bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the diagnostic accuracy of skeletal scintigraphy in lame and poorly performing sports horses
Authors: Quiney Laura E. , Ireland Joanne L. , Dyson Sue J.
Published: May 2018

Skeletal scintigraphy is an established imaging modality, however, its validity as a diagnostic test in lame or poorly performing sports horses has not been determined. The objective of this retrospective cross‐sectional analytical study was to determine the accuracy of skeletal scintigraphy as an indiscriminate screening test in sports horses. All sports horses that underwent scintigraphic examination between March 2008 and December 2014 for which a definitive diagnosis was reached were included. Examinations were evaluated blindly. Characteristics of increased radiopharmaceutical uptake were recorded and subjectively categorized as possibly relevant or non‐relevant. Kappa statistics were used to assess agreement between test results and final diagnosis. There were 1222 positive clinical diagnoses in 480 horses, of which 687 regions (56.4%) had no associated increased radiopharmaceutical uptake and 99 regions (8.1%) had non‐relevant increased radiopharmaceutical uptake. The sensitivity of increased radiopharmaceutical uptake for identification of final diagnosis was low (43.8%) and specificity was high (94.0%). The agreement was fair (κ = 0.36). Relevance categorization improved the test; the sensitivity for final diagnosis was low (35.7%), specificity was high (98.9%), and the agreement was moderate (κ = 0.45). The agreements of increased radiopharmaceutical uptake and relevance categorization with final diagnosis were only substantial for feet (κ = 0.67 and κ = 0.66, respectively) and proximal aspect of the forelimb (elbow, shoulder, and scapula combined) (κ = 0.69 and 0.78, respectively). Scintigraphic examination is unlikely to lead to a full and correct diagnosis of the cause(s) of lameness or poor performance in sports horses when used as an isolated or indiscriminate screening tool.
Pericardial application as a new route for implanting stem‐cell cardiospheres to treat myocardial infarction
Authors: Zhang Jianhua , Wu Zheng , Fan Zepei , Qin Zixi , Wang Yingwei , Chen Jiayuan , Wu Maoxiong , Chen Yangxin , Wu Changhao , Wang Jingfeng
Published: May 2018

Key points

Cardiospheres (CSps) are a promising new form of cardiac stem cells with advantage over other stem cells for myocardial regeneration, but direct implantation of CSps by conventional routes has been limited due to potential embolism.

We have implanted CSps into the pericardial cavity and systematically demonstrated its efficacy regarding myocardial infarction.

Stem cell potency and cell viability can be optimized in vitro prior to implantation by pre‐conditioning CSps with pericardial fluid and hydrogel packing.

Transplantation of optimized CSps into the pericardial cavity improved cardiac function and alleviated myocardial fibrosis, increased myocardial cell survival and promoted angiogenesis.

Mechanistically, CSps are able to directly differentiate into cardiomyocytes in vivo and promote regeneration of myocardial cells and blood vessels through a paracrine effect with released growth factors as potential paracrine mediators.

These findings establish a new strategy for therapeutic myocardial regeneration to treat myocardial infarction.

Cardiospheres (CSps) are a new form of cardiac stem cells with an advantage over other stem cells for myocardial regeneration. However, direct implantation of CSps by conventional routes to treat myocardial infarction has been limited due to potential embolism. We have implanted CSps into the pericardial cavity and systematically assessed its efficacy on myocardial infarction. Preconditioning with pericardial fluid enhanced the activity of CSps and matrix hydrogel prolonged their viability. This shows that pretransplant optimization of stem cell potency and maintenance of cell viability can be achieved with CSps. Transplantation of optimized CSps into the pericardial cavity improved cardiac function and alleviated myocardial fibrosis in the non‐infarcted area, and increased myocardial cell survival and promoted angiogenesis in the infarcted area. Mechanistically, CSps were able to directly differentiate into cardiomyocytes in vivo and promoted regeneration of myocardial cells and blood vessels in the infarcted area through a paracrine effect with released growth factors in pericardial cavity serving as possible paracrine mediators. This is the first demonstration of direct pericardial administration of pre‐optimized CSps, and its effectiveness on myocardial infarction by functional and morphological outcomes with distinct mechanisms. These findings establish a new strategy for therapeutic myocardial regeneration to treat myocardial infarction.
A Proposal for Post-Assessment Test of Long-Term Creep Rupture Strength of Grade 91 Steel
Authors: Maruyama Kouichi , Sekido Nobuaki , Yoshimi Kyosuke
Published: May 2018

Predictions as to 105 hrs creep rupture strength of grade 91 steel have been made recently. The predictions should be verified by some means, since they are based on certain assumptions. A formula for predicting long-term creep rupture lives should correctly describe long-term data points used in its formulation. Otherwise the formula cannot properly predict further longer-term creep rupture lives. On the basis of this consideration, the predictions are examined with long-term creep rupture data of the steel. In the predictions three creep rupture databases were used: data of tube products of grade 91 steel reported in NIMS Creep Data Sheet (NIMS T91 database), data of T91 steel collected in Japan, and data of grade 91 steel collected by an ASME code committee. Short-term creep rupture data points were discarded by the following criteria for minimizing overestimation of the strength: selecting long-term data points with low activation energy (multi-region analysis), selecting data points crept at stresses lower than a half of proof stress (σ0.2/2 criterion), and selecting data points longer than 1000 hrs (cut-off time of 1000 hrs). In the case of NIMS T91 database, a time-temperature parameter (TTP) analysis of a dataset selected by the multi-region analysis can properly describe the long-term data points. However, the TTP analyses of datasets selected by the σ0.2/2 criterion and by the cut-off time of 1000 hrs from the same database overestimate the long-term data points. The different criteria for data selection have more substantial effects on predicted values of the strength of the steel than difference of the databases.
Continued Developments in the Characteristics of HAYNES® 282® Alloy for Use in A-USC Applications
Authors: Robertson J. R.
Published: May 2018

Increasing global demands for energy are spurring research efforts to improve the efficiency of fossil power plants while simultaneously reducing the emission of greenhouse gases. Current research reveals that a power plant’s efficiency increases when it is operated at Advanced Ultra Super Critical (A-USC) temperatures and pressures. These operating conditions require some plant components to be made from nickel-based superalloys. Previous research has established HAYNES® 282® alloy1 (UNS N07208), a Ni-Cr-Co-Mo-Ti-Al precipitation hardenable alloy, as a viable choice for A-USC applications. For such components, current interest is focused on the development of a single step age hardening treatment. An earlier paper presented the mechanical properties of an 8-hour single step age hardening heat treatment at 800°C (1472°F)/8 hr/AC. This paper will review preliminary results of a shorter single age treatment: 800°C (1472°F)/4 hr/AC.
Design by Analysis in the Modernized Boiler Code
Authors: Anderson David I. , Dewees David J.
Published: May 2018

In general Section I of the ASME Boiler Code was originally developed for industrial boilers through to sub-critical boilers operating at relatively low temperatures and pressures under steady state conditions. Current and future boilers do and will operate at higher temperatures and pressures under cyclic loading requiring a more detailed assessment and examination to ensure safe and reliable operation.

Design by Analysis (DBA) methods will be fundamental to the assessment process for key boiler components. It is intended that the Code will incorporate several DBA methods, ranging in complexity, to allow the user some flexibility to select the method appropriate to the design conditions.

The methods currently being considered include an elastic approach based on Section VIII Division 2, a simplified inelastic approach, an inelastic approach based on the Omega method from API 579, the Section VIII Division 2 Code Case 2843 based on the Section III Part NH rules utilizing the strain deformation method and a new Section III Code Case based on the EN 13445 approach.

This paper will look at the key aspects of the methods and highlight the limitations of each.
Impact of plasma jet geometry on residence times of radical species
Authors: Lalor James , Scally Laurence , Cullen Patrick J. , Milosavljević Vladimir
Published: May 2018

Numerous electrode geometries and power supplies, both commercial and in-house, have been employed for the generation of low-temperature atmospheric plasma jets. In this work, the development and operation of a 12 jet nonthermal atmospheric plasma system is presented. The study is based on optical spectroscopy as a diagnostic method due to its nonintrusive nature. A key focus of this study was the material selection (conductive and nonconductive), with several polymers screened for the jet design leading to polyacetal as the choice material. Their results are compared with other atmospheric plasma jet systems. The results show a significant increase in residence time and the spatial homogeneity for ambient air's main species, including: OH, O I, O2, O3, N2, and N2+. Their densities are studied with respect to treatment time, distance, duty cycle, and discharge frequency, as well as the jets' carrier gas chemistries (argon and helium). For their plasma jet system, the bulk of the chemical reactions occur in the surrounding atmosphere and not in the jet nozzle, which is different from most other plasma jet systems. The electron energy distribution function, for the given chemistries, is also reported.
Eighteen mega-electron-volt alpha-particle damage in homoepitaxial β-Ga2O3 Schottky rectifiers
Authors: Yang Jiancheng , Fares Chaker , Guan Yu , Ren F. , Pearton S. J. , Bae Jinho , Kim Jihyun , Kuramata Akito
Published: May 2018

Homoepitaxial Ga2O3 rectifiers with vertical geometry were subject to 18 MeV alpha particle irradiation at fluences of 1012–1013 cm−2, simulating space radiation exposure. The range of these particles (∼80 μm) is much greater than the drift layer thickness in the structures (∼7 μm). The carrier removal rates were in the range of 406–728 cm−1 for these conditions. These values are factors of 2–3 higher than for high energy (10 MeV) protons and 2 orders of magnitude higher than for 1.5 MeV electron irradiation of the same material. The on-state resistance of the rectifiers is more degraded by alpha particle irradiation than either ideality factor or barrier height. The reverse breakdown voltage of the rectifiers increases with alpha particle dose as carriers in the drift region are removed by trapping into traps created by the radiation damage. The on/off ratio of the rectifiers was severely degraded by alpha particle-induced damage, but the reverse recovery characteristics were unaffected even by the highest dose, with values around ∼20 ns.
How to recruit a GRK
Authors: Foley John F.
Published: May 2018

The dopamine D2 receptor recruits and activates the kinase GRK2 without the need for G protein activation.
Novel Maltogenic Amylase CoMA from Corallococcus sp. Strain EGB Catalyzes the Conversion of Maltooligosaccharides and Soluble Starch to Maltose
Authors: Zhou Jie , Li Zhoukun , Zhang Han , Wu Jiale , Ye Xianfeng , Dong Weiliang , Jiang Min , Huang Yan , Cui Zhongli
Published: May 2018

The α-amylase from
Corallococcus
sp. EGB, which was classified to the GH13_36 subfamily, can catalyze the conversion of maltooligosaccharides (≥G3) and soluble starch to maltose as the sole hydrolysate. An action mechanism for producing a high level of maltose without the attendant production of glucose has been proposed. Moreover, it also can hydrolyze γ-cyclodextrin and pullulan. Its biochemical characterization suggested that CoMA may be involved the accumulation of maltose in
Corallococcus
media.
Orsay δ Protein Is Required for Nonlytic Viral Egress
Authors: Yuan Wang , Zhou Ying , Fan Yanlin , Tao Yizhi J. , Zhong Weiwei
Published: May 2018

An important step of the viral life cycle is how viruses exit from host cells to spread to other cells. Certain nonenveloped viruses can exit cultured cells in nonlytic ways; however, such nonlytic exit has not been demonstrated
in vivo
. In addition, it is not clear how such nonlytic exit is achieved mechanistically
in vivo
. Orsay virus is a nonenveloped RNA virus that infects the intestine cells of the nematode
C. elegans
. It is currently the only virus known to naturally infect
C. elegans
. Using this
in vivo
model, we show that the δ protein encoded by Orsay virus facilitates the nonlytic exit of the virus, possibly by interacting with host actin on the apical side of worm intestine cells.
The HIV-1 Tat Protein Enhances Splicing at the Major Splice Donor Site
Authors: Mueller Nancy , Pasternak Alexander O. , Klaver Bep , Cornelissen Marion , Berkhout Ben , Das Atze T.
Published: May 2018

Transcription of the HIV-1 proviral DNA and subsequent processing of the primary transcript results in the production of a large set of unspliced and differentially spliced viral RNAs. The major splice donor site (5′ss) that is located in the untranslated leader of the HIV-1 transcript is used for the production of all spliced RNAs, and splicing at this site has to be tightly regulated to allow the balanced production of all viral RNAs and proteins. We demonstrate that the viral Tat protein, which is known to activate viral transcription, also stimulates splicing at the major 5′ss. As for the transcription effect, Tat requires the viral long terminal repeat promoter and the
trans
-acting responsive RNA hairpin for splicing regulation. These results indicate that HIV-1 transcription and splicing are tightly coupled processes through the coordinated action of the essential Tat protein.

IMPORTANCE
The HIV-1 proviral DNA encodes a single RNA transcript that is used as RNA genome and packaged into newly assembled virus particles. This full-length RNA is also used as mRNA for the production of structural and enzymatic proteins. Production of other essential viral proteins depends on alternative splicing of the primary transcript, which yields a large set of differentially spliced mRNAs. Optimal virus replication requires a balanced production of all viral RNAs, which means that the splicing process has to be strictly regulated. We show that the HIV-1 Tat protein, a factor that is well known for its transcription activating function, also stimulates splicing. Thus, Tat controls not only the level of the viral RNA but also the balance between spliced and unspliced RNAs.
Helicobacter pylori Biofilm Formation and Its Potential Role in Pathogenesis
Authors: Hathroubi Skander , Servetas Stephanie L. , Windham Ian , Merrell D. Scott , Ottemann Karen M.
Published: May 2018

Despite decades of effort,
Helicobacter pylori
infections remain difficult to treat. Over half of the world's population is infected by
H. pylori
, which is a major cause of duodenal and gastric ulcers as well as gastric cancer. During chronic infection,
H. pylori
localizes within the gastric mucosal layer, including deep within invaginations called glands; thanks to its impressive ability to survive despite the harsh acidic environment, it can persist for the host's lifetime. This ability to survive and persist in the stomach is associated with urease production, chemotactic motility, and the ability to adapt to the fluctuating environment. Additionally, biofilm formation has recently been suggested to play a role in colonization. Biofilms are surface-associated communities of bacteria that are embedded in a hydrated matrix of extracellular polymeric substances. Biofilms pose a substantial health risk and are key contributors to many chronic and recurrent infections. This link between biofilm-associated bacteria and chronic infections likely results from an increased tolerance to conventional antibiotic treatments as well as immune system action. The role of this biofilm mode in antimicrobial treatment failure and
H. pylori
survival has yet to be determined. Furthermore, relatively little is known about the
H. pylori
biofilm structure or the genes associated with this mode of growth. In this review, therefore, we aim to highlight recent findings concerning
H. pylori
biofilms and the molecular mechanism of their formation. Additionally, we discuss the potential roles of biofilms in the failure of antibiotic treatment and in infection recurrence.
Research priorities in health communication and participation: international survey of consumers and other stakeholders
Authors: Synnot Anneliese , Bragge Peter , Lowe Dianne , Nunn Jack S , O’Sullivan Molly , Horvat Lidia , Tong Allison , Kay Debra , Ghersi Davina , McDonald Steve , Poole Naomi , Bourke Noni , Lannin Natasha , Vadasz Danny , Oliver Sandy , Carey Karen , Hill Sophie J
Published: May 2018

Objective

To identify research priorities of consumers and other stakeholders to inform Cochrane Reviews in ‘health communication and participation’ (including such concepts as patient experience, shared decision-making and health literacy).

Setting

International.

Participants

We included anyone with an interest in health communication and participation. Up to 151 participants (18–80 years; 117 female) across 12 countries took part, including 48 consumers (patients, carers, consumer representatives) and 75 professionals (health professionals, policymakers, researchers) (plus 25 people who identified as both).

Design

Survey.

Methods

We invited people to submit their research ideas via an online survey open for 4 weeks. Using inductive thematic analysis, we generated priority research topics, then classified these into broader themes.

Results

Participants submitted 200 research ideas, which we grouped into 21 priority topics. Key research priorities included: insufficient consumer involvement in research (19 responses), ‘official’ health information is contradictory and hard to understand (18 responses), communication/coordination breakdowns in health services (15 responses), health information provision a low priority for health professionals (15 responses), insufficient eliciting of patient preferences (14 responses), health services poorly understand/implement patient-centred care (14 responses), lack of holistic care impacting healthcare quality and safety (13 responses) and inadequate consumer involvement in service design (11 responses). These priorities encompassed acute and community health settings, with implications for policy and research. Priority populations of interest included people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, carers, and people with low educational attainment, or mental illness. Most frequently suggested interventions focused on training and cultural change activities for health services and health professionals.

Conclusions

Consumers and other stakeholders want research addressing structural and cultural challenges in health services (eg, lack of holistic, patient-centred, culturally safe care) and building health professionals’ communication skills. Solutions should be devised in partnership with consumers, and focus on the needs of vulnerable groups.
Characteristics of young children with developmental delays and their trends over 14 years in Taiwan: a population-based nationwide study
Authors: Lai Der-Chung , Tseng Yen-Cheng , Guo How-Ran
Published: May 2018

Objectives

To describe the epidemiological characteristics of developmental delays (DD) at the national level and assess the changes over time.

Design

We calculated the incidence rates of DD from 2003 to 2016 and assessed the trends over time.

Setting

As dictated by law, local governments in Taiwan are required to register children with DD and provide services. The central government has constructed a national registry with the data from local centres. We analysed the national registry data.

Participants

We included children who were under 6 years old, and this population ranged from 1 164 150 to 1 577 443 per year during the study period. All registered cases were certified through a process set forth by law.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

We calculated annual incidence rates by age, sex and geographical area, and assessed trends over the study period.

Results

The incidence of DD in children under 6 years old displayed an increasing trend over the study period, ranging from 7.0 to 16.3 per 1000 person-years. Boys had higher incidence throughout all 14 years, and the boy-to-girl rate ratios had an increasing trend over time with some fluctuations, ranging from 1.84 (95% CI 1.77 to 1.92) to 1.99 (95% CI 1.93 to 2.06). In addition, rural areas had higher incidence rates, and the rural to urban rate ratios ranged from 0.98 (95% CI 0.94 to 1.03) to 2.00 (95% CI 1.94 to 2.06) without apparent time trends. Girls had a higher proportion of early reporting (<3 years) throughout all years, but the differences in the proportion of early reporting between rural and urban areas were not consistent.

Conclusions

Male sex appeared to be a risk factor for DD, which is unlikely to be due to more attention received by boys because girls had a higher proportion of early reporting. We also found that children lived in rural areas appeared to have a higher risk of having DD.
Integrative taxonomy reveals a new genus and new species of Philosciidae (Crustacea: Isopoda: Oniscidea) from the Neotropical region
Authors: Zimmermann Bianca L. , Campos-Filho Ivanklin S. , Araujo Paula B.
Published: May 2018

Although new methods and data are conquering space in the field of taxonomy, such as integrative taxonomy, most terrestrial isopod species are still described based only on morphology. Species of the genus Atlantoscia Ferrara and Taiti, 1981 were the first and are the unique terrestrial isopods from the Neotropics for which a molecular phylogeny was already conducted. Previous results indicated that this genus could be paraphyletic, and a more detailed analysis would be required. Our aim was to reconstruct the phylogeny of Atlantoscia using mitochondrial and nuclear markers and test its monophyly by integrating molecular and morphological data. We observed that, indeed, Atlantoscia is paraphyletic. Atlantoscia ituberasensis Campos-Filho, Lisboa and Araujo, 2013 and Atlantoscia rubromarginata Araujo and Leistikow, 1999 were placed in a new genus of terrestrial isopods, Paratlantoscia gen. nov., together with a new species described in the present study, Paratlantoscia robusta sp. nov. The new genus is defined by the presence of specialized respiratory areas in the pleopod exopods and its validity is highly corroborated by molecular analyses and by biogeographic information. This study highlights the importance of multiple and complementary perspectives as a way to improve the quality of species hypothesis and associated descriptions.
Identification of chromosomes in Thinopyrum intermedium and wheat Th. intermedium amphiploids based on multiplex oligonucleotide probes
Authors: Cui Yu , Zhang Yanping , Qi Juan , Wang Honggang , Wang Richard R.-C. , Bao Yinguang , Li Xingfeng
Published: May 2018

Synthesized oligonucleotides (oligos) can be used as effective probes similar to plasmid clones for chromosome identification in fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis, making oligo FISH a simpler and more efficient molecular cytogenetic technique for studying plants. In this study, multiplex oligonucleotide probes, including pSc119.2-1, pAs1-4, (GAA)10, (AAC)6, and pTa71, were combined and used in FISH to identify chromosomes in common wheat, Thinopyrum intermedium, and a wheat – Th. intermedium amphiploid TE256-1. In comparison with general FISH probes, signals generated by the multiplex probes were more abundant, colorful, and characteristic. Combining the results of genomic in situ hybridization (GISH) with FISH, Th. intermedium chromosomes and alien chromosomes in TE256-1 could be classified and identified more precisely, especially the J- and Js-genome chromosomes. Moreover, based on the FISH results using multiplex probes, more structural variations in wheat chromosomes of TE256-1 were detected. The results indicated that multiplex oligo probes would have a wide range of application prospects in the creation and identification of wheat – Th. intermedium germplasms.
On an Almost-Universal Hash Function Family with Applications to Authentication and Secrecy Codes
Authors: Bibak Khodakhast , Kapron Bruce M. , Srinivasan Venkatesh , Tóth László
Published: May 2018

Universal hashing, discovered by Carter and Wegman in 1979, has many important applications in computer science. MMH[Formula: see text], which was shown to be [Formula: see text]-universal by Halevi and Krawczyk in 1997, is a well-known universal hash function family. We introduce a variant of MMH[Formula: see text], that we call GRDH, where we use an arbitrary integer [Formula: see text] instead of prime [Formula: see text] and let the keys [Formula: see text] satisfy the conditions [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text]), where [Formula: see text] are given positive divisors of [Formula: see text]. Then via connecting the universal hashing problem to the number of solutions of restricted linear congruences, we prove that the family GRDH is an [Formula: see text]-almost-[Formula: see text]-universal family of hash functions for some [Formula: see text] if and only if [Formula: see text] is odd and [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text]. Furthermore, if these conditions are satisfied then GRDH is [Formula: see text]-almost-[Formula: see text]-universal, where [Formula: see text] is the smallest prime divisor of [Formula: see text]. Finally, as an application of our results, we propose an authentication code with secrecy scheme which strongly generalizes the scheme studied by Alomair et al. [J. Math. Cryptol. 4 (2010) 121–148], and [J.UCS 15 (2009) 2937–2956].
Link Vulnerability in Networks
Authors: Berberler Zeynep Nihan , Yigit Esin
Published: May 2018

Link residual closeness is reported as a new graph vulnerability measure, a graph-based approach to network vulnerability analysis, and more sensitive than some other existing vulnerability measures. Residual closeness is of great theoretical and practical significance to network design and optimization. In this paper, how some of the graph types perform when they suffer a link failure is discussed. Vulnerability of graphs to the failure of individual links is computed via link residual closeness which provides a much fuller characterization of the network.
Inhibitory Effects of Amentoflavone and Orobol on Daclatasvir-Induced Resistance-Associated Variants of Hepatitis C Virus
Authors: Lee Wei-Ping , Lan Keng-Li , Liao Shi-Xian , Huang Yi-Hsiang , Hou Ming-Chih , Lan Keng-Hsin
Published: May 2018

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is recognized as a major causative agent of chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Despite rapid progress in the development of direct-acting antivirals (DAA) against HCV infection in recent years, cost-effective antiviral drugs with more affordable prices still need to be developed. In this study, we screened a library of natural compounds to identify natural HCV inhibitors. The library of the pure compounds extracted from Chinese herbs deposited in the chemical bank of National Research Institute of Chinese Medicine (NRICM), Taiwan was screened in the cell culture-derived HCV (HCVcc) system. We identified the flavone or flavan-based compounds amentoflavone, 7,4[Formula: see text]-dihydroxyflavanone, and orobol with the inhibition of viral entry, replication, and translation of the HCV life cycle. Amentoflavone and orobol also showed inhibitory effects on resistant-associated variants to the NS5A inhibitor daclatasvir. The results of this study have the potential to benefit patients who are intolerant to the adverse effect of pegylated interferon or who harbor resistant strains refractory to treatment by current direct-acting antiviral agents.
Restoring Effects of Natural Anti-Oxidant Quercetin on Cellular Senescent Human Dermal Fibroblasts
Authors: Sohn Eun-Ju , Kim Jung Min , Kang Se-Hui , Kwon Joseph , An Hyun Joo , Sung Jung-Suk , Cho Kyung A , Jang Ik-Soon , Choi Jong-Soon
Published: May 2018

The oxidative damage initiated by reactive oxygen species (ROS) is a major contributor to the functional decline and disability that characterizes aging. The anti-oxidant flavonoid, quercetin, is a plant polyphenol that may be beneficial for retarding the aging process. We examined the restoring properties of quercetin on human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs). Quercetin directly reduced either intracellular or extracellular ROS levels in aged HDFs. To find the aging-related target genes by quercetin, microarray analysis was performed and two up-regulated genes LPL and KCNE2 were identified. Silencing LPL increased the expression levels of senescence proteins such as p16INK4A and p53 and silencing KCNE2 reversed gene expressions of EGR1 and p-ERK in quercetin-treated aged HDFs. Silencing of LPL and KCNE2 decreased the expression levels of anti-oxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and catalase. Also, the mitochondrial dysfunction in aged HDFs was ameliorated by quercetin treatment. Taken together, these results suggest that quercetin has restoring effect on the cellular senescence by down-regulation of senescence activities and up-regulation of the gene expressions of anti-oxidant enzymes in aged HDFs.
Noise reduction in optically controlled quantum memory
Authors: Ma Lijun , Slattery Oliver , Tang Xiao
Published: May 2018

Quantum memory is an essential tool for quantum communications systems and quantum computers. An important category of quantum memory, called optically controlled quantum memory, uses a strong classical beam to control the storage and re-emission of a single-photon signal through an atomic ensemble. In this type of memory, the residual light from the strong classical control beam can cause severe noise and degrade the system performance significantly. Efficiently suppressing this noise is a requirement for the successful implementation of optically controlled quantum memories. In this paper, we briefly introduce the latest and most common approaches to quantum memory and review the various noise-reduction techniques used in implementing them.
Nonlinear flutter analysis of composite panels
Authors: An Xiaomin , Wang Yan
Published: May 2018

Nonlinear panel flutter is an interesting subject of fluid–structure interaction. In this paper, nonlinear flutter characteristics of curved composite panels are studied in very low supersonic flow. The composite panel with geometric nonlinearity is modeled by a nonlinear finite element method; and the responses are computed by the nonlinear Newmark algorithm. An unsteady aerodynamic solver, which contains a flux splitting scheme and dual time marching technology, is employed in calculating the unsteady pressure of the motion of the panel. Based on a half-step staggered coupled solution, the aeroelastic responses of two composite panels with different radius of R = 5 and R = 2.5 are computed and compared with each other at different dynamic pressure for Ma = 1.05. The nonlinear flutter characteristics comprising limited cycle oscillations and chaos are analyzed and discussed.
Study on model design and dynamic similitude relations of vibro-acoustic experiment for elastic cavity
Authors: Shi Ao , Lu Bo , Yang Dangguo , Wang Xiansheng , Wu Junqiang , Zhou Fangqi
Published: May 2018

Coupling between aero-acoustic noise and structural vibration under high-speed open cavity flow-induced oscillation may bring about severe random vibration of the structure, and even cause structure to fatigue destruction, which threatens the flight safety. Carrying out the research on vibro-acoustic experiments of scaled down model is an effective means to clarify the effects of high-intensity noise of cavity on structural vibration. Therefore, in allusion to the vibro-acoustic experiments of cavity in wind tunnel, taking typical elastic cavity as the research object, dimensional analysis and finite element method were adopted to establish the similitude relations of structural inherent characteristics and dynamics for distorted model, and verifying the proposed similitude relations by means of experiments and numerical simulation. Research shows that, according to the analysis of scale-down model, the established similitude relations can accurately simulate the structural dynamic characteristics of actual model, which provides theoretic guidance for structural design and vibro-acoustic experiments of scaled down elastic cavity model.
Investigation of Switching Sequences on a Generalized SVPWM Algorithm for Multilevel Inverters
Authors: Hemanth Kumar B. , Lokhande Makarand M.
Published: May 2018

This paper investigates the various switching sequences on a generalized 60[Formula: see text] distributed coordinate system-based space vector pulse width modulation (SVPWM) algorithm for multilevel inverters. The main focus of this work is to improve the inverter output voltage profile by taking advantage of the redundancy inverter switching states. With the help of SVPWM algorithm, the three nearest vectors have to find out the synthesis of the [Formula: see text] location and then by applying the various optimum switching sequences, the inverter produces less harmonic content in the output voltage compared to the conventional switching sequence. All the switching sequence designs are developed with the help of minimum change detector (MCD) by using switching redundancies in order to reduce inverter switching loss. Simulation results to analyze various sequences on the general SVPWM algorithm are presented in the seven-level cascaded H-bridge (CHB) inverter. To validate the results, hardware results are presented on the seven-level CHB inverter.
Novel solution of power law for γ-bands
Authors: Gupta J. B.
Published: May 2018

The power law expression [Formula: see text] offers a single-term formula with just two parameters for expressing the level energies in the spectra of even-[Formula: see text] even-[Formula: see text] nuclei. Its application to ground band spectra for a wide range of nuclei has been demonstrated in our earlier works. Here, we extend its application to the rotational bands built on an excited state of [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text]-vibration band and [Formula: see text] beta band. A novel assumption of a virtual level with spin zero for [Formula: see text]-bands is made and its validity and use is illustrated. Here, the constancy of the parameters “[Formula: see text]” and “[Formula: see text]” with spin, offers a more realistic view of the dependence of the nuclear core deformation on spin, in the excited bands. Also, it enables a spinwise view, not available in the other energy fit expressions.
The Use of Symmetric Quartic Potential Well for Noise Filtering
Authors: Gunes Nurhan , Leeson Mark S. , Higgins Matthew D.
Published: May 2018

In this letter, a symmetric quartic potential well is considered for use as a low-pass filter in BPAM receivers. By using the BPAM input to force a change in the shape of the well, the output can be considered as the position of a particle in the well. The potential well has been designed to pass the BPAM signal and suppress the background noise. Within the paper, DC gain and cut-off frequency are defined where the potential well is subject to a noise free single pulse. The effects of the background noise are also discussed. These initial results are applicable to other pulse modulation methods. Moreover, it is revealed that the cut-off frequency plays a significant role on the BPAM detector. Finally, a new result for the probability of error is introduced which clearly shows that the potential well filters out the background noise as much as a lowpass Butterworth filter does.
Favorable Responsiveness of the Hand10 Questionnaire to Assess Treatment Outcomes for Lateral Epicondylitis
Authors: Nishizuka Takanobu , Iwatsuki Katsuyuki , Kurimoto Shigeru , Yamamoto Michiro , Onishi Tetsuro , Hirata Hitoshi
Published: May 2018

Background: The aim of our study was to compare the responsiveness of the Hand10 questionnaire and the Pain visual analogue scale (VAS) for the assessment of lateral epicondylitis.

Methods: The standardized response mean and effect size were used as indicators of responsiveness, measured at baseline and after 6 months of treatment. Among the 54 patients enrolled, 28 were treated using a forearm band, compress and stretching, with the other 26 patients treated using compress and stretching.

Results: The standardized response mean and the effect size were 1.18 and 1.38, respectively, of the Hand10 and 1.39 and 1.75, respectively, for the Pain VAS.

Conclusions: The responsiveness of both tests was considered to be large, based on Cohen’s classification of effect size, supporting the use of the Hand10 questionnaire to assess treatment outcomes for lateral epicondylitis.
Mid-Term Functional Outcome after Volar Locking Plate Fixation of Distal Radius Fractures in Elderly Patients
Authors: Shimura Haruhiko , Nimura Akimoto , Fujita Koji , Miyamoto Takashi
Published: May 2018

Background: The volar locking plate is frequently used in the fixation of unstable distal radius fractures, but despite this there is a paucity of mid to long term outcome studies. The purpose of this study was to investigate the mid-term functional outcomes of elderly patients treated with a volar locking plate for unstable distal radius fractures.

Methods: Thirty-two patients with a mean age of 74.1 (range, 65–85) years were followed for a mean of 39.1 (range, 30–81) months. Patients with follow-up periods of < 24 months were excluded from this study to investigate the mid-term clinical outcomes. The Mayo wrist score (MWS), grip strength and wrist range of motion were retrospectively reviewed at 12 months, 24 months and the latest follow-up (mean 39.1 months). Osteoarthritis status according to the system of Knirk and Jupiter was assessed at 24 months.

Results: Significant improvements in MWS and grip strength were observed between 12 and 24 months but not between 24 months and the final follow-up. There was no significant difference in wrist range of motion between 12 and 24 months. The MWS of 14 patients with radiographic signs of osteoarthritis was not significantly different from that of 18 patients without radiographic signs of osteoarthritis.

Conclusions: Elderly patients treated with the volar locking plate showed improved MWS and grip strength postoperatively after 12 months. Improvement in grip strength was slower than range of motion.
Hemi-Hamate Autograft Arthroplasty for the Proximal Interphalangeal Joint Revisited: A New Surgical Approach
Authors: Goon Patrick K.Y. , Vaghela Kalpesh R. , Stougie Shirley , Coert Jan H.
Published: May 2018

The hemi-hamate arthroplasty for proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) dorsal fracture dislocations relies on complete dislocation of the joint using the ‘shotgun’ approach which provides excellent exposure but damages the delicate intrinsic joint stabilisers. We present a new approach to the PIPJ when performing the hemi-hamate arthroplasty. The volar surgical approach involves freeing up the whole tendon sheath-periosteal unit as a single layer, and retracting this to one side. The articular surface of the joint can then be accessed with a little distraction and hyperextension. The method does not breach the tendon sheath, nor does it damage the collateral ligaments or volar plate. It is akin to the radical total anterior teno-arthrolysis (TATA) technique used for contracted joints, with some crucial differences. We postulate that the new approach causes far less iatrogenic damage and reduces the risk of contractures developing, and in chronic cases, allows concurrent joint release.
Pollicisation: The Myth about Creating a Pseudo-Trapezium
Authors: Mennen Ulrich
Published: May 2018

We have performed 14 pollicisations without creating a “pseudo-trapezium” from the metacarpal head. The entire metacarpal of the intended finger to be pollicised is removed and the proximal phalanx of the finger is inserted into the space left by the base of the excised metacarpal. The results are good to excellent in all 14 cases followed for 2–9 years. The advantages are that the operation is much simpler, thus also much quicker. The new thumb looks more like a thumb (not too long) and is more stable (ball-and-socket joint), with no long term complications often seen with the pseudo-trapezium.
Malignant Mixed Tumor of the Finger: A Case Report
Authors: Nakanishi Akito , Honoki Kanya , Omokawa Shohei , Tanaka Yasuhito
Published: May 2018

We present a very rare case of malignant chondroid syringoma of the fingertip in a 44-year-old man that was reconstruced by neurovascular island flap after the complete tumor resection of the fingertip. Although it is a rare tumor at an unusual area, it should be included in the differential diagnosis of the finger tumors.
From axial parallel to orthogonal groundwater flow during fold amplification: insights from carbonate concretion development during the growth of the Quattro Castella Anticline, Northern Apennines, Italy
Authors: Pizzati Mattia , Balsamo Fabrizio , Storti Fabrizio , Mozafari Mahtab , Iacumin Paola , Tinterri Roberto , Swennen Rudy
Published: May 2018

This paper is based on a multidisciplinary field and laboratory study of carbonate concretions developed in poorly lithified Quaternary, syn-kinematic sediments along the Quattro Castella Anticline, Northern Apennines, Italy. The studied concretions consist of both tabular (parallel to bedding) and elongate single to coalescent concretionary bodies oriented at different angles to the bedding throughout the exposed stratigraphic succession. The dimensions of the concretions range from a few centimetres for single elongate concretions up to several metres for tabular to coalescent concretions. Field observations and petrophysical data indicate that the concretions developed preferentially in sediments characterized by mean grain sizes of 90–290 μm and a permeability ranging from 7 × 10
2
to 7 × 10
4
 mD. Carbon and oxygen stable isotope analyses in conjunction with the petrographic investigations indicate that the precipitation of concretionary calcite occurred in a meteoric vadose realm during early eogenesis and subsequently in a meteoric phreatic environment. Diagenetic data and concretion patterns in syn-tectonic sediments suggest they formed during the lateral propagation of the anticline, which, in turn, promoted a change in the local topographic–hydraulic gradient from fold axial parallel to fold orthogonal. The integrated analysis of carbonate concretions provides a useful tool with which to unravel the palaeo-fluid flow history and therefore to predict fluid circulation patterns in folded siliciclastic rocks.

Supplementary material:
Complete isotopic data from both hand samples and thin sections, together with statistical analysis, scanning electron microscope cement images and grain size distributions with the standard operative procedure tests performed, and detailed permeability measurements are available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.4087019
A century of hydrocarbon exploration and production in Spain (1860–1960)
Authors: Navarro Comet Jorge , Puche Riart Octavio
Published: May 2018

The onset of hydrocarbon exploration and production activity in Spain dates back to 1860, mainly consisting of rudimentary mining of tar sands, asphalts and bituminous shales. Petroleum exploration drilling started properly in 1900 by simply locating wells in the vicinity of petroleum impregnations at the surface, often with little or no geological input. Until 1940, most of these early exploration wells were shallow tests (less than 500 m deep), commonly operated by small private companies with foreign investment, but no oil and gas accumulations were found.

Systematic hydrocarbon exploration in Spain began in 1940 after the Spanish Civil War (1936–39). Two oil companies led these activities: CAMPSA, a state-run petroleum monopoly established in 1927; and CEPSA, a fully private Spanish company founded in 1929, which created the exploration subsidiary CIEPSA in 1940. However, the poor economic situation in Spain, the currency shortage and the international embargo after the Civil War made it very difficult to import any rig capable of deep drilling until the late 1940s. During the early 1950s, the domestic and international position of Spain started to improve. Slowly, foreign hydrocarbon exploration companies (especially German and American) began to form partnerships with national and Spanish private companies. They conducted the acquisition of the first seismic reflection surveys and were responsible for a considerable increase in deep drilling and pioneering borehole logging. Noteworthy amongst these were the intense activities of the VALDEBRO, a consortium formed in 1952 by American companies and the state.

In 1960, 100 years after the initiation of petroleum production in Spain, the first commercial success was obtained with the discovery of dry gas in the Castillo-1 well, drilled by CIEPSA in the onshore Cantabrian–Basque Basin. This find was later complemented by the oil discovery at Ayoluengo in 1964 by a joint venture led by CAMPSA and which still remains the only commercial oil field discovered onshore Spain.
Ayoluengo's history – Spain's only onshore oil field
Authors: Navarro Comet Jorge
Published: May 2018

The Ayoluengo Field, commonly cited as the only onshore oil field in Spain, was discovered in June 1964 by Amospain, a joint venture of Chevron, Texaco and CAMPSA, by then the state-owned company. Ayoluengo is located about 300 km north of Madrid in the southern part of the Basque–Cantabrian Basin, a geological region where natural oil seeps, tar sands and asphalt have been recognized in outcrops since the early twentieth century. Now, 50 years after the first oil in 1967, the field has a cumulated production of 17 million barrels of oil. The 50-year production concession expired at the end of January 2017 and the field is now closed, awaiting a bidding process for a new concession to be awarded.

The Ayoluengo Field consists of a NE–SW-orientated salt-cored anticline, related to Triassic salt movements. The field is divided into two large structural blocks by a normal fault. Oil and gas production comes from a series of thin lenticular fluvio-lacustrine sandstone packages of Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous age. More than 50 separate oil and gas sandstone beds have been identified by drilling. This multilayer reservoir, together with the structural component, means that Ayoluengo is considered to be a grouping of hundreds of small oil and gas fields.

After years of intense exploration activity, the Ayoluengo Field still, surprisingly, remains a unique oil discovery and is the only onshore commercial oil field in Spain and also the only one in the entire Iberian Peninsula. This geological singularity has resulted in recurrent discussions between petroleum geologists because it is difficult to explain why a petroleum system is working uniquely at this particular spot and nowhere else within such a vast territory.