bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fail‐safe optimization of viscous dampers for seismic retrofitting
Authors: Pollini Nicolò 
Published: August 2020

SummaryThis paper presents a new optimization approach for designing minimum‐cost fail‐safe distributions of fluid viscous dampers for seismic retrofitting. Failure is modeled as either complete damage of the dampers or partial degradation of the dampers' properties. In general, this leads to optimization problems with large number of constraints. This may result in high computational costs if all the constraints are simultaneously considered during the optimization analysis. Thus, to reduce the computational effort, the use of a working‐set optimization algorithm is proposed in this paper. The main idea is to solve a sequence of relaxed optimization subproblems with a small subset of all constraints. The algorithm terminates once a solution of a subproblem is found that satisfies all the constraints of the problem. The retrofitting cost is minimized with constraints on the interstory drifts at the peripheries of frame structures. The structures considered are subjected to a realistic ensemble of ground motions, and their response is evaluated with time‐history analyses. The transient optimization problem is efficiently solved with a gradient‐based sequential linear programming algorithm. The gradients of the response functions are calculated with a consistent adjoint sensitivity analysis procedure. Promising results attained for 3‐D irregular frames are presented and discussed. The numerical results highlight the fact that the optimized layout and size of the dampers can change significantly even for moderate levels of damage.
Cysteine and homocysteine as biomarker of various diseases
Authors: Rehman Tahniat , Shabbir Muhammad Asim , Inam‐Ur‐Raheem Muhammad , Manzoor Muhammad Faisal , Ahmad Nazir , Liu Zhi‐Wei , Ahmad Muhammad Haseeb , Siddeeg Azhari , Abid Muhammad , Aadil Rana Muhammad 
Published: August 2020

AbstractCysteine and homocysteine (Hcy), both sulfur‐containing amino acids (AAs), produced from methionine another sulfur‐containing amino acid, which is converted to Hcy and further converted to cysteine. This article aims to highlight the link between cysteine and Hcy, and their mechanisms, important functions, play in the body and their role as a biomarker for various types of diseases. So that using cysteine and Hcy as a biomarker, we can prevent and diagnose many diseases. This review concluded that hyperhomocysteinemia (elevated levels of homocysteine) is considered as toxic for cells and is associated with different health problems. Hyperhomocysteinemia and low levels of cysteine associated with various diseases like cardiovascular diseases (CVD), ischemic stroke, neurological disorders, diabetes, cancer like lung and colorectal cancer, renal dysfunction‐linked conditions, and vitiligo.
Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Hispanic Patients: Trends and Outcomes in a Large United States Cohort
Authors: Pomenti Sydney , Gandle Cassandra , Abu Sbeih Hamzah , Phipps Meaghan , Livanos Alexandra , Guo Averill , Yeh Jonathan , Burney Heather , Liu Hao , Dakhoul Lara , Kettler Carla , Gawrieh Samer , deLemos Andrew , Scanga Andrew , Chalasani Naga , Miller Ethan , Wattacheril Julia 
Published: August 2020

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has a strong racial and ethnic association, with Hispanic patients having a higher incidence and mortality. However, there are limited data regarding clinical features and outcomes. This study includes Hispanic and non‐Hispanic White patients with HCC diagnosed between January 2000 and June 2014 from five United States academic medical centers. The chi‐square test for categorical variables and analysis of variance for continuous variables were used for statistical analysis, with two‐tailed P < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Of 5,327 patients, 4,217 met inclusion criteria, of whom 12.3% were Hispanic patients. Compared to their non‐Hispanic White counterparts, Hispanic patients were older at age of diagnosis (mean ± SD, 64.2 ± 10.9 vs. 61.9 ± 10.5 years; P < 0.0001), with higher body mass index (29.6 ± 6.5 vs. 28.8 ± 5.9 kg/m2; P = 0.01), and were more likely to have diabetes and hypertension. Hispanic patients had significantly more nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and alcohol‐related liver disease (both P < 0.0001). Hispanic patients presented with larger tumors, more advanced stage disease, and increased rates of macrovascular invasion and extrahepatic spread. HCCs in Hispanic patients were less likely to be within Milan criteria (26% vs. 38%; P < 0.0001) and were less likely to be treated with resection (9% vs. 13%; P = 0.03) or transplantation (8% vs. 19%; P < 0.0001). Hispanic patients had a median overall survival of 1.4 years (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.22‐1.56), which was similar to that of non‐Hispanic White patients (1.3 years; 95% CI, 1.26‐1.41; P = 0.07). Conclusion: Hispanic patients with HCC were more likely to have metabolic risk factors for chronic liver disease, including obesity. Despite diagnosis at more advanced stages with less curative intervention than non‐Hispanic White patients, median overall survival was similar between groups.
Long non‐coding RNA uc.80‐ overexpression promotes M2 polarization of microglias to ameliorate depression in rats
Authors: Gu Xun‐Hu , Xu Li‐Jun , Zheng Li‐Li , Yang Yuan‐Jian , Tang Zhen‐Yu , Wu Han‐Jun , Chen Zhen‐Zhen , Wang Wei 
Published: August 2020

AbstractMicroglia polarization is associated with the pathogenesis of depression. A previous study shows that long non‐coding RNA uc.80‐ is down‐regulated in the hippocampus of depressed rats. Thus, this article aims to investigate the role of uc.80‐ in microglia polarization in depression. We first established depression model rats by chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) regiment. We found that hippocampus of depressed rats exhibited an increase of M1 microglias and a decrease of M2 microglias. uc.80‐ was down‐regulated in hippocampus of depressed rats. Furthermore, the detection of behaviouristics of depressed rats showed that uc.80‐ overexpression alleviated depression of rats. In addition, uc.80‐ overexpression promoted M2 polarization of microglias in vivo and in vitro. uc.80‐ overexpression led to a decrease in apoptosis of hippocampal neurons in vivo and in vitro. In conclusion, our study confirms that lncRNA uc.80‐ overexpression ameliorates depression in rats by promoting M2 polarization of microglias. Thus, our work suggests that uc.80‐ may be a target gene for depression treatment.
Hydrofluoric acid and nitric acid cotreatment for biofunctionalization of polyetheretherketone in M2 macrophage polarization and osteogenesis
Authors: Huo Shicheng , Meng Xiangchao , Zhang Shutao , Yue Bing , Zhao Yaochao , Long Teng , Nie Bin'en , Wang You 
Published: August 2020

AbstractDue to its excellent mechanical and low‐friction properties, polyetheretherketone (PEEK) has been widely investigated for use in orthopedic applications over the past decade. However, the bioinertness and poor osteogenic properties of PEEK have hampered its clinical application. In this study, the surface of PEEK was modified by co‐treatment with hydrofluoric acid and nitric acid (AFN). The microstructures of the modified PEEK surfaces were investigated using scanning electron microscopy. The water contact angles of the surfaces were also measured. To evaluate their cytocompatibility, PEEK samples were used as substrates to culture rat bone mesenchymal stem cells, and cell adhesion, viability, and expression of specific marker genes were measured. Treatment of PEEK with AFN (PEEK‐AFN) was found to enable better osteoblast adhesion, spreading, and proliferation; the activity of alkaline phosphatase (an early osteogenic differentiation marker) was also found to be enhanced post‐treatment. Furthermore, PEEK‐AFN was able to modulate macrophage polarization and down regulated the expression of proinflammatory factors via inhibiting the NF‐κB pathway. Thus, treatment of PEEK with AFN could promote M2 polarization of the macrophages and stimulate the differentiation of osteoblasts. These results provide valuable information that could facilitate the use of PEEK‐based composites as bone implant materials.
Use of Masson's and Jones–Dole equations to study different types of interactions of three pharmacologically important drugs in ethanol
Authors: Shakeel Muhammad , Mehmood Khalid 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe volumetric and viscometric study of three allopathic drugs (sodium valporate, benzalkonium chloride, and losartan potassium) in ethanol solvent is reported here. This study was carried out at four different temperatures that is, from 288.15 to 318.15 K. The accurately measured density values were used to calculate partial molar volume at infinite dilution, solute–solute interaction parameter, Hepler's constant, partial molar expansivity constant, and isobaric thermal expansion coefficient. The viscosity measurements were carried out for the calculation of constants of Jones–Dole equation and to calculate different thermodynamic parameters of viscous flow which include standard free energy change, standard enthalpy change, and standard entropy change of viscous flow. All these viscometric and volumetric parameters are useful for understanding the different types of interactions of drugs in solution and to study the drug action in body. The results of both volumetric and viscometric studies showed that all drugs had structure promoting effect on solvent, existing of strong solute–solvent interaction, and very weak solute–solute interaction. For all these drugs, solvophobic interaction was found to be dominant over electrostriction. Viscometric studies also showed the existing of stronger solute–solvent interaction in ground state as compared to that in transition state.
MicroRNA‐148a‐3p inhibits cancer progression and is a novel screening biomarker for gastric cancer
Authors: Bao Chenhui , Guo Lin 
Published: August 2020

AbstractPurposeDysregulation of miR‐148a‐3p in gastric cancer was reported. However, the diagnostic potential and biological function of miR‐148a‐3p in gastric cancer progression is not fully studied.MethodsBioinformatics analysis and RT‐qPCR assay were performed to analyze the expression of miR‐148a‐3p in gastric cancer tissues and plasma of gastric cancer patients. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to analyze the diagnostic value of miR‐148a‐3p. In vitro proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, sphere formation assay and Western blotting assay were performed to evaluate the biological function of miR‐148a‐3p in gastric cancer progression.ResultsmiR‐148a‐3p was significantly down‐regulated in both gastric cancer patients' tissue and plasma samples. Plasma miR‐148a‐3p showed promising efficacy for gastric cancer diagnosis. Overexpression of miR‐148a‐3p could inhibit the proliferative phenotype, metastatic phenotype, and cancer stem‐like properties of gastric cancer cells.ConclusionsmiR‐148a‐3p inhibits cancer progression and is a novel diagnostic biomarker for gastric cancer.
Placenta percreta‐induced uterine rupture with right ovarian vein thrombus protracting into the inferior vena cava
Authors: Yapar Eyi Elif Gül , Halıcı Öztürk Filiz , Alkan Mihriban 
Published: August 2020

AbstractIn Turkey, the triad of prior cesarean section (CS), placenta previa, and placenta accreta spectrum is worth of concern. Here, we present an unpublished complication of placenta percreta‐induced uterine rupture: ovarian vein thrombosis (OVT) protracting into the inferior vena cava (IVC) in a woman with a previous CS and placenta previa. We propose the integration of the sub‐xiphoid transabdominal long axis of the IVC into the point‐of‐care ultrasound practice with color Doppler to establish the diagnosis of complicated OVT. To prevent placenta accreta spectrum‐related complications, there is an urgent need to lower CS rate both globally and in Turkey.
Association of strong risk of hTERT gene polymorphic variants to malignant glioma and its prognostic implications with respect to different histological types and survival of glioma cases
Authors: Pandith Arshad A. , Wani Zahoor A. , Qasim Iqbal , Afroze Dil , Manzoor Usma , Amin Ina , Baba Shahid M. , Koul Aabid , Anwar Iqra , Mohammad Fozia , Bhat Abdul R. , Shah Parveen 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundGermline genetic variants of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) are known to predispose for various malignancies, including glioma. The present study investigated genetic variation of hTERT T/G (rs2736100) and hTERT G/A (rs2736098) with respect to glioma risk.MethodsConfirmed cases (n = 106) were tested against 210 cancer‐free healthy controls by the polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism technique for genotyping.ResultsHomozygous variant ‘GG' genotype of rs2736100 frequency was > 4‐fold significantly different in cases versus controls (39.6% 17.2%; p < 0.0001). Furthermore, variant ‘G' allele was found to be significantly associated with cases (0.5 versus 0.2 in controls; p < 0.0001). Homozygous variant rs2736098 ‘AA' genotype (35.8% versus 23.8%) and allele ‘A' (0.49 versus 0.34) showed a marked significant difference in cases and controls, respectively (p < 0.05). In hTERT rs2736100, the GG genotype significantly presented more in higher grades and GBM (p < 0.0001). Furthermore, the GG variant of hTERT rs2736100 had a poor probability with respect to the overall survival of patients compared to TG and TT genotypes (log rank p = 0.03). Interestingly, two haplotypes of hTERT rs2736100/rs2736098 were identified as GG and GA that conferred a > 3‐ and 5‐fold risk to glioma patients respectively, where variant G/A haplotype was observed to have the highest impact with respect to glioma risk (p < 0.0001).ConclusionsThe results of the present study indicate that hTERT rs2736098 and rs2736100 variants play an important role in conferring a strong risk of developing glioma. Furthermore, hTERT rs2736100 GG variant appears to play a role in the bad prognosis of glioma patients. Haplotypes GG and GA could prove to be vital tools for monitoring risk in glioma patients.
Protective effects of P2X7R antagonist in sepsis‐induced acute lung injury in mice via regulation of circ_0001679 and circ_0001212 and downstream Pln, Cdh2, and Nprl3 expression
Authors: Zou Zijun , Wang Qin , Zhou Minggen , Li Weichao , Zheng Yikai , Li Fanyi , Zheng Shengcai , He Zhijie 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundSepsis induces pulmonary P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) expression and P2X7R‐knockout reduced lung inflammation in mice. The present study investigated the expression of circular RNA (circRNA) and mRNA in sepsis‐induced acute lung injury (ALI) treated with a P2X7R antagonist.MethodsSepsis was induced by tracheal administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and the mice were then divided into two groups: without [sepsis + dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)] or with P2X7R antagonist treatment (sepsis + P2X7A). Sham mice were administrated sterile normal saline. Serum levels of interleukin (IL)‐1β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, pathological changes, cell apoptosis and P2X7R expression in lung were assessed, followed by RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq) and bioinformatics analyses. A quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) was used to validate circRNAs and mRNAs.ResultsCompared to the sham group, LPS‐induced sepsis produced obvious pathological changes in lung tissue, as well as increased apoptotic lung cells, serum TNF‐α and IL‐1β levels, and P2X7R expression; P2X7R antagonism significantly ameliorated these changes. RNA‐seq identified many dysregulated circRNAs and mRNAs during sepsis, whereas this changed with P2X7R antagonism. RT‐qPCR confirmed that Mus musculus (mmu)_circ_0001679, mmu_circ_0001212, phospholamban (Pln), cadherin‐2 (Cdh2) and nitrogen permease regulator 3‐like (Nprl3) expression were significantly increased in the sepsis + DMSO group compared to that in the sham group but were decreased in the sepsis + P2X7A group compared to that in the sepsis + DMSO group. The circRNA–microRNA–mRNA coexpression network indicated that mmu_circ_0001679 may regulate Nprl3 and that mmu_circ_0001212 may similarly regulate Pln, Cdh2 and Nprl3 as a competing endogenous RNA.ConclusionsP2X7R antagonism attenuates sepsis‐induced ALI by inhibiting dysregulated expression of circRNA (circ_0001679, circ_0001212) and mRNA (Pln, Cdh2 and Nprl3).
Predominance of ON1 and BA9 genotypes of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in Bulgaria, 2016‐2018
Authors: Korsun Neli , Angelova Svetla , Trifonova Ivelina , Voleva Silvia , Grigorova Iliana , Tzotcheva Iren , Mileva Sirma , Alexiev Ivaylo , Perenovska Penka 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe objectives of this study were to investigate the prevalence of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections in Bulgaria, to characterize the genetic diversity of the RSV strains, and to perform amino acid sequence analysis of the RSV G protein. Clinical, epidemiological data and nasopharyngeal swabs were prospectively collected from children aged less than 5 years presenting with acute respiratory infections from October 2016 to September 2018. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction for 12 respiratory viruses, and sequencing, phylogenetic, and amino acid analyses of the RSV G gene/protein were performed. Of the 875 children examined, 645 (73.7%) were positive for at least one viral respiratory pathogen. RSV was the most commonly detected virus (26.2%), followed by rhinoviruses (15%), influenza A (H3N2) (9.7%), adenoviruses (9%), bocaviruses (7.2%), human metapneumovirus (6.1%), parainfluenza viruses 1/2/3 (5.8%), influenza type B (5.5%), and A(H1N1)pdm09 (3.4%). The detection rate for RSV varied across two winter seasons (36.7% vs 20.3%). RSV‐B cases outnumbered those of the RSV‐A throughout the study period. RSV was the most common virus detected in patients with bronchiolitis (45.1%) and pneumonia (24%). Phylogenetic analysis indicated that all the sequenced RSV‐A strains belonged to the ON1 genotype and the RSV‐B strains were classified as BA9 genotype. Amino acid substitutions at 15 and 22 positions of the HVR‐2 were identified compared with the ON1 and BA prototype strains, respectively. This study revealed the leading role of RSV as a causative agent of serious respiratory illnesses in early childhood, year‐on‐year fluctuations in RSV incidence, the dominance of RSV‐B, and relatively low genetic diversity in the circulating RSV strains.
Microcurrent electrotherapy improves palatal wound healing: Randomized clinical trial
Authors: Miguel Manuela Maria Viana , Mathias‐Santamaria Ingrid Fernandes , Rossato Amanda , Ferraz Laís Fernanda Ferreira , Figueiredo‐Neto Antônio Martins , de Marco Andrea Carvalho , Casarin Renato Corrêa Viana , Wallet Shannon Margaret , Tatakis Dimitris N. , Mathias Marcio Antonio , Santamaria Mauro Pedrine 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundThis study was conducted to assess the clinical, immunological, and patient‐centered outcomes of microcurrent electrotherapy on palatal wound healing.MethodsThis was a parallel, double‐masked randomized clinical trial, in which 53 patients with ridge preservation indications were selected and randomly assigned to one of two groups. In the control (sham) group (n = 27), palatal wounds, after free gingival grafts (FGG) harvest, received sham application of electrotherapy. In the test (electrotherapy treatment [EE]) group (n = 26), palatal wounds, after FGG harvest, received application of microcurrent electrotherapy protocol. Clinical parameters, patient‐centered outcomes, and inflammatory markers were evaluated, up to 90 days postoperatively.ResultsThe EE group achieved earlier wound closure (P <0.001) and epithelialization (P <0.05; P = 0.03) at 7 and 14 days after harvest when compared with the sham group. Painful symptomatology was reported less frequently in the EE group than in the sham group at 3‐day follow‐up (P = 0.008). Likewise, an improvement in Oral Health Impact Profile was reported 2 days after the procedure by the EE group (P = 0.04). In addition, favorable modulation of inflammatory wound healing markers occurred when electrotherapy was applied.ConclusionWithin the limits of the present study, it can be concluded that the use of a low‐intensity electrotherapy protocol may accelerate palatal wound healing and decrease patient discomfort after FGG harvest.
Toward standardization of Raman spectroscopy: Accurate wavenumber and intensity calibration using rotational Raman spectra of H2, HD, D2, and vibration–rotation spectrum of O2
Authors: Raj Ankit , Kato Chihiro , Witek Henryk A. , Hamaguchi Hiro‐o 
Published: August 2020

AbstractWavenumber and intensity calibration of a Raman spectrometer is performed with the use of pure rotational Raman bands (Δν = 0, ΔJ = ± 2) of H2, HD, D2, and vibration–rotation Raman bands (Δν = 1, ΔJ = ± 2) of O2 as primary standards. Wavenumber calibration is based on reference transition wavenumbers available from accurate theoretical and experimental results. Intensity calibration is based on ratios of accurate theoretical Raman intensities for transitions from common rotational states to eliminate temperature effects. Polarization dependence is corrected to ensure that all of these bands have the correct depolarization ratio, ρ = 0.75. The calibrated Raman spectrometer is used to measure standard Raman spectra of carbon tetrachloride, benzene, cyclohexane, toluene, and benzonitrile, for which the relative Raman intensities and depolarization ratios are determined with carefully estimated uncertainties. Vibrational frequencies of indene used for routine wavenumber calibration are updated.
Mechanical creep of tea leaves
Authors: Lee Yao‐Tsung , Jhao Yi‐Sheng , Chiang Donyao , Lee Sanboh 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDTea processing involves fermentation, withering, steaming or pan‐firing, rolling, baking, and drying. Some of these steps are performed at a high temperatures. At such temperatures the creep of the tea leaves plays an important role in the quality of tea. In materials science, creep is the tendency of a tea leaf to move slowly or defom permanently under a constant load. There has been much research on the mechanical properties of the outmost cuticular layer of leaves but there are few reports addressing the mechanical properties of whole leaves.RESULTSWe cut tea leaf into specimen of dog‐bone shape and measure the time‐dependent creep deformation using a dynamic mechnical analyzer. Three different tea leaves grown in Taiwan were examined. The nonlinear Burgers model is proposed to describe the creep deformation of the tea leaves.CONCLUSIONSThe creep of the tea leaves consists of primary and steady states, and the creep deformation is accurately described by the Kelvin representation of the nonlinear Burgers model. The viscosities in the primary stages satisfied the Arrhenius equation, and the activation energies were determined. The stress exponents for the creep of the tea leaves were less than unity. The Maxwell representation of the Burgers model is mathematically equivalent to the Kelvin representation of the Burgers model and can also be used to explain the creep of tea leaves. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry