bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shunt Active Power Filter with Solar Photovoltaic System for Long-Term Harmonic Mitigation
Authors: Suresh P. , Vijayakumar G.
Published: July 2019

This paper proposes a shunt Active Power Filter (APF), supported by Solar Photovoltaic (SPV) system for a grid-connected application that improves power quality. The reference signal for the shunt APF is obtained from the adaptive Proportional Integrative Derivatives (PID), based on an algorithm of Least Mean Eighth (LME) with Unit Vector Template (UVT). The LME algorithm distinguishes the basic weight sections from load currents and estimates the three phase reference source current. These reference currents are used to generate a gate signal for the shunt APF. The DC-link voltage regulator is used to keep the constant DC-link voltage of the shunt APF with an APID controller. To reduce present distortions of electric power distribution systems, a design of a suitable controller is conducted using an intelligent computational technique for predicting the right reference signals. The SPV scheme is designed to obtain the highest energy output from the SPV panel with the maximum power point tracking algorithm (MPPT) scheme and is connected to the power grid. For long-term harmonic mitigation, the SPV system continuously maintains the DC-link of the shunt APF. Mathematically, the presented current reference signal generation scheme is examined and digital simulation outcomes are displayed under distinct steady and dynamic state conditions. Lastly, the complete scheme is validated by using the hardware prototype.
FINANCIAL DEVELOPMENT, TECHNOLOGY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: THE ROLE OF INSTITUTIONS IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
Authors: SABIR SAMINA , LATIF RASHID , QAYYUM UNBREEN , ABASS KAMRAN
Published: July 2019

Financial sector development plays a pivotal role in the process of economic growth and development through mobilization of savings and creating investment opportunities. Financial development also increases the level of technology by providing finance to entrepreneurs for technological innovations which leads to economic growth. Moreover, financial markets develop rapidly in those countries which have strong legal system to enforce property rights, support private contractual arrangement and protect the rights of investors that can support real economic activities. Therefore, the presence of good quality institutions strengthens financial development which leads to technological development and growth. This study investigates the impact of financial development, technology and institutions on economic growth of selected developing countries over the time span of 1996–2015. This study extends the Augmented Solow growth model by incorporating variables such as financial development, technology, institutions and their interaction terms in the model. Due to endogeneity problem, the empirical model used in the study is estimated by System Generalized Method of Moments (System-GMM). Empirical results show that financial development, technology and institutions have very strong effects on the economic growth developing countries. To attain a sustainable economic growth, developing countries should develop their institutions which are necessary for the effective functioning of financial markets that stimulate economic growth by providing finance to entrepreneurs for innovations in technological sectors.
Topological Semimetals from First Principles
Authors: Gao Heng , Venderbos Jörn W.F. , Kim Youngkuk , Rappe Andrew M.
Published: July 2019

We review recent theoretical progress in the understanding and prediction of novel topological semimetals. Topological semimetals define a class of gapless electronic phases exhibiting topologically stable crossings of energy bands. Different types of topological semimetals can be distinguished on the basis of the degeneracy of the band crossings, their codimension (e.g., point or line nodes), and the crystal space group symmetries on which the protection of stable band crossings relies. The dispersion near the band crossing is a further discriminating characteristic. These properties give rise to a wide range of distinct semimetal phases such as Dirac or Weyl semimetals, point or line node semimetals, and type I or type II semimetals. In this review we give a general description of various families of topological semimetals, with an emphasis on proposed material realizations from first-principles calculations. The conceptual framework for studying topological gapless electronic phases is reviewed, with a particular focus on the symmetry requirements of energy band crossings, and the relation between the different families of topological semimetals is elucidated. In addition to the paradigmatic Dirac and Weyl semimetals, we pay particular attention to more recent examples of topological semimetals, which include nodal line semimetals, multifold fermion semimetals, and triple-point semimetals. Less emphasis is placed on their surface state properties, their responses to external probes, and recent experimental developments.
Materials for Automotive Lightweighting
Authors: Taub Alan , De Moor Emmanuel , Luo Alan , Matlock David K. , Speer John G. , Vaidya Uday
Published: July 2019

Reducing the weight of automobiles is a major contributor to increased fuel economy. The baseline materials for vehicle construction, low-carbon steel and cast iron, are being replaced by materials with higher specific strength and stiffness: advanced high-strength steels, aluminum, magnesium, and polymer composites. The key challenge is to reduce the cost of manufacturing structures with these new materials. Maximizing the weight reduction requires optimized designs utilizing multimaterials in various forms. This use of mixed materials presents additional challenges in joining and preventing galvanic corrosion.
Intestinal Absorption Profile of Three Polygala Oligosaccharide Esters in Polygalae Radix and the Effects of Other Components in Polygalae Radix on Their Absorption
Authors: Ba YinYing , Wang MengLin , Zhang KunFeng , Chen QiJun , Wang JiaJia , Lv Hang , Jiang YanYan , Shi Renbing
Published: July 2019

Oligosaccharide esters, which are among the main active components of Polygalae Radix (PR), demonstrate significant pharmacological activities in the human nervous system. In our previous research, some other constituents in PR were able to improve the bioavailability of oligosaccharide esters such as sibiricose A5 (SA5), sibiricose A6 (SA6), and 3,6′-disinapoyl sucrose (DISS), but the related components and their underlying mechanisms remain unknown. The present study aimed to investigate the intestinal absorptive profile of SA5, SA6, and DISS and the absorptive behavior influenced by the coadministration of polygalaxanthone III and total saponins of PR (TS) using an in vitro everted rat gut sac model, along with the possible mechanisms that may influence absorption. The results showed that TS could significantly enhance the absorption of SA5, SA6, and DISS monomers. Verapamil, a P-glycoprotein inhibitor, was able to elevate the absorption of SA5 and SA6, and an absorption experiment using Rho123 led us to conclude that TS influenced the absorption of SA5 and SA6 in a manner similar to that of a P-glycoprotein inhibitor. Sodium caprate, a paracellular absorption enhancer, was found to increase the absorption of SA5, SA6, and DISS. Results showed that the absorption mechanisms of SA5 and SA6 may combine active transport with paracellular passive penetration, while DISS’s absorption was dominated by paracellular passive penetration. However, the relationship between polygala saponins and the absorption of SA5, SA6, and DISS by paracellular passive penetration remain to be examined. This is the direction of our future research.
Investigating the Effects of Chopped Basalt Fiber on the Performance of Porous Asphalt Mixture
Authors: Wang Sheng , Kang Aihong , Xiao Peng , Li Bo , Fu Weili
Published: July 2019

Porous asphalt mixture is a type of asphalt mixture with good drainage. However, it has poor tensile strength performance and durability. Chopped basalt fibers (CBF) have been proved to be an effective additive to improve the mechanical and fatigue performance of asphalt mixtures, but little attention has been paid on porous asphalt mixture. This paper examined the effect of chopped basalt fibers with different lengths (nonfiber, 3 mm, 6 mm, 9 mm, and 12 mm) and contents (3% and 4%) on the performance of the porous asphalt mixture. A series of tests were conducted to figure out the optimum fiber length and content, including draindown test, cantabro abrasion test, freeze-thaw split tensile test, wheel tracking test, low-temperature cracking resistance test, and four-point bending beam test. Thereafter, indirect tensile tests at different temperatures were conducted to investigate the tensile strength properties of porous asphalt mixtures with optimum fiber length and content. Besides, the macroscopic and microscopic morphology of fracture sections of the samples after indirect tensile tests were studied by using a single-lens reflex (SLR) camera and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) so as to further explore the reinforced mechanism of chopped basalt fibers. The results show that the addition of chopped basalt fibers can generally improve the performance of porous asphalt mixture since chopped basalt fibers form a three-dimensional network structure in the porous asphalt mixture.
Prolonged Remission of Cancer of Unknown Primary following Initiation of Eculizumab Therapy for Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria
Authors: Lim Ming Y. , Volmar Keith E. , Key Nigel S.
Published: July 2019

We report the case of a 64-year-old woman who presented with cancer of unknown primary treated with carboplatin and paclitaxel, followed by maintenance erlotinib. Her chemotherapy regimen was discontinued due to the development of profound hemolysis that was later identified to be due to paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH). She was started on a complement inhibitory antibody, eculizumab 900 mg every 2 weeks, with marked suppression of hemolysis. Eight years after diagnosis of cancer, the patient remains on eculizumab with no signs of cancer recurrence on regular imaging. Regardless of whether the co-occurrence of cancer and PNH was any more than coincidental in this patient, the uniqueness of the case is emphasized by the remarkable and sustained response of not only PNH but also possibly the associated cancer to eculizumab.
A Case of an Advanced Chain of Survival in Penetrating Cardiac Injury
Authors: Andersen Mads Jønsson , De Paoli Frank V. , Mærkedahl Rikke , Jepsen Søren Vad , Dalgaard Karoline Skov , Falstie Thomas , Gerstrøm Gustav
Published: July 2019

The survival rate of penetrating cardiac trauma is dismal, with only a few patients reaching the hospital with any signs of life. Short transport time and close proximity to the trauma center are positive factors for survival. We report the successful case of a 21-year-old male with penetrating cardiac injury and tension-pneumothorax with long distance to a trauma facility. The patient was stabbed twice in the anterior left side of the thorax. The emergency services found the patient with suspicion of left tension-pneumothorax. Urgent left mini-thoracotomy was established resulting in spontaneous respiration and clinical improvement. Due to rapid clinical deterioration and clinical suspicion of pericardial tamponade, patient was transported to the local regional hospital only minutes away. Echocardiography confirmed tamponade, and urgent ultrasound-guided pericardiocentesis was performed. During the transport blood was intermittently drained from the pericardial sack until arrival at the trauma center where a penetrating injury to the left ventricle was repaired during urgent cardiac surgery. The patient was discharged 8 days after the incident. Conclusion. Well organized emergency medical transport systems increase the chance of survival in penetrating cardiac injuries. Urgent pericardiocentesis with continuous drainage can help stabilize a patient until arrival at trauma facility.
Identification of Pulse Onset on Cerebral Blood Flow Velocity Waveforms: A Comparative Study
Authors: Asgari Shadnaz , Canac Nicolas , Hamilton Robert , Scalzo Fabien
Published: July 2019

The low cost, simple, noninvasive, and continuous measurement of cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV) by transcranial Doppler is becoming a common clinical tool for the assessment of cerebral hemodynamics. CBFV monitoring can also help with noninvasive estimation of intracranial pressure and evaluation of mild traumatic brain injury. Reliable CBFV waveform analysis depends heavily on its accurate beat-to-beat delineation. However, CBFV is inherently contaminated with various types of noise/artifacts and has a wide range of possible pathological waveform morphologies. Thus, pulse onset detection is in general a challenging task for CBFV signal. In this paper, we conducted a comprehensive comparative analysis of three popular pulse onset detection methods using a large annotated dataset of 92,794 CBFV pulses—collected from 108 subarachnoid hemorrhage patients admitted to UCLA Medical Center. We compared these methods not only in terms of their accuracy and computational complexity, but also for their sensitivity to the selection of their parameters’ values. The results of this comprehensive study revealed that using optimal values of the parameters obtained from sensitivity analysis, one method can achieve the highest accuracy for CBFV pulse onset detection with true positive rate (TPR) of 97.06% and positive predictivity value (PPV) of 96.48%, when error threshold is set to just less than 10 ms. We conclude that the high accuracy and low computational complexity of this method (average running time of 4ms/pulse) makes it a reliable algorithm for CBFV pulse onset detection.
Research on Fault Feature Extraction Method Based on NOFRFs and Its Application in Rotor Faults
Authors: Liu Yang , Zhao Yulai , Li Jintao , Xi Fangquan , Yu Shuanghe , Zhang Ye
Published: July 2019

Rub‐impact between the rotating and static parts is a more common fault. The occurrence of faults is often accompanied by the generation of nonlinear phenomena. However, it is difficult to find out because the nonlinear characteristics are not obvious at the beginning of the fault. As a new frequency domain‐based method, nonlinear output frequency response functions (NOFRFs) use the vibration response to extract the nonlinear characteristics of the system. This method has a better recognition rate for fault detection. Also, it has been applied in structural damages detection, but the high‐order NOFRFs have the characteristics that the signals are weak and the features are difficult to extract. On this basis, the concept of the weighted contribution rate of the NOFRFs is proposed in this paper. The variable weighted coefficients with orders are used to amplify the influence of high‐order NOFRFs on the nonlinearity of the system so as to extract its fault characteristics. The new index RI is proposed based on Clenshaw–Curtis quadrature formula to eliminate the effect of artificially selected weighted coefficients on sensitivity. Especially in the early stage of the fault, the new index varies greatly with the deepening of the fault. Both simulation and experimental results verify the validity and practicability of the new index. The new index has certain guiding significance in the detection of mechanical system faults.
Body Mass Index and the Risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis: An Updated Dose-Response Meta-Analysis
Authors: Feng Xia , Xu Xizhu , Shi Yanjun , Liu Xuezhen , Liu Huamin , Hou Haifeng , Ji Long , Li Yuejin , Wang Wei , Wang Youxin , Li Dong
Published: July 2019

Background. Extensive studies have been carried out to investigate the association between obesity and the risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA); however, the results of the current reported original studies remain inconsistent. This study aimed to clarify the relationship between body mass index and rheumatoid arthritis by conducting an updated overall and dose-response meta-analysis. Methods. The relevant literature was searched using the PubMed and Embase databases (through 20 September 2018) to identify all eligible published studies. Random-effect models and dose-response meta-analyses were used to estimate the pooled risk ratio (RR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Subgroup analyses were also conducted based on the characteristics of the participants. Sensitivity analyses and publication bias tests were also performed to explore potential heterogeneity and bias in the meta-analysis. Results. Sixteen studies that included a total of 406,584 participants were included in the meta-analysis. Compared to participants with normal weight, the pooled RRs of rheumatoid arthritis were 1.12 (95% CI, 1.04-1.20) in overweight and 1.23 (95% CI, 1.09-1.39) in obese participants. There was evidence of a nonlinear relationship between body mass index (BMI) and RA (P  for nonlinearity less than 0.001 in the overall meta-analysis, P for nonlinearity=0.025 in the case-control studies, P for nonlinearity=0.0029 in the cohort studies). No significant heterogeneity was found among studies (I2=10.9% for overweight and I2=45.5% for obesity). Conclusion. The overall and dose-response meta-analysis showed that increased BMI was associated with an increased risk for rheumatoid arthritis, which might present a prevention strategy for the prevention or control of rheumatoid arthritis. The nonlinear relationship between BMI and RA might present a personal prevention strategy for RA.
Preparation and Characterization of a New High-Performance Plastic Explosive in Comparison with Traditional Types
Authors: Elbeih Ahmed , Elshenawy Tamer , Amin Hany , Hussein Ahmed K. , Hammad Sara M.
Published: July 2019

EPX-2R is a high-performance plastic explosive produced for different applications. EPX-2R is based on RDX (1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazinane) bonded by the elastic matrix of the softened styrene butadiene binder. A computerizing mixer plastograph was used for the production of EPX-2R. The internal energy of combustion was measured and used to determine the enthalpy of formation. Friction and impact sensitivities were measured. The velocity of detonation was determined experimentally, and the detonation properties were calculated by the EXPLO 5 code. For comparison, traditional plastic explosives, composition C-4, Semtex 10, Formex P1, EPX-1, and Sprängdeg m/46, were studied. It was concluded that the velocity of detonation of EPX-2R was higher than the studied samples except composition C-4, while its sensitivity is the lowest. Interesting inversely proportional relationship between the measured internal energy of combustion and the calculated heat of detonation was observed.
Modeling the Effect of Intersected Fractures on Oil Production Rate of Fractured Reservoirs by Embedded Fracture Continuum Approach
Authors: Dang Hong-Lam
Published: July 2019

The homogenization of matrix and short fractures is one of the conventional approaches to deal with a plenty of fractures in different scales. However, the accuracy of this approach is still a question when long fractures and short fractures are distributed in the homogenized model. This paper describes a new hybrid method in which the long fractures will be modeled explicitly by the embedded fracture continuum approach and short fractures are considered through the homogenized technique. The author used this hybrid method to demonstrate the effect of fractures which are intersected to the well on the oil production rate as well as the elapsed time of a fractured reservoir in a depletion process. The advantages of the new hybrid method are easy assembling of numerous fractures into the model and incorporation of the complex fracture behaviour into the model.
Quantifying Repeatability Reproducibility Sources of Error and Capacity of a Measurement: Demonstrated Using Laboratory Soil Plasticity Tests
Authors: Li Cheng , Ashlock Jeramy C. , Wang Xuhao
Published: July 2019

The repeatability, reproducibility, and sources of error inherent in a given measurement are important considerations for potential users. To quantify errors arising from a single operator or multiple laboratories, most testing standards uses a one‐way analysis of variance‐ (ANOVA‐) based method, which utilizes a simple standard deviation across all measurements. However, this method does not allow users to quantify the sources of error and capacity (i.e., the precision to tolerance ratio). In this study, an innovative two‐way ANOVA‐based analysis method is selected to quantify the relative contributions of different sources of error and determine whether a measurement can be used to check conformance of a measured characteristic to engineering specifications. In this study, the standardized Atterberg limits tests, fall‐cone device Atterberg limits tests, and bar linear shrinkage tests widely used for determining the soil plasticity were selected for evaluation and demonstration. Comparisons between results of the various testing methods are presented, and the error sources contributing to the overall variations between tests are discussed. Based on the findings of this study, the authors suggest use of two‐way ANOVA‐based R&R analysis to quantify the sources of measurement error and capacity and also recommend using the fall cone device and ASTM standardized thread rolling device for determining liquid and plastic limits of soils, respectively.
First Case of Esophagitis Dissecans Superficialis in an HIV Patient: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Prasoppokakorn Thaninee , Panarat Palakorn
Published: July 2019

Esophagitis dissecans superficialis (EDS), a rare desquamative esophageal disease of uncertain etiology, is characterized by sloughing of fragments of esophageal mucosa. To the best of our knowledge, there has been no reported case of EDS in an HIV-infected patient. We report the first case of EDS in an adult HIV-infected male, who was hospitalized due to dysphagia. Esophagogastroscopy was performed, and the endoscopic findings together with the histopathologic findings of esophageal tissues were consistent with EDS. However, his symptom of dysphagia was not explained by EDS, but was the early symptoms of muscle-specific kinase (MuSK) myasthenia gravis (MG) that we finally diagnosed later by progression of the symptoms and electrophysiologic study. His symptoms had gradually improved after a course of intravenous immunoglobulin treatment. This is the first case of EDS and MuSK myasthenia gravis in an HIV-infected patient. A high index of suspicion of EDS should be made when taking care of the patients with desquamative or sloughing esophagitis especially with unknown etiology.
Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome Secondary to Nivolumab and Ipilimumab in a Patient with Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Agrawal Kavita , Agrawal Nirav
Published: July 2019

We present a case of a 59-year-old male with a confirmed diagnosis of small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). He had progressive disease even after four cycles of cisplatin and etoposide chemotherapy and 21 cycles of radiation. He was therefore started on immunotherapy with nivolumab every 2 weeks and ipilimumab every 6 weeks. After 4 months of starting immunotherapy, he reported extreme fatigue, muscular weakness, and poor appetite. He was diagnosed with hypothyroidism, primary adrenal insufficiency, and Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome (LEMS). LEMS can be both a paraneoplastic syndrome of SCLC and an adverse effect of immunotherapy. Currently, there is no diagnostic test available to determine if a case of LEMS is a paraneoplastic syndrome or immunotherapy-related adverse effect. In our patient, we felt that LEMS was an immunotherapy-related adverse effect rather being a paraneoplastic syndrome. Our determination was based on the time of onset of muscular weakness, presence of other immunotherapy-mediated adverse events, and the appearance of symptoms in spite of SCLC that had been stabilized on immunotherapy. Accordingly, immunotherapy was stopped and a brief tapering course of steroids was initiated. Our patient’s muscular weakness from LEMS responded well. His clinical improvement persisted even with radiologic progression of disease after cessation of immunotherapy.
Modeling of a Chaotic Gyrostat System and Mechanism Analysis of Dynamics Using Force and Energy
Authors: Qi Guoyuan , Yang Xiaogang
Published: July 2019

Incorporating both viscous friction torque and external torque, a mathematical model of a gyrostat system consisting of three rotors and a fixed outer frame is configured. This model is transformed into a Kolmogorov‐type system for force analysis. The force field in the gyrostat system includes four different torques—inertial, internal, dissipative, and external. Correspondingly, four different energies are identified and the interconversion of energies is analyzed. The Casimir power being equivalent to the error power between the supplied power and the dissipative power is found and used to analyze the mechanism underlying the different dynamical behaviors. A four‐wing chaotic attractor is found when the gyrostat is subject to a combination of inertial, internal, and dissipative torques as well as the addition of an external torque. The bifurcation of the Casimir power and leaps in Casimir energy level are used as indicators of the different definitive dynamics, which is demonstrated to be identical to that appearing in the state bifurcation and the Lyapunov exponent spectrum.
Casein Kinase 2 Interacting Protein-1 Suppresses Glioma Cell Proliferation via Regulating the AKT/GSK3β/β-Catenin Pathway
Authors: Xi Yan-Guo , Ren Deng-Peng , Jin Jing-Yun , Zhu Lei , Yi Tai-Long , Shao Xue-Fei , Sun Sheng-Kai , Zhang Wen-Bin , Cheng Shi-Xiang
Published: July 2019

Objective. Casein kinase 2 interacting protein-1 (CKIP-1) has exhibited multiple functions in regulating cell proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, and cytoskeleton. CKIP-1 also plays an important role as a critical regulator in tumorigenesis. The aim of this study is to further examine the function of CKIP-1 in glioma cells.Methods. The expression level of CKIP-1 protein was determined in gliomas tissues and cell lines by immunohistochemistry stain and western blotting while the association of CKIP-1 expression with prognosis was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier method and compared by log-rank test. CKIP-1 was overexpressed or silenced in gliomas cell lines. CCK-8, colony formation assay, and BrdU incorporation assay were used to determine cell proliferation and DNA synthesis. Cell cycle and apoptosis rate were determined with fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) method. Then, expression of key members in AKT/GSK3β/β-catenin pathway was detected by western blot analysis.Results. In the present study, we reported new evidence that CKIP-1 was reversely associated with the proliferation of glioma cells and survival in glioma patients. Additionally, the overexpressed CKIP-1 significantly inhibited glioma cell proliferation. Further experiments revealed that CKIP-1 functioned through its antiproliferative and proapoptotic activity in glioma cells. Importantly, mechanistic investigations suggested that CKIP-1 sharply suppressed the activity of AKT by inhibiting the phosphorylation, markedly downregulated the phosphorylated GSK3βat Ser9, and promotedβ-catenin degradation.Conclusions. Overall, our results provided new insights into the clinical significance and molecular mechanism of CKIP-1 in glioma, which indicated CKIP1 might function as a therapeutic target for clinical treatment of glioma.
Limited-Stop High-Frequency Service Design: Reducing In-Vehicle Congestion
Authors: García Albarracín Andrés Felipe , Jaramillo-Ramírez Daniel
Published: July 2019

Limited-Stop (LS) bus services have recently proved to be essential for improving user welfare and reducing operators’ costs in many cities. The design of LS services has been mainly focused on increasing fleet efficiency and reducing the passengers’ travel time. In this work, we change the focus of LS service design towards the user’s comfort. Given a fixed-size fleet (fixed costs) and a fixed demand on a very high-frequency bus corridor, we propose an algorithm to minimize the peak load profile, combining the usual All-Stop (AS) and one additional LS service, finding the set of stops for the LS service and the fleet split. The strategy is proved in a set of statistically generated corridors, showing average capacity reductions > 20% at a cost of a marginal travel time increase. Analyzing the peak value in the load profile of all simulated corridors, the number of cases where the majority of users would find a seat on the bus increases from 15% to 53%, making the services much more attractive without increasing the costs.
Clinical Characteristics, Intraoperative Findings, and Surgical Outcomes of Canalicular Laceration Repair with Monocanalicular Stent in Asia
Authors: Lin Chun-Hsien , Wang Chun-Yuan , Shen Ying-Cheng , Wei Li-Chen
Published: July 2019

Purpose. To report the epidemiological and clinical data as well as surgical outcomes of canalicular lacerations with Mini-Monoka insertion at a tertiary center in Taiwan and to discuss differences in traumatic pattern, pathogenesis, and surgical outcomes between Taiwan and other countries. Methods. From 2009 to 2018, all 48 patients who underwent canalicular laceration repair with Mini-Monoka stent at a tertiary center in Taiwan were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic and clinical data and surgical outcomes were recorded. Results. The mean age of the 48 patients was 38 years. Single lower canaliculus was involved in 37 (77.1%) patients, upper canaliculus in 10 (20.8%) patients, and both in 1 (2.1%) patient. The most common etiology was motorcycle accident (41.7%), and all traffic accident injuries accounted for 68.75% of cases. Subgroup classification revealed 64.6% of patients (n=31) were categorized in the deep laceration group, and lower anatomical and functional outcomes were noted in deep laceration. The mean follow-up time was 14.5 months. Overall, the anatomical success rate was 87.5%, and the functional success rate was 91.7% after stent removal. Conclusion. Canalicular laceration caused by traffic accidents occurred with a relatively high frequency in Taiwan. Affected patients tended to be middle-aged, and deep laceration accounted for 64.6% of patients. These were contributed by the avulsive eyelid injury mechanism caused by traffic accidents. Furthermore, the deeper lacerated site was located, and the lower anatomical and functional success rates were observed. Early repair after trauma with Mini-Monoka stents achieved good eyelid position (100%) as well as good anatomical (87.5%) and functional (91.7%) success without serious complication.
Experimental Investigation on Shear Strength and Liquefaction Potential of Rubber‐Sand Mixtures
Authors: Enquan Zhou , Qiong Wang
Published: July 2019

The application of scrap tires as construction materials in civil engineering is one of the most promising ways to recycle this pollutant. The objective of this study was to investigate the shear strength and liquefaction potential of saturated rubber‐sand mixtures. Direct shear tests and cyclic triaxial tests were conducted on rubber‐sand mixtures at various rubber contents. It was found that the addition of rubber particles to sand changed the shear stress‐horizontal displacement development. The addition of rubber particles to sand improved the shear strength slightly and improved resistance to liquefaction significantly. Additionally, a hyperbolic model was proposed to describe the pore water pressure generation. This study demonstrates the effect of rubber particles on the physical properties of sand.
Deformation Analysis of Granular Soils under Dynamic Compaction Based on Stochastic Medium Theory
Authors: Du Jifang , Wu Shuaifeng , Hou Sen , Wei Yingqi
Published: July 2019

Dynamic compaction (DC) is widely used to improve the mechanical properties of soils and other granular fill material upon which foundations or other structures are to be built. To calculate the inner deformation induced by DC, a computational model based on stochastic medium theory was developed to deduce the amount of deformation in the fill from the geometry of the DC crater. For this model, the tamper‐soil system was simplified to an axisymmetric geometry and the probability of any unit of material below the crater being deformed can be calculated. Subsequently, the deformation at any point can be obtained by integration. Input parameters for the model were established by back analysis using the results from a DC field test and published data. Comparing the model results to results from actual and simulated DC programs shows that the computational model is useful for calculating deformation induced by DC without the need to consider the constitutive model of the soil.
Bufei Qingyu Granules Inhibit the Development of Systemic Sclerosis via Notch-1/Jagged-2 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Su Minhui , Tian Fang , Ouyang Bingchen , Wu Xiaoyu , Guo Feng , Chen Hua , Zhu Xuejun , Chen Jianmei , Qian Xian
Published: July 2019

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare chronic autoimmune disorder, mainly characterized by skin sclerosis. In this study, Bufei Qingyu Granules (BQG), a Chinese herbal formula, was used to treat SSc. To better understand the effects and molecular mechanisms of BQG, we successfully established a Bleomycin- (BLM-) induced SSc mouse model, and the mice were treated by BQG. Meanwhile, transcriptomic and bioinformatics analyses were conducted on those samples. As a result, we visually showed that BQG ameliorated the overall health of mice, including body weight, spleen, and thymus index. Thus, it also significantly alleviated inflammation presented by Chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 2 (Cxcl2), vasculopathy characterized by α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and fibrotic changes elaborated by not only pathological images, but also the hydroxyproline (HYP) content. After testing by transcriptomic analysis, Cxcl2, Synaptosomal-associated protein 25 (Snap25), and Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3, and subunit J2 (Eif3j2) which were differentially expressed genes, were verified, so that the data were credible. We further found that BQG could regulate Notch signaling pathway by significantly decreasing both mRNA and protein expression levels of Notch-1 and Jagged-2. Hence, this study demonstrated that BQG could ameliorate the sclerotic skin in mice model involved in inflammation, vascular changes, and fibrosis effects, which was partly mediated by Notch signaling pathway.
Statistical Analysis of Flame Oscillation Characterization of Oxy-Fuel in Heavy Oil Boiler Using OH Planar Laser-Induced Fluorescence
Authors: Yu Xin , Cao Zhen , Peng JiangBo , Yu Yang , Chang Guang , Ma Yufei , Li XiaoHui , Yang Chaobo , Wang ZhiQiang
Published: July 2019

The present work investigated the flame structures and oscillations of oxy-fuel combustions in a heavy oil boiler using OH planar laser-induced fluorescence imaging. Combustion instabilities, such as flame oscillation and combustion fluctuation, can assess the performance of an industrial burner in the boiler. The peak position variation in OH concentration was associated with the change of the reaction zone that corresponded with the fluctuation of the heat-release zone in the combustion chamber, which provides a valuable reference for the design of the combustion chamber. The experimental results suggest that the phenomenon of stratified flame combustion is related to the characteristic of flame oscillation. The substitution of N2 with CO2 will not significantly influence the flame oscillation frequency but increases the number of flame surface. As O2 concentration increased in the O2/CO2 atmosphere, the phenomenon of stratified flame combustion disappeared, and the flame presented an island-like structure. The bimodal oscillation of the combustion center was demonstrated by means of the probability density method; CO2 played a role in the extension of the combustion center. The combustion fluctuation of inner regions was quantitatively described; CO2 could maintain interregional stabilization to some extent. Compared with traditional measurement methods, PLIF technology has great advantages in evaluating burner performance and optimizing the design of the combustion chamber.
Biochemical Hallmarks of Oxidative Stress-Induced Overactivation of Xenopus Eggs
Authors: Tokmakov Alexander A. , Awamura Misaki , Sato Ken-Ichi
Published: July 2019

Egg overactivation occurs with a low frequency in the populations of naturally ovulated frog eggs. At present, its natural inducers, molecular mechanisms, and intracellular events remain unknown. Using microscopic and biochemical analyses, we demonstrate here that high levels of hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress can cause time- and dose-dependent overactivation of Xenopus eggs. Lipofuscin accumulation, decrease of soluble cytoplasmic protein content, and depletion of intracellular ATP were found to take place in the overactivated eggs. Progressive development of these processes suggests that egg overactivation unfolds in a sequential and ordered fashion.
The Size of the Foveal Avascular Zone Is Associated with Foveal Thickness and Structure in Premature Children
Authors: Miki Akiko , Yamada Yuko , Nakamura Makoto
Published: July 2019

Purpose. To investigate the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) in the eyes of patients with a history of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and to identify associated clinical factors. Patients and methods. Overall, 14 children with a history of laser treatment for ROP, 17 children born prematurely without a history of ROP, and 41 age-matched children born at full-term (age range 7–14 years) were included. OCTA was conducted on an area measuring 3 × 3 mm in the central macula. The area of FAZ in the superficial layer was measured. Foveal thickness (FT), ganglion cell complex thickness, and the presence of inner retinal layer (IRL) at the fovea were evaluated. Results. There were significant differences in FT and FAZ size among patients (P<0.001). The eyes of patients that had been treated for ROP showed the smallest FAZ and greatest FT. Univariate analyses demonstrated that the area of FAZ was not correlated with visual acuity (P=0.078) but with gestational age (GA) (P=0.001), birth weight (P=0.013), the presence of IRL (P<0.001), and FT (P<0.001). Multivariate regression analyses showed that the area of FAZ was significantly associated with GA, the presence of IRL, and FT (P=0.03, P=0.01, P<0.001, respectively). Conclusion. The eyes of preterm children had small FAZ, and this reduction in area was associated with greater FT, the presence of IRL, and lower GA.
Orthographic Visualisation Induced Brain Activations in a Chronic Poststroke Global Aphasia with Dissociation between Oral and Written Expression
Authors: Usinskiene Jurgita , Mouthon Michael , Martins Gaytanidis Chrisovalandou , Toscanelli Agnes , Annoni Jean-Marie
Published: July 2019

We propose a method of orthographic visualisation strategy in a poststroke severe aphasia person with dissociation between oral and written expression. fMRI results suggest that such strategy may induce the engagement of alternative nonlanguage networks and visual representations may help improving oral output. This choice of rehabilitation method can be based on the remaining capacities and, therefore, on written language. Most notably, no study so far addressed how orthographic visualisation strategy during speech rehabilitation might influence clinical outcomes in nonfluent aphasia and apraxia patients.
Parents’ Attitude about Hepatitis B Disease and Practice of Hepatitis B Vaccination among Children in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Authors: Giao Huynh , Quang Vinh Bui , Huynh Tam Lang Nguyen , Le An Pham
Published: July 2019

Introduction. The Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) in Vietnam for hepatitis B (HepB) among infants has been implemented since 2003. The rates of the birth dose (babies receiving HepB immunization injection within 24 hours after birth) and the later three-dose series were low in 2013-2014. Objective. This article evaluated attitudes about the hepatitis B disease and vaccine in relation to the correct practice of vaccination among mothers of 12–24-month-old children in Ho Chi Minh City. Material and Methods. The parents of 768 children aged 12 to 24 months, in Ho Chi Minh City, were interviewed and reviewed their vaccination cards from February 2016 to July 2017. Results. A total of 768 children had parents of a mean age of 30.8 years, approximately 34% of the children with a mean age of 16.8 months completed all four doses of the hepatitis B vaccine in a timely manner according to the EPI, and only 45.2% of children received the birth dose on schedule within 24 hours. The mother’s fears of HepB risk in the community, living in rural areas, and receiving vaccination information from health workers increased the odds of complete and timely HepB vaccination (all p<0.05). Conclusions. A high rate of children did not receive a complete and timely HepB vaccination in the EPI. Health information strategies should be designed to target urban people and focus on safety of the vaccine, by health workers, to increase the correct practices of hepatitis B vaccination, including the birth dose, and provide education programs that emphasize the high risk for getting hepatitis B.
Bilateral Chylothorax as a Unique Presentation of Pancreaticobiliary or Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer
Authors: Merza Nooraldin , Lung John , Saadaldin Mazin , Naguib Tarek
Published: July 2019

Chylothorax presents as exudate with lymphocytic predominance and high triglyceride-low LDH levels, usually due to a traumatic disruption of the thoracic duct, possibly iatrogenic. Other causes include malignancy, sarcoidosis, goiter, AIDS, or tuberculosis. Here we present a case of a 66-year-old male who came in with cough and shortness of breath for few weeks. A week earlier, at an ED visit, he was diagnosed with pneumonia based on CT angiogram of the chest without contrast that showed bilateral pleural effusion and bilateral pulmonary infiltrates. The CT-guided placement of bilateral chest tube drained 1160 cc of creamy yellow fluid on the right and 1200 cc of creamy yellow fluid on the left. CT chest/abdomen/pelvis showed bilateral ground-glass opacities within the lungs and possible bony metastasis. A whole-body bone scan showed multiple bony metastatic lesions throughout the skeleton. IR guided bone biopsy suggested upper GI or pancreaticobiliary cancer. Venous ultrasound with Doppler of left upper extremity showed findings suggestive of a nonocclusive DVT of proximal/mid left subclavian vein which is difficult to compress. Eventually, malignancy-related DVT of the left subclavian/brachiocephalic vein was identified as the possible etiology for the bilateral chylothorax.
Role of Gender in the Prevalence of Myopia among Polish Schoolchildren
Authors: Czepita Maciej , Czepita Damian , Safranow Krzysztof
Published: July 2019

Purpose. The aim of the paper was to study the role of gender in the progression of myopia among Polish schoolchildren.Materials and Methods.4875 children from elementary schools and high schools were examined (2470 boys, aged 6–16 years, mean age 11.0, SD = 2.6 and 2405 girls, aged 6–16 years, mean age 11.1, SD = 2.6). The examined students were Caucasian and resided in and around Szczecin, Poland. The examination included retinoscopy under cycloplegia. The refractive error readings were reported as spherical equivalent (SE). Myopia was defined as SE of at least −0.5 D. Data analysis was performed using the Mann–WhitneyUtest and 2-sided Fisher’s exact test.pvalues of less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.Results. It was found that the SE among Polish boys is similar to the SE among Polish girls before the age of 9 years. However, in older children, lower SE values and higher prevalence of myopia were found among girls than boys, both at 9–13 years range (0.45 ± 1.05 vs 0.55 ± 1.23 D,p=0.047and 8.30% vs 5.71%,p=0.015, respectively) and at 13–16 years range (0.32 ± 1.14 vs 0.54 ± 1.08 D, p=0.0093and 10.37% vs 5.96%,p=0.0050), respectively.Conclusions. Gender is associated with the prevalence of myopia among Polish schoolchildren ranging from 9 to 16 years of age.
Physical Activity Plus Energy Restriction Prevents 4T1.2 Mammary Tumor Progression, MDSC Accumulation, and an Immunosuppressive Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Turbitt William J. , Xu Yitong , Sosnoski Donna M. , Collins Shawntawnee D. , Meng Huicui , Mastro Andrea M. , Rogers Connie J.
Published: July 2019

Physical activity and the prevention of weight gain decrease breast cancer incidence and improve survival. Unraveling the biological mechanisms underlying these cancer prevention effects is difficult because activity and dietary restriction are often linked. The goal of this study was to determine whether physical activity (PA), preventing weight gain via energy restriction (ER), or the combination was most effective in delaying tumor growth, reducing metastatic progression, and improving survival in the 4T1.2 mammary tumor model. Furthermore, we determined whether any of these interventions prevented the expansion of protumor immunosuppressive cells and altered the tumor microenvironment (TME). Female BALB/c mice (n = 7–20/group) were randomized to sedentary (SED) or PA wheel cages and fed ad libitum (AL) or 90% of control food intake (ER). After 8 weeks on the interventions, mice were inoculated with 5 × 104 4T1.2luc cells into the 4th mammary fat pad and continued on their respective intervention. PA+ER significantly delayed primary tumor growth (final tumor volume, 0.193 ± 0.042 vs. 0.369 ± 0.049 cm3, P < 0.001), reduced metastatic burden in the lungs (0.72 ± 0.36 vs. 16.27 ± 6.98, P = 0.054) and increased survival (median survival, 68 vs 40 days, P = 0.043) compared with SED+AL mice. PA+ER also reduced the expression level of metastatic and immunosuppressive genes and resulted in favorable changes in immune cell infiltrates in the tumor. These data suggest that both PA and ER are needed to reduce tumor growth, delay metastatic progression, and improve survival, and that this protection is associated with changes in immune-mediated mechanisms.
Proteomic Analysis of Plasma Reveals Fat Mass Influences Cancer-Related Pathways in Healthy Humans Fed Controlled Diets Differing in Glycemic Load
Authors: Garrison Carly B. , Zhang Yuzheng , Navarro Sandi L. , Randolph Timothy W. , Hullar Meredith A.J. , Kratz Mario , Neuhouser Marian L. , Raftery Daniel , Lampe Paul D. , Lampe Johanna W.
Published: July 2019

Increased adiposity and diets high in glycemic load (GL) are associated with increased risk of many chronic diseases including cancer. Using plasma from 80 healthy individuals [40 men/40 women, 29 with DXA-derived low fat mass (FM) and 51 with high FM] in a randomized cross-over–controlled feeding trial and arrays populated with 3,504 antibodies, we measured plasma proteins collected at baseline and end of each of two 28-day controlled diets: a low GL diet high in whole grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables (WG) and a high GL diet high in refined grains and added sugars (RG). Following univariate testing for proteins differing by diet, we evaluated pathway-level involvement. Among all 80 participants, 172 proteins were identified as differing between diets. Stratifying participants by high and low FM identified 221 and 266 proteins, respectively, as differing between diets (unadjusted P < 0.05). These candidate proteins were tested for overrepresentation in Reactome pathways, corresponding to 142 (of 291) pathways in the high-FM group and 72 (of 274) pathways in the low-FM group. We observed that the cancer-related pathways, DNA Repair, DNA Replication, and Cell Cycle, were overrepresented in the high-FM participants while pathways involved in post-translational protein modification were overrepresented in participants with either FM. Although high-GL diets are associated with increased risk of some cancers, our study further suggests that biology associated with consumption of GL diets is variable depending on an individual's adiposity and dietary recommendations related to cancer prevention be made with the additional consideration of an individual's FM.