and 60 deg, the elbow is subject to severe erosion wear. At the same time, increasing the assembly spacing is beneficial to reduce the erosion wear rate. The research can provide a theoretical support for subsequent engineering applications.
Generating Robot Trajectories for Conformal Three-Dimensional Printing Using Nonplanar Layers
Authors: Shembekar Aniruddha V. , Yoon Yeo Jung , Kanyuck Alec , Gupta Satyandra K.
Published: March 2019

Additive manufacturing (AM) technologies have been widely used to fabricate three-dimensional (3D) objects quickly and cost-effectively. However, building parts consisting of complex geometries with curvatures can be a challenging process for the traditional AM system whose capability is restricted to planar layered printing. Using six degrees-of-freedom (DOF) industrial robots for AM overcomes this limitation by allowing the material deposition to take place on nonplanar surfaces. In this paper, we present trajectory planning algorithms for 3D printing using nonplanar material deposition. Trajectory parameters are selected to avoid collision with printing surface and satisfy robot constraints. We have implemented our approach by using a 6DOF robot arm. The complex 3D structures with various curvatures were successfully fabricated with a good surface finish.
Nanofluid Dynamics of Flexible Polymeric Nanoparticles Under Wall Confinement
Authors: Farokhirad Samaneh , Ramakrishnan N. , Eckmann David M. , Ayyaswamy Portonovo S. , Radhakrishnan Ravi
Published: March 2019

Describing the hydrodynamics of nanoparticles in fluid media poses interesting challenges due to the coupling between the Brownian and hydrodynamic forces at the nanoscale. We focus on multiscale formulations of Brownian motion and hydrodynamic interactions (HI) of a single flexible polymeric nanoparticle in confining flows using the Brownian Dynamics method. The nanoparticle is modeled as a self-avoiding freely jointed polymer chain that is subject to Brownian forces, hydrodynamics forces, and repulsive interactions with the confining wall. To accommodate the effect of the wall, the hydrodynamic lift due to the wall is included in the mobility of a bead of the polymer chain which depends on its proximity to the wall. Using the example of a flexible polymeric nanoparticle, we illustrate temporal dynamics pertaining to the colloidal scale as well as the nanoscale.
Vaporization Heat Transfer in a Small Diameter Closed Two-Phase Thermosyphon
Authors: Padovan Andrea , Bortolin Stefano , Rossato Marco , Filippeschi Sauro , Del Col Davide
Published: March 2019

This paper deals with vaporization heat transfer in a small diameter closed two-phase thermosyphon with a long evaporator and a short condenser, filled with water as operating fluid. The internal diameter of the evaporator is equal to 6.4 mm and the length-to-diameter ratio at the evaporator is equal to 166. A similar geometry is commonly used in vacuumed tube solar collectors. In the present investigation, the input power to the evaporator is provided by means of an electrical resistance wire wrapped around the external wall of the tube, while a water jacket is built at the condenser to reject the heat. The performance of the thermosyphon is described by using the wall temperature and the overall thermal resistance for different operating conditions: input power at the evaporator, cooling water temperature at the condenser, and inclination of the thermosyphon (30 deg, 60 deg, and 90 deg tilt angle to the horizontal plane). The present experimental data cover a range of heat flux between 1700 and 8000 W/m2 and saturation temperature between 28 °C and 72 °C. The vaporization heat transfer coefficients are compared with some correlations for closed two-phase thermosyphons displaying large disagreement. A new correlation is presented, which accurately predicts the present experimental values and other data by independent labs taken in closed two-phase thermosyphons, varying geometry and operating fluid (water, R134a, and ethanol).
Design and Modeling of a Three-Degree-of-Freedom Articulating Robotic Microsurgical Forceps for Trans-Oral Laser Microsurgery
Authors: Chauhan Manish , Deshpande Nikhil , Caldwell Darwin G. , Mattos Leonardo S.
Published: March 2019

Trans-oral laser microsurgery (TLM) is a surgical procedure for removing malignancies (e.g., cysts, polyps, tumors) of the laryngeal region through laser ablation. Intraoperative microsurgical forceps (i.e., microforceps) are used for tissue manipulation. The microforceps are rigid, single degree-of-freedom (DOF) devices (open–close) with precurved jaws to access different parts of the curved cylindrical laryngeal region. These microforceps are manually handled and are subject to hand tremors, poor reachability, and nonergonomic use, resulting in poor efficacy and efficiency in the surgery. A novel 3DOF motorized microforceps device is presented here, integrated with a 6DOF serial robotic manipulator. The device, referred to as RMF-3, offers three motorized DOFs: (i) open–close forceps jaw; (ii) tool rotation; and (iii) tool-tip articulation. It is designed to be compliant with TLM spatial constraints. The manual handling is replaced by tele-operation device, the omega.7. The design of the RMF-3 is characterized through theoretical and experimental analysis. The device shows a maximum articulation of 38 deg and tool rotation of 100 deg. Its performance is further evaluated through user trials using the ring-in-loop setup. The user trials demonstrate benefits of the 3DOF workspace of the device along with its teleoperation control. RMF-3 offers an improved workspace and reachability within the laryngeal region. Surgeons, in their preliminary evaluation of the device, appreciated the ability to articulate the tip, along with rotation, for hard-to-reach parts of the surgical site. RMF-3 offers an ergonomic robotic teleoperation control interface which overcomes hand tremors and extreme wrist excursion which leads to surgeon pain and discomfort.
Detection of thermodynamic “valley noise” in monolayer semiconductors: Access to intrinsic valley relaxation time scales
Authors: Goryca M. , Wilson N. P. , Dey P. , Xu X. , Crooker S. A.
Published: March 2019

Using light to “listen” to the noise of electrons, we reveal their intrinsic dynamics in a single semiconducting atomic layer.
Spider dragline silk as torsional actuator driven by humidity
Authors: Liu Dabiao , Tarakanova Anna , Hsu Claire C. , Yu Miao , Zheng Shimin , Yu Longteng , Liu Jie , He Yuming , Dunstan D. J. , Buehler Markus J.
Published: March 2019

Spider dragline silk exhibits a self-powered torsion actuation driven by humidity, potentially acting as a novel torsional actuator.