bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New Insights into the Liver–Visceral Adipose Axis During Hepatic Resection and Liver Transplantation
Authors: Cornide-Petronio María , Jiménez-Castro Mónica , Gracia-Sancho Jordi , Peralta Carmen
Published: September 2019

In the last decade, adipose tissue has emerged as an endocrine organ with a key role in energy homeostasis. In addition, there is close crosstalk between the adipose tissue and the liver, since pro- and anti-inflammatory substances produced at the visceral adipose tissue level directly target the liver through the portal vein. During surgical procedures, including hepatic resection and liver transplantation, ischemia–reperfusion injury induces damage and regenerative failure. It has been suggested that adipose tissue is associated with both pathological or, on the contrary, with protective effects on damage and regenerative response after liver surgery. The present review aims to summarize the current knowledge on the crosstalk between the adipose tissue and the liver during liver surgery. Therapeutic strategies as well as the clinical and scientific controversies in this field are discussed. The different experimental models, such as lipectomy, to evaluate the role of adipose tissue in both steatotic and nonsteatotic livers undergoing surgery, are described. Such information may be useful for the establishment of protective strategies aimed at regulating the liver–visceral adipose tissue axis and improving the postoperative outcomes in clinical liver surgery.
Is Barocaloric an Eco-Friendly Technology? A TEWI Comparison with Vapor Compression under Different Operation Modes
Authors: Aprea Ciro , Greco Adriana , Maiorino Angelo , Masselli Claudia
Published: September 2019

Barocaloric is a solid-state not-in-kind technology, for cooling and heat pumping, rising as an alternative to the vapor compression systems. The former is based on solid-state refrigerants and the latter on fluid ones. The reference thermodynamical cycle is called active barocaloric regenerative refrigeration (or heat pumping cycle). The main advantage of this technology is to not employ greenhouse gases, which can be toxic or damaging for the environment and that can contribute to increasing global warming. In this paper, the environmental impact of barocaloric technology was evaluated through a Total Equivalent Warming Impact (TEWI) analysis carried out with the help of a numerical 2D model solved through a finite element method. Specifically, we propose a wide investigation on the environmental impact of barocaloric technology in terms of TEWI index, also making a comparison with a vapor compression plant. The analysis focuses on both the cooling and heat pump operation modes, under different working conditions and auxiliary fluids. The results revealed that a barocaloric system based on ABR cycle could provide a reduction of the environmental impact with respect to a vapor compression system. The addition of nanofluids contributes in reducing the environmental impact up to −62%.
Preterm Perinatal Hypoxia-Ischemia Does not Affect Somatosensory Evoked Potentials in Adult Rats
Authors: Barkhuizen Melinda , Vles Johan S.H. , van Mechelen Ralph , Vermeer Marijne , Kramer Boris W. , Chedraui Peter , Bergs Paul , van Kranen-Mastenbroek Vivianne H.J.M. , Gavilanes Antonio W.D.
Published: September 2019

Somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs) are a valuable tool to assess functional integrity of the somatosensory pathways and for the prediction of sensorimotor outcome in perinatal injuries, such as perinatal hypoxia-ischemia (HI). In the present research, we studied the translational potential of SSEPs together with sensory function in the male adult rat with perinatal HI compared to the male healthy adult rat. Both somatosensory response and evoked potential were measured at 10-11 months after global perinatal HI. Clear evoked potentials were obtained, but there were no group differences in the amplitude or latency of the evoked potentials of the preceding sensory response. The bilateral tactile stimulation test was also normal in both groups. This lack of effect may be ascribed to the late age-of-testing and functional recovery of the rats.
Applying the Bayesian Stackelberg Active Deception Game for Securing Infrastructure Networks
Authors: Zeng Chengyi , Ren Baoan , Liu Hongfu , Chen Jing
Published: September 2019

With new security threats cropping up every day, finding a real-time and smart protection strategy for critical infrastructure has become a big challenge. Game theory is suitable for solving this problem, for it provides a theoretical framework for analyzing the intelligent decisions from both attackers and defenders. However, existing methods are only based on complete information and only consider a single type of attacker, which is not always available in realistic situations. Furthermore, although infrastructure interconnection has been greatly improved, there is a lack of methods considering network characteristics. To overcome these limitations, we focus on the problem of infrastructure network protection under asymmetry information. We present a novel method to measure the performance of infrastructure from the network perspective. Moreover, we propose a false network construction method to simulate how the defender applies asymmetric information to defend against the attacker actively. Meanwhile, we consider multiple types of attackers and introduce the Bayesian Stackelberg game to build the model. Experiments in real infrastructure networks reveal that our approach can improve infrastructure protection performance. Our method gives a brand new way to approach the problem of infrastructure security defense.
Fast Imaging of Short Perfectly Conducting Cracks in Limited-Aperture Inverse Scattering Problem
Authors: Park Won-Kwang
Published: September 2019

In this paper, we consider the application and analysis of subspace migration technique for a fast imaging of a set of perfectly conducting cracks with small length in two-dimensional limited-aperture inverse scattering problem. In particular, an imaging function of subspace migration with asymmetric multistatic response matrix is designed, and its new mathematical structure is constructed in terms of an infinite series of Bessel functions and the range of incident and observation directions. This is based on the structure of left and right singular vectors linked to the nonzero singular values of MSR matrix and asymptotic expansion formula due to the existence of cracks. Investigated structure of imaging function indicates that imaging performance of subspace migration is highly related to the range of incident and observation directions. The simulation results with synthetic data polluted by random noise are exhibited to support investigated structure.
Evaluation of Photovoltaic Power Generation by Using Deep Learning in Solar Panels Installed in Buildings
Authors: Wei Chih-Chiang
Published: September 2019

Southern Taiwan has excellent solar energy resources that remain largely unused. This study incorporated a measure that aids in providing simple and effective power generation efficiency assessments of solar panel brands in the planning stage of installing these panels on roofs. The proposed methodology can be applied to evaluate photovoltaic (PV) power generation panels installed on building rooftops in Southern Taiwan. In the first phase, this study selected panels of the BP3 series, including BP350, BP365, BP380, and BP3125, to assess their PV output efficiency. BP Solar is a manufacturer and installer of photovoltaic solar cells. This study first derived ideal PV power generation and then determined the suitable tilt angle for the PV panels leading to direct sunlight that could be acquired to increase power output by panels installed on building rooftops. The potential annual power outputs for these solar panels were calculated. Climate data of 2016 were used to estimate the annual solar power output of the BP3 series per unit area. The results indicated that BP380 was the most efficient model for power generation (183.5 KWh/m2-y), followed by BP3125 (182.2 KWh/m2-y); by contrast, BP350 was the least efficient (164.2 KWh/m2-y). In the second phase, to simulate meteorological uncertainty during hourly PV power generation, a surface solar radiation prediction model was developed. This study used a deep learning–based deep neural network (DNN) for predicting hourly irradiation. The simulation results of the DNN were compared with those of a backpropagation neural network (BPN) and a linear regression (LR) model. In the final phase, the panel of module BP3125 was used as an example and demonstrated the hourly PV power output prediction at different lead times on a solar panel. The results demonstrated that the proposed method is useful for evaluating the power generation efficiency of the solar panels.
Mineralogical Characterization and Firing Temperature Delineation on Minoan Pottery, Focusing on the Application of Micro-Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Grammatikakis Ioannis E. , Kyriakidis Evangelos , Demadis Konstantinos D. , Cabeza Diaz Aurelio , Leon-Reina Laura
Published: September 2019

Ceramic objects in whole or in fragments usually account for the majority of findings in an archaeological excavation. Thus, through examination of the values these items bear, it is possible to extract important information regarding raw materials provenance and ceramic technology. For this purpose, either traditional examination protocols could be followed, focusing on the macroscopic/morphological characteristics of the ancient object, or more sophisticated physicochemical techniques are employed. Nevertheless, there are cases where, due to the uniqueness and the significance of an object of archaeological value, sampling is impossible. Then, the available analytical tools are extremely limited, especially when molecular information and mineral phase identification is required. In this context, the results acquired from a multiphase clay ceramic dated on Early Neopalatioal period ΜΜΙΙΙA-LMIA (1750 B.C.E.–1490 B.C.E.), from the Minoan Bronze Age site at Philioremos (Crete, Greece) through the application of Raman confocal spectroscopy, a non-destructive/ non-invasive method are reported. The spectroscopic results are confirmed through the application of X-ray microdiffraction and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry. Moreover, it is demonstrated how it is made possible through the application of micro-Raman (μRaman) spectroscopy to examine and collect crucial information from very small inclusions in the ceramic fabric. The aim of this approach is to develop an analytical protocol based on μRaman spectroscopy, for extracting firing temperature information from other ceramic finds (figurines) where due to their uniqueness sampling and analyses through other techniques is not possible. This information can lead to dating but also to firing kiln technology extrapolations that are very significant in archaeology.
Mediterranean Coastal Lagoons: The Importance of Monitoring in Sediments the Biochemical Composition of Organic Matter
Authors: Renzi Monia , Provenza Francesca , Pignattelli Sara , Cilenti Lucrezia , Specchiulli Antonietta , Pepi Milva
Published: September 2019

Transitional water ecosystems are targeted by the European Union (EU) Water Framework Directive (WFD, CE 2000/60) monitoring programs in coastal zones. Concerning sediments, activities performed for the WFD focus on a few variables concerning the biochemical composition of organic matter. Our research reports the effects of oxygen availability on the biochemical composition of organic matter in sediments to highlight levels of targeted variables in time and, according to the depth of sediment layer, both under oxygenated and anoxic conditions in a mesocosm study on sediment cores. Results provide evidence that tested factors of interest (i.e., disturbance type, oxygenic versus anoxic conditions; persistence time of disturbance, 0–14 days; penetration through sedimentary layers, 0–10 cm depth) are able to significantly affect the biochemical composition of organic matter in sediments. Large part of the variables considered in this study (total organic carbon (TOC), total phosphorous (TP), total sulphur (TS), Fe, carbohydrates (CHO), total proteins (PRT), biopolymeric carbon (BPC), chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) are significantly affected and correlated to the oxygenation levels and could be good early indicators of important changes of environmental conditions. Monitoring activities performed under WFD guidelines and management strategies of Mediterranean coastal lagoon ecosystems shall include the biochemical composition of organic matter in sediment to provide an exhaustive picture of such dynamic ecosystems.
Effect of Coach Encouragement on the Psychophysiological and Performance Responses of Young Tennis Players
Authors: Kilit Bulent , Arslan Ersan , Akca Firat , Aras Dicle , Soylu Yusuf , Clemente Filipe Manuel , Nikolaidis Pantelis Theodoros , Rosemann Thomas , Knechtle Beat
Published: September 2019

This study aimed to compare the effects of coach encouragement during the on-court tennis training drills (OTDs) on the psychophysiological and performance responses of young tennis players. Twenty-five young male tennis players (14.0 ± 0.3 years of age) performed six bouts of each of the four common OTDs; Star, Suicide, Box and Big X (30:60 s; 1:2 work to rest ratio). The heart rate (HR) and total distance covered were monitored using two portable multivariable integrated 10 Hz GPS monitoring devices during all OTDs, and the rating of perceived exertion (RPE-10) and short form Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES) values were determined after each OTDs bout. The results demonstrated that OTDs with coach encouragement induced significantly higher psychophysiological and performance responses compared to OTDs without coach encouragement (p < 0.05). The results of this study confirm that coach encouragement improves the intensity, performance and physical enjoyment level during OTDs. These findings might inform training practices in youth tennis players in order to improve tennis performance.
Development of TracMyAir Smartphone Application for Modeling Exposures to Ambient PM2.5 and Ozone
Authors: Breen Michael , Seppanen Catherine , Isakov Vlad , Arunachalam Saravanan , Breen Miyuki , Samet James , Tong Haiyan
Published: September 2019

Air pollution epidemiology studies of ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ozone (O3) often use outdoor concentrations as exposure surrogates. Failure to account for the variability of the indoor infiltration of ambient PM2.5 and O3, and time indoors, can induce exposure errors. We developed an exposure model called TracMyAir, which is an iPhone application (“app”) that determines seven tiers of individual-level exposure metrics in real-time for ambient PM2.5 and O3 using outdoor concentrations, weather, home building characteristics, time-locations, and time-activities. We linked a mechanistic air exchange rate (AER) model, a mass-balance PM2.5 and O3 building infiltration model, and an inhaled ventilation model to determine outdoor concentrations (Tier 1), residential AER (Tier 2), infiltration factors (Tier 3), indoor concentrations (Tier 4), personal exposure factors (Tier 5), personal exposures (Tier 6), and inhaled doses (Tier 7). Using the application in central North Carolina, we demonstrated its ability to automatically obtain real-time input data from the nearest air monitors and weather stations, and predict the exposure metrics. A sensitivity analysis showed that the modeled exposure metrics can vary substantially with changes in seasonal indoor-outdoor temperature differences, daily home operating conditions (i.e., opening windows and operating air cleaners), and time spent outdoors. The capability of TracMyAir could help reduce uncertainty of ambient PM2.5 and O3 exposure metrics used in epidemiology studies.
Risk of Endometriosis and Subsequent Ovary and Breast Cancers in Nurses: A Population-Based Cohort Study in Taiwan
Authors: Hsu Hsing-Chi , Tseng Kai-Yu , Wang Hsiang-Chi , Sung Fung-Chan , Ma Wei-Fen
Published: September 2019

Background: Endometriosis has been associated with the subsequent development of ovarian and breast cancers. This study evaluated whether nurses were at increased risks of developing endometriosis and subsequent ovarian and breast cancers. Methods: From Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database during 2000 to 2011, we established 3 study cohorts, consisting of 23,801 nurses, 11,973 other hospital employees, and 143,096 general women free of endometriosis and cancer. Women in all cohorts were followed to the end of 2011 to measure the occurrences of endometriosis and subsequent ovarian and breast cancers. The incident endometriosis cases and related hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. The incident cases of ovarian cancer and breast cancer and related odds ratio were calculated. Results: The incidence of endometriosis was the highest in the nurse cohort (4.23 per 100, n = 966) followed by other health professionals (3.74 per 100, n = 427) and control cohort (3.06 per 100, n = 4193), with adjusted hazard ratios of 1.28 (95% CI = 1.20–1.38) and 1.13 (95% CI = 1.02–1.25), respectively, comparing to controls. Among those who developed endometriosis, nurses had higher subsequent ovarian cancer and lower breast cancer, but not significant. Conclusions: Nurses are at a higher risk of developing endometriosis. However, the link between endometriosis and subsequent cancers is weak.
Does Social Support Affect the Health of the Elderly in Rural China? A Meta-Analysis Approach
Authors: Zhuori Natuya , Cai Yu , Yan Yan , Cui Yu , Zhao Minjuan
Published: September 2019

As the trend of aging in rural China has intensified, research on the factors affecting the health of the elderly in rural areas has become a hot issue. However, the conclusions of existing studies are inconsistent and even contradictory, making it difficult to form constructive policies with practical value. To explore the reasons for the inconsistent conclusions drawn by relevant research, in this paper we constructed a meta-regression database based on 65 pieces of relevant literature published in the past 25 years. For more valid samples to reduce publication bias, we also set the statistical significance of social support to the health of the elderly in rural areas as a dependent variable. Finally, combined with multi-dimensional social support and its implications for the health of the elderly, meta-regression analysis was carried out on the results of 171 empirical studies. The results show that (1) subjective support rather than objective support can have a significant impact on the health of the elderly in rural areas, and there is no significant difference between other dimensions of social support and objective support; (2) the health status of the elderly in rural areas in samples involving western regions is more sensitive to social support than that in samples not involving the western regions; (3) among the elderly in rural areas, social support for the older male elderly is more likely to improve their health than that for the younger female elderly; and (4) besides this, both data sources and econometric models greatly affect the heterogeneity of the effect of social support on the health of the elderly in rural areas, but neither the published year nor the journal is significant. Finally, relevant policies and follow-up studies on the impact of social support on the health of the elderly in rural areas are discussed.
Using Improved Principal Component Analysis to Explore Construction Accident Situations from the Multi-Dimensional Perspective: A Chinese Study
Authors: Shao Bo , Hu Zhigen , Liu Dawei
Published: September 2019

The improvement of the macro-level accident situation in the Chinese construction industry is currently an urgent task for the government due to the high accident rate. This study intends to use improved principal component analysis to explore the accident situations in the Chinese construction industry from a multi-dimensional perspective, aiming at providing targeted direction on the improvement of the accident situation for the government. Six composite indicators that can quantify the accident situation are firstly selected based on a wide review of the literature and interviews with safety experts, with the original data collected from China institutions. The classical principal component analysis is then improved to examine the correlations between indicators, and further to evaluate accident situations in China provinces. Finally, the features of accident situations are explored and analyzed from a multi-dimensional perspective. The findings show that the improved principal component analysis can retain more dispersion degree information of the original data. Meanwhile, three principal components including the accident frequency, trend, and severity were extracted to quantify the accident situation, and a hierarchical indicator system for the comprehensive evaluation of the accident situation was constructed to deeper understand multi-dimensional characteristics of China’s accident situations. Furthermore, there exist great regional differences of accident situations in Chinese provinces. From the overall perspective, the accident situation shows a declining trend from the western backward region to the highly developed eastern coastal region. This study provides a multi-dimensional perspective for the government to formulate safety regulations and improve the accident situation.
A Simple Method to Improve Estimates of County-Level Economics in China Using Nighttime Light Data and GDP Growth Rate
Authors: Ji Xiaole , Li Xinze , He Yaqian , Liu Xiaolong
Published: September 2019

County-level economic statistics estimation using remotely sensed data, such as nighttime light data, has various advantages over traditional methods. However, uncertainties in remotely sensed data, such as the saturation problem of the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program/Operational Linescan System (DMSP/OLS) NSL (nighttime stable lights) data, may influence the accuracy of this remote sensing-based method, and thus hinder its use. This study proposes a simple method to address the saturation phenomenon of nighttime light data using the GDP growth rate. Compared with other methods, the NSL data statistics obtained using the new method reflect the development of economics more accurately. We use this method to calibrate the DMSP-OLS NSL data from 1992 to 2013 to obtain the NSL density data for each county and linearly regress them with economic statistics from 2004 to 2013. Regression results show that lighting data is highly correlated with economic data. We then use the light data to further estimate the county-level GDP, and find that the estimated GDP is consistent with the authoritative GDP statistics. Our approach provides a reliable way to capture county-level economic development in different regions.
Bioactivity of Curcumin on the Cytochrome P450 Enzymes of the Steroidogenic Pathway
Authors: Castaño Patricia Rodríguez , Parween Shaheena , Pandey Amit V
Published: September 2019

Turmeric, a popular ingredient in the cuisine of many Asian countries, comes from the roots of the Curcuma longa and is known for its use in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. Turmeric is rich in curcuminoids, including curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin. Curcuminoids have potent wound healing, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic activities. While curcuminoids have been studied for many years, not much is known about their effects on steroid metabolism. Since many anti-cancer drugs target enzymes from the steroidogenic pathway, we tested the effect of curcuminoids on cytochrome P450 CYP17A1, CYP21A2, and CYP19A1 enzyme activities. When using 10 µg/mL of curcuminoids, both the 17α-hydroxylase as well as 17,20 lyase activities of CYP17A1 were reduced significantly. On the other hand, only a mild reduction in CYP21A2 activity was observed. Furthermore, CYP19A1 activity was also reduced up to ~20% of control when using 1–100 µg/mL of curcuminoids in a dose-dependent manner. Molecular docking studies confirmed that curcumin could dock onto the active sites of CYP17A1, CYP19A1, as well as CYP21A2. In CYP17A1 and CYP19A1, curcumin docked within 2.5 Å of central heme while in CYP21A2 the distance from heme was 3.4 Å, which is still in the same range or lower than distances of bound steroid substrates. These studies suggest that curcuminoids may cause inhibition of steroid metabolism, especially at higher dosages. Also, the recent popularity of turmeric powder as a dilatory supplement needs further evaluation for the effect of curcuminoids on steroid metabolism. The molecular structure of curcuminoids could be modified to generate better lead compounds with inhibitory effects on CYP17A1 and CYP19A1 for potential drugs against prostate cancer and breast cancer.
Genetically Encoded Photosensitizers as Light-Triggered Antimicrobial Agents
Authors: Hilgers Fabienne , Bitzenhofer Nora Lisa , Ackermann Yannic , Burmeister Alina , Grünberger Alexander , Jaeger Karl-Erich , Drepper Thomas
Published: September 2019

Diseases caused by multi-drug resistant pathogens have become a global concern. Therefore, new approaches suitable for treating these bacteria are urgently needed. In this study, we analyzed genetically encoded photosensitizers (PS) related to the green fluorescent protein (GFP) or light-oxygen-voltage (LOV) photoreceptors for their exogenous applicability as light-triggered antimicrobial agents. Depending on their specific photophysical properties and photochemistry, these PSs can produce different toxic ROS (reactive oxygen species) such as O2•− and H2O2 via type-I, as well as 1O2 via type-II reaction in response to light. By using cell viability assays and microfluidics, we could demonstrate differences in the intracellular and extracellular phototoxicity of the applied PS. While intracellular expression and exogenous supply of GFP-related PSs resulted in a slow inactivation of E. coli and pathogenic Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, illumination of LOV-based PSs such as the singlet oxygen photosensitizing protein SOPP3 resulted in a fast and homogeneous killing of these microbes. Furthermore, our data indicate that the ROS type and yield as well as the localization of the applied PS protein can strongly influence the antibacterial spectrum and efficacy. These findings open up new opportunities for photodynamic inactivation of pathogenic bacteria.
A Novel Effector Protein of Apple Proliferation Phytoplasma Disrupts Cell Integrity of Nicotiana spp. Protoplasts
Authors: Mittelberger Cecilia , Stellmach Hagen , Hause Bettina , Kerschbamer Christine , Schlink Katja , Letschka Thomas , Janik Katrin
Published: September 2019

Effector proteins play an important role in the virulence of plant pathogens such as phytoplasma, which are the causative agents of hundreds of different plant diseases. The plant hosts comprise economically relevant crops such as apples (Malus × domestica), which can be infected by ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma mali’ (P. mali), a highly genetically dynamic plant pathogen. As the result of the genetic and functional analyses in this study, a new putative P. mali effector protein was revealed. The so-called “Protein in Malus Expressed 2” (PME2), which is expressed in apples during P. mali infection but not in the insect vector, shows regional genetic differences. In a heterologous expression assay using Nicotiana benthamiana and Nicotiana occidentalis mesophyll protoplasts, translocation of both PME2 variants in the cell nucleus was observed. Overexpression of the effector protein affected cell integrity in Nicotiana spp. protoplasts, indicating a potential role of this protein in pathogenic virulence. Interestingly, the two genetic variants of PME2 differ regarding their potential to manipulate cell integrity. However, the exact function of PME2 during disease manifestation and symptom development remains to be further elucidated. Aside from the first description of the function of a novel effector of P. mali, the results of this study underline the necessity for a more comprehensive description and understanding of the genetic diversity of P. mali as an indispensable basis for a functional understanding of apple proliferation disease.
Polymorphisms of CYP2C8 Alter First-Electron Transfer Kinetics and Increase Catalytic Uncoupling
Authors: R. Arnold William , Zelasko Susan , D. Meling Daryl , Sam Kimberly , Das Aditi
Published: September 2019

Cytochrome P450 2C8 (CYP2C8) epoxygenase is responsible for the metabolism of over 60 clinically relevant drugs, notably the anticancer drug Taxol (paclitaxel, PAC). Specifically, there are naturally occurring polymorphisms, CYP2C8*2 and CYP2C8*3, that display altered PAC hydroxylation rates despite these mutations not being located in the active site. Herein, we demonstrate that these polymorphisms result in a greater uncoupling of PAC metabolism by increasing the amount of hydrogen peroxide formed per PAC turnover. Anaerobic stopped-flow measurements determined that these polymorphisms have altered first electron transfer kinetics, compared to CYP2C8*1 (wildtype), that suggest electron transfer from cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR) is disfavored. Therefore, these data demonstrate that these polymorphisms affect the catalytic cycle of CYP2C8 and suggest that redox interactions with CPR are disrupted.
Changes in Indoor Insecticide Residue Levels after Adopting an Integrated Pest Management Program to Control German Cockroach Infestations in an Apartment Building
Authors: Wang Changlu , Eiden Amanda , Cooper Richard , Zha Chen , Wang Desen , Reilly Ed
Published: September 2019

Insecticide use in homes leads to human exposure to insecticide residues that persist in the environment. Integrated pest management (IPM) programs have been known to be more environmentally friendly for managing German cockroach (Blattella germanica L.) infestations, but their effect on indoor insecticide residue levels are not well understood. An IPM program consisting of applying cockroach gel baits and placing insect sticky traps as the primary treatment methods were implemented. Floor wipe samples were collected from the bedroom and kitchen floors of 69 apartments with German cockroach infestations at 0 months and again at 12 months from 49 of the 69 apartments sampled at 0 months. Levels of 18 insecticide residues were measured. The mean insecticide residue concentration per apartment decreased by 74% after 12 months. The number of insecticides detected per apartment decreased from 2.5 ± 0.2 to 1.5 ± 0.2 (mean ± standard error). Indoxacarb residue was only detected in two apartments at 12 months despite the fact that an average of 32 ± 4 g 0.6% indoxacarb gel bait was applied per apartment. IPM implementation can result in significant reduction in the insecticide residue concentrations and number of detected insecticides in floor dust samples.
Association between Achievement of Estimated Average Glucose Level and 6-Month Neurologic Outcome in Comatose Cardiac Arrest Survivors: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis
Authors: Jung Yong Hun , Lee Byung Kook , Jeung Kyung Woon , Lee Dong Hun , Lee Hyoung Youn , Cho Yong Soo , Youn Chun Song , Park Jung Soo , Min Yong II
Published: September 2019

We investigated whether achieving estimated average glucose (EAG) levels versus achieving standard glucose levels (180 mg/dL) was associated with neurologic outcome in cardiac arrest survivors. This single-center retrospective observational study included adult comatose cardiac arrest survivors undergoing therapeutic hypothermia (TH) from September 2011 to December 2017. EAG level was calculated using HbA1c obtained after the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), and the mean glucose level during TH was calculated. We designated patients to the EAG or standard glucose group according to whether the mean blood glucose level was closer to the EAG level or 180 mg/dL. Patients in the EAG and standard groups were propensity score- matched. The primary outcome was the 6-month neurologic outcome. The secondary outcomes were hypoglycemia (≤70 mg/dL) and serum neuron-specific enolase (NSE) at 48 h after ROSC. Of 384 included patients, 137 (35.7%) had a favorable neurologic outcome. The EAG group had a higher favorable neurologic outcome (104/248 versus 33/136), higher incidence of hypoglycemia (46/248 versus 11/136), and lower NSE level. After propensity score matching, both groups had similar favorable neurologic outcomes (24/93 versus 27/93) and NSE levels; the EAG group had a higher incidence of hypoglycemia (21/93 versus 6/93). Achieving EAG levels was associated with hypoglycemia but not neurologic outcome or serum NSE level.
Hepatobiliary Complications in Children with Sickle Cell Disease: A Retrospective Review of Medical Records from 616 Patients
Authors: Allali Slimane , de Montalembert Mariane , Brousse Valentine , Heilbronner Claire , Taylor Melissa , Brice Josephine , Manzali Elisabetta , Garcelon Nicolas , Lacaille Florence
Published: September 2019

Hepatobiliary complications in children with sickle cell disease (SCD) are rarely reported but can be life-threatening. We retrospectively assessed their prevalence in a cohort of 616 children followed in a French university-hospital SCD reference center. Eligibility criteria were the following: age <18 years, seen at least twice with an interval of more than 6 months from January 2008 to December 2017, with all genotypes of SCD. Patients with hepatobiliary complications were identified via the local data warehouse and medical files were thoroughly reviewed. At least one hepatobiliary complication was reported in 37% of the children. The most frequent was cholelithiasis, in 25% of cases, which led to systematic screening and elective cholecystectomy in the case of gallstones. Overall, 6% of the children experienced acute sickle cell hepatic crisis, sickle cell intra-hepatic cholestasis, or acute hepatic sequestration, with severity ranging from mild liver pain and increased jaundice to multiple organ failure and death. Emergency treatment was exchange transfusion, which led to normalization of liver tests in most cases. Five children had chronic cholangiopathy, associated with auto-immune hepatitis in two cases. One needed liver transplantation, having a good outcome but with many complications. Transfusion iron load and infectious hepatitis cases were mild. Hepatotoxicity of an iron chelator was suspected to contribute to abnormal liver test results in five patients. We propose recommendations to prevent, explore, and treat hepatobiliary complications in SCD children. We underline the need for emergency exchange transfusion when acute liver failure develops and warn against liver biopsy and transplantation in this condition.
Acute Kidney Injury Adjusted for Parenchymal Mass Reduction and Long-Term Renal Function after Partial Nephrectomy
Authors: Yoon Hyun-Kyu , Lee Ho-Jin , Yoo Seokha , Park Sun-Kyung , Kwon Yongsuk , Jun Kwanghoon , Jeong Chang Wook , Kim Won Ho
Published: September 2019

We sought to evaluate the association of postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) adjusted for parenchymal mass reduction with long-term renal function in patients undergoing partial nephrectomy. A total of 629 patients undergoing partial nephrectomy were reviewed. Postoperative AKI was defined by the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) serum creatinine criteria, by using either the unadjusted or adjusted baseline serum creatinine level, accounting for renal parenchymal mass reduction. Estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFRs) were followed up to 61 months (median 28 months) after surgery. The primary outcome was the functional change ratio (FCR) of eGFR calculated by the ratio of the most recent follow-up value, at least 24 months after surgery, to eGFR at 3–12 months after surgery. Multivariable linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate whether unadjusted or adjusted AKI was an independent predictor of FCR. As a sensitivity analysis, functional recovery at 3–12 months after surgery compared to the preoperative baseline was analyzed. Median parenchymal mass reduction was 11%. Unadjusted AKI occurred in 16.5% (104/625) and adjusted AKI occurred in 8.6% (54/629). AKI using adjusted baseline creatinine was significantly associated with a long-term FCR (β = −0.129 ± 0.026, p < 0.001), while unadjusted AKI was not. Adjusted AKI was also a significant predictor of functional recovery (β = −0.243 ± 0.106, p = 0.023), while unadjusted AKI was not. AKI adjusted for the parenchymal mass reduction was significantly associated with a long-term functional decline after partial nephrectomy. A creatinine increase due to remaining parenchymal ischemic injury may be important in order to predict long-term renal functional outcomes after partial nephrectomy.
Dimensional Accuracy and Clinical Value of 3D Printed Models in Congenital Heart Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Lau Ivan Wen Wen , Sun Zhonghua
Published: September 2019

The aim of this paper is to summarize and evaluate results from existing studies on accuracy and clinical value of three-dimensional printed heart models (3DPHM) for determining whether 3D printing can significantly improve on how the congenital heart disease (CHD) is managed in current clinical practice. Proquest, Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed, and Medline were searched for relevant studies until April 2019. Two independent reviewers performed manual data extraction and assessed the risk of bias of the studies using the tools published on National Institutes of Health (NIH) website. The following data were extracted from the studies: author, year of publication, study design, imaging modality, segmentation software, utility of 3DPHM, CHD types, and dimensional accuracy. R software was used for the meta-analysis. Twenty-four articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in the systematic review. However, only 7 studies met the statistical requirements and were eligible for meta-analysis. Cochran’s Q test demonstrated significant variation among the studies for both of the meta-analyses of accuracy of 3DPHM and the utility of 3DPHM in medical education. Analysis of all included studies reported the mean deviation between the 3DPHM and the medical images is not significant, implying that 3DPHM are highly accurate. As for the utility of the 3DPHM, it is reported in all relevant studies that the 3DPHM improve the learning experience and satisfaction among the users, and play a critical role in facilitating surgical planning of complex CHD cases. 3DPHM have the potential to enhance communication in medical practice, however their clinical value remains debatable. More studies are required to yield a more meaningful meta-analysis.
Radial Approach Expertise and Clinical Outcomes of Percutanous Coronary Interventions Performed Using Femoral Approach
Authors: Tokarek Tomasz , Dziewierz Artur , Plens Krzysztof , Rakowski Tomasz , Zabojszcz Michał , Dudek Dariusz , Siudak Zbigniew
Published: September 2019

We sought to evaluate the impact of experience and proficiency with radial approach (RA) on clinical outcomes of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) performed via femoral approach (FA) in the “real-world” national registry. A total of 539 invasive cardiologists performing PCIs in 151 invasive cardiology centers in Poland between 2014 and 2017 were included. Proficiency threshold was set at >300 PCIs during four consecutive years per individual operator. The majority of operators performed >75% of all PCIs via RA (449 (65.4%)), 143 (20.8%) in 50–75% of cases, 62 (9.0%) in 25–50% and only 33 (4.8%) invasive cardiologists were using RA in <25% of all PCIs. Operators with the highest proficiency in RA were associated with increased risk of periprocedural death, stroke and bleeding complications at access site during angiography via FA. Similarly, higher prevalence of periprocedural mortality during PCI with FA was observed in most experienced radial operators as compared to other groups. The detrimental effect of FA utilization by the most experienced radial operators was observed in both stable angina and acute coronary syndromes. Higher experience and utilization of RA might be linked to worse outcomes of PCIs performed via femoral artery in both stable and acute settings.
An Integrated Turning Movements Estimation to Petri Net Based Road Traffic Modeling
Authors: Riouali Youness , Benhlima Laila , Bah Slimane
Published: September 2019

The tremendous increase in the urban population highlights the need for more efficient transport systems and techniques to alleviate the increasing number of the resulting traffic-associated problems. Modeling and predicting road traffic flow are a critical part of intelligent transport systems (ITSs). Therefore, their accuracy and efficiency have a direct impact on the overall functioning. In this scope, a new approach for predicting the road traffic flow is proposed that combines the Petri nets model with a dynamic estimation of intersection turning movement counts to ensure a more accurate assessment of its performance. Thus, this manuscript extends our work by introducing a new feature, namely turning movement counts, to attain a better prediction of road traffic flow. A simulation study is conducted to get a better understanding of how predictive models perform in the context of estimating turning movements.
Microstructure Evolution and Some Properties of Hard Magnetic FeCr30Co8 Alloy Subjected to Torsion Combined with Tension
Authors: Korneva Anna , Korznikova Galiya , Kashaev Rishat , Straumal Boris
Published: September 2019

The hard magnetic alloy FeCr30Co8 alloy was subjected to severe plastic deformation (SPD) by torsion combined with tension in the temperature range of 750 °C to 850 °C. This range of deformation temperatures corresponds to the α solid solution on the Fe–Cr–Co phase diagram. The study of the alloy after SPD by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning and transmission electron microscopy techniques showed the formation of a gradient microstructure with fine grain size in the surface layer and precipitation of the hard intermetallic σ-phase. Next, the magnetic and mechanical properties of the deformed alloy after short annealing at 1000 °C and magnetic treatment were studied. A slight decrease in coercive force was found, along with a significant gain in plasticity and strength. The effective deformation temperature was determined to obtain the optimal magnetic and mechanical characteristics of the alloy. This method of deformation can be applied for the improvement of the mechanical properties of some magnets (high-speed rotors) which should have good magnetic properties within their volume while maintaining good mechanical properties on the surface.
Modeling the Dynamic Recrystallization and Flow Curves Using the Kinetics of Static Recrystallization
Authors: Shkatov Valeriy , Mazur Igor
Published: September 2019

The results of modeling the dynamic recrystallization of steels during hot deformation on the basis of information on their static recrystallization kinetics are presented. The results of predicting the amount of deformation accumulated in the metal under the conditions of dynamic recrystallization development were used for calculating the metal flow curves. The model was validated by comparing the calculated flow curves with the experimental flow curves determined on the 1045 steel by means of hot torsion tests carried out from 1000 °C to 1100 °C and at strain rates from 0.1 to 10 s‒1. The difference between the experimental and predicted flow stress values did not exceed 6%. The influence of the chemical element content in low-alloyed steels on the magnitude of the critical strain for the initiation of dynamic recrystallization is assessed. The method of predicting the kinetics of dynamic recrystallization by recalculating the kinetics of static recrystallization to the conditions of continuous growth of the strain degree during metal deformation implemented in the model can be used in designing and optimizing technologies associated with metal hot forming processes.
Design of a Low Scattering Metasurface for Stealth Applications
Authors: Khan Tayyab Ali , Li Jianxing , Chen Juan , Raza Muhammad Usman , Zhang Anxue
Published: September 2019

The design of a metasurface with low radar cross section (RCS) property is presented in this paper. The low scattering of the metasurface is achieved by applying the artificial magnetic conductor (AMC) unit cells in three different configurations. Two different AMC unit cells with an effective phase difference of 180 ± 37° are first designed to analyze the out of phase reflection in a wideband frequency range from 5.9 to 12.2 GHz. Then, the unit cells are placed in a chessboard-like configuration, newly constructed rotated rectangular-shaped configuration, and optimized configuration to study and compare the RCS reduction performance. All designs of the metasurface with different configurations show obvious RCS reduction as compared with the metallic plate of the same size. However, the relative bandwidth of the optimized metasurface is larger than the chessboard-like configuration and rotated rectangular-shaped configuration. To certify the results of the simulations, the metasurface with the optimized configuration is fabricated further to measure the RCS reduction bandwidth. The measured results are in good accordance with the simulated results. Therefore, the proposed metasurface can be a good option for applications where low RCS is desirable.
Differences in Pregnancy Metabolic Profiles and Their Determinants between White European and South Asian Women: Findings from the Born in Bradford Cohort
Authors: Taylor Kurt , L. Santos Ferreira Diana , West Jane , Yang Tiffany , Caputo Massimo , A. Lawlor Deborah
Published: September 2019

There is widespread metabolic disruption in women upon becoming pregnant. South Asians (SA) compared to White Europeans (WE) have more fat mass and are more insulin-resistant at a given body mass index (BMI). Whether these are reflected in other gestational metabolomic differences is unclear. Our aim was to compare gestational metabolic profiles and their determinants between WE and SA women. We used data from a United Kingdom (UK) cohort to compare metabolic profiles and associations of maternal age, education, parity, height, BMI, tricep skinfold thickness, gestational diabetes (GD), pre-eclampsia, and gestational hypertension with 156 metabolic measurements in WE (n = 4072) and SA (n = 4702) women. Metabolic profiles, measured in fasting serum taken between 26–28 weeks gestation, were quantified by nuclear magnetic resonance. Distributions of most metabolic measures differed by ethnicity. WE women had higher levels of most lipoprotein subclasses, cholesterol, glycerides and phospholipids, monosaturated fatty acids, and creatinine but lower levels of glucose, linoleic acid, omega-6 and polyunsaturated fatty acids, and most amino acids. Higher BMI and having GD were associated with higher levels of several lipoprotein subclasses, triglycerides, and other metabolites, mostly with stronger associations in WEs. We have shown differences in gestational metabolic profiles between WE and SA women and demonstrated that associations of exposures with these metabolites differ by ethnicity.