bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Astragalus Polysaccharide Eases G1 Phase-Correlative Bystander Effects through Mediation of TGF-βR/MAPK/ROS Signal Pathway After Carbon Ion Irradiation in BMSCs
Authors: Zhang Li-Ying , Yong Wen-Xing , Wang Lei , Zhang Li-Xin , Zhang Yi-Ming , Gong Hong-Xia , He Jin-Peng , Liu Yong-Qi
Published: May 2019

Although Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) has been shown to have various pharmacological effects, there have been no studies concerning the inhibitory effects of APS on the radiation-induced bystander effects (RIBE). The aim of this study was to investigate whether APS could suppress RIBE damage by inhibiting cell growth, micronucleus (MN) formation and 53BP1 foci number increased in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), named bystander cells, as well as to explore its mechanism. In this study, APS decreased proliferation and colony rate of bystander cells by inducing cell cycle arrest at G1 phase via extrinsic and intrinsic DNA damage. Regarding mechanism, APS inhibited mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signal pathway by down-regulating the expression of the key proteins, phosphorylated JNK (p-JNK), phosphorylated ERK (p-ERK) but not phosphorylated P38 (p-P38), and down-regulating their downstream function protein and molecule, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Moreover, in bystander cells, APS inhibits expression of transforming growth factor [Formula: see text] receptor II (TGF-[Formula: see text]R II), a cell membrane receptor, resulting in lower ROS production and secretion via TGF-[Formula: see text]R-JNK/ERK-COX-2/ROS not P38 signaling. They gave a hint that the decreased RIBE damage induced by APS treatment involved TGF-[Formula: see text]R-JNK/ERK-COX-2/ROS down-regulation.
Tunable plasmonic-induced transparency based on stub-coupled cascade ring resonator with electro-optical material
Authors: Chen Fang , Zhang Huafeng , Sun Lihui , Li Jijun , Yu Chunchao
Published: May 2019

The electrical control of plasmonic-induced transparency (PIT) via a resonator waveguide system is presented. The proposed structure is composed of a stub and cascade ring resonator. The ring and the stub resonator are filled with electro-optical material which can control the resonance frequency by the external voltage. Two-dimensional finite difference time domain (2D FDTD) method is used to calculate the transmission and field distribution. Single PIT is investigated both by FDTD and Coupled Mode Theory (CMT). The proposed PIT can be tuned by changing the external voltage or the geometric parameters. Double and triple PIT can be obtained by introducing more ring resonators and can be tuned by external voltage. The proposed plasmonic structure may have application in slow light device, nanoscale filter, all-optical switch and refractive index sensor.
Prenatal inflammation impairs intestinal microvascular development through a TNF-dependent mechanism and predisposes newborn mice to necrotizing enterocolitis
Authors: Yan Xiaocai , Managlia Elizabeth , Tan Xiao-Di , De Plaen Isabelle G.
Published: May 2019

Prenatal inflammation is a risk factor for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), and it increases intestinal injury in a rat NEC model. We previously showed that maldevelopment of the intestinal microvasculature and lack of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor 2 (VEGFR2) signaling play a role in experimental NEC. However, whether prenatal inflammation affects the intestinal microvasculature remains unknown. In this study, mouse dams were injected intraperitoneally with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or saline at embryonic day 17. Neonatal intestinal microvasculature density, endothelial cell proliferation, and intestinal VEGF-A and VEGFR2 proteins were assessed in vivo. Maternal and fetal serum TNF concentrations were measured by ELISA. The impact of TNF on the neonatal intestinal microvasculature was examined in vitro and in vivo, and we determined whether prenatal LPS injection exacerbates experimental NEC via TNF. Here we found that prenatal LPS injection significantly decreased intestinal microvascular density, endothelial cell proliferation, and VEGF and VEGFR2 protein expression in neonatal mice. Prenatal LPS injection increased maternal and fetal serum levels of TNF. TNF decreased VEGFR2 protein in vitro in neonatal endothelial cells. Postnatal TNF administration in vivo decreased intestinal microvasculature density, endothelial cell proliferation, and VEGF and VEGFR2 protein expression and increased the incidence of severe NEC. These effects were ameliorated by stabilizing hypoxia-inducible factor-1α, the master regulator of VEGF. Furthermore, prenatal LPS injection significantly increased the incidence of severe NEC in our model, and the effect was dependent on endogenous TNF. Our study suggests that prenatal inflammation increases the susceptibility to NEC, downregulates intestinal VEGFR2 signaling, and affects perinatal intestinal microvascular development via a TNF mechanism.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This report provides new evidence that maternal inflammation decreases neonatal intestinal VEGF receptor 2 signaling and endothelial cell proliferation, impairs intestinal microvascular development, and predisposes neonatal mouse pups to necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) through inflammatory cytokines such as TNF. Our data suggest that alteration of intestinal microvascular development may be a key mechanism by which premature infants exposed to prenatal inflammation are at risk for NEC and preserving the VEGF/VEGF receptor 2 signaling pathway may help prevent NEC development.
Platelet-derived growth factor receptor-α is essential for cardiac fibroblast survival
Authors: Ivey Malina J. , Kuwabara Jill T. , Riggsbee Kara L. , Tallquist Michelle D.
Published: May 2019

Platelet-derived growth factor receptor α (PDGFRα), a receptor tyrosine kinase required for cardiac fibroblast development, is uniquely expressed by fibroblasts in the adult heart. Despite the consensus that PDGFRα is expressed in adult cardiac fibroblasts, we know little about its function when these cells are at rest. Here, we demonstrate that loss of PDGFRα in cardiac fibroblasts resulted in a rapid reduction of resident fibroblasts. Furthermore, we observe that phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase signaling was required for PDGFRα-dependent fibroblast maintenance. Interestingly, this reduced number of fibroblasts was maintained long-term, suggesting that there is no homeostatic mechanism to monitor fibroblast numbers and restore hearts to wild-type levels. Although we did not observe any systolic functional changes in hearts with depleted fibroblasts, the basement membrane and microvasculature of these hearts were perturbed. Through in vitro analyses, we showed that PDGFRα signaling inhibition resulted in an increase in fibroblast cell death, and PDGFRα stimulation led to increased levels of the cell survival factor activating transcription factor 3. Our data reveal a unique role for PDGFRα signaling in fibroblast maintenance and illustrate that a 50% loss in cardiac fibroblasts does not result in lethality.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Platelet-derived growth factor receptor α (PDGFRα) is required in developing cardiac fibroblasts, but a functional role in adult, quiescent fibroblasts has not been identified. Here, we demonstrate that PDGFRα signaling is essential for cardiac fibroblast maintenance and that there are no homeostatic mechanisms to regulate fibroblast numbers in the heart. PDGFR signaling is generally considered mitogenic in fibroblasts, but these data suggest that this receptor may direct different cellular processes depending on the cell’s maturation and activation status.
Study of the Apoptotic Effect in Patients with Urological versus Gynaecological Chronic Pelvic Pain
Authors: Sánchez Llopis Anna , Di Capua Sacoto Carlos , O’Connor Jose Enrique , Martínez Romero Alicia , Ruiz Cerdá José Luís
Published: May 2019

The objective is to observe if it could be possible to use the apoptosis test to distinguish different aetiologies in chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS). A prospective study was done, 106 patients, 57 had previously been diagnosed with urological chronic pelvic pain (UCPP)/interstitial cystitis (IC) and 49 patients with gynaecological chronic pelvic pain (GCPP). Neoplastic cells cultures were exposed to the urine of patients with UCPP/IC and patients with GCPP. The urine ability to provoque apoptosis on them was analysed. The apoptosis degree was measured by quantifying the percentage of cells in phase subG0, determined by a flow cytometry analysis. It is observed that the cell cultures exposed to urine of patients with UCPP had a significantly higher sub-G1 peak and G2 phase than those of the cells exposed to urine from patient’s GCPP. The average values of apoptosis in patients with UCPP were significantly higher to that obtained in ­patients having GCPP. With the apoptosis tests having a value >10%, it is considered as positive as well. This means that when we are faced with a patient who has UCPP or non-bladder chronic pelvic pain, the probability of having an UCPP increases by 45% when the apoptosis test is positive for a value >10%. Urine from patients with UCPP has significantly higher apoptotic effect over than the effect produced by urine from patients with GCPP. The apoptosis test could be useful as an illness biomarker.
Novel and Private EDA Mutations and Clinical Phenotypes of Korean Patients with X-Linked Hypohidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia
Authors: Park Ji S. , Ko Jung M. , Chae Jong-Hee
Published: May 2019

X-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (XLHED; OMIM 305100) is the most common form of ectodermal dysplasia, presenting with the triad of hypotrichosis, hypodontia, and hypohidrosis. This disorder is caused by mutations in EDA, which encodes ectodysplasin A, a member of the tumor necrosis factor superfamily. In this study, we describe clinical and genetic characteristics of 10 Korean XLHED patients (9 males, 1 female) from 9 families. Nine out of the 10 patients manifested the cardinal triad of symptoms. Six patients had a positive family history, while 2 patients were brothers. The most common initial presentation was hypotrichosis or hypodontia, while 1 patient presented with recurrent high fever in early infancy. Sanger sequencing of the EDA gene was performed and revealed 9 different mutations. Three had been reported previously, and 6 were novel mutations. One female patient, carrying a previously reported missense mutation, might be affected by skewed X-inactivation. This is the first observational study investigating genetically confirmed XLHED patients in Korea. To provide appropriate supportive care and genetic counseling, clinicians should consider the possibility of XLHED in the differential diagnosis of recurrent fever in infants, as well as recognize the typical triad of symptoms.
The Prevalence of Intradialytic Hypotension in Patients on Conventional Hemodialysis: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis
Authors: Kuipers Johanna , Verboom Loes M. , Ipema Karin J.R. , Paans Wolter , Krijnen Wim P. , Gaillard Carlo A.J.M. , Westerhuis Ralf , Franssen Casper F.M.
Published: May 2019

Background: Intradialytic hypotension (IDH) is considered to be a frequent complication of hemodialysis (HD) and is associated with symptom burden, increased incidence of access failure, cardiovascular events, and higher mortality. This systematic literature review aims to analyse studies that investigated the prevalence of IDH. A complicating factor herein is that many different definitions of IDH are used in literature. Methods: A systematic literature search from databases, Medline, Cinahl, EMBASE, and the Cochrane library to identify studies reporting on the actual prevalence of IDH was conducted. Studies were categorized by the type of definition used for the prevalence of IDH. A meta-analysis of the prevalence of IDH was performed. Results: In a meta-analysis comprising 4 studies including 1,694 patients and 4 studies including 13,189 patients, the prevalence of HD sessions complicated by IDH was 10.1 and 11.6% for the European Best Practice Guideline (EBPG) definition and the Nadir <90 definition, respectively. The proportion of patients with frequent IDH could not reliably be established because of the wide range in cutoff values that were used to identify patients with frequent IDH. There was a large variety in the prevalence of symptoms and interventions. Major risk factors associated with IDH across studies were diabetes, a higher interdialytic weight gain, female gender, and lower body weight. Conclusion: Our meta-analysis suggests that the prevalence of IDH is lower than 12% for both the EBPG and the Nadir <90 definition which is much lower than stated in most reviews.
REMANESCENTES DE UM PASSADO INDESEJADO: OS ESTUDOS DE TOMBAMENTO DOS EXEMPLARES DA REDE PAULISTA DE PROFILAXIA E TRATAMENTO DA HANSENÍASE
Authors: Caporrino Amanda W. , Ungaretti Adda A. P.
Published: May 2019

Este artigo visa apresentar resultados dos estudos para o tombamento estadual de remanescentes da rede paulista de profilaxia e tratamento da hanseníase, doença anteriormente denominada como lepra. A rede em questão foi erguida com base no modelo hospitalar de isolamento conhecido como asilo-colônia, adotado no Brasil no início de 1920, quando a internação compulsória dos hansenianos foi determinada por força de lei. Na década de 1930, sua implantação foi concluída com a construção de cinco asilos-colônia: Santo Ângelo (Mogi das Cruzes), Padre Bento (Guarulhos), Pirapitingui (Itu), Cocais (Casa Branca) e Aimorés (Bauru). A estrutura profilática e de tratamento ainda era composta por ambulatórios denominados dispensários e por preventórios, orfanatos para filhos sadios de hansenianos internados. Diante dos desafios e avanços propostos pelas pesquisas, este artigo também pretende contribuir para os debates acerca do reconhecimento como patrimônio cultural de remanescentes ligados a passados relegados e memórias difíceis.
APRESENTAÇÃO
Authors: Camargo Mônica Junqueira de
Published: May 2019

.
Outcomes of Patients With Severe Symptomatic Aortic Valve Stenosis After Chest Radiation: Transcatheter Versus Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Zhang Dongfeng , Guo Wei , Al‐Hijji Mohammed A. , El Sabbagh Abdallah , Lewis Bradley R. , Greason Kevin , Sandhu Gurpreet S. , Eleid Mackram F. , Holmes David R. , Herrmann Joerg
Published: May 2019

Background

Patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis and a history of chest radiation therapy represent a complex and challenging cohort. It is unknown how transcatheter aortic valve replacement (
TAVR
) compares with surgical aortic valve replacement in this group of patients, which was the objective of this study.

Methods and Results

We retrospectively reviewed all patients with severe aortic stenosis who underwent either
TAVR
or surgical aortic valve replacement at our institution with a history of mediastinal radiation (n=55 per group). End points were echocardiographic and clinical outcomes in‐hospital, at 30 days, and at 1 year. Inverse propensity weighting analysis was used to account for intergroup baseline differences.
TAVR
patients had a higher
STS
score than surgical aortic valve replacement patients (5.1% [3.2, 7.7] versus 1.6% [0.8, 2.6],
P
<0.001) and more often (
P
<0.01 for all) a history of atrial fibrillation (45.5% versus 12.7%), chronic lung disease (47.3% versus 7.3%), peripheral arterial disease (38.2% versus 7.3%), heart failure (58.2% versus 18.2%), and pacemaker therapy (23.6% versus 1.8%). Postoperative atrial fibrillation was less frequent (1.8% versus 27.3%;
P
<0.001) and hospital stay was shorter in
TAVR
patients (4.0 [2.0, 5.0] versus 6.0 [5.0, 8.0] days;
P
<0.001). The ratio of observed‐to‐expected 30‐day mortality was lower after
TAVR
as was 30‐day mortality in inverse propensity weighting–adjusted Kaplan–Meier analyses.

Conclusions

In patients with severe aortic stenosis and a history of chest radiation therapy,
TAVR
performs better than predicted along with less adjusted 30‐day all‐cause mortality, postoperative atrial fibrillation, and shorter hospitalization compared with surgical aortic valve replacement. These data support further studies on the preferred role of
TAVR
in this unique patient population.
Marayniocus martensi, a new genus and a new species of Peruvian harvestmen (Arachnida: Opiliones: Gonyleptidae)
Authors: ACOSTA LUIS E.
Published: May 2019

A new genus and a new species of Gonyleptidae (Pachylinae) from the Peruvian Andes, Marayniocus martensi, are described. The generic distinction is primarily based on the male genitalia, especially the ventral process of the stylus, which is fan-shaped and bears an acute ventral apophysis; such a structure has no parallel among other Andean pachylines. Exomorphological and genital differences between Marayniocus gen. n. and the Andean genera Acrographinotus, Junicus, Punagraphinotus, Palcapachylus, Tarmapachylus and Pichitus are discussed. The new species has been collected in high altitude grasslands south of the Chanchamayo basin, on the eastern Andean slopes of central Peru.
Five new species of Protimesius from Brazil (Opiliones: Stygnidae)
Authors: VILLARREAL-MANZANILLA OSVALDO , PINTO-DA-ROCHA RICARDO
Published: May 2019

Five new species of the harvestmen genus Protimesius Roewer, 1913 are described from Brazil: P. foliadereis n. sp. (type-locality: Juruena, Mato Grosso), P. junina n. sp. (type-locality: Gruta Califórnia, Pau Brasil, Bahia), P. cirio n. sp. (type-locality: Ananindeua, Pará), P. boimbumba n. sp. and P. carnaval n. sp. (type-locality for both: Rio Moa, Parque Nacional da Serra do Divisor, Acre). P. apiacas Pinto-da-Rocha, 2000 is recorded from Rondonia State (Brazil) for the first time.
Martensopoda gen. nov. from southern Indian mountain ranges, the first genus of huntsman spiders with a cymbial spur (Araneae: Sparassidae: Heteropodinae)
Authors: JÄGER PETER
Published: May 2019

The genus Martensopoda gen. nov. is established for two species from South India with distinct and apomorphic features in their copulatory organs. A cymbial spur in the male copulatory organs is reported the first time in the Sparassidae. The embolus’ loop — unique to Heteropodinae — is oriented transversally to the plane of the alveolus. Females exhibit spirally coiled copulatory openings similar to those of Spariolenus, but with a posterior pit at the median septum and with lateral loops of the internal duct system. Martensopoda transversa sp. nov. is described from Cardamon Hills in Kerala State (male, female), Martensopoda minuscula (Reimoser 1934) comb. nov. is known only from females and is recorded from Palni Hills, Tamil Nadu State.
New species of the genus Laena Latreille (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) from Southeastern Asia*
Authors: SCHAWALLER WOLFGANG
Published: May 2019

New species of the genus Laena Latreille, 1829 (Tenebrionidae: Lagriinae) are described from the Malayan Peninsula (Laena kenyirica n. sp., Laena schulzi n. sp.), Burma (Laena kurbatovi n. sp.), Thailand (Laena inthanonica n. sp., Laena khaolaka n. sp., Laena rolandi n. sp.), Laos (Laena champasaka n. sp., Laena jocheni n. sp., Laena kiyoshii n. sp.) and Vietnam (Laena gialaica n. sp., Laena moguntia n. sp.). A check-list of all species of the genus Laena from the Malayan Peninsula (13), Myanmar/Burma (2), Thailand (13), Laos (3) and Vietnam (9) is added.
Ornithology, Arachnology and Asian Mountain Ranges—A Tribute to the Work of Prof. Dr Jochen Martens (TOC)
Authors: JÄGER PETER
Published: May 2019

TOC
The taxonomic status of the Italian Sparrow — Passer italiae (Vieillot 1817): Speciation by stabilised hybridisation? A critical analysis
Authors: TÖPFER TILL
Published: May 2019

Since its description the taxonomic status of the Italian Sparrow Passer italiae (Vieillot 1817) has changed repeatedly according to the speciation concepts applied. Due to external similarities with hybrid sparrow individuals the hypothesis that italiae is a stabilised hybrid form between Passer domesticus (L. 1758) and P. hispaniolensis (Temm. 1820) has deeply influenced the discussion although some authors do not even accept hybrid forms as taxa. Based upon a comprehensive review of the literature it is shown that the postulation of a hybrid origin of italiae is inadmissible, being based on a methodologically circular argument. There is no convincing proof of stabilised hybridisation. Therefore Passer italiae is a real taxon and not a hybrid form. Applying the Biospecies Concept according to current knowledge of distributional facts and the lack of reproductive isolation between italiae and hispaniolensis I argue that these two forms are conspecific. Passer domesticus is not conspecific with them. According to the rules of zoological nomenclature the taxa have to be designated as Passer italiae italiae (Vieillot 1817) and Passer italiae hispaniolensis (Temminck 1820).
Notes on the genus Leucolopha (Insecta, Lepidoptera, Notodontidae) with description of a new species from China
Authors: CHEN LIUSHENG , WANG MIN
Published: May 2019

The genus Leucolopha Hampson, 1896 is reviewed. Leucolopha sinica Chen & Wang, sp. nov., from China is described and illustrated; a distribution map and a key to males of Leucolopha species are provided. The type specimens of the new species are deposited in the Insect Collections of Department of Entomology, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, P. R. China.
Two new species of Veigaia Oudemans (Acari : Veigaiidae) from India
Authors: BHATTACHARYYA ASIT K.
Published: May 2019

Two new species, Veigaia tricuspidata sp. nov. and V. sisiri sp. nov., are described and illustrated from India, on the basis of the adult females. A key to the six Indian species of Veigaia Oudemans is provided.
Review of the ant genus Rogeria (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Guyana
Authors: LAPOLLA JOHN S. , SOSA-CALVO JEFFREY
Published: May 2019

The myrmicine ant genus Rogeria in Guyana is reviewed. Using previously published records, older collections, and collections from recent leaf litter ant survey work, nine Rogeria species are now known from Guyana, with another two species that probably also occur in Guyana. Among these eleven species, a new species, R. tsumani, is here described, and four of them, including the new species, are new records for Guyana. A key to the species found in Guyana is provided, along with illustrations of all 11 species.
Species of Gnathophausiidae (Crustacea, Lophogastrida) collected off the west coast of Baja California, Mexico, during the TALUD cruises
Authors: HENDRICKX MICHEL E.
Published: May 2019

During a survey of the deep-water fauna off western Mexico a large series of specimens of Gnathophausiidae was collected in a benthic sledge operating between 296 and 2136 m. Five species known to occur in the area were collected: Gnathophausia scapularis Ortmann, 1906, G. zoea Willemoes-Suhm, 1873, Neognathophausia gigas (Willemoes-Suhm, 1873), N. ingens (Dohrn, 1870), and Fagegnathophausia gracilis (Willemoes-Suhm, 1875). Additional distribution data are provided for these species in the area. A sixth species, G. childressi Casanova, 1996, previously known only from the type locality, off California, was also collected in three localities. Several external morphological characters in F. gracilis are analyzed according to individual size. The general and regional (off western Mexico) distributions of these six species is analyzed.
The EASE Project Revisited: Improving Safe Sleep Practices in Ohio Birthing and Children’s Hospitals
Authors: Macklin Jamie R. , Gittelman Michael A. , Denny Sarah A. , Southworth Hayley , Arnold Melissa Wervey
Published: May 2019

Literature has shown hospitalized infants are not often observed in recommended safe sleep environments. Our objective was to implement a quality improvement program to improve compliance with appropriate safe sleep practices in both children’s and birthing hospitals. Hospitalists from both settings were recruited to join an Ohio American Academy of Pediatrics collaborative to increase admitted infant safe sleep behaviors. Participants used a standardized tool to audit infants’ sleep environments. Each site implemented 3 PDSA (Plan-Do-Study-Act) cycles to improve safe sleep behaviors. A total of 37.0% of infants in children’s hospitals were observed to follow the current American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations at baseline; compliance improved to 59.6% at the project’s end ( P < .01). Compliance at birthing centers was 59.3% and increased to 72.5% ( P < .01) at the collaborative’s conclusion. This study demonstrates that a quality improvement program in different hospital settings can improve safe sleep practices. Infants in birthing centers were more commonly observed in appropriate sleep environments than infants in children’s hospitals.
Agency, Social Status and Performing Marriage in Postcolonial Societies
Authors: Dery Isaac , Bawa Sylvia
Published: May 2019

This article examines contextually-grounded perspectives on the socio-political significance of marriage in contemporary Ghanaian society. Drawing on qualitative interviews among men and women in northwestern Ghana, this article argues that, beyond historicizing the institution of monogamous marriage, women’s agency in desiring, and navigating marriages are performatively agentic and tied to attaining a myriad of socio-cultural, economic and political capital. Situated within the constrained articulations of participants, our findings alert us to complex negotiations and manoeuvres through which men and women aspire for specific forms of masculinities and femininities within the larger gender hierarchies.
Testing, characterizing, and forming of glass twill fabric/polypropylene prepregs
Authors: Liu Mingrui , Wang Lidong , Peng Xiongqi
Published: May 2019

This paper investigates the mechanical behaviors of thermoplastic woven prepregs via testing and forming experiments. Glass twill fabric/polypropylene prepregs are produced by chemical treatment on fabric surface and a hot pressure molding approach. Then, mechanical tests including uniaxial tensile and bias extension of the glass twill fabric and its prepregs are carried out to provide basic data set for material modelling. An anisotropic hyperelastic model based on strain energy decomposition is proposed. And its material parameters are obtained by fitting these experimental data. Hemispherical thermo-stamping experiments are implemented for model verification. Very good agreements between forming simulation results and experimental data including boundary profiles, local shear angles, and forming force magnitude are obtained. The present work provides a complete data set for the model development and verification of thermoplastic woven fabric prepregs.
Perceived versus Measured Teaching Effectiveness: Does Teacher Proficiency Matter?
Authors: Sadeghi Karim , Richards Jack C. , Ghaderi Farah
Published: May 2019

The impact of the non-native speaker’s (NNS) language proficiency on their personal teaching performance has often been an issue in TESOL teacher education programmes. To explore this issue a study was conducted to investigate the link between language teachers’ language proficiency and their teaching effectiveness. Classes taught by eight NNS teachers teaching the same or similar content were observed. Teaching effectiveness and teacher language proficiency were measured both through self-ratings and by independent raters. Teachers were compared in terms of such criteria as the quantity and quality of input provided, the amount and accuracy of metalanguage used, the extent and quality of feedback offered as well as classroom management skills. The results suggest that while language proficiency contributes to teaching effectiveness, other aspects of teaching are unrelated to a teacher’s command of their second language (L2).
Lentiviral-mediated ephrin B2 gene modification of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Zhu Min , Hua Yu , Tang Jian , Zhao Xiaoke , Zhang Ling , Zhang Yue
Published: May 2019

Objective

To determine the effect of the upregulation or knockdown of the ephrinB2 ( Efnb2) gene and the effect of EphB4/EphrinB2 signalling in rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs).

Methods

Rat BMSCs were infected with lentivirus vectors carrying EphrinB2 and shRNA-EphrinB2. EphrinB2 mRNA and protein levels were quantified. At 28 days of culture with neuronal cell-conditioned differentiation medium, levels of microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2), CD133 and nestin were detected in EphrinB2/BMSCs and shEphrinB2/BMSCs using quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescence. The ability of these cells to migrate was evaluated using a transwell assay.

Results

BMSCs were successfully isolated as indicated by their CD90+ CD29+ CD34– CD45– phenotype. Three days after ephrinB2 transduction, BMSC cell bodies began to shrink and differentiate into neuron-like cells. At 28 days, levels of MAP2, CD133 and nestin, as well as the number of migratory cells, were higher in lenti-EphrinB2-BMSCs than in the two control groups. The shEphrinB2/BMSCs had reduced levels of MAP2, CD133 and nestin; and a lower rate of cell migration. Similarly, increased levels of Grb4 andp21-activated kinase in the EphB4/EphrinB2 reverse signalling pathway were observed by Western blot.

Conclusions

LV-EphrinB2 can be efficiently transduced into BMSCs, which then differentiate into neuron-like cells.
Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio predicts hematoma growth in intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Wang Zhigang , Gong Qingyong , Guo Cheng , Luo Yong , Chen Lvan
Published: May 2019

Objective

Early hematoma growth is a major determinant of early neurological deterioration and poor clinical outcome in patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Inflammation plays a major role in the pathophysiology of ICH. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) for predicting early hematoma growth after ICH.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed of patients with acute spontaneous ICH who were admitted to the Stroke Center of the First People’s Hospital of Jingmen between January 2014 and January 2017. The NLR was computed from admission blood work. Brain computed tomography scans were performed at admission and repeated within 24 hours. Hematoma growth was defined as absolute growth >6 mL or relative growth >33%.

Results

A total of 123 patients were included and early hematoma growth occurred in 30 (24%) patients. Multivariate analysis showed that the NLR (odds ratio, 1.22; 95% confidence interval, 1.09–1.38) was independently associated with early hematoma growth. The best predictive cut-off of the NLR for early hematoma growth was 6.49 (sensitivity, 50%; specificity, 69%).

Conclusions

A high NLR is independently predictive of early hematoma growth and may aid in risk stratification of patients with ICH on admission.
Lateral Posterior Tibial Slope in Male and Female Athletes Sustaining Contact Versus Noncontact Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tears: A Prospective Study
Authors: DePhillipo Nicholas N. , Zeigler Connor G. , Dekker Travis J. , Grantham W. Jeffrey , Aman Zachary S. , Kennedy Mitchell I. , LaPrade Robert F.
Published: May 2019

Background:

Lateral posterior tibial slope (PTS) has been identified as a risk factor for primary anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose was to prospectively determine if there was a difference in lateral PTS between male and female athletes sustaining contact ACL tears as compared with a group of sex-, age-, and activity-matched athletes who sustained noncontact ACL tears. It was hypothesized that there would be no difference in degree of lateral PTS between contact and noncontact mechanisms among patients sustaining primary ACL tears in sports.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Data from patients who underwent primary ACL reconstruction without posterior cruciate ligament injury between 2016 and 2018 by a single surgeon were prospectively analyzed. Measurements of lateral PTS were performed on magnetic resonance imaging. Mean values of lateral PTS were compared between the ACL tear groups. Additionally, a group of patients with intact knee ligaments were matched to patients with ACL tears to serve as controls.

Results:

A total of 245 patients had complete primary ACL tears during the inclusion period. Of these, 56 (23%) reported a contact mechanism of injury at the time of ACL tear, and 56 patients who sustained noncontact ACL tears were matched to the contact ACL tear group. There were no significant differences in sex ( P≥ .999), age ( P = .990), or body mass index ( P = .450) between the patient groups. The mean lateral PTS was 9.1°± 2.9° for the ACL contact and 9.9°± 3.0° for the ACL noncontact group ( P = .180). There was a significant difference in mean lateral PTS between the ACL tear groups (noncontact and contact: 9.5°± 3.0°) and matched control group (5.6°± 1.9°, P = .0001).

Conclusion:

The lateral PTS was significantly increased among patients with contact and noncontact ACL tears as compared with controls. However, there were no differences in lateral PTS between patients who sustained contact and noncontact ACL tears. Lateral PTS measured on magnetic resonance imaging does not appear to be predictive of the mechanism of injury type among patients who sustain a contact or noncontact primary ACL tear.
Effect of Delayed Primary Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction on Medial Compartment Cartilage and Meniscal Health
Authors: Everhart Joshua S. , Kirven J. Caid , Abouljoud Moneer M. , DiBartola Alex C. , Kaeding Christopher C. , Flanigan David C.
Published: May 2019

Background:

The time required to develop a secondary cartilage or meniscal injury in the medial compartment after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is not well understood.

Purpose:

To determine the association between time delay until ACL reconstruction and the presence of medial compartment Outerbridge grade 3 or 4 chondral injury or medial meniscal tear requiring treatment.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A total of 609 patients underwent primary ACL reconstruction at a single institution at a median 46 days between injury and surgery (61.4% male; mean age, 26.5 years [SD, 11.1]). Chondral status was graded according to Outerbridge criteria at the time of surgery. Multivariate regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between time delay until surgery and medial compartment chondral injury or meniscal injury requiring treatment. Adjustment was performed as needed for patient demographics, sporting activity, and prior knee injuries. Time until surgery had a nonlinear association with medial compartment health and was more effectively described in discrete intervals rather than as a continuous variable. The optimal time intervals to predict medial compartment health were determined by comparison of Bayes information criterion values between fully adjusted regression models.

Results:

After controlling for relevant confounders, delay of surgery >8 weeks had an increased likelihood of a medial meniscal tear requiring partial meniscectomy (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.30; 95% CI, 1.04-5.12; P = .04) and a decreased likelihood of a meniscal tear requiring repair (aOR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.32-0.76; P = .001). Delay of surgery >5 months had an increased likelihood of a medial Outerbridge grade ≥3 chondral defect (aOR, 3.11; 95% CI, 1.64-5.87; P = .001) or a grade 4 defect (aOR, 3.84; 95% CI, 1.75-8.45; P = .001).

Conclusion:

From the time of ACL injury, risk of an irreparable medial meniscal tear found at the time of ACL reconstruction is significantly increased by 8 weeks, and risk of high-grade medial chondral damage is increased by 5 months.
Modeling three-dimensional-printed trabecular metal structures with a homogenization approach: Application to hemipelvis reconstruction
Authors: Barbera Luigi La , Trabace Milena , Pennati Giancarlo , Rodríguez Matas José Félix
Published: May 2019

The application of three-dimensional printing technologies to metal materials allows us to design innovative, low-weight, patient-specific implants for orthopedic prosthesis. This is particularly true when the reconstruction of extensive metastatic bone defect is planned. Modeling complex three-dimensional-printed highly repetitive trabecular-like structures based on finite elements is computationally demanding, while homogenization algorithms offer the advantage of reduced simulation cost and time, allowing an effective evaluation of new personalized design suitable for clinical needs. This article describes and discusses the implementation of a reliable method for the multiscale modeling of trabecular structures by means of asymptotic expansion homogenization. Following the material characterization of the Ti6Al4V alloy obtained by electron beam melting technology, the asymptotic expansion homogenization was applied to two alternative low-density cell-unit designs. Model predictions demonstrated satisfactory agreement with compressive experimental tests and cantilever bending tests performed on both designs (differences lower than 5.5%). The method was extended to a real patient-specific hemipelvis reconstruction, exploiting the capability of the asymptotic expansion homogenization approach in quantitatively describing the effect of cell-unit designs and three-dimensional-printing stack direction (i.e. cell-unit orientation) both on the overall mechanical response of the implant and on the stress distribution. The hemipelvis implant filled with the higher density cell unit demonstrated to be 14% stiffer than using the lower density one, while changing the cell-unit orientation affected the stiffness up to 10%. The maximum stress values reached at the anchors were affected in a minor extent by the investigated design parameters.
Practice Patterns in the Treatment of Patients With Severe Alcohol Withdrawal: A Multidisciplinary, Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Buell Danielle , Filewod Niall , Ailon Jonathan , Burns Karen E. A.
Published: May 2019

Purpose:

To characterize physicians’ stated practices in the treatment of patients with severe acute alcohol withdrawal syndrome (sAAWS) and to use intravenous (IV) phenobarbital as an adjuvant treatment for sAAWS.

Methods:

A multidisciplinary, cross-sectional, self-administered survey at 2 large academic centers specializing in inner-city healthcare.

Results:

We analyzed 105 of 195 questionnaires (53.8% response rate). On average, clinicians managed 32 cases of AAWS over a 6-month period, of which 7 (21.9%) were severe. Haloperidol (Haldol; 40 [39%]), clonidine (Catapres; 31 [30%]), phenobarbital (Luminal, Tedral; 29 [27%]) and propofol (Diprivan; 29 [28%]) were the most commonly used adjuvant medications for sAAWS. Sixty-three (60%) of respondents did not use phenobarbital in practice. Of phenobarbital users, 23 (55%) respondents used it early in patients who were refractory to symptom-triggered benzodiazepine treatment. Others waited until patients experienced seizures (5 [10%]) or required intensive care unit admission (8 [18%]). Respondents who used phenobarbital preferred to use the IV versus oral form (66% vs 29%, P < .001). Most respondents, however, were unfamiliar with the pharmacokinetics, side effects, contraindications, and evidence supporting phenobarbital use for sAAWS. Although many respondents (64 [61%]) expressed discomfort using phenobarbital, 87 (83%) expressed comfort or neutrality with enrolling patients in a trial to evaluate IV phenobarbital in sAAWS.

Conclusions:

Considerable stated practice variation exists in how clinicians treat patients with sAAWS. Our findings support conduct of a pilot trial to evaluate IV phenobarbital as an adjuvant treatment to symptom-triggered benzodiazepines for sAAWS and have informed trial design.
Variation modes of vehicle interior roominess
Authors: Lee Sang-Don , Kim Seung-Lye
Published: May 2019

Vehicle interior roominess is one of the key factors for buyers’ satisfaction. Principal component analysis, principal component regression, and correspondence analysis are applied to understand the modes of variation for interior roominess among 15 dimensions from 76 passenger vehicles, to predict buyers’ satisfaction and to identify dimensions with unique proportions. Three variation modes are found: (1) the interior plan-view variation mode (plan-view = vehicle length × width) shows the largest difference between small and large vehicles, (2) the vehicle height variation mode exposes the difference between the short and tall vehicles, and (3) the greenhouse-shape variation model reveals the difference between sleek and boxy vehicles. Domestic brands are found to receive lower satisfaction even though they are similar in the 15 dimensions. The knee clearance for the second-row shows the largest difference in proportion followed by the diagonal head clearances for the first and the second-rows.
Design of a conflict-detection air traffic control tool for the implementation of continuous climb operations: A case study at Palma TMA
Authors: Pérez-Castán Javier A , Comendador Fernando Gómez , Rodríguez-Sanz Álvaro , Barragán Rocío , Arnaldo-Valdés Rosa M
Published: May 2019

Continuous climb operation is an operational concept that allows airlines to perform an optimal departing trajectory avoiding air traffic control segregation requirements. This concept implies the design and integration of air traffic flows for the sake of safety performance. This paper designs a new conflict-detection air traffic control tool based on the blocking-area concept, characterises the conflict probability between air traffic flows and assesses the impact of continuous climb operation integration in a terminal manoeuvring area. In this paper, a conflict is set out by the infringement of vertical and longitudinal separation minima and coincides with the probability of air traffic control tool usage. Moreover, this research discusses two different approaches for the conflict-detection air traffic control tool: a static approach considering nominal continuous climb operations and landing trajectories, and a dynamic approach that assesses 105 continuous climb operations and landing trajectories. Finally, the air traffic control tool is implemented using Palma TMA data and proves that out of 11 intersections (between departing and landing routes), solely 4 generate vertical separation infringements. The conflict probability between continuous climb operations and arrivals is less than 10−5. Except for one intersection, that is roughly 10−2, similar to current air traffic control intervention designed levels. Therefore, results conclude the viability of the conflict-detection air traffic control tool and continuous climb operations integration.
A collaborative design method for satellite module component assignment and layout optimization
Authors: Cui Feng-Zhe , Zhong Chong-Quan , Wang Xiu-Kun , Teng Hong-Fei
Published: May 2019

The collaborative design of the multi-module satellite component (equipment) assignment and layout is the key aspect of the overall satellite design, and the two parts are closely related. In the past, satellite module component layout optimization usually adopted fixed component assignments, which remained constant in the layout optimization stage. If the components were improperly distributed in these modules, it would seriously affect the layout optimization. To overcome this disadvantage, a collaborative design method for the component assignment and layout design is presented for the multi-module (or multi-bearing plate) satellite component layout problem, based on a multi-agent system. First, the component assignment agent adopted a multi-objective optimization method (the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II, NSGA-II) to obtain the approximate Pareto solution set of the satellite component assignment scheme. Second, it adopted a fuzzy multi-objective decision method to select a high-quality component assignment scheme from the approximate Pareto solution set. Third, the layout agent employed a dual system co-evolutionary method for the layout optimization design. In the process of the layout optimization, the layout result is fed back to the component assignment design, and the component assignment is adjusted according to the result of the layout optimization. Thus, the above process is continually iterated to achieve the optimal collaborative design of the component assignment and the layout. The proposed method is applied to a simplified multi-module satellite component assignment and layout optimization problem and aims to provide a reference and technical support for other similar multi-module equipment assignment and layout optimization problems.
A novel model reduction approach for linear time-invariant systems via enhanced PSO-DV algorithm and improved MPPA method
Authors: Vasu G , Sivakumar M , Ramalingaraju M
Published: May 2019

In this article, the combination of stochastic search and conventional approaches are used to develop an optimal frequency-domain model order reduction method for determining the stable and accurate reduced-order model for the stable large-scale linear time-invariant systems. The method uses the enhanced particle swarm optimization with differentially perturbed velocity algorithm to determine the denominator polynomial coefficients of the reduced-order model, whereas the numerator polynomial coefficients of the reduced-order model are determined by using an improved multi-point Padé approximation method. The method generates an optimum reduced-order model by minimizing an objective function [Formula: see text], which is formulated using two functions. The first function, [Formula: see text], evaluates the measure of integral squared error between the step responses of the original system and the reduced-order model. And the second function evaluates the measure of retention of full impulse response energy of the original system in the reduced-order model. Therefore, by minimizing the objective function ‘ E’, the proposed method is guaranteed for preserving passivity, stability and the accuracy of the original higher order system in the reduced-order model. The proposed method is extended to the linear time-invariant multi-input multi-output system. In this case, an optimal reduced-order model is determined by minimizing a single objective function [Formula: see text], which is formulated by linear scalarizing of all the objective function [Formula: see text] components. The method is popular for preserving stability, passivity and accuracy of the original system in the reduced-order model. The validation of the method is shown by applying to a sixth-order single-input single-output hydropower system model as well as to the seventh-order two-area multi-input multi-output power system model. The comparison of the simulation results of integral squared error and impulse response energy values of the reduced-order models demonstrates the dominance of the proposed method than the existing reduction methods available in the literature.