bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on Conceptual Design of a Solar Ejector Refrigeration System
Authors: Shovon Md. Khairul Bashar , Kumar Raman Senthil , Kim Tae Ho , Kim Heuy Dong
Published: February 2020

The refrigeration system based on the conventional compression cycle consumes an enormous amount of high-grade energy. Using fossil fuels as the energy sources results in the addition of CO2into the atmosphere and consequently stimulating higher greenhouse effect. The ejector refrigeration systems powered by renewable energy sources would be an effective alternative without increasing global CO2footprint. In this study, the performance characteristics of a solar ejector refrigeration system working with R718 are analytically calculated by using a one-dimensional flow model. At the critical mode, the solar ejector-refrigeration system is analyzed at various working conditions such as condenser temperature, evaporator temperature, generator temperature, and ejector area ratio. The critical system performance is analyzed to meet any designated working conditions with a wide range of condenser temperatures. It is found that during the critical mode of operation, higher area ratio, higher evaporator temperature and lower generator temperature enhance the performance of the system. The minimum evaporator temperature, and the maximum generator temperature designed to acquire the required coefficient of performance value are also calculated.
Global Groundwater Sustainability, Resources, and Systems in the Anthropocene
Authors: Gleeson Tom , Cuthbert Mark , Ferguson Grant , Perrone Debra
Published: February 2020

Groundwater is a crucial resource for current and future generations, but it is not being sustainably used in many parts of the world. The objective of this review is to provide a clear portrait of global-scale groundwater sustainability, systems, and resources in the Anthropocene to inspire a pivot toward more sustainable pathways of groundwater use. We examine groundwater from three different but related perspectives of sustainability science, natural resource governance and management, and Earth System science. An Earth System approach highlights the connections between groundwater and the other parts of the system and how these connections are impacting, or are impacted by, groundwater pumping. Groundwater is the largest store of unfrozen freshwater on Earth and is heterogeneously connected to many Earth System processes on different timescales. We propose a definition of groundwater sustainability that has a direct link with observable data, governance, and management as well as the crucial functions and services of groundwater. ▪  Groundwater is depleted or contaminated in some regions; it is ubiquitously distributed, which, importantly, makes it broadly accessible but also slow and invisible and therefore challenging to govern and manage. ▪  Regional differences in priorities, hydrology, politics, culture, and economic contexts mean that different governance and management tools are important, but a global perspective can support higher level international policies in an increasingly globalized world that require broader analysis of interconnections and knowledge transfer between regions. ▪  A coherent, overarching framework of groundwater sustainability is more important for groundwater governance and management than the concepts of safe yield, renewability, depletion, or stress.
Clientelism's Red Herrings: Dead Ends and New Directions in the Study of Nonprogrammatic Politics
Authors: Hicken Allen , Nathan Noah L.
Published: February 2020

Research on clientelism often starts from a shared puzzle: How can clientelism be a viable electoral strategy if voters can renege on their commitments to politicians? The standard solution proposed is that politicians resolve this commitment problem with voters through monitoring and enforcement. But there has been startlingly little evidence of individual-level monitoring and enforcement in the recent literature, and many studies now document the use of clientelism even where politicians are aware that the commitment problem remains completely intractable. When read together, recent studies suggest that the focus on resolving the commitment problem is a red herring. Instead, it is increasingly clear that clientelism does not need to be monitored and that the commitment problem does not bind as politicians choose their electoral appeals. New puzzles, motivated by advances in the recent literature, deserve comparatively more attention in future research.
Analysis of Scale-up Parameters in 3D Silicon-Nanowire Lithium-Battery Anodes
Authors: Schneier Dan , Harpak Nimrod , Menkin Svetlana , Davidi Guy , Goor Meital , Mados Edna , Ardel Gilat , Patolsky Fernando , Golodnitsky Diana , Peled Emanuel
Published: February 2020

New, higher-capacity materials are required in order to address the growing need for batteries with greater energy density and longer cycle life for modern applications. We present here a study of silicon-nanowire (SiNW) anodes, synthesized via a novel, catalysts free and scalable chemical vapor deposition (CVD) on stainless-steel mesh. This is a continuation to our previous paper (Harpak et al., Nano Lett. (2019) http://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.nanolett.8b05127) that describes the progress we recently made. The study is focused on the adaptation of the SiNW anode in various large-scale configurations. Our research efforts have resulted in the successful scale-up of the silicon anode from Si/Li half-cells with high areal capacity of 14 mAh cm−2, to coin cells with commercial cathodes, industrial 1/3AAA cells and proof-of-concept multilayered pouch cells. Testing of our anodes in cylindrical cells demonstrated the applicability of these anodes in commercial lithium-ion batteries that can run for hundreds of cycles, withstanding fast charge and subzero temperatures. An all-solid Si/polymer electrolyte/NCA cell is also demonstrated as a proof of concept (POC). We assign the major degradation mechanism of the SiNW anodes to the growth of the SEI thickness and impedance during cycling. We found that the depth of lithiation/delithiation and the voltage profile of the cell significantly affect cell’s stability.
Serum Fibroblast Growth Factor 19 and Total Bile Acid Concentrations Are Potential Biomarkers of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Sun Yi , Zhu Minxia , Zhao Hui , Ni Xiaoqing , Chang Renan , Su Jianyou , Huang Hua , Cui Shiwei , Wang Xinlei , Yuan Jin , Yuan Jie , OuYang Rong , Zhang Rongping , Chen Wei , Gu Yunjuan , Sun Yezi
Published: February 2020

Purpose. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) carries a high risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Both serum fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) and bile acid concentrations are associated with T2DM and HCC. We aimed at evaluating the relationships between FGF19 and bile acid concentrations and HCC in patients with T2DM. Methods. Twenty‐seven healthy volunteers (control group), 27 patients with T2DM (T2DM group), 16 patients with newly diagnosed HCC (HCC group), and 10 T2DM patients with newly diagnosed HCC (T2DM‐HCC group) were studied at the Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University between June 2016 and June 2017. The serum concentrations of serum FGF19 and total bile acids (TBA) were measured in all the participants. Correlation analysis and multiple stepwise regression analysis of the FGF19 and TBA concentrations were performed in all the participants and in the four groups. Results. The concentrations of FGF19 were 220.5 pg/ml, 185.1 pg/ml, 115.8 pg/ml, and 70.4 pg/ml in the HCC, T2DM‐HCC, control, and T2DM groups, respectively (p < 0.001), and the TBA concentrations were 21.75 μmol/l, 14.25 μmol/l, 3.6 μmol/l, and 3.1 μmol/l (p < 0.001). There were positive correlations between the FGF19 and TBA concentrations across all the participants (r = 0.777; p < 0.001), and in the control (r = 0.400; p = 0.039), T2DM (r = 0.477; p = 0.012), HCC (r = 0.684; p = 0.003), and T2DM‐HCC (r = 0.673; p = 0.033) groups. Conclusions. Simultaneous increase of serum FGF19 and TBA levels may be used as indicators of HCC screening at early stage in patients with T2DM.
Bredemolic Acid Improves Cardiovascular Function and Attenuates Endothelial Dysfunction in Diet-Induced Prediabetes: Effects on Selected Markers
Authors: Akinnuga Akinjide Moses , Siboto Angezwa , Khumalo Bongiwe , Sibiya Ntethelelo Hopewell , Ngubane Phikelelani , Khathi Andile
Published: February 2020

Prediabetes is an intermediate hyperglycaemic state which has been associated with cardiovascular dysfunction. However, cardiovascular dysfunction is not only caused by intermediate hyperglycaemia but also endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, and oxidative stress associated with prediabetes. Bredemolic acid (BA), an isomer of maslinic acid, has been reported to ameliorate the intermediate hyperglycaemia found in prediabetes; however, the effects of this triterpene on cardiovascular function have not yet been determined. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of BA on cardiovascular function in diet-induced prediabetic rats. Thirty-six male rats that weighed 150–180 g were divided into two groups, the non-prediabetic (n = 6) and the prediabetic groups (n = 30), which were fed normal diet (ND) and HFHC diet, respectively. The prediabetic rats were further subdivided into five groups (n = 6) and treated with either BA (80 mg/kg) or metformin (MET, 500 mg/kg) every third day for 12 weeks. After 12 weeks, blood samples and the heart were collected for biochemical analysis. The untreated prediabetic rats showed a significant increase in body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), blood pressure, heart rate, lipid profile, lipid peroxidation, and inflammatory markers with significant decrease in endothelial function and antioxidant biomarkers by comparison with the non-prediabetic animals. The administration of BA significantly improved cardiovascular functions such as blood pressure, heart rate, and endothelial function. There was also a significant decrease in BMI, WC, lipid profile, lipid peroxidation, and inflammation with a concomitant increase in antioxidant capacity. BA administration improved cardiovascular function by attenuation of oxidative stress, inflammatory, and endothelial dysfunction markers.
A Correctness Checking Approach for Collaborative Business Processes in the Cloud
Authors: Mo Qi , Wang Yuqi , Xiang Jixiang , Li Tong
Published: February 2020

With the increasing popularity of cloud computing, especially the emergence of Business Process as a Service (BPaaS), more and more enterprises construct their process collaborations based on BPaaS services. Indeed, the collaborative business process built by BPaaS services can be seen as a complex system, as it covers multiple business processes (i.e., BPaaS services) and they act independently. Since business processes corresponding to BPaaS services are usually provided by different cloud service providers, and their interactions are unforeseen in advance, in actual execution, some behavioral anomalies (e.g., deadlocks) may occur. To this end, based on BPaaS services, we propose an approach to build process collaborations in the cloud. In this approach, we first model collaborative business processes using open nets. Then, we check their correctness based on stubborn sets. Finally, in case they are partially correct, we generate reliable paths for the coordination execution between business processes. Our approach is implemented in the PIPE (an open tool for Petri nets) and evaluated on actual cases that show its effectiveness and efficiency.
Investigation of Particle Distributions in Xe-Xe Collision at sNN=5.44 TeV with the Tsallis Statistics
Authors: Zhao Hai-Fu , Li Bao-Chun , Dong Hong-Wei
Published: February 2020

The distribution characteristic of final-state particles is one of the significant parts in high-energy nuclear collisions. The transverse momentum distribution of charged particles carries essential evolution information about the collision system. The Tsallis statistics is used to investigate the transverse momentum distribution of charged particles produced in Xe-Xe collisions at sNN=5.44 TeV. On this basis, we reproduce the nuclear modification factor of the charged particles. The calculated results agree approximately with the experimental data measured by the ALICE Collaboration.
Available Transfer Capability Calculation Constrained with Small-Signal Stability Based on Adaptive Gradient Sampling
Authors: Li Peijie , Zhu Ling , Bai Xiaoqing , Wei Hua
Published: February 2020

Due to the nonsmoothness of the small-signal stability constraint, calculating the available transfer capability (ATC) limited by small-signal stability rigorously through the nonlinear programming is quite difficult. To tackle this challenge, this paper proposes a sequential quadratic programming (SQP) method combined with gradient sampling (GS) in a dual formulation. The highlighted feature is the sample size of the gradient changes dynamically in every iteration, yielding an adaptive gradient sampling (AGS) process. Thus, the computing efficiency is greatly improved owing to the decrease and the parallelization of gradient evaluation, which dominates the computing time of the whole algorithm. Simulations on an IEEE 10-machine 39-bus system and an IEEE 54-machine 118-bus system prove the effectiveness and high efficiency of the proposed method.
sEMG-MMG State-Space Model for the Continuous Estimation of Multijoint Angle
Authors: Xi Xugang , Yang Chen , Miran Seyed M. , Zhao Yun-Bo , Lin Shuliang , Luo Zhizeng
Published: February 2020

Continuous joint angle estimation plays an important role in motion intention recognition and rehabilitation training. In this study, a surface electromyography- (sEMG-) mechanomyography (MMG) state-space model is proposed to estimate continuous multijoint movements from sEMG and MMG signals accurately. The model combines forward dynamics with a Hill-based muscle model that estimates joint torque only in a nonfeedback form, making the extended model capable of predicting the multijoint motion directly. The sEMG and MMG features, including the Wilson amplitude and permutation entropy, are then extracted to construct a measurement equation to reduce system error and external disturbances. Using the proposed model, a closed-loop prediction-correction approach, unscented particle filtering, is used to estimate the joint angle from sEMG and MMG signals. Comprehensive experiments are conducted on the human elbow and shoulder joint, and remarkable improvements are demonstrated compared with conventional methods.
Spontaneous Renal Artery Dissection in a Man with Previous Spontaneous Superior Mesenteric Artery Dissection
Authors: Yokoyama Yujiro , Nakajima Masato
Published: February 2020

Both spontaneous superior mesenteric artery dissection (SMAD) and spontaneous renal artery dissection (SRAD) are very rare conditions. Their etiologies and natural histories are not precisely defined, but they are thought to be associated with underlying conditions. In this report, we describe an extremely rare case of SRAD in a man who had a history of spontaneous SMAD. We successfully treated SRAD with endovascular intervention. Isolated spontaneous SMAD and SRAD are both rare conditions. Their optimal treatment has not been established due to their rare entities, but endovascular treatment is a good option because it can prevent both advancement of infarction and renovascular hypertension, and it has become safer as device technology has improved. Patients with isolated visceral artery dissection should be carefully followed up.
Raphanus sativus L. Extract as a Scale and Corrosion Inhibitor for Mild Steel in Tap Water
Authors: Vasyliev G. , Vorobyova V. , Zhuk T.
Published: February 2020

The Raphanus sativus L. ethanol extract was prepared by radish cake maceration in ethanol end tested as a scale and corrosion inhibitor of mild steel in tap water. Antiscalant efficiency was tested with electrochemical and thermal scaling techniques, and changes in hardness content were determined titrimetrically. No deposits were found on the metal surface at the extract concentration of 10 mL/L in chronoamperometry test, and scaling suppression was established 5 times in thermal scaling conditions. The linear polarization resistance technique was used to determine corrosion rate. Inhibition efficiency was found to be 75% in thermal scaling conditions. The formation of the surface film was responsible for both scaling and corrosion suppression on mild steel surface as was established with FT-IR spectroscopy and SEM. The surface film was found to contain polymerization products of isothiocyanates.
Multiple Linear Regression Model of Meningococcal Disease in Ukraine: 1992–2015
Authors: Mokhort Hennadii
Published: February 2020

Estimating the rates of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) from epidemiologic data remains critical for making public health decisions. In Ukraine, such estimations have not been performed. We used epidemiological data to develop a national database. These data were used to estimate the population susceptible to IMD and identify the prevalence of asymptomatic carriers of N. meningitidis using simple epidemiological models of meningococcal disease that may be used by the national policy makers. The goal was to create simple, easily understood analysis of patterns of the infection within Ukraine that would capture the major features of the infection dynamics. Studies used nationally reported data during 1992–2015. A logic model identified the prevalence of carriage and the proportion of the population susceptible to IMD as key drivers of IMD incidence. Multiple linear regression models for all ages (total population) and for children ≤14 years old were fit to national-level data. Linear models with the incidence of IMD as an outcome were highly associated with carriage and estimated susceptible population in both total population and children (R2 = 0.994 and R2 = 0.978, respectively). The susceptibility rate to IMD in the study total population averaged 0.0034 ± 0.0009% annually. At the national level, IMD can be characterized by the simple interaction between the prevalence of asymptomatic carriage and the proportion of the susceptible population. IMD association with prevalence rates of carriage and the proportion of susceptible population is sufficiently strong for national-level planning of intervention strategies for IMD.
Treatment of a Woman with Inoperable Meningioma Using Mifepristone for 26 Years
Authors: Medina-Lopes Maria das Dores , Augusto Casulari Luiz
Published: February 2020

Meningioma treatment includes observation of its growth or surgery with or without associated radiotherapy. However, drug treatment can be used for tumors deemed inoperable because of their size and location. Due to the presence of progesterone receptors, the use of antiprogestin mifepristone is recommended. This study describes a case of inoperable meningioma treated with mifepristone for 26 years without interruption. The patient is a 45-year-old woman diagnosed with plaque meningioma, extending from the bottom of her right orbit, through the length of the small wing of the sphenoid, part of the large wing of the sphenoid, especially near the superior orbital fissure, and at the ceiling of the orbit. As this meningioma was considered inoperable, treatment with 200 mg oral mifepristone was administered uninterruptedly for 26 years. This treatment initially halted the growth of the meningioma and subsequently resulted in a small reduction of its volume; however, the meningioma has persisted until the last evaluation. After five years of mifepristone use, hydroxyurea was added for nine months but was discontinued due to anemia and leucopenia. In conclusion, mifepristone was useful for the survival of the patient for those 26 years. The drug interfered with the natural history of the meningioma, which generally evolves to death in such long follow-up durations without associated surgery or radiation therapy.
Preventive Effect of Liupao Tea Polyphenols on HCl/Ethanol-Induced Gastric Injury in Mice
Authors: Zhu Kai , Peng Peng , Wu Ning , Zhou Xianrong , Mu Jianfei , Zhao Xin
Published: February 2020

Liupao tea is a traditional Chinese tea drink. The preventive effect of crude polyphenols in Liupao tea on HCl/ethanol-induced gastric injury was investigated in this study. After a model of gastric injury in mice was established, mouse serum and tissues were analyzed by biochemical and molecular biological methods. The results showed that Liupao tea polyphenols (LTPs) could effectively reduce the area of gastric mucosal lesions, decrease the volume of gastric juice, and increase the pH of gastric juice in mice with gastric injury. Observations of the pathology revealed that LTPs could alleviate cell necrosis and gastric mucosal injury in mice with gastric injury. The SOD activity and GSH level were decreased in mice after gastric injury, while the level of MDA was increased. LTPs could inhibit the changes caused by gastric injury and make the SOD activity, GSH, and MDA levels close to the normal levels. In addition, LTPs could upregulate the mRNA expression of Cu/Zn-SOD, Mn-SOD, CAT, nNOS, and eNOS and downregulate the expression of iNOS in the gastric tissue of mice with gastric injury. Therefore, LTPs can effectively prevent HCl/ethanol-induced gastric injury. HPLC analysis showed that LTP contains six bioactive substances of gallic acid, catechin, caffeine, epicatechin, epigallocatechin gallate, and epicatechin gallate, so the effect of LTP might mainly come from these six components. The effect of a high concentration of LTP is similar to that of ranitidine. LTPs represent a kind of active substance with a protective effect on gastric tissue.
Effects of the Salt-Processing Method on the Pharmacokinetics and Tissue Distribution of Orally Administered Morinda officinalis How. Extract
Authors: Shi Ji , Ren Xiaohang , Wang Jia , Wei Xiaofeng , Liu Bonan , Jia Tianzhu
Published: February 2020

Salt processing, which involves steaming with salt water, directs herbs into the kidney channel. After being salt processed, kidney invigorating effects occur. However, the underlying mechanism of this method remains elusive. The compounds monotropein, rubiadin, and rubiadin 1-methyl ether are the major effective components of Morinda officinalis How. To clarify the pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of these three compounds, we employed liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) to determine the contents of the three components in rat plasma and tissues. Separation was achieved on an Acquity UPLC HSS T3 column (100 mm × 2.1 mm, 1.8 μm, Waters). Formic acid aqueous solution (0.1%; A) and acetonitrile (containing 0.1% formic acid; B) were used as the mobile phase system with a programmed elution of 0∼5 min with 70% A and then 5∼7 min with 60% A. All analytes were measured with optimized multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) in negative ion mode. Geniposide and 1,8-dihydroxyanthraquinone were used as the internal standards (IS). The linear ranges were 1.2∼190, 1.3∼510, and 0.047∼37.5 μg/mL, respectively. Compared with the Morinda officinalis without wood (MO) group, the Cmax and AUC0-t parameters of rubiadin and rubiadin 1-methyl ether elevated remarkably for the salt-processed Morinda officinalis (SMO) groups, which indicates that steaming by salt could increase the bioavailability of rubiadin and rubiadin 1-methyl ether. The Tmax for monotropein is shorter (0.5 h) in SMO groups than that in MO group, which means that monotropein was quickly absorbed in the SMO extract. Moreover, the contents of three compounds in the small intestine were the highest.
Lateral Malleolar Fracture with Concurrent Achilles Tendon Rupture: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Pyle Leslie H. , Al-Gharib Raed W. , Kissel Erik C.
Published: February 2020

Achilles tendon and malleolar fractures are commonly seen in isolation, but only a few cases of combined injuries have been reported. In this case, we present a 53-year-old male who sustained an isolated lateral malleolus fracture with an Achilles tendon rupture. Emergency Medicine physicians should consider the possibility of these injuries in combination.
Recent Advances in Carbon Nanotubes for Nervous Tissue Regeneration
Authors: Redondo-Gómez Carlos , Leandro-Mora Rocío , Blanch-Bermúdez Daniela , Espinoza-Araya Christopher , Hidalgo-Barrantes David , Vega-Baudrit José
Published: February 2020

Regenerative medicine has taken advantage of several nanomaterials for reparation of diseased or damaged tissues in the nervous system involved in memory, cognition, and movement. Electrical, thermal, mechanical, and biocompatibility aspects of carbon-based nanomaterials (nanotubes, graphene, fullerenes, and their derivatives) make them suitable candidates to drive nerve tissue repair and stimulation. This review article focuses on key recent advances on the use of carbon nanotube- (CNT-) based technologies on nerve tissue engineering, outlining how neurons interact with CNT interfaces for promoting neuronal differentiation, growth and network reconstruction. CNTs still represent strong candidates for use in therapies of neurodegenerative pathologies and spinal cord injuries.
Influence of Geographical and Seasonal Variations on Carbazole Alkaloids Distribution in Murraya koenigii: Deciding Factor of Its In Vitro and In Vivo Efficacies against Cancer Cells
Authors: Satyavarapu Eswara Murali , Sinha Prasun Kumar , Mandal Chitra
Published: February 2020

Murraya koenigii is a well‐known Indian medicinal herb, and a carbazole alkaloid (mahanine) from this plant causes apoptosis in cancer cells. Here, we investigated how seasonal and geographical variations influence carbazole alkaloids composition and medicinal property of this plant against cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Leaflets were collected from various places in different seasons for three years. A mahanine‐enriched fraction (MEF) was prepared in two steps using ethanol and water. The best plant was selected based on the highest percent of mahanine. MEF prepared from leaflets of nine different locations showed a different concentration of identified markers (mahanine, mahanimbine, and koenimbine) which exhibited differential reduced metabolic activity against ovarian cancer, mahanine being the best. Our systematic study revealed that mahanine content was highest during September–December. Interestingly, MEF from southern part (tropical zone) exhibited 43 ± 2.5% mahanine compared to  2.7 ± 1.3% in northeastern part (subtropical zone) with five folds higher activity against PA1. Moreover, MEF reduced metabolic activity of sixteen cancer cell lines from nine different origins and significantly reduced tumor mass in lung and ovarian cancer xenograft models. Taken together, this is the first report demonstrating the marker’s content in these leaflets is highly dependent on location/season. A positive correlation between biological activity and mahanine concentration was established in MEF. Such a comprehensive study suggests that the selection of location and suitable season for collection of any plant materials with biologically active stable markers in sufficient quantity play a decisive role in determining the fate of their medicinal property.
Abdominoplasty: An Easy Approach to Giant Abdominal Lipomas
Authors: Alsharif Bayan , Mortada Hatan , Mandili Aeshah , Aljindan Fahad
Published: February 2020

Introduction. Giant lipomas, which are greater than 10 cm, are rare, cosmetically unacceptable, and deteriorate the quality of daily living. Removal of giant abdominal lipomas either by liposuction, excision, or both, can lead to the formation of a loose, pendulous drooping abdomen, and abdominal wall laxity, which is aesthetically displeasing. The objective of this case report is to highlight an easy approach to treat giant abdominal lipoma through therapeutic abdominoplasty. Case History. In this case, a 29-year-old man with a known case of hypothyroidism and HCV was in remission but had a huge abdominal mass on his lower left side; it progressed for 7 years and increased in size and caused discomfort. His BMI was 29.53 and the mass measured about 15×13 cm. All other investigations were normal and showed no malignancies. He underwent excision of the giant abdominal lipoma using a standard abdominoplasty approach. Conclusion. In conclusion, in selected patients, giant abdominal lipomas can be successfully excised along with the redundant abdominal skin.
Downregulation of miR-1826 Indicates a Poor Prognosis for Osteosarcoma Patients and Regulates Tumor Cell Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion
Authors: Li Peng , Wei Lei , Zhu Wenshuai
Published: February 2020

Background. Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most frequent bone tumor with high metastasis. This study is aimed at assessing the expression and prognostic significance of microRNA-1826 (miR-1826) in OS patients, as well as its biological function in tumor progression. Methods. Quantitative Real-Time PCR was employed to measure the expression of miR-1826 in OS tissues and cell lines. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox regression model were used to evaluate the prognostic value of miR-1826. CCK-8 and Transwell assay were conducted to investigate the effect of miR-1826 on OS cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Results. miR-1826 expression was downregulated in OS tissues and cell lines and associated with OS patients’ clinical stage and distant metastasis. Low levels of miR-1826 were related with shorter survival time and determined as an independent prognostic indicator for the overall survival of OS patients. The overexpression of miR-1826 in OS cells led to inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Conclusion. The decreased expression of miR-1826 predicts a poor prognosis in OS patients, and its overexpression inhibits OS cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. This newly identified miR-1826 provides a novel sight into the pathogenesis of OS and offers a candidate prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for OS treatment.
Admission Decisions Made by Emergency Physicians Can Reduce the Emergency Department Length of Stay for Medical Patients
Authors: Choi Yuri , Jeong Jinwoo , Kim Byoung-Gwon
Published: February 2020

Background. Emergency department (ED) overcrowding is a worldwide problem that poses a threat to patient safety by causing treatment delays and increasing mortality. Consultations are common and important in the emergency medicine profession and are associated with longer ED length of stay (LOS). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of admission decisions by emergency physicians without consultations on the ED LOS and other quality indicators. Methods. The study was a retrospective observational study comparing the ED LOS of patients admitted to the internal medicine (IM) department before and after the policy change regarding admission decisions that was implemented in October 2016. During and after the policy change, emergency physicians decided how to arrange for and treat medical patients by processing their admission and providing follow-up care without consultations. The ED LOS and other indicators of patients admitted to the IM department were compared between the study period (January to June 2017) and the control period (January to June 2016). Results. The median ED LOS of patients admitted to the IM department decreased from 673 (IQR: 347–1,369) minutes in the control period to 237 (IQR: 166–364) minutes in the study period. There were no significant differences in the interdepartmental transfer rate or in-hospital mortality between the two periods. Conclusions. The admission decisions regarding medical patients made by emergency physicians without specialty consultations reduced the ED LOS without a significant negative effect on mortality or hospital LOS.
Preparation and Anti-Icing of Hydrophobic Polypyrrole Coatings on Wind Turbine Blade
Authors: Qu Bin , Sun Zhou , Feng Fang , Li Yan , Tong Guoqiang , Noor Rana Shahzad
Published: February 2020

This paper describes the method of preparing strong hydrophobic polypyrrole (PPy) on wind turbine blades. The water contact angle of strong hydrophobic PPy coatings was 127.2°. The strong hydrophobic PPy coatings exhibited excellent anti-icing properties. The maximum icing weight of strong hydrophobic PPy coating blade was almost 0.10 g while the maximum icing weight of no coating blade was found to be 26.13 g. The maximum icing thickness of a strong hydrophobic PPy coating blade was only 1.08 mm. The current research will provide a better technique to create anti-icing coatings on wind turbine blades and other outdoor equipment.
Development and Adsorption Characterization of Metal Affinity-Immobilized Magnetic Liposome
Authors: Lu Yuan , Liao Dankui , Feng Xuezhen , Meng Hualin , Lu Yuting , Wei Qiqiu , Duan Siliang , Wu Shanguang
Published: February 2020

A metal affinity-immobilized magnetic liposome (MA-IML) was prepared in this research, which was with lipid and Ni2+ content of 143.25 μg/mg and 32 μmol/mg, respectively. The antihypertensive peptides Ile-Pro-Pro (IPP) and Val-Pro-Pro (VPP) could be adsorbed onto MA-IML under specific conditions, and the adsorption kinetics was explored. The pseudo-second-order kinetics (R2 value>0.98) was more suitable to describe the adsorption process of IPP and VPP than the intraparticle diffusion model and pseudo-first-order kinetic model. The results indicated that MA-IML could be used as an adsorbent for screening antihypertensive peptides from natural products.
Study on Amplitude Modulation Principle of Chaotic System
Authors: Du Jian-Rong , Li Chun-Lai , Qian Kun , Li Zhao-Yu , Li Wen
Published: February 2020

Exploring the amplitude modulation phenomenon of chaotic signal has become a subject of great concern in recent years. This paper mainly concentrates on the preliminary study on amplitude modulation principle of a chaotic system. First, two 3D chaotic systems with quadratic product terms are introduced for studying the amplitude modulation phenomenon of chaotic signal. It is found that the signal amplitude of the first system can be controlled by partial quadratic coefficient. But for the second system, none of nonlinear coefficient can be employed to control the signal amplitude. Then, the amplitude modulation principle of chaotic system is preliminarily studied by exploring the intrinsic relationship between nonzero equilibrium point and phase space trajectory, and it is further validated by introducing unified parameter to the two 3D chaotic systems. As a necessary condition, the principle provides a feasible and simple method for constructing and analyzing an amplitude modulation chaotic system.
Generation and Characterization of an Atmospheric-Pressure Plasma Jet (APPJ) and Its Application in the Surface Modification of Polyethylene Terephthalate
Authors: Baniya Hom Bahadur , Shrestha Rajendra , Guragain Rajesh Prakash , Kshetri Mohan Bahadur , Pandey Bishnu Prasad , Subedi Deepak Prasad
Published: February 2020

An atmospheric-pressure plasma jet (APPJ) has a lot of applications in recent years such as in material processing, surface modification, biomedical material processing, and thin film deposition. APPJ has been generated by a high-voltage power supply (0-20 kV) at an operating frequency of 27 kHz. This paper reports the generation and characterization of APPJ in argon environment and its application in the surface modification of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The plasma jet has been characterized by electrical and optical methods. In order to characterize the plasma jet, electron density and electron temperature have been determined. The surface roughness of the untreated and plasma-treated PET samples was characterized by contact angle measurement, surface energy analysis, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM).
Stochastic Stability Criteria for Neutral Distributed Parameter Systems with Markovian Jump
Authors: Li Yanbo , Chen Chao-Yang , Li Chengqun
Published: February 2020

This paper deals with the problem of stochastic stability for a class of neutral distributed parameter systems with Markovian jump. In this model, we only need to know the absolute maximum of the state transition probability on the principal diagonal line; other transition rates can be completely unknown. Based on calculating the weak infinitesimal generator and combining Poincare inequality and Green formula, a stochastic stability criterion is given in terms of a set of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) by the Schur complement lemma. Because of the existence of the neutral term, we need to construct Lyapunov functionals showing more complexity to handle the cross terms involving the Laplace operator. Finally, a numerical example is provided to support the validity of the mathematical results.
Comparison of Chemical Composition and Bioactivities of Essential Oils from Fresh and Dry Rhizomes of Zingiber zerumbet (L.) Smith
Authors: Tian Minyi , Wu Xianghuan , Hong Yi , Wang Huijuan , Deng Guodong , Zhou Ying
Published: February 2020

The chemical constituents and the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic activities of fresh rhizome essential oil (FR‐EO) and dry rhizome essential oil (DR‐EO) of Zingiber zerumbet (L.) Smith obtained from Southwest China were compared. Zerumbone was the predominant component in both FR‐EO and DR‐EO (75.0% and 41.9%, respectively). FR‐EO, DR‐EO, and zerumbone were all demonstrated to have significant antimicrobial capacity against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Proteus vulgaris, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ranging from 31.25 to 156.25 μg/mL and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) ranging from 62.50 to 625.00 μg/mL. Zerumbone showed the strongest antimicrobial potential against all tested microorganisms compared with the fresh and dry rhizome essential oils. FR‐EO was found to be more active than DR‐EO against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Proteus vulgaris. FR‐EO, DR‐EO, and zerumbone all showed significant cytotoxic activity against K562, PC‐3, and A549 human tumor cell lines in a time‐ and concentration‐dependent manner. Zerumbone exhibited the strongest antiproliferative activity against all tested human tumor cell lines with an IC50 of 4.21–11.09 μg/mL for 72 h incubation, as compared with the fresh and dry rhizome oils. The cytotoxic activity of FR‐EO (IC50: 10.48–14.51 μg/mL for 72 h) was found to be significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that of DR‐EO (IC50: 13.83–33.24 μg/mL for 72 h). FR‐EO, DR‐EO, and zerumbone exhibited selective cytotoxic activity to tumor cells, with a significantly low cytotoxicity to normal cells (MRC‐5, IC50: 56.98–147.29 μg/mL). However, FR‐EO, DR‐EO, and zerumbone all exhibited weak free‐radical‐scavenging activity according to DPPH and ABTS analysis. The findings highlighted in this study show that FR‐EO provides appreciably higher content of the bioactive compound, zerumbone, and has higher antimicrobial and cytotoxic properties than DR‐EO. Thus, fresh Z. zerumbet rhizome should be preferred in cosmetic, food, and pharmaceutical applications.
Skipping Nonsense to Maintain Function: The Paradigm of BRCA2 Exon 12
Authors: Meulemans Laëtitia , Mesman Romy L.S. , Caputo Sandrine M. , Krieger Sophie , Guillaud-Bataille Marine , Caux-Moncoutier Virginie , Léone Mélanie , Boutry-Kryza Nadia , Sokolowska Johanna , Révillion Françoise , Delnatte Capucine , Tubeuf Hélène , Soukarieh Omar , Bonnet-Dorion Françoise , Guibert Virginie , Bronner Myriam , Bourdon Violaine , Lizard Sarab , Vilquin Paul , Privat Maud , Drouet Aurélie , Grout Charlotte , Calléja Fabienne M.G.R. , Golmard Lisa , Vrieling Harry , Stoppa-Lyonnet Dominique , Houdayer Claude , Frebourg Thierry , Vreeswijk Maaike P.G. , Martins Alexandra , Gaildrat Pascaline
Published: February 2020

Germline nonsense and canonical splice site variants identified in disease-causing genes are generally considered as loss-of-function (LoF) alleles and classified as pathogenic. However, a fraction of such variants could maintain function through their impact on RNA splicing. To test this hypothesis, we used the alternatively spliced BRCA2 exon 12 (E12) as a model system because its in-frame skipping leads to a potentially functional protein. All E12 variants corresponding to putative LoF variants or predicted to alter splicing (n = 40) were selected from human variation databases and characterized for their impact on splicing in minigene assays and, when available, in patient lymphoblastoid cell lines. Moreover, a selection of variants was analyzed in a mouse embryonic stem cell–based functional assay. Using these complementary approaches, we demonstrate that a subset of variants, including nonsense variants, induced in-frame E12 skipping through the modification of splice sites or regulatory elements and, consequently, led to an internally deleted but partially functional protein. These data provide evidence, for the first time in a cancer-predisposition gene, that certain presumed null variants can retain function due to their impact on splicing. Further studies are required to estimate cancer risk associated with these hypomorphic variants. More generally, our findings highlight the need to exercise caution in the interpretation of putative LoF variants susceptible to induce in-frame splicing modifications.

Significance:

This study presents evidence that certain presumed loss-of-function variants in a cancer predisposition gene can retain function due to their direct impact on RNA splicing.
Pathologic Complete Response after Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy and Impact on Breast Cancer Recurrence and Survival: A Comprehensive Meta-analysis
Authors: Spring Laura M. , Fell Geoffrey , Arfe Andrea , Sharma Chandni , Greenup Rachel , Reynolds Kerry L. , Smith Barbara L. , Alexander Brian , Moy Beverly , Isakoff Steven J. , Parmigiani Giovanni , Trippa Lorenzo , Bardia Aditya
Published: February 2020

Purpose:

While various studies have highlighted the prognostic significance of pathologic complete response (pCR) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAT), the impact of additional adjuvant therapy after pCR is not known.

Experimental Design:

PubMed was searched for studies with NAT for breast cancer and individual patient-level data was extracted for analysis using plot digitizer software. HRs, with 95% probability intervals (PI), measuring the association between pCR and overall survival (OS) or event-free survival (EFS), were estimated using Bayesian piece-wise exponential proportional hazards hierarchical models including pCR as predictor.

Results:

Overall, 52 of 3,209 publications met inclusion criteria, totaling 27,895 patients. Patients with a pCR after NAT had significantly better EFS (HR = 0.31; 95% PI, 0.24–0.39), particularly for triple-negative (HR = 0.18; 95% PI, 0.10–0.31) and HER2+ (HR = 0.32; 95% PI, 0.21–0.47) disease. Similarly, pCR after NAT was also associated with improved survival (HR = 0.22; 95% PI, 0.15–0.30). The association of pCR with improved EFS was similar among patients who received subsequent adjuvant chemotherapy (HR = 0.36; 95% PI, 0.19–0.67) and those without adjuvant chemotherapy (HR = 0.36; 95% PI, 0.27–0.54), with no significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.60).

Conclusions:

Achieving pCR following NAT is associated with significantly better EFS and OS, particularly for triple-negative and HER2+ breast cancer. The similar outcomes with or without adjuvant chemotherapy in patients who attain pCR likely reflects tumor biology and systemic clearance of micrometastatic disease, highlighting the potential of escalation/deescalation strategies in the adjuvant setting based on neoadjuvant response.

See related commentary by Esserman, p. 2771
Oncogenic KRAS-Driven Metabolic Reprogramming in Pancreatic Cancer Cells Utilizes Cytokines from the Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Dey Prasenjit , Li Jun , Zhang Jianhua , Chaurasiya Surendra , Strom Anders , Wang Huamin , Liao Wen-Ting , Cavallaro Frederick , Denz Parker , Bernard Vincent , Yen Er-Yen , Genovese Giannicola , Gulhati Pat , Liu Jielin , Chakravarti Deepavali , Deng Pingna , Zhang Tingxin , Carbone Federica , Chang Qing , Ying Haoqiang , Shang Xiaoying , Spring Denise J. , Ghosh Bidyut , Putluri Nagireddy , Maitra Anirban , Wang Y. Alan , DePinho Ronald A.
Published: February 2020

A hallmark of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an exuberant stroma comprised of diverse cell types that enable or suppress tumor progression. Here, we explored the role of oncogenic KRAS in protumorigenic signaling interactions between cancer cells and host cells. We show that KRAS mutation (KRAS*) drives cell-autonomous expression of type I cytokine receptor complexes (IL2rγ–IL4rα and IL2rγ–IL13rα1) in cancer cells that in turn are capable of receiving cytokine growth signals (IL4 or IL13) provided by invading Th2 cells in the microenvironment. Early neoplastic lesions show close proximity of cancer cells harboring KRAS* and Th2 cells producing IL4 and IL13. Activated IL2rγ–IL4rα and IL2rγ–IL13rα1 receptors signal primarily via JAK1–STAT6. Integrated transcriptomic, chromatin occupancy, and metabolomic studies identified MYC as a direct target of activated STAT6 and that MYC drives glycolysis. Thus, paracrine signaling in the tumor microenvironment plays a key role in the KRAS*-driven metabolic reprogramming of PDAC.

Significance:

Type II cytokines, secreted by Th2 cells in the tumor microenvironment, can stimulate cancer cell–intrinsic MYC transcriptional upregulation to drive glycolysis. This KRAS*-driven heterotypic signaling circuit in the early and advanced tumor microenvironment enables cooperative protumorigenic interactions, providing candidate therapeutic targets in the KRAS* pathway for this intractable disease.
Chorioidales Melanom oder Adenom/Adenokarziom des retinalen Pigmentepithels: Zum Verwechseln ähnlich?
Authors: Seibel Ira
Published: February 2020

Neoplasms of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) are rare tumors that can simulate choroidal melanoma, but clinical and imaging characteristics often differentiate these lesions. We report a 70-year-old male with an abruptly elevated pigmented lesion that arose at the site of congenital hypertrophy of the RPE and demonstrated associated exudation, as well as feeding and draining vessels, suggestive of RPE adenoma. Optical coherence tomography showed retinal elevation with serous retinal detachment adjacent to the mass, and ultrasonography revealed an abruptly elevated, moderately echodense mass of 6.4-mm thickness. Fluorescein angiography showed early tumor hypofluorescence, late tumor hyperfluorescence with staining and leakage, and retinal vessels buried under the mass, suggestive of a retinal tumor. The patient was monitored with the presumed diagnosis of RPE adenoma, but 3 months later, the growth was documented and fine-needle aspiration biopsy revealed choroidal melanoma. Management with I-125 plaque radiotherapy was performed leading to tumor regression and a thickness of 4.6 mm.