bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pu‐erh Tea Ameliorates Atherosclerosis Associated with Promoting Macrophage Apoptosis by Reducing NF‐κB Activation in ApoE Knockout Mice
Authors: Xiao Yihui , He Ming , Liang Xiao , She Jianqing , He Lan , Liu Yan , Zou Juan , Yuan Zuyi
Published: August 2018

We explored whether pu‐erh tea consumption ameliorates atherosclerosis and the possible mechanism for its effects in apolipoprotein E‐deficient (ApoE−/−) mice. Our data showed that pu‐erh tea consumption markedly reduced early fatty streak formation and the advanced fibrofatty plaque sizes. Additionally, the mean proportion of inflammatory macrophages in the plaque decreased, and the number of apoptotic macrophages increased significantly. NF‐κB activity in peritoneal macrophages decreased by 75.6% compared to the controls, similar with the levels of IL‐6, IL‐12, and TNF‐α expression. The tea extract increased the apoptosis of RAW264.7 cells by decreasing NF‐κB activation and reducing the inflammatory cytokine expression. In conclusion, pu‐erh tea ameliorates atherosclerosis progress by alleviating the chronic inflammatory state by reducing NF‐κB activation and promoting macrophage apoptosis in atherosclerotic plaques.
Muscle Activity‐Driven Green‐Oriented Random Number Generation Mechanism to Secure WBSN Wearable Device Communications
Authors: Cao Yuanlong , Zhang Guanghe , Liu Fanghua , You Ilsun , Zheng Guanglou , Samuel Oluwarotimi Williams , Chen Shixiong
Published: August 2018

Wireless body sensor networks (WBSNs) mostly consist of low‐cost sensor nodes and implanted devices which generally have extremely limited capability of computations and energy capabilities. Hence, traditional security protocols and privacy enhancing technologies are not applicable to the WBSNs since their computations and cryptographic primitives are normally exceedingly complicated. Nowadays, mobile wearable and wireless muscle‐computer interfaces have been integrated with the WBSN sensors for various applications such as rehabilitation, sports, entertainment, and healthcare. In this paper, we propose MGRNG, a novel muscle activity‐driven green‐oriented random number generation mechanism which uses the human muscle activity as green energy resource to generate random numbers (RNs). The RNs can be used to enhance the privacy of wearable device communications and secure WBSNs for rehabilitation purposes. The method was tested on 10 healthy subjects as well as 5 amputee subjects with 105 segments of simultaneously recorded surface electromyography signals from their forearm muscles. The proposed MGRNG requires only one second to generate a 128‐bit RN, which is much more efficient when compared to the electrocardiography‐based RN generation algorithms. Experimental results show that the RNs generated from human muscle activity signals can pass the entropy test and the NIST random test and thus can be used to secure the WBSN nodes.
Preoperative Evaluation of Soleal Vein Diameter by Ultrasound Is Beneficial for Prophylaxis of Deep Vein Thrombosis after Total Knee or Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Yao Yao , Qiao Liang , Song Kai , Xu Xingquan , Shi Dongquan , Xu Zhihong , Dai Jin , Qin Jianghui , Chen Dongyang , Jiang Qing
Published: August 2018

Purpose. The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine the association between preoperative soleal vein (SV) diameter and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) following total joint arthroplasty (TJA). Methods. A total of 402 patients were enrolled, with 229 patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and 173 patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA). Ultrasonography was performed 1-3 days preoperatively, on postoperative days 1, 3, and 7, or before discharge and during follow-up. The SV diameter was assessed preoperatively. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to compare parameters between the DVT group and the non-DVT group. Results. 78 patients (19.4%) were found to have DVT during hospitalization and after discharge and 14 patients (3.5%) developed symptomatic DVT. Multiple regression analysis showed that SV diameter, advanced age, and surgery type were independent predictors of postoperative DVT. In the logistic regression analysis for symptomatic DVT, SV diameter was found to be the only predictor. In the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis for the value of SV diameter in diagnosing DVT, the area under curve (AUC) was 0.701 ((95% CI 0.636-0.766), P<0.001) and when the cut-off value of SV diameter was set at 0.57 cm, the sensitivity and specificity of SV diameter were 62.7% and 72.1%, respectively. Conclusions. SV diameter was an independent risk factor for total and symptomatic DVT after TJA. Preoperative ultrasound screening of the SV diameter may be beneficial for the prevention of postoperative DVT.
Antifungal Activity of ZnO and MgO Nanomaterials and Their Mixtures againstColletotrichum gloeosporioidesStrains from Tropical Fruit
Authors: De la Rosa-García Susana C. , Martínez-Torres Pablo , Gómez-Cornelio Sergio , Corral-Aguado Mario Alberto , Quintana Patricia , Gómez-Ortíz Nikte M.
Published: August 2018

Avocado (Persea americana) and papaya (Carica papaya) are tropical fruits with high international demand. However, these commercially important crops are affected by the fungusColletotrichum gloeosporioides, which causes anthracnose and results in significant economic losses. The antifungal activity of metal oxide nanomaterials (zinc oxide (ZnO), magnesium oxide (MgO), and ZnO:MgO and ZnO:Mg(OH)2composites) prepared under different conditions of synthesis was evaluated against strains ofC. gloeosporioidesobtained from papaya and avocado. All nanoparticles (NPs) at the tested concentrations significantly inhibited the germination of conidia and caused structural damage to the fungal cells. According to the radial growth test, the fungal strain obtained from avocado was more susceptible to the NPs than the strain obtained from papaya. The effect of the tested NPs on the fungal strains confirmed that these NPs could be used as strong antifungal agents againstC.gloeosporioidesto control anthracnose in tropical fruits.
Propionibacterium acnes Induces Intervertebral Disc Degeneration by Promoting iNOS/NO and COX‐2/PGE2 Activation via the ROS‐Dependent NF‐κB Pathway
Authors: Lin Yazhou , Tang Guoqing , Jiao Yucheng , Yuan Ye , Zheng Yuehuan , Chen Yong , Xiao Jiaqi , Li Changwei , Chen Zhe , Cao Peng
Published: August 2018

Accumulating evidence suggests that Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) is a novel pathogenic factor promoting intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). However, the underlying mechanisms by which P. acnes induces IVDD have been unclear. In this study, we quantified the severity of IVDD, as well as the expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)/nitric oxide (NO) and cyclooxygenase (COX‐2)/prostaglandin (PGE2) in human intervertebral discs (IVDs) infected with P. acnes. Compared with P. acnes‐negative IVDs, P. acnes‐positive IVDs showed increased iNOS/NO and COX‐2/PGE2 activity concomitant with more severe IVDD. In order to detect the potential correlation between iNOS/NO expression, COX‐2/PGE2 expression, and IVDD, we developed a P. acnes‐induced IVDD rat model and found that the upregulation of iNOS/NO and COX‐2/PGE2 was essential to the occurrence of P. acnes‐induced IVDD. This finding was supported by the fact that the inhibition of iNOS/NO and COX‐2/PGE2 activity ameliorated IVDD significantly, as evidenced by restored aggrecan and collagen II expression both in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistically, we found that P. acnes induced iNOS/NO and COX‐2/PGE2 expressions via a reactive oxygen species‐ (ROS‐) dependent NF‐κB cascade. Furthermore, NADPH oxidase participated in P. acnes‐induced ROS, iNOS/NO, and COX‐2/PGE2 expressions. Overall, these findings further validated the involvement of P. acnes in the pathology of IVDD and provided evidence that P. acnes‐induced iNOS/NO and COX‐2/PGE2 activation via the ROS‐dependent NF‐κB pathway is likely responsible for the pathology of IVDD.
Investigating the Effect of Solid Components on Yield Stress for Cemented Paste Backfill via Uniform Design
Authors: Wang Yong , Wu Aixiang , Zhang Lianfu , Jin Fei , Liu Xiaohui
Published: August 2018

Cemented paste backfill (CPB) technology has been applied quite popular around the world. Yield stress is a key factor determining whether CPB could be transported. In order to reveal the effect of solid components on yield stress of CPB, a uniform design experimental program (four factors and six levels) was conducted to test the rheological property of a mine’s CPB. The tested four factors including mass fraction, cement versus other solids ratio, coarse tailings, and gravel contents were considered during the experiment design. Likewise, six experimental levels were given to each factor. Results of the test show that yield stress increased with the mass fraction and cement content. However, the trend reversed for the content of coarse tailings and gravel. Contribution of the four factors to yield stress in descending order is mass fraction > content of gravel > content of coarse tailings > cement versus other tailings ration. Effect of solid components on the yield stress of CPB is mainly due to the different flocculation structure inside the CPB. These various flow structures result in the different free‐water content of CPB, leading to a different yield stress value.
Sick Sinus Syndrome and Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Yassin Ahmed S. , Subahi Ahmed , Abubakar Hossam , Rashed Ahmed , Shokr Mohamed
Published: August 2018

Background. Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is associated with increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias, atrial fibrillation, and bradyarrhythmias. However, sinus node dysfunction is relatively infrequent in the setting of takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Case Report. We are reporting a case of a 73-year-old woman with a history of asymptomatic sinus bradycardia who developed sick sinus syndrome complicated by takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Conclusion. Acute symptomatic sick sinus syndrome in patients with preexisting silent sinus node dysfunction can trigger takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Understanding precipitating factors of takotsubo cardiomyopathy and identifying the patients at risk of life-threatening arrhythmia can help in refining risk stratification and therapy planning. Patients with sick sinus syndrome complicated by takotsubo cardiomyopathy may benefit from pacemaker implantation. However, evaluation on a case-by-case basis is mandatory.
Comparative Analysis of Human Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Orbital and Abdominal Fat
Authors: Nepali Sarmila , Park Mira , Lew Helen , Kim Okjoon
Published: August 2018

Adipose tissue contains abundant multipotent mesenchymal stem cells with strong proliferative and differentiating potential into adipocytes, osteocytes, and chondrocytes. However, adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) showed variable characteristics based on the tissue-harvesting site. This study aimed at comparing human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell from the orbit (Orbital ASCs) and abdomen (Abdominal ASCs). Orbital and abdominal ASCs were isolated during an upper or lower blepharoplasty operation and liposuction, respectively. Flow cytometric analysis was done to analyze the surface antigens of ASCs, and cytokine profiles were measured using Luminex assay kit. The multilineage potential of both ASCs was investigated using Oil Red O, alizarin red, and alcian staining. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed to measure mRNA levels of genes involved in these trilineage differentiations. Our results showed that both types of ASCs expressed the cell surface markers which are commonly expressed stem cells; however, orbital-ASCs showed higher expressions of CD73, CD90, CD105, and CD146 than abdominal ASCs. Unlikely, orbital-ASC expressed CD31, CD45 and HLA-DR lesser than abdominal-ASCs. Orbital ASCs secreted higher concentrations of eotaxin, fractalkine, IP-10, GRO, MCP-1, IL-6, IL-8, and RANTES but lower MIP-1α, FGF-2, and VEGF concentrations than abdominal-ASCs. Our result showed that orbital ASCs have higher potential towards adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation but lower tendency to chondrogenesis when compared with abdominal ASCs. In conclusion, tissue-harvesting site is a strong determinant for characterization of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells. Understanding defining phenotypes of such cells is useful for making suitable choices in different regenerative clinical indications.
Improvement of Adequate Digoxin Dosage: An Application of Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Hu Ya-Han , Tai Chun-Tien , Tsai Chih-Fong , Huang Min-Wei
Published: August 2018

Digoxin is a high-alert medication because of its narrow therapeutic range and high drug-to-drug interactions (DDIs). Approximately 50% of digoxin toxicity cases are preventable, which motivated us to improve the treatment outcomes of digoxin. The objective of this study is to apply machine learning techniques to predict the appropriateness of initial digoxin dosage. A total of 307 inpatients who had their conditions treated with digoxin between 2004 and 2013 at a medical center in Taiwan were collected in the study. Ten independent variables, including demographic information, laboratory data, and whether the patients had CHF were also noted. A patient with serum digoxin concentration being controlled at 0.5–0.9 ng/mL after his/her initial digoxin dosage was defined as having an appropriate use of digoxin; otherwise, a patient was defined as having an inappropriate use of digoxin. Weka 3.7.3, an open source machine learning software, was adopted to develop prediction models. Six machine learning techniques were considered, including decision tree (C4.5), k-nearest neighbors (kNN), classification and regression tree (CART), randomForest (RF), multilayer perceptron (MLP), and logistic regression (LGR). In the non-DDI group, the area under ROC curve (AUC) of RF (0.912) was excellent, followed by that of MLP (0.813), CART (0.791), and C4.5 (0.784); the remaining classifiers performed poorly. For the DDI group, the AUC of RF (0.892) was the best, followed by CART (0.795), MLP (0.777), and C4.5 (0.774); the other classifiers’ performances were less than ideal. The decision tree-based approaches and MLP exhibited markedly superior accuracy performance, regardless of DDI status. Although digoxin is a high-alert medication, its initial dose can be accurately determined by using data mining techniques such as decision tree-based and MLP approaches. Developing a dosage decision support system may serve as a supplementary tool for clinicians and also increase drug safety in clinical practice.
Role of the CHADS2 Score in the Evaluation of Carotid Atherosclerosis in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation Undergoing Carotid Artery Ultrasonography
Authors: Lin Le-yu , Yang Lian-wei , Shang Yuan-yuan , Li Yi-hui , Zhong Ming , Zhang Wei , Zhu Hui
Published: August 2018

Objective. This study investigated the characteristics of carotid atherosclerosis in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and determined the feasibility and significance of the CHADS2 score in predicting the degree of carotid atherosclerosis. Methods. Consecutive patients (n = 109) with nonvalvular AF were registered and classified into two groups, the paroxysmal AF group (n = 59) and persistent AF group (n = 50). Fifty healthy patients, matched by sex and age, were considered the control group. All patients were examined using carotid ultrasound and velocity vector imaging (VVI). Results. Compared with the control group, the mean intimal-medial thickness in the paroxysmal AF group (0.56 ± 0.11 versus 0.61 ± 0.10, respectively, P < 0.05) and the persistent AF group (0.56 ± 0.11 versus 0.64 ± 0.13, respectively, P < 0.001) was significantly increased. The plaque index (PI) in the persistent AF group was significantly higher than that observed in the paroxysmal AF group (1.05 ± 1.33 versus 1.42 ± 1.47, respectively, P < 0.001). Regarding the VVI indices, those reflecting the long-axis longitudinal motion function of carotid arteries were significantly decreased in both AF groups. Compared with the control group, a significantly lower total longitudinal displacement (tLoD) index was observed in the persistent AF group (0.73 ± 0.66 versus 0.31 ± 0.23, respectively, P < 0·0001) and the paroxysmal AF group (0.73 ± 0.66 versus 0.34 ± 0.17, P < 0·0001). The CHADS2 score was related to indicators reflecting the structure and function of the carotid artery. Conclusions. Carotid arterial structure and function were significantly altered in patients with AF. The degree of carotid atherosclerosis depended on the duration of AF. The CHADS2 score may be useful as a predictor of the extent of carotid atherosclerosis in patients with AF.
Minimally Invasive Treatment for Tibial Malrotation after Locked Intramedullary Nailing
Authors: Takase Kyohei , Lee Sang Yang , Waki Takahiro , Fukui Tomoaki , Oe Keisuke , Matsumoto Tomoyuki , Matsushita Takehiko , Nishida Kotaro , Kuroda Ryosuke , Niikura Takahiro
Published: August 2018

Rotational malreduction is a potential complication of intramedullary nailing for tibial shaft fractures. We experienced a symptomatic case of a 24° externally rotated malunion that we treated with minimally invasive corrective osteotomy. A 49-year-old man sustained a tibial shaft spiral fracture with a fibula fracture. He had been initially treated elsewhere with a reamed statically locked intramedullary nail. Bone union had been obtained, but he complained of asymmetry of his legs, difficulty walking and running, and the inability to ride a bicycle. We decided to perform corrective osteotomy in a minimally invasive fashion. After a 1 cm incision was made at the original fracture site, osteotomy for the affected tibia was performed with an osteotome after multiple efforts at drilling around the nail with the aim of retaining it. Fibula osteotomy was also performed at the same level. Two Kirschner wires that created an affected rotational angle between the fragments were inserted as a guide for correction. The distal locking screws were removed. Correct rotation was regained by matching the two wires in a straight line. Finally, the distal locking screws were inserted into new holes. The patient obtained bony union and has returned to his preinjury activities with no symptoms.
A 27-Month-Old Boy with Polyuria and Polydipsia
Authors: Lee Yvonne , Winnicki Erica , Butani Lavjay , Nguyen Stephanie
Published: August 2018

Psychogenic polydipsia is a well-described phenomenon in those with a diagnosed psychiatric disorder such as schizophrenia and anxiety disorders. Primary polydipsia is differentiated from psychogenic polydipsia by the lack of a clear psychotic disturbance. We present a case of a 27-month-old boy who presented with polyuria and polydipsia. Laboratory studies, imaging, and an observed water deprivation test were consistent with primary polydipsia. Polydipsia resolved after family limited his fluid intake and began replacing water drinking with other transition objects and behaviors for self-soothing. This case highlights the importance of water deprivation testing to differentiate between causes of polyuria, thereby avoiding misdiagnosis and iatrogenic hyponatremia. Secondly, primary polydipsia can result during the normal stages of child development without overt psychiatric disturbances.
Experimental Study on the Durability of Fly Ash‐Based Filling Paste in Environments with Different Concentrations of Sulfates
Authors: Cui Boqiang , Liu Yin , Guo Hao , Liu Zhanxin , Lu Yao
Published: August 2018

In order to study the effects of different concentrations of sulfate on the strength of fly ash‐based coal mine filling paste, using variable control, mechanical analysis, and other means, the changes in the uniaxial compressive strengths of filling paste blocks soaked in different concentrations of sodium sulfate solution for different durations are studied, and their stress‐strain curves are discussed. The hydrated products of each block are analyzed at different stages by XRD, and the results indicate that different concentrations of sodium sulfate solution have different effects on the strength of the filling paste after soaking for different durations. A sodium sulfate solution with a concentration of 5% had an activator effect on the fly ash‐based filling paste and enhanced the strength of the filling paste. A sodium sulfate solution with a concentration of 10% and 15% increased the early strength of the paste test block faster, but after 60 d, the strength decreased. The stress‐strain curves for these blocks show that the elastic moduli of the filling paste test blocks change irregularly, and it was found that with the increase in soaking time, the blocks soaked in the 10% and 15% sodium sulfate solutions developed fissures in the later stage that adversely affected the strength of the filling paste. The XRD results show that the filling paste test block hydration products are hydrated calcium silicate (C‐S‐H) based and that ettringite (AFt), beneficial to strength of the filling paste in proper quantities, appeared in the main product of the filling paste test blocks that were soaked in the sodium sulfate solution. With the increase in the concentration of the sodium sulfate solution, the AFt is generated in larger quantities, and gypsum crystals begin to appear, which is not conducive to the filling paste block strength.
Pneumomediastinum, Pneumopericardium, and Epidural Pneumatosis following Adenotonsillectomy: A Very Rare Complication
Authors: Görgülü Feride Fatma , Koç Ayşe Selcan , Görgülü Orhan
Published: August 2018

Adenotonsillectomy is a common surgical otolaryngology procedure that is associated with several complications, including hemorrhage, odynophagia, damage to teeth, taste disorders, atlantoaxial subluxation, lingual edema, infection, and injury of the carotid artery. Pneumomediastinum, pneumopericardium, and epidural pneumatosis are an extremely unusual condition in children with adenotonsillectomy. Treatment should be conservative in the majority of cases and based on benign self-limiting course of these diseases; early recognition can prevent further complications. The combination of pneumomediastinum with epidural pneumatosis, pneumopericardium, retropharyngeal-prevertebral pneumatosis, axillar-perihumeral pneumatosis, and subcutaneous emphysema is also a very rare condition. We present a unique case with the radiological findings of air in all of these areas in a 6-year-old male child with adenotonsillectomy. The case was unusual in that the patient developed this complication 3 hours later after adenotonsillectomy with severe vomitting. The possible mechanism, the algorithm of treatment, and precautions in such cases will be discussed.
Extensive Bone Lengthening for a Patient with Linear Morphea
Authors: Mishima Kenichi , Kitoh Hiroshi , Matsushita Masaki , Nagata Tadashi , Kamiya Yasunari , Ishiguro Naoki
Published: August 2018

Localized scleroderma, also known as morphea, is a rare condition characterized by progressive sclerosis of the skin and associated atrophy of the underlying tissues. The linear type of localized scleroderma is the most frequent form in childhood, usually affecting unilateral extremities. Fibrosclerosis of the fasciae and muscles can spread across joints and impair the range of motion of the joint. Dysplastic and/or atrophic bones of the affected lower extremity can lead to clinically significant leg length discrepancy (LLD). Limb reconstruction surgery has rarely been indicated for LLD in patients with linear morphea. We report on a case of extensive bone lengthening for appreciable LLD in a pediatric patient with linear morphea. A Japanese girl with linear morphea underwent staged simultaneous lengthening of the femur and tibia twice at seven and eleven years of age using a unilateral external fixator. A healing index exceeded 100 days/cm except for the first femoral lengthening that was complicated by regenerate fracture. At the final follow-up, LLD of 38 mm remained, but she could walk independently without a brace or a crutch. Due to soft tissue tightness and poor regenerative ability in the affected limb, cautions should be taken to prevent regenerate fracture and/or malalignment of the limb.
SAR Image Segmentation Based on Improved Grey Wolf Optimization Algorithm and Fuzzy C-Means
Authors: Li M. Q. , Xu L. P. , Xu Na , Huang Tao , Yan Bo
Published: August 2018

An improved Grey Wolf Optimization (GWO) algorithm with differential evolution (DEGWO) combined with fuzzy C-means for complex synthetic aperture radar (SAR) image segmentation was proposed for the disadvantages of traditional optimization and fuzzy C-means (FCM) in image segmentation precision. In the process of image segmentation based on FCM algorithm, the number of clusters and initial centers estimation is regarded as a search procedure that searches for an appropriate value in a greyscale interval. Hence, an improved differential evolution Grey Wolf Optimization (DE-GWO) algorithm is introduced to search for the optimal initial centers; then the image segmentation approach which bases its principle on FCM algorithm will get a better result. Experimental results in this work infers that both the precision and efficiency of the proposed method are superior to those of the state of the art.
Partial Cooperation Based on Dynamic Transmit Antennas for Two‐Hop Massive MIMO Systems
Authors: Yang Jing , Zhu Chunhua , Guo Xinying , Yang Weidong , Zhang Jiankang
Published: August 2018

As the ever‐increasing attention to green communication, energy efficiency has become an imperative metric in the emerging massive multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) systems. In order to maximize the energy efficiency, transmit antenna selection has been widely concerned by researchers. In this paper, we investigate the coded cooperation transmission for dynamic transmit antennas aided two‐hop massive MIMO systems. Explicitly, we propose a rate‐less codes aided cooperation scheme for reducing the implementation complexity in the broadcast phase, compared to the fixed‐rate coded cooperation scheme. Furthermore, we develop a partial cooperation scheme in the cooperative phase in order to avoid the low achievable rate caused by the full cooperation, especially when the source‐to‐relay (S‐R) channels are poor. Finally, the number of transmit antennas at the base station (BS) is optimized through theoretical analysis in a metric of maximizing the energy efficiency. Moreover, we also analyze the achievable error performance for different modulations. Our simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Polypharmacological Profiles Underlying the Antitumor Property of Salvia miltiorrhiza Root (Danshen) Interfering with NOX‐Dependent Neutrophil Extracellular Traps
Authors: Tao Li , Xu Min , Dai Xiaojun , Ni Tengyang , Li Dan , Jin Feng , Wang Haibo , Tao Lide , Pan Bo , Woodgett James R. , Qian Yayun , Liu Yanqing
Published: August 2018

Danshen, the dried root of Salvia miltiorrhiza, one of the most investigated medicinal plants with well‐defined phytochemical constituents, has shown prominent clinical outcomes for antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and anticoagulant activities to attain vascular protection and additional benefits for cancer therapy. More recently, activation of neutrophil and excessive formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) have been observed in pathological conditions of metastatic cancers; thus, we hypothesized that suppression of NETs could account for an essential cellular event underlying Danshen‐mediated reduction of the incidence of metastasis. Using an experimental pulmonary metastases model of red fluorescent protein‐ (RFP‐) labeled gastric cancer cells in combination with macroscopic ex vivo live‐imaging system, our data indicated that Danshen impaired the fluorescent intensity and quantity of metastatic nodules. Moreover, Danshen could prevent neutrophil trafficking to the metastatic sites with decreased plasma levels of neutrophil elastase (NE) and procoagulant potential featured by fibrinogen. We further established phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate‐ (PMA‐) induced NET formation of human neutrophils and screened representative active compounds derived from the hydrophilic and hydrophobic fractions of Danshen using qualitative and quantitative methods. As a result, we found that salvianolic acid B (Sal B) and 15,16‐dihydrotanshinone I (DHT I) exhibited superior inhibitory activities on NET formation and significantly attenuated the levels of citrullinated histone H3 (citH3), a biomarker for NET formation. Multitarget biochemical assays demonstrated that Sal B and DHT I distinctly modulated the enzymatic cascade involved in NET formation. Sal B and DHT I could disrupt NET formation at the earlier stage by blocking the activities of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and NADPH oxidase (NOX), respectively. Lastly, combining treatment of Sal B and DHT I under subED50 doses displayed remarkable synergism effect on NET inhibition. Altogether, these data provide insight into how promiscuous compounds from herbal medicine can be effectively targeted NETs towards hematogenous metastasis of certain tumors.
Contact Forces in a Screw Feeding Process
Authors: Shi Yunfei , Zhang Xiliang , Cui Shoujuan , Ma Kui
Published: August 2018

The contact force between particles is analysed in this paper. Firstly, theoretical analysis is carried out based on the Hertz–Mindlin (no slip) model. Secondly, the normal force and tangential force are, respectively, simulated in single/double‐flight screw feeders with the discharging device at three rotating speeds (60 rpm, 90 rpm, and 120 rpm) using different diameter particles (3 mm,  5 mm, and 7 mm) by the extended distinct element method (EDEM) software. Finally, the simulation results show that the particle diameter has the biggest impact on average contact force in the feeding process. This research provides theoretical basis for the study of the rule of bulk material movement in the screw feeder and the development of the high‐precision feeding machine.
Online‐Offline Optimized Motion Profile for High‐Dynamic Positioning of Ultraprecision Dual Stage
Authors: Liu Yang , Dong Yue , Tan Jiubin
Published: August 2018

The wafer stage in dual‐stage lithographic system is an air‐bearing servo motion platform requiring high positioning accuracy and high transient performance. However, the residual vibration, resulting from almost zero damping, high velocity, parallel decoupling structure, and direct drive, brings about unacceptable overshoot and settling time. To suppress these unfavorable elements in high dynamic motion, a novel motion profile planning method combined with input shaping is proposed in this paper. Firstly, a trajectory named all free S‐curve (AFS‐curve) is derived, which has less constraints and better performance than traditional S‐curve profile. Then, AFS‐curve combined with a zero vibration shaper (ZV) is developed to further suppress residual vibration. Due to the very complex parameter adjustment, the online tuning may cause system oscillation that leads to damage of the precision stage. This paper, furthermore, proposes an online‐offline method to optimize the parameters in the motion profile. Online step is performed to collect input and output data. Offline step includes the system model identification based on I/O data and parameter self‐learning based on particle swarm optimization (PSO). The simulation and experimental results indicate that the proposed method achieves significant reduction of the positioning time and the overshoot in the dual‐stage system.
Evodiamine Attenuates P2X7‐Mediated Inflammatory Injury of Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells Exposed to High Free Fatty Acids
Authors: Xue Yun , Guo Ting , Zou Lifang , Gong Yingxin , Wu Bing , Yi Zhihua , Jia Tianyu , Zhao Shanhong , Shi Liran , Li Lin , Yuan Huilong , Liu Hui , Gao Yun , Li Guilin , Liu Shuangmei , Xu Hong , Zhang Chunping , Liang Shangdong , Li Guodong
Published: August 2018

Insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are highly prevalent around the world. Elevated concentrations of free fatty acids (FFAs) are closely related to insulin resistance and T2DM. P2X7 receptor is an ion channel gated by ATP, which is implicated in various scenarios including immune response, pain, and inflammation. In this study, we have explored whether P2X7 receptor is involved in pathological changes in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) induced by high FFA treatment, and the potential beneficial effects of evodiamine. Evodiamine could effectively suppress the enhanced expression of P2X7 receptor caused by high FFAs at both mRNA and protein levels. In addition, high FFA‐induced cytotoxicity, the upregulated release of ATP, and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) could be ameliorated by evodiamine in HUVECs. Evodiamine could also reverse the decreased NO formation and the increased adhesive events of immune cells at high FFAs. Moreover, evodiamine inhibited P2X7‐dependent TNF‐α expression and ERK 1/2 phosphorylation due to high FFAs. All these results indicated that evodiamine could correct the upregulated expression of P2X7 receptor induced under high FFA condition in HUVECs, and consequently suppressed oxidative stress and inflammatory responses.
A Long-Term Survivor with Tetralogy of Fallot Treated Only with the Classical Blalock-Taussig Shunt
Authors: Yamada Yu , Ishizu Tomoko , Tsuneoka Hidekazu , Eki Yutaka , Horigome Hitoshi
Published: August 2018

The prognosis of tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) treated only with Blalock-Taussig shunt (BTS) operation is unclear. A woman with TOF underwent classic BTS operation at 10 years of age. Despite no medication, she delivered two children and worked without apparent heart failure. At 72 years of age, she complained of dyspnea on exertion and leg edema. The cardiac angiogram revealed a well-patent BTS and severely stenotic right ventricular outflow tract. Right heart catheterization showed adequately maintained pulmonary blood flow with slight pulmonary arterial hypertension. Her unexpected yet favorable outcome reaffirms the importance of structural and functional self-adaptation even with cyanosis. If she had undergone a valve-sparing corrective surgery in adolescence, much better quality of life and outcome could have been expected.
Backward Scattering Characteristics of a Reentry Vehicle Enveloped by a Hypersonic Flow Field
Authors: Sun Haoyu , Wang Jiajie , Han Yiping , Cui Zhiwei , Sun Peng , Shi Xiaowei , Zhao Wenjuan
Published: August 2018

The hypersonic flow field around a reentry vehicle has a significant influence on the ground-vehicle communication as well as on the detection and recognition of the reentry vehicle. Backward scattering characteristics of a reentry vehicle enveloped by a hypersonic flow field are analyzed using a high-order auxiliary differential equation finite difference time-domain (ADE-FDTD) method in this paper. Flow field parameters, including electron density, neutral particle density, and temperature, are obtained by solving the Navier-Stokes (NS) equations numerically. According to the flow field parameters, distributions of the plasma frequency and the collision frequency are then derived. Based on a validity of the physical model and the high-order ADE-FDTD method, backward radar cross sections (RCSs) of a perfect electrical conductor (PEC) sphere enveloped by a hypersonic flow field under different Mach numbers, heights, and incident angles of the electromagnetic (EM) wave are then investigated. Numerical results show that the incident angle of the EM wave exerts noticeable effects on the backward RCS, which is due to an inhomogeneous distribution of the plasma. The flight height and Mach number have significant influences on the distribution of the plasma that they play an important role in the variation of the RCSs. The results presented in this paper provide useful reference data for practical tests in ballistic range or in the high-frequency plasma wind tunnels, where a sphere target is usually used due to its simple shape.
The Combination of Ephedrae herba and Coicis semen in Gambihwan Attenuates Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome in High‐Fat Diet–Induced Obese Mice
Authors: Jang Jun-Woo , Lim Dong-Woo , Chang Ji-Ung , Kim Jai-Eun
Published: August 2018

Gambihwan is a herbal prescription used in Korean medicine to treat obesity. The authors evaluated the effects and mechanisms of two types of Gambihwan (GBH1 and 2) administered to high‐fat diet– (HFD‐) induced obese mice. Four‐week‐old C57BL/6 mice were fed a HFD for 8 weeks with or without GBH1 or 2 (100‐200 mg/kg/day by oral gavage). All mice were subjected to glucose tolerance testing after the 8‐week treatment period and then euthanized. Serum insulin, lipids, and inflammatory cytokine levels were analyzed using commercial kits. Hepatic enzyme levels and lipid profiles were also investigated. Liver section slides were stained with Oil Red O (ORO) or hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) to assess lipid accumulation. GBH1 and 2 both significantly decreased body, liver, or adipose tissue weights in HFD‐fed mice and significantly improved glucose tolerance (p<0.05 in all groups). Cholesterol levels in both sera and liver homogenates were significantly decreased by GBH1 and 2 (p<0.05 in all groups). In addition, serum inflammatory cytokines (p<0.05 in 200 mg/kg/day groups) and hepatic enzyme levels were significantly diminished by GBH administration at 200mg/kg/day (p<0.05 in all groups). Furthermore, histologic analyses of liver sections revealed GBH suppressed lipid accumulation. Both GBH types suppressed HFD‐induced increases in body weight and obesity‐related markers in HFD‐fed mice despite the difference in constituents between GBH1 and 2. It is strongly assumed that the combination of Ephedrae herba and Coicis semen exerted the antiobesity effect. The results obtained show that the antiobesity effects of GBH warrant further investigation.
Dynamical Behavior of a 3D Jerk System with a Generalized Memristive Device
Authors: Feng Wei , He Yi-Gang , Li Chun-Lai , Su Xun-Min , Chen Xiao-Qing
Published: August 2018

As a new type of electronic components, a memristive device is receiving worldwide attention and can enrich the dynamical behaviors of the oscillating system. In this paper, we propose a 3D jerk system by introducing a generalized memristive device. It is found that the dynamical behaviors of the system are sensitive to the initial conditions even the system parameters are fixed, which results in the coexistence of multiple attractors. And there exists different transition behaviors depending on the selection of the parameters and initial values. Thereby, it is one important type of the candidate system for secure communication since the reconstruction of accurate state space becomes more difficult. Moreover, we build a hardware circuit and the experimental results effectively confirm the theoretical analyses.
Validity of Mental Workload Measures in a Driving Simulation Environment
Authors: Galante Francesco , Bracco Fabrizio , Chiorri Carlo , Pariota Luigi , Biggero Luigi , Bifulco Gennaro N.
Published: August 2018

Automated in-vehicle systems and related human-machine interfaces can contribute to alleviating the workload of drivers. However, each new functionality can also introduce a new source of workload, due to the need to attend to new tasks and thus requires careful testing before being implemented in vehicles. Driving simulators have become a viable alternative to on-the-road tests, since they allow optimal experimental control and high safety. However, for each driving simulator to be a useful research tool, for each specific task an adequate correspondence must be established between the behavior in the simulator and the behavior on the road, namely, the simulator absolute and relative validity. In this study we investigated the validity of a driving-simulator-based experimental environment for research on mental workload measures by comparing behavioral and subjective measures of workload of the same large group of participants in a simulated and on-road driving task on the same route. Consistent with previous studies, mixed support was found for both types of validity, although results suggest that allowing more and/or longer familiarization sessions with the simulator may be needed to increase its validity. Simulator sickness also emerged as a critical issue for the generalizability of the results.
Audiovestibular Symptoms in Systemic Autoimmune Diseases
Authors: Ralli Massimo , D’Aguanno Vittorio , Di Stadio Arianna , De Virgilio Armando , Croce Adelchi , Longo Lucia , Greco Antonio , de Vincentiis Marco
Published: August 2018

Immune-mediated inner ear disease can be primary, when the autoimmune response is against the inner ear, or secondary. The latter is characterized by the involvement of the ear in the presence of systemic autoimmune conditions. Sensorineural hearing loss is the most common audiovestibular symptom associated with systemic autoimmune diseases, although conductive hearing impairment may also be present. Hearing loss may present in a sudden, slowly, rapidly progressive or fluctuating form, and is mostly bilateral and asymmetric. Hearing loss shows a good response to corticosteroid therapy that may lead to near-complete hearing restoration. Vestibular symptoms, tinnitus, and aural fullness can be found in patients with systemic autoimmune diseases; they often mimic primary inner ear disorders such as Menière’s disease and mainly affect both ears simultaneously. Awareness of inner ear involvement in systemic autoimmune diseases is essential for the good response shown to appropriate treatment. However, it is often misdiagnosed due to variable clinical presentation, limited knowledge, sparse evidence, and lack of specific diagnostic tests. The aim of this review is to analyse available evidence, often only reported in the form of case reports due to the rarity of some of these conditions, of the different clinical presentations of audiological and vestibular symptoms in systemic autoimmune diseases.
Sliding‐Mode Control of the Active Suspension System with the Dynamics of a Hydraulic Actuator
Authors: Bai Rui , Guo Dong
Published: August 2018

An improved model of the active suspension system is proposed. Compared with the existing model of active suspension system, the dynamics of a hydraulic actuator in the active suspension system is fully considered in the proposed model. Based on the proposed model, a sliding‐mode control method is designed to control the active suspension system. Stability proof and analysis of the closed‐loop system of the active suspension is given by using Lyapunov stability theory. At last, the reliability and feasibility of the proposed sliding‐mode control method are evaluated by computer simulation. Simulation research shows that the proposed sliding‐mode control method can obtain good control performance for the active suspension system.
Role of a Community Pharmacy Service in Care of Bronchial Asthma Patients in Lithuania
Authors: Nastaravičius Arturas , Ramanauskienė Kristina
Published: August 2018

Bronchial asthma is one of the most common chronic respiratory diseases, and its care is often complex. In this research, we tested the proposal that participation of pharmacists in the management of bronchial asthma can improve patient outcomes. A two-stage study was constructed consisting of a training element and a service element, using the Asthma Control Test and a structured questionnaire about the patients’ disease condition (based on the results of a qualitative study). The study was conducted in 21 pharmacies in Lithuania and involved 338 asthmatic patients (age 18–88 years). It was found that before the pharmacy service was provided, the average number of mistakes patients made in administration of asthma medications was 2.03; this number decreased to 1.12 after the service was provided (p<0.05). Disease control paralleled the improvement in number of mistakes: 26.1% of patients who previously exerted no control over the disease symptoms began to exert sufficient control over their asthma symptoms (Asthma Control Test >20) after the service was provided (p<0.05). The reduced number of mistakes probably can be attributed to the positive effects of the provided services. By reducing the number of patient mistakes, pharmacists may improve the outcomes of asthmatic patients.
Determining the Optimal Order Quantity with Compound Erlang Demand under (T,Q) Policy
Authors: Jiang Aiping , Tam Kwok Leung , Bao Yingzi , Lu Jialing
Published: August 2018

Management of electric equipment has a direct impact on companies’ performance and profitability. Considering the critical role that electric power materials play in supporting maintenance operations and preventing equipment failure, it is essential to maintain an inventory to a reasonable level. However, a majority of these electric power materials exhibit an intermittent demand pattern characterized by random arrivals interspersed with time periods with no demand at all. These characteristics cause additional difficulty for companies in managing these electric power material inventories. In response to the above problem, this paper, based on the electric power material demand data of Shanghai Electric Power Company, develops a new method to determine the optimal order quantity Q⁎ in a cost-oriented periodic review (T,Q) system, whereby unsatisfied demands are backordered and demand follows a compound Erlang distribution. Q⁎corresponds to the value of Q that gives the minimum expected total inventory holding and backordering cost. Subsequently, an empirical investigation is conducted to compare this method with the Newsvendor model. Results verify its superiority in cost savings. Ultimately, considering the complicated calculation and low efficiency of that algorithm, this paper proposes an approximation and a heuristic algorithm which have a higher level of utility in a real industrial context. The approximation algorithm simplifies the calculation process by reducing iterative times while the heuristic algorithm achieves it by generalizing the relationship between the optimal order quantity Q⁎ and mean demand interarrival rate λ.