bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Management of Severe Epistaxis during Pregnancy: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Piccioni Maria Grazia , Derme Martina , Salerno Laura , Morrocchi Elisa , Pecorini Francesco , Porpora Maria Grazia , Brunelli Roberto
Published: January 2019

Background. Epistaxis is a common problem during pregnancy. Few cases of severe epistaxis, not associated with nasal lesions or clotting disorders, were described in the literature. We reported a case of severe epistaxis in a pregnant patient, exploring all the different possible management options.Case. A 33-year-old primigravida, who was 38 weeks pregnant, presented with spontaneous severe left-sided epistaxis. Her blood pressure was into normal ranges. Clotting disorders and nasal lesions were excluded. The patient clinical worsening, due to severe anemia, and the failure of conservative treatment have imposed an emergency caesarean section, with an immediate resolution of the nasal bleeding.Conclusion. Treatment of severe epistaxis must always consider conservative measures first-line with early recourse to otolaryngologist. In general, delivery of the fetus is considered curative.
Clinically Relevant Solution for the Hypothermic Storage and Transportation of Human Multipotent Mesenchymal Stromal Cells
Authors: Petrenko Yuriy , Chudickova Milada , Vackova Irena , Groh Tomas , Kosnarova Eliska , Cejkova Jitka , Turnovcova Karolina , Petrenko Alexander , Sykova Eva , Kubinova Sarka
Published: January 2019

The wide use of human multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) in clinical trials requires a full-scale safety and identity evaluation of the cellular product and subsequent transportation between research/medical centres. This necessitates the prolonged hypothermic storage of cells prior to application. The development of new, nontoxic, and efficient media, providing high viability and well-preserved therapeutic properties of MSCs during hypothermic storage, is highly relevant for a successful clinical outcome. In this study, a simple and effective trehalose-based solution was developed for the hypothermic storage of human bone marrow MSC suspensions for further clinical applications. Human bone marrow MSCs were stored at 4°C for 24, 48, and 72 hrs in the developed buffered trehalose solution and compared to several research and clinical grade media: Plasma-Lyte® 148, HypoThermosol® FRS, and Ringer’s solution. After the storage, the preservation of viability, identity, and therapeutically associated properties of MSCs were assessed. The hypothermic storage of MSCs in the new buffered trehalose solution provided significantly higher MSC recovery rates and ability of cells for attachment and further proliferation, compared to Plasma-Lyte® 148 and Ringer’s solution, and was comparable to research-grade HypoThermosol® FRS. There were no differences in the immunophenotype, osteogenic, and adipogenic differentiation and the immunomodulatory properties of MSCs after 72 hrs of cold storage in these solutions. The obtained results together with the confirmed therapeutic properties of trehalose previously described provide sufficient evidence that the developed trehalose medium can be applied as a low-cost and efficient solution for the hypothermic storage of MSC suspensions, with a high potential for translation into clinical practice.
Coupling Synchronization Criterion of Two Hydraulic Motors in an Eccentric Rotary Vibration Machine
Authors: Luo Chun-lei , Mo Xin , Li Jin-yang , Tang Zhi-qing , Huang Song-song
Published: January 2019

In an eccentric rotating system driven by two hydraulic motors without synchronous gears, vibration coupling may help render motion stable. In order to investigate how vibration coupling influences the motion, the coupling characteristics of the vibration system were studied regarding the differences between two motors such as leakage network, coulomb damping network, and pressure loss network, and the sensitivity of the influence factors was also studied. The influence of tiny differences between the two motors, tiny differences in the motion pair structure, in the oil temperature and in the resistance coefficient on the coupling motion were discovered, and the criterion for synchronous motion were obtained consequently. The results show that the influence of the resistance coefficient difference on system motion stability is the greatest, accounting for 46.7%, and the influence of the difference in motion pair structure (e.g. motor piston clearance) is the second, accounting for 32.8%. For motors with displacement 80 ml/r, the condition of self‐synchronization is that the difference in piston clearance between the two motors is equal to or smaller than 6 μm. Experiments have proved the correctness of the theory and showed that the synchronization can be achieved by leakage compensation, damping compensation, and back‐pressure compensation of the external system by means of control when the motors rotate slowly enough for system response. The study shows that the coupling synchronous model can reduce the force of the gear for the eccentricity rotary system with synchronous gear, and that the synchronous stability can be improved for the eccentricity rotary system without synchronous gear.
Experimental Study on the High-Temperature and Low-Temperature Performance of Polyphosphoric Acid/Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene Composite-Modified Asphalt
Authors: Li Xueqian , Pei Jianzhong , Shen Jiujian , Li Rui
Published: January 2019

The high-performance asphalt materials are used to replace the ordinary road asphalt that cannot meet the requirements of natural environment and traffic situation, which is the effective way to solve poor asphalt pavement durability. In this paper, polyphosphoric acid- (PPA-) modified asphalt and polyphosphoric acid (PPA)/styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) composite-modified asphalt with different PPA content were prepared by using two-type asphalt. The effect of PPA modifier on asphalt was analyzed by using the creep elastic recovery rate, accumulating strain and creep modulus tests. The results showed that asphalt types and the PPA could significantly improve the elastic recovery rate of asphalt, reduce the cumulative strain and creep stiffness of the viscosity part, improve the high-temperature performance, and reduce the permanent deformation of the asphalt under repeated load. The high-temperature performance and low-temperature performance of PPA-modified asphalt were studied by the chemical and physical modification techniques. The advantages of modified asphalt are well developed while reducing the price of it, which has important technical and economic significance.
Fungal Keratitis: Epidemiology, Rapid Detection, and Antifungal Susceptibilities ofFusariumandAspergillusIsolates from Corneal Scrapings
Authors: Manikandan Palanisamy , Abdel-hadi Ahmed , Randhir Babu Singh Yendrembam , Revathi Rajaraman , Anita Raghavan , Banawas Saeed , Bin Dukhyil Abdul Aziz , Alshehri Bader , Shobana Coimbatore Subramanian , Panneer Selvam Kanesan , Narendran Venkatapathy
Published: January 2019

Fungal aetiology of keratitis/corneal ulcer is considered to be one of the leading causes of ocular morbidity, particularly in developing countries including India. More importantly,FusariumandAspergillusare reported commonly implicating corneal ulcer and against this background the present work was undertaken so as to understand the current epidemiological trend of the two fungal keratitis. During the project period, a total of 500 corneal scrapings were collected from suspected mycotic keratitis patients, of which 411 (82.2%) were culture positive for bacteria, fungi, and parasites. Among fungal aetiologies,Fusarium(216, 52.5% of 411) andAspergillus(68, 16.5% of 411) were predominantly determined. While the study revealed a male preponderance with both the fungal keratitis , it further brought out that polyene compounds (natamycin and amphotericin B) and azoles were active, respectively, againstFusariumspp. andAspergillusspp. Additionally, 94.1% of culture provenFusariumkeratitis and, respectively, 100% and 63.6% ofA. flavusandA. fumigatuswere confirmed by multiplex PCR. The sensitivity of the PCR employed in the present study was noted to be 10 fg/μl, 1 pg/μl, and 300 pg/μl of DNA, respectively, forFusarium,A. flavus,andA. fumigatus.Alarming fact was thatFusariumandAspergillusregionally remained to be the common cause of mycotic keratitis and theFusariumisolates had a higher antifungal resistance thanAspergillusstrains against most of the test drugs.
Traffic Flow Prediction during the Holidays Based on DFT and SVR
Authors: Luo Xianglong , Li Danyang , Zhang Shengrui
Published: January 2019

With the implementation of the freeway free policy during the holidays, traffic congestion in the freeway becomes a common phenomenon. In order to alleviate traffic pressure, traffic flow prediction during the holidays has become a problem of great concern. This paper proposes a hybrid prediction methodology combining discrete Fourier transform (DFT) with support vector regression (SVR). The common trend in the traffic flow data is extracted using DFT by setting an appropriate threshold, which is predicted by extreme extrapolation of the historical trend. The SVR method is applied to predict the residual series. The experimental results with measured data collected from the toll stations in Jiangsu province of China show that the proposed algorithm has higher accuracy compared with the traditional method, and it is an efficient method for traffic flow prediction during the holidays.
Louqin Zhisou Decoction Inhibits Mucus Hypersecretion for Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Rats by Suppressing EGFR-PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathway and Restoring Th17/Treg Balance
Authors: Feng Feng , Du Jianchao , Meng Yufeng , Guo Fang , Feng Cuiling
Published: January 2019

Airway mucus hypersecretion is the main pathogenic factor in acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) and the control of mucus secretion is closely associated with survival. Louqin Zhisou decoction (LQZS) has been found to improve lung function and reduce sputum in AECOPD patients, but the mechanism remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the mechanism of LQZS against mucus hypersecretion in lung tissues of rat AECOPD model. Wistar rats were used to establish AECOPD model by intratracheal instillation of LPS in combination with the continuous cigarette smoking. Rats were administrated LQZS/clarithromycin (CAM)/distilled water via gavage every day and all rats were sacrificed after 30 days. BALF and lung tissues were obtained. Lung morphology, cytokines levels, MUC5AC mRNA transcription and protein expression, phosphorylation of the EGFR-PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, and molecules involved in Th17/Treg balance were evaluated. The results demonstrated that LQZS protected rats from decline in pulmonary function and ameliorated lung injury. LQZS treatment decreased the number of goblet cells in airway and suppressed MUC5AC mRNA and protein expression of lung tissues. Furthermore, LQZS attenuated the level of phospho-EGFR, phospho-PI3K and phospho-AKT in AECOPD rats. In addition, LQZS could inhibit the production of proinflammatory cytokines in BALF, including IL-6 and IL-17A and downregulate the secretion of NE and MCP-1, indicating that LQZS could limit inflammatory responses in AECOPD. Moreover, LQZS reversed RORγt and Foxp3 expression, the key transcription factors of Th17 and Treg, respectively. In conclusion, this research demonstrated the inhibitory effects of LQZS against mucus hypersecretion in AECOPD via suppressing EGFR-PI3K-AKT signaling pathway and restoring Th17/Treg balance.
Peak Response Prediction for RC Beams under Impact Loading
Authors: Zhao Wuchao , Qian Jiang , Jia Pengzhao
Published: January 2019

In this paper, a novel and simple method for predicting the peak response of RC beams subjected to impact loading is proposed. The theoretical basis for calculating the peak impact force originates from the contact law, the principle of conservation of energy, the impulse‐momentum theorem, and the wave theory. Additionally, the conventional beam theory, in conjunction with the well‐known layered‐section approach, is utilized to obtain the force‐deflection relationship of the RC beam. Subsequently, by taking into account the strain rate effect, the maximum midspan deflection of RC beams under impact loading is determined based on the conservation of energy approach. A comparison with 143 impact tests has shown that the proposed method is able to estimate the maximum midspan deflection of RC beams under impact loading with high accuracy. The prediction of the peak impact force is shown to be slightly overestimated, which however can be used in the anti‐impact design to preclude the shear failure near the impact point.
Anti-de-Sitter-Maxwell-Yang-Mills Black Holes Thermodynamics from Nonlocal Observables Point of View
Authors: El Moumni H.
Published: January 2019

In this paper we analyze the thermodynamic properties of the Anti-de-Sitter black hole in the Einstein-Maxwell-Yang-Mills-AdS gravity (EMYM) via many approaches and in different thermodynamical ensembles (canonical/grand canonical). First, we give a concise overview of this phase structure in the entropy-thermal diagram for fixed charges and then we investigate this thermodynamical structure in fixed potentials ensemble. The next relevant step is recalling the nonlocal observables such as holographic entanglement entropy and two-point correlation function to show that both observables exhibit a Van der Waals-like behavior in our numerical accuracy and just near the critical line as the case of the thermal entropy for fixed charges by checking Maxwell’s equal area law and the critical exponent. In the light of the grand canonical ensemble, we also find a newly phase structure for such a black hole where the critical behavior disappears in the thermal picture as well as in the holographic one.
Quality Changes of Orange Juice after DPCD Treatment
Authors: Niu Liying , Li Dajing , Liu Chunquan , Huang Wuyang , Liao Xiaojun
Published: January 2019

Dense phase carbon dioxide (DPCD) offers advantages of enhanced physical and nutritional qualities during the processing of juices. Here, freshly squeezed orange juice was treated with DPCD, and changes of physical properties and volatile components were investigated and compared with the original untreated and thermally treated samples. The correlations among physiochemical properties were also examined based on Pearson correlation, cluster analysis (CA), and principal component analysis (PCA). Significant correlations were found among the particle size, color parameters, and volatile compounds in the DPCD-treated samples. The 12 parameters were clustered into three groups using CA and PCA, and the eight volatile compounds were separated within the three groups. Nonanal and citronellol were clustered in group I, and they increased for a longer duration of more than 40 min with higher levels than the control. Parameters in group II included D (4,3), L∗, a∗, ethyl butyrate, and trans-2-hexenol, and they linearly decreased after 10–60 min DPCD treatment. The parameters of b∗ and monoterpenes were clustered in group III, and they decreased within 40 min of DPCD treatment and then increased to an intermediate level. In addition, PCA clearly showed that the orange juice samples under DPCD for 10–60 min formed a “U” shape on the two-dimensional plot and that the samples treated by DPCD for 10 min and 20 min were closer to freshly squeezed orange juice than the heat-treated orange juice. This indicated that the nonthermal DPCD process offers the potential to be used more extensively in juice products.
Bifurcation of a Fractional-Order Delayed Malware Propagation Model in Social Networks
Authors: Xu Changjin , Liao Maoxin , Li Peiluan
Published: January 2019

In recent years, with the rapid development of the Internet and the Internet of Things, network security is urgently needed. Malware becomes a major threat to network security. Thus, the study on malware propagation model plays an important role in network security. In the past few decades, numerous researchers put up various kinds of malware propagation models to analyze the dynamic interaction. However, many works are only concerned with the integer-order malware propagation models, while the investigation on fractional-order ones is very few. In this paper, based on the earlier works, we will put up a new fractional-order delayed malware propagation model. Letting the delay be bifurcation parameter and analyzing the corresponding characteristic equations of considered system, we will establish a set of new sufficient conditions to guarantee the stability and the existence of Hopf bifurcation of fractional-order delayed malware propagation model. The study shows that the delay and the fractional order have important effect on the stability and Hopf bifurcation of considered system. To check the correctness of theoretical analyses, we carry out some computer simulations. At last, a simple conclusion is drawn. The derived results of this paper are completely innovative and play an important guiding role in network security.
Immunotherapeutic Potential of Mollusk Hemocyanins in Combination with Human Vaccine Adjuvants in Murine Models of Oral Cancer
Authors: Mora Román Juan José , Del Campo Miguel , Villar Javiera , Paolini Francesca , Curzio Gianfranca , Venuti Aldo , Jara Lilian , Ferreira Jorge , Murgas Paola , Lladser Alvaro , Manubens Augusto , Becker María Inés
Published: January 2019

Mollusk hemocyanins have been used for decades in immunological and clinical applications as natural, nontoxic, nonpathogenic, and nonspecific immunostimulants for the treatment of superficial bladder cancer, as carriers/adjuvants of tumor-associated antigens in cancer vaccine development and as adjuvants to dendritic cell-based immunotherapy, because these glycoproteins induce a bias towards Th1 immunity. Here, we analyzed the preclinical therapeutic potential of the traditional keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) and two new hemocyanins fromConcholepas concholepas(CCH) andFissurella latimarginata(FLH) in mouse models of oral squamous cell carcinoma. Due to the aggressiveness and deadly malignant potential of this cancer, the hemocyanins were applied in combination with adjuvants, such as alum, AddaVax, and QS-21, which have been shown to be safe and effective in human vaccines, to potentiate their antitumor activity. The immunogenic performance of the hemocyanins in combination with the adjuvants was compared, and the best formulation was evaluated for its antitumor effects in two murine models of oral cancer: MOC7 cells implanted in the flank (heterotopic) and bioluminescent AT-84 E7 Luc cells implanted in the floor of the mouth (orthotopic). The results demonstrated that the hemocyanins in combination with QS-21 showed the greatest immunogenicity, as reflected by a robust, specific humoral response predominantly characterized by IgG2a antibodies and a sustained cellular response manifesting as a delayed hypersensitivity reaction. The KLH- and FLH-QS-21 formulations showed reduced tumor development and greater overall survival. Hemocyanins, as opposed to QS-21, had no cytotoxic effect on either oral cancer cell line culturedin vitro, supporting the idea that the antitumor effects of hemocyanins are associated with their modulation of the immune response. Therefore, hemocyanin utilization would allow a lower QS-21 dosage to achieve therapeutic results. Overall, our study opens a new door to further investigation of the use of hemocyanins plus adjuvants for the development of immunotherapies against oral carcinoma.
Bayesian Computation Methods for Inference in Stochastic Kinetic Models
Authors: Koblents Eugenia , Mariño Inés P. , Míguez Joaquín
Published: January 2019

In this paper we investigate Monte Carlo methods for the approximation of the posterior probability distributions in stochastic kinetic models (SKMs). SKMs are multivariate Markov jump processes that model the interactions among species in biological systems according to a set of usually unknown parameters. The tracking of the species populations together with the estimation of the interaction parameters is a Bayesian inference problem for which Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods have been a typical computational tool. Specifically, the particle MCMC (pMCMC) method has been shown to be effective, while computationally demanding method applicable to this problem. Recently, it has been shown that an alternative approach to Bayesian computation, namely, the class of adaptive importance samplers, may be more efficient than classical MCMC‐like schemes, at least for certain applications. For example, the nonlinear population Monte Carlo (NPMC) algorithm has yielded promising results with a low dimensional SKM (the classical predator‐prey model). In this paper we explore the application of both pMCMC and NPMC to analyze complex autoregulatory feedback networks modelled by SKMs. We demonstrate numerically how the populations of the relevant species in the network can be tracked and their interaction rates estimated, even in scenarios with partial observations. NPMC schemes attain an appealing trade‐off between accuracy and computational cost that can make them advantageous in many practical applications.
Blood Pressure Classification Using the Method of the Modular Neural Networks
Authors: Pulido Martha , Melin Patricia , Prado-Arechiga German
Published: January 2019

In this paper, we present a new model based on modular neural networks (MNN) to classify a patient’s blood pressure level (systolic and diastolic pressure and pulse). Tests are performed with the Levenberg-Marquardt (trainlm) and scaled conjugate gradient backpropagation (traincsg) training methods. The modular neural network architecture is formed by three modules. In the first module we consider the diastolic pressure data; in the second module we use details of the systolic pressure; in the third module, pulse data is used and the response integration is performed with the average method. The goal is to design the best MNN architecture for achieving an accurate classification. The results of the model show that MNN presents an excellent classification for blood pressure. The contribution of this work is related to helping the cardiologist in providing a good diagnosis and patient treatment and allows the analysis of the behavior of blood pressure in relation to the corresponding diagnosis, in order to prevent heart disease.
Relationships of SLC2A4, RBP4, PCK1, and PI3K Gene Polymorphisms with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in a Chinese Population
Authors: Hu Shimin , Ma Shujuan , Li Xun , Tian Zhengwen , Liang Huiling , Yan Junxia , Chen Mengshi , Tan Hongzhuan
Published: January 2019

Background. Solute carrier family 2 member 4- (SLC2A4-) retinol binding protein-4- (RBP4-) phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 1 (PCK1)/phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) is an adipocyte derived “signalling pathway” that may contribute to the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We explored whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of these “signalling pathway” genes are associated with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Methods. Case-control studies were conducted to compare GDM and control groups. A total of 334 cases and 367 controls were recruited. Seventeen candidate SNPs of the pathway were selected. Chi-square tests, logistic regression, and linear regression were used to estimate the relationships of SNPs with GDM risk and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), fasting insulin, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) levels. Model-based multifactor dimensionality reduction was used to estimate the adjusted interactions between genes. Regression and interaction analyses were adjusted by maternal age, prepregnancy BMI, and weekly BMI growth. The Bonferroni correction was applied for multiple comparisons. Results. RBP4 rs7091052 was significantly associated with GDM risk. SLC2A4 rs5435, RBP4 rs7091052, PCK1 rs1042531 and rs2236745, and PIK3R1 (coding gene of the PI3K P85 subunit) rs34309 were associated with OGTT, fasting insulin, and HOMA-IR levels in the linear regression analysis. The gene-gene interaction analysis showed that, compared with pregnant women with other genotype combinations, women with SLC2A4 rs5435 (CC/CT), RBP4 rs7091052 (CC), PCK1 rs1042531 (TT/TG) and rs2236745 (TT), and PIK3R1 rs34309 (AA) had lower GDM risk. Conclusion. SLC2A4, RBP4, PCK1, and PIK3R1 genes may be involved in the pathogenesis of GDM.
High-Amplitude Gastric Contractions following Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy
Authors: Zhou Jerry , Jameson Carolyn , Ho Vincent
Published: January 2019

A proportion of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy patients experience symptoms of regurgitation and epigastric pain postoperation. The appearance of gastric sleeve contractions has been documented but its implications have not been adequately investigated. This case describes a 61-year-old female following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. The patient underwent high-resolution impedance esophageal manometry that identified compartmentalized pressurization leading to propagating contractions throughout the gastric sleeve. Combined treatment with calcium channel blockers and gastric sleeve dilation relieved all symptoms. This case highlights the application of high-resolution impedance esophageal manometry to assess motor function and bolus transit in patients following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.
Improving Electrochemical Activity in a Semi-V-I Redox Flow Battery by Using a C–TiO2–Pd Composite Electrode
Authors: Chen Tsung-Sheng , Huang Shu-Ling , Chen Mei-Ling , Tsai Tz-Jiun , Lin Yung-Sheng
Published: January 2019

This study developed composite electrodes used in a semi-vanadium/iodine redox flow battery (semi-V-I RFB) system and designed semi-V-I RFB stacks to provide performance comparable to that of an all-vanadium redox flow battery (all-VRFB) system. These electrodes were modified using the electroless plating method and sol-gel process. The basic characteristics of the composited electrodes, such as the surface structural morphology, metal crystal phases, and electrochemical properties, were verified through cyclic voltammetry, field emission-scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry, and X-ray diffraction. The results show that the sintering C–TiO2–Pd electrode improved the electrocatalytic activity of the semi-V-I RFB system, thereby effectively increasing the energy storage ability of the system. The C–TiO2–Pd electrode was used as a negative electrode in a single semi-V-I RFB and exhibited excellent cyclic performance in a charge-discharge test of 50 cycles. The average values for coulomb efficiency, voltage efficiency, and energy efficiency were approximately 96.56%, 84.12%, and 81.23%, respectively. Moreover, the semi-V-I RFB stacks were designed using series or parallel combination methods that can effectively provide the desired operating voltage and linearly increase the power capacity. The amount of vanadium salt required to fabricate the semi-V-I RFB system can be reduced by combining large stack modules of the system. Therefore, this system not only reduced costs but also exhibited potential for applications in energy storage systems.
Optimizing Location of Car-Sharing Stations Based on Potential Travel Demand and Present Operation Characteristics: The Case of Chengdu
Authors: Cheng Yu , Chen Xu , Ding Xiaohua , Zeng Linting
Published: January 2019

Car-sharing is becoming an increasingly popular travel mode in China and many companies invest plenty of money on that including vehicle enterprises and Internet companies. But most of them build car-sharing stations by their experience or randomly as long as there is parking space in the early development of their business. This results in many stations with low operational efficiency and causes capital loss. This study aims to use different data source with statistical models and machine learning algorithm to help car-sharing operator to choose the optimal location of new stations and adjust the location of existing stations. We select Chengdu where there are huge amounts of car-sharing travel demand and several large car-sharing operators as the research area and two main operators as the research objects. Chengdu is divided into 58724 squared grids each of which is 0.5km⁎0.5km instead of focusing on the buffers generated by stations. We try to find a model to estimate a potential travel demand value for each small grid with three data sources: order data, population data, and Point of Interest (POI) data. This problem is transformed into a binary form and five different methods, Logistic Regression, Logistic Regression with LASSO, Naive Bayes, Linear Discriminant Analysis, and Quadratic Discriminant Analysis, are implemented. The optimal model, Logistic Regression with LASSO, is chosen to estimate the probability of existence of demand in all grids. With car-sharing order data from different operators, an existing order heat value is also computed for each grid. Then we analyze and classify all the grids into four groups. For different groups of grids, we give different suggestions on the optimal location of stations. This study focuses on a more competitive market and finds the influential factors on order number. Suggestions on the optimal location of stations are given in consideration of competitors. We hope that our research can help operators improve their business and make rational plans.
Mechanisms of Resistance to Silver Nanoparticles in Endodontic Bacteria: A Literature Review
Authors: Salas-Orozco Marco , Niño-Martínez Nereyda , Martínez-Castañón Gabriel-Alejandro , Méndez Fernando Torres , Jasso Martha Eugenia Compean , Ruiz Facundo
Published: January 2019

In recent years, the use and research in nanomaterials have increased considerably. In dentistry, nanomaterials have been investigated in all their specialties like dental prosthesis, implantology, dental operative, periodontics, and endodontics. The nanomaterials are investigated in the areas of dentistry due to their application in the improvement of the physical and chemical properties of conventional materials, as well as the use of the antimicrobial activity of nanomaterials such as silver nanoparticles. Recently, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been studied for their use as an endodontic irrigator due to their high antimicrobial activity. But little is known about the possible mechanisms of the adaptation to AgNPs by endodontic bacteria. These mechanisms may be intrinsic (such as efflux pumps, downregulation of porins, and chromosomal resistance genes) or extrinsic (such as point and adaptive mutations and plasmids with resistance genes) adaptation systems. In addition to this, it has been reported that coselection or coregulation of metal resistance mechanisms, as in the case of nanoparticles, is accompanied by increased resistance to various antibiotics. For these reasons, the objective of this article is to do a review of the literature on the possible mechanisms used by endodontic bacteria to generate resistance to silver nanoparticles and the possible side effects of these mechanisms.
Peridynamic Open-Hole Tensile Strength Prediction of Fiber-Reinforced Composite Laminate Using Energy-Based Failure Criteria
Authors: Jiang Xiao-Wei , Wang Hai , Guo Shijun
Published: January 2019

In the present study, peridynamic (PD) open-hole tensile (OHT) strength prediction of fiber-reinforced composite laminate using energy-based failure criteria is conducted. Spherical-horizon peridynamic laminate theory (PDLT) model is used. Energy-based failure criteria are introduced into the model. Delamination fracture modes can be distinguished in the present energy-based failure criteria. Three OHT testing results of fiber-reinforced composite laminate are chosen from literatures and used as benchmarks to validate the present PD composite model with energy-based failure criteria. It is shown that the PD predicted OHT strength fits the experimental results quite well. From the predicted displacement field, the fracture surface can be clearly detected. Typical damage modes of composite, fiber breakage, matrix crack, and delamination, are also illustrated in detail for each specimen. Numerical results in the present study validate the accuracy and reliability of the present PD composite model with energy-based failure criteria.
Performance of Three Reanalysis Precipitation Datasets over the Qinling-Daba Mountains, Eastern Fringe of Tibetan Plateau, China
Authors: Wang Gefei , Zhang Xiaowen , Zhang Shiqiang
Published: January 2019

Evaluation of different reanalysis precipitation datasets is of great importance to understanding the hydrological processes and water resource management practice in the Qinling-Daba Mountains (QDM), located at the eastern fringe of the Tibetan Plateau. Although the evaluation of satellite precipitation data in this region has been performed, another kind of popular precipitation product-reanalysis dataset has not been assessed in depth. Three popular reanalysis precipitation datasets, including ERA-Interim Reanalysis of European Centre for Medium Forecasts (ERA-Interim), Japanese 55-year Reanalysis (JRA-55), and National Centers for Environmental Prediction/National Center for Atmospheric Research Reanalysis-1 (NCEP/NCAR-1) were evaluated against rain gauge data over the Qinling-Daba Mountains from 2000 to 2014 on monthly, seasonal, and annual scales. Different statistical measures based on the Correlation Coefficient (CC), relative BIAS (BIAS), Root-Mean-Square Error (RMSE), and Mean Absolute Error (MAE) were adopted to determine the performance of the above reanalysis datasets. Results show that ERA-Interim and JRA-55 have good performance on a monthly scale and annual scale. However, the NCEP/NCAR-1 has the least BIAS with the observed precipitation in annual scale in QDM. All reanalysis datasets performed better in spring, summer, and autumn than in winter. The advantages of involving more precipitation observation stations was probably the main reason of the different performance of three precipitation reanalysis products, and the benefit of a four-dimensional variational analysis model over a three-dimensional variational analysis model may be another reason. The evaluation suggested that ERA-Interim is more suitable for study the precipitation and water cycles in the QDM.
Imperatorin Suppresses Anaphylactic Reaction and IgE-Mediated Allergic Responses by Inhibiting Multiple Steps of FceRI Signaling in Mast Cells: IMP Alleviates Allergic Responses in PCA
Authors: Xian Zhemin , Jin Guangyu , Li Hongmei , Jiang Jingzhi , Wang Chongyang , Zhu Lianhua , Jin Zhehu , Li Liangchang , Piao Hongmei , Zheng Mingyu , Yan Guanghai
Published: January 2019

This study is to investigate the effects of imperatorin (IMP) on allergic responses mediated by mast cells, both in vitro and in vivo. Passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) model was established. Histological detection was performed to assess the ear histology. ELISA and Western blot analysis were used to detect the levels of corresponding cytokines and signalling pathway proteins. IMP decreased the leakage of Evans blue and the ear thickness in the PCA models, in a dose-dependent manner, and alleviated the degranulation of mast cells. Moreover, IMP reduced the expression of TNF-α, IL-4, IL-1β, IL-8, and IL-13. Furthermore, IMP inhibited the phosphorylation levels of Syk, Lyn, PLC-γ1, and Gab2, as well as the downstream MAPK, PI3K/AKT, and NF-κB signaling pathways. In addition, IMP inhibited the mast cell-mediated allergic responses through the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. IMP attenuates the allergic responses through inhibiting the degranulation and decreasing the expression levels of proinflammatory cytokines in the mast cells, involving the PI3K/Akt, MAPK, NF-κB, and Nrf2/HO-1 pathways.
Ecoepidemiological Model and Analysis of MSV Disease Transmission Dynamics in Maize Plant
Authors: Alemneh Haileyesus Tessema , Makinde Oluwole Daniel , Mwangi Theuri David
Published: January 2019

In this paper, an ecoepidemiological deterministic model for the transmission dynamics of maize streak virus (MSV) disease in maize plant is proposed and analysed qualitatively using the stability theory of differential equations.The basic reproduction number with respect to the MSV free equilibrium is obtained using next generation matrix approach. The conditions for local and global asymptotic stability of MSV free and endemic equilibria are established. The model exhibits forward bifurcation and the sensitivity indices of various embedded parameters with respect to the MSV eradication or spreading are determined. Numerical simulation is performed and dispalyed graphically to justify the analytical results.
Robust Conditions for Iterative Learning Control in State Feedback and Output Injection Paradigm
Authors: Alsubaie Muhammad A. , Alhajri Mubarak KH. , Altowaim Tarek S. , Salamah Salem H.
Published: January 2019

A robust Iterative Learning Control (ILC) design that uses state feedback and output injection for linear time-invariant systems is reintroduced. ILC is a control tool that is used to overcome periodic disturbances in repetitive systems acting on the system input. The design basically depends on the small gain theorem, which suggests isolating a modeled disturbance system and finding the overall transfer function around the delay model. This assures disturbance accommodation if stability conditions are achieved. The reported design has a lack in terms of the uncertainty issue. This study considered the robustness issue by investigating and setting conditions to improve the system performance in the ILC design against a system’s unmodeled dynamics. The simulation results obtained for two different systems showed an improvement in the stability margin in the case of system perturbation.
A Rare Occurrence of Isolated Brain Metastases from Gastric Cancer
Authors: Karamchandani Manish M. , Ganti Tej , Jaiswal Sunny , Wu Julian K. , Saif Muhammad Wasif
Published: January 2019

Background. Gastric cancer is the fourth most common cancer worldwide and the second most common cause of cancer-related death. The majority of newly diagnosed gastric cancer cases present either as locally advanced tumor growth or with distant metastases.Case Report. Here, we describe a case of isolated brain metastases in a male patient with gastric cancer. Initially, our patient presented with dysphagia and was diagnosed with gastric cancer after a thorough evaluation. One year after chemotherapy and surgical resection of his gastric cancer, he presented with headaches, nausea, dizziness, and photophobia. Further evaluation of these symptoms led to the discovery of three metastatic brain lesions without evidence of extracranial metastases.Conclusions. Our review of the literature has found that such cases are rare. Additionally, our review of the literature demonstrates the poor outcomes associated with metastatic brain lesions from gastric cancer and highlights the importance of surgical resection in increasing overall survival time.
Diagnostic and Prognostic Values of BMPER in Patients with Urosepsis following Ureteroscopic Lithotripsy
Authors: Xu Chang Geng , Guo Yong Lian
Published: January 2019

The present study aims to investigate the risk factors for urosepsis and the diagnostic and prognostic values of the bone morphogenetic protein endothelial cell precursor-derived regulator (BMPER) in patients with urosepsis following ureteroscopic lithotripsy. A total of 305 patients with unilateral ureteral obstruction caused by calculi were included in the study. Patients were divided into three groups, namely, high, medium, and low perfusion pressure groups. The serum C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, lactate (LAC), and BMPER were measured after operation. A logistic regression model was used to assess the risk factors for postoperative urosepsis. The relationships of BMPER with laboratory parameters were explored with a multiple linear regression model. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to diagnosis urosepsis. The cumulative incidence of the adverse events after operation was calculated and compared by log-rank test. Forty-five patients (14.8%) had an episode of urosepsis after operation. Irrigation pressure was an independent risk factor for urosepsis. LAC and sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) were associated with BMPER after operation. The area under curve value of BMPER for urosepsis was 0.829 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.773 to 0.884). Uroseptic patients with higher BMPER concentration exhibited more adverse outcome. BMPER possesses valuable discriminative capacity for urosepsis and is a strong predictor of adverse outcome in patients with urosepsis.
A Study of a Wide-Angle Scanning Phased Array Based on a High-Impedance Surface Ground Plane
Authors: Lan Tian , Li Qiu-Cui , Dou Yu-Shen , Jiang Xun-Ya
Published: January 2019

This paper presents a two-dimensional infinite dipole array system with a mushroom-like high-impedance surface (HIS) ground plane with wide-angle scanning capability in the E-plane. The unit cell of the proposed antenna array consists of a dipole antenna and a four-by-four HIS ground. The simulation results show that the proposed antenna array can achieve a wide scanning angle of up to 65° in the E-plane with an excellent impedance match and a small S11. Floquet mode analysis is utilized to analyze the active impedance and the reflection coefficient. Good agreement is obtained between the theoretical results and the simulations. Using numerical and theoretical analyses, we reveal the mechanism of such excellent wide scanning properties. For the range of small scanning angles, these excellent properties result mainly from the special reflection phase of the HIS ground, which can cause the mutual coupling between the elements of the real array to be compensated by the mutual coupling effect between the real array and the mirror array. For the range of large scanning angles, since the surface wave (SW) mode could be resonantly excited by a high-order Floquet mode TM−1,0 from the array and since the SW mode could be converted into a leaky wave (LW) mode by the scattering of the array, the radiation field from the LW mode is nearly in phase with the direct radiating field from the array. Therefore, with help from the special reflection phase of the HIS and the designed LW mode of the HIS ground, the antenna array with an HIS ground can achieve a wide-angle scanning performance.
Formation Tracking via Iterative Learning Control for Multiagent Systems with Diverse Communication Time‐Delays
Authors: Zhang Jialu , Fang Yong , Li Chenlong , Zhu Wenbo
Published: January 2019

In this paper, we consider the formation tracking problem for multiagent systems with diverse communication time‐delays by using iterative learning control (ILC) method based on the frequency domain analysis. A first‐order ILC law for multiagent systems with diverse communication time‐delays is first proposed and its convergence conditions are given by the general Nyquist stability criterion and Gershgorin’s disk theorem. Then, in order for the system to track accurately, a second‐order ILC law is presented. The conditions for system tracking with zero error are established. Numerical simulations show that the proposed ILC laws for multiagent systems with diverse communication time‐delays are able to achieve effectively formation tracking. And the convergence speed remains the same as the learning control algorithm without communication delay.
In Vivo Effects of Neostigmine and Physostigmine on Neutrophil Functions and Evaluation of Acetylcholinesterase and Butyrylcholinesterase as Inflammatory Markers during Experimental Sepsis in Rats
Authors: Bitzinger Diane I. , Gruber Michael , Tümmler Simon , Malsy Manuela , Seyfried Timo , Weber Florian , Redel Andreas , Graf Bernhard M. , Zausig York A.
Published: January 2019

Introduction. Recent studies have shown that acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) may serve as important diagnostic and therapeutic targets in sepsis. Since polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) play a pivotal role in the early phase of sepsis, we evaluated the potential therapeutic effects of cholinesterase inhibitors on PMN functions during cecal ligation and puncture- (CLP-) induced sepsis and investigated the roles of AChE and BChE as inflammatory markers under standardized experimental conditions.Methods. Sham surgery or CLP was performed in male Wistar rats (n=60). Animals were randomized into four groups: physostigmine, 100 μg/kg; neostigmine, 75 μg/kg; 0.9% saline (control group); and sham group, each applied four times over 24 h. The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and CD11b/CD62l expression were quantified by flow cytometry att=0, 6, 15, 20, and 24 h. Blood gas analysis as well as AChE and BChE activity levels was measured by validated point-of-care measurements. Clinical scores and survival times were determined.Results. CLP induced a significant increase in ROS production and CD11b upregulation by rat PMNs. Treatment with physostigmine or neostigmine significantly reduced ROS production and CD11b upregulation by PMNs 20 h after CLP induction. In physostigmine-treated animals, survival times were significantly improved compared to the control animals, but not in neostigmine-treated animals. While AChE activity significantly decreased in the control animals att>6 h, AChE activity did not change in the sham group. BChE activity decreased att>20 hin the control animals.Conclusion. While AChE activity may serve as an acute inflammatory marker, BChE activity shows a delayed decrease. Administration of centrally acting physostigmine in CLP-induced sepsis in rats has protective effects on PMN functions and improves survival times, which may be of interest in clinical practice.
Physicobiochemical Characteristics and Chondrogenic Differentiation of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells (hBM-MSCs) in Biodegradable Porous Sponge Bovine Cartilage Scaffold
Authors: Utomo Dwikora Novembri , Mahyudin Ferdiansyah , Wardhana Teddy Heri , Purwati Purwati , Brahmana Febrian , Gusti Agrippina Waya Rahmaning
Published: January 2019

Tissue engineering had been believed to overcome the limitation of cartilage lesions treatment. Nowadays the studies focus on using mesenchymal stem cells in scaffold. A biodegradable porous sponge bovine cartilage scaffold is expected to have the physicobiochemical characterization to promote chondrogenic differentiation of hBM-MSCs. Scaffold from bovine cartilage was printed in 5 mm diameter sponge, categorized into nondecellularized (SBCS) and decellularized (DSBCS). Physical characteristics (pore diameter and interconnectivity) were done using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Biodegradability assessment used Phosphate Buffered Saline in 15, 30, 60 minutes, 6, 24, 48, 72 hours, and 1, 2 weeks. The swelling ratios were counted in 5, 10, 15, 30, 60, and 360 minutes. Biochemical characteristics were obtained by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for type II collagen, aggrecan, and Transforming Growth Factors-β (TGF-β). Data were statistically compared. hBM-MSCs were seeded on both scaffolds. Histological examination used hematoxylin-eosin taken at the 2nd and 4th weeks after seeding. There was no significant difference (p=0.473; p=0.142) on mean porosity 90.07 ± 4.64% vs. 88.93 ± 4.18% and pore diameter 111.83 ± 14.23 μm vs. 105.29 ± 11.14 μm assessment between SBCS and DSBCS groups. Scaffolds from both groups showed pore interconnectivity. DSBCS group had faster biodegradability. SBCS group sweals better. SBCS group contains type II collagen, aggrecan, and TGF-β with mean values 380.78 ± 18.63 ng/ml, 30.71 ± 4.50 ng/ml, and 130.12 ± 7.73 ng/ml, respectively, while DSBCS contained type II collagen, aggrecan, and TGF-β with mean values 64.83 ± 13.54 ng/ml, 8.41 ± 2.38 ng/ml, and 16.39 ± 4.49 ng/ml, respectively. The results were statistically different (p<0.001). Chondrocytes were found within scaffold on the 2nd and 4th weeks. Physicobiochemical characteristic of biodegradable sponge bovine cartilage scaffold promotes chondrogenic differentiation of hBM-MSCs.