bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental Study and Damage Effect Analysis of Concrete Structures under the Combined Loadings of Penetration and Explosion
Authors: Geng Hao , Lu Hao , Sun Shanzheng , Yue Songlin , Song Chunming , Feng Shufang
Published: May 2020

The penetration-explosion warhead is one of the most effective weapons for use against concrete structures. In order to study the phenomena and results for concrete damage caused by the combined effects of penetration and explosion, field experiments were performed on damaged concrete targets with different penetration speeds and explosive charges. The damage to the targets was analyzed, the causes were determined, and prediction methodologies were developed. Dimensional analysis was used to fit experimental results, a formula for calculating the damage depth and volume was proposed, and the dependence of the damage depth and volume on the aspect ratio of the explosive (or charge) and the kinetic energy of bullet penetration were determined. For a given projectile size and quantity of explosives, the damage depth and volume of the concrete target increase with the increasing projectile impact coefficient, but this trend gradually decreases. This observation can also provide a reference for the optimal design of penetration-explosion warheads, exhibiting the desired performance-price ratio.
Using FDAD to Prevent DAD Attack in SEcure Neighbor Discovery Protocol
Authors: Song Guangjia , Wang Hui , Liu Fuquan
Published: May 2020

The <?tex id="Q1" staff-cmt="It is very important for the corresponding author to have a linked ORCID (Open Researcher and Contributor ID) account on MTS. To register a linked ORCID account, please go to the Account Update page (http://mts.hindawi.com/update/) in our Manuscript Tracking System and after you have logged in click on the ORCID link at the top of the page. This link will take you to the ORCID website where you will be able to create an account for yourself. Once you have done so, your new ORCID will be saved in our Manuscript Tracking System automatically."?>SEND uses CGA as its address configuration method. CGA binds the IPv6 address with multiple auxiliary parameters, thereby making the dependency relationship between IPv6 address and host provable, which prevents address embezzlement. Owing to the considerable overhead in CGA parameter verification, the malicious host can use this point to carry out DoS attacks. To prevent DoS, the paper proposes a new duplicate address detection method in an SDN environment called FDAD. Two additional mechanisms are added to the FDAD, namely, query and feedback; messages used by the new mechanisms are also designed. Through these two mechanisms, on the one hand, the host can query the MAC address of the suspect host to the controller. On the other hand, if the CGA parameter verification fails, the controller will use feedback information to suppress malicious host from its source port in order to prevent subsequent attacks. Experiments show that the CPU overhead of FDAD is much lower than the normal CGA when suffering Denial of Service attack. The increased CPU consumption and memory overhead of the controller are also within acceptable range, and the network communication overhead is greatly reduced.
Assessment of Prescriptions in the Endocrinology Department of a Tertiary Care Hospital in Pakistan Using World Health Organization Guidelines
Authors: Khan Majid , Ullah Rahmat , Khan Asaf , ur-Rahman Najm , Khan Sadaqat , Riaz Muhammad
Published: May 2020

Background. It is essential to follow World Health Organization drug prescribing indicators to ensure rational prescribing in every health care setting.Objective. To evaluate the prescriptions in the endocrinology department, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), recommended Ghana guidelines for diabetes management and rational therapy.Methods. Concurrent and retrospective study design was used. The prescriptions of 100 diabetes patients were assessed for the type of medicine, dosage form, number of drugs, diabetes type, and deviation from standard guidelines.Results. In a total of 100 prescriptions, the pattern was reported as injections (31%), antibiotics (18%), and metformin (31.1%). Half of the prescriptions were according to WHO guidelines. The number of drugs per prescription was reported at 5.2. A 70% rational approach was followed in prescribing. 81% of drugs were prescribed from the Essential Drug List (EDL) of the WHO. However, the National Essential Drug List (NEDL) was followed by 27%. The percentage of drugs on generic names was 0.7%. Eighty-four patients showed net improvement in health; 16 patients showed higher glycemic range at the time of discharge.Conclusion. The conclusion of the present study indicates that WHO Ghana guidelines were not followed up to the mark to improve the overall health status of diabetic patients and rational prescribing.
An Application of Cluster Analysis Method to Determine Vietnam Airlines’ Ground Handling Service Quality Benchmarks
Authors: Wang Tien-Chin , Pham Yen Thi Hong
Published: May 2020

This paper recommends that Vietnam Airlines use a pro-offered model to both evaluate and improve its current service network being operated at international airports. The model includes cluster analysis, ANOVA, and Scheffé post hoc to provide service performance insights and to serve as a complementary corporate benchmark for evaluating service potential and for identifying deficient service areas. By means of this model, the managerial board can designate a potent strategy for ground handling service. Additionally, the given model provides expatriate station managers with a clearer viewpoint of the localized productivity level as performed in relation to other airports concomitant within their own clusters.
Sars‐CoV‐2 Envelope and Membrane Proteins: Structural Differences Linked to Virus Characteristics?
Authors: Bianchi Martina , Benvenuto Domenico , Giovanetti Marta , Angeletti Silvia , Ciccozzi Massimo , Pascarella Stefano
Published: May 2020

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is a new viral infection caused by the severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). Genomic analyses have revealed that SARS‐CoV‐2 is related to Pangolin and Bat coronaviruses. In this report, a structural comparison between the Sars‐CoV‐2 Envelope and Membrane proteins from different human isolates with homologous proteins from closely related viruses is described. The analyses here reported show the high structural similarity of Envelope and Membrane proteins to the counterparts from Pangolin and Bat coronavirus isolates. However, the comparisons have also highlighted structural differences specific of Sars‐CoV‐2 proteins which may be correlated to the cross‐species transmission and/or to the properties of the virus. Structural modelling has been applied to map the variant sites onto the predicted three‐dimensional structure of the Envelope and Membrane proteins.
Structural Damage of Subway Tunnel Buried Shallowly in Silt Layer under Soil Mound Loading
Authors: Liu Xue-zeng , Sang Yun-long , Xin Li-min , Shi Gang , Wu Jian-xun
Published: May 2020

Based on the structural damage of the shield tunnel caused by a soil mound on the ground surface in a section of subway in Tianjin, China, the deformation and the cracking process of the segment under soil mound loading were simulated. The variations of segment, bolt, and rebar stresses with the height of the mound were analyzed. The results show that, for the stagger‐jointed assembled shield tunnel that crosses the marine sedimentary silt with a burial depth of 10 m, as the mound loading increases, the damage is concentrated in the vault and hance. When the mound loading is 16.0 kPa, the segment is damaged; the crack depth and bolt axial force of the vault increase rapidly when the mound loading reaches 38.6 kPa. The analysis results are basically consistent with monitoring data. Based on the above analysis, the control standard of mound loading should be 38.6 kPa. The results of this study can provide data reference for control and structural protection of soil mound loading for similar subway tunnels.
Phytochemical, Cytotoxic, and Antimicrobial Evaluation of the Fruits of Miswak Plant, Salvadora persica L.
Authors: Al Bratty Mohammed , Makeen Hafiz A. , Alhazmi Hassan A. , Syame Sohier M. , Abdalla Ashraf N. , Homeida Husham E. , Sultana Shahnaz , Ahsan Waquar , Khalid Asaad
Published: May 2020

Salvadora persica L. (Salvadoraceae) is an evergreen shrub growing in the Middle East, Africa, and Southern Asia. It is traditionally known as “miswak” and used as toothbrushes and for the treatment of toothache, gum diseases, boils, chest infection, gonorrhea, headache, spleen troubles, stomachache, and ulcers. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study aimed at conducting phytochemical, cytotoxic, and antimicrobial investigations of the fruits (berries) of S. persica collected from the Jazan region of Saudi Arabia. Analysis of the ethanol extract of S. persica fruits using GC-MS showed the presence of six esters (20.71%), seven alkanes (15.47%), tetracosamethyl-cyclododecasiloxane (9.91%), eicosamethyl-cyclodecasiloxane (7.27%), and 1-monolinoleoylglycerol (5.17%). The predominant constituents were acetyl dasycarpidan-1-methanol (10.47%), tetracosamethyl-cyclododecasiloxane (9.91%), eicosamethyl-cyclodecasiloxane (7.27%), and 1-monolinoleoylglycerol (5.17%). The petroleum ether extract of the fruits contained mainly eicosamethyl-cyclodecasiloxane (23.81%), 1-monolinoleoylglycerol (11.78%), (Z,Z,Z)-9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid ethyl ester derivative (10.56%), and tetracosamethyl-cyclododecasiloxane (9.91%). The cytotoxic properties of the ethanol extract were investigated by MTT assay against the breast MCF7, ovary A2780, and colon HT29 cells. The fruit extract of S. persica was selective against the ovarian and colon cancer cells compared to normal fibroblast cells (MRC5) as it showed IC50 values 17.50, 8.35, and 5.12, against MCF7, A2780, and HT29 cells, respectively. Interestingly, the fruit extract was also found to possess selective antimicrobial activity for Streptococcus mutans isolates with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values of 3.12 and 6.25 mg/mL, respectively. Interestingly, it was found to be ineffective against other Gram-positive as well as Gram-negative microorganisms. This study provides insight into the bioactive components present in the fruits of the plant that can be utilized for its cytotoxic and antimicrobial properties.
A Novel Triple Matrix Factorization Method for Detecting Drug‐Side Effect Association Based on Kernel Target Alignment
Authors: Guo Xiaoyi , Zhou Wei , Yu Yan , Ding Yijie , Tang Jijun , Guo Fei
Published: May 2020

All drugs usually have side effects, which endanger the health of patients. To identify potential side effects of drugs, biological and pharmacological experiments are done but are expensive and time‐consuming. So, computation‐based methods have been developed to accurately and quickly predict side effects. To predict potential associations between drugs and side effects, we propose a novel method called the Triple Matrix Factorization‐ (TMF‐) based model. TMF is built by the biprojection matrix and latent feature of kernels, which is based on Low Rank Approximation (LRA). LRA could construct a lower rank matrix to approximate the original matrix, which not only retains the characteristics of the original matrix but also reduces the storage space and computational complexity of the data. To fuse multivariate information, multiple kernel matrices are constructed and integrated via Kernel Target Alignment‐based Multiple Kernel Learning (KTA‐MKL) in drug and side effect space, respectively. Compared with other methods, our model achieves better performance on three benchmark datasets. The values of the Area Under the Precision‐Recall curve (AUPR) are 0.677, 0.685, and 0.680 on three datasets, respectively.
Averaging Method for Neutral Stochastic Delay Differential Equations Driven by Fractional Brownian Motion
Authors: Wang Peiguang , Xu Yan
Published: May 2020

In this paper, we investigate the stochastic averaging method for neutral stochastic delay differential equations driven by fractional Brownian motion with Hurst parameter H∈1/2,1. By using the linear operator theory and the pathwise approach, we show that the solutions of neutral stochastic delay differential equations converge to the solutions of the corresponding averaged stochastic delay differential equations. At last, an example is provided to illustrate the applications of the proposed results.
Melatonin Antagonizes Nickel-Induced Aerobic Glycolysis by Blocking ROS-Mediated HIF-1α/miR210/ISCU Axis Activation
Authors: He Mindi , Zhou Chao , Lu Yonghui , Mao Ling , Xi Yu , Mei Xiang , Wang Xue , Zhang Lei , Yu Zhengping , Zhou Zhou
Published: May 2020

Nickel and its compounds, which are well-documented carcinogens, induce the Warburg effect in normal cells by stabilizing hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α). Melatonin has shown diverse anticancer properties for its reactive oxygen species- (ROS-) scavenging ability. Our aim was to explore how melatonin antagonized a nickel-induced increment in aerobic glycolysis. In the current work, a normal human bronchial epithelium cell line (BEAS-2B) was exposed to a series of nonlethal doses of NiCl2, with or without 1 mM melatonin. Melatonin attenuated nickel-enhanced aerobic glycolysis. The inhibition effects on aerobic glycolysis were attributed to the capability of melatonin to suppress the regulatory axis comprising HIF-1α, microRNA210 (miR210), and iron-sulfur cluster assembly scaffold protein (ISCU1/2). N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) manifested similar effects as melatonin in scavenging ROS, maintaining prolyl-hydroxylase activity, and mitigating HIF-1α transcriptional activity in nickel-exposed cells. Our results indicated that ROS generation contributed to nickel-caused HIF-1α stabilization and downstream signal activation. Melatonin could antagonize HIF-1α-controlled aerobic glycolysis through ROS scavenging.
A Unified Shape-From-Shading Approach for 3D Surface Reconstruction Using Fast Eikonal Solvers
Authors: Wang Guohui , Zhang Xuan , Cheng Jin
Published: May 2020

Object shape reconstruction from images has been an active topic in computer vision. Shape-from-shading (SFS) is an important approach for inferring 3D surface from a single shading image. In this paper, we present a unified SFS approach for surfaces of various reflectance properties using fast eikonal solvers. The whole approach consists of three main components: a unified SFS model, a unified eikonal-type partial differential image irradiance (PDII) equation, and fast eikonal solvers for the PDII equation. The first component is designed to address different reflectance properties including diffuse, specular, and hybrid reflections in the imaging process of the camera. The second component is meant to derive the PDII equation under an orthographic camera projection and a single distant point light source whose direction is the same as the camera. Finally, the last component is targeted at solving the resultant PDII equation by using fast eikonal solvers. It comprises two Godunov-based schemes with fast sweeping method that can handle the eikonal-type PDII equation. Experiments on several synthetic and real images demonstrate that each type of the surfaces can be effectively reconstructed with more accurate results and less CPU running time.
hnRNPA2/B1 Ameliorates LPS-Induced Endothelial Injury through NF-κB Pathway and VE-Cadherin/β-Catenin Signaling Modulation In Vitro
Authors: Chen Yi , Tang Dan , Zhu Linjie , Yuan Tianjie , Jiao Yingfu , Yan Hexin , Yu Weifeng
Published: May 2020

Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A2/B1 (hnRNPA2/B1) is a protein involved in the regulation of RNA processing, cell metabolism, migration, proliferation, and apoptosis. However, the effect of hnRNPA2/B1 on injured endothelial cells (ECs) remains unclear. We investigated the effect of hnRNPA2/B1 on lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) induced vascular endothelial injury in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and the underlying mechanisms. LPS was used to induce EC injury, and the roles of hnRNPA2/B1 in EC barrier dysfunction and inflammatory responses were measured by testing endothelial permeability and the expression of inflammatory factors after the suppression and overexpression of hnRNPA2/B1. To explore the underlying mechanism by which hnRNPA2/B1 regulates endothelial injury, we studied the VE-cadherin/β-catenin pathway and NF-κB activation in HUVECs. The results showed that hnRNPA2/B1 was elevated in LPS-stimulated HUVECs. Moreover, knockdown of hnRNPA2/B1 aggravated endothelial injury by increasing EC permeability and promoting the secretion of the inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. Overexpression of hnRNPA2/B1 can reduce the permeability and inflammatory response of HUVEC stimulated by LPS in vitro, while increasing the expression of VE-Cadherin and β-catenin. Furthermore, the suppression of hnRNPA2/B1 increased the LPS-induced NF-κB activation and reduced the VE-cadherin/β-catenin pathway. Taken together, these results suggest that hnRNPA2/B1 can regulate LPS-induced EC damage through regulating the NF-κB and VE-cadherin/β-catenin pathways.
Pharmacokinetics of Lusutrombopag, a Novel Thrombopoietin Receptor Agonist, in Rats by UPLC-MS/MS
Authors: Wang Bo , Chen Feifei , Zhou Quan , Zhou Yunfang , Meng Deru , Geng Peiwu , Hua Ailian , Ji Weiping , Wang Changxiong , Wang Shuanghu , Hu Liming
Published: May 2020

Lusutrombopag is a second oral thrombopoietin (TPO) receptor agonist that selectively acts on human TPO receptors. In the study, UPLC-MS/MS was used to establish a selective and sensitive method to determine lusutrombopag with poziotinib as IS (internal standard) in rat plasma. Samples were prepared by precipitating protein with acetonitrile as a precipitant. Separation of lusutrombopag and poziotinib was performed on a CORTECS UPLC C18 column (2.1 ∗ 50 mm, 1.6 μm). The mobile phase (acetonitrile and water containing 0.1% formic acid) with gradient elution was set at a flow rate of 0.4 ml/min. The mass spectrometric measurement was conducted under positive ion mode using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) of m/z 592.97 ⟶ 491.02 for lusutrombopag and m/z for poziotinib (IS) 492.06 ⟶ 354.55. The linear calibration curve of the concentration range was 2–2000 ng/ml for lusutrombopag, with a lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) of 2 ng/ml. RSD of interday and intraday precision were both no more than 9.66% with the accuracy ranging from 105.82% to 108.27%. The extraction recovery of lusutrombopag was between 82.15% and 90.34%. The developed and validated method was perfectly used in the pharmacokinetic study of lusutrombopag after oral administration in rats.
A New Method of Denoising of Vibration Signal and Its Application
Authors: Miao Feng , Zhao Rongzhen , Wang Xianli
Published: May 2020

In order to improve the performance of the denoising method for vibration signals of rotating machinery, a new method of signal denoising based on the improved median filter and wavelet packet technology is proposed through analysing the characteristics of noise components and relevant denoising methods. Firstly, the window width of the median filter is calculated according to the sampling frequency so that the impulse noise and part of the white noise can be effectively filtered out. Secondly, an improved self-adaptive wavelet packet denoising technique is used to remove the residual white noise. Finally, useful vibration signals are obtained after the previous processing. Simulation signals and rotor experimental vibration signals were used to verify the performance of the method. Experiment results show that the method can not only effectively eliminate the mixed complex noises but also preserve the fault character details, which demonstrates that the proposed method outperforms the method based on the wavelet-domain median filter.
Pernicious Anemia and Vitiligo in an HIV Patient: An Unfamiliar Case Presentation
Authors: Mutengo Katongo , Mupeta Francis , Ngalamika Owen
Published: May 2020

Pernicious anemia (PA) is a rarely considered cause of anemia in HIV-infected population and is seldom on the list of differential diagnoses. However, PA can have serious consequences if misdiagnosed or left untreated. We present the case of a 38-year-old HIV-positive man who was diagnosed with PA, which was preceded by a one-year history of vitiligo. Our case is a reminder for clinicians to have a high index of suspicion for an autoimmune process as a potential cause of anemia in HIV-infected individuals.
WJ-39, an Aldose Reductase Inhibitor, Ameliorates Renal Lesions in Diabetic Nephropathy by Activating Nrf2 Signaling
Authors: Zhou Xiaoyu , Liu Zheng , Ying Ke , Wang Huimin , Liu Peng , Ji Xuefei , Chi Tianyan , Zou Libo , Wang Shaojie , He Zhonggui
Published: May 2020

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a chronic diabetic microvascular complication. Hyperactivity of the polyol pathway is involved in the pathogenesis of DN. Aldose reductase (AR), the rate-limiting enzyme of the polyol pathway, is expected to be an effective target in the treatment of DN. WJ-39 is a novel inhibitor of AR. The present study aimed at exploring the effects of WJ-39 in DN. DN was induced in rats by injecting 30 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ). After 14 weeks, WJ-39 (10, 20, and 40 mg/kg) was intragastrically administered to the rats for 12 weeks. Treatment with WJ-39 significantly inhibited AR activation and ameliorated renal dysfunction and fibrosis in DN rats. WJ-39 reduced oxidative stress in the kidneys of DN rats by activating the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway. WJ-39 suppressed the activation of the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway and the nucleotide-binding and oligomerization domain-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome to reduce the secretion of inflammatory factors. Rat mesangial cells (RMCs) were cultured under hyperglycemic conditions. WJ-39 abrogated the high glucose- (HG-) induced, excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammatory factors. However, transfection with Nrf2 small interfering RNA abolished the effects of WJ-39. WJ-39 also blocked the transforming growth factor-β1/Smad pathway to reduce the production of glomerular extracellular matrix proteins, ultimately reducing fibrogenesis in DN. Our results show that WJ-39 ameliorated renal injury in DN rats, and its effects on oxidative stress and inflammation were associated with the activation of Nrf2 signaling. Thus, WJ-39 and its mechanism of amelioration of renal lesions in DN rats by reducing renal inflammation, oxidative stress, and fibrosis injury could be an effective strategy for the treatment of DN.
Placental Findings in Lysosomal Storage Disease Diagnosis: A Case Report of Galactosialidosis
Authors: Libbrecht Sasha , Eyskens Francois , Declercq Sabine , Colpaert Cecile
Published: May 2020

Introduction. Lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs) are rare diseases with more than 50 different entities described today. The spectrum of phenotypes varies from severe to lethal and early-onset disease to mild and late onset. Recognition of the clinical signs and diagnostic workup is challenging and requires expertise. Diagnosis relies on finding abnormal metabolites in urine and serum followed by further enzymatic or molecular analysis. Routine histological examination of the foetal and placental tissues frequently shows vacuolisation, providing a readily available important clue to the diagnosis. Case Report. A third child of consanguineal parents showed several dysmorphic features and a complicated neonatal period with eventual demise in the early postneonatal period due to respiratory failure. An LSD was suspected based on clinical presentation, urine metabolite excretion, skeletal radiograph, and vacuolisation in lymphocytes and placental tissues on, respectively, blood smear and routine histological examination. Homozygosity mapping favoured galactosialidosis. The diagnosis was confirmed by massive parallel sequencing, revealing a single nucleotide variation in the CTSA gene (c.265A>C, p.Ser89Arg). Discussion. Histological placental examination may be either the first clue or complimentary evidence in recognizing LSDs. It is important to recognize these clues as it may prompt further investigation and facilitate earlier recognition of the disease.
Caulis Sargentodoxae Prescription Plays a Therapeutic Role with Decreased Inflammatory Cytokines in Peritoneal Fluid in the Rat Endometriosis Model
Authors: Zhuang Mengfei , Cao Yang , Shi Yan , Yu Lin , Niu Yanan , Zhang Tingting , Sun Zhaogui
Published: May 2020

Caulis Sargentodoxae prescription has been confirmed by the gynecological clinical observation to be effective in the treatment of endometriosis (EMs), and inflammatory cytokines were involved in EMs. In this paper, animal experiments were designed to explain anti‐inflammatory mechanisms of Caulis Sargentodoxae prescription on endometriosis. The EMs model was established by autoplastic transplantation, and rats were randomly divided into seven groups: normal control group, model group, ovariectomized group, gestrinone (Western medicine) group, Caulis Sargentodoxae prescription (Chinese medicine) group, celecoxib (inhibitor) group, and combination (Chinese medicine + inhibitor) group. After oral administration for 21 days, the growth inhibitory rates of the ectopic endometria in treatment groups were evaluated, and the levels of inflammatory cytokines in the serum and peritoneal fluid were determined by ELISA, as well as the expression of prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) in the ectopic endometrial tissues was detected by real‐time polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry, and western blotting. The growth inhibitory rates of the ectopic endometria were significantly higher in the Caulis Sargentodoxae prescription group and gestrinone group, in comparison with the model group (p < 0.05). In the Caulis Sargentodoxae prescription group, the levels of inflammatory cytokines including IL‐1, IL‐2, IL‐6, TNF‐α, and PGE2 were all reduced in the serum and peritoneal fluid (p < 0.05). In addition, the specific expression of PTGS2 in the ectopic endometrial tissues significantly decreased in the Caulis Sargentodoxae prescription group and PTGS2 inhibitor celecoxib group both at mRNA and protein levels, but in the steroid hormone drug gestrinone group not at the mRNA level. So, Caulis Sargentodoxae prescription has a reliable therapeutic effect on the EMs by its comprehensive anti‐inflammatory roles, possibly in a way different from gestrinone.
Optimization of Enzymatic Conditions of Sturgeon Muscles and Their Anti-Inflammatory Potential
Authors: Gao Ruichang , Shen Yang , Shu Wanghui , Bai Fan , Jin Wengang , Wang Jinlin , Yuan Li
Published: May 2020

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of different enzymolysis conditions on the NO inhibition rate and DH (degree of hydrolysis) of sturgeon hydrolysates (SH) prepared by Alcalase. The NO inhibition rate of 60.23% was attained under the optimum enzymolysis conditions as follows: pH 9.0, enzymolysis time of 4.92 h, enzymolysis temperature of 55°C, solid/liquid ratio of 1 : 20, and enzyme additive amount of 7674.22 U/g protein, which was well matched with the predicted value 61.44% of the Box–Behnken design model. After the ultrafiltration of SH, SH-3 (SH < 3 kDa) could significantly decrease the levels of NO and proinflammatory cytokine level IL-6. Also, we found that the obtained SH-3 contained good properties of emulsification and possessed good WHC and OHC. SH-3 demonstrated appreciable antioxidant potential on DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities. These results suggested that SH-3 derived from sturgeon muscles could potentially be used as a promising ingredient against inflammatory and oxidative stress-associated diseases.
Advanced Renal Pelvic Carcinoma Revealed after Treatment of a Staghorn Calculus by Endoscopic Combined Intrarenal Surgery
Authors: Tsuboi Ichiro , Maruyama Yuki , Araki Motoo , Ando Nobuyoshi , Nishiyama Yasuhiro , Arata Ryoji , Ono Noriaki
Published: May 2020

Renal pelvis carcinoma associated with staghorn calculus is a clinically rare condition. A 66-year-old man presented with flank pain due to an 8 cm complete staghorn calculus. We performed three lithotomies using endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery and carried out intraoperative biopsy. Histopathological examinations revealed a keratinized lesion. One month later, contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed an advanced renal pelvis carcinoma. These findings demonstrate that even an intraoperative biopsy may be insufficient to diagnose a renal pelvis carcinoma associated with a staghorn calculus. The possibility of RPCa developing when treating a long-standing staghorn calculus should therefore be kept in mind.
A Rare Cause of Cough: Tracheobronchial Myxoid Spindle Cell Lipoma
Authors: Rodriguez Jose A. , Weil Christopher R. , Ramirez Jose F.
Published: May 2020

Background. Endobronchial lipomas are a particularly rare form of benign lung neoplasms, with an incidence of 0.1-0.4%. They are often clinically silent, though present with nonspecific symptoms that can result in extensive workup or significant delay prior to diagnosis, as presented in this case. Case Presentation. A 61-year-old male presented with chronic productive cough and occasional dyspnea and a 10-year history of clinically diagnosis of intermittent, exercise-induced asthma, nonresponsive to bronchodilators, and with normal pulmonary function tests. A chest ray showed a band-like opacity in the right middle lobe of the lung and a CT of the chest showed right lung atelectasis with a soft tissue mass in the right main bronchus. The patient underwent bronchoscopy with biopsy, which demonstrated an endobronchial myxoid spindle cell lipoma. The lesion was subsequently removed by a bronchoscopic snare. The patient’s asthmatic-like symptomatology resolved after the mass was excised. Conclusion. Though rare, endobronchial lipomas characteristically present with nonspecific signs and symptoms and thus can be easily mistaken for other medical conditions, delaying diagnosis and prolonging symptoms.
Real power loss reduction by hyena optimizer algorithm
Authors: Kanagasabai Lenin
Published: May 2020

To solve optimal reactive power problem this paper projects Hyena Optimizer (HO) algorithm and it inspired from the behaviour of Hyena. Collaborative behaviour & Social relationship between Hyenas is the key conception in this algorithm. Hyenas a form of carnivoran mammal & deeds are analogous to canines in several elements of convergent evolution. Hyenas catch the prey with their teeth rather than claws – possess hardened skin feet with large, blunt, no retractable claws are adapted for running and make sharp turns. However, the hyenas' grooming, scent marking, defecating habits, mating and parental behaviour are constant with the deeds of other feliforms. Mathematical modelling is formulated for the basic attributes of Hyena. Standard IEEE 14,300 bus test systems used to analyze the performance of Hyena Optimizer (HO) algorithm. Loss has been reduced with control variables are within the limits.
Method for cost-effective trans aortic valve replacement device prototyping
Authors: Oncale Angelique , Taylor Charles , Louvier Erika , Massiha G. H.
Published: May 2020

Trans Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) has offered the cardiology sector of health a new alternative to open heart surgeries which treat aortic stenosis. The technologies used by TAVR manufacturers are kept private. Our research goal was to develop a process that allows college level laboratories to fabricate their own TAVR stents in order to research new designs and methods of fabrication which may improve current TAVR practices. By creating a solid model of a stent cell design in SolidWorks, we were able to export a cutting pattern we used with a waterjet. The stent frame was then hand polished to prepare for fabric skirting and leaflet attachment. Synthetic ripstop fabric was cut using a commercial fabric cutting machine and attached to the frame using a waterproof glue. Future research entails welding techniques, improved polishing methods, and implantation into a mechanical system. This prototype could be used for TAVR related research and surgical training simulations.
A comparison of the carbon footprint of pavement infrastructure and associated materials in Indiana and Oklahoma
Authors: Mosier Rachel D. , Adhikari Sanjeev , Mohanty Saurav K.
Published: May 2020

Although often overlooked, infrastructure has a significant role in modern society. It is necessary means of transportation for goods and services needed to support commerce. It is this need and the need for continued economic development that causes the continuous infrastructure construction and its’ associated greenhouse gas emissions. Infrastructure construction requires energy to process raw materials, transport, mix and final construction. Greenhouse gas emissions from pavement sections have previously been identified for pavement preservation techniques. This research further evaluates greenhouse gas emissions for typical pavement sections from Indiana and Oklahoma to determine the carbon footprint based on linear foot of pavement. The comparison of CO2e of two typical roadway sections finds the difference in carbon footprint since variation in their minimum roadway. The carbon footprint of typical utility pipe with HDPE produces minimum CO2e and steel produces maximum CO2e. Soil base remediation options produce minimum CO2e and stabilized aggregate base produces maximum CO2e. Carbon offsets are determined by choosing vegetative options, soil remediation methods and appropriate pavement. This study is limited to a few pavement sections with a small variety of typical anticipated carbon offsets that would be seen in roadway construction. The index presented allows users to simply quantify benefits of the carbon offsets.
Samuel Beckett and the World Republic of Letters
Authors: Chakraborty Thirthankar
Published: May 2020

In Samuel Beckett: Anatomy of a Literary Revolution, Pascale Casanova explores the formal and the historical elements of Beckett’s works to establish how the bilingual writer masters the art of “abstractification” in his pioneering venture of testing the limits of language. Casanova closely investigates the cosmopolitan space of Paris in particular in order to explain the socio-political field from which Beckett’s bilingual works stemmed. As this article argues, it is this early search for a literary field with Beckett’s autonomous writing at its core that leads Casanova to her critically acclaimed and contentious notion of the world republic of letters.
When Literary Relations End
Authors: Tsu Jing
Published: May 2020

Of the existing approaches to engaging with world literature, Pascale Casanova’s contribution remains the most prescient and relevant to the contemporary world. In this paper, I examine Casanova’s legacy in the context of contemporary Chinese literature – not only as the Sinophone, Chinese, or diasporic, but also in terms of the diverse genrification and creation of new types of media for literary inscription that border on obliterating the primacy of literary aesthetics. Is this a threat to the literary establishment, as it has been practiced, critiqued, and known in the European lineage? I argue that the literary space has never been in starker contrast with the world space, and that the emergence of a different “world normal” is challenging and fortifying Casanova’s legacy in deeply profound ways. To be examined, among others, are recent debates over world and Sinophone literature, science fiction, internet fiction, and diasporic writings.
Heralded Heroes
Authors: Rosendahl Thomsen Mads
Published: May 2020

World literature studies is the most open field of all. In principle, it excludes nothing and no one. Things become interesting, however, when certain heroes emerge. In this article, I discuss two major influences on Pascale Casanova’s work which gave it a very distinctive position and generated new challenges. The adaptation of the sociology of Pierre Bourdieu in Casanova’s probes to what extent a theory developed to describe a predominantly national frame of reference could be transferred to the international domain. Casanova’s return to the question of the nation in her last work underlines the challenge of applying field theory in a world literature context. Casanova’s two monographs devoted to a single author, Samuel Beckett and Franz Kafka, respectively, are symptomatic for a particular kind of author in her critical work: the writer working from the semi-periphery in a way that makes a deep impact in the center.
Reading Pascale Casanova’s World Republic of Letters in Eastern Europe
Authors: Răduță Magdalena , Fotache-Dubălaru Oana
Published: May 2020

The main focus of my article is to investigate the fate of Pascale Casanova’s translated work in the former communist literary spaces, where her theoretical argument about linguistic and historical dominance is a historical reality. I begin by examining the editorial decisions behind the translation of The World Republic of Letters into Romanian (2007, second ed. 2016) and the most representative echoes of this seminal book in several formerly communist countries (Romania, Serbia, Slovenia). I then test an essential concept in Pascale Casanova’s work: literary autonomy. Seen as a powerful tool to address the almost insurmountable break between textual singularity and its necessary historicity (Casanova 2005), literary autonomy can play an equally important role in investigating ideologically controlled literary spaces.
Talking About Weight With Families—Helping Health Care Professionals Start the Conversation: A Nonrandomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Bernard-Genest Julie , Chu Lisa , Dettmer Elizabeth , Walsh Catharine M. , McPherson Amy C. , Strub Jonah , Steinberg Alissa , Steinegger Cathleen , Hamilton Jill K.
Published: May 2020

Health care professionals (HCPs) and trainees feel ill-equipped to discuss weight-related issues with children and their families. A whiteboard video for HCPs and trainees outlining strategies to communicate about weight was developed and evaluated. Seventy HCPs, including 15 trainees, participated in the baseline assessment and 39 repeated measures 4 to 6 months later. HCP self-efficacy for initiating conversations with overweight and underweight patients, measured immediately following the video, significantly improved from pre-video values ( Z = −5.6, P ≤ .001, and Z= −3.3, P = .001, respectively). Although improvements were not sustained 4 to 6 months later (overweight: P = .143, and underweight: P = .846), no significant decline was observed, suggesting retention of the skill. A majority of HCP respondents would recommend the video to a colleague and feel it will affect their practice. Thus, the present study suggests educational videos may be an effective tool for facilitating healthy weight-related conversations between HCPs and their pediatric patients.
Prioritizing Pediatricians’ Neurosurgical Education: Results From a National Survey of Primary Care Pediatricians
Authors: Aldana Philipp R. , Beier Alexandra D. , Ranalli Nathan J. , Sisk Blake , Ragheb John R.
Published: May 2020

Introduction. We surveyed nonretired American Academy of Pediatrics–member US pediatricians regarding common neurosurgical conditions, identifying specific areas of focus in education. Methods. Data were acquired via self-administered electronic questionnaire. Results. Of 505 total respondents, 56% reported neurology was not a required residency rotation, and 86% had diagnosed craniosynostosis, plagiocephaly, or macrocephaly. Craniosynostosis can mostly be diagnosed by physical examination alone, but almost 50% reported relying on skull X-rays. Fifty-four percent reported diagnosing ocular surface disease (OSD; with 15% to 40% not screening an infant despite well-established cutaneous markers). Seventy-four screened OSD in a patient with sacral dimple. Ninety-seven percent reported treating concussion, but nearly 25% did not manage these patients alone. Two out of 3 patients indicated head injury as most important for continuing education. Conclusion. Improved education for craniosynostosis, OSD, head injury, and concussion management are important for earlier diagnosis, management, and referral of some disorders, while decreasing resource utilization in others. These results should be used when considering pediatrician educational programs.
Numerical simulation on residual stresses of stainless steel SS-304 thin welded pipe
Authors: Arora Hitesh , Singh Rupinder , Brar Gurinder Singh
Published: May 2020

The major concern in the high tech industries like oil and petroleum industries, automobiles, aeronautical, and nuclear power plants is the control of the defects like distortion in the welded joints and residual stresses occur due to arc welding on the circumferential joints of the thin pipes. Three-dimensional non-linear thermal and thermomechanical numerical simulations are conducted for the tungsten inert gas welding process of SS-304 stainless steel pipes. In this article, numerical analysis of the distribution of the temperature and the welding residual stress fields induced after the welding is done. Study on the effect of the welding heat input by varying the welding parameters (like welding current and welding speed) based on finite element simulations is conduit to examine the results on the residual stresses which is also called as the ‘locked-in’ stresses. The precision of the finite element model is validated for the welding residual stresses. The intention of this study is to provide the information to verify the validity of ongoing process circumferential manufacturing technology for thin-walled pipes, so to avoid the failure of these kinds of structures which are in service because of these intrinsic stresses.
Research on variable mass control of series manipulator based on linear active disturbance rejection control
Authors: Huang Jianzhong , Cen Yuwan
Published: May 2020

The series manipulator of the demolition robot has different working postures and large self-weight so that the bearing mass of the joint hydraulic cylinder is a variable value, and the change of mass affects the dynamic characteristics of the valve-controlled hydraulic cylinder system. In this paper, an equivalent mass estimation method of the big-arm joint hydraulic cylinder is given, and the natural frequency range of the big-arm hydraulic cylinder-load system is calculated. In order to suppress the influence of the change of the natural frequency and external disturbance of the hydraulic cylinder on the system, the linear active disturbance rejection control is adopted in the closed-loop position control. The simulation results show that the change of load mass of the joint hydraulic cannot be ignored when designing the joint position controller of multi-joint hydraulic manipulator. And the simulation tests prove that the linear active disturbance rejection control strategy keeps good dynamic characteristic and steady-state accuracy for the change of natural frequency and external disturbance of hydraulic cylinder and has good tracking performance for periodic sinusoidal signal. Linear active disturbance rejection control is robust in the variable mass control of the manipulator and meets the requirements of the joint position control of the heavy-duty hydraulic manipulator.
Supported employment programme for persons with severe mental disorders in India: A feasibility study
Authors: Jagannathan Aarti , Harish Nikitha , Venkatalakshmi C , Kumar C Naveen , Thirthallli Jagadisha , Kumar Devvarta , Bhola Poornima , Prasad M Krishna , Thanapal Sivakumar , Hareesh A , Jayarajan Deepak , Govindan Radhakrishnan , Chaturvedi SK
Published: May 2020

Background:

A number of persons with severe mental illnesses are unable to prepare for, find or keep a job due to factors linked to their illness as well as psychosocial issues.

Aim:

To test the feasibility of a supported employment programme to help persons with severe mental disorders obtain and sustain employment.

Methods:

A supported employment programme was developed for persons with severe mental disorders with components of (a) assessment of vocational potential, (b) vocational counselling, (c) networking and liaison with prospective employers, (d) job-related training and placement and (e) continued support for 6 months. Job placement status, social occupational functioning and disability (quantitative data) and benefits of enrolling in the employment programme (qualitative data) were assessed.

Results:

A total of 40 employers were liaised with for providing job placement and reasonable accommodation. Out of 63 participants recruited into the study, 32 (50.8%) participants were placed in competitive jobs, placement was actively attempted for 17 (27.0%) participants, 7 (11.1%) were referred for skill training and 7 (11.1%) dropped out from the study. The disability score significantly reduced and socio-occupational functioning significantly improved in those who were placed over a period of 6 months.

Conclusion:

The supported employment programme was found to be feasible as it showed good placement rates and improvement in socio-occupational functioning and disability scores
Endothelial-Initiated Crosstalk Regulates Dental Pulp Stem Cell Self-Renewal
Authors: Oh M. , Zhang Z. , Mantesso A. , Oklejas A.E. , Nör J.E.
Published: May 2020

Interactions with the microenvironment modulate the fate of stem cells in perivascular niches in tissues (e.g., bone) and organs (e.g., liver). However, the functional relevance of the molecular crosstalk between endothelial cells and stem cells within the perivascular niche in dental pulps is unclear. Here, we tested the hypothesis that endothelial cell–initiated signaling is necessary to maintain self-renewal of dental pulp stem cells. Confocal microscopy showed that ALDH1high and Bmi-1high stem cells are preferentially localized in close proximity to blood vessels in physiological human dental pulps. Secondary orosphere assays revealed that endothelial cell–derived factors (e.g., interleukin-6 [IL-6]) promote self-renewal of dental pulp stem cells cultured in low-attachment conditions. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that endothelial cell–derived IL-6 activates IL-6R (IL-6 Receptor) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling and induces expression of Bmi-1 (master regulator of stem cell self-renewal) in dental pulp stem cells. Transplantation of dental pulp stem cells stably transduced with small hairpin RNA (shRNA)–STAT3 into immunodeficient mice revealed a decrease in the number of blood vessels surrounded by ALDH1high or Bmi-1high cells (perivascular niches) compared to tissues formed upon transplantation of vector control stem cells. And finally, in vitro capillary sprouting assays revealed that inhibition of IL-6 or STAT3 signaling decreases the vasculogenic potential of dental pulp stem cells. Collectively, these data demonstrate that endothelial cell–derived IL-6 enhances the self-renewal of dental pulp stem cells via STAT3 signaling and induction of Bmi-1. These data suggest that a crosstalk between endothelial cells and stem cells within the perivascular niche is required for the maintenance of stem cell pools in dental pulps.