bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seismic Fragility Analysis of Bridge System Based on Fuzzy Failure Criteria
Authors: Ren Leping , He Shuanhai , Yuan Haoyun , Zhu Zhao
Published: June 2019

In the traditional bridge seismic fragility analysis, the criterion for judging the structural damage state is clear. That is to say, when the damage index exceeds a specific value, the structure is judged to enter the new damage state. However, the actual condition is that the boundary of structural damage is not clear but fuzzy. Taking a three‐span V‐shaped continuous girder bridge as an example, the damage process of the structure is described by fuzzy mathematics. Considering the uncertainties of ground motion and structure itself, a seismic fragility analysis method is established, which can consider the randomness of bridge itself, seismic load, and structural failure fuzziness simultaneously. Finally, the improved product of conditional marginal (I‐PCM) method for fragility analysis of bridge system is further optimized and improved. The new improved method is used to form the seismic fragility curves of bridge structure system. The results show that it is possible to underestimate the potential seismic fragility of bridge components and system without considering the structural fuzzy failure criteria; the fragility curves formed by different membership functions are obviously different; the new system fragility analysis method can significantly improve the analysis accuracy.
Short-Term Neurodevelopmental Outcome in Term Neonates Treated with Phenobarbital versus Levetiracetam: A Single-Center Experience
Authors: Falsaperla Raffaele , Mauceri Laura , Pavone Piero , Barbagallo Massimo , Vitaliti Giovanna , Ruggieri Martino , Pisani Francesco , Corsello Giovanni
Published: June 2019

Background. Phenobarbital (PB) has been traditionally used as the first-line treatment for neonatal seizures. More recently, levetiracetam (LEV) has been increasingly used as a promising newer antiepileptic medication for treatment of seizures in neonates. Objectives. The aim of our study was to compare the effect of PB vs. LEV on short-term neurodevelopmental outcome in infants treated for neonatal seizures. Method. This randomized, one-blind prospective study was conducted on term neonates admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of S. Bambino Hospital, University Hospital “Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele,” Catania, Italy, from February 2016 to February 2018. Thirty term neonates with seizures were randomized to receive PB or LEV; the Hammersmith Neonatal Neurological Examination (HNNE) was used at baseline (T0) and again one month after the initial treatment (T1). Results. We found a significantly positive HNNE score for the developmental outcomes, specifically tone and posture, in neonates treated with LEV. There was no significant improvement in the HNNE score at T1 in the neonates treated with PB. Conclusion. This study suggests a positive effect of levetiracetam on tone and posture in term newborns treated for neonatal seizures. If future randomized-controlled studies also show better efficacy of LEV in the treatment of neonatal seizures, LEV might potentially be considered as the first-line anticonvulsant in this age group.
The Study of Critical Heat Flux in Upflow Boiling Vertical Round Tube under High Pressure
Authors: Liu Wei , Shan Jianqiang , Peng Shinian , Jiang Guangming , Liu Yu
Published: June 2019

The Critical Heat Flux (CHF) prediction under high pressure condition, even close to the vicinity of the critical pressure of water, is an important issue. Although there are many empirical CHF correlations, most of them have covered the pressure under 15MPa. In this study, based on the CHF experiment database of upflow boiling in vertical round tube from 15MPa to the vicinity of the critical pressure of water, the Katto, Bowring, Hall-Mudawar, Alekseev correlations, and Groeneveld LUT-2006 are comparatively studied. With an error analysis of the predicted CHF to the experiment database, the prediction capability and the applicability of these correlations are evaluated and the parametric trends of CHF varying with pressure from 15MPa to critical pressure are proposed. Simultaneously, according to the characteristics of Departure from Nucleate Boiling (DNB) type CHF under high pressure condition, the constitutive correlations of Weisman & Pei model are proposed. The prediction results of three entrainment and deposition correlations of Kataoka, Celata, and Hewitt corresponding to the Dry-Out (DO) type CHF are analyzed. Based on the two improved models above, a comprehensive CHF mechanistic model under high pressure condition combining the DNB and DO type CHF is established. The verification based on the experiment database of upflow boiling in vertical round tube and the parametric trends analysis of CHF varying with thermal-hydraulic and geometric parameters are carried out. Findings of this study have a positive effect on further development of CHF prediction method for universal CHF mechanism, especially under high pressure region.
Skin Acute Wound Healing: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Cañedo-Dorantes Luis , Cañedo-Ayala Mara
Published: June 2019

Experimental work of the last two decades has revealed the general steps of the wound healing process. This complex network has been organized in three sequential and overlapping steps. The first step of the inflammatory phase is an immediate response to injury; primary sensory neurons sense injury and send danger signals to the brain, to stop bleeding and start inflammation. The following target of the inflammatory phase, led by the peripheral blood mononuclear cells, is to eliminate the pathogens and clean the wound. Once this is completed, the inflammatory phase is resolved and homeostasis is restored. The aim of the proliferative phase, the second phase, is to repair wound damage and begin tissue remodeling. Fibroplasia, reepithelialization, angiogenesis, and peripheral nerve repair are the central actions of this phase. Lastly, the objective of the final phase is to complete tissue remodeling and restore skin integrity. This review provides present day information regarding the status of the participant cells, extracellular matrix, cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors, as well as their interactions with the microenvironment during the wound healing process.
A Compact 5G Decoupling MIMO Antenna Based on Split-Ring Resonators
Authors: Xu Ziyu , Zhang Qisheng , Guo Linyan
Published: June 2019

A compact planar multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna array for 5G band is proposed in this paper. To improve the isolation of compact microstrip antenna array, this paper mainly presents an electromagnetic resonant ring method for MIMO antenna array. The proposed antenna can cover both the 3.3-3.6 GHz and 4.8-5 GHz bands proposed for the 5G band. The antenna proposed in this paper consists of two symmetrical meandered monopole radiators, grid structures, and a Y-shape element. Two different sizes of split-ring resonators (SRRs) are used to suppress the interference of the coupled signal to the antenna system; thereby it can reduce the mutual coupling effect. The experimental results show that the mutual coupling between the two elements is below -25 dB in both of the bands after adding the SRRs. And this antenna is only 23×19 mm2. Its compact size and structure can be used as a mobile terminal antenna.
Retrospective Study of Factors Potentially Influencing Occurrence of Cough in Slovak Patients with Sarcoidosis
Authors: Kovacova Eva , Vysehradsky Robert , Kocan Ivan , Plevkova Jana , Buday Tomas
Published: June 2019

Introduction. Sarcoidosis is a multisystem granulomatous disease of unknown aetiology, commonly involving the lungs.  Cough is a frequent and troublesome symptom of sarcoidosis that reduces patients’ quality of life. Aim. Retrospective analysis of different factors—smoking history, Scadding stage, results of lung function testing, calcium metabolism, endobronchial finding, CD4+/CD8+ T-cell ratio in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and other sarcoidosis symptoms in relationship to presence/absence of cough in sarcoidosis patients. Methods. We retrospectively studied sarcoidosis patients diagnosed at the Clinic of Pneumology and Phthisiology of Martin University Hospital between 1998 and 2018. Patients with a history of cough-relevant comorbidities were excluded from the study. GraphPad Prism 7.0 software was used to perform statistical analysis. Results. 101 sarcoidosis patients were included to the study: 65 patients reporting from cough and 36 without cough. The cough was slightly more frequent in nonsmokers (p=0.166) and in women (p=0.688). Cough was associated with dyspnoea (p=0.0007), fever (p=0.0324), and chest pain (p=0.0206) and did not associate with arthralgia (p=0.317) and erythema nodosum (p=0.505). Patients with cough had significantly a lower average value of calciuria (p=0.0014) and lower MEF25 (p=0.0304), MEF50 (p=0.0061), FEV1 (p=0.0025), and FVC (p=0.0025) in % of predicted values, and more often positive endobronchial finding (p=0.0206), compared to patients without cough. Calcemia, FEV1/FVC, DLCO, and CD4+/CD8+ T-cell ratio in BALF and occurrence of cough did not differ between different stages of the disease. Conclusions. We found significant differences between sarcoidosis patients with/without cough regarding symptoms, results of lung function tests, endobronchial finding, and calcium metabolism. Further research is needed to understand the etiopathogenesis of cough in sarcoidosis patients.
Physicochemical, Microstructural, and Rheological Characterization of Tigernut (Cyperus esculentus) Starch
Authors: Akonor P. T. , Tortoe C. , Oduro-Yeboah C. , Saka E. A. , Ewool J.
Published: June 2019

The aim of this study was to characterize the physicochemical properties of starch isolated from two varieties of tigernuts. The results showed wide variations between the two types of tigernuts. Mean granule sizes were 11.1 and 6.1 μm, respectively, for starch from the yellow and black while amylose content ranged from 19 to 21%. Starch gels from the yellow variety were more stable to freeze-thaw and recorded 37.1% syneresis, compared to 56.5% after the first storage cycle. Pasting properties were significantly different (p < 0.05) among starch from the two tigernut varieties, with black recording higher peak viscosity, lower breakdown, and higher setback viscosity. Gels made from the yellow variety were clearer, softer, more adhesive, and more cohesive. Both gels showed a pseudoplastic flow behavior without thixotropy.
Clinical Profile, Functional Outcome, and Mortality of Guillain-Barre Syndrome: A Five-Year Tertiary Care Experience from Nepal
Authors: Bhagat Saroj Kumar , Sidhant Shrey , Bhatta Mukesh , Ghimire Ashish , Shah Bhupendra
Published: June 2019

Introduction. Guillain-Barre syndrome is the most common cause of acute flaccid paralysis in the adult population. It occurs at the rate of 0.34 to 4 per 100000 individuals. This study was conducted to determine the clinicoepidemiological profile and outcome of the patients with Guillain-Barre syndrome. Materials and Methods. We conducted a retrospective study of patients with Guillain-Barre syndrome, presented at B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, a tertiary care centre in eastern Nepal, from January 2013 to December 2017. All patients diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome were included in this study. The handwritten case record files of the study population were retrieved from medical record section of the institute. Results. Of 31 patients with Guillain-Barre syndrome, the mean age of patients was 17±12 years. The most common presenting symptom of study population was ascending paralysis (93.5%). Respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation occurred in 16.1%. The common variants are AIDP and AMAN. Respiratory tract infection (29%) was the most common antecedent event. The in-hospital mortality of Guillain-Barre syndrome was 6.45%. Conclusion. Guillain-Barre syndrome is commonly seen in the young population. The most common symptom of Guillain-Barre syndrome was ascending paralysis. The in-hospital mortality rate of patients with GBS was 6.45%.
Correlation between Colon Polyps and Metabolic Syndrome and HP Infection Status
Authors: Huang Lijuan , Wu Lihong , Qiao Qiaohua , Fang Lizheng
Published: June 2019

Background. This study investigated the relationships among the characteristics of colon polyps and potential risk factors, including metabolic condition, CEA level, uric acid level, and Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection status. Method. Clinical data from patients who received colonoscopy were collected and analyzed, including patients’ gender, age, polyp pathology, metabolic syndrome (MS) status, CEA level, uric acid level, and Hp infection status. Patients were divided into a polyp group and a control group based on whether they presented with colon polyps. Then, clinical data were compared between the two groups to identify any differences between the groups and their relationships to colon polyps. Result. Compared with the control group, the polyp group had significant differences in patient gender, body mass index (BMI), waistline, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose level, blood lipid level, and uric acid level (p<0.05), but there were no significant differences in LDL and CEA levels (p>0.05). Patients with MS or a uric acid level>340 mg/dl had a greater tendency to develop colon polyps but this was not statistically significant. Conclusion. The incidence of colon polyps may be associated with MS and uric acid levels, but further studies are warranted to confirm this conclusion.
Tubo-Ovarian Abscesses: Epidemiology and Predictors for Failed Response to Medical Management in an Asian Population
Authors: Chan Grace Ming Fen , Fong Yoke Fai , Ng Kai Lyn
Published: June 2019

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) complicated by tubo-ovarian abscesses (TOA) has long-term sequelae in women of reproductive age. Consensus on the optimal treatment of TOA remains lacking. Most clinicians utilize antibiotics as a first-line conservative approach, failing which invasive intervention is adopted. Our aim is to identify risk factors predicting failed response to conservative medical management for TOA in an Asian population. A retrospective cohort study of 136 patients admitted to a tertiary hospital in Singapore for TOA between July 2013 and December 2017 was performed. Patients were classified into 2 groups: successful medical treatment with intravenous antibiotics and failed medical treatment requiring invasive intervention. 111 (81.6%) of patients were successfully treated with conservative medical approach using intravenous antibiotics; 25 (18.4%) required invasive intervention having failed medical therapy. Multivariate logistic regression model adjusted for age, ethnicity, C-reactive Protein (CRP), TOA size, and body mass index (BMI) showed the odds ratio (OR) of each centimetre increase in TOA size to be 1.28 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03-1.61;P=0.030) and every kg/m2 increase in BMI to be 1.10 (95% CI 1.00-1.21;P=0.040). Failed medical management was predicted by a cutoff of TOA size ≥ 7.4 cm and ≥ BMI 24.9 kg/m2. Patients who failed medical treatment received a mean of 4.0±2.1 days of antibiotics before a decision for invasive intervention was made, with a significantly longer intravenous antibiotic duration (9.4±4.3 versus 3.6±2.2 days;P<0.001) and prolonged hospitalization (10.8± 3.6 versus 4.5 ± 2.0 days;P<0.001) compared to the medical group. Patients with higher BMI and larger TOA size were associated with failed response to conservative medical management in our study population. Early identification of these patients for failed medical therapy is imperative for timely invasive intervention to avoid prolonged hospitalization, antibiotic usage, and patient morbidity.
Circulating CTRP1 Levels Are Increased and Associated with the STOD in Essential Hypertension in Chinese Patients
Authors: Su Zhengjia , Tian Shuya , Liang Wei
Published: June 2019

This study aimed to investigate the correlation between complement C1q tumor necrosis factor-related protein 1 (CTRP1) and subclinical target organ damage (STOD) in essential hypertension (EH). 720 patients were enrolled in this study, including 360 healthy subjects and 360 patients with EH. The EH group included 183 patients complicated with STOD and 177 patients without STOD. In the STOD group, there were 87 patients with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), 32 patients with microalbuminuria (MAU), and 58 patients with complication of LVH and MAU. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the CTRP1, adiponectin (APN), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). We found that CTRP1 levels were higher in patients with EH than those in healthy subjects; moreover, the level of CTRP1 of patients in the group complicated with EH and STOD was increased compared with EH patients without STOD. CTRP1 levels in the group complicated with LVH and MAU were significantly higher than those in the LVH group and the MAU group. Furthermore, APN, CTRP1, and IL-6 were three factors that influenced the STOD of EH patients, among which CTRP1 and IL6 were positively related with the complication of hypertension and STOD. In conclusion, CTRP1 levels are increased and associated with the STOD (heart and kidney) in essential hypertension, which can be regarded as a novel biomarker in the prediction of prognosis for patients with essential hypertension.
A Cancelable Template for the Low-Quality Fingerprints from Wearable Devices
Authors: Lee Sanghoon , Jeong Ik Rae
Published: June 2019

Biometric authentication in wearable devices is different from the common biometric authentication systems. First of all, sensitive information such as fingerprint and iris of a user is stored in a wearable device owned by the user rather than being stored in a remote database. Wearable devices are portable, and there is a risk that the devices might be lost or stolen. In addition, the quality of the extracted image from the wearable devices is lower than that of the common biometric acquisition sensor. In the paper, we propose a novel cancelable fingerprint template which is irreversible to the original biometrics and has excellent accuracy even in low quality images.
Impulsive Problems for Fractional Differential Equations with Functional Boundary Value Conditions at Resonance
Authors: Sun Bingzhi , Zhang Shuqin , Jiang Weihua
Published: June 2019

We establish novel results on the existence of impulsive problems for fractional differential equations with functional boundary value conditions at resonance with dim⁡Ker L=1. Our results are based on the degree theory due to Mawhin, which requires appropriate Banach spaces and suitable projection schemes.
No-Reference Quality Assessment Method for Blurriness of SEM Micrographs with Multiple Texture
Authors: Wang Hui , Hu Xiaojuan , Xu Hui , Li Shiyin , Lu Zhaolin
Published: June 2019

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) plays an important role in the intuitive understanding of microstructures because it can provide ultrahigh magnification. Tens or hundreds of images are regularly generated and saved during a typical microscopy imaging process. Given the subjectivity of a microscopist’s focusing operation, blurriness is an important distortion that debases the quality of micrographs. The selection of high-quality micrographs using subjective methods is expensive and time-consuming. This study proposes a new no-reference quality assessment method for evaluating the blurriness of SEM micrographs. The human visual system is more sensitive to the distortions of cartoon components than to those of redundant textured components according to the Gestalt perception psychology and the entropy masking property. Micrographs are initially decomposed into cartoon and textured components. Then, the spectral and spatial sharpness maps of the cartoon components are extracted. One metric is calculated by combining the spatial and spectral sharpness maps of the cartoon components. The other metric is calculated on the basis of the edge of the maximum local variation map of the cartoon components. Finally, the two metrics are combined as the final metric. The objective scores generated using this method exhibit high correlation and consistency with the subjective scores.
Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1αKnockdown Plus Glutamine Supplementation Attenuates the Predominance of Necrosis over Apoptosis by Relieving Cellular Energy Stress in Acute Pancreatitis
Authors: Ji Liang , Guo Xiaoyu , Lv Jiachen , Xiao Fan , Zhang Wangjun , Li Jie , Lin Zhitao , Sun Bei , Wang Gang
Published: June 2019

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect and potential mechanism of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α) genetic inhibition plus glutamine (Gln) supplementation on necrosis-apoptosis imbalance during acute pancreatitis (AP), with a specific focus on the regulations of intracellular energy metabolism status. Wistar rats and AR42J cells were used to establish AP models. When indicated, a HIF-1αknockdown with or without a Gln supplementation was administered.In vivo, local and systemic inflammatory injuries were assessed by serum cytokine measurement, H&E staining, and transmission electron microscope (TEM) observation of pancreatic tissue.In vitro, intracellular energy metabolism status was evaluated by measuring the intracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP), lactic acid, and Ca2+concentrations and the mitochondrial potential. In addition, changes in the apoptotic activity were analyzed using TUNEL stainingin vivoand an apoptosis assayin vitro.HIF-1αknockdown alleviated AP-related inflammatory injury as indicated by the measurements of serum cytokines and examinations of TEM and H&E staining of pancreatic tissues. HIF-1αknockdown played an antioxidative role against AP-related injuries by preventing the increase in the intracellular Ca2+concentration and the decrease in the mitochondrial membrane potential and subsequently by suppressing the glycolysis pathway and increasing energy anabolism in AR42J cells after AP induction. Apoptosis was significantly upregulated when HIF-1αwas knocked down before AP induction due to an attenuation of the translocation of nuclear factor-kappa B to the nuclei. Furthermore, these merits of HIF-1αknockdown in the relief of the metabolic stress and upregulation of apoptosis were more significant when Gln was administered concomitantly. In conclusion, Gln-supplemented HIF-1αknockdown might be promising for the future management of AP by relieving the intracellular energy stress, thereby attenuating the predominance of necrosis over apoptosis.
Phytochemical Screening and In Vivo Antimalarial Activity of Two Traditionally Used Medicinal Plants of Afar Region, Ethiopia, against Plasmodium berghei in Swiss Albino Mice
Authors: Gebrehiwot Sibhatu , Shumbahri Mohammed , Eyado Amelework , Yohannes Tilahun
Published: June 2019

The objective of the present study was to investigate phytochemical components, antiplasmodial activity (in vivo) and evaluate the toxicity of two local medicinal plants, namely, Salvadora persica L. and Balanites rotundifolia (Van Tiegh.) used in Afar ethnomedicine for the treatment of malaria. In this study, phytochemical screening has been done using standard methods and the existence of antiplasmodial compounds was detected in these plant extracts. Four-day Peter’s test was used to determine parasite inhibition, PCV was determined by Wintrob’s method, and effects against loss of body weight and improvements on survival time were determined. LD50s of the crude extracts have been also done. Acute toxicity studies of the extracts were carried out in Swiss albino mice prior to antimalarial activity test. All extracts revealed no obvious acute toxicities on mice up to the highest (5000mg/kg) dose given. The crude extract was estimated to have oral median lethal dose higher than 5,000 mg/kg. With the 4-day suppressive test, both plant extracts demonstrated dose-dependent significant reduction in parasitemia level at all test doses compared to the negative control: in the extract of B. rotundifolia 500 mg/kg extract (60.59±3.25%), 350 mg/kg extract (48.1±1.4), and 200 mg/kg extract (41.33±1.1%) were found. And in case of S. Persica 500 mg/kg extract (50.6±4.01%), 350 mg/kg extract (35.85±0.89), and 200 mg/kg extract (27.69±1.14%) were found. The results of this study provide support for the traditional therapeutic value and the reported antimalarial activity.
Microscopic Investigation of Rate Dependence on Three‐Point Notched‐Tip Bending Sandstone
Authors: Li Wenshuai , Shaikh Faiz U. A. , Wang Lianguo , Lu Yinlong , Wang Kai , Li Zhaolin
Published: June 2019

The cracking process in rock or concrete is usually characterized by the formation of microcracks that eventually form a propagating macrocrack. A series of three‐point bending experiments were performed on sandstone containing Mode I crack under different loading rates. The microscopic monitoring system was established to capture the cracking process at notch tip. The loading rate dependence of microcracking behaviour was analysed based on load‐time curves, acoustic emission (AE), microscopic images, and micrograph‐based digital image correlation (DIC) technology. Results showed that the specimens underwent a short period of compression and elastic deformation stage under high loading rate, and the peak loads increased with the increase in loading rate. The AE results revealed that the fracturing process can be divided into elastic stage, damage stage, and postpeak stage, and more extensive damage occurred before the peak under low loading rate. It can be observed from microscopic images that the crack was initiated during the elastic stage, which was earlier than that determined from the AE monitoring. In addition, the microcracks were initiated at multiple locations and were mainly located at the interfaces between dense grains under low loading rate, while microcracks were observed inside the grains under high loading rate. Furthermore, the DIC results showed that the crack opening displacement (COD) of 0.6 mm/min at the peak was almost twice than that of 3.0 mm/min. The COD under the same loading rate at the peak can be considered as the material property of sandstone.
The Relationship between Plasma Soluble Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products and Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Wang Xiangming , Xu Tingting , Mungun Deeraj , Zhou Chuanwei , Zha Zhimin , Lu Miao , Fen Chuyan , Guo Yan
Published: June 2019

Background. Inflammation is involved in the development and progression of coronary artery disease (CAD). The role of the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) in the development of CAD has been recognized. The expression of sRAGE and S100A12 in patients with coronary artery disease from different studies was inconsistent. We attempted to determine the expression of sRAGE and S100A12 and their relationship in the subjects with different severity levels of CAD.Methods. A total of 259 patients undergoing coronary angiography were enrolled from the Department of Geriatric Cardiology in the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from January 2014 to December 2016. Groups were divided as follows: normal coronary artery (control group), nonobstructive coronary atherosclerosis (<50% stenosis in all coronary vessels, NOCA group), stable angina (SAP group), and acute coronary syndrome (ACS group). During CAG or PCI, peripheral arterial blood was collected from all the patients. Plasma sRAGE and S100A12 levels were measured by ELISA. We calculated the SYNTAX score of each patient with CAD according to the result of CAG.Results. The levels of sRAGE were significantly elevated in the ACS group compared with those in the control group, the NOCA group, and the SAP group. sRAGE levels were similar among the control group, the NOCA group, and the SAP group. Plasma S100A12 levels were significantly higher in the ACS group than in the control group and the NOCA group. Baseline correlations between plasma levels of sRAGE and plasma S100A12 in the ACS group were significant. Plasma sRAGE concentration was increasing in patients with ACS and was significantly positively correlated with the increasing SYNTAX score. ROC curve analysis revealed that the combination of sRAGE and S100A12 had a good performance in the prediction of high-risk CAD patients.Conclusion. The plasma levels of sRAGE and S100A12 can be increased in patients with ACS. The elevated sRAGE concentration may be independently associated with the severity of CAD and the inflammatory process. sRAGE combined with S100A12 may be used as a predictor of severe coronary heart disease.
Function, Oxidative, and Inflammatory Stress Parameters in Immune Cells as Predictive Markers of Lifespan throughout Aging
Authors: Martínez de Toda Irene , Vida Carmen , Sanz San Miguel Luis , De la Fuente Mónica
Published: June 2019

According to the oxidative-inflammatory theory of aging, there is a link between the function, the oxidative-inflammatory stress state of immune cells, and longevity. However, it is unknown which immune cell parameters can predict lifespan and if there would be any changes in this prediction, depending on the age of the subject. Therefore, a longitudinal study in mice was performed analysing immune function (chemotaxis of macrophages and lymphocytes, phagocytosis of macrophages, natural killer (NK) activity, and lymphoproliferation capacity), antioxidant (catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione reductase (GR) activities as well as reduced glutathione (GSH) concentrations), oxidant (oxidized glutathione (GSSG), superoxide anion, and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations), and inflammation-related markers (basal release of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-10) in peritoneal leukocytes from mice at the adult, mature, old, very old, and long-lived ages (40, 56, 72, 96, and 120±4 weeks of age, respectively). The results reveal that some of the investigated parameters are determinants of longevity at the adult age (lymphoproliferative capacity, lymphocyte chemotaxis, macrophage chemotaxis and phagocytosis, GPx activity, and GSH, MDA, IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-10 concentrations), and therefore, they could be proposed as markers of the rate of aging. However, other parameters are predictive of extreme longevity only at the very old age (NK activity, CAT and GR activities, and IL-6 and IL-1β concentrations), and as such, they could reflect some of the adaptive mechanisms underlying the achievement of high longevity. Nevertheless, although preliminary, the results of the present study provide a new perspective on the use of function, redox, and inflammatory parameters in immune cells as prognostic tools in aging research and represent a novel benchmark for future work aimed at prediction of lifespan.
Out-Of-Equilibrium Transverse Momentum Spectra of Pions at LHC Energies
Authors: Tawfik Abdel Nasser
Published: June 2019

In order to characterize the transverse momentum spectra (pT) of positive pions measured in the ALICE experiment, two thermal approaches are utilized; one is based on degeneracy of nonperfect Bose-Einstein gas and the other imposes an ad hoc finite pion chemical potential. The inclusion of missing hadron states and the out-of-equilibrium contribute greatly to the excellent characterization of pion production. An excellent reproduction of these pT-spectra is achieved at μπ=0.12 GeV and this covers the entire range of pT. The excellent agreement with the experimental results can be understood as a manifestation of not-yet-regarded anomalous pion production, which likely contributes to the long-standing debate on “anomalous” proton-to-pion ratios at top RHIC and LHC energies.
Strategic Information Sharing in a Dynamic Supply Chain with a Carrier under Complex Uncertainty
Authors: Du Heng , Jiang Ye
Published: June 2019

Whether to use an information sharing mechanism is investigated in a dynamic supply chain, where one manufacturer, one carrier, and one retailer are faced with uncertain yield, demand, and lead time during multiple periods. Each member is modeled as an adaptive agent based on multiagent technique, and their decisions can be adjusted timely to adapt to external environment. There are two choices for the whole supply chain to deal with uncertain risks: information sharing (IS) or no information sharing (NS). Under strategy IS, the information about market demand and the retailer’s inventory can be shared within the supply chain. For each strategy, the effects of yield, demand, and lead time uncertainties on costs of the supply chain and channel members are studied. It is found that (i) it is rewarding for the upstream manufacturer to use a retailer’s shared information under uncertain yield or demand; (ii) however, information sharing (IS) strategy sometimes should be abandoned for other members and the whole supply chain; (iii) counterintuitively, the increase of transportation time uncertainty benefits the retailer.
Traditional Uses, Bioactive Constituents, Biological Functions, and Safety Properties of Oviductus ranae as Functional Foods in China
Authors: Zhang Yang , Wang Yifei , Li Mingzhu , Liu Shuyue , Yu Jialu , Yan Zhaowei , Zhou Hongli
Published: June 2019

Oviductus ranae is an animal-based traditional Chinese material widely used as tonics in China for hundreds of years. Various bioactive components are present in OR including proteins, amino acids, steroids, fatty acids, phospholipids, nucleosides, vitamins, hydantoins, and mineral elements. These constituents exert a myriad of biological functions such as immunomodulatory, antioxidant, antifatigue, antiaging, estrogen-like, hepatoprotective, hypolipidemic, antiosteoporotic, antidepressant, antitumor, antitussive, expectorant, anti-inflammatory, and antiasthmatic activities. Unlike other traditional Chinese crude drugs recorded in Chinese Pharmacopoeia, OR is seldom prescribed as medicine but often consumed as nutraceuticals to optimize health. In this review, the traditional uses, bioactive constituents, biological functions, and safety properties of OR as functional foods in China were summarized and discussed. It is expected that this review will provide useful information for anyone who is interested in OR.
Dynamics Analysis of the Rigid‐Flexible Coupling Lifting Comprehensive Mechanism for a Rotary Dobby
Authors: Wei Xiaoyong , Jin Guoguang , Wei Zhan , Chang Boyan , Song Yanyan
Published: June 2019

This paper addresses the problem of dynamics analysis of the rigid‐flexible coupling lifting comprehensive mechanism for a rotary dobby, which is the important part of the loom. To provide a physical model basis for a precise dynamics model, the finite element method was used to discretize the bending arm of the rotary dobby effectively. Combining with the modal synthesis techniques, the dynamic model of the bending arm was established by using Kane’s formulation, and it laid a foundation for analyzing the dynamic performance of the heald frame. By comparing virtual prototype simulation results with the numerical calculation results of the bending arm, the correctness of this model was verified. Based on the established dynamic model, the modal truncation method is used to simplify the dynamic model; in addition, the influence of parameters such as the speed of the dobby, the warp tension, the movement distance of the heald frame, and the thickness of the bending arm on the dynamic characteristics of the heald frame was analyzed. Last, the sensitivity analysis (SA) method is used to analyze the effects of each parameter. The results show that it is appropriate to select the first four modes to calculate, and increasing the speed greatly or increasing the warp tension, the shedding performance is obviously worse, while the shedding performance of the loom can be optimized by reducing the shedding range or increasing the thickness of the bending arm.
Acupuncture Regulating Gut Microbiota in Abdominal Obese Rats Induced by High-Fat Diet
Authors: Wang Haiying , Wang Qiang , Liang Cuimei , Su Mingxing , Wang Xin , Li Hua , Hu Hui , Fang Hongjuan
Published: June 2019

Objective. To investigate the effects of acupuncture on metabolic health and gut microbiota dysbiosis in diet-induced abdominal obese model. Materials and Methods. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly distributed into normal chow diet (NCD) group and high-fat diet (HFD) group. After 12 weeks of HFD feeding, an abdominal obese rat model was established. The abdominal obese rats were further assigned to acupuncture group (n=7) and nontreated HFD group (n=7). Acupuncture was applied to bilateral GB 26 of rats for 8 weeks. Subsequently, the body weight, waist circumference (WC), visceral fat mass, and liver weight were measured weekly in all rats. Metabolic parameters such as total cholesterol, triglyceride, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate transaminase, and blood glucose were measured by an automatic biochemical analyzer. The serum levels of insulin (INS) were determined using Rat INS ELISA Kit. Analysis of gut microbiota was carried out by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Results. Acupuncture decreased the body weight, WC, and visceral adipose tissues of HFD-induced abdominal obese rats. In addition, insulin sensitivity, glucose homeostasis, and lipid metabolism were improved by this treatment. Furthermore, electroacupuncture effectively modified the composition of gut microbiota, mainly via decreasing Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and increasing Prevotella_9 abundance. Conclusions. Electroacupuncture can ameliorate abdominal obesity and prevent metabolic disorders in HFD-induced abdominal obese rats, via the modulation of gut microbiota.
Biomechanical Analysis of the Forces Exerted during Different Occlusion Conditions following Bilateral Sagittal Split Osteotomy Treatment for Mandibular Deficiency
Authors: Chang Yuan-Han , Chan Man-Yee , Hsu Jui-Ting , Hsiao Han-Yu , Su Kuo-Chih
Published: June 2019

The bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO) technique is commonly used to correct mandibular deficiency. If the patient is exposed to excessive external forces after the procedure, occlusal changes or nonunion may occur. However, previous studies only focused on single external forces on the mandible and did not conduct relevant research on the forces exerted by different occlusion conditions. The main purpose of this study was to use finite element analysis methods to determine the biomechanics of four common occlusion conditions after BSSO surgical treatment. This study constructed a finite element analysis computer model of a miniplate implanted in the lower jaw. The structure of the model consisted of the mandible, miniplate, and screws. In addition, external forces were applied to the superficial masseter, deep masseter, medial pterygoid, anterior temporalis, middle temporalis, and posterior temporalis muscles to simulate the incisal clench, intercuspal position (ICP), right unilateral molar clench (RMOL), and right group function occlusion conditions. Subsequently, this study observed the effects of these conditions on the miniplate, screws, and mandible, including the von Mises stress values. The results showed that all of the different occlusion conditions that this study evaluated placed high stress on the miniplate. In the ICP and RMOL occlusion conditions, the overall mandibular structure experienced very high stress. The screw on the proximal segment near the bone gap experienced high stress, as did the screw on the buccal side. According to the present analysis, although the data were not directly obtained from clinical practice, the finite element analysis could evaluate the trend of results under different external forces. The result of this study recommended that patients without intermaxillary fixation avoid the ICP and RMOL occlusion conditions. It can be used as a pilot study in the future for providing clinicians more information on the biomechanics of implantation.
Improving Aileron Effectiveness Based on Changing the Position of Aileron Connectors
Authors: Qiu Ju , Ang Haisong
Published: June 2019

In this paper, the design concept of the aileron with a fixed connector and a moving connector has been explored due to the improvement of aileron effectiveness. As usual, aileron reversal or the blocking phenomenon of multijoint fixed ailerons is a hard nut to crack. In the present research, in order to improve aileron effectiveness, several examples are studied. The connection position influences the stress, displacement, load distribution, and control effectiveness of the aileron or critical flutter speed. As the joint positions are different, the wing-aileron connection stiffness is also changing. The sample of the beam shows the weight reduction. The plate simulation indicates the decreased deformation and the better load distribution. The aileron trimming demonstrates the improvement of aileron effectiveness. And the flutter speed coupled with the aileron is different. All of these examples indicate the feasibility of this new concept of the aileron design, which means improving aileron effectiveness based on changing the position of aileron connectors. Finally, three different modes for wing-aileron connections are suggested for reference.
Identification of lncRNAs and Genes Responsible for Fatness and Fatty Acid Composition Traits between the Tibetan and Yorkshire Pigs
Authors: Shang Peng , Li Wenting , Liu Gang , Zhang Jian , Li Mengrou , Wu Lvcao , Wang Kejun , Chamba Yangzom
Published: June 2019

Tibetan pigs from the Tibetan Plateau are characterized with a significant phenotypic difference relative to lowland pigs. In this study, a significant difference of the fatness and fatty acid composition traits was observed between the Tibetan and Yorkshire pigs. To uncover the involved mechanism, the expression profile of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and genes was compared between them. After serial filtered steps, 1,964 lncRNAs were obtained through our computational pipeline. In total, 63 and 715 lncRNAs and genes were identified to be differentially expressed. Evidence from cis- and trans-targeting analysis of lncRNAs demonstrated that some lncRNAs, such as MSTRG.14097 and MSTRG.8034, played important roles in the fatness and fatty acid composition traits. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that many candidate genes were responsible for the two traits. Of these, FASN, ACACA, SCD, ME3, PDHB, ACSS1, ACSS2, and ACLY were identified, which functioned in regulating the level of hexadecanoic acid, hexadecenoic acid, octadecenoic acid, and monounsaturated fatty acid. And LPGAT1, PDK4, ACAA1, and ADIPOQ were associated with the content of stearic acid, octadecadienoic acid, and polyunsaturated fatty acid. Candidate genes, which were responsible for fatness trait, consisted of FGF2, PLAG1, ADIPOQ, IRX3, MIF, IL-34, ADAM8, HMOX1, Vav1, and TLR8. In addition, association analysis also revealed that 34 and 57 genes significantly correlated to the fatness and fatty acid composition trait, respectively. Working out the mechanism caused by these lncRNAs and candidate genes is proven to be complicated but is invaluable to our understanding of fatness and fatty acid composition traits.
MAPK p38alpha Kinase Influences Haematopoiesis in Embryonic Stem Cells
Authors: Štefková Kateřina , Hanáčková Markéta , Kučera Jan , Radaszkiewicz Katarzyna Anna , Ambrůžová Barbora , Kubala Lukáš , Pacherník Jiří
Published: June 2019

The activation of p38alpha kinase mediates cell response to various extracellular factors including many interleukins and growth factors important for haematopoiesis. The role of p38alpha kinase was previously analysed in particular haematopoietic cells. In this study and for the first time, the role of p38alpha kinase in haematopoiesis was studied using a model of continuous haematopoietic development in pluripotent embryonic stem cellsin vitro. The expression of transcripts associated with haematopoiesis and the potential for the formation of specific haematopoietic cell colonies were compared between wild-type and mutant p38alpha gene-depleted cells. The absence of p38alpha kinase led to the inhibition of hemangioblast formation during the first step of haematopoiesis. Later, during differentiation, due to the lack of p38alpha kinase, erythrocyte maturation was impaired. Mutant p38α−/−cells also exhibited decreased potential with respect to the expansion of granulocyte colony-forming units. This effect was reversed in the absence of erythropoietin as shown by colony-forming unit assay in media for colony-forming unit granulocytes/macrophages. p38alpha kinase thus plays an important role in the differentiation of common myeloid precursor cells into granulocyte lineages.
Development and Validity of a Questionnaire on Dyslipidemia Dietary Knowledge
Authors: Liang Na , Zhao Qiuli , He Yuhua , Li Jingshu , Yang Li
Published: June 2019

Objective. Dyslipidemia is one of the most important modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Diet and lifestyle interventions positively contribute to the management of dyslipidemia. Adequate knowledge of the correct diet for dyslipidemia is an effective preventive strategy against cardiovascular disease. Method. This study developed a questionnaire to test dyslipidemia dietary knowledge. The initial, multiple-choice dyslipidemia dietary knowledge questionnaire (DDKQ) was formed based on a literature review of previous studies. Two Delphi rounds were performed to ensure content validity and face validity, items were pretested and filtered through item analysis, and the reliability and validity of the final questionnaire were checked. Results. The DDKQ consisted of 5 parts, with 25 items in total. It demonstrated adequate content validity (0.94), face validity, internal consistency (KR20 = 0.67), and test-retest reliability (0.74). The mean item difficulty (P) was 0.55 and ranged from 0.15 to 0.83, and the mean item discrimination index (D) was 0.36, ranging from 0.21 to 0.58. The questionnaire was also able to distinguish between participants with/without a medical background; medical workers produced significantly higher total scores (16.70±2.84 vs. 14.57±4.26, p< 0.05). Conclusion. The DDKQ is a reliable and valid measure of dyslipidemia dietary knowledge. It is suitable for providing scientific assessments for targeted health education interventions.
Performance of the American Thyroid Association Risk Classification in a Single Center Cohort of Pediatric Patients with Differentiated Thyroid Cancer: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Alwithenani Raad , DeBrabandere Sarah , Rachinsky Irina , MacNeil S. Danielle , Badreddine Mahmoud , Van Uum Stan
Published: June 2019

Introduction. Differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) is the most common endocrine malignancy in children. Retrospective studies show conflicting results regarding predictors of persistent and recurrent disease after initial therapy. In 2015, the American Thyroid Association (ATA) proposed a clinical classification system to identify pediatric thyroid cancer patients at risk for persistent/recurrent disease. Material and Methods. We retrospectively included all patients in our registry diagnosed with papillary DTC at ≤ 18 years of age. We analyzed the prognostic performance of the ATA classification and other risk factors for predicting response to initial treatment and final outcome in pediatric DTC. Results. We included 41 patients, 34 females and 7 males, diagnosed with papillary DTC at a mean (SD) age of 16.2 (1.8) years. Based on the ATA pediatric risk classification, patients were categorized as low (61%), intermediate (10%), or high risk (29%). The median follow-up period was 7.3 (1-41) years. After initial treatment, disease free status was achieved in 92%, 50%, and 42% of the low, intermediate, and high risk groups, respectively (P <0.01). At the last visit, persistent disease was present in 12%, 25%, and 33% (P=0.27). Assessing other risk factors, only the presence of distant metastases at diagnosis resulted in increased presence of persistent disease at last follow-up (P=0.03). Conclusion. This study supports the clinical relevance of the ATA risk classification for predicting the response to initial treatment. There was no clear prediction of long-term outcome, but this may be due to limited power caused by the small number of patients.