bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Early Phase of Laser Ignition Under Stoichiometric and Lean Conditions
Authors: Coombs Deshawn M. , Peters Nathan D. , Akih-Kumgeh Ben
Published: August 2018

Forced ignition, the initiation of combustion processes by rapid and localized introduction of energy, is central to the successful operation of many combustion systems. It is therefore of interest to investigate this process, starting from the introduction of energy to the emergence of self-sustained flame or the quenching of an otherwise initialized flame kernel. Since the process is highly non-equilibrium and involves various complex kinetic phenomena, it is important to understand the key aspects that control failed or successful ignition. Detailed studies of the early phases of the ignition process can lead to knowledge of more general characteristics of the problem so that reduced models of the ignition process can be developed. These reduced versions can be used in less costly computational studies to assess various ignition events. This paper reports an experimental and numerical investigations of the early phase of laser ignition. The gas mixtures, air, methane/N2 and methane/air are considered to bring out the effect of heat release on the early flow field. The mixtures are studied at three different energy levels and the Jones blast wave theory is used to deduce the energy responsible for the development of the attendant shock waves. This energy is also used to specify initial conditions for the simulations of air and methane/air processes. Additionally, interferometry is used to resolve the density field within the plasma kernel. For the methane/air simulation two chemical models are used, a global reaction model supplemented by an ignition model and a two-step mechanism. The sensitivity of the simulations to the initial geometry of the laser spark is also investigated. The blast wave and interferometry results show that in the reacting methane/air mixture the resulting shock wave is strengthened by early heat release. It is also shown that the shock wave trajectory is not strongly affected by the initial spark geometry, but it has an impact on the velocity field and on the distribution of thermodynamic properties.
Experimental Analysis of Wave Propagation in a Methane-Fueled Rotating Detonation Combustor
Authors: Welch C. , Depperschmidt D. , Miller R. , Tobias J. , Uddi M. , Agrawal A. K. , Lowe Scott
Published: August 2018

Recently, pressure gain combustion (PGC) has been a subject of intense study because of its potential to increase the thermodynamic efficiency of power generating gas turbines by several percentage points. The rotating detonation combustion/combustor (RDC) can provide large pressure gain within a small volume through rapid heat release by detonation wave(s) that propagate continuously in the circumferential direction. The RDC has been investigated mainly for propulsion applications using hydrogen fuel. In contrast, we present experimental results from an RDC operated on methane and oxygen-enriched air mixtures to represent the reactants in advanced power generating gas turbines. The propagation of detonation and oblique shock waves in the RDC is investigated through High Speed Video (HSV) imaging and Ion Probe (IP) data.

HSV imaging requires optical access to the RDC, which can be difficult especially when the RDC is integrated with the gas turbine inlet hardware. Additionally, HSV systems are quite expensive. In contrast, IPs are inexpensive and have the advantages of small size and flexibility in the placement location and can be flush mounted causing minimal interference with the propagating wave. In this study, the detonation wave is tracked by high-resolution HSV imaging at framing rate of 200 kHz. At the same time, IPs are used to detect the rotating oblique shock wave inside the RDC, and different analysis techniques are explored to quantify the wave speed. IP voltage data are analyzed by differentiation, correlation and fast-Fourier transform methods to compute the wave speed (or rotation frequency), and the results are compared with those from the HSV image analysis. The uncertainty of different methods is discussed, and finally, the analysis techniques are applied to investigate the wave characteristics during an experiment.
Taxonomic data on two species of oribatid mites of the family Galumnidae (Acari, Oribatida), with additions to the fauna of China
Authors: Ermilov Sergey G. , Leong Chi-Man
Published: August 2018

The present study is based on oribatid mite materials (Acari, Oribatida) collected from Macao SAR, southern China during 2016 to 2018. A list of identified taxa, including 25 species from 23 genera and 14 families, is presented; of these, 11 species and 1 genus are recorded for the first time in the fauna of this country, and 1 species is recorded for the first time in the Oriental region. The taxonomic data on two species of the family Galumnidae is provided. A new species, Dimiodiogalumna ilhaverdeensis Ermilov sp. nov. is described; it differs from Dimidiogalumna comoroensis Mahunka, 1994 by the presence of four pairs of notogastral porose areas and one strium on genital plates, and the absence of ridges on anal plates. The systematic placement of Acrogalumna bipartita Aoki & Hu, 1993 is discussed, resulting in the following taxonomic proposal: Allogalumna bipartita (Aoki & Hu, 1993) comb. nov.; the supplementary description of this species is presented based on specimens from China.
Pattern quality and defect evaluation based on cross correlation and power spectral density methods
Authors: Zhang Libin , Ma Le , Chen Rui , He Jianfang , Su Xiaojing , Dong Lisong , Su Yajuan , Wei Yayi
Published: August 2018

Precise detection of a nanometer-scale pattern's edge positions in an SEM image is challenging for next generation patterning technology development. Here, two different edge detection methods are proposed: one is based on a normal method employing the edge threshold algorithm and the other is based on a cross-correlation method by calculating the real image with a reference. Line/space and circle pattern types are both studied and compared with the two methods. By using different SEM images without noise and with noise, the pros and cons of the abovementioned two methods are summarized. With the implementation of the power spectral density method, the comparison shows that the cross-correlation method suppresses the metrology uncertainty of edge positions and edge roughness. Besides, the cross-correlation method also calculates all potential edge defects, especially the footing defects and the top loss defects. The method has high application potential in the 3D reconstruction process by using different reference waves; in addition to this, it enables novel focus-energy-matrix (FEM) metrology such as the roughness FEM and defect FEM.
Lexically guided perceptual learning is robust to task-based changes in listening strategy
Authors: Drouin Julia R. , Theodore Rachel M.
Published: August 2018

Listeners use lexical information to resolve ambiguity in the speech signal, resulting in the restructuring of speech sound categories. Recent findings suggest that lexically guided perceptual learning is attenuated when listeners use a perception-focused listening strategy (that directs attention towards surface variation) compared to when listeners use a comprehension-focused listening strategy (that directs attention towards higher-level linguistic information). However, previous investigations used the word position of the ambiguity to manipulate listening strategy, raising the possibility that attenuated learning reflected decreased strength of lexical recruitment instead of a perception-oriented listening strategy. The current work tests this hypothesis. Listeners completed an exposure phase followed by a test phase. During exposure, listeners heard an ambiguous fricative embedded in word-medial lexical contexts that supported realization of the ambiguity as /∫/. At test, listeners categorized members of an /ɑsi/-/ɑ∫i/ continuum. Listening strategy was manipulated via exposure task (experiment 1) and explicit acknowledgement of the ambiguity (experiment 2). Compared to control participants, listeners who were exposed to the ambiguity showed more /∫/ responses at the test; critically, the magnitude of learning did not differ across listening strategy conditions. These results suggest that given sufficient lexical context, lexically guided perceptual learning is robust to task-based changes in listening strategy.
Dietary Anthocyanins: A Review of the Exercise Performance Effects and Related Physiological Responses
Authors: Cook Matthew David , Willems Mark Elisabeth Theodorus
Published: August 2018

Foods and supplements high in anthocyanins are gaining popularity within sports nutrition. Anthocyanins are pigments within berries and other colorful fruits and vegetables. They have antioxidative and anti-inflammatory actions that improve recovery from exercise. Furthermore, anthocyanins can also affect vasoactive properties, including decreasing mean arterial blood pressure and increasing vasodilation during exercise. In vitro observations have shown anthocyanin- and metabolite-induced activation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase and human vascular cell migration. However, effects of anthocyanins on exercise performance without a prior muscle-damaging or metabolically demanding bout of exercise are less clear. For example, exercise performance effects have been observed for blackcurrant but are less apparent for cherry, therefore indicating that the benefits could be due to the specific source-dependent anthocyanins. The mechanisms by which anthocyanin intake can enhance exercise performance may include effects on blood flow, metabolic pathways, and peripheral muscle fatigue, or a combination of all three. This narrative review focuses on the experimental evidence for anthocyanins to improve exercise performance in humans.
Dietary Fatty Acids Sustain the Growth of the Human Gut Microbiota
Authors: Agans Richard , Gordon Alex , Kramer Denise Lynette , Perez-Burillo Sergio , Rufián-Henares José A. , Paliy Oleg
Published: August 2018

Increased intake of fats in many developed countries has raised awareness of potentially harmful and beneficial effects of high fat consumption on human health. Some dietary fats escape digestion in the small intestine and reach the colon where they can be metabolized by gut microbiota. We show that human gut microbes are able to maintain a complex community when supplied with dietary fatty acids as the only nutrient and carbon sources. Such fatty acid-based growth leads to lower production of short-chain fatty acids and antioxidants by community members, which potentially have negative health consequences on the host.
Framework for estimating sleep timing from digital footprints
Authors: Chen Bo-chiuan , Seo Dong-Chul , Lin Hsien-Chang , Crandall David
Published: August 2018

Objective

We propose a method that estimates sleep timing from publicly observable activity on online social network sites. The method has the potential to minimise participant-related biases, does not require specialised equipment and can be applied to a large population.

Materials and methods

We propose a framework that estimates midpoints of habitual sleep time from activity records on a social media—Twitter. We identified sets of before-bedtime and after-wake-up tweets that marked the periods of reduced Twitter activity, which we use as a proxy of sleep. We then estimated the timing of sleep by deriving the median among midpoints of paired before-bedtime and after-wake-up tweets. Visualisations and examples of our estimates comparing sleep timing of users from different countries are provided.

Discussion

Initial results suggest that the proposed framework could detect differences in sleep timing among user groups of different countries. The proposed framework may be a cost-efficient complement for future research regarding sleep-related health concerns. Researchers and practitioners may benefit from accessing habitual sleep data. While validation is still required prior to actual applications, the proposed framework may be a first step towards a convenient and cost-efficient complement to currently available methods.
Development and evaluation of a hospital discharge information package to empower parents in caring for a child with a fever
Authors: van de Maat Josephine S , van Klink Daphne , den Hartogh-Griffioen Anine , Schmidt-Cnossen Eva , Rippen Hester , Hoek Amber , Neill Sarah , Lakhanpaul Monica , Moll Henriette A , Oostenbrink Rianne
Published: August 2018

Objectives

First, to explore parents’ views on and experiences of managing their febrile child and to assess their behaviour and needs when in search of information about fever; second, to develop and evaluate a hospital discharge information package about fever in children.

Design

Mixed methods: (A) qualitative study with semistructured interviews and a focus group discussion (FGD) and (B) quantitative survey.

Setting

Emergency department, non-acute hospital setting and day nursery in Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

Participants

Parents of children <18 years (interviews, n=22) parents of children under 5 years (FGD (n=14), survey (n=38)).

Intervention

Information package about fever in children (leaflet and website including videos).

Outcome measures quantitative survey

Knowledge of fever and confidence in caring for a febrile child (Likert scale 0–5).

Results

Parents found fever mostly alarming, especially high fever. Help-seeking behaviour was based on either specific symptoms or on an undefined intuition. When parents did not feel recognised in their concern or felt criticised, anxiety increased as well as the threshold to seek healthcare for future illnesses. Information was needed, especially for situations when the general practitioner or social network were less easily available. This information should be reliable, consistent, available in multiple formats and include advice on management of fever at home and precise referral to medical services. Parents reported improved knowledge about fever (p<0.05) and mentioned improved confidence in caring for a child with fever at home after consulting the information package.

Conclusion

Parents of children with a fever visiting the hospital are concerned about specific symptoms or based on an undefined intuition. Rather than telling parents that they should manage their child’s illness at home, healthcare professionals should recognise parental intuition and provide clear information on alarming signs and potential diagnoses to empower parents in the management of their febrile child.
Effects of methylphenidate on cognition and behaviour in children with neurofibromatosis type 1: a study protocol for a randomised placebo-controlled crossover trial
Authors: Pride Natalie A , Barton Belinda , Hutchins Paul , Coghill David R , Korgaonkar Mayuresh S , Hearps Stephen J C , Rouel Melissa , Malarbi Stephanie , North Kathryn N , Payne Jonathan M
Published: August 2018

Introduction

Dopamine dysregulation has been identified as a key modulator of behavioural impairment in neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and a potential therapeutic target. Preclinical research demonstrates reduced dopamine in the brains of genetically engineered NF1 mouse strains is associated with reduced spatial-learning and attentional dysfunction. Methylphenidate, a stimulant medication that increases dopaminergic and noradrenergic neurotransmission, rescued the behavioural and dopamine abnormalities. Although preliminary clinical trials have demonstrated that methylphenidate is effective in treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in children with NF1, its therapeutic effect on cognitive performance is unclear. The primary aim of this clinical trial is to assess the efficacy of methylphenidate for reducing attention deficits, spatial working memory impairments and ADHD symptoms in children with NF1.

Methods and analysis

A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of methylphenidate with a two period crossover design. Thirty-six participants with NF1 aged 7–16 years will be randomised to one of two treatment sequences: 6 weeks of methylphenidate followed by 6 weeks of placebo or; 6 weeks of placebo followed by 6 weeks of methylphenidate. Neurocognitive and behavioural outcomes as well as neuroimaging measures will be completed at baseline and repeated at the end of each treatment condition (week 6, week 12). Primary outcome measures are omission errors on the Conners Continuous Performance Test-II (attention), between-search errors on the Spatial Working Memory task from the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (spatial working memory) and the Inattentive and Hyperactivity/Impulsivity Symptom Scales on the Conners 3-Parent. Secondary outcomes will examine the effect of methylphenidate on executive functions, attention, visuospatial skills, behaviour, fine-motor skills, language, social skills and quality of life.

Ethics and dissemination

This trial has hospital ethics approval and the results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and international conferences.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12611000765921.
Use of a patient-centred educational exchange (PCEE) to improve patient’s self-management of medicines after a stroke: a randomised controlled trial study protocol
Authors: Coombes Judith Ann , Rowett Debra , Whitty Jennifer A , Cottrell W Neil
Published: August 2018

Introduction

National and international guidelines make recommendations for secondary prevention of stroke including the use of medications. A strategy which engages patients in a conversation to personalise evidence-based educational material (patient-centred educational exchange; PCEE) may empower patients to better manage their medications.

Methods and analysis

This protocol outlines a non-blinded randomised controlled trial. Consenting patients admitted with a diagnosis of stroke or transient ischaemic attack will be randomised 1:1 to receive either a PCEE composed of two sessions, one at the bedside before discharge and one by telephone at least 10 days after discharge from hospital in addition to usual care (intervention) or usual care alone (control). The primary aim of this study is to determine whether a PCEE improves adherence to antithrombotic, antihypertensive and lipid-lowering medications prescribed for secondary prevention of stroke over the 3 months after discharge, measured using prescription-refill data. Secondary aims include investigation of the impact of the PCEE on adherence over 12 months using prescription-refill data, self-reported medication taking behaviour, self-reported clinical outcomes (blood pressure, cholesterol, adverse medication events and readmission), quality of life, the cost utility of the intervention and changes in beliefs towards medicines and illness.

Ethics and dissemination

Communication of the trial results will provide evidence to aid clinicians in conversations with patients about medication taking behaviour related to stroke prevention. The targeted audiences will be health practitioners and consumers interested in medication taking behaviour in chronic diseases and in particular those interested in secondary prevention of stroke.

The trial has ethics approval from Metro South Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC/15/QPAH/531) and The University of Queensland Institutional Human Research Ethics (2015001612).

Trial registration number

ACTRN12615000888561; Pre-results.
Automated O2 titration improves exercise capacity in patients with hypercapnic chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a randomised controlled cross-over trial
Authors: Vivodtzev Isabelle , L’Her Erwan , Vottero Gabrielle , Yankoff Claire , Tamisier Renaud , Maltais François , Lellouche François , Pépin Jean-Louis
Published: August 2018

Automatically titrated O2 flows (FreeO2) was compared with constant O2 flow on exercise capacity, O2 saturation and risk of hyperoxia-related hypercapnia in patients with severe COPD with baseline hypercapnia and long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT). Twelve patients were enrolled in a randomised double-blind cross-over study to perform exercise with either FreeO2 or constant flow. Endurance time (primary outcome) and SpO2 were both significantly improved with FreeO2compared with constant flow (p<0.04), although pCO2 was similar in both conditions. Automated titration of O2 significantly and clinically improved endurance walking time in patients with severe COPD receiving LTOT, without worsening of pCO2.

Trial registration number

Results , NCT01575327
C:N:P stoichiometry of rhizosphere soils differed significantly among overstory trees and understory shrubs in plantations in subtropical China
Authors: Dai Xiaoqin , Fu Xiaoli , Kou Liang , Wang Huimin , Shock Clinton C.
Published: August 2018

Rhizosphere soil C:N:P stoichiometry is useful for identifying the linkage of plant species and soil nutrients, which can be particularly helpful for understory vegetation management of forest ecosystems. There has been limited research on rhizosphere soil stoichiometry, especially for co-existing overstory and understory plant species. We investigated the bulk and rhizosphere soil C:N:P stoichiometry of dominant overstory trees and understory shrubs (Adinandra millettii, Eurya muricata, and Loropetalum chinense) in Pinus massoniana Lamb., Pinus elliottii Engelm., and Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook. plantations in subtropical China. Rhizosphere soil C, N, and P concentrations and ratios increased significantly compared with bulk soil, and those of overstory trees were higher than those of understory shrubs with the exception of L. chinense. Rhizosphere soil C:N, C:P, and N:P of L. chinense were not significantly different with those of overstory trees but were higher than those of A. millettii and E. muricata. Soil pH significantly influenced the profiles produced by soil C, N, and P concentrations and their stoichiometries. This study indicated that the difference in nutrient status between overstory trees and understory shrubs was related to shrub species, in which soil pH was the dominant driving factor. Understory shrub species should be considered in plantation management to reduce resource competition among species.
Predictors of nestling survival during harsh weather events in an aerial insectivore, the Tree Swallow (Tachycinetabicolor)
Authors: Griebel Ilsa A. , Dawson Russell D.
Published: August 2018

Extreme weather events influence the population dynamics of wild animals. For organisms whose food source is affected by environmental conditions, such as aerial insectivorous birds, periods of inclement weather can have devastating effects. Here, we examine predictors of survival of individual nestlings and whole broods in Tree Swallows (Tachycineta bicolor (Vieillot, 1808)) during an extreme, 2-day harsh weather event in central British Columbia, Canada, which co-occurred with experimental reduction of nest ectoparasite loads using an antiparasite drug (ivermectin) or heat-treating nests. A curvilinear relationship existed between survival and brood age such that middle-aged broods were least likely to survive. Survival of broods and nestlings was higher when raised by males with bluer plumage, whereas nestling survival was lower when female parents had brighter and more UV-reflective plumage. Within broods, smaller nestlings had a lower chance of surviving than their larger siblings. Nestlings in broods where half of the offspring received ivermectin injections had significantly higher chances of surviving than nestlings from nonexperimental broods, suggesting that parasite loads can influence survival during inclement weather. Our results identify several factors influencing resiliency of nestlings to harsh weather and are particularly relevant in the context of declining aerial insectivorous bird populations and climate change.
Arithmetic gauge theory: A brief introduction
Authors: Kim Minhyong
Published: August 2018

Much of arithmetic geometry is concerned with the study of principal bundles. They occur prominently in the arithmetic of elliptic curves and, more recently, in the study of the Diophantine geometry of curves of higher genus. In particular, the geometry of moduli spaces of principal bundles holds the key to an effective version of Faltings’ theorem on finiteness of rational points on curves of genus at least 2. The study of arithmetic principal bundles includes the study of Galois representations, the structures linking motives to automorphic forms according to the Langlands program. In this paper, we give a brief introduction to the arithmetic geometry of principal bundles with emphasis on some elementary analogies between arithmetic moduli spaces and the constructions of quantum field theory.
MgB2 superconductor prepared by Mg diffusion method with the addition of reduced graphene oxide
Authors: Li Lei , Zhang Hong , Zhao Yong , Zhang Yong
Published: August 2018

The effects of 0–5 wt.% reduced graphene oxide (rGO) addition on the superconducting properties of MgB2 bulks were investigated. We found that the dense and uniform MgB2 bulks were obtained by Mg diffusion method with rGO addition. The superconducting properties of MgB2 improved by the addition of rGO content of less than 2 wt.%. With more than 2 wt.% (including 2 wt.%) of rGO addition, nonsuperconducting phase MgB2C2 appeared and MgO content increased, which resulted in a decline in superconducting properties.
An upper bound for the regularity of binomial edge ideals of trees
Authors: Jayanthan A. V. , Narayanan N. , Raghavendra Rao B. V.
Published: August 2018

In this article, we obtain an improved upper bound for the regularity of binomial edge ideals of trees.
Big data
Authors: Johnson Jeffrey , Denning Peter , Delic Kemal A. , Sousa-Rodrigues David
Published: August 2018

This ACM Ubiquity Symposium presented some of the current thinking about big data developments across four topical dimensions: social, technological, application, and educational. While 10 articles can hardly touch the expanse of the field, we have sought to cover the most important issues and provide useful insights for the curious reader. More than two dozen authors from academia and industry provided shared their points of view, their current focus of interest and their outlines of future research. Big digital data has changed and will change the world in many ways. It will bring some big benefits in the future, but combined with big AI and big IoT devices creates several big challenges. These must be carefully addressed and properly resolved for the future benefit of humanity.
HeteroOS
Authors: Kannan Sudarsun , Gavrilovska Ada , Gupta Vishal , Schwan Karsten
Published: August 2018

Heterogeneous memory management combined with server virtualization in datacenters is expected to increase the software and OS management complexity. State-of-the-art solutions rely exclusively on the hypervisor (VMM) for expensive page hotness tracking and migrations, limiting the benefits from heterogeneity. To address this, we design HeteroOS, a novel application-transparent OS-level solution for managing memory heterogeneity in virtualized systems. The HeteroOS design first makes the guest-OSes heterogeneityaware, and then extracts rich OS-level information about applications' memory usage to place data in the 'right' memory, avoiding page migrations. When such proactive placements are not possible, HeteroOS combines the power of the guest-OSes' information about applications with the VMM's hardware control to track for hotness and migrate only performance-critical pages. Finally, HeteroOS also designs an efficient heterogeneous memory sharing across multiple guest-VMs. Evaluation of HeteroOS with memory, storage, and network-intensive datacenter applications show up to 2x performance improvement compared to the state-of-the-art VMMexclusive approach.
Effect of Ionizing Radiation on the Microbiological Safety and Phytochemical Properties of Cooked Malva sylvestris L.
Authors: Ben Salem Issam , Ouesleti Souad , Khammassi Mohamed Amine , Boulila Abdennacer , Mabrouk Yassine
Published: August 2018

Nowadays, recent studies have demonstrated that plant-derived foods were characterized by their richness in bioactive phytochemicals and their consumption has a protective effect for human health. The effects of ionizing radiation on phytochemical properties of cooked Malva sylvestris L. (Mallow) were investigated. Irradiation increased significantly (P<0.05) the total polyphenols and flavonoids content of cooked Mallow. Irradiation at 2 and 4 kGy doses resulted in a significant increase in the DPPH and ABTS radical-scavenging ability of cooked Mallow extracts. There was no significant change on carbohydrate, lipid, ash, and protein content. While the mineral composition of K and Na was affected slightly after irradiation, the amounts of Mg, P, Ca, Fe, Z, and Cu remain unaffected at 2 kGy and reduced slightly at 4 kGy. The antimicrobial activity was unaffected after irradiation. Postirradiation storage studies showed that the cooked irradiated Mallow was microbiologically safe even after 20 days of storage period. Sensory properties of cooked irradiated Mallow were unaffected by the treatment. This study supports that cooking process followed by gamma irradiation did not compromise the chemical composition and sensory characteristics of Mallow.
Evaluation of the Flexural Performance and CO2 Emissions of the Voided Slab
Authors: Cho Seungho , Na Seunguk
Published: August 2018

Reinforced concrete is regarded as one of the ideal structural materials which comprises concrete with high compressive strength and reinforcing bars with high tensile strength. However, concrete has been pointed out that it consumes a large volume of energy and emits a lot of carbon dioxide during its manufacturing. In order to lower such environmental burdens of concrete structures, a number of studies and approaches have been carried out. The voided slab is also suggested as a new method to reduce the environmental burden since voided section of the slab would use less concrete compared with the normal reinforced concrete slab. However, no studies have evaluated the CO2 emissions and environmental performance of voided slabs. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the structural performance of voided slabs and empirically corroborate their environmental influence. The flexural performance test was carried out based on the variables of the depth of slab, types of the void former materials, and the hollowness ratio. In addition, comparison of the emission of CO2 was also performed by considering the hollowness ratio and types of void former materials over the normal reinforced concrete slab. The structural performance of the voided slab was similar or slightly higher than the normal reinforced concrete slab. The yield strength of specimens was increased approximately 10∼30% over the anticipated yield strength. Based on this result, it is considered that the voided slab would be sufficient to structural performance and beneficial to plane planning in buildings. In general, it is considered that the voided slab would be beneficial to both structural and environmental aspects. However, the test results in this research showed that the voided slab would emit more carbon dioxide emissions compared to the normal reinforced concrete slab. The main source of more CO2 emissions in the voided slab was the anchoring materials. In this research, wires were used to fix the void former materials to the reinforcing bars. In order for the voided slab to become a more eco‐friendly and sustainable material, new anchoring methods such as use of recycled materials, new void former materials without anchoring, or other eco‐friendly materials should be applied to reduce the emission of CO2.
PTPN2 Downregulation Is Associated with Albuminuria and Vitamin D Receptor Deficiency in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Zheng Li , Zhang Wei , Li Aimei , Liu Yan , Yi Bin , Nakhoul Farid , Zhang Hao
Published: August 2018

Objective. Inflammation plays a major role in albuminuria in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Our previous studies have shown that the expression of vitamin D receptor (VDR) is downregulated in T2DM which is closely associated with the severity of albuminuria. In this study, we investigated the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokine protein tyrosine phosphatase nonreceptor type 2 (PTPN2) in T2DM and explored its relationship to albuminuria and VDR. Methods. 101 T2DM patients were divided into three groups based on urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR): normal albuminuria (uACR < 30 mg/g, n=29), microalbuminuria (30 mg/g ≤ uACR < 300 mg/g, n=34), and macroalbuminuria (uACR ≥ 300 mg/g, n=38). Thirty healthy individuals were included as controls. Serum was analyzed for PTPN2 and IL-6 expression, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were analyzed for PTPN2 and VDR expression. THP-1 cells were incubated with high glucose and further treated with or without paricalcitol, a vitamin D analog. The levels of PTPN2, VDR, IL-6, TNFα, and MCP-1 were analyzed. In addition, anti-inflammatory activities of PTPN2 were further explored in THP-1 cells stimulated with high glucose after PTPN2 silencing or overexpression. Results. PTPN2 expression was downregulated in T2DM with the lowest level observed in macroalbuminuria patients. PTPN2 level positively correlated with VDR but negatively correlated with uACR and IL-6. When stimulated with high glucose, there was an increase in inflammatory factors and a decrease in PTPN2 expression. Treatment with paricalcitol reversed these effects. However, paricalcitol failed to exert anti-inflammatory effects in the setting of PTPN2 knockdown. Thus, low levels of PTPN2 aggravated glucose-stimulated inflammation, while high levels of PTPN2 reduced it. Conclusion. PTPN2, an anti-inflammatory factor regulated by VDR, was reduced in T2DM CKD stages 1-2. Taken together, our results suggest that therapeutic strategies that enhance PTPN2 may be beneficial for controlling inflammation in T2DM.
Mechanical Properties of Polyethylene‐Carbon Nanotube Composites Synthesized by In Situ Polymerization Using Metallocene Catalysts
Authors: Al-Harthi Mamdouh A. , Bahuleyan Bijal Kottukkal
Published: August 2018

The influence of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on the properties of polyethylene prepared by in situ polymerization using metallocene catalyst (Cp2ZrCl2) in combination with methylaluminoxane has been studied. The MWCNT was incorporated in the polymer matrix adopting a stirring method. Incorporation of MWCNT causes a drop in molecular weight of the polymer along with an increase in number of branches and increase in crystallinity. It was also observed that addition of MWCNT during metallocene‐catalyzed polymerization caused a drop in both the dynamic modulus and Young’s modulus of polyethylene. But the drop in tensile strength was minimal, and there was an increase in elongation at break along with consequent increase in energy at break.
Long-Acting Injectable Second-Generation Antipsychotics Improve Negative Symptoms and Suicidal Ideation in Recent Diagnosed Schizophrenia Patients: A 1-Year Follow-up Pilot Study
Authors: Corigliano Valentina , Comparelli Anna , Mancinelli Iginia , Montalbani Benedetta , Lamis Dorian A. , De Carolis Antonella , Erbuto Denise , Girardi Paolo , Pompili Maurizio
Published: August 2018

Long-acting injectable second-generation antipsychotics (LAI-SGA) are typically used to maintain treatment adherence in patients with chronic schizophrenia. Recent research suggests that they may also provide an effective treatment strategy for patients with early-phase disease. The aim of this study is to evaluate clinical and psychosocial outcomes among recent and long-term diagnosed schizophrenia outpatients treated with LAI-SGA during a follow-up period of 12 months. Stable schizophrenia patients receiving LAI-SGA with 5 or less years of illness duration (n = 10) were compared to those with more than 5 years of illness duration (n = 15). Clinical data was assessed through the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF), the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS), the Recovery Style Questionnaire (RSQ), and the Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test (MSCEIT) Managing Emotion branch. Recently diagnosed patients showed greater improvement versus patients diagnosed for more than 5 years in adjusted mean GAF score, in PANSS factor score for negative and depressive symptoms, and in severity and intensity of suicidal ideation. Our preliminary findings support the hypothesis that LAI-SGA may influence the course of the illness if administered at the early phase of the illness. However, replicate studies are needed, possibly with larger samples.
A Novel Optimization of Plug-In Electric Vehicles Charging and Discharging Behaviors in Electrical Distribution Grid
Authors: Fu Haiming , Han Yinghua , Wang Jinkuan , Zhao Qiang
Published: August 2018

In most countries, the problems of energy and environment are becoming worse. To deal with the environmental impacts and the dependence on fossil energy, many solutions were proposed. Plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) is one of the best technique among these solutions. However, the large number of PEVs connected to the power grid simultaneously might increase power fluctuation or even cause the electricity shortage and thus affecting the typical use of the basic load. To cope with this issue and inspire PEV users coordinating with scheduling results, an algorithm was proposed to ensure the power transmission safety of branches and maximize the economic benefits. Considering the cost of both PEV owners and the power grid, a two-phase model of optimizing PEVs charging and discharging behaviors was built. According to the traveling purpose of PEV owners and the current electricity price, in the first phase, a novel model which defines each PEV’s charging or discharging status was established. The number of PEVs’ charging and discharging in each charging station can be obtained. Considering the constraints on the power transportation of branch, in the second phase, we built a mathematical model to maximize the benefit of both power grid and PEV owners. The genetic algorithm was used to optimize the charging and discharging power of PEVs. Simulation results show that the optimization method proposed in this paper has a better performance on the daily power curve compared with the uncoordinated PEVs charging.
Molecular Analysis and Modeling of Hepatitis E Virus Helicase and Identification of Novel Inhibitors by Virtual Screening
Authors: Parvez Mohammad K. , Subbarao Naidu
Published: August 2018

The hepatitis E virus- (HEV-) helicase as a novel drug-target was evaluated. While cell culture model was used for mutational characterization of helicase,in silicoprotein modeling and virtual screening were employed to identify helicase inhibitors. None of the saturation mutant replicons significantly affected RNA replication. Notably, mutants encompassing the Walker motifs replicated as wild-type, showing indispensability of nucleotides conservation in viability compared to known criticality of amino acids. A 3D modeling of HEV-helicase and screening of a compound dataset identified ten most promising inhibitors with drug likeness, notably, JFD02650, RDR03130, and HTS11136 that interacted with Walker A residues Gly975, Gly978, Ser979, and Gly980. Our model building and virtual identification of novel helicase inhibitors warrant further studies towards developing anti-HEV drugs.
Do Patients with Second Primary Colorectal Cancer Hold the Similar Prognosis and Therapeutic Benefits as Those with Initial Primary Colorectal Cancer?
Authors: Chen Quan , Zhao Shan , Song Yongxi , Gao Peng , Sun Jingxu , Chen Xiaowan , Sun Yu , Wang Zhenning
Published: August 2018

Aim. The objective is to compare the differences on prognosis and the therapeutic benefits between initial and second primary colorectal cancer (pCRC). Methods. A dataset containing 377,271 initial pCRC cases and 18,617 second pCRC cases from the National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) 1988–2015 was evaluated. Survival comparisons were made using the log-rank test. Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess the survival benefits. Results. The cancer-specific survival rate of patients with initial pCRC was significantly higher than that of patients with second pCRC (5-years survival rate: 64.85% vs. 60.22%, P<0.001). The Chi-square of stratified log rank for age at diagnosis was lower than that for primary site, pTNM stage, sex, race, histology, and grade (Chi-square=86.73). There were almost no differences on therapeutic benefits between patients with initial and second pCRC except that treatments with chemotherapy were significantly associated with longer survival rate compared with treatments without chemotherapy among stage III surgical initial and second primary left-sided colon cancers patients (HR=0.764 vs. 0.581; P for interaction =0.008). Conclusion. Patients with second pCRC have worse prognosis than those with initial pCRC primarily because of older age in the former group. The results evidenced that the therapeutic benefits on the prognosis for colorectal cancer were generally similar between patients with initial and second pCRC.
Characterization of Detailed Audiological Features of Cytomegalovirus Infection: A Composite Cohort Study from Groups with Distinct Demographics
Authors: Kim Bong Jik , Han Jae Joon , Shin Seung Han , Kim Han-Suk , Yang Hye Ran , Choi Eun Hwa , Chang Mun Young , Lee Sang-Yeon , Suh Myung-Whan , Koo Ja-Won , Lee Jun Ho , Choi Byung Yoon , Oh Seung-Ha
Published: August 2018

Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infection is a common congenital infection that causes sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). Despite its substantial impact on public health and cost burden, epidemiology and clinical features of CMV-related SNHL have never been reported in the Korean populations. This study investigated the detailed audiologic phenotypes of cCMV infection to see if a specific SNHL pattern is associated with a particular clinical setting. A total of 38 patients with cCMV infection were studied retrospectively. Patients were classified into three groups with distinct demographics: clinically driven diagnosis (n=17), routine newborn CMV screening according to the NICU protocols (n=10), or referral to ENT for cochlear implant (CI) (n=11). The incidence of cCMV infection was 3.6%, showing 33.3% of SNHL among cCMV patients, 38% of asymmetric hearing loss, 29% of late-onset hearing loss, and diverse severity spectrum in patients with CMV-related SNHL. CI recipients with CMV-related SNHL showed a significantly improved speech perception. Surprisingly, in 36.4 % of CI implantees, initial audiological manifestation was significant asymmetry of hearing thresholds between both ears, with better ear retaining significant residual hearing up to 50dB. CMV turns out to be a significant etiology of SNHL, first to date reported in the Korean pediatric population. Analysis of audiologic phenotypes showed a very wide spectrum of SNHL and favorable CI outcomes in case of profound deafness. Especially for the patients with asymmetric hearing loss, close surveillance of hearing should be warranted and CI could be considered on the worse side first, based on the observation of rapid progression to profound deafness of better side.
An Efficient Feature Selection Strategy Based on Multiple Support Vector Machine Technology with Gene Expression Data
Authors: Zhang Ying , Deng Qingchun , Liang Wenbin , Zou Xianchun
Published: August 2018

The application of gene expression data to the diagnosis and classification of cancer has become a hot issue in the field of cancer classification. Gene expression data usually contains a large number of tumor-free data and has the characteristics of high dimensions. In order to select determinant genes related to breast cancer from the initial gene expression data, we propose a new feature selection method, namely, support vector machine based on recursive feature elimination and parameter optimization (SVM-RFE-PO). The grid search (GS) algorithm, the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm, and the genetic algorithm (GA) are applied to search the optimal parameters in the feature selection process. Herein, the new feature selection method contains three kinds of algorithms: support vector machine based on recursive feature elimination and grid search (SVM-RFE-GS), support vector machine based on recursive feature elimination and particle swarm optimization (SVM-RFE-PSO), and support vector machine based on recursive feature elimination and genetic algorithm (SVM-RFE-GA). Then the selected optimal feature subsets are used to train the SVM classifier for cancer classification. We also use random forest feature selection (RFFS), random forest feature selection and grid search (RFFS-GS), and minimal redundancy maximal relevance (mRMR) algorithm as feature selection methods to compare the effects of the SVM-RFE-PO algorithm. The results showed that the feature subset obtained by feature selection using SVM-RFE-PSO algorithm results has a better prediction performance of Area Under Curve (AUC) in the testing data set. This algorithm not only is time-saving, but also is capable of extracting more representative and useful genes.
Postexercise Recovery of Schlemm’s Canal and Intraocular Pressure in Healthy Individuals: An Observational Study Using Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Li Mu , Yan Xiaoqin , Luo Zhaoxia , Zhang Hong
Published: August 2018

Purpose. To observe the recovery process of postexercise Schlemm’s canal (SC) and intraocular pressure (IOP) in healthy individuals. Methods. Twenty healthy individuals were recruited. SC and IOP were evaluated before exercise, immediately after exercise, and 15, 30, and 60 minutes after exercise. Superior, inferior, nasal, and temporal SC quadrants were evaluated using swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT). Results. Average SC area (3726.81 ± 1167.06 vs. 4660.57 ± 1284.82 µm2) and perimeter (324.11 ± 58.95 vs. 367.19 ± 73.34 µm) increased, and IOP (14.02 ± 2.33 vs. 11.65 ± 1.90 mmHg) decreased significantly during exercise (all p<0.001). After exercise, both SC and IOP recovered to preexercise values, and the recovery time for postexercise SC dimensions (15 minutes) was shorter than that for postexercise IOP (60 minutes). After adjusting for age, gender, axial length, central corneal thickness, and spherical equivalent, postexercise changes in SC dimensions were not significantly associated with postexercise changes in IOP compared with preexercise values (all p>0.05). There were no significant differences in the observable SC proportion before and after exercise (all p>0.05). Conclusions. The exercise-induced SC expansion and IOP reduction could recover to preexercise values after exercise, and SC recovered to preexercise values ahead of IOP. Moreover, SC might be regulated by the sympathetic nerves and could be an important causative factor of changes in IOP during and after exercise.