bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cholesterol induced heart valve inflammation and injury: efficacy of cholesterol lowering treatment
Authors: El-Khatib Layan A , De Feijter-Rupp Heather , Janoudi Abed , Fry Levi , Kehdi Michael , Abela George S
Published: August 2020

Background

Heart valves often undergo a degenerative process leading to mechanical dysfunction that requires valve replacement. This process has been compared with atherosclerosis because of shared pathology and risk factors. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the role of inflammation triggered by cholesterol infiltration and cholesterol crystals formation causing mechanical and biochemical injury in heart valves.

Methods

Human and atherosclerotic rabbit heart valves were evaluated. New Zealand White male rabbits were fed an enriched cholesterol diet alone or with simvastatin and ezetimibe simultaneous or after 6 months of initiating cholesterol diet. Inflammation was measured using C-reactive protein (CRP) and RAM 11 of tissue macrophage content. Cholesterol crystal presence and content in valves was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy.

Results

Cholesterol diet alone induced cholesterol infiltration of valves with associated increased inflammation. Tissue cholesterol, CRP levels and RAM 11 were significantly lower in simvastatin and ezetimibe rabbit groups compared with cholesterol diet alone. However, the treatment was effective only when initiated with a cholesterol diet but not after lipid infiltration in valves. Aortic valve cholesterol content was significantly greater than all other cardiac valves. Extensive amounts of cholesterol crystals were noted in rabbit valves on cholesterol diet and in diseased human valves.

Conclusions

Prevention of valve infiltration with cholesterol and reduced inflammation by simvastatin and ezetimibe was effective only when given during the initiation of high cholesterol diet but was not effective when given following infiltration of cholesterol into the valve matrix.
Modeling study of dredging induced sediment plume transport in Hamilton Harbour
Authors: He Cheng , Chittibabu Padala , Graham Matthew
Published: August 2020

To assess and predict the direction and range of a dredging induced contaminated sediment plume on the surrounding environment, a three-dimensional hydrodynamic and mud transport modeling system MIKE 3-FM was used in the Randle Reef area of Hamilton Harbour. Simulations were carried out with the typical local and maximum winds under which the dredging operation would proceed. The dredge plume travel pattern and range in both horizontal and vertical planes are examined under various wind conditions and model mesh resolutions. It was found that the simulated plume extents were very sensitive to transport model mesh resolution due to the additional numerical advection induced in the calculations. Detailed discussion of this particular issue has not been observed in other publications. The results of this simulation provide useful information for remediation project managers in planning and guiding the environmental monitoring of dredging operations. In addition, the methodology used in this study can be adapted to other dredging projects.
Wormholes in 4D Einstein–Gauss–Bonnet gravity
Authors: Jusufi Kimet , Banerjee Ayan , Ghosh Sushant G.
Published: August 2020

Recent times witnessed a significant interest in regularizing, a $$ D \rightarrow 4 $$D→4 limit, of EGB gravity initiated by Glavan and Lin [Phys. Rev. Lett. 124, 081301 (2020)] by re-scaling GB coupling constant as $$\alpha /(D-4)$$α/(D-4) and taking limit $$D \rightarrow 4$$D→4, and in turn these regularized 4D gravities have nontrivial gravitational dynamics. Interestingly, the maximally or spherically symmetric solution to all the regularized gravities coincides in the 4D case. In view of this, we obtain an exact spherically symmetric wormhole solution in the 4D EGB gravity for an isotropic and anisotropic matter sources. In this regard, we consider also a wormhole with a specific radial-dependent shape function, a power-law density profile as well as by imposing a particular equation of state. To this end, we analyze the flare-out conditions, embedding diagrams, energy conditions and the volume integral quantifier. In particular our −ve branch results, in the limit $$\alpha \rightarrow 0$$α→0, reduced exactly to vis-$$\grave{a}$$a`-vis 4D Morris-Thorne of GR.
Link prediction based on the powerful combination of endpoints and neighbors
Authors: Gao Tianrun , Zhu Xuzhen
Published: August 2020

Performance improvement of topological similarity-based link prediction models becomes an important research in complex networks. In the models based on node influence, researchers mainly consider the roles of endpoints or neighbors. Through investigations, we find that an endpoint with large influence has many neighbors. Meanwhile, the neighbors connect with more nodes besides endpoint, meaning that the endpoint can transmit extensive influence by the powerful combination of itself and neighbors. In addition, we evaluate the node influence by degree because the degree represents the number of neighbors accurately. In this paper, through focusing on the degree of endpoints and neighbors, we propose the powerful combination of endpoints and neighbors (PCEN) model. Experiments on twelve real network datasets demonstrate that the proposed model has better prediction performances than the traditional models.
How to Take Both Non-Linearity and Asymmetry (Skewness) into Account in Binary Decision Making: Skew-Probit and Skew-Logit in Binary Kink Regression
Authors: Maneejuk Paravee
Published: August 2020

In many practical situations, it is desirable to predict binary (“yes”–“no”) decisions made by people. The traditional approach to this prediction assumes that the utility linearly depends on the corresponding parameters, and that the distribution of the difference between predicted and actual utility is symmetric — usually normal or logistic; the corresponding techniques are known as, correspondingly, probit and logit. In real life, utility often non-linearly depends on the parameters, and the corresponding distributions are asymmetric (skewed). There are techniques for dealing with non-linearity; the most widely used such technique — called kink regression — uses piece-wise linear approximations to the utility. There are also techniques that take into account the distribution’s asymmetry; usually, they are based on using special asymmetric distributions: skew-normal and skew-logistic. In this paper, we show how these two techniques to be combined to take into account both non-linearity and asymmetry. On a real-life example, we show that the new technique indeed leads to a better description of human binary decision-making.
On Statistics of Random Sets for Partial Identification of Econometric Structures
Authors: Sirisrisakulchai Jirakom , Le Chon Van , Pham Uyen
Published: August 2020

In this paper, we emphasize and elaborate on two important and relatively new aspects in uncertainty analysis in order to increase the credibility of empirical results in statistics in general, and in econometrics in particular, namely, the problem of partial identification, and the use of random set statistics. We elaborate on the current interests in partially identified models, exemplified by econometric structures involving copulas. We spell out the rationale and the statistical methods based upon random set theory for analyzing partial identification problem towards credible econometrics.
Bonseyes AI Pipeline—Bringing AI to You
Authors: Prado Miguel De , Su Jing , Saeed Rabia , Keller Lorenzo , Vallez Noelia , Anderson Andrew , Gregg David , Benini Luca , Llewellynn Tim , Ouerhani Nabil , Dahyot Rozenn , Pazos Nuria
Published: August 2020

Next generation of embedded Information and Communication Technology (ICT) systems are interconnected and collaborative systems able to perform autonomous tasks. The remarkable expansion of the embedded ICT market, together with the rise and breakthroughs of Artificial Intelligence (AI), have put the focus on the
Edge
as it stands as one of the keys for the next technological revolution: the seamless integration of AI in our daily life. However, training and deployment of custom AI solutions on embedded devices require a fine-grained integration of data, algorithms, and tools to achieve high accuracy and overcome functional and non-functional requirements. Such integration requires a high level of expertise that becomes a real bottleneck for small and medium enterprises wanting to deploy AI solutions on the
Edge
, which, ultimately, slows down the adoption of AI on applications in our daily life.

In this work, we present a modular AI pipeline as an integrating framework to bring data, algorithms, and deployment tools together. By removing the integration barriers and lowering the required expertise, we can interconnect the different stages of particular tools and provide a modular end-to-end development of AI products for embedded devices. Our AI pipeline consists of four modular main steps:
(i)
data ingestion,
(ii)
model training,
(iii)
deployment optimization, and
(iv)
the IoT hub integration. To show the effectiveness of our pipeline, we provide examples of different AI applications during each of the steps. Besides, we integrate our deployment framework, Low-Power Deep Neural Network (LPDNN), into the AI pipeline and present its lightweight architecture and deployment capabilities for embedded devices. Finally, we demonstrate the results of the AI pipeline by showing the deployment of several AI applications such as keyword spotting, image classification, and object detection on a set of well-known embedded platforms, where LPDNN consistently outperforms all other popular deployment frameworks.
Sustainability Science: Toward a Synthesis
Authors: Clark William C. , Harley Alicia G.
Published: August 2020

This review synthesizes diverse approaches that researchers have brought to bear on the challenge of sustainable development. We construct an integrated framework highlighting the union set of elements and relationships that those approaches have shown to be useful in explaining nature–society interactions in multiple contexts. Compelling evidence has accumulated that those interactions should be viewed as a globally interconnected, complex adaptive system in which heterogeneity, nonlinearity, and innovation play formative roles. The long-term evolution of that system cannot be predicted but can be understood and partially guided through dynamic interventions. Research has identified six capacities necessary to support such interventions in guiding development pathways toward sustainability. These are capacities to ( a) measure sustainable development, ( b) promote equity, ( c) adapt to shocks and surprises, ( d) transform the system into more sustainable development pathways, ( e) link knowledge with action, and ( f) devise governance arrangements that allow people to work together in exercising the other capacities.
Alkaline Stability of Pure Aliphatic-based Anion Exchange Membranes Containing Cycloaliphatic Quaternary Ammonium Cations
Authors: Wang Zhongyang , Parrondo Javier , Sankarasubramanian Shrihari , Bhattacharyya Kaustava , Ghosh Manasi , Ramani Vijay
Published: August 2020

The alkaline stability of functional cations tethered to anion exchange membranes (AEMs) is essential for long-term operation in electrochemical devices. Here, we report the use of AEMs with pure aliphatic polymer backbones containing N-spirocyclic quaternary ammonium cation groups as highly conductive, crosslinked, and reinforced separators. Synthesizing these pure aliphatic-based AEMs via irradiation with ultraviolet (UV) light at room temperature avoids the use of carcinogenic solvents and the solution casting step generally used in AEM preparation. The resultant aliphatic-based AEMs have a chloride ion conductivity of 82 mS cm−1 at 70 °C with an ion exchange capacity (IEC) of 3.0 ± 0.2 mmol g−1. The aliphatic-based AEM retains 40% of its initial IEC after immersion in 1 M KOH at 80 °C for 30 d. A direct nucleophilic substitution degradation mechanism is proposed for such AEMs, based on FT-IR, solid state 13C-NMR spectroscopy, and XPS.
An Efficient Electrochemical Tanks-in-Series Model for Lithium-Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Parke Caitlin D. , Subramaniam Akshay , Kolluri Suryanarayana , Schwartz Daniel T. , Subramanian Venkat R.
Published: August 2020

This article applies and efficiently implements the Tanks-in-Series methodology (J. Electrochem. Soc., 167, 013534 (2020)) to generate a computationally efficient electrochemical model for Lithium Sulfur batteries. The original Tank model approach for Lithium-ion batteries is modified to account for porosity changes with time. In addition, exponential scaling is introduced that enables efficient simulation of the model equations to address a wide range of time constants present for different reactions in Lithium-sulfur system. The tank model achieves acceptable voltage error even for relatively aggressive conditions of discharge. Predictions of internal electrochemical variables are examined, and electrochemical implications of the approximations discussed. This suggests significant potential for real-time applications such as optimal charging, cell-balancing and estimation, and represents a step forward in efforts to incorporate detailed electrochemical models in advanced Battery Management Systems for Lithium-Sulfur batteries.
Vaccinations Do Not Increase Arthritis Flares in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: A Study of the Relationship between Routine Childhood Vaccinations on the Australian Immunisation Schedule and Arthritis Activity in Children with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Authors: Alfayadh Naba M. , Gowdie Peter J. , Akikusa Jonathan D. , Easton Mee Lee , Buttery Jim P.
Published: August 2020

Background. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a collective term for a group of inflammatory conditions of uncertain origin, which causes chronic arthritis in one or more joints. The clinical course of JIA is characterised by episodes of increased activity, termed flares. Vaccinations have previously been proposed as a “trigger” for some flares, although evidence supporting this is scant. Objective. To explore whether routine childhood vaccinations are associated with an increased risk of flares of arthritis activity in children with JIA. Methods. Patients aged below 6 years with a diagnosis of JIA were recruited from the Rheumatology Clinical Database at the Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, Australia, from 1 January 2010 to 30 April 2016. Patient immunisation status was cross-checked with the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register (ACIR). The self-controlled case series methodology (Rowhani-Rahbar et al., 2012) was applied to determine whether the risk of arthritis flares in the three months following immunisation was greater than the baseline risk for each patient. Results. 138 patients were included in the study. 32 arthritis flares occurred in the 90 days following immunisation. The risk of arthritis flares during the 90 days following immunisation was reduced compared with patients’ baseline risk (RR 0.59 (95% CI 0.39-0.89, p=0.012)). Conclusion. Routine childhood immunisations were not associated with arthritis flare onset in patients with JIA. The risk of arthritis flares in the 90 days following vaccination was lower than the baseline risk. In the context of COVID19, vaccination will not increase interaction with the healthcare system beyond the immunisation encounter.
Effectiveness and Safety of Botulinum Toxin Type A in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia
Authors: Zhou Yaguang , Yu Shui , Zhao Jimin , Feng Xinyue , Zhang Meinan , Zhao Zigang
Published: August 2020

Background. Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) represents the most frequent clinical complaint encountered by dermatologists and is characterized by a progressive miniaturization of the hair follicle. However, the efficacy and safety of current medical treatment remain limited, and more personalized therapeutic approaches for AGA are needed. Therefore, the present study is aimed at investigating the efficacy and safety of botulinum toxin type A (BTA) in patients with AGA. Methods. 63 patients with AGA meeting the inclusion criteria were included in this study and treated with BTA injection or BTA injection combined with oral finasteride (FNS). In the scalp, 30 sites were injected with 100 U of BTA in each site and patients received BTA after every 3 months for a total of 4 times. Hair counts, head photographs, evaluation scores, and self‐assessment were assessed in patients with AGA. Results. Hair counts in both groups at all time points were significantly higher as compared with those before treatment. After 4 times of treatment, hair counts in the BTA+FNS group were higher than those in the BTA group. Hair growth and density were significantly augmented, and the area of hair loss was attenuated after each treatment as revealed by head photographs. The effective rates of BTA and BTA+FNS groups were 73.3% and 84.8%, respectively, following 4 times treatment. Conclusion. BTA is a safe and effective therapeutic strategy for the treatment of AGA without adverse effects, and BTA combined with FNS exhibited a superior therapeutic effect than BTA alone.
An Approach to Selection of Agricultural Product Supplier Using Pythagorean Fuzzy Sets
Authors: Dai Lina , Bai Shizhen
Published: August 2020

The selection of agricultural product supplier is an important link to optimize the supply chain management of agricultural products. Due to the uncertainty factors and the lack of decision-makers’ cognition, the selection of agricultural products suppliers has become a very complex and difficult work. Therefore, in order to effectively deal with these problems, this study proposes an agricultural product supplier selection algorithm based on the Pythagorean fuzzy power Bonferroni mean operator under Pythagorean fuzzy environment. In this method, first, the power operator and Bonferroni mean operator are combined and embedded in the Pythagorean fuzzy sets to build a Pythagorean fuzzy power Bonferroni mean operator. Then, a multiattribute decision-making method based on the operator proposed in this paper is proposed. Finally, an analysis of examples of agricultural product supplier selection is given to verify the rationality and effectiveness of this method.
Fault Detection of Wind Turbine Pitch System Based on Multiclass Optimal Margin Distribution Machine
Authors: Tang Mingzhu , Kuang Zijie , Zhao Qi , Wu Huawei , Yang Xu
Published: August 2020

In response to the unbalanced sample categories and complex sample distribution of the operating data of the pitch system of the wind turbine generator system, this paper proposes a method for fault detection of the pitch system of the wind turbine generator system based on the multiclass optimal margin distribution machine. In this method, the power output of the wind turbine generator system is used as the main status parameter, and the operating data history of the wind turbine generator system in the wind power supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system is subject to correlation analysis with the Pearson correlation coefficient, to eliminate the features that have low correlation with the power output status parameter. Secondary analysis is performed to the remaining features, thus reducing the number and complexity of samples. Datasets are divided into the training set for training of the multiclass optimal margin distribution machine fault detection model and test set for testing. Experimental verification was carried out with the operating data of one wind farm in China. Experimental results show that, compared with other support vector machines, the proposed method has higher fault detection accuracy and precision and lower false-negative rate and false-positive rate.
Construction and Optimization Analysis of Network Knowledge Community Based on System Dynamics
Authors: Zhenlei Yu , Chunxia Guo
Published: August 2020

In this study, an evolutionary game model of the collaboration between the government and network knowledge community investors is constructed to address the problems of insufficient scale development of the network knowledge community and inconsistent internal mechanism. This model assists in determining the most appropriate internal mechanism for the development of the network knowledge community. The evolutionary game model, based on the system dynamic model fitting analysis, showed that the government and investors adopting positive strategy at the same time is for the optimal strategy. Promoting the network knowledge community construction is the key to improve the initial probability of both sides to take the active strategy, reducing the threshold of evolution.
Validity of Accelerometers for the Evaluation of Energy Expenditure in Obese and Overweight Individuals: A Systematic Review
Authors: Pisanu Silvia , Deledda Andrea , Loviselli Andrea , Huybrechts Inge , Velluzzi Fernanda
Published: August 2020

Objective. Even though the validity of accelerometers for the measurement of energy expenditure (EE) has been demonstrated for normal-weight individuals, the applicability of this instrument in obese individuals remains controversial. This review aims to summarize the level of agreement between accelerometers and the gold standards (indirect calorimetry and doubly labelled water) for the measurement of energy expenditure (EE) in obese or overweight individuals. Methods. The literature search was limited to comparison studies assessing agreement in EE determination between accelerometers and indirect calorimetry (IC) or doubly labelled water (DLW). We searched in PubMed and in Scopus until March 1, 2019. The analysis was restricted to obese or overweight adult individuals. The following descriptive information was extracted for each study: sample size, characteristics of participants (sex, age, BMI, fat mass percentage, any pathological conditions, modality of recruitment in the study, and exclusion criteria), accelerometer description (model, type and body position), and type of gold standard and validity protocol (duration, conditions, and requirements during and before the experiment). Three review authors independently screened the obtained results, and the quality of the selected articles was assessed by the QUADAS-2 tool. Results. We obtained seventeen eligible articles, thirteen of which showed concerns for the applicability section, due to the patient selection. Regarding the accelerometers, nine devices were validated in the included studies with the BodyMedia SenseWear® (SWA) being the most frequently validated. Although correlations between accelerometers and the gold standard were high in some studies, agreement between the two methods was low, as shown by the Bland–Altman plots. Conclusions. Most accelerometer estimations of EE were inaccurate for obese/overweight subjects, and authors advise to improve the accuracy of algorithms for SWA software, or the predicted equations for estimating EE from other accelerometers.
Mechanical Behavior of Sandwich Panels with Hybrid PU Foam Core
Authors: Zhao Xudong , Tan Li , Zhang Fubin
Published: August 2020

The traditional composite sandwich structures have disadvantages of low shear modulus and large deformation when used in civil engineering applications. To overcome these problems, this paper proposed a novel composite sandwich panel with upper and lower GFRP skins and a hybrid polyurethane (PU) foam core (GHP panels). The hybrid core is composed of different densities (150, 250, and 350 kg/m3) of the foam core which is divided functionally by horizontal GFRP ribs. The hard core is placed in the compression area to resist compressive strength and improve the stiffness of the composite sandwich structure, while the soft core is placed in the tension area. Six GHP panels were tested loaded in 4‐point bending to study the effect of horizontal ribs and hybrid core configurations on the stiffness, strength, and failure modes of GHP panels. Experimental results show that compared to the control panel, a maximum of 54.6% and 50% increase in the strength and bending stiffness can be achieved, respectively. GHP panels with the hybrid PU foam core show obvious secondary stiffness. Finally, analytical methods were proposed to predict the initial stiffness and peak load of the GHP panels, and the results agree well with experimental results.
A Study on the Immunohistochemical Expressions of Leptin and Leptin Receptor in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Perumal Komathi , Mun Kein Seong , Yap Ning Yi , Razack Azad Hassan Abdul , Gobe Glenda Carolyn , Ong Teng Aik , Kuppusamy Shanggar , Rajandram Retnagowri
Published: August 2020

Background. The mechanisms that link obesity and cancer development are not well‐defined. Investigation of leptin and leptin receptor expressions may help define some of the mechanisms. These proteins are known for associating with the immune response, angiogenesis and, signalling pathways such as JAK2/STAT3, PI3K, and AKT pathways. Tissue proteins can be easily detected with immunohistochemistry (IHC), a technique widely used both in diagnostic and research laboratories. The identification of altered levels of leptin and leptin receptor proteins in tumour tissues may lead to targeted treatment for cancer. Objective. The objective of this study was to use IHC to compare leptin and leptin receptor expressions in clear cell renal cell carcinomas (ccRCC) in non‐obese and obese patients to determine the association between these proteins with the clinicopathological features and prognosis of ccRCC. Patients and Methods. The study involved 60 patients who underwent nephrectomy of which 34 were obese, as assessed using body mass index (BMI). Nephrectomy samples provided tissues of ccRCC and adjacent non‐cancerous kidney. The intensity and localization of leptin and leptin receptor protein expressions were evaluated using IHC and correlated with clinicopathological features and clinical outcomes. Aperio ImageScope morphometry and digital pathology were applied to assess the IHC results. The chi‐square test was used to determine if there was any significant association between the proteins and the clinicopathological features. The Kaplan‐Meier test was used to determine the overall survival, disease‐free survival, and recurrence‐free survival. A value of p < 0.05 was considered significant. Results. There was neither significant difference in the overall cellular and nuclear expressions of leptin and leptin receptor between non‐cancerous kidney and ccRCC tissues nor in non‐obese and obese individuals with ccRCC. Conclusion. In this present study, it was revealed that leptin and leptin receptor were not associated with tumour characteristics and progression of ccRCC patients. Interestingly, nuclear expression of leptin was significantly associated with overall survival. However, the significance of these proteins as biomarkers in other RCC histotypes is still unclear.
Towards Sophisticated 3D Interphase Modelling of Advanced Bionanocomposites via Atomic Force Microscopy
Authors: Mousa Mohanad , Dong Yu
Published: August 2020

Nanomechanical properties and interphase dimensions of PVA bionanocomposites reinforced with halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) and Cloisite 30B montmorillonite (MMT) were evaluated by means of peak force quantitative nanomechanical mapping (PFQNM). A three-phase theoretical composite model was established based on hard-core–soft-shell structures consisting of hard mono-/polydispersed anisotropic particles and soft interphase and matrices. Halpin-Tsai model and Mori-Tanaka model were employed to predict experimentally determined tensile moduli of PVA bionanocomposites where effective volume fraction of randomly oriented nanoparticles resulted from the inclusion of interphase properties and volume fractions. Overall, it was suggested that the estimation of elastic modulus according to effective volume fraction of nanoparticles revealed better agreement with experimental data as opposed to that based upon their nominal volume fraction. In particular, the use of polydispersed HNTs and Cloisite 30B MMT clays with Fuller particulate gradation was proven to yield the best prediction when compared with experimental data among all proposed theoretical models. This study overcomes the neglected real interphase characteristics in modelling nanocomposite materials with much more accurate estimation of their mechanical properties.
Investigation of the Interaction of Herbal Ingredients Contained in Triphala Recipe Using Simplex Lattice Design: Chemical Analysis Point of View
Authors: Monton Chaowalit , Wunnakup Thaniya , Suksaeree Jirapornchai , Charoenchai Laksana , Chankana Natawat
Published: August 2020

The aim of this work was to investigate the interaction of herbal ingredients contained in Triphala recipe (Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellirica, and Phyllanthus emblica in equal proportion) using simplex lattice design. This work focused on chemical analysis of four phenolic compounds including gallic acid, corilagin, chebulagic acid, and chebulinic acid by validated high-performance liquid chromatography. The effect of the extraction technique (decoction vs. infusion) and gamma irradiation was also examined. The combination index was used as a tool for determination of interaction of the ingredients contained in the herbal recipe. Results showed that the extraction technique and gamma irradiation slightly altered the content of some phenolic compounds as well as the combination index. The positive interaction seems to be found at the equal proportion of the three plants. This work scientifically supported the suitable formula of the Triphala recipe in the traditional use.
Impact of Activation Energy and Temperature-Dependent Heat Source/Sink on Maxwell–Sutterby Fluid
Authors: Sajid T. , Tanveer S. , Sabir Z. , Guirao J. L. G.
Published: August 2020

The present article aims to investigate the behaviour of Maxwell–Sutterby fluid past an inclined stretching sheet accompanied with variable thermal conductivity, exponential heat source/sink, magneto-hydrodynamics (MHD), and activation energy. By utilizing the compatible similarity transformations, the nondimensionless PDEs are converted into dimensionless ODEs and further these ODEs are tackled with the help of the bvp4c numerical technique. To check the legitimacy of upcoming results and reliability of the applied bvp4c numerical scheme, a comparison with existing literature and nonlinear shooting method is made. The numerical outcomes delivered here show that the temperature profile escalates due to an augmentation in the heat sink parameter and moreover mass fraction field escalates on account of an improvement in the activation energy parameter.
Reducing Neuron Apoptosis in the Pontine Micturition Center by Nerve Root Transfer for Restoration of Micturition Function after Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Yu Ronghua , Yin Gang , Zhao Jianguo , Chen Huihao , Meng Depeng , Zhang Jiaqiang , Lin Yaofa , Xie Zheng , Hou Chunlin , Lin Haodong
Published: August 2020

Objective. The rate of neuronal apoptosis increases after spinal cord injury (SCI). Anastomosing the normal nerve roots above the SCI level to the injured sacral nerve roots can enhance the functional recovery of neurons. Therefore, we evaluated the effect of sacral nerve root transfer after SCI on pontine neuronal survival. Methods. Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: Group A, reconstruction of afferent and efferent nerve pathways of the bladder after SCI; Group B, SCI only; and Group C, control group. We examined pontine neuronal morphology using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining after SCI and nerve transfer. Bcl‐2 and Bax protein expression changes in the pontine micturition center were quantified by immunohistochemistry. The number of apoptotic neurons was determined by TUNEL staining. We examined pontine neuronal apoptosis by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) at different time points. Results. H&E staining demonstrated that the number of neurons had increased in Group A, but more cells in Group B displayed nuclear pyknosis, with the disappearance of the nucleus. Compared with Group B, Group A had significantly higher Bcl‐2 expression, significantly lower Bax expression, and a significantly higher Bcl‐2/Bax ratio. The number of apoptotic neurons and neuron bodies in Group A was significantly lower than that in Group B, as indicated by TUNEL staining and TEM. Conclusions. These findings demonstrate that lumbosacral nerve transfer can reduce neuronal apoptosis in the pontine micturition center and enhance functional recovery of neurons. This result further suggests that lumbosacral nerve transfer can be used as a new approach for reconstructing bladder function after spinal cord injury.
Construction of Risk Evaluation Index System for Power Grid Engineering Cost by Applying WBS-RBS and Membership Degree Methods
Authors: Wang Jiao
Published: August 2020

Based on the perspective of cost risk management of the entire process of power grid construction project, the WBS-RBS risk identification method is applied. The risk factors of power grid engineering cost are comprehensively identified from the five major engineering cost formation stages: investment decision estimate stage, design estimate stage, bidding price stage, construction budget stage, and final account stage. Combined with the basic data obtained from the questionnaire, the membership degree method is adopted to screen the key indicators of the preliminary factors of cost risk and then eliminate the redundant indicators. Furthermore, a set of simple and efficient risk evaluation index system for power grid engineering cost is constructed in order to improve the risk evaluation and management level of power grid construction project in China.
Comprehensive Bioinformatics Analysis Reveals Hub Genes and Inflammation State of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Ren Conglin , Li Mingshuang , Du Weibin , Lü Jianlan , Zheng Yang , Xu Haipeng , Quan Renfu
Published: August 2020

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by erosive arthritis, which has not been thoroughly cured yet, and standardized treatment is helpful for alleviating clinical symptoms. Here, various bioinformatics analysis tools were comprehensively utilized, aiming to identify critical biomarkers and possible pathogenesis of RA. Three gene expression datasets profiled by microarray were obtained from GEO database. Dataset GSE55235 and GSE55457 were merged for subsequent analyses. We identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in RStudio with limma package, performing functional enrichment analysis based on GSEA software and clusterProfiler package. Next, protein‐protein interaction (PPI) network was set up through STRING database and Cytoscape. Moreover, CIBERSORT website was used to assess the inflammatory state of RA. Finally, we validated the candidate hub genes with dataset GSE77298. As a result, we identified 106 DEGs (72 upregulated and 34 downregulated genes). Through GO, KEGG, and GSEA analysis, we found that DEGs were mainly involved in immune response and inflammatory signaling pathway. With the help of Cytoscape software and MCODE plug‐in, the most prominent subnetwork was screened out, containing 14 genes and 45 edges. For ROC curve analysis, eight genes with AUC >0.80 were considered as hub genes of RA. In conclusion, compared with healthy controls, the DEGs and their closely related biological functions were analyzed, and we held that chemokines and immune cells infiltration promote the progression of rheumatoid arthritis. Targeting the eight biomarkers we identified may be useful for the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
Impact of Petroleum Exposure on Some Hematological Indices, Interleukin-6, and Inflammatory Markers of Workers at Petroleum Stations in Basra City
Authors: Sajid Jabbar Azza , Ali Eman T.
Published: August 2020

Background. Occupational and environmental exposure to several pollutant factors such as petroleum products containing benzene has toxic effects on different body systems. The hematopoietic system and immune system are among the affected systems. This study aims to investigate the effect of benzene exposure on some blood parameters of workers at several fuel stations in Basra city, as well as to reveal if the continuous exposure may induce an inflammatory response, which is reflected by changes in some hematological and inflammatory markers.Methods. The study included two groups of males. The first group consists of 72 exposed workers at petrol stations in different locations in the Basra city. The other group is the control group, which consists of 75 nonexposed subjects (students and faculty members of the college). Different hematological parameters (WBC, RBC, HGB, MCV, MCHC, and MCH) have been evaluated. Serum concentrations of IL-6 and hs-CRP were estimated in all workers and nonexposed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results. Data showed significant hematological changes in the exposed workers, and that anemia was a common disorder among them. Furthermore, there was a significant decline in WBC and different types of WBC including lymphocytes, monocytes, and neutrophils in the exposed workers. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and serum levels of interleukin-6 and hs-CRP were significantly higher in exposed workers than in nonexposed. A significant correlation was identified among blood parameters, while a strong inverse correlation was identified between both MCHC and ESR. The most significant inverse correlation was found between RBC and IL-6 and MCH with hs-CRP. In addition, a significant negative correlation was found between monocytes and IL-6.Conclusion. The changes in all hematology and inflammatory parameters refer to damage in the hematopoietic system due to continuous exposure to vapors of petrol products, which also result in a significant increase in interleukin-6.
Higher Serum Neuropeptide Y Levels Are Associated with Metabolically Unhealthy Obesity in Obese Chinese Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Tang Hao-Neng , Xiao Fen , Chen Ya-Ru , Zhuang Si-Qi , Guo Yue , Wu Hui-Xuan , Zhou Hou-De
Published: August 2020

Objective. Neuropeptide Y (NPY), an orexigenic peptide known to cause hyperphagia, has been involved in the occurrence and development of obesity. However, differences in the distribution of serum NPY levels in obese phenotypes (including metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO) phenotype and metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) phenotype) and the association of NPY with MUO phenotype have not been unequivocally established. We therefore determined associations of serum NPY levels with MUO phenotype in obese Chinese adults. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted from 400 obese adults in Hunan province, who underwent a health examination in the Second Xiangya Hospital, and 164 participants were finally enrolled in the study and divided into MHO and MUO groups. Serum NPY levels were examined; univariate and multivariate analyses as well as smooth curve fitting analyses were conducted to measure the association of NPY serum levels with the MUO phenotype. Results. Serum NPY levels were significantly elevated in the MUO group compared with the MHO group ((667.69±292.90) pg/mL vs. (478.89±145.53) pg/mL, p<0.001). A threshold and nonlinear association between serum NPY levels and MUO was found (p=0.001). When serum NPY levels exceeded the turning point (471.5 pg/mL), each 10 pg/mL increment in the NPY serum level was significantly associated with an 18% increased odds ratio of MUO phenotype (OR: 1.18, 95% CI: 1.07–1.29, p=0.0007) after adjusted for confounders. Conclusions. Higher NPY serum levels were positively correlated with MUO phenotype in obese Chinese adults.
Prevalence, Etiology, and Risk Factors of Mastitis in Dairy Cattle in Embu and Kajiado Counties, Kenya
Authors: Mbindyo Christine M. , Gitao George C. , Mulei Charles M.
Published: August 2020

Bovine mastitis continues to be a leading cause of heavy economic losses in the dairy industry and a public health hazard globally. This cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence, etiologies of clinical and subclinical mastitis, and associated predisposing factors in Embu and Kajiado counties in Kenya. A semistructured questionnaire was administered to 154 smallholder dairy farmers to collect data on management practices, animal factors, and disease history. A total of 395 dairy cows were initially screened for subclinical mastitis using the California mastitis test (CMT), and milk samples were aseptically collected. Both CMT positive and CMT negative samples were analyzed using conventional bacteriological isolation and identification procedures. In the present study, the overall prevalence of mastitis based on CMT and clinical examination was 80% (316/395), out of which 6.8% (27/395) was clinical mastitis, while 73.1% (289/395) was subclinical mastitis. Based on culture, the overall prevalence of clinical and subclinical mastitis was 51.6% (815/1580), 74.4% (294/395), and 76.6% (118/154) at the quarter, cow, and farm level, respectively. From the 1574 milk samples analyzed by cultured, 1016 bacteria were yielded. The predominant bacteria were coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CNS), 42.8% (435/1016), and in decreasing order, Streptococcus species, 22.2% (226/1016), Staphylococcus aureus, 15.7% (160/1016), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 5.1% (52/1016), and the least was Enterobacter species, 0.7% (7/1016), while 23.7% of the sample yielded no bacterial growth. Risk factor analysis revealed that milking mastitic cows last (p=0.002), using a clean udder drying towel for each cow (p=0.033) and previous history of mastitis (p=0.046) were significantly associated with presence of mastitis. The current study has shown a relatively high prevalence of subclinical mastitis with CNS as predominant bacteria. Therefore, control measures are urgently warranted. Management factors such as milking mastitic cows last, using a clean towel for udder drying for each cow, and culling mastitic cows should be considered and included in the Kenyan mastitis control programs.
Morphological Characteristics of Biliary Strictures after Liver Transplantation Visualized Using SpyGlass™ Cholangioscopy
Authors: Chokpapone Yathip M. , Murray Anne R. , Mehta Ashwini P. , Puri Vichin C. , Mejia Alejandro , Mantry Parvez
Published: August 2020

Biliary complications following liver transplant are common. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) are the main techniques used to diagnose and treat biliary complications; however, these techniques have limits to the depth of visualization. In this report, we present five cases of orthotopic liver transplant patients with biliary complications that underwent ERCP- or MRCP-guided cholangioscopy with the SpyGlass™ DS Direct Visualization System (SDDVS). The SDDVS allowed for the visualization of the morphological characteristics of biliary strictures, and images collected using the SDDVS allowed for four of the cases to be treated endoscopically. Our findings suggest that cholangioscopy with the SDDVS is a promising method to guide the endoscopic treatment of biliary complications after liver transplantation.
The Model of the Relationship between Urban Rail Transit and Residential Location
Authors: Zhang Lin
Published: August 2020

In order to investigate the intrinsic relationship between residence choice and urban rail transit, this paper establishes a housing valuation model, explores the interface link between the rail transit and other transport modes by the establishment of a model, and also obtains the family transportation impedance. According to the balanced housing price, the various districts’ hedonic cost, and the generalized transportation impedance, the attractiveness of the various districts with respect to each mobile home is obtained. Satisfaction of any resident is received by establishing a close degree model. Due to the satisfaction and the price, we construct a largest consumer surplus model and then obtain the residence of the greatest consumer surplus for mobile home. Numerical example’s result indicates that all high-income mobile homes will chose the residence for the commute destination district, especially the one in the suburbs. Furthermore, the low-income families chose the residence for the commute destination district, which has the rail transit if the income is allowed, or the nearest district to the destination with rail transportation if not. This illustrates that whether a road having urban rail transit plays a significant impact only on the low-income family residence choice when the commuter routes pass through the road and almost has no influence for other families. Hence, it is shown that the reasonable urban planning is important and that urban rail transit should form a network that will play a key role.
Effect of the Size and Position of a Damping Ditch on the Reduction of the Blasting Vibration
Authors: Duan Baofu , Shen Shizhan , Ta Guoshan , Sun Kebin , Hou Wei , Gu Li
Published: August 2020

The size and position of the damping ditch have a direct impact on the blasting vibration. In order to explore the effect of damping ditches of different sizes and positions, we investigated field blasting in the A3 area of the second phase of the Lufeng Nuclear Power Plant project. The simulation software ANSYS/LS‐DYNA was used to simulate the vibration propagation of damping ditches with different depths, widths, and positions. Secondly, the vibration data of the corresponding measuring points were collected and the amplitude reduction was analyzed in different situations. An analysis of the numerical simulation results showed that an increase in the damping ditch width increased the vibration amplitude at the top of the building. The depth and position of the damping ditch were the main factors affecting the damping performance. A regression analysis was conducted using the Sadove equation for vibration velocity. It was found that the regression coefficient of the Sadove equation did not meet the required standards when a damping ditch was present. The vibration attenuation equations were fitted for the top and the base of the building. The results of this study provide reference data for the excavation and arrangement of damping ditches in practical applications.
Multifactor Evaluation of Multiple Service Support and Optimization of Working Resistance of New Support Based on Dynamic Pressure
Authors: He Fulian , Li Liang , He Wenrui , Li Xiaobin , Lv Kai , Qin Binbin , Xu Xuhui
Published: August 2020

The scientific and feasible method is extremely important for the evaluation of whether the support of coal mines needs to be scrapped, but it has not been formed. If the support cannot be continued to use, the determined reasonable working resistance of the support before the primary mining of coal seam should be optimized. Based on the field measurement and theoretical analysis, the concept of the actual rated working resistance of the support is proposed and analyzed accurately; the total amount of roof subsidence of circulating multiple coal cutting cycles during periodic pressure is calculated; the support performance is evaluated by multifactors; a new method for determining the reasonable working resistance of the support based on dynamic pressure is proposed. The study found that the safety valve of support is opened in advance and the resistance loss rate is large; the total amount of roof subsidence during periodic pressure is high; FAHP + EWM evaluation score of support system performance is 63.31 points. The scientific evaluation of multifactors showed that the support has reached service life, and as a result, the new 105 working faces required replacement with new support. The reasonable working resistance of the support in the 3-1 coal seam is optimized according to the new method based on dynamic pressure. This study can greatly improve the safety of roof control in the working face.