bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temperature Dependence of the Energy Band Diagram of AlGaN/GaN Heterostructure
Authors: Liu Yanli , Chen Dunjun , Dong Kexiu , Lu Hai , Zhang Rong , Zheng Youdou , Zhu Zhilin , Wei Guangfen , Lin Zhonghai
Published: April 2018

Temperature dependence of the energy band diagram of AlGaN/GaN heterostructure was investigated by theoretical calculation and experiment. Through solving Schrodinger and Poisson equations self-consistently by using the Silvaco Atlas software, the energy band diagram with varying temperature was calculated. The results indicate that the conduction band offset of AlGaN/GaN heterostructure decreases with increasing temperature in the range of 7 K to 200 K, which means that the depth of quantum well at AlGaN/GaN interface becomes shallower and the confinement of that on two-dimensional electron gas reduces. The theoretical calculation results are verified by the investigation of temperature dependent photoluminescence of AlGaN/GaN heterostructure. This work provides important theoretical and experimental basis for the performance degradation of AlGaN/GaN HEMT with increasing temperature.
Selenoprotein S Attenuates Tumor Necrosis Factor-α-Induced Dysfunction in Endothelial Cells
Authors: Cui Siyuan , Men Lili , Li Yu , Zhong Yingshuo , Yu Shanshan , Li Fang , Du Jianling
Published: April 2018

Endothelial dysfunction, partly induced by inflammatory mediators, is known to initiate and promote several cardiovascular diseases. Selenoprotein S (SelS) has been identified in endothelial cells and is associated with inflammation; however, its function in inflammation-induced endothelial dysfunction has not been described. We first demonstrated that the upregulation of SelS enhances the levels of nitric oxide and endothelial nitric oxide synthase in tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-) α-treated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The levels of TNF-α-induced endothelin-1 and reactive oxygen species are also reduced by the upregulation of SelS. Furthermore, SelS overexpression blocks the TNF-α-induced adhesion of THP-1 cells to HUVECs and inhibits the increase in intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1. Moreover, SelS overexpression regulates TNF-α-induced inflammatory factors including interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, interleukin-8, and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 and attenuates the TNF-α-induced activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathways. Conversely, the knockdown of SelS with siRNA results in an enhancement of TNF-α-induced injury in HUVECs. These findings suggest that SelS protects endothelial cells against TNF-α-induced dysfunction by inhibiting the activation of p38 MAPK and NF-κB pathways and implicates it as a possible modulator of vascular inflammatory diseases.
Ischemic Stroke: Do Not Forget Lyme Neuroborreliosis
Authors: Moreno Legast Gabriela , Schnider Armin , Nicastro Nicolas
Published: April 2018

Lyme neuroborreliosis is a rare cause of ischemic stroke; it has only been described in case reports and mostly in Europe. Diagnostic criteria have been proposed for Lyme neuroborreliosis but the association with a cerebral ischemic presentation is not always straightforward. We here describe the case of an 83-year-old man for whom we strongly suspect Lyme neuroborreliosis as the etiology of his stroke. This case reminds us of the importance of a thorough history taking (i.e., tick bite) and to perform the adequate ancillary tests accordingly (lumbar puncture) so as to propose validated treatment.
Clinical and Functional Characteristics of Subjects with Asthma, COPD, and Asthma-COPD Overlap: A Multicentre Study in Vietnam
Authors: Duong-Quy Sy , Tran Van Huong , Vo Thi Kim Anh , Pham Huy Quyen , Craig Timothy J.
Published: April 2018

Introduction. Subjects with asthma-chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) overlap (ACO) share common features of patients with asthma and COPD. Our study was planned to describe the clinical and functional features of subjects with ACO compared to asthma and COPD patients.Subjects and Methods. Study subjects who met the inclusion criteria were classified into three different groups: asthma, COPD, and ACO groups. All study subjects underwent clinical examination and biological and functional testing. They were then followed for 6 months to evaluate the response to conventional treatment.Results. From March 2015 to March 2017, 76 asthmatic (mean age: 41 ± 22 years), 74 COPD (59 ± 13 years), and 59 ACO (52 ± 14 years) subjects were included. The percentage of subjects with dyspnea on excretion in the ACO group was higher than that in asthma and COPD groups (P<0.001andP<0.05, resp.). Subjects with COPD and ACO had significant airflow limitation (FEV1) compared to asthma (64 ± 17% and 54 ± 14% versus 80 ± 22%;P<0.01andP<0.01, resp.). The levels of FENO in subjects with asthma and ACO were significantly higher than those in subjects with COPD (46 ± 28 ppb and 34 ± 12 ppb versus 15 ± 8 ppb;P<0.001andP<0.001, resp.). VO2max and 6MWD were improved in study subjects after 6 months of treatment. Increased CANO and AHI > 15/hour had a significant probability of risk for ACO (OR = 33.2,P<0.001, and OR = 3.4,P<0.05, resp.).Conclusion. Subjects with ACO share the common clinical and functional characteristics of asthma and COPD but are more likely to have sleep apnea. The majority of patients with ACO have a favourable response to combined treatment.
Numerical Simulation of Hydraulic Fracturing in Earth and Rockfill Dam Using Extended Finite Element Method
Authors: Ji Enyue , Fu Zhongzhi , Chen Shengshui , Zhu Jungao , Geng Zhizhou
Published: April 2018

Hydraulic fracturing is one of the most important factors affecting the safety of earth and rockfill dam. In this paper, the extended finite element method (XFEM) is used to simulate the hydraulic fracturing behavior in an actual high earth and rockfill dam. The possibility of hydraulic fracturing occurrence is analyzed, and the critical crack length is obtained when hydraulic fracturing occurs. Then, the crack propagation path and length is obtained by inserting initial crack of different lengths at different elevation. The results indicate that hydraulic fracturing will not occur without the permeable weak surface (initial crack). The critical initial crack length required for hydraulic fracturing is 5.3 m of the calculation model in this paper. The propagation length decreases with the increase of elevation, and the average propagation length decreases from 9.4 m to 3.4 m. Furthermore, it is proved that the direction of crack propagation has a certain angle with the horizontal plane toward the downstream. Considering the up‐narrow and down‐wide type of the core wall, the possibility of hydraulic fracturing to penetrate the core is extremely high when the upper part of the core wall reaches the critical crack length.
Analyses of Essential Elements and Heavy Metals by Using ICP-MS in Maternal Breast Milk from Şanlıurfa, Turkey
Authors: Kılıç Altun Serap , Dinç Hikmet , Temamoğulları Füsun Karaçal , Paksoy Nilgün
Published: April 2018

Maternal breast milk is a unique biological matrix that contains essential micronutrients. Potentially heavy metals may also affect infants’ health and growth through maternal breast milk. The purpose of this study was to determine and compare the essential elements and heavy metals of maternal breast milk of nursery mothers residing in Şanlıurfa province, Turkey. Maternal breast milk concentrations of sodium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, iron, copper, zinc, arsenic, and lead were analyzed in a random sample of the first time in urban and suburban nursery Turkish mothers (n: 42). Eight essential elements and two heavy metals were analyzed using ICP-MS after microwave digestion. For bivariate analyses of variables, we use nonparametric Spearman’s correlation coefficient test. The mean concentrations of essential elements and heavy metals were as follows: sodium 330 ± 417 mg/L, magnesium 32.6 ± 15.5 mg/L, phosphorus 156 ± 46.2 mg/L, potassium 488 ± 146 mg/L, calcium 193 ± 53.2 mg/L, iron 1.65 ± 1.43 mg/L, copper 0.54 ± 0.46 mg/L, zinc 2.89 ± 3.23 mg/L, arsenic < 1 μg/L, and lead < 1 μg/L. Concentrations of heavy metals in maternal breast milk may have the important implication that it is not affected by environmental pollution in this province. This study provides reliable information about maternal breast milk concentrations of nursery mothers residing in Şanlıurfa, Turkey, and also compares the relations between essential elements and socioeconomic conditions, residing areas, and using copper equipment for food preparation of which some have not previously been reported.
Data Mining for Material Feeding Optimization of Printed Circuit Board Template Production
Authors: Lv Shengping , Zheng Binbin , Kim Hoyeol , Yue Qiangsheng
Published: April 2018

Improving the accuracy of material feeding for printed circuit board (PCB) template orders can reduce the overall cost for factories. In this paper, a data mining approach based on multivariate boxplot, multiple structural change model (MSCM), neighborhood component feature selection (NCFS), and artificial neural networks (ANN) was developed for the prediction of scrap rate and material feeding optimization. Scrap rate related variables were specified and 30,117 samples of the orders were exported from a PCB template production company. Multivariate boxplot was developed for outlier detection. MSCM was employed to explore the structural change of the samples that were finally partitioned into six groups. NCFS and ANN were utilized to select scrap rate related features and construct prediction models for each group of the samples, respectively. Performances of the proposed model were compared to manual feeding, ANN, and the results indicate that the approach exhibits obvious superiority to the other two methods by reducing surplus rate and supplemental feeding rate simultaneously and thereby reduces the comprehensive cost of raw material, production, logistics, inventory, disposal, and delivery tardiness compensation.
A Lower Limb Rehabilitation Robot in Sitting Position with a Review of Training Activities
Authors: Eiammanussakul Trinnachoke , Sangveraphunsiri Viboon
Published: April 2018

Robots for stroke rehabilitation at the lower limbs in sitting/lying position have been developed extensively. Some of them have been applied in clinics and shown the potential of the recovery of poststroke patients who suffer from hemiparesis. These robots were developed to provide training at different joints of lower limbs with various activities and modalities. This article reviews the training activities that were realized by rehabilitation robots in literature, in order to offer insights for developing a novel robot suitable for stroke rehabilitation. The control system of the lower limb rehabilitation robot in sitting position that was introduced in the previous work is discussed in detail to demonstrate the behavior of the robot while training a subject. The nonlinear impedance control law, based on active assistive control strategy, is able to define the response of the robot with more specifications while the passivity property and the robustness of the system is verified. A preliminary experiment is conducted on a healthy subject to show that the robot is able to perform active assistive exercises with various training activities and assist the subject to complete the training with desired level of assistance.
Value of the New Spline QTc Formula in Adjusting for Pacing-Induced Changes in Heart Rate
Authors: Nouraei Hirmand , Bennett Matthew , Rabkin Simon
Published: April 2018

Aims. To determine whether a new QTc calculation based on a Spline fit model derived and validated from a large population remained stable in the same individual across a range of heart rates (HRs). Second, to determine whether this formula incorporating QRS duration can be of value in QT measurement, compared to direct measurement of the JT interval, during ventricular pacing. Methods. Individuals (N=30; 14 males) aged 51.9 ± 14.3 years were paced with decremental atrial followed by decremental ventricular pacing. Results. The new QTc changed minimally with shorter RR intervals, poorly fit even a linear relationship, and did not fit a second-order polynomial. In contrast, the Bazett formula (QTcBZT) showed a steep and marked increase in QTc with shorter RR intervals. For atrial pacing data, QTcBZT was fit best by a second-order polynomial and demonstrated a dramatic increase in QTc with progressively shorter RR intervals. For ventricular pacing, the new QTc minus QRS duration did not meaningfully change with HR in contrast to the HR dependency of QTcBZT and JT interval. Conclusion. The new QT correction formula is minimally impacted by HR acceleration induced by atrial or ventricular pacing. The Spline QTc minus QRS duration is an excellent method to estimate QTc in ventricular paced complexes.
Temperature Effect Study on Growth and Survival of PathogenicVibrio parahaemolyticusin Jinjiang Oyster(Crassostrea rivularis)with Rapid Count Method
Authors: Wang Yuan , Zhang Hai-yan , Fodjo Essy Kouadio , Kong Cong , Gu Run-Run , Han Feng , Shen Xiao-Sheng
Published: April 2018

The growth ofVibrio parahaemolyticus (V. parahaemolyticus)in oysters during postharvest storage increases the possibility of its infection in humans. In this work, to investigate the growth or survival profiles in different media, pathogenicV. parahaemolyticusin APW, Jinjiang oyster (JO,Crassostrea rivularis) slurry, and live JO were studied under different temperatures. All the strain populations were counted through our double-layer agar plate (DLAP) method. In APW, the pathogenicV. parahaemolyticusshowed continuous growth under 15, 25, and 35°C, while a decline in behavior was displayed under 5°C. The similar survival trend of pathogenicV. parahaemolyticusin JO slurry and live JO was observed under 5, 25, and 35°C, except the delayed growth or decline profile compared to APW. Under 15°C, they displayed decline and growth profile in JO slurry and live JO, respectively. These results indicate the different sensitivity of pathogenicV. parahaemolyticusin these matrices to temperature variation. Furthermore, nonpathogenicV. parahaemolyticusdisplayed little difference in survival profiles when inoculated in live JO under corresponding temperatures. The results indicate that inhibition or promotion effect could be regulated under different storage temperature for both pathogenic and nonpathogenic strains. Besides, the DLAP method showed the obvious quickness and efficiency during the bacteria count.
Dental Management of a Young Child Affected by Galactosialidosis and a Gigantic Abdominal Growth
Authors: Méndez-Salado Yoselín , De Ávila-Rojas Paola , Pozos-Guillén Amaury , Márquez-Preciado Raúl , Noyola-Frías Miguel Ángel , Ruiz-Rodríguez Socorro , Garrocho-Rangel Arturo
Published: April 2018

Galactosialidosis (GS) is a rare form of lysosomal storage disease that involves a broad spectrum of skeletal and soft tissue abnormalities. We report here on a 4-year 7-month-old boy with mild mental retardation, exhibiting multiple caries cavities and associated infectious foci and macroglossia. A huge abdominal enlargement due to peritoneal ascites was evident. Behavioral management and patient positioning on the dental chair represented a true challenge. The patient was treated under general anesthesia. However, life-threatening postoperative complications occurred because of the impossibility of extubating the patient. A very careful preanesthetic assessment is crucial in children affected by general conditions associated with airway anomalies, such as GS.
Tubulocystic Carcinoma of the Bile Duct
Authors: Takeuchi Masahiro , Sakamoto Yoshitaka , Noguchi Hirotsugu , Yamada Sohsuke , Hirata Keiji
Published: April 2018

Tubulocystic carcinoma of the bile duct is extremely rare and has not been reported in the literature. We reported a case of cystic neoplasm of the liver with distinct histopathological features that could not be clearly classified as of either mucinous or intraductal papillary neoplasm. A 68-year-old Japanese patient had a multicystic biliary tumor within the liver. This tumor was detected on follow-up of polymyalgia rheumatica. The exophytic, multicystic, 35 × 50 mm mass was composed of complex tubulocystic structures. We initially suspected cystadenocarcinoma of the liver and performed radical operation. However, pathology ultimately showed it to be very rare tubulocystic carcinoma that derived from the bile duct. We reviewed the literature and describe the process of our differential diagnosis.
Multifactor Analysis of Roadheader’s Body Pose Responses during the Horizontal Cutting Process
Authors: Zong Kai , Zhang Peng , Wang Pengjiang , Fu Shichen , Li Yiming , Zhang Minjun , Wu Miao
Published: April 2018

Based on the Lagrange equation in system dynamics, aiming at the horizontal cutting process, the dynamical coupling model of boom‐type roadheader’s body pose was established. According to input problem of solving the model, a calculation method of the cutting head load was proposed, and the relationship between the cutting head load and pressure of the driving cylinders and swing angle of the cutting arm was obtained through simulating analysis. The simulation model was established to solve the dynamical coupling model. The cutting head load, horizontal swing angle of the cutting arm, and dip angle of coal seam were regarded as independent variables to perform changing parameter analysis in variations of the body pose. The field experiment was carried out, and the measured data is basically consistent with the simulation values. The results show that lateral displacement of the body can reach up to 6.5 cm, backward displacement can reach up to 5.2 cm, floor‐based quantity can reach up to 11 cm, pitch angle of the body can reach up to 7.8°, and roll angle can reach up to 2.1°. Variations of the body pose parameters are influenced greatly by the cutting head load, while the influence from horizontal swing angle of the cutting arm and dip angle of coal seam is slighter. Among the pose parameters, floor‐based quantity and pitch angle of the body vary relatively greatly, which tend to seriously influence forming quality of the roadway and should be mainly considered in deviation rectification of the roadheader’s body pose.
LEDs for the Implementation of Advanced Hydrogenation Using Hydrogen Charge-State Control
Authors: Chong Chee Mun , Wenham Stuart , Ji Jingjia , Mai Ly , Wang Sisi , Hallam Brett , Li Hua
Published: April 2018

Light-induced degradation (LID) of p-type Cz solar cells has plagued the industry for many decades. However, in recent years, new techniques for solving this LID have been developed, with hydrogen passivation of the boron-oxygen defects appearing to be an important contributor to the solution. Advanced hydrogenation approaches involving the control of the charge state for the hydrogen atoms in silicon to enhance their diffusivity and reactivity are developed and evaluated in this work for commercial application using a prototype industrial tool in conjunction with solar cells manufactured on commercial production lines. This prototype tool, unlike the previous successful laser-based laboratory approaches, is based on the use of LEDs for controlling the charge state of the hydrogen atoms. The illumination from the LEDs is also used in this work to passivate process-induced defects and contamination from the respective production lines with significant improvements in both efficiency and stability. The results indicate that the low-cost LED-based industrial tool performs as well as the laser-based laboratory tool for implementing these advanced hydrogen passivation approaches.
Generation of Femtosecond Laser-Cut Decellularized Corneal Lenticule Using Hypotonic Trypsin-EDTA Solution for Corneal Tissue Engineering
Authors: Huh Man-Il , Lee Kyoung-Pil , Kim Jeongho , Yi Soojin , Park Byeong-Ung , Kim Hong Kyun
Published: April 2018

Purpose. To establish an optimized and standardized protocol for the development of optimal scaffold for bioengineering corneal substitutes, we used femtosecond laser to process human corneal tissue into stromal lenticules and studied to find the most efficient decellularization method among various reagents with different tonicities. Methods. The decellularization efficacy of several agents (0.1%, 0.25%, and 0.5% of Triton X-100, SDS, and trypsin-EDTA (TE), resp.) with different tonicities was evaluated. Of all protocols, the decellularization methods, which efficiently removed nuclear materials examined as detected by immunofluorescent staining, were quantitatively tested for sample DNA and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) contents, recellularization efficacy, and biocompatibilities. Results. 0.5% SDS in hypertonic and isotonic buffer, 0.25% TE in hypotonic buffer, and 0.5% TE in all tonicities completely decellularized the corneal lenticules. Of the protocols, decellularization with hypotonic 0.25 and 0.5% TE showed the lowest DNA contents, while the GAG content was the highest. Furthermore, the recellularization efficacy of the hypotonic TE method was better than that of the SDS-based method. Hypotonic TE-treated decellularized corneal lenticules (DCLs) were sufficiently transparent and biocompatible. Conclusion. We generated an ideal protocol for DCLs using a novel method. Furthermore, it is possible to create a scaffold using a bioengineered corneal substitute.
HKCV Rheological Constitutive Model of Mudstone under Dry and Saturated Conditions
Authors: Wang Xingang , Huang Lei , Yan Changbin , Lian Baoqin
Published: April 2018

Triaxial rheological tests are performed on mudstones collected from the soft interlayer in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area. In the tests, both dry and saturated conditions are considered, and a complete rheological process is then observed. Based on such laboratory observations of stress‐strain, a four‐element rheological constitutive model is developed, which is composed of (i) the Hook element, (ii) the Kelvin element, (iii) the viscoelastic‐plastic body, and (iv) the nonlinear viscous body (HKCV model). The HKCV model adopts the one‐dimensional and three‐dimensional equations that are derived. The rheological parameters required are identified, allowing the successful development of the HKCV model. A comparison with the laboratory test observations and the existing model estimates shows that the estimates of the HKCV model are relatively consistent with the observations of the triaxial rheological test. The HKCV model better characterizes the rheological process than the three existing models. However, the HKCV model has the limitation of requiring more parameters than the existing models.
Thermal Performance Test of a Phase‐Change‐Material Cool Roof System by a Scaled Model
Authors: Yoon Suk Goo , Yang Young Kwon , Kim Tae Won , Chung Min Hee , Park Jin Chul
Published: April 2018

General cool roof is effective for reduction of cooling load, but it has a problem of increasing heating load. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to complement the disadvantages of the cool roof system by utilizing phase change characteristics of phase change material (PCM). The study was carried out to verify the thermal performance of the PCM cool roof system by measuring the temperature on the top and bottom of the PCM cool roof system by making a miniature model (600 × 600 × 600 mm). PCM was inserted and not inserted, and the temperature difference according to the finish color (brown and white) was compared. As a result, the plate surface temperature using PCM was lower than that without PCM, and time‐lag of temperature increase occurred. As a result of the comparison of temperature according to the finish color (brown and white), white showed a low temperature distribution up to 16.35°C. Even at room temperature, white maintained a low temperature distribution of 5.40°C than brown. The use of PCM cool roof system in roof finishes could lower the surface temperature and keep the room temperature low.
Probabilistic Basin of Attraction and Its Estimation Using Two Lyapunov Functions
Authors: Gudmundsson Skuli , Hafstein Sigurdur
Published: April 2018

We study stability for dynamical systems specified by autonomous stochastic differential equations of the form dX(t) = f(X(t))dt + g(X(t))dW(t), with (X(t)) t≥0 an ‐valued Itô process and (W(t)) t≥0 an ‐valued Wiener process, and the functions and are Lipschitz and vanish at the origin, making it an equilibrium for the system. The concept of asymptotic stability in probability of the null solution is well known and implies that solutions started arbitrarily close to the origin remain close and converge to it. The concept therefore pertains exclusively to system properties local to the origin. We wish to address the matter in a more practical manner: Allowing for a (small) probability that solutions escape from the origin, how far away can they then be started? To this end we define a probabilistic version of the basin of attraction, the γ‐BOA, with the property that any solution started within it stays close and converges to the origin with probability at least γ. We then develop a method using a local Lyapunov function and a nonlocal one to obtain rigid lower bounds on γ‐BOA.
Multiple Feature Vectors Based Fault Classification for WSN Integrated Bearing of Rolling Mill
Authors: Qin Bo , Zhang Luyang , Yin Heng , Qin Yan
Published: April 2018

For rolling mill machines, the operation status of bearing has a close relationship with process safety and production effectiveness. Therefore, reliable fault diagnosis and classification are indispensable. Traditional methods always characterize fault feature using a single fault vector, which may fail to reveal whole fault influences caused by complex process disturbances. Besides, it may also lead to poor fault classification accuracy. To solve the above-mentioned problems, a fault extraction method is put forward to extract multiple feature vectors and then a classification model is developed. First, to collect sufficient data, a data acquisition system based on wireless sensor network is constructed to replace the traditional wired system which may bring dangers during production. Second, the measured signal is filtered by a morphological average filtering algorithm to remove process noise and then the empirical mode decomposition method is applied to extract the intrinsic mode function (IMF) which contains the fault information. On the basis of the IMFs, a time domain index (energy) and a frequency index (singular values) are proposed through Hilbert envelope analysis. From the above analysis, the energy index and the singular value matrix are used for fault classification modeling based on the enhanced extreme learning machine (ELM), which is optimized by the bat algorithm to adjust the input weights and threshold of hidden layer node. In comparison with the fault classification methods based on SVM and ELM, the experimental results show that the proposed method has higher classification accuracy and better generalization ability.
Comparative Study of the Effect of Structural Parameters on the Flexibility of Endovascular Stent Grafts
Authors: Guan Ying , Lin Jing , Dong Zhihui , Wang Lu
Published: April 2018

The complication of stent graft‐induced new entry (SINE) after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) may be caused by the spring‐back force of both ends of the stent grafts. Spring‐back force, which is exerted by the curvature and ends of stent grafts on the greater wall of the aorta, suggests poor flexibility. Research on stent graft flexibility via design optimization has been widely disregarded. Thus, this study investigates the relationship between stent graft structure and flexibility by measuring bending and spring‐back forces. Stent spacing (5, 10, and 15 mm), apex angle (30° and 45°), and strut configuration (Z‐ and M‐stented) were considered for the structural parameters. The overall tendency of spring‐back and bending forces was similar. The stent graft with 15 mm spacing attained the lowest force level. The force difference between samples with 30° and 45° apex angles became prominent as the curving angle increased. The sample with 45° stent apex attained low force value. The Z‐stented graft obtained a lower force than the M‐stented graft with the same number of struts per hoop. Consequently, optimal flexibility was obtained when the structural design was characterized by long stent spacing, big stent apex angle, and Z‐type strut configuration.
Reviews of Interleukin-37: Functions, Receptors, and Roles in Diseases
Authors: Jia Hailin , Liu Jing , Han Bo
Published: April 2018

Interleukin-37 (IL-37) is an IL-1 family cytokine discovered in recent years and has 5 different isoforms. As an immunosuppressive factor, IL-37 can suppress excessive immune response. IL-37 plays a role in protecting the body against endotoxin shock, ischemia-reperfusion injury, autoimmune diseases, and cardiovascular diseases. In addition, IL-37 has a potential antitumor effect. IL-37 and its receptors may serve as novel targets for the study, diagnosis, and treatment of immune-related diseases and tumors.
Occurrence of Interspecific Mating between Two Species of Danaus Kluk, 1780 (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) in Nature
Authors: Baidya Sarika , Basu Dipendra Nath , Roy Souparno , Basu Roy Arjan
Published: April 2018

Mating across species occurs rarely in nature, which contends prevalent idea of biological species concept. Throughout species range, mating pattern varies and reproductive barriers are also not fixed among different species. In this study, two instances of interspecific mating between two widely common Nymphalid Tiger butterflies (Danaus Kluk, 1780) in Indian region are reported. Observations imply lack of absolute reproductive barriers, where possible interplay exists among prezygotic and postzygotic isolating factors compensating each other in order to restrain interspecific hybridization.
Advances in Synthesis and Functional Modification of Nanohydroxyapatite
Authors: Dou Linbo , Zhang Yancong , Sun Hanwen
Published: April 2018

Nanohydroxyapatite material has been used to substitute for bone repair materials in clinical therapy in recent years. However, its osteogenesis effects are different due to its morphology, size, calcium phosphate ratio, crystallinity, and other differences. Thus, synthesis methods are continuously being improved to obtain synthetic materials similar to the nanohydroxyapatite in natural bone tissues in terms of biocompatibility and biological activity. Many synthesis methods are available for nanohydroxyapatite, and, among them, biological template biomimetic synthesis is the optimal method for obtaining highly bioactive and biocompatible nanohydroxyapatite, achieved by manipulating the morphology and physical and chemical properties, such as size, calcium phosphorus ratio, and degree of crystallinity. This article reviews the synthesis and functional modification of nanohydroxyapatite.
A Modified Newmark Methodology for Permanent Deformation Analysis of Rock‐Fill Dams
Authors: Li Hongjun , Zhong Hong , Yan Zuwen , Zhao Jianming
Published: April 2018

Newmark sliding block approach has been extensively studied by many researchers in the past decades. Significant progress has been made to alleviate its deficiencies and overcome its simplifying assumptions, but some aspects such as the cyclic shear strength and time history vertical acceleration in the Newmark sliding displacement analysis are seldom considered strictly. In the presented research, a modified Newmark methodology for sliding deformation analysis of rock‐fill dams subjected to strong earthquake is proposed. In order to make the seismic safety evaluation of dams more realistic, the influence of cyclic shear strength (earthquake‐induced reduction of shear strength) and time history vertical acceleration obtained from the dynamic response analysis on the critical acceleration and accumulative sliding displacement of the flexible sliding body is considered. Detailed comparison between the proposed method and existing methods is performed via the analysis of two typical dams, that is, a virtual rock‐fill dam with a height of 100 m which is assumed to be situated on rock formation and a real core rock‐fill dam with a height of 150 m built on deep overburden layers. It is demonstrated that the cyclic shear strength and time history vertical acceleration within flexible sliding body, as highlighted in the proposed method, have significant effect on the seismic safety evaluation, critical acceleration, and accumulation of sliding deformation of rock‐fill dams subjected to strong earthquake loading. The existing approaches tend to provide unconservative evaluation on the consequences of earthquakes on rock‐fill dams.
Structure Analysis of Effective Chemical Compounds against Dengue Viruses Isolated fromIsatis tinctoria
Authors: Gao Bo , Zhang Jianming , Xie Lianhui
Published: April 2018

The history of Chinese herb research can be traced back to thousands of years ago, and the abundant knowledge accumulated for these herbs makes them good candidates for developing new natural drugs.Isatis tinctoriais probably the most well-studied Chinese herb, which has been identified to be effective against dengue fever. However, the underlying biological mechanisms are still unclear. In this study, we adopt combined methods of bioactive trace technology and phytochemical extraction and separation, to guide the isolation and purification of the effective chemical constituents on the water-soluble components of aerial parts ofIsatis tinctoria. In addition, we apply polarimetry and 1D or 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to identify their structures, which lay a foundation for further study on the biological mechanisms underlying medicinal effects ofIsatis tinctoriausingin vitroandin vivoexperiments. Specifically, we identify and infer the structures of 27 types of chemical compounds named GB-1, GB-2, …, GB-27, respectively, among which GB-7 is a novel compound. Further study of these compounds is critical to reveal the secrets behind the medicinal effects ofIsatis tinctoria.
Age of Insomnia Onset Correlates with a Reversal of Default Mode Network and Supplementary Motor Cortex Connectivity
Authors: Santarnecchi Emiliano , Del Bianco Chiara , Sicilia Isabella , Momi Davide , Di Lorenzo Giorgio , Ferrone Salvatore , Sprugnoli Giulia , Rossi Simone , Rossi Alessandro
Published: April 2018

Insomnia might occur as result of increased cognitive and physiological arousal caused by acute or long acting stressors and associated cognitive rumination. This might lead to alterations in brain connectivity patterns as those captured by functional connectivity fMRI analysis, leading to potential insight about primary insomnia (PI) pathophysiology as well as the impact of long-term exposure to sleep deprivation. We investigated changes of voxel-wise connectivity patterns in a sample of 17 drug-naïve PI patients and 17 age-gender matched healthy controls, as well as the relationship between brain connectivity and age of onset, illness duration, and severity. Results showed a significant increase in resting-state functional connectivity of the bilateral visual cortex in PI patients, associated with decreased connectivity between the visual cortex and bilateral temporal pole. Regression with clinical scores originally unveiled a pattern of increased local connectivity as measured by intrinsic connectivity contrast (ICC), specifically resembling the default mode network (DMN). Additionally, age of onset was found to be correlated with the connectivity of supplementary motor area (SMA), and the strength of DMN←→SMA connectivity was significantly correlated with both age of onset (R2 = 41%) and disease duration (R2 = 21%). Chronic sleep deprivation, but most importantly early insomnia onset, seems to have a significant disruptive effect over the physiological negative correlation between DMN and SMA, a well-known fMRI marker of attention performance in humans. This suggests the need for more in-depth investigations on the prevention and treatment of connectivity changes and associated cognitive and psychological deficits in PI patients.
The Accuracy of Point-of-Care Ultrasound in Detecting Small Bowel Obstruction in Emergency Department
Authors: Pourmand A. , Dimbil U. , Drake A. , Shokoohi H.
Published: April 2018

Radiological imaging plays an essential role in the evaluation of a patient with suspected small bowel obstruction (SBO). In a few studies, point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has been utilized as a primary imaging modality in patients with suspected SBO. POCUS has been shown to be an accurate tool in the diagnosis of SBO with multiple research studies noting a consistent high sensitivity with a range of 94–100% and specificity of 81–100%. Specific sonographic findings that increase the likelihood of SBO include dilatation of small bowel loops > 25 mm, altered intestinal peristalsis, increased thickness of the bowel wall, and intraperitoneal fluid accumulation. Studies also reported that emergency physicians could apply this technique with limited and short-term ultrasound training. In this article, we aim to review the sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound examinations performed by emergency physicians in patients with suspected SBO.
Modeling Chloride Diffusion Coefficient of Steel Fiber Reinforced Concrete under Bending Load
Authors: Wang Qiannan , Sun Wei , Guo Liping , Gu Chunping , Zong Jinyu
Published: April 2018

The chloride diffusion coefficient is the most important parameter when predicting chloride ingress in concrete. This paper proposed a model for calculating the chloride diffusion coefficient of steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC). Considering the concrete structures in service are usually subjected to external loads, the effect of bending load was discussed and expressed with a stress factor ks in the model. The chloride diffusion coefficient of cement paste was calculated with capillary porosity and then used to predict the chloride diffusion coefficient of SFRC. Some factors in the model were determined with experimental results. Chloride bulk diffusion tests were performed on SFRC and plain concrete (without fiber) specimens under bending load. SFRC showed slightly better chloride resistance for unstressed specimens. The compressive stress decreased the chloride diffusion coefficient of SFRC, while it caused no change in plain concrete. For the tensile zone, the chloride resistance of concrete was improved significantly by adding steel fibers. Overall, SFRC performed better chloride resistance, especially under bending load. The proposed model provides a simple approach for calculating the chloride diffusion coefficient of SFRC under bending load.
An Iterative Scheme to Compute Size Probabilities in Random Graphs and Branching Processes
Authors: Serafini Paolo
Published: April 2018

We deal with a functional equation that plays an important role in random graphs and in branching processes. In branching processes, the functional equation relates offspring probabilities to population size probabilities, while in random graph it relates degree probabilities to small component size probabilities. We present an iterative scheme that allows computing the size probabilities numerically. It is also theoretically possible to invert the iteration, although this inverse iteration is numerically unstable.
An Exceptional Adenocarcinoma in a Girl
Authors: Traore Bangaly , Cisse Ibrahima Kalil , Bah Malick , Keita Ahmed Monzomba
Published: April 2018

Anal adenocarcinoma is very rare and usually occurs in the elderly. We present a case of a 12-year-old girl with an anal margin painful tumor infiltrating the lower rectum, with perineal and vulvar permeation nodules and bilateral fixed inguinal and iliac lymph nodes. Histology showed anal adenocarcinoma with mucosecreting component and independent cells. She had no extra pelvic metastasis on CT scan. She underwent a colostomy and palliative care. This exceptional case challenges us on the diversity of forms of anal cancers that require a multidisciplinary approach. The precarious social context and the age of onset make it difficult to manage this rare cancer.
Hepatitis B Virus Testing and Care among Pregnant Women Using Commercial Claims Data, United States, 2011–2014
Authors: Harris Aaron M. , Isenhour Cheryl , Schillie Sarah , Vellozzi Claudia
Published: April 2018

Introduction. Pregnant women should receive hepatitis B virus (HBV) testing with hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), but it is unclear whether HBV-infected pregnant women are linked to care. Methods. We analyzed MarketScan™ commercial insurance claims. We included pregnant women, aged 10–50 years, with 42 weeks of continuous enrollment before (predelivery) and 6 months after (postdelivery) the first delivery claim for each unique pregnancy between 1/1/2011 and 6/30/2014. We identified claims for HBsAg testing by CPT code and described the care continuum among pregnancies with an associated ICD-9 HBV diagnosis code by demographic and clinical characteristics, including HBV-directed care ([HBV DNA or hepatitis B e antigen] and ALT test codes) and antiviral treatment (claims for tenofovir, entecavir, lamivudine, adefovir, or telbivudine) pre- and postdelivery. Results. There were 870,888 unique pregnancies (819,752 women) included. Before delivery, 714,830 (82%) pregnancies had HBsAg test claims, but this proportion decreased with subsequent pregnancies (p<0.0001): second (80%), third (71%), and fourth (61%). We identified 1,190 (0.14%) pregnancies with an associated HBV diagnosis code: most were among women aged ≥ 30 years (76%) residing in the Pacific (34%) or Middle Atlantic (18%) regions. Forty-two percent of pregnancies with an HBV diagnosis received HBV-directed care (42% predelivery and 39% postdelivery). Antiviral treatment was initiated before delivery in 128 (13%) of 975 pregnancies and postdelivery in 16 (1.6%) pregnancies. Conclusions. While most of these commercially insured pregnant women received predelivery HBV screening, we identified gaps in HBV testing and the HBV care continuum which highlight potential targets for public health interventions.
A Positive Feedback Loop of Profilin‐1 and RhoA/ROCK1 Promotes Endothelial Dysfunction and Oxidative Stress
Authors: Li Xu , Liu Jianjun , Chen Bin , Fan Longhua
Published: April 2018

Vascular endothelial dysfunction is considered critical development in the progression of cardiovascular events and is associated with vascular damage and oxidative stress. Previous studies have shown that profilin‐1 could be induced by advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and contributes to vascular hyperpermeability; however, the mechanisms are not fully understood. In this study, we sought to assess whether reactive oxygen species (ROS) were involved in profilin‐1‐mediated RhoA/ROCK1 signaling. Treatment with AGEs significantly induced the expression of profilin‐1 and ROS production in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), whereas knockdown of profilin‐1 diminished AGE‐induced RhoA and ROCK1 activation and ROS production. Moreover, ectopic overexpression of profilin‐1 also increased RhoA and ROCK1 activation and ROS production under low AGE concentration. Furthermore, blockage of RhoA/ROCK1 with the inhibitors CT04 and Y27632 significantly attenuated the profilin‐1‐mediated cell damage and ROS production. Additionally, ROS inhibition resulted in a significant decrease in profilin‐1‐mediated RhoA/ROCK1 expression, suggesting that the regulation of RhoA/ROCK1 signaling was partly independent of ROS. Taken together, these results suggested that the RhoA/ROCK1 pathway activated by excessive ROS is responsible for profilin‐1‐mediated endothelial damage.
Noncoding RNAs Carried by Extracellular Vesicles in Endocrine Diseases
Authors: Pomatto Margherita A. C. , Gai Chiara , Deregibus Maria Chiara , Tetta Ciro , Camussi Giovanni
Published: April 2018

RNA molecules are essential and fine regulators of important biological processes. Their role is well documented also in the endocrine system, both in physiological and pathological conditions. Increasing interest is arising about the function and the importance of noncoding RNAs shuttled by extracellular vesicles (EVs). In fact, EV membrane protects nucleic acids from enzyme degradation. Nowadays, the research on EVs and their cargoes, as well as their biological functions, faces the lack of standardization in EV purification. Here, the main techniques for EV isolation are discussed and compared for their advantages and vulnerabilities. Despite the possible discrepancy due to methodological variability, EVs and their RNA content are reported to be key mediators of intercellular communication in pathologies of main endocrine organs, including the pancreas, thyroid, and reproductive system. In particular, the present work describes the role of RNAs contained in EVs in pathogenesis and progression of several metabolic dysfunctions, including obesity and diabetes, and their related manifestations. Their importance in the establishment and progression of thyroid autoimmunity disorders and complicated pregnancy is also discussed. Preliminary studies highlight the attractive possibility to use RNAs contained in EVs as biomarkers suggesting their exploitation for new diagnostic approaches in endocrinology.
Endoscopic Band Ligation Is Able to Close Perforations Caused by Colonoscopy: A Porcine Model Study
Authors: Yang Yidong , Lin Xianyi , Tan Siwei , Huang Xiaoli , Xie Zijun , Xu Xuan , Lei Yiming , Wu Bin
Published: April 2018

Objective. Diagnostic colonoscopy is important for diagnosing colorectal diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal tumours. Perforation during diagnostic colonoscopy, a rare but serious complication, is a considerable factor before performing the procedure. Immediate endoluminal closure of a perforation could prevent the adverse consequences associated with general anaesthesia and surgery. This study is aimed at assessing the potential effectiveness and safety of endoscopic band ligation (EBL) in closing a colon perforation during endoscopy in a porcine model. Methods. Colon perforations were created and then subsequently closed with EBL in six porcine models. After 28 days of careful follow-up, pigs were euthanized for clinical and pathologic evaluations. Results. All colon perforations were successfully closed using EBL in pigs. The mean time of perforation closure with EBL was 244.3 seconds with one to two bands, and there were no immediate complications or clinical manifestations of peritonitis or sepsis in any animals. No pericolonic abscess or peritonitis was found during necropsy. Histopathology demonstrated reepithelialization of the mucosa at the perforation site. Conclusions. Immediate closure of perforations caused during colonoscopy with EBL is feasible and safe in a porcine model.