bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical analysis of exhaust jet secondary combustion in hypersonic flow field
Authors: Yang Tian-Peng , Wang Jiang-Feng , Zhao Fa-Ming , Fan Xiao-Feng , Wang Yu-Han
Published: May 2018

The interaction effect between jet and control surface in supersonic and hypersonic flow is one of the key problems for advanced flight control system. The flow properties of exhaust jet secondary combustion in a hypersonic compression ramp flow field were studied numerically by solving the Navier–Stokes equations with multi-species and combustion reaction effects. The analysis was focused on the flow field structure and the force amplification factor under different jet conditions. Numerical results show that a series of different secondary combustion makes the flow field structure change regularly, and the temperature increases rapidly near the jet exit.
Simultaneous Compression of the Median and Ulnar Nerve at the Elbow: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Skouteris Dimitrios , Thoma Sofia , Andritsos Georgios , Tasios Nikolaos , Praxitelous Praxitelis , Psychoyios Vassilios
Published: May 2018

Background: Simultaneous compression of the median and ulnar nerve at the elbow region has not been sufficiently highlighted in the literature. The purposes of the present study are to report our experience regarding this entity, to elucidate the clinical features, and to describe the operative technique and findings as well as the results of simultaneous decompression performed through the same medial incision.

Methods: We performed a retrospective study of thirteen elbows in thirteen patients -nine men and four women- with simultaneous compression of the median and ulnar nerve at the elbow region between 2000 and 2011. All were manual workers. Diagnosis was largely based on symptoms, patterns of paresthesia, and specific tests. Surgical decompression of both nerves at the same time was performed through a single anteromedial incision creating large flaps.

Results: Patients were followed for a mean of thirty-eight months (range seven to ninety six). Resting pain in the proximal forearm as well as sudden onset of numbness in the ring and little fingers were reported by all patients. Nerve conduction studies were positive only for cubital tunnel syndrome. In all patients symptoms subsided following surgical decompression. At the time of final follow up there is no evidence of recurrence.

Conclusions: Proximal median nerve compression can be seen in association with cubital tunnel syndrome. Careful evaluation of the reported symptoms as well as thorough clinical examination are the keystone of the correct diagnosis. Also, on the basis of this study, we believe that concurrent decompression can be performed through a single medial incision, though extensive dissection may be required.
Arteriography and Histopathology of Vascular Beds in Traumatically Amputated Fingers
Authors: Uysal Mehmet Ali , Gulabi Deniz , Mete Güven , Tunalı Selçuk , Avcı Arzu , Bora Osman Arslan
Published: May 2018

Background: The success of replantation following traumatic amputation is determined by the quality of the vascular anastomoses. The purpose of this study was to assess the vascularity of injured arteries from traumatically amputated digits using arteriographic and histopathological analysis.

Methods: 25 amputated digits were included in the study. Crush and avulsion injuries were evaluated according to the Venkatramani classification. The amputated arteries were dissected under a microscope, and the arterial route determined with a transducer. Arteriography using fluoroscopy was evaluated by a radiologist. The area thought to be damaged was dissected and 2-mm slices taken for histopathological examination, and scored using the parameters of fibrin accumulation, oedema, separation, and bleeding.

Results: Arterial flow was observed in 6 of 7 in the avulsion group. In the crush group, arterial flow was observed in 11 of 16 cases. On histopathological examination in all cases there were 2 or more findings of either oedema, fibrin formation, bleeding or hernia. These findings were more common in the crush group then the avulsion group.

Conclusions: The intravascular introduction of radio contrast agents to amputated digit prior to replantation may give further information particularly in avulsion amputations.
The Effect of Suture Materials on the Biomechanical Performance of Different Flexor Tendon Repairs and the Concept of Construct Efficiency
Authors: Wong Yoke Rung , Loke Austin Mun Kitt , Tay Shian Chao
Published: May 2018

Background: To propose a new term (‘construct efficiency’) for the evaluation of multi strands flexor tendon repairs using different suture materials.

Methods: A total of twenty specimens from 4-0 braided polyblend sutures (FiberLoop/FiberWire; Arthrex, Naples, FL) and 4-0 nylon sutures (Supramid Extra II; S. Jackson, Inc., Alexandria, VA) were subjected to tensile testing using Pneumatic Cord-and-Yarn Grips (Instron Corp., Canton MA, USA). The ultimate tensile strengths of the suture materials were measured. The expected repair strengths and construct efficiencies were computed based on the experimental results and from available literature on actual repair strengths of the 4-strand Becker, Cruciate repairs and 6-strand Tang, modified Lim-Tsai repairs.

Results: The ultimate tensile strength of nylon suture was 15.4 ± 0.6N, lower than that of braided polyblend suture (45.3 ± 2.3N) with a difference of 194%. The construct efficiency of multi strand repairs varied with respect to different repair techniques and suture materials. It was found that the Becker repairs using FiberWire had the highest construct efficiency (55.7%) followed by the modified Lim-Tsai using Supramid (50.9%), Tang repair using Supramid (49.8%), Cruciate repair using Fiberwire (49.1%), and modified Lim-Tsai repair using FiberLoop (33.5%).

Conclusions: The construct efficiency is more accurate in showing that, in terms of biomechanical strength, the use of FiberWire for the 4-strand Becker and Cruciate repair is more efficient than that of using FiberLoop for 6-strand modified Lim-Tsai repair.
“In Situ Vascular Nerve Graft” for Restoration of Intrinsic Hand Function: An Anatomical Study
Authors: Mozaffarian Kamran , Zemoodeh Hamid Reza , Zarenezhad Mohammad , Owji Mohammad
Published: May 2018

Background: In combined high median and ulnar nerve injury, transfer of the posterior interosseous nerve branches to the motor branch of the ulnar nerve (MUN) is previously described in order to restore intrinsic hand function. In this operation a segment of sural nerve graft is required to close the gap between the donor and recipient nerves. However the thenar muscles are not innervated by this nerve transfer. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether the superficial radial nerve (SRN) can be used as an “in situ vascular nerve graft” to connect the donor nerves to the MUN and the motor branch of median nerve (MMN) at the same time in order to address all denervated intrinsic and thenar muscles.

Methods: Twenty fresh male cadavers were dissected in order to evaluate the feasibility of this modification of technique. The size of nerve branches, the number of axons and the tension at repair site were evaluated.

Results: This nerve transfer was technically feasible in all specimens. There was no significant size mismatch between the donor and recipient nerves

Conclusions: The possible advantages of this modification include innervation of both median and ulnar nerve innervated intrinsic muscles, preservation of vascularity of the nerve graft which might accelerate the nerve regeneration, avoidance of leg incision and therefore the possibility of performing surgery under regional instead of general anesthesia. Briefly, this novel technique is a viable option which can be used instead of conventional nerve graft in some brachial plexus or combined high median and ulnar nerve injuries when restoration of intrinsic hand function by transfer of posterior interosseous nerve branches is attempted.
Multiple Giant Cell Tumor of Tendon Sheath Involving Both Flexor and Extensor Tendons in a Single Digit: A Case Report and Review of the Literatures
Authors: Min Hak Jin , Kim Jeong Hwan , Kim Jae Woo , Yeom Jae Woo
Published: May 2018

Giant cell tumor of the tendon sheath (GCTTS) is a common neoplasm of the hand. This tumor is usually solitary. Multi focal origin of the tumor is considered unusual and very few cases of multiple GCTTS have been reported. We report a 48-year-old female patient who presented with three separate painless nodules in same index finger since three years. The two masses located on dorsal aspect, and the other one located on volar aspect. The imaging studies revealed three separated masses without any connection. We performed excisional biopsy and found multiple tumors, attached to flexor and extensor tendon. The final histopathologic diagnosis was GCTTS.
Towards defining a baseline status of scarce groundwater resources in anticipation of hydraulic fracturing in the Eastern Cape Karoo, South Africa: salinity, aquifer yields and groundwater levels
Authors: Stroebel Divan H. , Thiart Christien , de Wit Maarten
Published: May 2018

The Eastern Cape Karoo region is water stressed and will become increasingly so with further climate change. Effective and reliable groundwater management is crucial for a development such as the proposed hydraulic fracturing for shale gas. This is especially critical across this region of agriculture and protected ecosystem services. The research, as part of baseline data gathering, aims to characterize the hydrochemistry for both the shallow groundwater (<500 m) and saline groundwater closer to the
c.
2–5 km deep shale gas. The classification will be used to determine possible vertical hydraulic connectivity between the shallow and deep aquifers, prior to anticipated hydraulic fracturing. This paper reports on the baseline framework that includes the sampling design and a hydrocensus with field-recorded parameters shown as interpolated maps. This includes electrical conductivity, groundwater level and borehole yield. Together with completed sampling results, these data provide a record against which the environmental impact of hydraulic fracturing and the reinjection of production water can be determined. The research is a critical first step towards the successful governance of groundwater in light of proposed shale gas development in the Karoo. In its absence, effective regulation of the sector will not be effective.
Behavioral Addictions as Mental Disorders: To Be or Not To Be?
Authors: Petry Nancy M. , Zajac Kristyn , Ginley Meredith K.
Published: May 2018

Should excessive and problematic engagement in nonsubstance use behaviors be mental disorders? The fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) repositioned gambling disorder in the substance use disorders section and introduced Internet gaming disorder in the research appendix; the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) is also considering it. This article outlines pros and cons of considering behavioral addictions as mental disorders and also reviews the DSM-5 decision-making processes. It focuses on three conditions: gambling disorder, Internet gaming disorder (IGD), and Internet addiction (IA). We detail assessment methods and prevalence rates for these conditions and outline psychiatric comorbidities, demographic and biological risk factors, and promising treatment approaches. We also briefly discuss other putative behavioral addictions: eating/food, sex, exercise, shopping, and tanning “addictions.” Overall, data are inconclusive, and consistent terminology and methodology are needed to define and evaluate these conditions more fully prior to considering them mental disorders.
Transient Analysis and Design Improvement of a Gas Turbine Rotor Based on Thermal‐Mechanical Method
Authors: Liu Yang , Yuan Qi , Zhu Guangyu , Li Pu
Published: May 2018

The rotor is the core component of a gas turbine, and more than 80% of the failures in gas turbines occur in the rotor system, especially during the start‐up period. Therefore, the safety assessment of the rotor during the start‐up period is essential for the design of the gas turbine. In this paper, the transient equivalent stress of a gas turbine rotor under the cold start‐up condition is investigated and the novel tie rod structure is introduced to reduce the equivalent stress. Firstly, a three‐dimensional finite element model of the gas turbine rotor is built, and nonlinear contact behaviors such as friction are taken into account. Secondly, the convective heat transfer coefficients of the gas turbine rotor under the cold start‐up condition are calculated using thermal dynamic theory. The transient analysis of the gas turbine rotor is conducted considering the thermal load, the centrifugal load, and the pretightening force. The temperature and stress distributions of the rotor under the cold start‐up condition are shown in detail. In particular, the generation mechanism of maximum equivalent stress for tie rods and the change tendency of the pretightening force are illustrated in detail. The tie rod holes of the rear shaft and the turbine tie rod are the dangerous locations during the start‐up period. Finally, a novel tie rod is proposed to reduce the maximum equivalent stress at the dangerous location. The maximum equivalent stress at this location is decreased by 15%. This paper provides some reference for the design of the gas turbine rotor.
Acute Neuroinflammatory Response in the Substantia Nigra Pars Compacta of Rats after a Local Injection of Lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Flores-Martinez Yazmin M. , Fernandez-Parrilla Manuel A. , Ayala-Davila Jose , Reyes-Corona David , Blanco-Alvarez Victor M. , Soto-Rojas Luis O. , Luna-Herrera Claudia , Gonzalez-Barrios Juan A. , Leon-Chavez Bertha A. , Gutierrez-Castillo Maria E. , Martínez-Dávila Irma A. , Martinez-Fong Daniel
Published: May 2018

Models of Parkinson’s disease with neurotoxins have shown that microglial activation does not evoke a typical inflammatory response in the substantia nigra, questioning whether neuroinflammation leads to neurodegeneration. To address this issue, the archetypal inflammatory stimulus, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), was injected into the rat substantia nigra. LPS induced fever, sickness behavior, and microglial activation (OX42 immunoreactivity), followed by astrocyte activation and leukocyte infiltration (GFAP and CD45 immunoreactivities). During the acute phase of neuroinflammation, pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-4, and IL-10) responded differentially at mRNA and protein level. Increased NO production and lipid peroxidation occurred at 168 h after LPS injection. At this time, evidence of neurodegeneration could be seen, entailing decreased tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunoreactivity, irregular body contour, and prolongation discontinuity of TH+cells, as well as apparent phagocytosis of TH+cells by OX42+cells. Altogether, these results show that LPS evokes a typical inflammatory response in the substantia nigra that is followed by dopaminergic neurodegeneration.
The Current Status and a New Approach for Chinese Doctors to Obtain Medical Knowledge Using Social Media: A Study of WeChat
Authors: Liu Li , Wei Kunyan , Zhang Xingting , Wen Dong , Gao Li , Lei Jianbo
Published: May 2018

Background. WeChat is the most widely and frequently used mobile social media in China and has profoundly integrated into the daily life of many Chinese people. A variety of medicine‐related information may be found on WeChat. As users of WeChat, doctors often access health‐related information and even provide a variety of medical services or participate in various types of mobile communication with patients. Objective. This study is the first attempt to quantitatively explore the approaches by doctors of acquiring medical knowledge using Internet resources especially social media such as WeChat to access knowledge. Methods. A self‐administered questionnaire was designed, distributed, collected, and analyzed utilizing the online survey tool Sojump. WeChat was adopted to randomly release the questionnaires using snowball sampling and collect the results after a certain amount of time. Results. 292 valid questionnaires out of 314 questionnaires by clinical doctors were analyzed. Regarding the current status of accessing medical knowledge among doctors, more than 60% of the doctors regularly used the Internet to search for medical knowledge, 19.86% used WeChat as a channel to acquire medical knowledge, and only 23.97% were satisfied with acquiring medical knowledge through the Internet. Regarding the frequency of WeChat usage, nearly 40% of the doctors accessed WeChat more than 20 times per day and over 70% used WeChat for over half an hour every day. Regarding the status of accessing medical knowledge through WeChat, nearly half (47.26%) of the doctors stated that they often read professional medical articles on WeChat and the most common channel is friends’ moment sharing and public account subscriptions, with selection rates of 59.93% and 60.27%, respectively. The most desirable mode of acquiring medical knowledge through WeChat was the following: “professional medical knowledge from peers, with a reminder.” Conclusion. WeChat has become a nonnegligible means of acquiring medical knowledge for busy Chinese physicians in a mobile environment. Further evaluation and improvement of the quality of medical knowledge on WeChat are needed. The recommendation of individualized articles through social media may become another contributing factor for doctors to acquire medical knowledge effectively and efficiently.
Left Ventricle Outflow Obstruction by Reverse-Oriented Tricuspid Semilunar Valve-Like Endocardial Duplicatures
Authors: Mikuš-Kuracinová Kristína , Babál Pavel , Kubíková Eliška
Published: May 2018

A 57-year-old female had a history of hypertension disease, and one year before her death, her ECG showed signs of left ventricle hypertrophy. She died with signs of heart failure with pulmonary edema development. At autopsy, there was left ventricle hypertrophy (wall thickness: 21 mm). In the left ventricle outflow channel, 15 mm below the aortic valve on the muscular wall, there were three white 1–1.5 mm thick membranous semilunar valve-like structures with the sizes of 9, 7, and 5 mm, with concavities opened into the left ventricle, reducing the outflow area by 21.5%. These structures were hanging on the regular muscular ventricular wall, without any visible fibrous anchoring structure and without formation of commissures, and were composed of fine collagen and elastic fibers. Gross anatomy as well as histological structure was different from the subaortic membrane. The reported accessory reverse-oriented tricuspid semilunar valve-like structure is an unusual finding of a structure in the left ventricular outflow tract, to which we could not find an analogy in the available literature.
Computer-Aided Grading of Gliomas Combining Automatic Segmentation and Radiomics
Authors: Chen Wei , Liu Boqiang , Peng Suting , Sun Jiawei , Qiao Xu
Published: May 2018

Gliomas are the most common primary brain tumors, and the objective grading is of great importance for treatment. This paper presents an automatic computer-aided diagnosis of gliomas that combines automatic segmentation and radiomics, which can improve the diagnostic ability. The MRI data containing 220 high-grade gliomas and 54 low-grade gliomas are used to evaluate our system. A multiscale 3D convolutional neural network is trained to segment whole tumor regions. A wide range of radiomic features including first-order features, shape features, and texture features is extracted. By using support vector machines with recursive feature elimination for feature selection, a CAD system that has an extreme gradient boosting classifier with a 5-fold cross-validation is constructed for the grading of gliomas. Our CAD system is highly effective for the grading of gliomas with an accuracy of 91.27%, a weighted macroprecision of 91.27%, a weighted macrorecall of 91.27%, and a weighted macro-F1 score of 90.64%. This demonstrates that the proposed CAD system can assist radiologists for high accurate grading of gliomas and has the potential for clinical applications.
Increased Cytokeratin 19 Fragment Levels Are Positively Correlated with Adenosine Deaminase Activity in Malignant Pleural Effusions from Adenocarcinomas
Authors: Barillo Jorge Luiz , da Silva Junior Cyro Teixeira , Silva Patricia Siqueira , de Souza Joeber Bernardo Soares , Kanaan Salim , Xavier Analucia Rampazzo , de Araujo Elizabeth Giestal
Published: May 2018

Adenosine deaminase (ADA) and cytokeratin 19 (CK19) are known pleural biomarkers. Although ADA in humans functions mainly in the immune system, it also appears to be associated with the differentiation of epithelial cells. Keratin filaments are important structural stabilizers of epithelial cells and potent biomarkers in epithelial differentiation. This study aimed to investigate the simultaneous presence of the ADA enzyme and CK19 fragments to assess epithelial differentiation in malignant and benign pleural fluids. Diagnosis of the cause of pleural effusion syndrome was confirmed by means of standard examinations and appropriate surgical procedures. An ADA assay, in which ADA irreversibly catalyzes the conversion of adenosine into inosine, was performed using a commercial kit. The CK19 assay was performed using a CYFRA 21-1 kit, developed to detect quantitative soluble fragments of CK19 using an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. One hundred nineteen pleural fluid samples were collected from untreated individuals with pleural effusion syndrome due to several causes. ADA levels only correlated with CK19 fragments in adenocarcinomas, with high significance and good correlation (rho = 0.5145, P=0.0036). However, further studies are required to understand this strong association on epithelial differentiation in metastatic pleural fluids from adenocarcinomas.
Evaluation of Monocarboxylate Transporter 4 in Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Its Potential Use as a Diagnostic Marker
Authors: He Liying , Wang Hongli , Zhang Yuhua , Geng Lanlan , Yang Min , Xu Zhaohui , Zou Kejian , Xu Wanfu , Gong Sitang
Published: May 2018

Background. Monocarboxylate transporter 4 (MCT4), encoded by SLC16A3 gene, is responsible for exporting lactic acid into the extracellular microenvironment, and an acidic microenvironment promotes cytokine production and remodels chronic inflammation, providing a link from glycolysis to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Objective. The aim of this study is to explore the value of MCT4 as a potential biomarker in IBD. Methods. The study group consisted of 39 cases with UC and 15 cases with CD. The centration of lactate level in serum was assessed by blood gas analysis, and MCT4 expression was analyzed by IHC. Results. Lactate level was increased in the forty-three of 54 patients (79.6%) with IBD by blood gas analysis compared with normal level (P<0.001), in line with the result that showed increased MCT4 expression in inflamed colonic mucosa analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Most importantly, abundance of MCT4 expression was significantly associated with mucosal inflammation, which could be a clinical prognosis marker. Conclusion. The data suggested that increased lactate level in blood was possibly due to highly expressed MCT4 expression caused by inflammation in intestinal mucosal epithelial tissue, which could be a prognosis indicator of IBD in children.
Exosomes in Severe Asthma: Update in Their Roles and Potential in Therapy
Authors: Mortaz Esmaeil , Alipoor Shamila D. , Varahram Mohammad , Jamaati Hamidreza , Garssen Johan , Mumby Sharon E. , Adcock Ian M.
Published: May 2018

Exosomes are nanosized vesicles and have recently been recognized as important players in cell-to-cell communication. Exosomes contain different mediators such as proteins, nucleic acids (DNA, mRNA, miRNAs, and other ncRNAs), and lipid mediators and can shuttle their exosomal content to both neighboring and distal cells. Exosomes are very effective in orchestrating immune responses in the airways and all cell types can contribute to the systemic exosome pool. Intracellular communication between the broad range of cell types within the lung is crucial in disease emphasizing the importance of exosomes. In asthma, exosomes affect the inflammatory microenvironment which ultimately determines the development or alleviation of the pathological symptoms. Recent studies in this area have provided insight into the underlying mechanisms of disease and led to interest in using exosomes as potential novel therapeutic agents.
Different Activity Patterns in Retinal Ganglion Cells of TRPM1 and mGluR6 Knockout Mice
Authors: Takeuchi Haruki , Horie Sho , Moritoh Satoru , Matsushima Hiroki , Hori Tesshu , Kimori Yoshitaka , Kitano Katsunori , Tsubo Yasuhiro , Tachibana Masao , Koike Chieko
Published: May 2018

TRPM1, the first member of the melanoma-related transient receptor potential (TRPM) subfamily, is the visual transduction channel downstream of metabotropic glutamate receptor 6 (mGluR6) on retinal ON bipolar cells (BCs). Human TRPM1 mutations are associated with congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB). In both TRPM1 and mGluR6 KO mouse retinas, OFF but not ON BCs respond to light stimulation. Here we report an unexpected difference between TRPM1 knockout (KO) and mGluR6 KO mouse retinas. We used a multielectrode array (MEA) to record spiking in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). We found spontaneous oscillations in TRPM1 KO retinas, but not in mGluR6 KO retinas. We performed a structural analysis on the synaptic terminals of rod ON BCs. Intriguingly, rod ON BC terminals were significantly smaller in TRPM1 KO retinas than in mGluR6 KO retinas. These data suggest that a deficiency of TRPM1, but not of mGluR6, in rod ON bipolar cells may affect synaptic terminal maturation. We speculate that impaired signaling between rod BCs and AII amacrine cells (ACs) leads to spontaneous oscillations. TRPM1 and mGluR6 are both essential components in the signaling pathway from photoreceptors to ON BC dendrites, yet they differ in their effects on the BC terminal and postsynaptic circuitry.
An Unconditionally Stable Cylindrical FDTD Method to Analyze the EM Ground Wave Propagation
Authors: Huang Zheng-Yu , Shi Li-Hua , Sun Zheng , Zhou Ying-Hui
Published: May 2018

We extended the unconditionally stable associated Hermite (AH) FDTD method to the cylindrical coordinate system for analyzing the electromagnetic (EM) ground wave propagation. With AH domain differentiate operator technology and paralleling-in-order solution scheme, the cylindrical time-domain Maxwell equations with complex frequency shifted perfectly matched layer (CFS-PML) are transformed to AH domain generating a five-point banded equation, which also unified the formula from the central axis of cylinder. The numerical results represent the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed method when comparing for the conventional FDTD method.
Comprehensive Analysis and Comparison on the Codon Usage Pattern of Whole Mycobacterium tuberculosis Coding Genome from Different Area
Authors: Gun Li , Yumiao Ren , Haixian Pan , Liang Zhang
Published: May 2018

Phenomenon of unequal use of synonymous codons in Mycobacterium tuberculosis is common. Codon usage bias not only plays an important regulatory role at the level of gene expression, but also helps in improving the accuracy and efficiency of translation. Meanwhile, codon usage pattern of Mycobacterium tuberculosis genome is important for interpreting evolutionary characteristics in species. In order to investigate the codon usage pattern of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis genome, 12 Mycobacterium tuberculosis genomes from different area are downloaded from the GeneBank. The correlations between G3, GC12, whole GC content, codon adaptation index, codon bias index, and so on of Mycobacterium tuberculosis genomes are calculated. The ENC-plot, relationship between A3/(A3+T3) and G3/(G3+C3), GC12 versus GC3 plot, and the RSCU of overall/separated genomes all show that the codon usage bias exists in all 12 Mycobacterium tuberculosis genomes. Lastly, relationship between CBI and the equalization of ENC shows a strong negative correlation between them. The relationship between protein length and GC content (GC3 and GC12) shows that more obvious differences in the GC content may be in shorter protein. These results show that codon usage bias existing in the Mycobacterium tuberculosis genomes could be used for further study on their evolutionary phenomenon.
Multistage Dynamic Packet Access Mechanism of Internet of Things
Authors: Meng Yi , QingKui Chen , Gang Zhang
Published: May 2018

In the scenario of mass control commands requesting for network access, confined by the best-effort network service mode, it is easy to bring about resource competition and thus a phenomenon of access failure on major and urgent service request at the data access center for the Internet of Things. In this event, the dynamic diversification of control command is unable to access the necessary resources on a comparatively fair basis, causing low efficiency in heterogeneous resource utilization at the access center. This paper defines the problem of group request dynamic resource allocation and further converts it into the problem of 0-1 integer and linear programming and proposes a multistage dynamic packet access strategy. This strategy works first on dynamic group division on the users’ mass control requests using the high ability of self-organizing feature maps and then searches for the optimized matching resources based on the frog-leaping algorithm which has a better capacity for global searching for the best resources. This paper analyzes the feasibility of this strategy and its astringency. The experimental results demonstrate that the strategy can effectively improve the success rate of access to the data center for the Internet of Things and reduce network blockage and response delay.
A New Inflationary Universe Scenario with Inhomogeneous Quantum Vacuum
Authors: Chen Yilin , Wang Jin
Published: May 2018

We investigate the quantum vacuum and find that the fluctuations can lead to the inhomogeneous quantum vacuum. We find that the vacuum fluctuations can significantly influence the cosmological inhomogeneity, which is different from what was previously expected. By introducing the modified Green’s function, we reach a new inflationary scenario which can explain why the Universe is still expanding without slowing down. We also calculate the tunneling amplitude of the Universe based on the inhomogeneous vacuum. We find that the inhomogeneity can lead to the penetration of the Universe over the potential barrier faster than previously thought.
Till Death Do Us Part: The Marriage of Autophagy and Apoptosis
Authors: Cooper Katrina F.
Published: May 2018

Autophagy is a widely conserved catabolic process that is necessary for maintaining cellular homeostasis under normal physiological conditions and driving the cell to switch back to this status quo under times of starvation, hypoxia, and oxidative stress. The potential similarities and differences between basal autophagy and stimulus‐induced autophagy are still largely unknown. Both act by clearing aberrant or unnecessary cytoplasmic material, such as misfolded proteins, supernumerary and defective organelles. The relationship between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and autophagy is complex. Cellular ROS is predominantly derived from mitochondria. Autophagy is triggered by this event, and by clearing the defective organelles effectively, it lowers cellular ROS thereby restoring cellular homeostasis. However, if cellular homeostasis cannot be reached, the cells can switch back and choose a regulated cell death response. Intriguingly, the autophagic and cell death machines both respond to the same stresses and share key regulatory proteins, suggesting that the pathways are intricately connected. Here, the intersection between autophagy and apoptosis is discussed with a particular focus on the role ROS plays.
The Distribution of Incomplete Gastric Intestinal Metaplasia (GIM) Subtype among Biopsy Sites according to the Updated Sydney System and Its Association with GIM Extension
Authors: Quach Duc Trong , Le Huy Minh , Nguyen Trung Sao , Hiyama Toru
Published: May 2018

Background. Current guidelines recommend that extensive gastric intestinal metaplasia (GIM) be considered as a high-risk marker for the development of gastric cancer (GC). But there is emerging evidence that the incomplete GIM subtype is also a high-risk marker. Aims. To evaluate the performance of biopsy sites according to the updated Sydney system on detecting the incomplete GIM subtype and to assess its association with GIM extension. Patients and methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 280 Vietnamese patients with nonulcer dyspepsia. Biopsy specimens were taken from gastric sites according to the updated Sydney system, and sections were routinely stained with Giemsa and hematoxylin and eosin. Biopsy specimens with intestinalization were further evaluated for GIM subtypes with alcian blue 2.5 and periodic acid Schiff stainings. Two experienced pathologists jointly examined all the specimens and reached consensus. Results. The rates of patients with GIM and the incomplete GIM subtype were 81 (28.9%) and 24 (8.4%), respectively. There was no GIM in specimens taken from the greater curvature of corpus. The proportions of the incomplete GIM subtype detected at the incisura angularis, lesser curvature of corpus, lesser curvature of antrum, and greater curvature of antrum were 34.3% (12/35), 34.5% (10/29), 40.5% (17/42), and 31.6 (6/19), respectively, which were not significantly different (p=0.89). The presence of an incomplete GIM subtype was associated with multifocal GIM (i.e., ≥3 out of 5 biopsy sites with GIM) (OR=4.02, CI 95%, 1.33–12.16, p=0.022) and extensive GIM (i.e., GIM in specimens from both of corpus and antrum) (OR=2.89, CI 95% 1.04–8.02, p=0.045). Conclusions. The proportions of an incomplete GIM subtype were not significantly different among gastric biopsy sites with intestinalization. The association between an incomplete GIM subtype and GIM extension, therefore, may be due to an sum accumulation effect.
Suppression of Th1 and Th17 Responses and Induction of Treg Responses by IL-18-Expressing Plasmid Gene Combined with IL-4 on Collagen-Induced Arthritis
Authors: Dai Qiaomei , Li Yang , Yu Haiyue , Wang Xiaoyan
Published: May 2018

Objectives. IL-18 is a proinflammatory cytokine with multiple immunoregulatory properties. We studied the effect of IL-18 gene therapy on the development of murine collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). Methods. Plasmid pCAGGS-IL-18 along or in combination with IL-10 or IL-4 was administered to CIA mice. The incidence and severity of arthritis of the paws were determined by a visual scale. Joint destruction was determined by histology. The levels of a panel of cytokines and transcription factors in the synovium were determined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and quantitative RT-PCR. Quantitative RT-PCR was employed to detect the mRNA expression of TLRs and their pathway on the surface of DCs. Results. IL-18 gene therapy had no therapeutic effect on CIA mice. Additional coadministration with low dosage of recombinant IL-4 ameliorated the disease progression. Histopathological examination of the joints showed intact cartilage surface in IL-18 gene combined with IL-4-treated mice. The synovium of IL-18 gene combined with rIL4-treated mice had lower expression of TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-17 and higher expression of IL-10. The mechanism of this response appeared to involve modulation of transcription factors FoxP3 and GATA-3. The DCs in the spleen and lymph nodes of IL-18 gene combined with rIL4-treated mice had lower expression of TLR2, MyD88, and NF-kB. Conclusions. Our findings indicate that pIL-18 gene combined with IL-4 ameliorates arthritis in the CIA mouse by suppression of Th1 and Th17 cytokines and increasing expression of FoxP3 and GATA-3. The plasmid backbone and multiple immunoregulatory properties of IL-18 appear to play a major role in the pIL-18 coadministration with rIL-4-mediated immunomodulation of arthritis through blocking the TLR2/MyD88/NF-kappa B signaling pathway.
Bringing Geospatial Data Closer to Mobile Users: A Caching Approach Based on Vector Tiles for Wireless Multihop Scenarios
Authors: Li Chao , Lu Huimei , Xiang Yong , Liu Zhuoqun , Yang Wanli , Liu Ruilin
Published: May 2018

Mobile applications based on geospatial data are nowadays extensively used to support people’s daily activities. Despite the potential overlap among nearby users’ geospatial data demands, it has not been feasible to share geospatial data with peer wireless devices directly. To address this issue, we designed a scheme based on vector tiles to organize spatial data and proposed a system named GeoTile for geospatial data caching and sharing. In GeoTile, a tile request from the mobile client relies on multihop communication over intermediate nodes to reach the server. Since GeoTile enables all network nodes to cache and process geospatial data tiles, requests may be handled before they actually reach the server. We implement the GeoTile prototype system and conduct comprehensive real-world experiments to evaluate the performance. The result shows that the GeoTile system can serve vector tiles for users conveniently and friendly. In addition, the caching mechanism based on vector tiles can substantially reduce the response time and network throughput under the wireless multihop scenarios.
The Dynamic Damage Mechanisms and Failure Modes of Coal‐Rock Masses under the Action of High Order P‐Waves
Authors: Li Feng , Bi Mingxin , Tian Jing , Fang Shuhao
Published: May 2018

In the process of deep mining, the coal‐rock masses were subjected to different types’ disturbance of dynamic loading, and they propagated to the depth of coal and rock in the forms of stress waves. It has been determined that coal‐rock masses mainly show shear‐compression failures under static pressure. However, under dynamic loading, they had consistently demonstrated crashing or splitting failure, which showed strong dynamic mechanical characteristics. Therefore, the propagation and interaction of stress waves have great effect for the dynamical damage of coal‐rock masses. The current research regarding the dynamic mechanical characteristics of coal‐rock masses is still in the qualitative analysis stage, with the dynamic damage mechanism and failure modes remaining unclear. Based on the propagation characteristics of a plane strain and cylindrical wave control equations, this paper obtained a cylindrical wave propagation frequency equation and established a dynamic calculation model for the radial, axial, and shear stresses under high order P‐waves. We have noticed, most surprisingly, that the amplitude directions of the radial and axial stress waves were almost opposite, with the amplitude values being basically the same when the vibration remained stable. And the vibration amplitude of shear stress wave was found to be the largest. Therefore, the coal‐rock masses generally experienced tensile and shear failures under high order P‐waves. The following results can be obtained: tensile failure easily occurred to the surface or axis of cylindrical coal‐rock masses when there was no confining pressure, and the coal‐rock masses generally experienced tensile‐shear failures when confining pressure was present. And we found that the vibration amplitudes and dimensionless radius (r/R) were in approximately the −0.5 power relationship, and the dimensionless wave numbers (kR), dimensionless frequency (wR), and the wave length of stress waves propagating in cylindrical coal‐rock masses were mainly within 85, (0.1~1.8) × 105, and 0.24R~1.08R respectively.
Role of the Epipapillary Membrane in Maculopathy Associated with Cavitary Optic Disc Anomalies: Morphology, Surgical Outcomes, and Histopathology
Authors: Tanaka Atsushi , Saito Wataru , Kase Satoru , Ishijima Kan , Noda Kousuke , Ishida Susumu
Published: May 2018

Purpose. To evaluate the surgical outcomes of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with epipapillary membrane removal in patients with maculopathy associated with cavitary optic disc anomalies. Methods. Eight patients (8 eyes) with cavitary optic disc anomaly-associated maculopathy who underwent PPV with epipapillary membrane removal were retrospectively reviewed. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and macular and papillary morphologies using enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT) were evaluated before and after treatment. Immunohistochemistry for an intraoperatively excised epipapillary membrane tissue was also performed. Results. Before surgery, EDI-OCT revealed that epipapillary membrane was observed in all patients. Retinoschisis was resolved with no recurrence in all patients following vitrectomy regardless of a disease type or the presence or absence of preoperative posterior vitreous detachment. The mean final BCVA and central retinal thickness significantly improved compared with pretreatment values (P=0.008 and 0.004, resp.). Immunoreactivity for S100 protein and glial fibrillary acidic protein, markers of astrocytes, was positive in the resected membrane tissues. Conclusions. These results suggest that epipapillary membrane is involved in the pathogenesis of some patients with cavitary optic disc anomaly-associated maculopathy as well as posterior hyaloid membrane. PPV with epipapillary membrane removal may be a useful treatment option for this maculopathy. This trial is registered with UMIN000011123.
The Urban Nexus Approach for Analyzing Mobility in the Smart City: Towards the Identification of City Users Networking
Authors: Burini Federica , Cortesi Nicola , Gotti Kevin , Psaila Giuseppe
Published: May 2018

We present an interdisciplinary approach that makes possible to learn how citizens live in the city by the means of mobile social media data, that is, volunteered geographical information provided by the inhabitants through social media and mobile apps, by adopting a new reticular approach to spatial analysis. In particular, we present the general notions as background of our work, an investigation methodology to apply whenever such an analysis task must be performed, and a digital environment of tools and frameworks to support the methodology.
Lower Extremity Salvage with Thoracodorsal Artery Perforator Free Flap in Condition of Symmetrical Peripheral Gangrene
Authors: Lim Soo Yeon , Kim Gyeong Hoe , Sung Il Hoon , Jang Dong Woo , Yoon Jung Soo , Kim Youn Hwan , Kim Sang Wha
Published: May 2018

Symmetrical peripheral gangrene (SPG) is rare but devastating complication which is characterized by symmetrical ischemic change of the distal extremities. In this report, we describe our management protocol for SPG, focusing on surgical approaches. Between January 2007 and February 2016, 10 thoracodorsal artery perforator (TDAP) free flaps were performed in 6 patients with SPG. Three patients were male and mean age was 56 (range, 44–69) years. All the patients were in shock. The causes of shock were sepsis in 4 cases, respiratory arrest in 1 case, and hypovolemia in 1 case. Eight transmetatarsal amputations and 2 Lisfranc amputations were performed. Flap sizes ranged from 7 × 11 cm to 25 × 15 cm. There were 3 cases of partial necrosis of the flap: two healed conservatively with dressings and one required skin graft. Three of the patients were later able to walk independently at Functional Ambulation Classification (FAC) level 6, one patient could walk independently on level surfaces at FAC level 5, and 2 could walk independently using walking aids, classified at FAC level 4. The average follow-up period was 18 (range, 6–54) months. In patients with SPG, minimal bone amputation and foot salvage with TDAP flaps were successful. Separate reconstruction of bone and soft tissue had good outcomes.
En Bloc Surgical Dissection for Penile Transplantation for Trans-Men: A Cadaveric Study
Authors: Selvaggi Gennaro , Wesslen Erica , Elander Anna , Wroblewski Peter , Thorarinsson Andri , Olausson Michael
Published: May 2018

Introduction. The surgical techniques currently available for penile reconstruction for trans-men with gender dysphoria present with multiple drawbacks and often fail to meet patients’ expectations. Literature reports three cases where penile transplantation has been performed for cis-men, with the last two cases being considered successful. Aim. To determine whether an en bloc surgical dissection can be performed in a male cadaver, in order to include structures necessary for penile transplantation (from a deceased donor male) to a recipient with female genitalia in gender affirmation surgery. Method. The study was conducted in the form of explorative dissections of the genital and pelvic regions of three male cadavers preserved in phenol-ethanol solution. Results. The first two dissections failed to explant adequately all the relevant structures. The third dissection, which was performed along the pubic arch and through the perineum, succeeded in explanting the relevant structures: it, in fact, allowed for identification and adequate transection of urethra, vessels, dorsal nerves, crura of corpora cavernosa, and bulb of corpus spongiosum, in en bloc explantation of male genitalia. Conclusions. It is possible to explant the penis and associated vessels, nerves, and urethra en bloc from a cadaver. This study suggests a surgical technique for en bloc explantation aiming for transplantation of the penis from a cadaveric donor male to a recipient with female genitalia.
Linear BVPs and SIEs for Generalized Regular Functions in Clifford Analysis
Authors: Li Pingrun , Cao Lixia
Published: May 2018

We study some properties of a regular function in Clifford analysis and generalize Liouville theorem and Plemelj formula with values in Clifford algebra An(R). By means of the classical Riemann boundary value problem and of the theory of a regular function, we discuss some boundary value problems and singular integral equations in Clifford analysis and obtain the explicit solutions and the conditions of solvability. Thus, the results in this paper will be of great significance for the study of improving and developing complex analysis, integral equation, and boundary value theory.
Low Platelet to White Blood Cell Ratio Indicates Poor Prognosis for Acute-On-Chronic Liver Failure
Authors: Jie Yusheng , Gong Jiao , Xiao Cuicui , Zhu Shuguang , Zhou Wenying , Luo Juan , Chong Yutian , Hu Bo
Published: May 2018

Background. Platelet to white blood cell ratio (PWR) was an independent prognostic predictor for outcomes in some diseases. However, the prognostic role of PWR is still unclear in patients with hepatitis B related acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF). In this study, we evaluated the clinical performances of PWR in predicting prognosis in HBV-related ACLF. Methods. A total of 530 subjects were recruited, including 97 healthy controls and 433 with HBV-related ACLF. Liver function, prothrombin time activity (PTA), international normalized ratio (INR), HBV DNA measurement, and routine hematological testing were performed at admission. Results. At baseline, PWR in patients with HBV-related ACLF (14.03 ± 7.17) was significantly decreased compared to those in healthy controls (39.16 ± 9.80). Reduced PWR values were clinically associated with the severity of liver disease and the increased mortality rate. Furthermore, PWR may be an inexpensive, easily accessible, and significant independent prognostic index for mortality on multivariate analysis (HR = 0.660, 95% CI: 0.438–0.996, p=0.048) as well as model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score. Conclusions. The PWR values were markedly decreased in ACLF patients compared with healthy controls and associated with severe liver disease. Moreover, PWR was an independent prognostic indicator for the mortality rate in patients with ACLF. This investigation highlights that PWR comprised a useful biomarker for prediction of liver severity.