bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Atomic simulation of mechanical properties of irradiated iron
Authors: Ma Lei , Li Changsheng , Zhang Ailong , Hu Wangyu
Published: November 2019

The mechanical properties of irradiated iron are studied by molecular dynamics simulation. The initial models are irradiated with the energy of primary knocked-on atoms (PKA) of 10[Formula: see text]keV at 100, 300, 500 and 600 K, and then all the irradiated models are subjected to tensile test. The results reveal that the mechanical properties of irradiated iron are changed compared with un-irradiated iron, the yield stress and strain decrease after irradiation, and the irradiation causes the hardening of micro-structure at low temperature and high temperature, but it results in the softening of structure at room temperature. The plastic reduces for irradiated iron under tensile test, more stacking faults are formed in the crystal structure as the temperature increases.
Slip flow over a non-Newtonian fluid through a Darcy–Forchheimer medium: Numerical approach
Authors: Kumar K. Ganesh , Khan M. N. , Osman M. , Alharbi Abdulaziz R. , Rahimi-Gorji Mohammad , Alarifi Ibrahim M.
Published: November 2019

This work focused on slip flow over a non-Newtonian nanofluid fluid flow past a stretching sheet with particles–liquid suspension. The convective boundary condition is taken into account. Similarity transformations are utilized to reduce the nonlinear partial differential equations into a set of nonlinear ordinary differential equations. Runge–Kutta–Fehlberg scheme is used to get the numerical solution. Important parameters are analyzed through graphs and skin friction coefficient. Nusselt numbers are presented in tables. Investigation reveals that slip parameter decreases the velocity field and Biot number increases the temperature field.
On interpolating sesqui-harmonic Legendre curves in Sasakian space forms
Authors: Karaca Fatma , Özgür Cihan , De Uday Chand
Published: November 2019

We consider interpolating sesqui-harmonic Legendre curves in Sasakian space forms. We find the necessary and sufficient conditions for Legendre curves in Sasakian space forms to be interpolating sesqui-harmonic. Finally, we obtain a proper example for an interpolating sesqui-harmonic Legendre curve in a Sasakian space form.
Optimal harvesting of a hierarchical age-structured population system
Authors: He Ze-Rong , Ni Dongdong , Wang Shu-Ping
Published: November 2019

We investigate an optimal harvesting problem for age-structured species, in which elder individuals are more competitive than younger ones, and the population is modeled by a highly nonlinear integro-partial differential equation with a global feedback boundary condition. The existence of optimal strategies is established by means of compactness and maximizing sequences, and the maximum principle obtained via an adjoint system, tangent-normal cones and a new continuity result. In addition, some numerical experiments are presented to show the effects of the price function and younger’s weight on the optimal profits.
New type of cancer patients based on triangular cubic hesitant fuzzy TOPSIS method
Authors: Fahmi Aliya , Aslam Muhammad , Ahmed Almahdi Fuad Ali , Amin Fazli
Published: November 2019

In this paper, we define the new idea of triangular cubic hesitant fuzzy number (TCHFN). We discuss some basic operational laws of triangular cubic hesitant fuzzy number and hamming distance of TCHFNs. We introduce the new concept of triangular cubic hesitant TOPSIS method. Furthermore, we extend the classical cubic hesitant the technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) method to solve the Multi-Criteria decision-making (MCDM) method based on triangular cubic hesitant TOPSIS method. The new ranking method for TCHFNs is used to rank the alternatives. Finally, an illustrative example is given to verify and demonstrate the practicality and effectiveness of the proposed method.
Calcium-sensing receptor deletion in the mouse esophagus alters barrier function
Authors: Nakhoul Nazih L. , Tu Chia-Ling , Brown Karen L. , Islam M. Toriqul , Hodges Anna G. , Abdulnour-Nakhoul Solange M.
Published: November 2019

Calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) is the molecular sensor by which cells respond to small changes in extracellular Ca2+concentrations. CaSR has been reported to play a role in glandular and fluid secretion in the gastrointestinal tract and to regulate differentiation and proliferation of skin keratinocytes. CaSR is present in the esophageal epithelium, but its role in this tissue has not been defined. We deleted CaSR in the mouse esophagus by generating keratin 5 CreER;CaSRFlox+/+compound mutants, in which loxP sites flank exon 7 of CaSR gene. Recombination was initiated with multiple tamoxifen injections, and we demonstrated exon 7 deletion by PCR analysis of genomic DNA. Quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot analyses showed a significant reduction in CaSR mRNA and protein expression in the knockout mice (EsoCaSR−/−) as compared with control mice. Microscopic examination ofEsoCaSR−/−esophageal tissues showed morphological changes including elongation of the rete pegs, abnormal keratinization and stratification, and bacterial buildup on the luminal epithelial surface. Western analysis revealed a significant reduction in levels of adherens junction proteins E-cadherin and β catenin and tight junction protein claudin-1, 4, and 5. Levels of small GTPase proteins Rac/Cdc42, involved in actin remodeling, were also reduced. Ussing chamber experiments showed a significantly lower transepithelial resistance in knockout (KO) tissues. In addition, luminal-to-serosal-fluorescein dextran (4 kDa) flux was higher in KO tissues. Our data indicate that CaSR plays a role in regulating keratinization and cell-cell junctional complexes and is therefore important for the maintenance of the barrier function of the esophagus.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY The esophageal stratified squamous epithelium maintains its integrity by continuous proliferation and differentiation of the basal cells. Here, we demonstrate that deletion of the calcium-sensing receptor, a G protein-coupled receptor, from the basal cells disrupts the structure and barrier properties of the epithelium.
Neural motor complexes propagate continuously along the full length of mouse small intestine and colon
Authors: Costa Marcello , Hibberd Timothy James , Keightley Lauren J. , Wiklendt Lukasz , Arkwright John W. , Dinning Philip G. , Brookes Simon J. H. , Spencer Nick J.
Published: November 2019

Cyclical propagating waves of muscle contraction have been recorded in isolated small intestine or colon, referred to here as motor complexes (MCs). Small intestinal and colonic MCs are neurogenic, occur at similar frequencies, and propagate orally or aborally. Whether they can be coordinated between the different gut regions is unclear. Motor behavior of whole length mouse intestines, from duodenum to terminal rectum, was recorded by intraluminal multisensor catheter. Small intestinal MCs were recorded in 27/30 preparations, and colonic MCs were recorded in all preparations ( n = 30) with similar frequencies (0.54 ± 0.03 and 0.58 ± 0.02 counts/min, respectively). MCs propagated across the ileo-colonic junction in 10/30 preparations, forming “full intestine” MCs. The cholinesterase inhibitor physostigmine increased the probability of a full intestine MC but had no significant effect on frequency, speed, or direction. Nitric oxide synthesis blockade by Nω-nitro-l-arginine, after physostigmine, increased MC frequency in small intestine only. Hyoscine-resistant MCs were recorded in the colon but not small intestine ( n = 5). All MCs were abolished by hexamethonium ( n = 18) or tetrodotoxin ( n = 2). The enteric neural mechanism required for motor complexes is present along the full length of both the small and large intestine. In some cases, colonic MCs can be initiated in the distal colon and propagate through the ileo-colonic junction, all the way to duodenum. In conclusion, the ileo-colonic junction provides functional neural continuity for propagating motor activity that originates in the small or large intestine.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Intraluminal manometric recordings revealed motor complexes can propagate antegradely or retrogradely across the ileo-colonic junction, spanning the entire small and large intestines. The fundamental enteric neural mechanism(s) underlying cyclic motor complexes exists throughout the length of the small and large intestine.
Acute regulation of intestinal ion transport and permeability in response to luminal nutrients: the role of the enteric nervous system
Authors: Cavin Jean-Baptiste , Cuddihey Hailey , MacNaughton Wallace K. , Sharkey Keith A.
Published: November 2019

The small intestine regulates barrier function to absorb nutrients while avoiding the entry of potentially harmful substances or bacteria. Barrier function is dynamically regulated in part by the enteric nervous system (ENS). The role of the ENS in regulating barrier function in response to luminal nutrients is not well understood. We hypothesize that the ENS regulates intestinal permeability and ion flux in the small intestine in response to luminal nutrients. Segments of jejunum and ileum from mice were mounted in Ussing chambers. Transepithelial electrical resistance (TER), short-circuit current ( Isc), and permeability to 4-kDa FITC-dextran (FD4) were recorded after mucosal stimulation with either glucose, fructose, glutamine (10 mM), or 5% Intralipid. Mucosal lipopolysaccharide (1 mg/mL) was also studied. Enteric neurons were inhibited with tetrodotoxin (TTX; 0.5 μM) or activated with veratridine (10 μM). Enteric glia were inhibited with the connexin‐43 blocker Gap26 (20 μM). Glucose, glutamine, Intralipid, and veratridine acutely modified Isc in the jejunum and ileum, but the effect of nutrients on Isc was insensitive to TTX. TTX, Gap26, and veratridine treatment did not affect baseline TER or permeability. Intralipid acutely decreased permeability to FD4, while LPS increased it. TTX pretreatment abolished the effect of Intralipid and exacerbated the LPS‐induced increase in permeability. Luminal nutrients and enteric nerve activity both affect ion flux in the mouse small intestine acutely but independently of each other. Neither neuronal nor glial activity is required for the maintenance of baseline intestinal permeability; however, neuronal activity is essential for the acute regulation of intestinal permeability in response to luminal lipids and lipopolysaccharide.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Luminal nutrients and enteric nerve activity both affect ion transport in the mouse small intestine acutely, but independently of each other. Activation or inhibition of the enteric neurons does not affect intestinal permeability, but enteric neural activity is essential for the acute regulation of intestinal permeability in response to luminal lipids and lipopolysaccharide. The enteric nervous system regulates epithelial homeostasis in the small intestine in a time-dependent, region- and stimulus-specific manner.
Network Pharmacology of Yougui Pill Combined with Buzhong Yiqi Decoction for the Treatment of Sexual Dysfunction
Authors: Wang Yangyun , Yu Wandong , Shi Chaoliang , Jiao Wei , Li Junhong , Ge Jianchao , Hong Yang , Shi Guowei
Published: November 2019

Purpose. We aimed to find the possible key targets of Yougui pill and Buzhong Yiqi decoction for the treatment of sexual dysfunction. Materials and Methods. The composition of Yougui pill combined with Buzhong Yiqi decoction was obtained, and its effective components of medicine were screened using ADME; the component target proteins were predicted and screened based on the TCMSP and BATMAN databases. Target proteins were cross-validated using the CTD database. We performed gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses for target proteins using the Cytoscape plugin ClueGO + CluePedia and the R package clusterProfiler, respectively. Subsequently, protein-protein interaction (PPI) analyses were conducted using the STRING database. Finally, a pharmacological network was constructed. Results. The pharmacological network contained 89 nodes and 176 relation pairs. Among these nodes, there were 12 for herbal medicines (orange peel, licorice, Eucommia, Aconite, Astragalus, Chinese wolfberry, yam, dodder seed, ginseng, Cornus officinalis, Rehmannia, and Angelica), 9 for chemical components (18-beta-glycyrrhetinic acid, carvacrol, glycyrrhetinic acid, higenamine, nobilin, quercetin, stigmasterol, synephrine, and thymol), 62 for target proteins (e.g., NR3C1, ESR1, PTGS2, CAT, TNF, INS, and TP53), and 6 for pathways (MAPK signaling pathway, proteoglycans in cancer, dopaminergic synapse, thyroid hormone signaling pathway, cAMP signaling pathway, and neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction). Conclusion. NR3C1, ESR1, PTGS2, CAT, TNF, INS, and TP53 may be important targets for the key active elements in the decoction combining Yougui pill and Buzhong Yiqi. Furthermore, these target proteins are relevant to the treatment of sexual dysfunction, probably via pathways associated with cancer and signal transduction.
Human Gait Analysis Metric for Gait Retraining
Authors: Ramakrishnan Tyagi , Kim Seok Hun , Reed Kyle B.
Published: November 2019

The combined gait asymmetry metric (CGAM) provides a method to synthesize human gait motion. The metric is weighted to balance each parameter’s effect by normalizing the data so all parameters are more equally weighted. It is designed to combine spatial, temporal, kinematic, and kinetic gait parameter asymmetries. It can also combine subsets of the different gait parameters to provide a more thorough analysis. The single number quantifying gait could assist robotic rehabilitation methods to optimize the resulting gait patterns. CGAM will help define quantitative thresholds for achievable balanced overall gait asymmetry. The study presented here compares the combined gait parameters with clinical measures such as timed up and go (TUG), six-minute walk test (6MWT), and gait velocity. The comparisons are made on gait data collected on individuals with stroke before and after twelve sessions of rehabilitation. Step length, step time, and swing time showed a strong correlation to CGAM, but the double limb support asymmetry has nearly no correlation with CGAM and ground reaction force asymmetry has a weak correlation. The CGAM scores were moderately correlated with TUG and strongly correlated to 6MWT and gait velocity.
Coronary Angiography Characteristics of Symptomatic Patients with Prior Coronary Artery Bypass Graft: A Descriptive Study
Authors: Ma Xiaolong , Chen Pengfei , Zhao Yicheng , Zeng Caiwu , Xin Meng , Ye Qing , Wang Jiangang
Published: November 2019

Objectives. The target of this study was to explore the coronary angiography characteristics for symptomatic patients with prior coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). Methods. Between 2009 and 2017, 993 patients who had undergone CABG but subsequently suffered recurrent symptoms in Beijing Anzhen Hospital were selected for this study and divided into either medical therapy (MT) group (n = 351) or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) group (n = 642) based on the treatment. Clinical data were analyzed between two groups. Results. Patients in the MT group were older and more likely to have chronic lung disease (6.6% vs 3.4%, P=0.026) while patients in the PCI group were more likely to have prior MI (8.8% vs 17.0%, P<0.001). In the MT group, 54.4% of patients had newly developed lesions both in the graft and native coronary artery while 58.1% in the PCI group (P=0.003), and in the MT group, 80.6% had type C coronary artery disease while 60.1% in the PCI group (P<0.001). Patients in the MT group presented higher proportion of diffuse lesions (49.3% vs 15.0%, P<0.001) in native coronary arteries. Conclusion. Patients receiving MT (35.3%) likely had occluded grafts and type C coronary artery disease featuring as diffuse lesions.
Ensemble‐Based Neighborhood Attribute Reduction: A Multigranularity View
Authors: Gao Yuan , Chen Xiangjian , Yang Xibei , Wang Pingxin , Mi Jusheng
Published: November 2019

Recently, multigranularity has been an interesting topic, since different levels of granularity can provide different information from the viewpoint of Granular Computing (GrC). However, established researches have focused less on investigating attribute reduction from multigranularity view. This paper proposes an algorithm based on the multigranularity view. To construct a framework of multigranularity attribute reduction, two main problems can be addressed as follows: (1) The multigranularity structure can be constructed firstly. In this paper, the multigranularity structure will be constructed based on the radii, as different information granularities can be induced by employing different radii. Therefore, the neighborhood‐based multigranularity can be constructed. (2) The attribute reduction can be designed and realized from the viewpoint of multigranularity. Different from traditional process which computes reduct through employing a fixed granularity, our algorithm aims to obtain reduct from the viewpoint of multigranularity. To realize the new algorithm, two main processes are executed as follows: (1) Considering that different decision classes may require different key condition attributes, the ensemble selector is applied among different decision classes; (2) to accelerate the process of attribute reduction, only the finest and the coarsest granularities are employed. The experiments over 15 UCI data sets are conducted. Compared with the traditional single‐granularity approach, the multigranularity algorithm can not only generate reduct which can provide better classification accuracy, but also reduce the elapsed time. This study suggests new trends for considering both the classification accuracy and the time efficiency with respect to the reduct.
Stability Analysis of Slope with Multiple Sliding Surfaces Based on Dynamic Strength‐Reduction DDA Method
Authors: Wang Shuhong , Zhu Chengjin , Wang Pengyu , Zhang Zishan
Published: November 2019

The present study aims to elucidate the problem of a rock mass structural plane with a range of damage degrees and the numerical model selection for analysis of a slope with multiple sliding surfaces. Based on the relative displacement between blocks, the dynamic strength reduction‐discontinuous deformation analysis (hereinafter referred to as DSR‐DDA) method is proposed for studying slopes with multiple sliding surfaces. The slope‐slider classic case was used to test the displacement threshold. The model was applied to the stability analysis of multiple sliding surfaces of a high rock slope in the Fushun West Open‐Pit Mine. The results show that when the displacement threshold is set to 1 mm, the error between the DSR‐DDA results and the theoretical solution is within 0.5%, which satisfies the calculation requirements. The most dangerous slip surface in the Fushun West Open‐Pit Mine slope was identified. Based on the numerical slope model after the first landslide, the position of the secondary slip surface was then identified. The failure mode is traction sliding failure, and the middle and lower oil shales play a key role in the slope stability. This study recommends that mining of the remaining oil shale should stop to avoid causing large‐scale landslides in the upper part of the slope and landslides at the pit‐city boundary.
Free Vibration Analysis of Functionally Graded Spherical Torus Structure with Uniform Variable Thickness along Axial Direction
Authors: Gao Cong , Miao Xuhong , Lu Lin , Huo Ruidong , Hu Qiaolin , Shan Yanhe
Published: November 2019

Based on the Ritz method, this paper focused on the free vibration of functionally graded (FG) spherical torus with uniform variable thickness along axial direction under different boundary conditions. The first‐order shear deformation theory (FSDT) is employed to formulate the analytical model. The method involves partitioning of the spherical torus structure into proper shell segments in order to satisfy the computing requirement of high‐order vibration responses according to the domain decomposition method. The two adjacent segments are connected by using the penalty method, where penalty parameters are defined by the artificial springs; the continuity condition and different boundary conditions can be obtained by assigning the appropriate values of springs. The displacement functions’ components are double mixed series, in which Fourier series and unified Jacobi polynomials, respectively, represent displacement function along circumferential direction and axial direction. Then the Ritz method is used to obtain final solutions. The numerical results obtained by the proposed method show great agreement with previously published literatures and those from the finite element program ABAQUS. The effects of boundary conditions and geometric parameters on the vibration responses of the structure are also presented. The most novelty of this paper is to generalize the selection of admissible displacement functions by using Jacobi polynomial.
Cryosurgery, Intralesional Methotrexate and Imiquimod for Keratoacanthoma: Tuning the Combination
Authors: Gaitanis Georgios , Bassukas Ioannis D.
Published: November 2019

Keratoacanthomas (KA) are self-regressing, destructively expanding keratinocyte skin neoplasms typically characterized by sudden onset of explosive growth followed by complete involution. Cryosurgery, intralesional methotrexate and imiquimod have been used alone or in combination of two for the treatment of KA. Presently 3 patients (49, 60, and 65 years old; two females, one suspected with Ferguson-Smith syndrome), with 5 KA (6–24 mm maximal diameter) were treated with the combination of cryosurgery (liquid N2, open spray, 2 cycles of 15 sec each) and intralesional methotrexate (2.5–30 mg cumulative dose) and subsequent daily application of imiquimod (14–35 days). Starting with 4 cryosurgery/intralesional methotrexate sessions and 5 weeks daily imiquimod, to document feasibility and efficacy we progressively reduced the intensity of the treatment to one cryosurgery/intralesional methotrexate (total dose: 5 mg) session and 14 days of daily imiquimod without compromising efficacy. KA stopped growing promptly with sustained clearance after 6–24 months follow up, implicating a huge potential of therapeutic synergy of the employed modalities in the management of KA. We suggest that, optimized, the present three modalities combination (one session mild cryosurgery/low dose, 5 mg intralesional methotrexate and 2 weeks once daily imiquimod) is a promising treatment for KA that merits evaluation in further studies.
Antepartum Diagnosis and Management of Lamin A/C Disease
Authors: Reza Nosheen , Chowns Jessica L. , Marzolf Amy , Kim Jessica , Levine Lisa D. , Supple Gregory , Owens Anjali Tiku
Published: November 2019

Lamin A/C cardiac disease is a genetic cardiomyopathy and arrhythmia syndrome caused by alterations in the function of the nuclear lamin A and C proteins. It is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner and usually presents in mid- to late adulthood with atrioventricular conduction abnormalities, atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, biventricular dysfunction, and advanced heart failure. While rare, women of childbearing age can exhibit an aggressive disease course, and appropriate risk stratification and management are critical. Here, we present a case of newly diagnosed lamin A/C cardiac disease in a pregnant woman.
A Comparison of Physical Soil Organic Matter Fractionation Methods for Amended Soils
Authors: Duddigan Sarah , Shaw Liz J. , Alexander Paul D. , Collins Chris D.
Published: November 2019

Selecting a suitable physical fractionation method, to investigate soil organic matter dynamics, from the plethora that are available is a difficult task. Using five different physical fractionation methods, on soils either nontreated or with a history of amendment with a range of exogenous organic matter inputs (Irish moss peat; composted horse manure; garden compost) and a resulting range of carbon contents (6.8 to 22.2%), we show that method selection had a significant impact on both the total C recovered and the distribution of the recovered C between unprotected, physically protected, or chemically protected conceptual pools. These between-method differences most likely resulted from the following: (i) variation in the methodological fractions obtained (i.e., distinguishing between aggregate size classes); (ii) their subsequent designation to conceptual pools (e.g., protected versus unprotected); and (iii) the procedures used in sample pretreatment and subsequent aggregate dispersion and fractionation steps. The performance of each method also varied depending on the amendment in question. The findings emphasise the need for an understanding of the nature of the soil samples under investigation, and the stabilisation mechanism of interest, both prior to method selection and when comparing and interpreting findings from literature studies using different fractionation methods.
Improved Isolation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Based on Interactions between N-Acetylglucosamine-Bearing Polymers and Cell-Surface Vimentin
Authors: Ise Hirohiko , Matsunaga Kumiko , Shinohara Marie , Sakai Yasuyuki
Published: November 2019

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in bone marrow and adipose tissues are expected to be effective tools for regenerative medicine to treat various diseases. To obtain MSCs that possess both high differentiation and tissue regenerative potential, it is necessary to establish an isolation system that does not require long-term culture. It has previously been reported that the cytoskeletal protein vimentin, expressed on the surfaces of multiple cell types, possesses N-acetylglucosamine- (GlcNAc-) binding activity. Therefore, we tried to exploit this interaction to efficiently isolate MSCs from rat bone marrow cells using GlcNAc-bearing polymer-coated dishes. Cells isolated by this method were identified as MSCs because they were CD34-, CD45-, and CD11b/c-negative and CD90-, CD29-, CD44-, CD54-, CD73-, and CD105-positive. Osteoblast, adipocyte, and chondrocyte differentiation was observed in these cells. In total, yields of rat MSCs were threefold to fourfold higher using GlcNAc-bearing polymer-coated dishes than yields using conventional tissue-culture dishes. Interestingly, MSCs isolated with GlcNAc-bearing polymer-coated dishes strongly expressed CD106, whereas those isolated with conventional tissue-culture dishes had low CD106 expression. Moreover, senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity in MSCs from GlcNAc-bearing polymer-coated dishes was lower than that in MSCs from tissue-culture dishes. These results establish an improved isolation method for high-quality MSCs.
Experimental Research on Mechanical and Energy Characteristics of Reinforced Rock under Dynamic Loading
Authors: Liu Xinxi , Li Yu , Zhao Fujun , Zhou Yanming , Wang Weiwei , Li Shengnan
Published: November 2019

The properties of anchored surrounding rock may vary considerably under complex geological and stress conditions, especially dynamic loading in deep mining. Therefore, comprehensive study of the reinforced mechanism is required to prevent failures associated with deep mining. In this paper, with sandstone as matrix and steel bar as bolt, the dynamic compression test of reinforced rock was carried out by using a 50 mm rod diameter split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) test device. The mechanical and energy characteristics of reinforced rock under dynamic loading were analyzed. The results show that the dynamic strength of reinforced sample is greater than that of unreinforced sample and increases with the increase of the strain rate. The reflected energy and absorbed energy increase with the increase of incident energy, while the transmitted energy increases slightly. The higher the strain rate, the larger the energy dissipation rate and the higher the degree of fragmentation. It shows that the energy dissipation characteristic reflects the internal damage process to some extent. Compared with the results of unreinforced samples, the reflected energy of reinforced samples significantly increases and the absorbed energy will significantly decrease. It can be seen that the bolt can reduce absorbed energy of surrounding rock, thereby improving the stability of roadway surrounding rock. The results may provide reference for the stability of deep roadway and support design.
A Creep Damage Constitutive Model for a Rock Mass with Nonpersistent Joints under Uniaxial Compression
Authors: Lv Shuran , Wang Wanqing , Liu Hongyan
Published: November 2019

As part of the rock mass, both the mesoscopic and macroscopic flaws will affect the creep mechanical behavior of the rock mass with nonpersistent joints. This study focuses on this kind of rock mass and establishes a creep damage model to account for the effect of the joint on its creep mechanical behavior. First, on basis of analyzing the rock element creep mechanism and the typical creep deformation curve, a new creep damage constitutive model for the rock element is set up by introducing the damage theory and Kachanov damage evolution law into the classic creep constitutive model such as J body model. Second, the determination method of the proposed model parameters is studied in detail. Third, the calculation method of the macroscopic damage caused by the joint proposed by others is introduced which can consider the joint geometry, strength, and deformation parameters at the same time. Finally, the creep damage model for the rock mass with nonpersistent joints under uniaxial compression is proposed. The calculation examples indicate that it can present the effect of the joint on the rock mass creep mechanical behavior.
Syndecan-1: A Review on Its Role in Heart Failure and Chronic Liver Disease Patients’ Assessment
Authors: Miftode Radu-Stefan , Şerban Ionela-Lăcrămioara , Timpau Amalia-Stefana , Miftode Ionela-Larisa , Ion Adriana , Buburuz Ana-Maria , Costache Alexandru-Dan , Costache Irina-Iuliana
Published: November 2019

The close connection and interaction between the cardiac and the liver functions are well-known, as cirrhotic cardiomyopathy is an important clinical entity which best describes the mutual pathogenical influence between these two organs. Due to the fact that cardiac dysfunction in patients with chronic hepatic disorders is oligosymptomatic or even asymptomatic, an early diagnosis represents a challenge for every physician. Syndecan-1—a transmembrane proteoglycan that exerts its functions mainly via its heparane sulfate chains—is a very promising biomarker, correlated not only with the degree of cardiac fibrosis but also with the severity of liver fibrosis. Many studies highlighted its role in the development of cardiac fibrosis or atherogenesis, being significantly correlated with the activity of angiotensin II. Multiple evidence revealed that syndecan-1 is also associated with tissue injury and may regulate inflammatory and regenerative responses, being considered a protective molecule that limits the inflammation and reduces cardiac remodelling and dysfunction after a myocardial infarction. Syndecan-1 may also be used as a reliable biomarker for the noninvasive assessment of liver fibrosis. Under various fibrogenetic conditions, shedding of syndecan’s extracellular domain took place, becoming a soluble form that binds different growth factors and inhibits further fibrosis. This complex molecule is also involved in the lipid metabolism, by altering the clearance of cholesterol particles, and in chronic hepatitis, by enhancing the viral invasion of hepatocytes. Due to the growing interest in this biomarker, multiple studies aimed at revealing syndecan-1’s potential benefits in the diagnosis and prognosis assessment in patients with heart failure or chronic liver disorders. In this review, we review the mechanisms by which syndecan-1 exerts its effects and the possible perspectives opened by its use as a dual cardio-hepatic biomarker.
Facile Hydrothermal Synthesis of Two-Dimensional Porous ZnO Nanosheets for Highly Sensitive Ethanol Sensor
Authors: Van Duy Lai , Hanh Nguyen Hong , Son Dang Ngoc , Hung Pham Tien , Hung Chu Manh , Van Duy Nguyen , Hoa Nguyen Duc , Van Hieu Nguyen
Published: November 2019

Two-dimensional porous ZnO nanosheets were synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method for ethanol gas-sensing application. The morphology, composition, and structure of the synthesized materials were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, and high-resolution transmission electron microcopy. Results showed that the synthesized ZnO materials were porous nanosheets with a smooth surface and a thickness of 100 nm and a large pore size of approximately 80 nm. The as-prepared nanosheets, which had high purity, high crystallinity, and good dispersion, were used to fabricate a gas sensor for ethanol gas detection at different operating temperatures. The porous ZnO nanosheet gas sensor exhibited a high response value of 21 toward 500 ppm ethanol at a working temperature of 400°C with a reversible and fast response to ethanol gas (12 s/231 s), indicating its potential application. We also discussed the plausible sensing mechanism of the porous ZnO nanosheets on the basis of the adopted ethanol sensor.
Research on Price Wars in Supply Chain Networks Based on Multistage Evolutionary Prisoner’s Dilemma Game
Authors: Xu Xiangbin , Zhou Ermin
Published: November 2019

In this paper, we extend price wars to supply chain networks (SCNs), focusing on how price wars affect the performance of SCNs and how to contain a price war. We propose a computational model in which the price competition is modelled as a multistage evolutionary prisoner’s dilemma game between business‐related neighbors in each stage of the SCN, and the temptation to defect of the prisoner’s dilemma game is modelled as a function of the quotation price, which couples the price competition and the dynamic of the SCN. It is found that the price defectors’ exposure rate is the key factor causing price war of the SCN, and only a large proportion of firms in a closely related industry join the price alliance, and the price war in the SCN can be contained effectively.
Biased Sampling Potentially Guided Intelligent Bidirectional RRT∗ Algorithm for UAV Path Planning in 3D Environment
Authors: Wu Xiaojing , Xu Lei , Zhen Ran , Wu Xueli
Published: November 2019

During the last decade, Rapidly‐exploring Random Tree star (RRT∗) algorithm based on sampling has been widely used in the field of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) path planning for its probabilistically complete and asymptotically optimal characteristics. However, the convergence rate of RRT∗ as well as B‐RRT∗ and IB‐RRT∗ is slow for these algorithms perform pure exploration. To overcome the weaknesses above, Biased Sampling Potentially Guided Intelligent Bidirectional RRT∗ (BPIB‐RRT∗) algorithm is proposed in this paper, which combines the bidirectional artificial potential field method with the idea of bidirectional biased sampling. The proposed algorithm flexibly adjusts the sampling space, greatly reduces the invalid spatial sampling, and improves the convergence rate. Moreover, the deeply theoretical analysis of the proposed BPIB‐RRT∗ algorithm is given regarding its probabilistic completeness, asymptotic optimality, and computational complexity. Finally, compared to the latest UAV path planning algorithms, simulation comparisons are demonstrated to show the superiority of our proposed BPIB‐RRT∗ algorithm.
Similarity Design Method of the Inflatable Buffer Landing System
Authors: He Cheng , He Huan , Wang Tao
Published: November 2019

The inflatable buffer landing system, such as the airbag, has been widely used for deep space exploration as a low-cost entry. The impact performance of an airbag landing attenuation system on Mars had to be proven through cushion testing on Earth. In this paper, a design method for the airbag landing attenuation system on Earth is proposed based on similarity relation. With this method, the impact response of the spherical airbag landing attenuation system is derived based on assumptions, and the principal factors have great influence on the impact response of the landing system have been proved. Then, the similarity relation between the full-scale airbag landing attenuation system in the Martian atmosphere and its Earth prototype is obtained through theoretical derivation. Finally, the proposed similarity relationship has been tested on several ground prototypes by FEA. The results of the study show that the Earth prototype by the developed design method is capable of predicting the impact response with good accuracy.
Altered Gut Microbiota Diversity and Composition in Chronic Urticaria
Authors: Lu Tao , Chen Yanxia , Guo Yangmin , Sun Jiayu , Shen Weitao , Yuan Mengsi , Zhang Shuping , He Ping , Jiao Xiaoyang
Published: November 2019

Background. The pathogenesis of chronic urticaria (CU) is closely related to imbalances in immunity. The gastrointestinal microflora provides a vast and continuous stimulation for the immune system. However, the composition and diversity of gut microflora in CU patients are rarely reported. Methods. 10 CU patients and 10 healthy individuals were selected in this study, and their intestinal microbiome was detected by 16S rRNA sequencing. The data were analyzed using R language software. Results. 392 bacterial OTUs were common in the CU and healthy groups, but there were 159 OTUs particularly existing in the CU group, while 87 OTUs only were observed in healthy individuals. The bacterial diversity was reduced in CU patients compared with healthy individuals. The principal component analysis (PCA) and principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) revealed that the bacterial cluster in CU patients and the healthy controls were divided into different branches. Pathogenic strains including Escherichia coli were significantly higher in CU, while Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Prevotella copri, and Bacteroides sp. were significantly lower in CU when compared with the healthy controls. CU patients with a high abundance of Escherichia coli had no ideal effect for probiotic therapy. Conclusion. Our results demonstrated that the microbial composition was significantly different between CU patients and the healthy individual, which may be the reason leading to the various outcomes of probiotic treatment.
Pharmacological Benefits and Risk of Using Hormones in Organ Perfusion and Preservation Solutions in the Aspect of Minimizing Hepatic Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury during Storage
Authors: Ostróżka-Cieślik Aneta , Dolińska Barbara
Published: November 2019

For several years, research has been carried out on the effectiveness of solutions for perfusion and preservation of organs, including the liver. There is a search for an optimal pharmacological composition of these solutions, allowing to preserve or improve vital functions of the organ for as long as possible until it is transplanted into a recipient. Hormones due to their properties, often resulting from their pleiotropic effects, may be a valuable component for optimizing the composition of liver perfusion and preservation solutions. The paper presents the current state of knowledge on liver perfusion and preservation solutions modified with hormones. It also shows the characteristics of the hormones evaluated, taking into account their physiological functions in the body.
Excess Glutamate May Cause Dilation of Retinal Blood Vessels in Glutamate/Aspartate Transporter-Deficient Mice
Authors: Gonome Takayuki , Xie Yuting , Arai Saeko , Yamauchi Kodai , Maeda-Monai Natsuki , Tanabu Reiko , Kudo Takashi , Nakazawa Mitsuru
Published: November 2019

Purpose. To investigate the longitudinal findings of fundus features and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) to characterize the morphologic features in a mouse model of defective glutamate/aspartate transporter (GLAST−/− mice). Materials and Methods. The fundus findings and SD-OCT images were longitudinally recorded at five time points from postnatal (P) 22 to P156 in GLAST−/− mice. As a control wild type, age-matched C57BL/6J mice were employed. The mouse retina was subdivided into five layers, and the thickness of each layer was longitudinally measured by InSight® using SD-OCT pictures. The SD-OCT findings were compared with the histologic appearances. The diameter of the retinal blood vessels was measured by the ImageJ® software program using SD-OCT images. The data were statistically compared between both age-matched mouse groups. Results. The retinal blood vessels appeared more dilated in GLAST−/− mice than in wild-type mice. This tendency was statistically significant at all time points after P44 by analyses using SD-OCT images. The ganglion cell complex (GCC) and outer nuclear layer (ONL) were significantly thinner in GLAST−/− mice at all time points after P80 than in the wild-type mice. This tendency was more clearly indicated by SD-OCT than histologic sections. Discussion. In the present study, we found for the first time the dilation of the retinal blood vessels and the thinning of the ONL in GLAST−/− mice, in addition to the thinning of the GCC.
Direction Finding of Coherent Sources Using a MIMO Array of Triaxial Velocity Sensors
Authors: Song Yuwei , Hu Guoping , Zheng Guimei
Published: November 2019

In the received side, triaxial velocity sensors of MIMO array are used to solve the problem of coherent source direction‐finding in this paper. A new velocity field smoothing algorithm is presented to decorrelate coherent sources. The identically oriented velocity sensors of whole array are divided into three subarrays. Then, the covariance matrices of the three subarrays are smoothed to restore the rank of source covariance matrix (SCM). Lastly, the cross‐correlation coefficients of the SCM after smoothing processing are calculated to analyze the performance of decorrelation. The proposed decorrelation algorithm (1) does not need the information of locations of velocity vector sensors; (2) is suitable for arbitrary configuration array; and (3) has no loss of array effective aperture. Simulation results prove the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Cryptococcosis in Patients following Kidney Transplantation: A 9-Year Retrospective Clinical Analysis at a Chinese Tertiary Hospital
Authors: Yang Meifang , Zhang Xuan , Hu Jianhua , Zhao Hong , Li Lanjuan
Published: November 2019

Background. Cryptococcosis following kidney transplantation (KT) is rare but is associated with considerably increased risk of mortality. At present, data on the association between cryptococcosis and KT in mainland China remain relatively limited. Objectives. This study aims to review our experience related to the management of cryptococcosis following KT at a Chinese tertiary hospital. Methods. All patients with cryptococcosis following KT admitted to our hospital from January 2010 to December 2018 were reviewed. Results. A total of 37 patients with cryptococcosis were enrolled (males: 62.2%). The mean age of the patients was 49.5 ± 9.38 (20–64) years. The average time to infection following KT was 7.0 ± 5.50 years (5 months to 21 years), and 30 patients (81.1%) had cryptococcosis onset >2 years following transplantation. The most common site of infection was the central nervous system, followed by the pulmonary system and skin. Most patients received fluconazole or voriconazole with or without flucytosine as their initial treatment regimen at our hospital. The 2-week mortality rate was 8.1% (3/37), and five patients (13.5%) died within 6 months of being diagnosed with cryptococcosis. Remarkably, all patients who received high-dose fluconazole (800 mg daily) or voriconazole ± flucytosine survived. Conclusions. Cryptococcosis in kidney transplant recipients is typically a late-occurring infection, with most patients having cryptococcosis onset >2 years following KT at our hospital. The central nervous system, pulmonary system, and skin are the main sites of infection. Voriconazole or high-dose fluconazole can be used as an alternative therapy for post-KT cryptococcosis.
Intrapartum Results on Differing Degrees of Ketonuria in Nulliparous Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus during Spontaneous Labor
Authors: Huang Shi-Yun , Yu Bo , He Xin , Chen Yi
Published: November 2019

To compare intrapartum results associated with differing degrees of ketonuria in nulliparous women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), we implemented a retrospective cohort study comparing clinical characteristics among differing degrees of ketonuria and the duration and distribution of ketonuria at different stages of labor. We also analyzed adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes for each group. A total of 570 GDM deliveries were included; of these, 238 had negative ketonuria (41.8%), 180 had moderate ketonuria (31.6%), and 152 had ketosis (26.6%). The proportion of patients with a family history of diabetes significantly increased as the degree of ketonuria increased (P<0.001). Moreover, a significantly lower level of HOMA-IR (the insulin resistance index) was observed for the Negative group (P<0.001). The triglyceride (TG) level was significantly higher in the Ketosis group (P<0.001), and the total cholesterol (TC) levels significantly increased as the degree of ketonuria progressed (P<0.001). There were also higher maternal blood sugar levels and a significantly higher proportion of oxytocin augmentation in ketonuria cases (P<0.001). Over three-fourths of patients (75.6%) had a ketonuria duration of ≤2 hours in the Moderate group, 61.2% had a ketonuria duration of between 3 and 4 h in the Ketosis group, and most of the ketonuria cases resolved in the first stage of labor. As the degree of ketonuria progressed, we observed a significantly higher number of cases with fetal heart rate pattern III (FHR pattern III), meconium-stained amniotic fluid III (MSAF III), postpartum hemorrhages, prolonged labor, neonatal hypoglycemia, an umbilical cord arterial pH of <7.2, low Apgar scores, increased neonatal intensive care admissions, augmented forceps-assisted deliveries, and conversions to cesarean sections. The results showed that ketonuria is common during the intrapartum period and that the risk of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes may increase when complicated with ketonuria.
Barbituric Derivative Nanoaggregates with Aggregation-Induced Emission and Mechanofluorochromism
Authors: Su Xi , Zhang Hanjun , You Kaiyue , Wang Hua , Cui Yuezhi , Yu William W.
Published: November 2019

Three new nonplanar barbituric derivatives, named as TTB, TTTB, and TOB, were synthesized. The D-π-A type conjugated compounds showed obvious intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) property, which was evidenced by theoretical calculations and spectral analyses. All of them exhibited aggregation induced emission (AIE) when formed nanoaggregates. These nanoaggregates also showed reversible mechanofluorochromism (MFC). Their red light emission became deep red after grinding and then recovered with dichloromethane fuming. Hence, a strategy to fabricate mechanofluorochromic nanoaggregate phosphors via nonplanar π-skeleton and steric effect was demonstrated, and these nanophosphors possess potentials for mechanosensors and anticounterfeiting technology.