bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Left ventricular geometry and risk of incident hypertension
Authors: Park Sung Keun , Jung Ju Young , Kang Jeong Gyu , Chung Pil-Wook , Oh Chang-Mo
Published: April 2019

Objective

Left ventricular (LV) geometry change is an independent predictor for cardiovascular disease. However, data are equivocal on the association of echocardiographic parameters of LV geometry with incident hypertension. Thus, we were to investigate the risk of hypertension according to the baseline echocardiographic parameters of LV geometry.

Methods

Study participants were 12 562 Koreans without hypertension who received echocardiography as an item of health check-up. They were divided into normotensive or prehypertensive group according to baseline blood pressure. In each group, study subjects were classified by quintiles of baseline echocardiographic parameters including left ventricular mass index (LVMI), relative wall thickness (RWT), interventricular septal thickness (IVST), posterior wall thickness (PWT) and IVST plus PWT and followed up for 5 years. Cox proportional hazards model was used in calculating adjusted HRs and their 95% CI for hypertension according to each quintile group. Area under the curve (AUC) analysis (AUC [95% CI]) was performed to compare the predictability of LVMI, RWT, IVST, PWT, IVST plus PWT for hypertension.

Results

Prehypertensive group had the worse clinical and echocardiographic parameters in baseline analysis than normotensive group. The risk of hypertension significantly increased proportionally to baseline LVMI, RWT, IVST, PWI and IVST plus PWT above specific quintile levels, which was identified in both normotensive and prehypertensive group. In AUC analysis, IVST, PWT and IVST plus PWT showed a significantly increased AUC, compared with LVMI.

Conclusion

LV geometry change was significantly associated with the increased risk for hypertension in non-hypertensive individuals.
Multivariate genome-wide association study of rapid automatised naming and rapid alternating stimulus in Hispanic American and African–American youth
Authors: Truong Dongnhu Thuy , Adams Andrew Kenneth , Paniagua Steven , Frijters Jan C , Boada Richard , Hill Dina E , Lovett Maureen W , Mahone E Mark , Willcutt Erik G , Wolf Maryanne , Defries John C , Gialluisi Alessandro , Francks Clyde , Fisher Simon E , Olson Richard K , Pennington Bruce F , Smith Shelley D , Bosson-Heenan Joan , Gruen Jeffrey R
Published: April 2019

Background

Rapid automatised naming (RAN) and rapid alternating stimulus (RAS) are reliable predictors of reading disability. The underlying biology of reading disability is poorly understood. However, the high correlation among RAN, RAS and reading could be attributable to shared genetic factors that contribute to common biological mechanisms.

Objective

To identify shared genetic factors that contribute to RAN and RAS performance using a multivariate approach.

Methods

We conducted a multivariate genome-wide association analysis of RAN Objects, RAN Letters and RAS Letters/Numbers in a sample of 1331 Hispanic American and African–American youth. Follow-up neuroimaging genetic analysis of cortical regions associated with reading ability in an independent sample and epigenetic examination of extant data predicting tissue-specific functionality in the brain were also conducted.

Results

Genome-wide significant effects were observed at rs1555839 (p=4.03×10−8) and replicated in an independent sample of 318 children of European ancestry. Epigenetic analysis and chromatin state models of the implicated 70 kb region of 10q23.31 support active transcription of the gene RNLS in the brain, which encodes a catecholamine metabolising protein. Chromatin contact maps of adult hippocampal tissue indicate a potential enhancer–promoter interaction regulating RNLS expression. Neuroimaging genetic analysis in an independent, multiethnic sample (n=690) showed that rs1555839 is associated with structural variation in the right inferior parietal lobule.

Conclusion

This study provides support for a novel trait locus at chromosome 10q23.31 and proposes a potential gene–brain–behaviour relationship for targeted future functional analysis to understand underlying biological mechanisms for reading disability.
Brody disease: when myotonia is not myotonia
Authors: Braz Luís , Soares-dos-Reis Ricardo , Seabra Mafalda , Silveira Fernando , Guimarães Joana
Published: April 2019

A 56-year-old man presented with painless impairment of muscle relaxation on vigorous contraction (eg, eyelid closure, hand grip, running). There were no episodes of paralysis, symptom progression, weakness or extramuscular symptoms. Five of his fifteen siblings had similar complaints. His serum creatine kinase was normal. Electromyography showed electrical silence on muscle relaxation, without myotonic discharges.DMPK,ClCN1andSCN4Agenetic testing was normal, but he had a homozygous pathogenic variant ofATP2A1(c.1315G>A; pGlu439Lys). Brody disease is a rare autosomal recessive myopathy due toATP2A1mutations that reduce sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium-ATPase1 activity, hence delaying muscle relaxation.
Evidence for a new paradigm of gonorrhoea transmission: cross-sectional analysis ofNeisseria gonorrhoeaeinfections by anatomical site in both partners in 60 male couples
Authors: Cornelisse Vincent Jasper , Williamson Deborah , Zhang Lei , Chen Marcus Y , Bradshaw Catriona , Hocking Jane S , Hoy Jennifer , Howden Benjamin P , Chow Eric P F , Fairley Christopher K
Published: April 2019

Objective

Gonorrhoea transmission between men is currently thought to occur primarily to and from the urethra. Transmission without urethral involvement, from throat-to-throat and throat-to-anus, is considered to be uncommon. Using gonorrhoea results from male couples, we aimed to investigate the transmission dynamics of gonorrhoea. If current medical consensus is correct, then most throat and anal infections should be explained by the partner’s urethral infection.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional analysis of gonorrhoea diagnosed by nucleic acid amplification tests in both partners in male couples who attended Melbourne Sexual Health Centre together between March 2015 and June 2017. Isolates obtained from culture-positive infections underwent whole genome sequencing to assess phylogenetic relatedness between partners.

Results

In all 60 couples (120 men) at least one partner had gonorrhoea, and isolates had very high phylogenetic relatedness between partners. After excluding men with urethral gonorrhoea, among 32 men with anal gonorrhoea, 34% (95% CI 19% to 53 %) had a partner with throat gonorrhoea. After excluding couples where either man had urethral gonorrhoea, among 48 couples in which at least one man had throat gonorrhoea, in 23% (95% CI 12% to 37 %) of couples both men had throat gonorrhoea.

Conclusions

The observed gonorrhoea positivity when urethral infection is absent supports a new paradigm of gonorrhoea transmission, where the throat is a major source of gonorrhoea transmission between men, through tongue kissing, oroanal sex and saliva use as anal lubricant. Public health messages may need to address the risk of saliva exposure during sex.
Damage control or definitive repair? A retrospective review of abdominal trauma at a major trauma center in South Africa
Authors: Weale Ross , Kong Victor , Buitendag Johan , Ras Abraham , Blodgett Joanna , Laing Grant , Bruce John , Bekker Wanda , Manchev Vassil , Clarke Damian
Published: April 2019

Background

This study set out to review a large series of trauma laparotomies from a single center and to compare those requiring damage control surgery (DCS) with those who did not, and then to interrogate a number of anatomic and physiologic scoring systems to see which best predicted the need for DCS.

Methods

All patients over the age of 15 years undergoing a laparotomy for trauma during the period from December 2012 to December 2017 were retrieved from the Hybrid Electronic Medical Registry (HEMR) at the Pietermaritzburg Metropolitan Trauma Service (PMTS), South Africa. They were divided into two cohorts, namely the DCS and non-DCS cohort, based on what was recorded in the operative note. These groups were then compared in terms of demographics and spectrum of injury, as well as clinical outcome. The following scores were worked out for each patient: Penetrating Abdominal Trauma Index (PATI), Injury Severity Score, Abbreviated Injury Scale-abdomen, and Abbreviated Injury Scale-chest.

Results

A total of 562 patients were included, and 99 of these (18%) had a DCS procedure versus 463 (82%) non-DCS. The mechanism was penetrating trauma in 81% of cases (453 of 562). A large proportion of trauma victims were male (503 of 562, 90%), with a mean age of 29.5±10.8. An overall mortality rate of 32% was recorded for DCS versus 4% for non-DCS (p<0.001). In general patients requiring DCS had higher lactate, and were more acidotic, hypotensive, tachycardic, and tachypneic, with a lower base excess and lower bicarbonate, than patients not requiring DCS. The most significant organ injuries associated with DCS were liver and intra-abdominal vascular injury. The only organ injury consistently predictive across all models of the need for DCS was liver injury. Regression analysis showed that only the PATI score is significantly predictive of the need for DCS (p=0.044). A final multiple logistic regression model demonstrated a pH <7.2 to be the most predictive (p=0.001) of the need for DCS.

Conclusion

DCS is indicated in a subset of severely injured trauma patients. A pH <7.2 is the best indicator of the need for DCS. Anatomic injuries in themselves are not predictive of the need for DCS.

Levels of evidence

Level III.
Annual ryegrass and Festulolium as companion crops in the establishment of perennial forage crops
Authors: Coulman Bruce , Kleinhout Arend , Biligetu Bill
Published: April 2019

Annual companion crops are often used in new seedings of perennial forages in western Canada. Fast-establishing grass species that do not overwinter in this region have potential as companion crops to increase seeding year yields without reducing perennial forage establishment. Trials were seeded in two different years at Saskatoon and Melfort, SK, in the Dark Brown and Black soil zones, respectively. Crested wheatgrass [Agropyron cristatum (L.) Gaertn.], meadow bromegrass (Bromus riparius Rehm.), and alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) were seeded in pure stands and mixtures with or without an annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) or Festulolium (Lolium × Festuca) companion crop at two seeding rates. Forage dry matter yield in the establishment year was increased with annual ryegrass companion crops compared with no companion crop regardless of seeding rate, but was increased only with the higher rate of Festulolium at Saskatoon. Despite using low companion crop seeding rates, stand densities of most of the perennial forage stands were lower than with no companion crop at Saskatoon, but in Melfort, most stand densities did not differ. The annual ryegrass companion crop reduced yields the year after seeding at both sites, while the Festulolium also reduced yields, but not at Melfort for the lower companion crop seeding rate. Dry matter yields were usually not different between companion and no companion crop treatments in the second year after seeding and for 3-yr total yields. The use of these companion crops increased the percentage of the 3-yr total yield produced in the seeding year.
Diet and isotopic niche of eastern sand darter (Ammocrypta pellucida) near the northern edge of its range: a test of niche specificity
Authors: Burbank Jacob , Finch Mary , Drake D. Andrew R. , Power Michael
Published: April 2019

Niche specificity can predispose species to population declines during periods of resource limitation, yet trophic niche specificity is poorly known for many small-bodied freshwater fishes. Applying a two-tiered approach involving stomach content and stable isotope analyses, we examined the diet and trophic niche of the threatened eastern sand darter (Ammocrypta pellucida (Putnam, 1863)) and co-occurring fishes in the Thames River, Ontario, Canada. As with previous studies, stomach content analysis revealed that eastern sand darter consumed a variety of benthic organisms including Chironomidae, Cladocera, Ostracoda, Oligochaeta, and Ephemeroptera; however, proportional contributions of prey groups differed based on stable isotope analysis, highlighting the potential for seasonal variation in prey consumption. Despite evidence of a generalist strategy, stable isotope analysis indicated eastern sand darter exhibited a relatively narrow trophic niche relative to co-occurring fishes. Trophic niche overlap was relatively minor between eastern sand darter and drift-feeding fishes (spotfin shiner (Cyprinella spiloptera (Cope, 1867)), emerald shiner (Notropis atherinoides Rafinesque, 1818), and buffalo sp. (genus Ictiobus Rafinesque, 1820)), but was more evident between eastern sand darter and benthic and benthopelagic fishes (johnny darter (Etheostoma nigrum Rafinesque, 1820) and blackside darter (Percina maculata (Girard, 1859))), indicating that competition with these species may be more likely during periods of prey scarcity.
Differential YAP nuclear signaling in healthy and dystrophic skeletal muscle
Authors: Iyer Shama R. , Shah Sameer B. , Ward Christopher W. , Stains Joseph P. , Spangenburg Espen E. , Folker Eric S. , Lovering Richard M.
Published: April 2019

Mechanical forces regulate muscle development, hypertrophy, and homeostasis. Force-transmitting structures allow mechanotransduction at the sarcolemma, cytoskeleton, and nuclear envelope. There is growing evidence that Yes-associated protein (YAP) serves as a nuclear relay of mechanical signals and can induce a range of downstream signaling cascades. Dystrophin is a sarcolemma-associated protein, and its absence underlies the pathology in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. We tested the hypothesis that the absence of dystrophin in muscle would result in reduced YAP signaling in response to loading. Following in vivo contractile loading in muscles of healthy (wild-type; WT) mice and mice lacking dystrophin ( mdx), we performed Western blots of whole and fractionated muscle homogenates to examine the ratio of phospho (cytoplasmic) YAP to total YAP and nuclear YAP, respectively. We show that in vivo contractile loading induced a robust increase in YAP expression and its nuclear localization in WT muscles. Surprisingly, in mdx muscles, active YAP expression was constitutively elevated and unresponsive to load. Results from qRT-PCR analysis support the hyperactivation of YAP in vivo in mdx muscles, as evidenced by increased gene expression of YAP downstream targets. In vitro assays of isolated myofibers plated on substrates with high stiffness showed YAP nuclear labeling for both genotypes, indicating functional YAP signaling in mdx muscles. We conclude that while YAP signaling can occur in the absence of dystrophin, dystrophic muscles have altered mechanotransduction, whereby constitutively active YAP results in a failure to respond to load, which could be attributed to the increased state of “pre-stress” with increased cytoskeletal and extracellular matrix stiffness.
Reduced left ventricular diastolic function in women with posttraumatic stress disorder
Authors: Hieda Michinari , Yoo Jeung-Ki , Badrov Mark B. , Parker Rosemary S. , Anderson Elizabeth H. , Wiblin Jessica L. , Kawalsky Jason , North Carol S. , Suris Alina , Fu Qi
Published: April 2019

Women are two to three times more likely to develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) compared with men after exposure to a major trauma, and PTSD is associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease in later life. The underlying mechanisms are unclear, but alterations in cardiac function may be involved. We hypothesized that women with PTSD have reduced left ventricular (LV) diastolic function. We studied 14 women with PTSD (PTSD group) and 14 women without PTSD (controls) using echocardiography Doppler to evaluate LV diastolic function, including peak velocities (E and A waves) in transmitral flow; diastolic, atrial kick, and systolic waveform velocities (e′, a′, and s′) in tissue Doppler; the ratio between early mitral inflow velocity and mitral annular early diastolic velocity (E/e′); and velocity of propagation ( Vp) . Baseline characteristics including age, body size, blood pressure, and heart rate were not significantly different between the two groups. Compared with the control group, women with PTSD showed greater E/e′ (controls vs. PTSD group: 7.0 ± 1.3 vs. 9.1 ± 1.3, P = 0.002) and smaller Vp (controls vs. PTSD group: 63.7 ± 11.3 vs. 47.5 ± 6.9 cm/s, P = 0.003). These results suggest that women with PTSD have reduced LV diastolic function, which may contribute, at least in part, to the increased risk of cardiovascular disease later in life.
Cough responses to inhaled irritants are enhanced by eosinophil major basic protein in awake mice
Authors: Lin An-Hsuan , Athukorala Ashami , Gleich Gerald J. , Lee Lu-Yuan
Published: April 2019

A distinct association between airway eosinophilia and chronic cough is well documented. Eosinophil granule-derived cationic proteins, such as major basic protein (MBP), have been shown to activate and enhance the excitability of bronchopulmonary C-fiber sensory nerves, which may then lead to an increase in cough sensitivity. This study was carried out to determine whether cough responses to inhaled irritant gases were altered by delivery of MBP into the airways. An awake mouse moved freely in a recording chamber that was ventilated with a constant flow of air or irritant gas mixture. Cough responses to separate inhalation challenges of sulfur dioxide (SO2; 300 and 600 ppm) and ammonia (NH3; 0.1 and 0.2%), each for 5-min duration, were measured daily for 3 days before and for up to 8 days after MBP (10–20 µg) instillation into the trachea. During control, inhalations of SO2 and NH3 consistently elicited cough responses in a dose-dependent manner. After MBP treatment, cough responses to both SO2 and NH3 increased significantly and progressively and reached peaks 2–3 days after the treatment before returning to control level in 3–7 days. In sharp contrast, cough responses to these irritant gases were not affected by the treatment with the vehicle of MBP. These results suggest that the MBP-induced lingering elevation of cough responsiveness may be a contributing factor in the pathogenesis of chronic cough associated with eosinophilic infiltration of the airways.
Gene deletion of the Na+-glucose cotransporter SGLT1 ameliorates kidney recovery in a murine model of acute kidney injury induced by ischemia-reperfusion
Authors: Nespoux Josselin , Patel Rohit , Hudkins Kelly L. , Huang Winnie , Freeman Brent , Kim Young Chul , Koepsell Hermann , Alpers Charles E. , Vallon Volker
Published: April 2019

Renal Na+-glucose cotransporter SGLT1 mediates glucose reabsorption in the late proximal tubule, a hypoxia-sensitive tubular segment that enters the outer medulla. Gene deletion in mice ( Sglt1−/−) was used to determine the role of the cotransporter in acute kidney injury induced by ischemia-reperfusion (IR), including the initial injury and subsequent recovery phase. On days 1 and 16 after IR, absolute and fractional urinary glucose excretion remained greater in Sglt1−/−mice versus wild-type (WT) littermates, consistent with a sustained contribution of SGLT1 to tubular glucose reabsorption in WT mice. Absence of SGLT1 did not affect the initial kidney impairment versus WT mice, as indicated by similar increases on day 1 in plasma concentrations of creatinine and urinary excretion of the tubular injury marker kidney injury molecule-1 as well as a similar rise in plasma osmolality and fall in urine osmolality as indicators of impaired urine concentration. Recovery of kidney function on days 14/16, however, was improved in Sglt1−/−versus WT mice, as indicated by lower plasma creatinine, higher glomerula filtration rate (by FITC-sinistrin in awake mice), and more completely restored urine and plasma osmolality. This was associated with a reduced tubular injury score in the cortex and outer medulla, better preserved renal mRNA expression of tubular transporters ( Sglt2 and Na+-K+-2Cl–cotransporter Nkcc2), and a lesser rise in renal mRNA expression of markers of injury, inflammation, and fibrosis [kidney injury molecule-1, chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2, fibronectin 1, and collagen type I-α1] in Sglt1−/−versus WT mice. These results suggest that SGLT1 activity in the late proximal tubule may have deleterious effects during recovery of IR-induced acute kidney injury and identify SGLT1 as a potential therapeutic target.
Adenosine kinase inhibition protects against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity
Authors: Cao Wei , Yuan Yanggang , Liu Xi , Li Qing , An Xiaofei , Huang Zhimin , Wu Lin , Zhang Bo , Zhang Aihua , Xing Changying
Published: April 2019

Numerous studies have demonstrated that several mechanisms, including oxidative stress, DNA damage, and inflammatory responses, are closely linked to cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. Adenosine, emerging as a key regulatory molecule, is mostly protective in the pathophysiology of inflammatory diseases. A previous study showed that some of the adenosine receptors led to renal protection against ischemia-reperfusion injury. However, these adenosine receptor agonists lack a useful therapeutic index due to cardiovascular side effects. We hypothesized that inhibition of adenosine kinase (ADK) might exacerbate extracellular adenosine levels to reduce cisplatin-induced renal injury. In the present study, pretreatment with the ADK inhibitor ABT-702 could markedly attenuate cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury, tubular cell apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation in the kidneys. Consistent with in vivo results, inhibition of ADK suppressed cisplatin-induced apoptosis, reactive oxygen species production, and inflammation in HK2 cells. Additionally, the protective effect of ADK inhibition was abolished by A1 or A2B adenosine receptor antagonist and enhanced by A2A or A3 adenosine receptor antagonist. Collectively, the results suggest that inhibition of ADK might increase extracellular adenosine levels, which inhibited cisplatin-induced oxidative stress and inflammation via A1 and A2B adenosine receptors, finally suppressing cisplatin-induced cell apoptosis. Pharmacological therapies based on ADK will be of potential use in therapy of cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity.
Quantitative proteomic analysis of a genetically induced prostate inflammation mouse model via custom 4-plex DiLeu isobaric labeling
Authors: Hao Ling , Thomas Samuel , Greer Tyler , Vezina Chad M. , Bajpai Sagar , Ashok Arya , De Marzo Angelo M. , Bieberich Charles J. , Li Lingjun , Ricke William A.
Published: April 2019

Inflammation is involved in many prostate pathologies including infection, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and prostate cancer. Preclinical models are critical to our understanding of disease mechanisms, yet few models are genetically tractable. Here, we present a comparative quantitative proteomic analysis of urine from mice with and without prostate-specific inflammation induced by conditional prostate epithelial IL-1β expression. Relative quantification and sample multiplexing was achieved using custom 4-plex N, N-dimethyl leucine (DiLeu) isobaric tags and nanoflow ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry. Each set of 4-plex DiLeu reagents allows four urine samples to be analyzed simultaneously, providing high-throughput and accurate quantification of urinary proteins. Proteins involved in the acute phase response, including haptoglobin, inter-α-trypsin inhibitor, and α1-antitrypsin 1-1, were differentially represented in the urine of mice with prostate inflammation. Mass spectrometry-based quantitative urinary proteomics represents a promising bioanalytical strategy for biomarker discovery and the elucidation of molecular mechanisms in urological research.
Galvanic vestibular stimulation: from basic concepts to clinical applications
Authors: Dlugaiczyk Julia , Gensberger Kathrin D. , Straka Hans
Published: April 2019

Galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS) plays an important role in the quest to understand sensory signal processing in the vestibular system under normal and pathological conditions. It has become a highly relevant tool to probe neuronal computations and to assist in the differentiation and treatment of vestibular syndromes. Following its accidental discovery, GVS became a diagnostic tool that generates eye movements in the absence of head/body motion. With the possibility to record extracellular and intracellular spikes, GVS became an indispensable method to activate or block the discharge in vestibular nerve fibers by cathodal and anodal currents, respectively. Bernie Cohen, in his attempt to decipher vestibular signal processing, has used this method in a number of hallmark studies that have added to our present knowledge, such as the link between selective electrical stimulation of semicircular canal nerves and the generation of directionally corresponding eye movements. His achievements paved the way for other major milestones including the differential recruitment order of vestibular fibers for cathodal and anodal currents, pronounced discharge adaptation of irregularly firing afferents, potential activation of hair cells, and fiber type-specific activation of central circuits. Previous disputes about the structural substrate for GVS are resolved by integrating knowledge of ion channel-related response dynamics of afferents, fiber type-specific innervation patterns, and central convergence and integration of semicircular canal and otolith signals. On the basis of solid knowledge of the methodology, specific waveforms of GVS are currently used in clinical diagnosis and patient treatment, such as vestibular implants and noisy galvanic stimulation.
The Investigations of Thermomechanical Properties of Polypropylene Composites
Authors: Norwiński Sylwester , Postawa Przemysław , Sachajko Robert , Palutkiewicz Paweł , Stachowiak Tomasz
Published: April 2019

The article presents the results of the investigations of isotactic polypropylene composites with the following fillers: flame retardants, glass fiber, glass beads, and talc. The process of preparing composites and test samples is described. The investigations were performed using the DMTA method. The evaluation of thermal effects for the investigated molded parts using special device was also presented. The scope of the research included ten polypropylene composites with different content and type of fillers. These measurements allowed us to determine the influence of the filler type and content on the dynamic mechanical properties of iPP composites. The results will be useful for determining the scope of application of the mentioned materials in various fields of industry in the future.
Optimization of Resolving Power, Fragmentation, and Mass Calibration in an Orbitrap Spectrometer for Analysis of 24 Pesticide Metabolites in Urine
Authors: Dualde Pablo , Coscollà Clara , Pastor Agustin , Yusà Vicent
Published: April 2019

Mass spectrometer parameters such as Resolving Power, type of fragmentation, and mass calibration mode were optimized in the analysis of 24 pesticide metabolites in human urine using Ultra-High Pressure Liquid Chromatography coupled to Orbitrap High-Resolution Mass Spectrometer (UHPLC-HRMS). The best results were achieved with a Resolving Power of 25,000 FWHM and by applying Collision Induced Dissociation fragmentation mode (40 eV).
Effective Processing of Radar Data for Bridge Damage Detection
Authors: Owerko Tomasz , Kuras Przemysław
Published: April 2019

This paper presents the practical results of the evaluation of the data obtained by using ground‐based radar interferometer during measurements carried out on bridge structures. Due to the nature of the objects studied, the authors proposed a comprehensive method of data analysis, which identifies whether the passage of the vehicle did not damage the bridge. The effective use of vehicles as a source of bridge excitation allowed us to first develop a method for determining the damping parameters resistant to potentially occurring beating frequencies. As a result, it is possible to determine these subsets of data registered with radar, for which it is possible to assume compliance with linear systems. This type of data, often omitted in other works, forms the basis for the second important element of the research—an algorithm based on the ARMA model supporting defect detection. The optimization of the performed calculations, in particular the proposed optimal ARMA model order, the method of fault identification based on the DSF parameter, or fault identification based on a nonmetrical Cook’s distance leads to a robust and scalable method. The method’s low computational complexity allows for implementation in real‐time solutions. In addition, the distribution of errors and the sensitivity of classifiers based on the DSF parameter and Cook’s distances leaving them will enable the automation of the classification process using machine learning. The proposed method is universal; in particular, it can be used for radar interferometry methods because it is resistant to potentially variable environmental conditions.
Experimental Approach to Active Mounts Using Electromagnetic Actuator and Rubber with Consideration of Shock Resistance for Naval Shipboard Equipment
Authors: Shin Yun-ho , Moon Seok-jun , Jung Woo-jin , Bae Soo-ryong
Published: April 2019

There is demand for stringent vibration isolation within machine installations in order to achieve maximum performance or to satisfy otherwise extreme criteria, particularly, when there is a strong source of vibration such as a motor pump. It is frequently necessary to prevent the transmission of these vibrations to other parts of the system for passenger comfort in vehicles, ships, trains, etc., or for the protection of delicate electronic equipment. In the defense sector, the need for equipment which is better at avoiding detection has led researchers to focus more on improving vibration isolation. In this paper, an active mount combined with a passive rubber mount and an electromagnetic actuator is proposed and examined for use in naval shipboard equipment. The electromagnetic actuator is suggested for improving performance and overcoming its inherent limitations which are caused by the friction between the magnet and coil. The design specifications of an active mount, such as required force, displacement, and frequency characteristics, are identified for the self‐excited pump system, and then an electromagnetic actuator active mount is redesigned with considering the shape of the passive rubber mount and shock resistance. The performance was examined on the single active mount using an external exciter, which could be simplified as two‐degree‐of‐freedom system, and also confirmed experimentally on an active mount system with four mounts using a motor system. From the results of applying the proposed electromagnetic active mount, a vibration reduction of about 20 dB for the motor equipment was observed for the excited frequency components of 1,600 rpm and its two harmonic components.
Preoperative Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin Prophylaxis Associated with Increased Heparin Resistance Frequency in On-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery
Authors: Saydam Onur , Atay Mehmet , Serefli Deniz , Doganci Suat , Kumabasar Ulas , Yılmaz Mustafa , Dogan Rıza , Demircin Metin
Published: April 2019

Background. Unfractionated heparin (UFH) and low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) are being used for preoperative management of critical coronary artery disease. However, preoperative UFH therapy may cause a reduction in antithrombin concentrations, leading to various degrees of heparin resistance (HR). The main purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of preoperative LMWH on HR during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).Methods. Data were retrospectively reviewed from adult patients that underwent on-pump coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Four hundred fifty-seven patients underwent CABG, and 139 of them, who had isolated on-pump CABG, were included in the study. The heparin sensitivity index was calculated if activated clotting time levels were discovered below 400 seconds. Values less than 1.3 were accepted as HR.Results. Of 139 patients who underwent on-pump CABG, preoperative LMWH was administered in 59 patients (56.8%). Intraoperative HR occurred in 29 patients (20.9%). Patients who received preoperative LMWH had an increased risk of developing HR compared with patients who did not receive LMWH (odds ratio 4.8 and 95% confidence interval 1.7–13.5). CPB duration and aortic clamp duration were significantly longer in patients who developed intraoperative HR when compared to those in patients who did not develop HR.Conclusion. Preoperative treatment with LMWH may cause intraoperative HR. Corrective and preventive arrangements with close follow-up should be performed in this group of patients.
NLRP3, IL-1β, and Caspase-1 Gene Transcript Identification and Expression by QCM-D in Obese Children
Authors: Gómez López Modesto , Pérez-Vielma Nadia Mabel , González Martínez Haydee , Lara Padilla Eleazar , Bandala Cindy , González Torres María Cristina , Miliar-García Ángel
Published: April 2019

Background. Obesity in children is highly prevalent in Mexican population. Adipose tissue has been related to specific pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine and inflammasome gene and protein expression patterns. Actually, there is no existing biosensor for detecting gene expression patterns in children with obesity. The quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D) has been used as a transducer for DNA biosensor design. Results. In this study, the gene expression pattern of IL-1β, NLRP3, and CASPASE-1 in children with obesity was successfully determined by means of QCM-D. Gene expression patterns were validated with those obtained by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), a validated molecular biology technique for gene expression quantification. QCM-D analysis of the detected mass corresponding results for each of the genes showed a major detected mass for IL-1β, followed by similar NLRP3 and constitutive gene 18S deposited mass and a smaller deposited mass for CASPASE-1. Surprisingly, when comparing mRNA gene expression results for NLRP3, IL-1β, and CASPASE-1 obtained with qPCR and QCM-D, similar patterns were found, revealing greatest expression of IL-1β, followed by NLRP3, with CASPASE-1 being the molecule of least expression in the group of children with obesity. AFM images illustrate the step-by-step changes that took place on the quartz surface. Conclusions. QCM-D proved successfully for determining the gene transcripts and expression of NLRP3, IL-1β, and CASPASE-1 in children with obesity, with similar results validated by qPCR. “QCM-D decreases detection costs compared with a validated molecular biology technique.” The QCM-D biosensor developed by our group was successful for gene expression determination; in the future, it can be used for molecular diagnosis.
Sizing and Dynamic Modeling of a Power System for the MUN Explorer Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Using a Fuel Cell and Batteries
Authors: Albarghot Mohamed M. , Iqbal M. Tariq , Pope Kevin , Rolland Luc
Published: April 2019

The combination of a fuel cell and batteries has promising potential for powering autonomous vehicles. The MUN Explorer Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) is built to do mapping-type missions of seabeds as well as survey missions. These missions require a great deal of power to reach underwater depths (i.e., 3000 meters). The MUN Explorer uses 11 rechargeable Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries as the main power source with a total capacity of 14.6 kWh to 17.952 kWh, and the vehicle can run for 10 hours. The drawbacks of operating the existing power system of the MUN Explorer, which was done by the researcher at the Holyrood management facility, include mobilization costs, logistics and transport, and facility access, all of which should be taken into consideration. Recharging the batteries for at least 8 hours is also very challenging and time consuming. To overcome these challenges and run the MUN Explorer for a long time, it is essential to integrate a fuel cell into an existing power system (i.e., battery bank). The integration of the fuel cell not only will increase the system power, but will also reduce the number of batteries needed as suggested by HOMER software. In this paper, an integrated fuel cell is designed to be added into the MUN Explorer AUV along with a battery bank system to increase its power system. The system sizing is performed using HOMER software. The results from HOMER software show that a 1-kW fuel cell and 8 Li-ion batteries can increase the power system capacity to 68 kWh. The dynamic model is then built in MATLAB/Simulink environment to provide a better understanding of the system behavior. The 1-kW fuel cell is connected to a DC/DC Boost Converter to increase the output voltage from 24 V to 48 V as required by the battery and DC motor. A hydrogen gas tank is also included in the model. The advantage of installing the hydrogen and oxygen tanks beside the batteries is that it helps the buoyancy force in underwater depths. The design of this system is based on MUN Explorer data sheets and system dynamic simulation results.
To Explore the Pathogenesis of Vascular Lesion of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Based on the PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway
Authors: Gao Jia-Rong , Qin Xiu-Juan , Fang Zhao-Hui , Li-Shan  , Han Li-Ping , Hui-Jiang  , Guo Ming-Fei , Jiang Nan-Nan
Published: April 2019

Background. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has become a chronic disease, serious harm to human health. Complications of the blood pipe are the main cause of disability and death in diabetic patients, including vascular lesions that directly affects the prognosis of patients with diabetes and survival. This study was to determine the influence of high glucose and related mechanism of vascular lesion of type 2 diabetes mellitus pathogenesis. Methods. In vivo aorta abdominalis of GK rats was observed with blood pressure, heart rate, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), Masson, and Verhoeff staining. In vitro cells were cultured with 30 mM glucose for 24 h. RT-QPCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of endothelial markers PTEN, PI3K, Akt, and VEGF. Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the expression of PTEN, PI3K, Akt, and VEGF. PI3K and Akt phosphorylation levels were detected by Western blot analysis. Results. Heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and mean blood pressure in the GK control group were higher compared with the Wistar control group and no difference compared with the GK experimental model group. Fluorescence intensity of VEGF, Akt, and PI3K in the high-sugar stimulus group was stronger than the control group; PTEN in the high-sugar stimulus group was weakening than the control group. VEGF, Akt, and PI3K mRNA in the high-sugar stimulus group were higher than the control group; protein expressions of VEGF, Akt, and PI3K in the high-sugar stimulus group were higher than the control group. PTEN mRNA in the high-sugar stimulus group was lower than the control group. Protein expression of PTEN in the high-sugar stimulus group was lower than the control group. Conclusions. Angiogenesis is an important pathogenesis of T2DM vascular disease, and PTEN plays a negative regulatory role in the development of new blood vessels and can inhibit the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
Effects of Virtual Reality-Based Exercise Imagery on Pain in Healthy Individuals
Authors: Hayashi Kazuhiro , Aono Shuichi , Shiro Yukiko , Ushida Takahiro
Published: April 2019

Objective. Virtual reality (VR) is an advanced technology that can be used to attenuate pain. The present study aimed to investigate which method was more effective for pain management: VR combined with exercise imagery or VR distraction. Methods. Fifty-two healthy students participated in this randomized cross-over controlled trial. One VR-based task aimed to passively use the imagery of driving a car as a distraction intervention (the driving group), whereas the other VR-based task aimed to use exercise imagery (running) to actively engage the participants in movement (the running group). The mechanical pressure pain thresholds of the quadriceps and forearm and the heat pain threshold of the hand of each subject were measured before, during, and after each VR task. The differences between the values at each time point and the differences between the groups were analyzed. Results. The pressure and heat pain thresholds were significantly greater during VR task than those before VR task in both driving and running groups. The changes in the pressure pain thresholds that occurred during VR task were significantly higher in the running group than in the driving group. The difference between groups gradually declined after VR task. Conversely, there was no significant difference in the changes in the heat pain thresholds between the groups both during VR task and after VR task. Conclusions. VR combined with exercise imagery has a greater effect on pressure pain thresholds, but not heat pain thresholds, than VR distraction.
Rut Performance of In Situ Warm Mix Asphalt Overlays with Evotherm 3G in North Dakota
Authors: Rezapour Mahdi , Wulff Shaun S.
Published: April 2019

As warm mix asphalt (WMA) pavements afford compaction at temperatures several dozen degrees lower than hot mix asphalt (HMA), the rate of cooling drops dramatically allowing paving to continue into colder weather. For this study, field samples from the Valley City project were collected after being in service (aged) for three years. The historical weather data during study period, 2011-2014, indicates that the temperature in Valley City dropped up to −34°C in winter. Prior studies have noted the importance of studying the performance of asphalt in different environmental conditions, and with different additives. Therefore, this study was set forward to study rutting resistant of field WMA in one of the coldest regions in the US, which used Evotherm 3G as an additive. The research aimed to compare aged WMA rutting resistance, including Evotherm 3G, to that when the specimens were newly constructed. The Asphalt Pavement Analyzer (APA) was used to compare the rutting resistances of WMA and the control HMA. The results indicated that aged samples were more rut resistant than nonaged samples under wet and dry testing conditions. Also under wet and dry testing conditions, aged WMA samples exhibited lower rutting resistance than aged HMA samples. No interaction effects of aging and Evotherm 3G were found on the rutting resistance of asphalt. Addressing the issue of binder aging and its effects on the overall rut performance of pavements gives further insight into the utility of WMA overlays in cold weather regions such as North Dakota.
Antismoking Campaigns’ Perception and Gender Differences: A Comparison among EEG Indices
Authors: Cartocci Giulia , Modica Enrica , Rossi Dario , Inguscio Bianca M.S. , Aricò Pietro , Martinez Levy Ana C. , Mancini Marco , Cherubino Patrizia , Babiloni Fabio
Published: April 2019

Human factors’ aim is to understand and evaluate the interactions between people and tasks, technologies, and environment. Among human factors, it is possible then to include the subjective reaction to external stimuli, due to individual’s characteristics and states of mind. These processes are also involved in the perception of antismoking public service announcements (PSAs), the main tool for governments to contrast the first cause of preventable deaths in the world: tobacco addiction. In the light of that, in the present article, it has been investigated through the comparison of different electroencephalographic (EEG) indices a typical item known to be able of influencing PSA perception, that is gender. In order to investigate the neurophysiological underpinnings of such different perception, we tested two PSAs: one with a female character and one with a male character. Furthermore, the experimental sample was divided into men and women, as well as smokers and nonsmokers. The employed EEG indices were the mental engagement (ME: the ratio between beta activity and the sum of alpha and theta activity); the approach/withdrawal (AW: the frontal alpha asymmetry in the alpha band); and the frontal theta activity and the spectral asymmetry index (SASI: the ratio between beta minus theta and beta plus theta). Results suggested that the ME and the AW presented an opposite trend, with smokers showing higher ME and lower AW than nonsmokers. The ME and the frontal theta also evidenced a statistically significant interaction between the kind of the PSA and the gender of the observers; specifically, women showed higher ME and frontal theta activity for the male character PSA. This study then supports the usefulness of the ME and frontal theta for purposes of PSAs targeting on the basis of gender issues and of the ME and the AW and for purposes of PSAs targeting on the basis of smoking habits.
Development of Removable Hollow Cathode Discharge Apparatus for Sputtering Solid Metals
Authors: Ishikawa Daisuke , Hasegawa Shuichi
Published: April 2019

A hollow cathode discharge cell has been developed for a variety of sample phases. To make the experimental apparatus compact, we have adopted DC discharge, and the discharge cell was inexpensively constructed for replacement with commercially available vacuum parts. The most distinctive attribute of the developed cell is the double structure of the cathodes. The occurrence of sputtering resulted in the metal atom in gas phase. With Ar buffer gas, the favorable condition of laser absorption spectroscopy for the gas phase sample was investigated.
Characteristics of Laser Backscattering Intensity to Detect Frozen and Wet Surfaces on Roads
Authors: Shin Jungil , Park Hyunsuk , Kim Taejung
Published: April 2019

A frozen or wet road surface is a cause of skidding and accidents, so road surface condition is important information for driving safety. Some instruments and methods have been developed to investigate road surface conditions based on optical imagery, although an active sensor is needed, regardless of the time of day. Recently, the laser scanner, which acquires backscattering intensity data related to reflectivity, has become popular in various fields. There is a need to investigate road surface conditions (frozen, wet, or dry) using laser backscattering intensity. This study tries to analyze signal characteristics of laser backscattering intensity to detect frozen and wet surfaces on roads. An ice target with a 7 cm thickness was placed on a road surface, and a wet surface was made due to the melting ice. The ice target, wet surface, dry surface, and roadside vegetation were scanned using a laser scanner. As a result, backscattering signals from the top surface of the ice target were missing due to its smoothness. Dry and wet asphalt surfaces showed distinguishable intensity ranges in their signals. The thick sidewall of the ice target and vegetation at the roadside showed overlapping intensity ranges. An ice sheet is only a few millimeters thick on a real road surface, and the roadside vegetation might be easily distinguished by using texture or auxiliary data. Therefore, laser backscattering intensity can be used to detect frozen, wet, and dry road surfaces, regardless of the time of day. The laser scanner can be installed to acquire information about road surface conditions from observation stations and vehicles in an application for transportation.