bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical trial of carotid artery stenting using dual-layer CASPER stent for carotid endarterectomy in patients at high and normal risk in the Japanese population
Authors: Imamura Hirotoshi , Sakai Nobuyuki , Matsumoto Yasushi , Yamagami Hiroshi , Terada Tomoaki , Fujinaka Toshiyuki , Yoshimura Shinichi , Sugiu Kenji , Ishii Akira , Matsumaru Yuji , Izumi Takashi , Oishi Hidenori , Higashi Toshio , Iihara Koji , Kuwayama Naoya , Ito Yasushi , Nakamura Masato , Hyodo Akio , Ogasawara Kuniaki
Published: September 2020

Background

The dual-layer nitinol CASPER stent was designed to prevent plaque prolapse into its strut and periprocedural stroke.

Objective

To conduct a clinical trial for government approval of the device in patients at either high or normal risk for carotid endarterectomy (CEA).

Methods

Eligible patients had ≥50% symptomatic stenosis or ≥80% asymptomatic stenosis according to the North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial methods (peak systolic velocity 130 and 230 cm/s on ultrasonography, respectively). The primary endpoint was the lack of major adverse events (MAEs), defined as death, stroke, and myocardial infarction within 30 days, and ipsilateral stroke within 1 year. The performance goal was set at 90.5%. MAE rates were also compared between the CEA high- and normal-risk groups.

Results

140 carotid artery stenting procedures, including 40% of patients at high risk and 60% at normal risk for CEA, were performed in 13 institutes. MAEs occurred in two cases (one intraprocedural and one postprocedural stroke), and the MAE rate was 1.4%. The non-MAE rate was 98.6% according to Kaplan-Meier analysis, which was superior to the previously set performance goal. The deployment success, target lesion revascularization (TLR), in-stent restenosis, and cerebrovascular event rates were 99.3%, 2.4%, 8.5%, and 7.2%, respectively. The MAE rate in patients with normal CEA risk was 1.2%, which was similar to the high-risk CEA group, with no significant difference due to the small number of MAEs.

Conclusions

The MAE rate following use of the CASPER stent was low (1.4%). The MAE, deployment success, TLR, in-stenosis, and cerebrovascular event rates were similar to those of previous reports.
Differences in the presentation and management of patients with severe aortic stenosis in different European centres
Authors: Lutz Matthias , Messika-Zeitoun David , Rudolph Tanja K , Schulz Eberhard , Thambyrajah Jeetendra , Lloyd Guy , Lauten Alexander , Frey Norbert , Kurucova Jana , Thoenes Martin , Deutsch Cornelia , Bramlage Peter , Steeds Richard Paul
Published: September 2020

Background

An investigation into differences in the management and treatment of severe aortic stenosis (AS) between Germany, France and the UK may allow benchmarking of the different healthcare systems and identification of levers for improvement.

Methods

Patients with a diagnosis of severe AS under management at centres within the IMPULSE and IMPULSE enhanced registries were eligible.

Results

Data were collected from 2052 patients (795 Germany; 542 France; 715 UK). Patients in Germany were older (79.8 years), often symptomatic (89.5%) and female (49.8%) and had a lower EF (53.8%) than patients in France and UK. Comorbidities were more common and they had a higher mean Euroscore II.

Aortic valve replacement (AVR) was planned within 3 months in 70.2%. This was higher (p<0.001) in Germany than France/ UK. Of those with planned AVR, 82.3% received it within 3 months with a gradual decline (Germany>France> UK; p<0.001). In 253 patients, AVR was not performed, despite planned. Germany had a strong transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) preference (83.2%) versus France/ UK (p<0.001). Waiting time for TAVI was shorter in Germany (24.9 days) and France (19.5 days) than UK (40.3 days).

Symptomatic patients were scheduled for an AVR in 79.4% (Germany> France> UK; p<0.001) and performed in 83.6% with a TAVI preference (73.1%). 20.4% of the asymptomatic patients were intervened.

Conclusion

Patients in Germany had more advanced disease. The rate of intervention within 3 months after diagnosis was startlingly low in the UK. Asymptomatic patients without a formal indication often underwent an intervention in Germany and France.
Multidisciplinary collaboration among young specialists: results of an international survey by the emerging EULAR network and other young organisations
Authors: Najm Aurélie , Kostine Marie , Pauling John D , Ferreira Ana Carina , Stevens Kate , Smith Evelyn , Eguiluz-Gracia Ibon , Studenic Paul , Rodríguez-Carrio Javier , Ramiro Sofia , Alunno Alessia , Richez Christophe , Nikiphorou Elena , Sepriano Alexandre
Published: September 2020

Background

Multidisciplinary collaboration is defined as a collective work involving multiple disciplines and is common in clinical care and research. Our aim was to describe current clinical and research collaboration among young specialists and to identify unmet needs in this area.

Methods

An online survey was disseminated by email and social media to members of the EMerging EUlar NETwork, the Young Nephrologists’ Platform, the Paediatric Rheumatology European Society Emerging Rheumatologists and Researchers and the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology Junior Members.

Results

Of 303 respondents from 36 countries, 61% were female, 21% were aged below 30 years and 67% were aged 31–40 years. Young rheumatologists were the most represented (39%), followed by young nephrologists (24%), young paediatricians (20%), young allergologists (11%) then young internists (3%) and 3% other specialities. Collaborations were reported frequently by phone and email, also by various combined clinics while common local multidisciplinary meetings were uncommon. 96% would like to develop clinical research collaborations and 69% basic research collaborations. The majority of young specialists would be interested in online (84%) and/or 1–2 days (85%) common courses including case discussion (81%) and training workshops (85%), as well as webinars recorded with several specialists on a specific disease (96%).

Conclusions

This collaborative initiative highlighted wishes from young specialists for developing (1) regular local multidisciplinary meetings to discuss complex patients, (2) clinical research collaboration with combined grants and (3) multidisciplinary online projects such as common courses, webinars and apps.
Changes in adults’ vaping and smoking behaviours associated with aerosol-free laws
Authors: Nguyen Hai V , Bornstein Stephen
Published: September 2020

Objectives

Banning e-cigarette use in public places has attracted considerable debate, with governments adopting different policies. However, little is known about the outcomes of such bans. We investigated the association of banning e-cigarette use in public places and workplaces in Canadian provinces with adults’ vaping and smoking behaviours.

Design

Difference-in-differences.

Setting

Nationally representative Canadian Tobacco Use Monitoring Survey (CTUMS) and Canadian Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs Survey (CTADS).

Participants

Adults aged 19 and older from CTADS 2013–2017 for e-cigarette outcomes (N=36 562) and from CTUMS/CTADS 2004–2017 for combustible cigarette outcomes (N=178 654).

Interventions

Bans on e-cigarette use in public places and workplaces in Canadian provinces.

Main outcome measures

Past 30-day e-cigarette use, current combustible cigarette use, use of e-cigarettes when unable to smoke combustible cigarettes.

Results

After the bans, e-cigarette use in the past 30 days did not change significantly in provinces with a ban compared with provinces without a ban (0.004; 95% CI −0.025 to 0.032; p=0.783). The bans also had no impact on current combustible cigarette use (0.009; 95% CI −0.019 to 0.037; p=0.488). There is evidence of ban evasion among young people aged 19–24 who, after the bans, reported higher use of e-cigarettes when unable to smoke combustible cigarettes (0.114; 95% CI −0.023 to 0.250; p=0.092).

Conclusions

Two years after implementation, the aerosol-free laws in Canada had no impacton adults’ vaping and smoking behaviours. Policy efforts are urgently needed to improve the ban enforcement and to deal with discreet vaping among young adults.
Effect of bovine lactoferrin on prevention of late-onset sepsis in infants <1500 g: a pooled analysis of individual patient data from two randomized controlled trials
Authors: Ochoa Theresa , Loli Sebastian , Mendoza Karina , Carcamo Cesar , Bellomo Sicilia , Cam Luis , Castaneda Anne , Campos Miguel , Jacobs Jan , Cossey Veerle , Zegarra Jaime
Published: September 2020

We previously conducted two randomized controlled trials with bovine lactoferrin (bLF) for the prevention of late-onset sepsis (LOS) in infants with a birth weight <2500 g (Study 1) and <2000 g (Study 2). The aim of this study was to determine the preventative effects of bLF on culture-proven or probable LOS in infants with a birth weight <1500 g from both studies, and to determine the effect of bLF in relation to intake of human milk. Both trial designs had similar inclusion and exclusion criteria, the same dose of bLF [200 mg·(kg body mass)–1·day–1], and used the same control (maltodextrin). We fitted multivariate Cox regression models to estimate the effect of bLF on the risk of development of the composite outcome, adjusting for covariates. We included 335 neonates with a mean birth weight of 1162 ± 244 g; 27.5% were <1000 g. There were 33 first episodes of LOS in the bLF treatment group and 48 in the control group (19.5% vs. 28.9%). bLF had a protective effect on the risk of development of LOS [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.64; %95 CI = 0.41–0.99; p = 0.048]; particularly among infants weighing <1000 g [HR = 0.46; %95 CI = 0.22–0.96; p = 0.039] and infants with a low intake of human milk [HR = 0.40; %95 CI = 0.19–0.84; p = 0.015]. Therefore, bLF supplementation protects infants <1500 g from LOS, particularly those infants not receiving human milk.
Iron-catalyzed cross-coupling of arylboronic acids with unactivated N-heterocycles and quinones under microwave heating
Authors: Start Keegan P. , Wheeler Mikhailey D. , Kozak Christopher M.
Published: September 2020

The iron-catalyzed direct arylation of a variety of N-heteroarenes, quinones, and hydroquinones with arylboronic acids is investigated under microwave heating. The reaction proceeds at 70 °C under air using K2S2O8 as an oxidant and FeSO4 as a catalyst. Under microwave heating, reaction times decreased 14- to 115-fold. Reaction scope with N-heteroarenes and quinones is comparable with or slightly expanded when compared with previous reports, but the scope of arylboronic acid utility was slightly limited due to previously unobserved arylboronic acid hydroxydeboronation.
Pipe resistance coefficients identification of water networks considering solvable conditions
Authors: Liu Yongxin , Du Qingting , Luo Peng , Zou Pinghua , He Zhongyi
Published: September 2020

To make hydraulic models more accurate and realistic, this paper proposes a method to identify pipe resistance coefficients (PRCs) by using the measured heads at partial nodes. A successive linearization method is adopted to solve for the pipe flows, node heads, and PRCs. Based on the matrix analysis theory, the relationships among the number and location of measurement sites, number of hydraulic conditions (HCs), and solvable condition of PRC identification are established. The proposed method can identify all the PRCs when a solvable condition can be satisfied. In addition, the analysis process can be used as a tool to evaluate whether a given arrangement of measurement sites can meet the solvable condition of PRC identification, and to determine the minimum number of HCs. The performed case studies verified the feasibility of the proposed method, and the determined accuracy of PRC identification was noted to satisfy the actual engineering requirements.
Non-uniform growth dynamics of a dominant boreal tree species (Picea mariana) in the face of rapid climate change
Authors: Sniderhan Anastasia E. , Mamet Steven D. , Baltzer Jennifer L.
Published: September 2020

Northwestern Canada’s boreal forest has experienced rapid warming, drying, and changes to permafrost, yet the growth responses and mechanisms driving productivity have been under-studied at broad scales. Forest responses are largely driven by black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) B.S.P.) — the region’s most widespread and dominant tree. We collected tree ring samples from four black spruce-dominated sites across 15° of latitude, spanning gradients in climate and permafrost. We investigated (i) differences in growth patterns, (ii) variations in climatic drivers of growth, and (iii) trends in water use efficiency (WUE) through 13C isotope analysis from 1945 to 2006. We found positive growth trends at all sites except those at mid-latitude, where rapid permafrost thaw drove declines. Annual growth was lowest at the tree limit site and highest at the tree line. Climatic drivers of these growth patterns varied; positive growth responses at the northerly sites were associated with warmer winters, whereas Δ13C trends and climate-growth responses at mid-latitude sites indicated that growth was limited by moisture availability. Δ13C signatures indicated increased WUE at the southernmost site, with no significant trends at northern sites. These results suggest that warming will increase the growth of trees at the northern extent of black spruce, but southerly areas may face drought stress if precipitation does not balance evapotranspiration.
Douglas-fir foliage retention dynamics across a gradient of Swiss needle cast in coastal Oregon and Washington
Authors: Ritóková Gabriela , Mainwaring Douglas B. , Shaw David C. , Lan Yung-Hsiang
Published: September 2020

Swiss needle cast (SNC) is an important foliage disease of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) caused by the native pathogen Nothophaeocryptopus gaeumannii (T. Rohde) Videira, C. Nakash., U. Braun & Crous, which has been present in epidemic proportions in coastal Douglas-fir forests since the 1990s. Under conducive environmental and stand conditions, the fungal fruiting bodies emerge on young needles, inhibiting gas exchange and causing premature needle casting and subsequent growth losses. Using a new regional plot network, which extends and approximately doubles the area of SNC-susceptible coastal forest sampled, we investigated the distribution of SNC disease indices across the region and throughout individual tree crowns. Foliage retention varied from 1.15 to 3.9 years, and disease severity index (incidence × % occluded stomata) ranged from 0.05% to 52.11%. Foliage retention was positively correlated with distance from the coast and elevation, while foliage retention and disease severity were negatively associated across the study area. Within crowns, disease severity was negatively associated with crown depth, and foliage retention was positively associated with crown depth, regardless of distance from coast. Across the entire study area, foliage retention was found to decrease and disease severity increase with latitude, all else being equal. Tree growth metrics are positively associated with increasing foliage retention, and normal growth occurs greater than ∼3.2 years.
Magneto-Aeroelastic Internal Resonances of a Rotating Circular Plate Based on Gyroscopic Systems Decoupling
Authors: Li Wenqiang , Hu Yuda
Published: September 2020

In this paper, a principal and 3:1 internal resonance of an edge-clamped conductive circular plate rotating in air-magnetic environment is investigated, where the electromagnetic force expressions and a simple empirical aerodynamic model are used in modelling. Based on the transverse displacement assumption with a combination of two degenerate linearized modes, the 2 degree of freedom (2-DOF) magneto-aeroelastic asymmetric nonlinear gyroscopic systems are derived by utilizing the Galerkin approach. The method of multiple scales and the solvable condition for the coefficient matrix of the gyroscopic systems is employed to decouple the 2-DOF nonlinear gyroscopic systems and achieve the nonlinear modulation equations of the steady state responses. The numerical results for the relationship between two eigenfrequencies verify the existence of 3:1 internal resonances of the circular plate rotating in air-magnetic field. In addition, the resonance amplitude varying with detuning parameters and excitation amplitudes are plotted under principal and 3:1 internal resonances, respectively. It is found that the system may lose stability generated by a Hopf bifurcation, which may finally evolve into chaotic state through period-doubling bifurcation of intermittent periodic responses.
Uncharted Permian to Jurassic continental deposits in the far north of Victoria Land, East Antarctica
Authors: Bomfleur Benjamin , Mörs Thomas , Unverfärth Jan , Liu Feng , Läufer Andreas , Castillo Paula , Oh Changhwan , Park Tae-Yoon S. , Woo Jusun , Crispini Laura
Published: September 2020

The remote lower reaches of the Rennick Glacier in the far north of Victoria Land hold some of the least-explored outcrop areas of the Transantarctic basin system. Following recent international field-work efforts in the Helliwell Hills, we here provide a comprehensive emendation to the regional stratigraphy. Results of geological and palaeontological reconnaissance and of petrographic, geochemical and palynostratigraphic analyses reveal a stack of three previously unknown sedimentary units in the study area: the Lower Triassic Van der Hoeven Formation (new unit, 115+ m thick) consists mainly of quartzose sandstone and non-carbonaceous mudstone rich in continental trace fossils. The Middle to Upper Triassic Helliwell Formation (new unit, 235 m thick) consists of coal-bearing overbank deposits and volcaniclastic sandstone and yielded typical plant fossils of the Gondwanan
Dicroidium
flora together with plant-bearing silicified peat. The succession is capped by
c
. 14 m of the sandstone-dominated Section Peak Formation (uppermost Triassic–Lower Jurassic). Our results enable more detailed correlation of the Palaeozoic–Mesozoic successions throughout East Antarctica and into Tasmania. Of particular interest is one section that spans the end-Permian mass extinction interval, which promises to allow detailed reconstructions of high-latitude vegetation dynamics across this critical interval in Earth history.

Supplementary material:
A Supplementary Data File containing supplementary information, figures S1–S7, and additional references is available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.5118431
The Intended and Unintended Consequences of Ban the Box
Authors: Raphael Steven
Published: September 2020

I review the growing body of research that either directly assesses the effect of Ban the Box (BTB) on the employment prospects of those with criminal histories, tests for spillover effects operating through statistical discrimination, or assesses the labor-market impacts of related screening practices. I begin with a theoretical discussion that works through how widespread reluctance to hire those with criminal histories is likely to generate market-level employment and earnings penalties for various groups of workers, and how the size and distribution of these penalties likely depend on the information available to employers. I then turn to a review of research over the past 15 years or so that either directly assesses the impact of BTB or addresses highly related and relevant research questions. The weight of the empirical evidence suggests that BTB does not improve the employment prospects of those with criminal histories at private-sector employers, although there is some evidence of an improvement in employment prospects in the public sector. Regarding spillover effects operating through statistical discrimination, several studies indicate that BTB harms the employment prospects of African-American men. Furthermore, research on the effects of credit checks, occupational licensing, and drug testing appears to indicate that more information available to the employer improves the employment prospects of African Americans. Collectively, these findings imply that in the absence of objective information, employers place weight on stereotypes about the characteristics of black workers that are generally negative and inaccurate.
Prejudice Reduction: Progress and Challenges
Authors: Paluck Elizabeth Levy , Porat Roni , Clark Chelsey S. , Green Donald P.
Published: September 2020

The past decade has seen rapid growth in research that evaluates methods for reducing prejudice. This essay reviews 418 experiments reported in 309 manuscripts from 2007 to 2019 to assess which approaches work best and why. Our quantitative assessment uses meta-analysis to estimate average effects. Our qualitative assessment calls attention to landmark studies that are noteworthy for sustained interventions, imaginative measurement, and transparency. However, 76% of all studies evaluate light touch interventions, the long-term impact of which remains unclear. The modal intervention uses mentalizing as a salve for prejudice. Although these studies report optimistic conclusions, we identify troubling indications of publication bias that may exaggerate effects. Furthermore, landmark studies often find limited effects, which suggests the need for further theoretical innovation or synergies with other kinds of psychological or structural interventions. We conclude that much research effort is theoretically and empirically ill-suited to provide actionable, evidence-based recommendations for reducing prejudice.
CEP131 Abrogates CHK1 Inhibitor-Induced Replication Defects and Is Associated with Unfavorable Outcome in Neuroblastoma
Authors: Ando Kiyohiro , Cázares-Ordoñez Verna , Makishima Makoto , Yokoyama Atsushi , Suenaga Yusuke , Nagase Hiroki , Kobayashi Shinichi , Kamijo Takehiko , Koshinaga Tsugumichi , Wada Satoshi
Published: September 2020

Checkpoint kinase 1 (CHK1) plays a key role in genome surveillance and integrity throughout the cell cycle. Selective inhibitors of CHK1 (CHK1i) are undergoing clinical evaluation for various human malignancies, including neuroblastoma. Recently, we reported that CHK1i, PF-477736, induced a p53-mediated DNA damage response. As a result, the cancer cells were able to repair DNA damage and became less sensitive to CHK1i. In this study, we discovered that PF-477736 increased expression of MDM2 oncogene along with CHK1i-induced replication defects in neuroblastoma NB-39-nu cells. A mass spectrometry analysis of protein binding to MDM2 in the presence of CHK1i identified the centrosome-associated family protein 131 (CEP131), which was correlated with unfavorable prognosis of neuroblastoma patients. We revealed that MDM2 was associated with CEP131 protein degradation, whereas overexpression of CEP131 accelerated neuroblastoma cell growth and exhibited resistance to CHK1i-induced replication defects. Thus, these findings may provide a future therapeutic strategy against centrosome-associated oncogenes involving CEP131 as a target in neuroblastoma.
A Smart Machine Learning Model for the Detection of Brain Hemorrhage Diagnosis Based Internet of Things in Smart Cities
Authors: Chen Hang , Khan Sulaiman , Kou Bo , Nazir Shah , Liu Wei , Hussain Anwar
Published: September 2020

Generally, the emergence of Internet of Things enabled applications inspired the world during the last few years, providing state-of-the-art and novel-based solutions for different problems. This evolutionary field is mainly lead by wireless sensor network, radio frequency identification, and smart mobile technologies. Among others, the IoT plays a key role in the form of smart medical devices and wearables, with the ability to collect varied and longitudinal patient-generated health data, and at the same time also offering preliminary diagnosis options. In terms of efforts made for helping the patients using IoT-based solutions, experts exploit capabilities of the machine learning algorithms to provide efficient solutions in hemorrhage diagnosis. To reduce the death rates and propose accurate treatment, this paper presents a smart IoT-based application using machine learning algorithms for the human brain hemorrhage diagnosis. Based on the computerized tomography scan images for intracranial dataset, the support vector machine and feedforward neural network have been applied for the classification purposes. Overall, classification results of 80.67% and 86.7% are calculated for the support vector machine and feedforward neural network, respectively. It is concluded from the resultant analysis that the feedforward neural network outperforms in classifying intracranial images. The output generated from the classification tool gives information about the type of brain hemorrhage that ultimately helps in validating expert’s diagnosis and is treated as a learning tool for trainee radiologists to minimize the errors in the available systems.
Antiarthritic and Antihyperalgesic Properties of Ethanolic Extract from Gomphrena celosioides Mart. (Amaranthaceae) Aerial Parts
Authors: Macorini Luis Fernando Benitez , Radai Joyce Alencar Santos , Maris Rafael Souza , Silva-Filho Saulo Euclides , Leitao Maicon Matos , Andrade Sérgio Faloni de , Gelves Dayanna Isabel Araque , Salvador Marcos Jose , Arena Arielle Cristina , Kassuya Cândida Aparecida Leite
Published: September 2020

Gomphrena celosioides Mart. (Amaranthaceae) is used in folk medicine as a natural analgesic, and in Brazil, the species of genus Gomphrena is used for rheumatism. However, scientific evidence which supports its popular use as an analgesic is scarce. This study assessed the antiarthritic and antihyperalgesic activities of the ethanolic extract obtained from G. celosioides aerial parts on Swiss or C57BL/6 mice. The antiarthritic and antihyperalgesic potential of Gomphrena celosioides was evaluated using paw edema, mechanical hyperalgesia, cold allodynia, carrageenan‐induced pleurisy, articular inflammation zymosan‐induced, Freund’s complete adjuvant‐induced inflammation zymosan‐induced peritonitis, and carrageenan‐induced adhesion and rolling experiment models. All doses of G. celosioides (300, 700, and 1000 mg/kg) significantly reduced edema formation in all the intervals evaluated, whereas the mechanical hyperalgesia was reduced 3 hours after the carrageenan injection. The cold hyperalgesia was significantly decreased 3 (700 mg/kg) and 4 hours (700 and 1000 mg/kg) after the carrageenan injection. Ethanolic extract of G. celosioides at 1000 mg/kg reduced the total leukocyte number, without interfering in the protein extravasation in carrageenan‐induced pleurisy model. Ethanolic extract of G. celosioides (300 mg/kg) was also able to reduce significantly the leukocyte migration in zymosan‐induced articular edema, while a reduction of the adhesion and migration and leukocyte rolling was induced by the ethanolic extract of G. celosioides (300 mg/kg) in zymosan‐induced peritonitis. In Freund’s complete adjuvant‐induced inflammation model, an edema formation and mechanical hyperalgesia reduction were induced by the ethanolic extract of G. celosioides on day 22, whereas the cold allodynia was reduced on day 6 of treatment with the extract. These results show that ethanolic extract of G. celosioides has antihyperalgesic and antiarthritic potential in different acute and persistent models, explaining, at least in part, the ethnopharmacological relevance of this plant as a natural analgesic agent.
Inequalities for the Derivative of Rational Functions with Prescribed Poles
Authors: Arunrat Nuttapong , Nakprasit Keaitsuda Maneeruk
Published: September 2020

In this paper, we consider a class of rational functions rsz of degree mn where sz is a polynomial of degree m and establish some inequalities for rational functions with prescribed poles which generalize and refine the result of I. Qasim and A. Liman.
Performance Analysis of a Wind Turbine Pitch Neurocontroller with Unsupervised Learning
Authors: Sierra-García J. Enrique , Santos Matilde
Published: September 2020

In this work, a neural controller for wind turbine pitch control is presented. The controller is based on a radial basis function (RBF) network with unsupervised learning algorithm. The RBF network uses the error between the output power and the rated power and its derivative as inputs, while the integral of the error feeds the learning algorithm. A performance analysis of this neurocontrol strategy is carried out, showing the influence of the RBF parameters, wind speed, learning parameters, and control period, on the system response. The neurocontroller has been compared with a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) regulator for the same small wind turbine, obtaining better results. Simulation results show how the learning algorithm allows the neural network to adjust the proper control law to stabilize the output power around the rated power and reduce the mean squared error (MSE) over time.
Assessment of Design and Retrofitting Solutions on the Progressive Collapse of Hongqi Bridge
Authors: Seyed Khoei Amir , Akbari Reza , Maalek Shahrokh , Gharighoran Alireza
Published: September 2020

In 2009, the Hongqi Bridge, a multispan reinforced concrete bridge located in Zhuzhou, Hunan Province, China, collapsed progressively in the form of domino, due to extreme effect of deck to pier, during demolition process of the bridge. In this study, progressive collapse of Hongqi Bridge was investigated using nonlinear dynamic analysis in the Applied Element Method, which has been proven as one of the best methods that can follow the collapse behavior of structures. Good agreements were obtained between numerical results and field observations as well as previously reported results. After verifying the bridge collapse procedure, the effects of different alternatives for superstructure and substructure systems on the progressive collapse procedure were investigated. In addition, application of restrainers at the connection of deck to abutment was studied as an effective solution in order to prevent collapse propagation and to minimize associated damages. The results of the study showed that all chosen methods and factors could be helpful and effective in the procedure of collapse propagation for this kind of bridge.
Mechanical Performance of Concrete Made with Recycled Aggregates from Concrete Pavements
Authors: Zhang Yancong , Gao Lingling , Bian Wei
Published: September 2020

This research aims at analysing the mechanical performance of concrete with recycled aggregates from concrete pavements. First, the characteristics of various natural and recycled aggregates used in the concrete were thoroughly analysed. The composition of the recycled aggregates was determined and several physical and chemical tests of the aggregates were performed. In order to evaluate the mechanical performance of recycled concrete, cube compressive strength and flexural tensile strength tests were performed. The effect of recycled aggregates on the strength of recycled concrete is related to the strength of recycled aggregates, the strength of natural aggregates, and the strength of old concrete. The strength of recycled concrete decreases with increasing water‐cement ratio. However, due to the water absorption of the recycled aggregate, it has a certain inhibitory effect on the strength reduction. As the replacement rate of recycled aggregates increases, the optimal sand ratio decreases. The sand ratio is controlled between 32% and 38%, which is ideal for recycled concrete. With the increase of fly ash content, the 7 d strength of recycled concrete has decreased to some extent, but the 28 d strength has been slightly improved. In addition, for compressive strength and flexural tensile strength, the optimal content of fly ash is different.
Describing the Full Pore Size Distribution of Tight Sandstone and Analyzing the Impact of Clay Type on Pore Size Distribution
Authors: Lei Qiang , Zhang Liehui , Tang Hongming , Zhao Yulong , Chen Man , Xie Chunyu
Published: September 2020

Understanding the pore size distribution (PSD) of tight sandstone and the effect of clay minerals on the PSD is important for reservoir evaluation. Due to the complex shape of clay minerals, the multiscale pore size of tight sandstone, and the limitation of different experimental methods, it is hard to characterize the full PSD of tight sandstone, especially the point of connection (POC) of different derived PSD curves. In this paper, a more comprehensive technique integrated different precision methods of N2/CO2 low-pressure adsorption isotherms (N2/CO2-LPAI), mercury injection capillary pressure (MICP), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and synchrotron X-ray computed tomography (XCT) to investigate the full PSD for three typical tight sandstones in China. Two different forms of PSD data presentations, differential pore volume versus diameter (dV/dR) and the log differential pore volume versus diameter (dV/dlogR), were firstly used to determine the POC. The full integrated PSD curves and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images were carried out on the different clay-rich tight sandstones. The results show that the pores are classified into three types: intercrystalline pores (less than 0.01 μm), clay-related pores and residual intergranular pores (0.01 μm to 10 μm), and microfractures and dissolution pores (greater than 10 μm). The percentage of intercrystalline pores has a small relation on the porosity and connectivity, while there is a strong correlation among microfractures, dissolution pores, porosity, and especially connectivity. The microfractures and dissolution pores are the main connection channels, so a little change of the main connection channels will have a great effect on the permeability of the tight sandstones.
Clinical Features and Long-Term Survival of Metastatic Hepatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms Secondary to Gastroenteropancreatic Site: An Analysis by Applying the Grading Classification
Authors: Yang Min , Zeng Lin , Hou Sheng-zhong , Ke Neng-wen , Tian Bo-le , Liu Xu-bao , Xiang Bo , Zhang Yi
Published: September 2020

Background and Purpose. Neuroendocrine neoplasms occurring in the liver are very rare, in which metastatic hepatic neuroendocrine neoplasms [(MH)-NENs] secondary to gastroenteropancreatic NENs [(GEP)-NENs] account for their majority. The clinical features and long-term survival of (MH)-NENs secondary to (GEP)-NENs were not clear, especially for each grading group of G1 neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), G2 NETs, and G3 NETs and G3 neuroendocrine carcinomas (G3 NECs). Method. Data of patients who were surgically treated and clinicopathologically diagnosed as (MH)-NENs secondary to (GEP)-NENs at West China Hospital of Sichuan University from January 2006 to December 2018 were retrospectively collected and analyzed by the grading classification for (GEP)-NENs. Results. We identified 150 patients with (MH)-NENs secondary to (GEP)-NENs, including 10 patients with G1 NETs, 26 with G2 NETs, 33 with G3 NETs, and 81 with G3 NECs. There were significant differences between patients with G1/G2/G3 NETs and those with G3 NECs, such as age at diagnosis (P=0.041), synchronous liver lesion (P=0.032), incidental diagnosis (P=0.014), tumor largest diameter (P=0.047), vascular invasion (P=0.017), and extrahepatic metastatic disease (P=0.029). The estimated 3-year overall survival for patients with G1 NETs, G2 NETs, G3 NETs, and G3 NECs was 100%, 79.4%, 49.5%, and 20.7%, respectively (P<0.001). The survival of G1 NETs or G2 NETs was significantly better than that of G3 NETs (P=0.013, P=0.037, respectively) and G3 NECs (P=0.001, P<0.001; respectively). Patients with G3 NECs present notably worse survival than those with G3 NETs (P=0.012), while survival comparison between G1 NETs and G2 NETs was not statistically different (P=0.131). The grading classification for (GEP)-NENs was an effective independent predictor of survival for (MH)-NENs secondary to (GEP)-NENs (hazard ratio: 4.234; 95% confidence intervals: 1.984–6.763; P=0.003). Conclusion. Our demonstration revealed that the grading classification for (GEP)-NENs could well stratify (MH)-NENs secondary to (GEP)-NENs into prognostic groups and supported its wide use in clinical practice.
Potential Role of Gene Regulator NFAT5 in the Pathogenesis of Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Cen Lusha , Xing Fengling , Xu Liying , Cao Yi
Published: September 2020

Nuclear factor of activated T cells 5 (NFAT5), a Rel/nuclear factor- (NF-)κB family member, is the only known gene regulator of the mammalian adaptive response to osmotic stress. Exposure to elevated glucose increases the expression and nuclear translocation of NFAT5, as well as NFAT5-driven transcriptional activity in vivo and in vitro. Increased expression of NFAT5 is closely correlated with the progression of diabetes in patients. The distinct structure of NFAT5 governs its physiological and pathogenic roles, indicating its opposing functions. The ability of NFAT5 to maintain cell homeostasis and proliferation is impaired in patients with diabetes. NFAT5 promotes the formation of aldose reductase, pathogenesis of diabetic vascular complications, and insulin resistance. Additionally, NFAT5 activates inflammation at a very early stage of diabetes and induces persistent inflammation. Recent studies revealed that NFAT5 is an effective therapeutic target for diabetes. Here, we describe the current knowledge about NFAT5 and its relationship with diabetes, focusing on its diverse regulatory functions, and highlight the importance of this protein as a potential therapeutic target in patients with diabetes.
Research on the Impact of Logistics Technology Progress on Employment Structure Based on DEA-Malmquist Method
Authors: Lei Xiao-qing , Yang Jia-jia , Zou Jian-bo , Zhuang Mei-er
Published: September 2020

In recent years, with the vigorous development of e-commerce, the logistics industry has also developed rapidly and has gradually become one of China’s important industries. This paper takes 49 listed companies in the logistics industry in China as the research object and uses the DEA-Malmquist index method to measure the technology progress index of the logistics industry based on their panel data for a total of 10 years from 2008 to 2017. In this way, this article explores the impact of technological progress in the logistics industry and provides a reference for solving the contradiction of employment structure in China
Case Series of Perforated Keratomycosis after Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis
Authors: Eleiwa Taher , Ozcan Eyup , Abdelrahman Samar , Solyman Omar , Elhusseiny Abdelrahman M. , Youssef Gehad , Bayoumy Ahmed
Published: September 2020

Background. Fungal keratitis is an extremely rare complication of laser vision correction resulting in poor visual outcomes. Amniotic membrane transplantation should be kept in mind in eyes with corneal perforation prior to penetrating keratoplasty. Aim. To assess the outcomes of multilayered fresh amniotic membrane transplantation (MLF-AMT) in patients with severe keratomycosis after laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). Study design. Hospital-based prospective interventional case series. Methods. Five eyes of 5 patients were included in the study. All cases underwent microbiological scrapings from residual bed and intrastromal injections of amphotericin (50 mcg/mL), with flap amputation if needed, followed by topical 5% natamycin and 0.15% amphotericin. MLF-AMT was performed after corneal perforation. Later, penetrating keratoplasty (PK) was performed when corneal opacity compromised visual acuity. The outcome measures were complete resolution of infection, corneal graft survival, and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). Results. The mean age of patients was 22±1.2 years with 4/5 (80%) were females. The mean interval between LASIK and symptom onset was 8.8±1 day, and the mean interval between symptom onset and referral was 14±1.4 days. Potassium hydroxide (KOH) smears showed filamentous fungi, and Sabouraud’s medium grew Aspergillus in all cases. Melted flaps were amputated in 4 (80%) cases. MLF-AMT was performed in all cases due to corneal perforation after a mean time of 12.4±1.2 days of antifungals. In all cases, complete resolution of infection was seen 26±1.8 days after MLF-AMT, and optical PK was done at a mean of 2.4 months later. No postoperative complications after MLF-AMT or PK were observed, with a 0% incidence of corneal graft rejection, and a final BCVA ranged from 20/20 to 20/80 after a mean follow-up of 14±1.1 months. Conclusion. MLF-AMT is a safe and valid option to manage corneal perforation during keratmycosis treatment to avoid emergency therapeutic keratoplasty.
Adjuvant Treatment with Xiaoqinglong Formula for Bronchial Asthma in Acute Attack: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Wang Long , Feng Xianrong , Wang Baojia , Yang Yu , Zhang Tianyao , Zhang Xiaobo
Published: September 2020

Background. XQLF (Xiaoqinglong formula) is the most commonly used prescription of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of asthma. XQLF combined with western medicine has been used to treat bronchial asthma in more and more cases, and good results have been achieved. Therefore, this meta‐analysis aimed to evaluate the adjuvant treatment of traditional Chinese medicine classic herbal formula XQLF with bronchial asthma in acute attack. Methods. The following electronic databases were systematically searched from inception to April 2019: PubMed, EMBASE database, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), WanFang, VIP Database for Chinese Technical Periodicals, and China Biology Medicine (CBM). Two reviewers searched these databases and independently evaluated all the eligible articles for inclusion. Stata 14.0 was used for data synthesis and analysis. Results. A total of 33 RCTs (randomized controlled trials) including 2176 patients were enrolled. All of the patients in these studies were in the acute attack stage of asthma. We conducted subgroup analysis according to the duration of treatment, which was 14 days, 10 days, and 7 days, respectively. The overall results show that adjuvant treatment with XQLF significantly improve CER (clinical efficacy rate) (RR = 1.17; 95% CI, 1.14 to 1.21; P < 0.0001) and promote pulmonary function including FEV1 (WMD = 0.35; 95% CI, 0.27 to 0.43; P < 0.0001), PEF (SMD = 1.02; 95% CI, 0.49 to 1.55; P < 0.0001), and FVC (WMD = 0.51; 95% CI, 0.35 to 0.66; P < 0.0001). The adjuvant treatment of XQLF can also reduce serum IgE concentration (SMD = −1.39; 95% CI, 1.92 to −0.85; P < 0.0001) and serum EOS concentration at 14 days (WMD = −39.85; 95% CI, −56.20 to −23.49; P < 0.0001). Conclusion. This study finally showed that XQLF has the auxiliary effect of improving the efficiency, promoting the lung function, and reducing the serum IgE in the treatment of acute attack asthma. This trial is registered with CRD42019133549.
Efficient β-Carboline Alkaloid-Based Probe for Highly Sensitive Imaging of Endogenous Glutathione in Wheat Germ Tissues
Authors: Ji Xiaohui , Zhang Dan , Li Le , Jin Lingxia , Wu Rui
Published: September 2020

Discriminative detection of GSH is achieved by employing a highly sensitive and selective fluorescent probe (KL-DN) that bears β-carboline alkaloid as a potential fluorophore and an azide group as the recognition unit. A rapid fluorescence off-on change is caused by special redox reaction; KL-DN has the capability of monitoring endogenous GSH in wheat germ tissues, indicating that this probe holds great potential for biological applications in plant tissues.
Vitamins Modulate the Expression of Antioxidant Genes in Progesterone-Treated Pancreatic β Cells: Perspectives for Gestational Diabetes Management
Authors: Borçari Nathália Ruder , Santos Jeniffer Farias dos , Reigado Gustavo Roncoli , Freitas Bruna Letícia , Araújo Mariana da Silva , Nunes Viviane Abreu
Published: September 2020

Gestational diabetes (GD) is a condition defined as carbohydrate intolerance and hyperglycemia beginning in the second trimester of pregnancy, which overlaps with the progesterone exponential increase. Progesterone has been shown to cause pancreatic β-cell death by a mechanism dependent on the generation of reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress. Herein, we studied the effect of this hormone on the expression of 84 genes related to oxidative stress and oxidant defense in pancreatic RINm5F cell lineage. Cells were incubated with 0.1, 1.0, or 100 μM progesterone for 6 or 24 h, in the presence or absence of the vitamins E and C. Among the investigated genes, five of them had their expression increased, at least 2-fold, in two different concentrations independently of the time of incubation, or at the same concentration at the different time points, including those that encode for stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (Scd1), dual oxidase 1 (Duox1), glutathione peroxidase 6 (GPx6), heme oxygenase 1 (Hmox1), and heat shock protein a1a (Hspa1a). Vitamins E and C were able to increase, in progesterone-treated cells, the expression of genes with antioxidant function such as Hmox1, but decreased Scd1 expression, a gene with prooxidant function. At cytoplasmic level, progesterone positively modulated Hmox1 and Hspa1a content. These results suggest that the protein encoded by these genes might protect cells against progesterone induced-oxidative damage, opening perspectives to elucidate the molecular mechanism involved in progesterone action in GD, as well as for the development of antioxidant strategies for the prevention and treatment of this disease.
A Computational Model to Investigate GABA-Activated Astrocyte Modulation of Neuronal Excitation
Authors: Li Licong , Zhou Jin , Sun Hongji , Liu Jing , Wang Hongrui , Liu Xiuling , Wang Changyong
Published: September 2020

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is critical for proper neural network function and can activate astrocytes to induce neuronal excitability; however, the mechanism by which astrocytes transform inhibitory signaling to excitatory enhancement remains unclear. Computational modeling can be a powerful tool to provide further understanding of how GABA-activated astrocytes modulate neuronal excitation. In the present study, we implemented a biophysical neuronal network model to investigate the effects of astrocytes on excitatory pre- and postsynaptic terminals following exposure to increasing concentrations of external GABA. The model completely describes the effects of GABA on astrocytes and excitatory presynaptic terminals within the framework of glutamatergic gliotransmission according to neurophysiological findings. Utilizing this model, our results show that astrocytes can rapidly respond to incoming GABA by inducing Ca2+ oscillations and subsequent gliotransmitter glutamate release. Elevation in GABA concentrations not only naturally decreases neuronal spikes but also enhances astrocytic glutamate release, which leads to an increase in astrocyte-mediated presynaptic release and postsynaptic slow inward currents. Neuronal excitation induced by GABA-activated astrocytes partly counteracts the inhibitory effect of GABA. Overall, the model helps to increase knowledge regarding the involvement of astrocytes in neuronal regulation using simulated bath perfusion of GABA, which may be useful for exploring the effects of GABA-type antiepileptic drugs.