bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ecological process of energy growth of hydraulic turbines used in protected areas in Romania
Authors: Tugui C A , Vizureanu P , Baltatu S M , Achitei D C , Burduhos-Nergis D P , Perju M C
Published: August 2019

The energy-boosting of hydraulic turbines by improving efficiency and service life is a continuing concern of this century when trying to move from a fossil fuel polluting energy to a wider use of electric power to propel cars. Increased performance of these hydraulic turbines can be achieved by depositing thin, hydro-abrasion-resistant, thin layers. In this paper we will analyze mechanically and structurally thin, adherent-hard layers that have been deposited on a special stainless steel. The aim is to increase the energy efficiency of hydraulic turbines by increasing the hydro-abrasion resistance of the blades. The deposits are made with plasma-based thermal spraying powders / electrodes. The microstructural tests will consist of optical and SEM microscopic analysis of the deposited material and layer, and the mechanical ones will consist of the analysis of elasticity and adhesion.
Actual types of sensors used for weighing in motion
Authors: Agape I , Dontu A I , Maftei A , Gaiginschi L , Barsanescu P D
Published: August 2019

In last decade, the overloaded trucks increase in countries with weak infrastructure, for examples in Indonesia the percentage of overloaded trucks is more than 60% [1]. To prevent this violation of the country regulations was developed weigh-in-motion (WIM) network stations. For France and not only, the network of WIM stations improved traffic safety, fair competition between transportation companies and infrastructure lifetime [2]. The WIM station is able to determine: the type of the vehicle, the gross weight of the vehicle, the load on each axle, vehicle’s speed and so on. The most common sensors used for obtain data information are strain gauges force sensors and piezoelectric sensors. In this paper will be analyzed the main advantages and disadvantages of each type of sensors used for WIM stations.
Advanced treatment solutions intended for the reuse of livestock wastewater in agricultural applications
Authors: Tociu C , Deák Gy , Maria C , Ivanov A A , Ciobotaru I E , Marcu E , Marinescu F , Cimpoeru C , Savin I , Constandache A C
Published: August 2019

One of the main concerns of the developing world is the mitigation of pollution of environmental components together with the recovery and reuse of valuable substances from waste resulting during diverse anthropic activities. Wastewater generated by agro-zootechnic activities is a source of nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus compounds) and traditionally it is reused for crops irrigation. However adverse effects on the environment may be caused should a proper treatment not be performed, considering the spread of additives/drugs altering the natural metabolism in modern livestock industries and subsequently their presence in waste. In this context, research was conducted on laboratory scale setups of some advanced treatment processes for wastewater resulting from cattle farms. UV disinfection and oxidation using ozone were investigated in order to emphasize the antimicrobial effect and their contribution to the improvement of water quality. The permissible irrigation water quality which varied based on the crop type was the decisive factor in adjusting the experimental setup and effluent quality. The results have revealed the inactivation of bacteriological indicators up to 99% and even 100% in the case of faecal coliforms and faecal streptococci. Moreover, ozonation allows also the removal of organic matter, with an efficiency of over 80%. This research offers solutions suitable for areas where the water demand exceeds availability and in the regions affected by drought.
Contributions on the fire performance assessment of ETICS systems
Authors: Simion A , Anghel I , Dragne H , Stoica D
Published: August 2019

The Romanian norms and technical regulations do not provide the obligation of compartment fire tests for composite facade insulation systems “ETICS”. Unfortunately, only after these tests can result reliable data on the performance evaluation of ETICS under the effects of compartment fires, and there is still no harmonized European standard requiring such tests (in 2018 the first part of a European project that aims to harmonize the fire exposure test of façades was completed). In this context, researchers from the INCERC Fire Security Research and Testing Laboratory in Bucharest, tested experimentally the exposure to compartment fire of two types of ETICS, according to the test method set out in BS 8414. The climate test conditions of both systems were similar, and after the tests (for the first time in Romania) a series of data were obtained on the behaviour of ETICS under the action of compartment fires. With these results, the Romanian fire research aims to bring its contribution at European level, for the large-scale fire performance assessment of ETICS and the identification of innovative solutions for limiting fire propagation on building facades.
Enlightenment of Design Education in Purdue University: Research and Practice on Assessment Method in Project-Based Learning of Industrial Design Discipline
Authors: Zhu Zhijuan , Cao Huai , Chen Xue , Long Ren
Published: August 2019

Due to the characteristics of industrial design, the project-based curriculum learning method has been adopted by more and more universities. However, there is a lack of relevant research on the evaluation of course results in project-based learning. In practice, the single evaluation method for the final operation is usually adopted, often with the subjective nature of the teacher, which has many disadvantages. Learning from the evaluation method of Purdue University’s industrial design specialty, through the project-based learning practice of the Department of Industrial Design in Huazhong University of Science and Technology, a combination of periodic assignments evaluated by teacher and final assignments evaluated by experts was used to obtain a more objective score. This method has achieved good teaching results. This research is expected to promote the improvement of the evaluation method of the design discipline curriculum.
Study on Banpo Painted Pottery Patterns in Fabric Pattern Design
Authors: Shu Wei , Sun Fuliang
Published: August 2019

With rich varieties demonstrate ingenious patterns, the decorative patterns of Banpo painted pottery is regarded as full demonstration of the modeling conception and artistic creativity of people at that time. In today’s fabric pattern design, traditional Chinese cultural elements are constantly being integrated to achieve people’s pursuit of national, artistic and personality of fabrics. Based on the interpretation of patterns in Banpo painted pottery and from the aesthetic perspective of modern design, this paper explores its innovation in modern fabric pattern design by extracting and applying the classical elements of patterns in Banpo painted pottery.
Research on Innovative Application of Modular Design in University Student Apartment Furniture
Authors: Yu Gu , Dai Chen , Huang Suwan , Gan Liqing , Gao Weixia
Published: August 2019

Based on the analysis of the application status of modular furniture in college students’ apartment furniture, and taking the excellent design examples as the reference plane, this paper explores the innovative application forms of modular furniture from the perspective of function, shape, color and space, with a view to creating a private space and one belonging to them for the current college students in the fast-paced college life.
A Study of Formal Model of Interactive Behaviour in the Whole System for Implicit Action and Context
Authors: Li Bo , Xue Yanmin
Published: August 2019

Formal techniques have been used to analyze a variety of properties of interactive behaviour in a number of systems. To have a better understanding of the implicit of the interactive behaviour, it is necessary to find a general method to describe the task. In this study, we proposed a formal model to illustrate the implicit task. We validated the effect of this model by an experiment in the simulated coach bus station by receiving transition information by the holder held device. This paper analyses the whole system, the rooms, the public displays, the mobile devices and the timeliness of information in the system. The model made the interactive process clearer and provided a basic framework to study the related issues of orientation in the interactive system in the future.
Emotional experience evaluation method of interaction task based on EEG technology
Authors: Chen Zhiang , Lin Li
Published: August 2019

In past studies, the emotional experience of interaction task was quantified mainly by the subjective evaluation. This method is susceptible to subjective factor, which can cause the deviation of result. To solve this problem, an emotional experience evaluation method of interaction task based on objective Electroencephalograph (EEG) technology was proposed. Supported by the theory of cognitive neuroscience and EEG, the same family of products with different interaction processes were selected as a sample of experiment, and interactive tasks were set. Then the emotional experience evaluation experiment of interaction task was conducted to obtain objective EEG physiological information. Based on the Power Spectral Density analysis (PSD) and the event-related synchronization/desynchronization theory, characteristic values were calculated. Next, Correlation between the EEG characteristic value and the emotional experience of interactive tasks was judged by Pearson Correlation Coefficient. Finally, the partial least squares regression (PLS) was selected to construct the calculation model. Smartphones were used as the interaction case, and the model’s performance was verified. The results showed that the proposed calculation model could achieve the similar evaluation effect as the subjective evaluation, and the deviation was smaller.
Research on Ideological and Political Teaching of Product Design Course for Industrial Design Major
Authors: Guo Shuying
Published: August 2019

The main purpose of curriculum ideological and political teaching is to form synergy effect of curriculum system. With the main channel of classroom teaching, ideological and political theory courses and other courses are taught together. Based on the related literature research and research, this paper analyzes the nature and characteristics of industrial design. The course combines the relevant contents of the ideological and political theory course and product design research, so as to strengthen the value orientation and correct guidance of students in the teaching of professional courses.
Research on the Attenuation Law of User Experience Satisfaction of Mobile Phone
Authors: Pei Xuesheng , Wang Yang
Published: August 2019

With the continuous development and widespread popularity of smart phones, people have been deeply studying mobile phones, and pay more attention to user experience. Based on literature research, this paper establishes a hierarchical chart of influencing factors of user experience satisfaction of mobile phone. A calculation method of user experience satisfaction is proposed. User interviews are used to determine the key factors, and user satisfaction model is constructed. Using questionnaire survey method to collect data and explore the process and rules of satisfaction changes in the process of purchasing, using and replacing mobile phones. The results show that user experience satisfaction of mobile phone decreases with the increase of mobile phone usage time, and battery loss, running stuck, damage and insufficient storage space are all key factors affecting the satisfaction of mobile phone users. Through data analysis, the change rule of user experience satisfaction of each key factor is obtained, and then guide relevant enterprises to upgrade and improve products pertinently.
User Research–Based Design Strategy for an Electric Water Heater and Its Application
Authors: Liang Zhijian , Zheng Yaqi , Zhou Ningchang , Liu Shifeng
Published: August 2019

To improve the performance of electric water heaters and innovate various product categories, this study primarily conducted user research and obtained data pertaining to the physiological and psychological characteristics, living habits, and user requirements of the target population as the starting point. Political, economic, sociocultural, and technological analysis, market analysis, household surveys, quantitative questionnaire surveys, and market visits were conducted to obtain the data for exploring the different user needs, integrating the needs of various users, conducting importance assessments of the needs, and developing design strategies for the electric water heaters. An industry breakthrough should be obtained by using the user experience–level data and by proposing new design strategies and corresponding design solutions.
COMMUNICATION ABILITY IN THE DESIGN PROCESS OF THE IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS
Authors: Chen Xian-Wang , Lin Mei-Ting , Huang Liang-Peng
Published: August 2019

In the design process, in order to make the whole design process more smoothly carried out, the article puts forward the concept of “flexible design”, the core concept of flexible design is communication. From the analysis of basic communication ability to communicative ability, then from communicative ability to communicative ability, and ultimately to effective communication in the design process, it is concluded that good communication itself is an effective means of design. “Flexible design” is not only a concept, but also a way of thinking, reflecting the wisdom of design.
Cross-border and Reconstruction: Exploration of Teaching Mode of Integration of Sculpture Art and Product Design
Authors: Zhao Aili , Wang Liming , Yu Meng , Qu Qingfeng
Published: August 2019

Inter-disciplinary integrated teaching method can integrate the teaching staff of sculpture art and product design courses, complement knowledge in teaching, provide students with various learning experiences, develop students’ cross-border design thinking, and carry out reconstruction and innovation of sculpture art or product design. This article starts from the collaborative participation of sculpture and product design teachers in teaching, intends to renovate the traditional teaching mode, explores inter-disciplinary teaching, and provides ideas for teaching reform.
Contemporary Packaging Design on the Elements of the Republic of China
Authors: Lu Wenli , Chen Yijin , Bian Xiangyang
Published: August 2019

It was a rapid development period of Chinese packaging design in the Republic of China, and its distinctive design style was used to highlight the distinctive style of times. The study classified the styles of packaging applying and analyzed the packaging cases, which is about the elements of packaging design in the Republic of China. It explored the innovative redesigning in contemporary packaging design, such as Calendar Art, Meishuzi, trademark and decorative patterns. This paper generalized the elements of packaging design by analysing the contemporary packaging design and provided reference in design.
Experimental Study on the Preference Characteristics of children with ASD for Product Design Materials
Authors: Liu Xiaowen , Zhang Wanqing , Liu Ni
Published: August 2019

In recent years, individuals with ASD have attracted increasingly great attention from all circles of the society, but the studies concentrating on the life product design for these special users are rare. This study adopted the paired comparison method and involved three groups of Chinese children aged 3-6 years (children with ASD, children with mental retardation and normal children), with seven of the most common materials in life products as the evaluation objects, to investigate the preference characteristics of children with ASD for product design materials. The results indicated that the preference order and preference degree of children with ASD were both highly different from those normal children at the same age. The preference order of children with ASD was similar to the children with mental retardation, while the preference degree was different. This study provides designers and researchers with a more comprehensive understanding of the psychological features of children with ASD, and it can be the theoretical basis for designers to develop further guidelines encouraging upgraded humanized product design for this special population.
Mode of Innovative Design to Product Transformation of College Students
Authors: Lu Xiaoxian
Published: August 2019

Since Premier Li Keqiang proposed the concept of “mass entrepreneurship and innovation” in 2014, innovation and entrepreneurship have become a force that cannot be ignored in economic development. “Made in China 2025” proposes to comprehensively upgrade and develop China’s manufacturing industry, which is undoubtedly inseparable from the deep integration of innovative design. The “China Good Design Award” came into being in this entrepreneurial and innovative environment. Company, research unit and individual’s independent innovation ability have received unprecedented attention. Among them, industrial design students have many innovative ideas and design creations, and much of them can be productized and put into the market. However, those high-quality innovations and designs don’t have a chance to face the market. Many excellent innovations that could be used as venture capital and help the country’s “double innovation” policy get lost, it is a great lost for the country, the unit and the individual. The new trend of economic development— “Internet +” has also brought new possibilities and ways for “double innovation”. Therefore, in such a vigorous environment, I hope to make full use of the existing conditions to find a way that can help college students to put their industrial innovative design products into market.
Research on Interactive Design of Children’s Public Space based on VR Technology
Authors: Tang Yu , Qi Na , Zhou Ting
Published: August 2019

Children’s public space is one of the important standards of the society reflecting the completeness of children’s growth environment. It is the mainstream of public space development to connect VR technology with children’s public space in the new era. Through the analysis of the public space which had direct interaction with the group activities of children, from the perspective of multiple sensory experiences, some interactive design principles of children’s public space were summarized under the condition of VR technology and a new model of children’s public space were redefined. It will beneficial to realize the emotional connection of children’s new dimension, and will promote their enthusiasm for exploring unknown things and the unique creativity of self-space.
Swot analysis of sports town construction in hubei province
Authors: Wei Mao
Published: August 2019

This paper first shows the connotation of sports town and its significance to HuBei province, after that, the author adopts literature review and field investigation, swot analysis is carried out on the construction environment of hubei sports town, this paper points out the advantages and disadvantages, opportunities and challenges of the construction of sports town in hubei province, and according to the actual situation of hubei sports town construction, puts forward the city cluster and beautiful countryside of high planning sports characteristics of small town construction; in the sports industry, and the integration of a number of functions such as tourism; relax the investment restriction of sports town and attract the investment of social capital; with the thinking of operation to create sports town colorful sports; innovate the propaganda mode, pay special attention to the construction path that uses new media.
Interface Design of Children’s Education APP Home Page Based on Emotion Measurement
Authors: Wu Tingting , Peng Li
Published: August 2019

Take the home page of children’s education APP as the research object, the experimental samples were morphologically deconstructed by the method of human-computer interface component deconstruction, and the interactive interface feature space was constructed. In addition, PrEmo experiment was conducted on children users to obtain the emotional image index of users and construct the emotional cognitive space. By using the method of multiple linear regression, the relationship model between the characteristic elements of interactive interface design and the index of user perceptual image is constructed, so as to guide the design of the home page of educational interactive products in line with children’s emotional image. This method can obtain the deeper emotional image of children users, guide the design of products more in line with children’s emotional needs, so as to improve children’s user experience.
Functional Structure Modeling and Assembly Practice of Ditching Fertilizer Based on Standardized Module Design
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Deng Yiguo , Wang Yeqin , Chen Peimin , Yan Bo , Zou Xiangjun , Zheng Yong , Wu Sihao , Zhu Huixian
Published: August 2019

In the existing agricultural machinery field, the agricultural machinery is generally cumbersome, the transportation, disassembly and assembly, maintenance procedures are more complicated, and the functions are single, and the versatility is not good. This article combines the industrial design standardization and modularization ideas for the trenching fertilizer application machine. Model construction and assembly practice were carried out. The whole machine was built according to independent functions, and divided into racks, fertilisers, trenching assemblies, suspension systems, transmission systems, etc. Modeling of the rack, modeling of the fertilizer turntable, and plowing the modeling process is elaborated. By assembling the functional components and standard parts, the modular design idea can be reused and exchanged in the design of the trenching fertilizer machine. The relevant modules can form the final product through the arrangement and combination. The final assembly entity can be a variety of products, which can better meet the customer’s customization needs; the repetitive use of similarity can make the whole product more convenient in manufacturing and maintenance, and the overall machine coordination and appearance are more beautiful.
Extraction and Analysis of Rock Painting Color Data Based on Data Association of Color Psychology
Authors: Shang guannan
Published: August 2019

We should continue to dig and develop the breakthrough point of color composition in rock color painting based on color psychology. This paper objectively evaluates the present situation of rock color painting in contemporary China. We should conform to the development of contemporary multiculturalism. We should promote and inherit the development of rock paintings, so as to broaden the manifestations of rock paintings and truly meet the aesthetic demands and value pursuits of contemporary people in the new context.
Methods and resources to access mutation-dependent effects on cancer drug treatment
Authors: Yao Hongcheng , Liang Qian , Qian Xinyi , Wang Junwen , Sham Pak Chung , Li Mulin Jun
Published: August 2019

In clinical cancer treatment, genomic alterations would often affect the response of patients to anticancer drugs. Studies have shown that molecular features of tumors could be biomarkers predictive of sensitivity or resistance to anticancer agents, but the identification of actionable mutations are often constrained by the incomplete understanding of cancer genomes. Recent progresses of next-generation sequencing technology greatly facilitate the extensive molecular characterization of tumors and promote precision medicine in cancers. More and more clinical studies, cancer cell lines studies, CRISPR screening studies as well as patient-derived model studies were performed to identify potential actionable mutations predictive of drug response, which provide rich resources of molecularly and pharmacologically profiled cancer samples at different levels. Such abundance of data also enables the development of various computational models and algorithms to solve the problem of drug sensitivity prediction, biomarker identification and in silico drug prioritization by the integration of multiomics data. Here, we review the recent development of methods and resources that identifies mutation-dependent effects for cancer treatment in clinical studies, functional genomics studies and computational studies and discuss the remaining gaps and future directions in this area.
Ascorbic acid and CoQ10 ameliorate the reproductive ability of superoxide dismutase 1-deficient female mice†
Authors: Ishii Naoki , Homma Takujiro , Lee Jaeyong , Mitsuhashi Hikaru , Yamada Ken-ichi , Kimura Naoko , Yamamoto Yorihiro , Fujii and Junichi
Published: August 2019

Superoxide dismutase 1 suppresses oxidative stress within cells by decreasing the levels of superoxide anions. A dysfunction of the ovary and/or an aberrant production of sex hormones are suspected causes for infertility in superoxide dismutase 1-knockout mice. We report on attempts to rescue the infertility in female knockout mice by providing two antioxidants, ascorbic acid and/or coenzyme Q10, as supplements in the drinking water of the knockout mice after weaning and on an investigation of their reproductive ability. On the first parturition, 80% of the untreated knockout mice produced smaller litter sizes compared with wild-type mice (average 2.8 vs 7.3 pups/mouse), and supplementing with these antioxidants failed to improve these litter sizes. However, in the second parturition of the knockout mice, the parturition rate was increased from 18% to 44–75% as the result of the administration of antioxidants. While plasma levels of progesterone at 7.5 days of pregnancy were essentially the same between the wild-type and knockout mice and were not changed by the supplementation of these antioxidants, sizes of corpus luteum cells, which were smaller in the knockout mouse ovaries after the first parturition, were significantly ameliorated in the knockout mouse with the administration of the antioxidants. Moreover, the impaired vasculogenesis in uterus/placenta was also improved by ascorbic acid supplementation. We thus conclude that ascorbic acid and/or coenzyme Q10 are involved in maintaining ovarian and uterus/placenta homeostasis against insults that are augmented during pregnancy and that their use might have positive effects in terms of improving female fertility.
Successful Invasions of Short Internally Deleted Elements (SIDEs) and Its Partner CR1 in Lepidoptera Insects
Authors: Wang Ping-Lan , Luchetti Andrea , Alberto Ruggieri Angelo , Xiong Xiao-Min , Xu Min-Rui-Xuan , Zhang Xiao-Gu , Zhang Hua-Hao
Published: August 2019

Although DNA transposons often generated internal deleted derivatives such as miniature inverted-repeat transposable elements, short internally deleted elements (SIDEs) derived from nonlong terminal-repeat retrotransposons are rare. Here, we found a novel SIDE, named Persaeus, that originated from the chicken repeat 1 (CR1) retrotransposon Zenon and it has been found widespread in Lepidoptera insects. Our findings suggested that Persaeus and the partner Zenon have experienced a transposition burst in their host genomes and the copy number of Persaeus and Zenon in assayed genomes are significantly correlated. Accordingly, the activity though age analysis indicated that the replication wave of Persaeus coincided with that of Zenon. Phylogenetic analyses suggested that Persaeus may have evolved at least four times independently, and that it has been vertically transferred into its host genomes. Together, our results provide new insights into the evolution dynamics of SIDEs and its partner non-LTRs.
Criteria for Algebraicity of Analytic Functions
Authors: Bochnak Jacek , Gwoździewicz Janusz , Kucharz Wojciech
Published: August 2019

We consider functions defined on an open subset of a nonsingular, either real or complex, algebraic set. We give criteria for an analytic function to be a Nash (resp. regular, resp. polynomial) function. Our criteria depend only on the behavior of such a function along irreducible nonsingular algebraic curves passing through a given point. In the proofs we use results on algebraicity of formal power series, which are also established in this paper.
Mental health and self-rated health status of internal migrant workers and the correlated factors analysis in Shanghai, China: a cross-sectional epidemiological study
Authors: Wang Lei , Chen Hao , Ye Bo , Gao Junling , Dai Junming , Wang Fan , Fu Hua
Published: August 2019

Background

A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2018 to investigate the mental health status of internal migrant workers (IMWs) in Shanghai to understand basic information and the mental health status of IMWs.

Methods

The total number of IMWs in the study was 4793 and 4648 questionnaires were valid. We used χ2 test, t test, analysis of variance, linear regression and logistic regression to analyse the data.

Results

Mental health, represented by the nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire score (≥10), was significantly correlated with self-rated income-expenditure status, living with family, job type and alcohol use. The total depression prevalence of IMWs in this study was 20.1%. Subjective well-being (SWB) was significantly correlated with marital status, educational attainment, self-reported income-expenditure status, living with family and job type. Those who were female, had a high school education or above, self-reported inadequate income, did not live with family, had poor self-rated health and had moderate or severe depression were more likely to have lower SWB. Promoting the mental health of IMWs also benefited their physical health.

Conclusions

Chinese migrant workers who were younger, had insufficient self-rated income, had worse self-reported health, used alcohol and were unmarried had a high risk of mental health disorders.
Patient-reported outcome measurements (PROMs) and provider assessment in mental health: a systematic review of the context of implementation
Authors: Roe David , Mazor Yael , Gelkopf Marc
Published: August 2019

Purpose

To review and integrate the vast amount of literature yielded by recent growing interest in patient-reported outcome measurement and routine outcome measures (PROMs/ROMs), in order to suggest options and improvements for implementation. PROMs are the systematic assessment of service users’ health using standardized self-report measures. Specifically, for ROMs, it includes routine provider or caretaker assessment measures. Both are administered to ascertain routinely, the impact of treatment in mental health settings and to improve care. A review is needed because of the large differences in setting, conceptualization, practice and implementation. Here, we examine the different major projects worldwide.

Data sources

Psych INFO and PubMed including Medline, Biomed Central, EMBASE Psychiatry and Elsevier Science’s Direct.

Study selection

We conducted a systematized review of the literature published from 2000 to 2018 on the implementation and sustainability of PROMs and ROMs in mental health services for adults.

Data extraction, synthesis and Results

We described and characterized the programs in different countries worldwide. We identified 103 articles that met the inclusion criteria, representing over 80 PROMs/ROMs initiatives in 15 countries. National policy and structure of mental health services were found to be major factors in implementation. We discuss the great variability in PROMs/ROMs models in different countries, making suggestions for their streamlining and improvement.

Conclusion

We extracted valuable information on the different characteristics of the numerous PROMs/ROMs initiatives worldwide. However, in the absence of a strong nationwide policy effort and support, implementation seems scattered and irregular. Thus, development of the implementation of PROMs/ROMs is left to groups of enthusiastic clinicians and researchers, making sustainability problematic.
Effects of standardized total tract digestible phosphorus on growth performance of 11- to 23-kg pigs fed diets with or without phytase1,2
Authors: Vier Carine M , Dritz Steve S , Wu Fangzhou , Tokach Mike D , DeRouchey Joel M , Goodband Robert D , Gonçalves Márcio A D , Orlando Uislei A D , Woodworth Jason C
Published: August 2019

Two experiments were conducted to determine the standardized total tract digestible phosphorus (STTD P) requirement for 11- to 23-kg nursery pigs fed diets with or without phytase. A total of 1,080 and 2,140 pigs (PIC 359 × Camborough, Hendersonville, TN; initially 11.4 ± 0.29 and 11.1 ± 0.24 kg) were used in Exp. 1 and Exp. 2, respectively. There were 23 to 27 pigs per pen with 6 and 12 replicate pens per treatment in Exp. 1 and Exp. 2, respectively. After weaning, pigs were fed a common pelleted diet with 0.45% STTD P for 7 d, and a common phase 2 meal diet with 0.40% STTD P for 14 d in Exp. 1 and 18 d in Exp. 2. Pens of pigs were then allotted to dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design with body weight (BW) as the blocking factor. In Exp. 1, dietary treatments consisted of 0.26%, 0.30%, 0.33%, 0.38%, 0.43%, 0.48%, and 0.53% STTD P. Treatments were achieved with the inclusion of monocalcium phosphate at the expense of corn. In Exp. 2, diets contained 1,000 phytase units (FYT; Ronozyme Hiphos 2500, DSM Nutritional Products, Inc., Parsippany, NJ) with assumed release value 0.132% STTD P, and treatments consisted of 0.30%, 0.33%, 0.38%, 0.43%, 0.48%, 0.53%, and 0.58% STTD P. These STTD P concentrations included the expected phytase release of 0.132% STTD P. In both experiments, a similar 1.17:1 Ca:P ratio was maintained across treatments. Statistical models included linear model (LM), quadratic polynomial (QP), broken-line linear (BLL), and broken-line quadratic (BLQ). In Exp. 1, increasing STTD P increased (linear, P < 0.001) ADG, ADFI, G:F, final BW, and grams of STTD P intake per day and per kilogram of gain. There was also a marginal quadratic response for G:F (P < 0.066). In Exp. 2, ADG and G:F increased quadratically (P < 0.05), whereas ADFI increased linearly (P = 0.060) with increasing STTD P. The BLL and QP model provided similar fit to G:F in Exp. 1, estimating the requirement for maximum G:F at 0.34% and 0.42%, respectively. The BLL was the best fitting model for ADG and G:F in Exp. 2, estimating the breakpoint at 0.40% and 0.37% STTD P, respectively. The BLL and BLQ models estimated the breakpoint for ADG as a function of STTD P intake in grams per day at 2.92 and 3.02 g/d, respectively. These data provide empirical evidence that for 11- to 23-kg pigs, the NRC (2012) accurately estimates the STTD P requirement on a g/d basis. As a percentage of the diet, the STTD P requirement for diets without or with 1,000 FYT added phytase ranged from 0.34% to 0.42%.
Anti-biofilm activity of a semi-synthetic molecule obtained from resveratrol against Candida albicans biofilm
Authors: Juin Camille , Perrin Flavie , Puy Thomas , Bernard Clément , Mollichella Marie Laure , Girardot Marion , Costa Damien , Guillard Jérôme , Imbert Christine
Published: August 2019

Candida albicans can form biofilm on tissues and medical devices, becoming, in that case, less susceptible to antifungal agents. Treatment of candidiasis associated with the formation of C. albicans biofilms is restricted to echinocandins and lipid forms of amphotericin B. This study investigated the activity of micafungin and resveratrol modified molecule (EB487) against C. albicans biofilms. The anti-biofilm growth (Bgrowth) and anti-preformed biofilm (Bpreformed) activities of micafungin (0 to 3.94 μM) and EB487 (0 to 20.32 mM) were comparatively studied separately and combined, using XTT, flow cytometry and cell counts approaches. Concentrations causing 50% inhibition of the studied steps (IC50) were evaluated. When tested separately, IC50 Bgrowth was obtained for 4.8 mM and 0.13 μM of EB487 and micafungin respectively, and IC50 Bpreformed for 3.6 mM and 0.06 μM of EB487 and micafungin respectively. Micafungin used alone was not able to totally eradicate fungi. Micafungin combined with EB487 displayed synergistic activity (both anti-growth- and anti-preformed biofilm-activities). Optimal combination concentrations were EB487 (≤9.12 mM -strain ATCC 28367™ or ≤8.12 mM -strain CAI4-p), micafungin (≤0.05 μM for both) and caused a total eradication of fungi. Dose reduction indexes obtained using these concentrations were at least 9 (micafungin) and 3.2 (EB487) for both anti-biofilm growth- and anti-preformed biofilm-activities. Combinations indexes were consistently below one, demonstrating a synergistic relationship between micafungin and EB487 in these conditions. This study demonstrated the strong anti-biofilm activity of EB487 and highlighted its synergistic potential when combined with micafungin. EB487 is a promising semi-synthetic molecule with prophylactic and curative interests in fighting C. albicans biofilms.
Hemodynamic Features of Microsurgically Identified, Thin-Walled Regions of Unruptured Middle Cerebral Artery Aneurysms Characterized Using Computational Fluid Dynamics
Authors: Kim Jang Hun , Han Huan , Moon Young-June , Suh Sangil , Kwon Taek-Hyun , Kim Jong Hyun , Chong Kyuha , Yoon Won-Ki
Published: August 2019

BACKGROUND

Thin-walled regions (TWRs) of aneurysm surfaces observed in microscopic surgery are thought to be vulnerable areas for growth and rupture of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs).

OBJECTIVE

To identify hemodynamic features of TWRs of aneurysms by using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analyses of unruptured middle cerebral artery bifurcation (MCAB) aneurysms.

METHODS

Nine patients with 11 MCAB aneurysms were enrolled, and their TWRs were identified. CFD analysis was performed using 3 parameters: pressure, wall shear stress (WSS), and WSS divergence (WSSD). Each parameter was evaluated for its correspondence with TWR.

RESULTS

Among 11 aneurysms, 15 TWRs were identified. Corresponding matches with CFD parameters (pressure, WSS, and WSSD) were 73.33, 46.67, and 86.67%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

WSSD, a hemodynamic parameter that accounts for both magnitude and directionality of WSS, showed the highest correspondence. High WSSD might correspond with TWR of intracranial aneurysms, which are likely high-risk areas for rupture.
Sources of knowledge flow between developed and developing nations
Authors: de Rassenfosse Gaétan , Seliger Florian
Published: August 2019

This article provides a long-term view on the sources of knowledge flow between developed and developing nations. It relies on patent data to explore three potential sources: R&D collaboration, technology sourcing, and technology transfer. All three sources provide a very consistent message. First, knowledge flows from East Asia, particularly China, are occurring more frequently. Second, knowledge flows are increasingly concentrated in information and communication technologies. Third, the USA and Canada had traditionally larger patenting activity with Asia than Europe, but the share of activity between Europe and Asia has been increasing in recent years. Larger patenting activity between the USA and Canada and Asia implies that North America is more likely to benefit from the reverse knowledge flows than Europe as China progresses toward becoming a technological leader.
Strategies for Rapid Risk Assessment of Color Additives Used in Medical Devices
Authors: Saylor David M , Chandrasekar Vaishnavi , Simon David D , Turner Paul , Markley Laura C , Hood Alan M
Published: August 2019

Many polymeric medical devices contain color additives for differentiation or labeling. Although some additives can be toxic under certain conditions, the risk associated with the use of these additives in medical device applications is not well established, and evaluating their impact on device biocompatibility can be expensive and time consuming. Therefore, we have developed a framework to conduct screening-level risk assessments to aid in determining whether generating color additive exposure data and further risk evaluation are necessary. We first derive tolerable intake values that are protective for worst-case exposure to 8 commonly used color additives. Next, we establish a model to predict exposure limited only by the diffusive transport of the additive through the polymer matrix. The model is parameterized using a constitutive model for diffusion coefficient (D) as a function of molecular weight (Mw) of the color additive. After segmenting polymer matrices into 4 distinct categories, upper bounds on D(Mw) were determined based on available data for each category. The upper bounds and exposure predictions were validated independently to provide conservative estimates. Because both components (toxicity and exposure) are conservative, a ratio of tolerable intake to exposure in excess of one indicates acceptable risk. Application of this approach to typical colored polymeric materials used in medical devices suggests that additional color additive risk evaluation could be eliminated in a large percentage (≈90%) of scenarios.
Reliability and Validity of the Adapted Dutch Version of the Early-Onset Scoliosis-24-Item Questionnaire (EOSQ-24)
Authors: Wijdicks Sebastiaan P.J. , Dompeling Stephanie D. , de Reuver Steven , Kempen Diederik H.R. , Castelein René M. , Kruyt Moyo C.
Published: August 2019

Study Design.

Translation and validation of the Early Onset Scoliosis-24 Questionnaire (EOSQ-24).

Objective.

To cross-culturally adapt the English version of the EOSQ-24 to the Dutch language and to assess the questionnaire's reliability and validity.

Summary of Background Data.

Early-onset scoliosis (EOS) has a profound impact on health-related quality of life. The EOSQ-24 is health-related quality of life questionnaire filled in by parents of children with EOS. The EOSQ-24 was already translated into multiple languages and its application was confirmed in clinical studies. However, the EOSQ-24 is not yet translated and validated for the Dutch population.

Methods.

The adaption of the EOSQ-24 for the Dutch population was done in three steps: 1) translation to the Dutch language, 2) cross-cultural adaptation, and 3) cross-cultural validation. To ensure that the Adapted Dutch EOSQ-24 is applicable for clinical use, the measurement properties were tested in four steps: 1) floor and ceiling effects, 2) validation, 3) reliability, and 4) discriminative ability. One hundred three parents completed the Adapted Dutch EOSQ-24, the Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ-28 PF), and the Scoliosis Research Society Questionnaire (SRS-22r). A second EOSQ-24 was completed for test–retest reproducibility.

Results.

The EOSQ-24 was successfully translated, adapted, and validated for the Dutch language. Almost all response items showed a normal distribution. The EOSQ-24 showed excellent reliability (Cronbach α of 0.950). The EOSQ-24 was successfully validated against the CHQ-28-PF and the SRS-22r. Test–retest was excellent (ICC ≥ 0.8). Finally, The EOSQ-24 was found capable to discriminate patients with different curve severities (P = 0.003), diagnosis (P = 0.006), and ambulatory status (P 
< 0.001).

Conclusion.

The current Dutch EOSQ-24 proved to be a valid and reliable quality of life assessment tool for patients with EOS. Currently, long follow-up studies using the EOSQ-24, including the Dutch EOSQ-24, are lacking and are needed to fully validate the EOSQ-24 for use in a clinical setting.

Level of Evidence: 2
Development of Poliosis Following Checkpoint Inhibitor Treatment for Cutaneous Melanoma
Authors: Ediriwickrema Lilangi S. , Liu Catherine Y. , Kikkawa Don O. , Korn Bobby S.
Published: August 2019

The authors describe a clinical case whereby a patient with metastatic cutaneous melanoma developed eyelash poliosis after undergoing treatment with combination immunotherapy with ipilimumab and nivolumab.
Thirty-Day Readmission After Esophageal Variceal Hemorrhage and its Impact on Outcomes in the United States
Authors: Bilal Mohammad , Abougergi Marwan S. , Tayyem Obada , Parupudi Sreeram , Rockey Don C.
Published: August 2019

Aims:

The authors sought to determine the 30-day readmission rate of patients with esophageal variceal hemorrhage (EVH) and its impact on mortality, morbidity, and health care utilization.

Background:

EVH is a common complication of cirrhosis and leads to substantial morbidity and mortality.

Study:

The 2014 National Readmission Database was used to examine adult patients with urgent/emergent admissions and a principal diagnosis of EVH. The primary outcome was 30-day readmission. Secondary outcomes were in-hospital and 30-day mortality rate, most common reasons for readmission, readmission mortality rate, morbidity, and resource utilization. Independent risk factors for readmission were identified using multivariate regression analysis.

Results:

A total of 2003 patients with EVH were included. The mean age was 57 years and 29% of patients were female individuals. The all-cause 30-day readmission rate was 16.6%. EVH was the cause of readmission in only 5% of readmissions. Independent predictors of readmission were age and insurance type. The in-hospital and 30-day mortality rate for index admissions were 7.3% and 8.2%, respectively. For readmitted patients, the mortality rate was 3.9%. Although morbidity was lower during readmissions (prolonged mechanical ventilation: 0.4% vs. 3.5%, P<0.01 and shock: 1.8% vs. 9.9%, P<0.01), the cumulative additional length of stay was substantial at 2054 days with additional total hospitalization charges of US$20 million.

Conclusions:

The all-cause 30-day readmission rate after EVH is 16.6%, with most patients being readmitted for diagnoses unrelated to EVH. Readmission was associated with a substantial increase in in-hospital mortality and resource utilization. Risk factors for readmission were identified, which can potentially be used to decrease readmission rates.