bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comparative Study of Smartphone Game with Spirometry for Pulmonary Function Assessment in Stroke Patients
Authors: Joo Sunghee , Lee Kyeongjin , Song Changho
Published: November 2018

Background. The monitoring and rehabilitation of pulmonary function can be immensely important for long-term performance of daily life activities in stroke patients. In recent times, smartphone game-based assessment (SGA) has been gaining in popularity as an alternative to laboratory assessments. Hence, the aims of this study were (1) to quantify the reliability and validity of SGA for pulmonary function and (2) to assess the validity of SGA in comparison to spirometry. Materials/Methods. Thirty-four stroke subjects (age = 49.24 ± 8.25 years) performed spirometry and the smartphone game on different days. Spirometric values were obtained using a spirometer (SP-1, Schiller, USA). A breathing game application (Breathing+ package, Breathing Labs, Slovenia) was used to obtain the values for the SGA of pulmonary function. The concurrent validity was determined by comparing data collected from the 2 systems, and the reliability was determined by comparing data collected from 3 sessions of using the breathing game on a smartphone. Results. All parameters demonstrated excellent agreement with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC (2.1)) values for reliability and concurrent validity. Conclusion. We compared the relationship between the SGA and the spirometry as certified pulmonary function test. The SGA data were statistically significant and reliable for pulmonary function assessment in stroke patients. It will therefore be useful during rehabilitation to improve pulmonary function and clinical monitoring in stroke patients.
Behaviors of High-Frequency Subscribers in Cellular Data Networks
Authors: Li Jingtao , Liu Yang , Pei Wengang , Cao Zhen
Published: November 2018

Cellular networks operate under restrictive constraints of resources including radio channel capacity and network processing capability. The tremendous growth in the cellular data network usage brings operators with unprecedented signaling overloads and threatens the stability of the network. High-frequency subscribers, who produce low data volume but cause high signaling overhead, are extremely resource-inefficient. For subscribers who activate more than 5 sessions per hour, they only account for 1.19% of the total subscribers and generate about 3.81% data traffic but consume roughly 19.46% of the signaling resources, resulting in the inconsistent signaling-data bandwidth consumptions. Understanding the characteristics of those users has an important significance of capacity design and optimal allocation of resources. A lack of understanding of this active group potentially leads to low network performance and security threats. In this paper, we perform the first city-wide, large-scale investigation of high-frequency subscribers. By applying a set of novel approaches, such as pattern extraction and user behavior rebuilding, we observed that high-frequency subscribers correspond to a lower percentage of none-pattern traffic, showing positive correlation between access regularity and session activation frequency. Besides, we found that amount of high-frequency subscribers has abnormal behaviors, resulting in unwanted signaling loads. We demonstrate that our findings have significant implications on network optimization.
Maize Grain Stored in Hermetic Bags: Effect of Moisture and Pest Infestation on Grain Quality
Authors: Likhayo Paddy , Bruce Anani Y. , Tefera Tadele , Mueke Jones
Published: November 2018

Maize (Zea mays) is an important staple food crop produced by the majority of smallholder farmers that provides household food security through direct consumption and income generation. However, postharvest grain losses caused by insect pests during storage pose a major constraint to household food security. Hermetic storage technology is an alternative method that minimises postharvest losses by depleting oxygen and increasing carbon dioxide levels within the storage container through metabolic respiration of the grains, insects, and microorganism. Maize grain was stored for 180 days in hermetic bags or open-weave polypropylene bags to compare quality preservation when subject to initial grain moisture contents of 12, 14, 16, and 18 percent and infestation by Sitophilus zeamais. The moisture content of grain in hermetic bags remained unchanged while in polypropylene bags decreased. Dry grains (12% moisture content) stored well in hermetic bags and suffered 1.2% weight loss while for equivalent grains in polypropylene bags the weight loss was 35.8%. Moist grains (18% moisture content) recorded the lowest insect density (7 adults/kg grain) in hermetic bags while polypropylene bags had the highest (1273 adults/kg grain). Hermetic and polypropylene bags recorded the lowest (0–4 adults/kg grain) and highest (16–41 adults/kg grain) Prostephanus truncatus population, respectively. Discoloured grains were 4, 6, and 12 times more in grains at 14, 16, and 18 than 12 percent moisture content in hermetic bags. Grains at 18% moisture content recorded significantly lower oxygen (10.2%) and higher carbon dioxide (18.9%) levels. Holes made by P. truncatus in the hermetic bags were observed. In conclusion, storage of moist grains (14–18% moisture content) in hermetic bags may pose health risk due to grain discolouration caused by fungal growth that produces mycotoxins if the grains enter the food chain. The study was on only one site which was hot and dry and further investigation under cool, hot, and humid conditions is required.
Plasmablastic Lymphoma in an Immunocompetent Patient with MDS/MPN with Ring Sideroblasts and Thrombocytosis—A Case Report
Authors: Bouchla Anthi , Papageorgiou Sotirios G. , Tsakiraki Zoi , Glezou Eirini , Pavlidis George , Stavroulaki Georgia , Bazani Efthimia , Foukas Periklis , Pappa Vasiliki
Published: November 2018

Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is a rare, aggressive type of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma with the vast majority of patients responding poorly to treatment or progressing shortly thereafter. Cyclophosphamide-doxorubicin-vincristine-prednisolone (CHOP) or CHOP-like regimens have disappointing results in this setting. We report a case of PBL arising in a previously diagnosed myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative (MDS/MPN) with ring sideroblasts and thrombocytopenia (RS-T), HIV-negative patient treated with the combination of CHOP and bortezomib. The patient achieved complete metabolic response, which has lasted one year, longer by far than would have been expected with the sole use of CHOP.
A Novel Method for Economic Dispatch with Across Neighborhood Search: A Case Study in a Provincial Power Grid, China
Authors: Xiong Guojiang , Zhang Jing , Yuan Xufeng , Shi Dongyuan , He Yu , Yao Yao , Chen Gonggui
Published: November 2018

Economic dispatch (ED) is of cardinal significance for the power system operation. It is mathematically a typical complex nonlinear multivariable strongly coupled optimization problem with equality and inequality constraints, especially considering the valve‐point effects. In order to effectively solve the problem, a simple yet very young and efficient population‐based algorithm named across neighborhood search (ANS) is implemented in this paper. In ANS, a group of individuals collaboratively navigate through the search space for obtaining the optimal solution by simultaneously searching the neighborhoods of multiple superior solutions. Four benchmark test cases with diverse complexities and characteristics are firstly employed to comprehensively verify the feasibility and effectiveness of ANS. The experimental and comparison results fully demonstrate the superiority of ANS in terms of the final solution quality, convergence speed, robustness, and statistics. In addition, the sensitivities of ANS to variations of population size and across‐search degree are studied. Furthermore, ANS is applied to a practical provincial power grid of China. All the comparison results consistently indicate that ANS is highly competitive and can be used as a promising alternative for ED problems.
Eosinophil Counts in Mucosal Biopsies of the Ileum and Colon: Interobserver Variance Affects Diagnostic Accuracy
Authors: Hentschel Florian , Jansen Anna Franziska , Günther Marlis , Pauli Roland , Lüth Stefan
Published: November 2018

Primary eosinophilic gastroenteritis and colitis (EGE) is a rare entity with unspecific clinical and endoscopic findings. Validated histopathologic criteria for confirming the diagnosis are lacking, because numeric values for normal or elevated concentrations of eosinophils in mucosal biopsies are varying between observers. To quantify this interobserver variance, we had the same set of 30 slides of eosinophilic-rich mucosal biopsies from the ileum and colon systematically reviewed by a panel of six independent pathologists, each with more than a ten-year experience in the field. Using a highly standardized biopsy and slide preparation protocol, we ruled out any influence by the preparation, the patient, the endoscopist, the endoscopes and calipers used, the sampling site, the fixation and staining method, and the microscopic field sizes. Still, all numeric results differed between pathologists up to a factor greater than 30. Calculated positive or negative diagnosis of EGE differed up to a factor greater than 8. A theoretical incidence for EGE calculated from these numbers differed by a factor greater than 1500. We conclude that eosinophil counts in mucosal biopsies from the lower gastrointestinal tract are subject to a very high interobserver variance. Until further research provides objective and validated methods for standardization, all epidemiologic numbers derived from histopathologic findings may have to be questioned. When diagnosing individual patients with EGE, overall morphologic picture together with clinical and endoscopic findings is more important than numeric eosinophil count.
Antagonism of Bacteria from Dog Dental Plaque against Human Cariogenic Bacteria
Authors: Martins Káthia Santana , Magalhães Lorena Tirza de Assis , Almeida Jeferson Geison de , Pieri Fábio Alessandro
Published: November 2018

Dental caries are a process of demineralization and destruction of human teeth. They originate through many factors and are associated with biofilm formation, which consists of bacteria adhered to the teeth that form a structurally and functionally organized mass called dental plaque. Both the presence ofStreptococcus mutansand the frequent consumption of sucrose correlate with a higher prevalence of caries in humans. In dogs, however, the incidence of this disease is low, due to factors such as differences in dental microbiota and/or their low consumption of sucrose. This work evaluated the antagonism of bacteria from dog’s dental plaque againstS. mutans, for the identification of producing strains of biotechnological products for use in preventing caries. This study used 95 bacterial isolates of canine dental plaque from the Veterinary Department at the Federal University of Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil. A spot-on-the-lawn method was performed using Brain Heart Infusion agar with catalase for an initial identification of the antagonistic activity. Additional tests were conducted on the isolates classified as antagonists for confirmation of the activity, using modified Mann-Rogosa-Sharpe medium containing low dextrose concentration. These isolates were incubated at 37°C for 24 hours in anaerobiosis. The peptide nature of inhibition was evaluated using the following proteinases: proteinase K fromTritirachium album, bovine pancreatic trypsin, and type XII-Aα-amylase fromBacillus licheniformis. In the initial identification of those strains exhibiting antimicrobial activity, 14 were classified as antagonists. One of the isolates (Bacillussp.) indicated bacteriocinogenic activity, with a deformed inhibition halo onS. mutansby the addition of trypsin. These results suggest that this bacterial isolate may be applicable to biotechnological use to combat the main etiological agent of caries in humans. Further studies are needed to evaluate the bacteriocinogenic nature of the antimicrobial activities of the other 13 antagonistic bacterial isolates.
BaDS: Blockchain‐Based Architecture for Data Sharing with ABS and CP‐ABE in IoT
Authors: Zhang Yunru , He Debiao , Choo Kim-Kwang Raymond
Published: November 2018

Internet of Things (IoT) and cloud computing are increasingly integrated, in the sense that data collected from IoT devices (generally with limited computational and storage resources) are being sent to the cloud for processing, etc., in order to inform decision making and facilitate other operational and business activities. However, the cloud may not be a fully trusted entity, like leaking user data or compromising user privacy. Thus, we propose a privacy‐preserving and user‐controlled data sharing architecture with fine‐grained access control, based on the blockchain model and attribute‐based cryptosystem. Also, the consensus algorithm in our system is the Byzantine fault tolerance mechanism, rather than Proof of Work.
Architecture for Collision‐Free Communication Using Relaxation Technique
Authors: Rehman Saeed ur , Akhtar Rizwan , Khan Zuhaib Ashfaq , Wang Changda
Published: November 2018

In today’s world we are surrounded by world of smart handheld devices like smart phones, tablets, netbooks, and others. These devices are based on advance technologies of multiple‐input and multiple‐output, Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM), and advance data reliability techniques such as forward error corrections. High data rates are among the requirements of these technologies for which turbo and low density parity check codes (LDPC) are widely used in these standards. In order to get high speed, we need multiple and parallel processors for the implementation of such codes. But there exists a collision problem as a consequence of parallel processor. This problem results in increase latency and increase of hardware complexity. In this work an approach for collision problem is presented in which network relaxation technique is used which is based on a fast clique detection. The proposed approach results in high throughput in terms of latency and complexity. Furthermore, the proposed solution is able to solve the collision problem by connecting network optimization for achieving high throughput.
A Simple Guideline to Assess the Characteristics of RNA-Seq Data
Authors: Son Keunhong , Yu Sungryul , Shin Wonseok , Han Kyudong , Kang Keunsoo
Published: November 2018

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques have been used to generate various molecular maps including genomes, epigenomes, and transcriptomes. Transcriptomes from a given cell population can be profiled via RNA-seq. However, there is no simple way to assess the characteristics of RNA-seq data systematically. In this study, we provide a simple method that can intuitively evaluate RNA-seq data using two different principal component analysis (PCA) plots. The gene expression PCA plot provides insights into the association between samples, while the transcript integrity number (TIN) score plot provides a quality map of given RNA-seq data. With this approach, we found that RNA-seq datasets deposited in public repositories often contain a few low-quality RNA-seq data that can lead to misinterpretations. The effect of sampling errors for differentially expressed gene (DEG) analysis was evaluated with ten RNA-seq data from invasive ductal carcinoma tissues and three RNA-seq data from adjacent normal tissues taken from a Korean breast cancer patient. The evaluation demonstrated that sampling errors, which select samples that do not represent a given population, can lead to different interpretations when conducting the DEG analysis. Therefore, the proposed approach can be used to avoid sampling errors prior to RNA-seq data analysis.
Rolling‐Element Bearing Fault Data Automatic Clustering Based on Wavelet and Deep Neural Network
Authors: Yang Yanli , Fu Peiying
Published: November 2018

A method based on wavelet and deep neural network for rolling‐element bearing fault data automatic clustering is proposed. The method can achieve intelligent signal classification without human knowledge. The time‐domain vibration signals are decomposed by wavelet packet transform (WPT) to obtain eigenvectors that characterize fault types. By using the eigenvectors, a dataset in which samples are labeled randomly is configured. The dataset is roughly classified by the distance‐based clustering method. A fine classification process based on deep neural network is followed to achieve accurate classification. The entire process is automatically completed, which can effectively overcome the shortcomings such as low work efficiency, high implementation cost, and large classification error caused by individual participation. The proposed method is tested with the bearing data provided by the Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) Bearing Data Center. The testing results show that the proposed method has good performance in automatic clustering of rolling‐element bearings fault data.
Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Presenting as Nonconvulsive Status Epilepticus
Authors: Rakitin Aleksei , Vibo Riina , Veikat Vaiko , Õunapuu Anne , Liigant Aive , Haldre Sulev
Published: November 2018

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is a rare, rapidly progressive spongiform encephalopathy in humans. EEG plays an important role in diagnosing this disease. In some patients, epileptic activity and encephalopathy from various aetiologies may share morphological features on EEG. This similarity could create difficulties in EEG interpretation, especially if the patient presents with disturbed consciousness. In this case report, a 74-year-old female with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease presented initially with rapidly progressive impairment of consciousness and focal epileptiform activity on EEG. An EEG performed 25 days later showed periodic sharp-wave complexes with triphasic morphology at a rate of 0.5 Hz, compatible with a diagnosis of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Based on these results, we recommend that a diagnosis of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease be considered in patients presenting with a rapid deterioration of consciousness and a clinical presentation of nonconvulsive status epilepticus. Monitoring these patients with serial EEGs could be useful to establish an accurate diagnosis.
Clinical Course of Dual-Chamber Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator Recipients followed by Cardiac Remote Monitoring: Insights from the LION Registry
Authors: Schwab Joerg O. , Nägele Herbert , Oswald Hanno , Klein Gunnar , Gunkel Oliver , Lang Andreas , Bauer Wolfgang R. , Korb Paul , Hauser Tino
Published: November 2018

Patients receiving dual-chamber implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (DR-ICD) therapy are at risk of developing atrial arrhythmia because of the increased rate of ventricular pacing and the progression of heart failure. Remote monitoring (RM) may identify the patients at highest risk of adverse events such as atrial arrhythmias. A total of 283 patients with 91,632 remote transmissions during a 15-month follow-up (FU) period enrolled in the LION registry were analysed. The parameters retrieved included the pacing mode, lower rate limit, percentage of atrial (%AP) and ventricular pacing (%VP), and percentage of atrial arrhythmia burden (%AB). In 92.7% of patients, the devices were initially programmed in DDD(R) or DDI(R), with changes of the pacing mode in 19.3% only. The lower rate limit remained stable in 80.4% of patients. At the first transmission, 8.7% of patients suffered from RM-detected atrial arrhythmia, which reached 36% during FU. The %AP was not associated with increased AB (p = 0.67), but the %VP was different in patients developing RM-detected atrial arrhythmia (26.9% vs. 13.7%, p < 0.00001). The %VP increased in 105 patients (significance level of α = 0.05), and 11 patients crossed the border of 50% VP. The LION substudy supports the concept of using RM in a real-world DR-ICD population. Remote monitoring of DR-ICDs allows for the quantification of the course of the pacing parameters and AB. Based on these observations, device parameters can be adjusted and optimized.
Structural Design and Impact Analysis of Deployable Habitat Modules
Authors: Hong Yihong , Yao Wenjuan , Xu Yan
Published: November 2018

Space-deployable habitat modules provide artificial habitable environments for astronauts and will be widely used for the construction of future space stations and lunar habitats. A novel structural design concept of space-deployable habitat modules consisting of flexible composite shells and deployable trusses has been proposed. Geometric relationships of deployable trusses based on two types of scissor elements were formulated. Flexible composite shells of space habitat modules were designed, and a nonlinear FEA model using ANSYS software was described. Considering folding efficiencies, stiffness, and strength of the structures, the influences of design parameters were analyzed and the final design scheme of space-deployable habitat modules was determined. After detailing the structural designs, low-speed impact dynamic responses between the structures and a stainless steel cylinder were simulated. The analysis results show that dynamic responses are only significant at the point of low-speed impact. The works will provide technical supports for structural designs and engineering applications of space-deployable habitat modules.
Dynamic Response of Pipe Conveying Fluid with Lateral Moving Supports
Authors: Li Baohui , Wang Zhengzhong , Jing Lina
Published: November 2018

The Galerkin method is proposed to reveal the dynamic response of pipe conveying fluid (PCF), with lateral moving supports on both ends of the pipe. Firstly, the dynamic equation is derived by the Newtonian method after calculating the acceleration of the fluid element via the dynamics approach. Secondly, the discrete form of the dynamic equation is formulated by the Galerkin method. Thirdly, the numerical analysis of the system is carried out through the fourth‐order Runge–Kutta method, and the effectiveness of the proposed method is validated by comparison with the analytical results obtained by the mode superposition method. In the example analysis, the responses of the lateral deflection and bending moment are investigated for the pinned‐pinned, clamped‐pinned, and clamped‐clamped PCF. The effects of fluid velocity and the moving frequencies of supports are discussed. Especially, the deflection responses are analyzed under extreme condition; i.e., the moving frequency of a support is identical to the natural frequency of PCF.
The Impact of Obesity on the Cardiovascular System
Authors: Csige Imre , Ujvárosy Dóra , Szabó Zoltán , Lőrincz István , Paragh György , Harangi Mariann , Somodi Sándor
Published: November 2018

Obesity is a growing health problem worldwide. It is associated with an increased cardiovascular risk on the one hand of obesity itself and on the other hand of associated medical conditions (hypertension, diabetes, insulin resistance, and sleep apnoea syndrome). Obesity has an important role in atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease. Obesity leads to structural and functional changes of the heart, which causes heart failure. The altered myocardial structure increases the risk of atrial fibrillation and sudden cardiac death. However, obesity also has a protective effect on the clinical outcome of underlying cardiovascular disease, the phenomenon called obesity paradox. The improved cardiac imaging techniques allow the early detection of altered structure and function of the heart in obese patients. In this review, we attempt to summarize the relationship between obesity and cardiovascular diseases and outline the underlying mechanisms. The demonstrated new techniques of cardiac diagnostic procedures allow for the early detection and treatment of subclinical medical conditions and, therefore, the prevention of cardiovascular events.
Infrastructure as a Complex Adaptive System
Authors: Oughton Edward J. , Usher Will , Tyler Peter , Hall Jim W.
Published: November 2018

National infrastructure systems spanning energy, transport, digital, waste, and water are well recognised as complex and interdependent. While some policy makers have been keen to adopt the narrative of complexity, the application of complexity‐based methods in public policy decision‐making has been restricted by the lack of innovation in associated methodologies and tools. In this paper we firstly evaluate the application of complex adaptive systems theory to infrastructure systems, comparing and contrasting this approach with traditional systems theory. We secondly identify five key theoretical properties of complex adaptive systems including adaptive agents, diverse agents, dynamics, irreversibility, and emergence, which are exhibited across three hierarchical levels ranging from agents, to networks, to systems. With these properties in mind, we then present a case study on the development of a system‐of‐systems modelling approach based on complex adaptive systems theory capable of modelling an emergent national infrastructure system, driven by agent‐level decisions with explicitly modelled interdependencies between energy, transport, digital, waste, and water. Indeed, the novel contribution of the paper is the articulation of the case study describing a decade of research which applies complex adaptive systems properties to the development of a national infrastructure system‐of‐systems model. This approach has been used by the UK National Infrastructure Commission to produce a National Infrastructure Assessment which is capable of coordinating infrastructure policy across a historically fragmented governance landscape spanning eight government departments. The application will continue to be pertinent moving forward due to the continuing complexity of interdependent infrastructure systems, particularly the challenges of increased electrification and the proliferation of the Internet of Things.
Numerical and Experimental Modal Analysis Applied to an Optical Test System Designed for the Form Measurements of Metre‐Scale Optics
Authors: Golanó P. G. , Zanotti Fragonara L. , Morantz P. , Jourdain R.
Published: November 2018

The work focuses on the structural design and performances of a unique optical test system (OTS) used for measuring metre‐scale optical surfaces. The investigation was carried out through a modal analysis. Two sets of results are presented. Both modal analysis of the entire OTS and transmissibility function related to its use as an optical system are carried out and analysed. The OTS is used for the measurements of the form accuracy at nanometre level of metre‐scale concave surfaces. The OTS is a four and half‐metre‐tall mechanical structure made of bolted aluminium profiles, two structural platens, two dedicated precision positioning supports, a test piece, and a state‐of‐the‐art laser interferometer. The OTS was numerically modelled and fully instrumented with triaxial accelerometers. The results of the modal analysis highlight the natural modes of the entire OTS. Both numerical and experimental methods are designed. The investigation methods are iterative. Indeed, a preliminary numerical model is created using finite element analysis (FEA). FEA results enable the determination of the dynamic range and suitable locations of accelerometers that are mounted onto the OTS for the experimental validation of the FEA model and further to carry out the transmissibility study. Natural frequencies, damping ratios, and mode shape values are obtained and scrutinized. These results are used for refining the FEA model. In fact, the lack of symmetry and the use of feet are identified as the key design feature that affects the OTS. The correlation between experimental and numerical results is within five percent for the first four modes. The results of the transmissibility study highlight the specific natural modes that influence the OTS measurement capability. Overall, the study enables to guide engineers and researchers towards a robust design using a validated and methodical approach.
Parallel Resampling of OFDM Signals for Fluctuating Doppler Shifts in Underwater Acoustic Communication
Authors: Yoshizawa Shingo , Saito Takashi , Mabuchi Yusaku , Tsukui Tomoya , Sawada Shinichi
Published: November 2018

Reliable underwater acoustic communication is demanded for autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROVs). Orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) is robust with multipath interference; however, it is sensitive to Doppler. Doppler compensation is given by two-step processing of resampling and residual carrier frequency offset (CFO) compensation. This paper describes the improvement of a resampling technique. The conventional method assumes a constant Doppler shift during a communication frame. It cannot cope with Doppler fluctuation, where relative speeds between transmitter and receiver units are fluctuating. We propose a parallel resampling technique that a resampling range is extended by measured Doppler standard deviation. The effectiveness of parallel resampling has been confirmed in the communication experiment. The proposed method shows better performance in bit error rates (BERs) and frame error rates (FERs) compared with the conventional method.
Biological Effects of Tetrahydroxystilbene Glucoside: An Active Component of a Rhizome Extracted from Polygonum multiflorum
Authors: Zhang Lingling , Chen Jianzong
Published: November 2018

Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. (PM), a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, has been widely used in the Orient as a tonic and antiaging agent. 2,3,5,4 ′‐Tetrahydroxystilbene‐2‐O‐β‐D‐glucoside (TSG, C20H22O9, FW = 406.38928) is one of the active components extracted from PM. TSG is an antioxidant agent, which exhibits remarkable antioxidative activities in vivo and in vitro. The antioxidant effect of TSG is achieved by its radical‐scavenging effects. TSG can inhibit apoptosis and protect neuronal cells against injury through multifunctional cytoprotective pathways. TSG performs prophylactic and therapeutic activities against Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. It is also antiatherosclerotic and anti‐inflammatory. However, the mechanisms underlying these pharmacological activities are unclear. This study aimed at reviewing experimental studies and describing the effectiveness and possible mechanisms of TSG.
A Case of Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis Complicated with A IgG4 Related Disease Like Symptoms
Authors: Sato Suguru , Morimoto Julia , Oguchi Yasuharu , Umeda Takashi , Kawamata Takaya , Rikimaru Mami , Koizumi Tatsuhiko , Togawa Ryuichi , Suzuki Yasuhito , Sato Yuki , Uematsu Manabu , Minemura Hiroyuki , Nikaido Takefumi , Fukuhara Atsuro , Saito Junpei , Kanazawa Kenya , Tanino Yoshinori , Munakata Mitsuru , Shibata Yoko
Published: November 2018

We report a case of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) complicated with a IgG4 related disease like symptoms presenting as eyelid swellings. In the present case, the serum level of IgG4 and the ratio of IgG4 to IgG were generally increased by the disease course of EGPA. Considering the course of clinical symptoms, there is a possibility that orbital manifestations were one of the clinical features during the disease course of EGPA while the histological features of right eyelid tissue and other ocular manifestations were consistent with the diagnosis of IgG4 related disease.
Rockburst Characteristics and Mechanisms during Steeply Inclined Thin Veins Mining: A Case Study in Zhazixi Antimony Mine, China
Authors: Ma Yuanjun , Liu Changwu , Wu Fan , Li Xiaolong
Published: November 2018

With the increase of mining depth, rockbursts have become important safety problems in Zhazixi Antimony Mine, where overlying strata exceed 560 m. Due to the small spacing between the steeply inclined veins, mining activities have great influences on rockbursts of adjacent veins. In order to study rockburst characteristics and mechanisms in Zhazixi Antimony Mine, in situ measurement, field geological survey, uniaxial compression tests, and numerical simulation are conducted to analyze rockburst proneness and simulate the elastic strain energy accumulation characteristics. Consequently, rockburst proneness criteria are established on the basis of experimental results to propose the necessary lithologic conditions for rockburst aiming to Zhazixi Antimony Mine. Rockburst dangerous districts are defined based on high stress concentration and elastic strain energy distribution characteristics in mining process obtained by theory analysis and numerical simulation. Accordingly, it is suggested that thrown‐type rockbursts mainly occur in massive stibnite of ventilation shafts and stopes where the elastic strain energy exceeds 300 kJ·m−3, spalling‐type rockbursts generally appear in slate of roadways where the elastic strain energy exceeds 100 kJ·m−3, and ejection‐type rockbursts arise in different rock masses under a certain condition. Last but not the least, prediction results are basically consistent with statistics data of rockburst events after comparative analysis.
Point Load Test of Half‐Cylinder Core Using the Numerical Model and Laboratory Tests: Size Suggestion and Correlation with Cylinder Core
Authors: Ren Fengyu , Liu Huan , He Rongxing , Li Guanghui , Liu Yang
Published: November 2018

The point load test (PLT) is intended as an index test for rock strength classification or estimations of other strength parameters because it is economical and simple to conduct in the laboratory and in field tests. In the literature, calculation procedures for cylinder cores, blocks, or irregular lumps can be found, but no study has researched such procedures for half‐cylinder cores. This paper presents the numerical model and laboratory tests for half‐cylinder and cylinder specimens. The results for half‐cylinder and cylinder specimens are then presented, analysed, and discussed. A correlation of failure load between half‐cylinder and cylinder specimens is established with a suitable size suggestion and correction factor. It is found that the failure load becomes stable when half‐cylinder specimens have a length/diameter ratio higher than 0.9. In addition, the results show that the point load strength index (PLSI) of half‐cylinder cores can be calculated using the calculation procedures for diametral testing on cylinder cores, and it is necessary to satisfy the conditions that the length/diameter ratio be higher than 0.9 and the failure load be multiplied by 0.8.
A Rare Case of Pylephlebitis as a Complication of Cholecystocolonic Fistula
Authors: Imaoka Kouki , Fukuda Saburo , Tazawa Hirofumi , Fukuhara Sotaro , Hirata Yuzo , Fujisaki Seiji , Takahashi Mamoru , Sakimoto Hideto
Published: November 2018

Pylephlebitis is defined as a septic thrombophlebitis of the portal vein and its tributaries that is associated with multiple suppurative abdominal infections. We report a case of pylephlebitis associated with a cholecystocolonic fistula (CCF). A 41-year-old man presented with upper abdominal pain and anorexia for 1 month. Abdominal contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) revealed thrombosis in the left and anterior branch of the portal vein and thickening of the walls of the portal vein and periside portals. The gallbladder was collapsed and pneumobilia was seen in the biliary tract. Blood culture was positive for Streptococcus anginosus. A diagnosis of thrombophlebitis of the portal vein associated with CCF was made, and the patient was immediately managed with an intravenous broad-spectrum antibiotic and anticoagulation. After the portal vein thrombosis (PVT) propagation and inflammation had subsided, cholecystectomy and partial resection of the transverse colon were performed. Pylephlebitis is rare but is a life-threatening complication of intra-abdominal infection. A high index of suspicion is required, and a CT scan should be performed immediately for an early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Local Tensile Stress in the Development of Posttraumatic Osteoarthritis
Authors: Zhong Dongyan , Zhang Meng , Yu Jia , Luo Zong-Ping
Published: November 2018

The pathogenesis of posttraumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) remains unrevealed. We speculate that cartilage crack caused by joint trauma will induce local abnormal tensile stress, leading to change in extracellular matrix (ECM) expression of chondrocytes, cartilage degeneration, and initiation of osteoarthritis. Finite element model was used to examine whether the local tensile stress could be produced around the crack. Cell experiments were conducted to test the effect of tensile strain on chondrocyte ECM expression. Animal tests in rabbits were carried out to examine the change around the cartilage crack. The results indicated that the local tensile stress was generated around the crack and varied with the crack angles. The maximum principal tensile stress was 0.59 MPa around the 45° crack, and no tensile stress was found at 90°. 10% tensile strain could significantly promote type I collagen mRNA expression and inhibit type II collagen and aggrecan (the proteoglycan core protein) mRNA expression. Type I collagen was detected around the 45° crack region in the cartilage with no change in type II collagen and proteoglycan. We conclude that the local tensile stress produced around the cartilage crack can cause the change in cartilage matrix expression which might lead to cartilage degeneration and initiation of osteoarthritis. This study provides biomechanical-based insight into the pathogenesis of PTOA and potentially new intervention in prevention and treatment of PTOA.
Delayed Diagnosis of Psoriatic Arthritis Mutilans due to Arthritis Prior to Skin Lesion
Authors: Mochizuki Takeshi , Ikari Katsunori , Okazaki Ken
Published: November 2018

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a type of inflammatory arthritis characterized by cutaneous psoriasis, peripheral joint damage, axial joint damage, and enthesitis and is usually diagnosed after the appearance of psoriatic skin disease. PsA mutilans is relatively rare in Japan. In the present case, the patient was diagnosed with PsA with foot mutilans deformity only. Hand and spinal radiograph findings were unremarkable. As in the present case arthritis is occurred prior to the onset of skin lesion, we should make early diagnosis to prevent mutilans deformity.
Cross-Trained Worker Assignment Problem in Cellular Manufacturing System Using Swarm Intelligence Metaheuristics
Authors: Wu Lang , Cai Fulin , Li Li , Chu Xianghua
Published: November 2018

Cross-trained worker assignment has become increasingly important for manufacturing efficiency and flexibility in cellular manufacturing system because of the recent increase in labor cost. Researchers mainly focused on assigning skilled workers to tasks for favorable capacity or cost. However, few of them have recognized the need for skill level enhancement through cross-training to avoid excessive training, especially for workload balance across multiple cells. This study presents a new mathematical programming model aimed at minimum training and maximum workload balance with economical labor utilization, to address the worker assignment problem with a cross-training plan spanning multiple cells. The model considers the trade-off between training expenditure and workload balance to achieve a more flexible solution based on decision-maker’s preference. Considering the computational complexity of the problem, the classical swarm intelligence optimizers, i.e., particle swarm optimization (PSO) and artificial bee colony (ABC), are implemented to search the problem landscape. To improve the optimization performance, a superior tracking ABC with an augmented information sharing strategy is designed to address the problem. Ten benchmark problems are employed for numerical experiments. The results indicate the efficiency and effectiveness of the proposed models as well as the developed algorithms.
Amphiregulin Regulates Phagocytosis-Induced Cell Death in Monocytes via EGFR and Matrix Metalloproteinases
Authors: Platen Christopher , Dreschers Stephan , Reiss Lucy Kathleen , Wappler Jessica , Orlikowsky Thorsten W.
Published: November 2018

Neonates are highly susceptible to microbial infections which is partially attributable to fundamental phenotypic and functional differences between effector cells of the adult and neonatal immune system. The resolution of the inflammation is essential to return to tissue homeostasis, but given that various neonatal diseases, such as periventricular leukomalacia, necrotizing enterocolitis, or bronchopulmonary dysplasia, are characterized by sustained inflammation, newborns seem predisposed to a dysregulation of the inflammatory response. Targeted apoptosis of effector cells is generally known to control the length and extent of the inflammation, and previous studies have demonstrated that phagocytosis-induced cell death (PICD), a special type of apoptosis in phagocytic immune cells, is less frequently triggered in neonatal monocytes than in adult monocytes. We concluded that a rescue of monocyte PICD could be a potential therapeutic approach to target sustained inflammation in neonates. The EGFR ligand amphiregulin (AREG) is shed in response to bacterial infection and was shown to mediate cellular apoptosis resistance. We hypothesized that AREG might contribute to the reduced PICD of neonatal monocytes by affecting apoptosis signaling. In this study, we have examined a cascade of signaling events involved in extrinsic apoptosis by using a well-establishedin vitro E. coliinfection model in monocytes from human peripheral blood (PBMO) and cord blood (CBMO). We found that CBMO shows remarkably higher pro-AREG surface expression as well as soluble AREG levels in response to infection as compared to PBMO. AREG increases intracellular MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels and induces cleavage of membrane-bound FasL through engagement with the EGF receptor. Our results demonstrate that loss of AREG rescues PICD in CBMO to the level comparable to adult monocytes. These findings identify AREG as a potential target for the prevention of prolonged inflammation in neonates.
Life-Threatening Hypertriglyceridemia in a Patient on Ruxolitinib and Sirolimus for Chronic Graft-versus-Host Disease
Authors: Watson Allison P. , Brunstein Claudio G. , Holtan Shernan G.
Published: November 2018

Ruxolitinib is an oral selective Janus-associated kinase 1 (JAK1) and JAK2 inhibitor that was initially approved by the FDA in 2014 for treatment of myelofibrosis. In preclinical and retrospective clinical studies, use of ruxolitinib was shown to reduce graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD) in allograft recipients with moderate/severe corticosteroid-dependent or refractory chronic GVHD. While the exact mechanism for action in GVHD is not yet fully understood, prospective studies are ongoing and some patients are receiving ruxolitinib in the setting of steroid refractory GVHD. Although ruxolitinib is generally well tolerated, here we describe a case involving a 50-year-old man with acute myeloid leukemia and chronic GVHD who experienced life-threatening hypertriglyceridemia associated with concomitant use of sirolimus and ruxolitinib for GVHD. This case report highlights the importance of vigilance for severe side effects in novel immunosuppressive drug combinations.
Assessing the Prevalence of Incidental Findings Identified by CTPA in Women of Reproductive Age
Authors: Champion Nigel , Hogan Sarah , Flemming Jeffery
Published: November 2018

Background and Objective. Though multiple studies have evaluated the prevalence of incidental findings identified by CTPA, none have done so with a focus on reproductive-age females with normal chest X-ray (CXR). Due to a comparatively lower breast radiation dose, the oft-recommended alternative to CTPA in this patient group is a V/Q scan. However, these are limited in their assessment of these alternate findings; therefore, it is of particular importance to evaluate the likelihood of these findings on CT in this patient group, which is the goal of this study. Methods. Through a review of our PACS system, female patients aged 18-50 years who underwent diagnostic CTPA prior to April 1, 2017, were identified. The 100 most recent cases which had a normal CXR within 48 hours of CTPA were included. Incidental/non-PE findings were then divided into PE-positive (PE+) and PE-negative (PE-), and subcategorized into types I, II, III, and nil non-PE finding groups. Type I findings required immediate follow-up or intervention, type II findings required outpatient follow-up, and type III findings required no follow-up or were previously known. Results. PE was detected in 15% of scans. Type I findings were found in 8% of patients (0% of PE+, 9.4% of PE-), type II findings in 10% of patients (13.3% of PE+, 9.4% of PE-), type III findings in 34% of patients (40% of PE+, 32.9% of PE-), and nil non-PE finding in 48% of patients (46.7% PE+, 48.2% of PE-). Conclusion. While CTPA identifies incidental findings in the majority of patients, a small minority of these findings are likely to alter immediate management. In the context in increased radiation risk, this strengthens the argument that alternate imaging modalities such as V/Q should be strongly considered for the investigation of potential PE in women of reproductive age with normal CXR.
Flexible Freestanding Carbon Nanofiber-Embedded TiO2 Nanoparticles as Anode Material for Sodium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhang Xuzi , Chen Zhihong , Shui Lingling , Shang Chaoqun , Liao Hua , Li Ming , Wang Xin , Zhou Guofu
Published: November 2018

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs), owning to the low cost, abundant resources, and similar physicochemical properties with lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), have earned much attention for large-scale energy storage systems. In this article, we successfully synthesize flexible freestanding carbon nanofiber-embedded TiO2 nanoparticles (CNF-TiO2) and then apply it directly as anode in SIBs without binder or current collector. Taking the advantage of flexible CNF and high structural stability, this anode exhibits high reversible capacity of 614 mAh·g−1 (0.27 mAh·cm−2) after almost 400 cycles and excellent capacity retention ability of ~100%
Axial Uplift Behaviour of Belled Piers in Coarse‐Grained Saline Soils
Authors: Xu Jian , Ren Jianwei , Wang Songhe , Jin Long , Yuan Jun
Published: November 2018

Bearing capacity of belled pier foundation is critical in designing transmission lines in coarse saline soil region. This paper describes model test results on belled pier foundations. Axial uplift behaviours including failure modes, load‐displacement curves, and ultimate uplift bearing capacity were discussed. The failure planes in four cases were obtained from pulled out cone‐shaped bodies. An empirical equation was developed with a critical parameter of an uplift angle in design. Results indicate the range where the ground uplift shows circular extension at higher loads and the overall shear failure finally occurred. The load‐displacement curves are primarily softening, and the uplift bearing capacity for coarse‐grained saline soils (CSS) in the crystalline state increases at larger thickness, higher than that in dissolved state. Failure planes all exhibit approximately linear change from bottom to up. The angles of uplift for soils in crystalline and dissolved states can be taken as 34° and 18°, while 32° for the conventional for the sake of safety. Uplift behaviour of belled piers in CSS was modelled incorporating a practical interface model, with both failure planes and plastic range.