bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Passive sensorimotor stimulation triggers long lasting alpha-band fluctuations in visual perception
Authors: Tomassini Alice , D’Ausilio Alessandro
Published: October 2017

Movement planning and execution rely on the anticipation and online control of the incoming sensory input. Evidence suggests that sensorimotor processes may synchronize visual rhythmic activity in preparation of action performance. Indeed, we recently reported periodic fluctuations of visual contrast sensitivity that are time-locked to the onset of an intended movement of the arm. However, the origin of the observed visual modulations has so far remained unclear because of the endogenous (and thus temporally undetermined) activation of the sensorimotor system that is associated with voluntary movement initiation. In this study, we activated the sensorimotor circuitry involved in the hand control in an exogenous and controlled way by means of peripheral stimulation of the median nerve and characterized the spectrotemporal dynamics of the ensuing visual perception. The stimulation of the median nerve triggers robust and long-lasting (∼1 s) alpha-band oscillations in visual perception, whose strength is temporally modulated in a way that is consistent with the changes in alpha power described at the neurophysiological level after sensorimotor stimulation. These findings provide evidence in support of a causal role of the sensorimotor system in modulating oscillatory activity in visual areas with consequences for visual perception.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study shows that the peripheral activation of the somatomotor hand system triggers long-lasting alpha periodicity in visual perception. This demonstrates that not only the endogenous sensorimotor processes involved in movement preparation but also the passive stimulation of the sensorimotor system can synchronize visual activity. The present work suggests that oscillation-based mechanisms may subserve core (task independent) sensorimotor integration functions.
Carotid chemoreceptors tune breathing via multipath routing: reticular chain and loop operations supported by parallel spike train correlations
Authors: Morris Kendall F. , Nuding Sarah C. , Segers Lauren S. , Iceman Kimberly E. , O’Connor Russell , Dean Jay B. , Ott Mackenzie M. , Alencar Pierina A. , Shuman Dale , Horton Kofi-Kermit , Taylor-Clark Thomas E. , Bolser Donald C. , Lindsey Bruce G.
Published: October 2017

We tested the hypothesis that carotid chemoreceptors tune breathing through parallel circuit paths that target distinct elements of an inspiratory neuron chain in the ventral respiratory column (VRC). Microelectrode arrays were used to monitor neuronal spike trains simultaneously in the VRC, peri-nucleus tractus solitarius (p-NTS)-medial medulla, the dorsal parafacial region of the lateral tegmental field (FTL-pF), and medullary raphe nuclei together with phrenic nerve activity during selective stimulation of carotid chemoreceptors or transient hypoxia in 19 decerebrate, neuromuscularly blocked, and artificially ventilated cats. Of 994 neurons tested, 56% had a significant change in firing rate. A total of 33,422 cell pairs were evaluated for signs of functional interaction; 63% of chemoresponsive neurons were elements of at least one pair with correlational signatures indicative of paucisynaptic relationships. We detected evidence for postinspiratory neuron inhibition of rostral VRC I-Driver (pre-Bötzinger) neurons, an interaction predicted to modulate breathing frequency, and for reciprocal excitation between chemoresponsive p-NTS neurons and more downstream VRC inspiratory neurons for control of breathing depth. Chemoresponsive pericolumnar tonic expiratory neurons, proposed to amplify inspiratory drive by disinhibition, were correlationally linked to afferent and efferent “chains” of chemoresponsive neurons extending to all monitored regions. The chains included coordinated clusters of chemoresponsive FTL-pF neurons with functional links to widespread medullary sites involved in the control of breathing. The results support long-standing concepts on brain stem network architecture and a circuit model for peripheral chemoreceptor modulation of breathing with multiple circuit loops and chains tuned by tegmental field neurons with quasi-periodic discharge patterns.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We tested the long-standing hypothesis that carotid chemoreceptors tune the frequency and depth of breathing through parallel circuit operations targeting the ventral respiratory column. Responses to stimulation of the chemoreceptors and identified functional connectivity support differential tuning of inspiratory neuron burst duration and firing rate and a model of brain stem network architecture incorporating tonic expiratory “hub” neurons regulated by convergent neuronal chains and loops through rostral lateral tegmental field neurons with quasi-periodic discharge patterns.
Study on the Stiffness Correction Method of Novel Antivibration Bearing for Urban Rail Transit Viaduct
Authors: Xie Weiping , Du Youfu , Sun Liangming , Marioni Agostino , Liang Xu
Published: October 2017

A novel antivibration bearing is developed to reduce the train-induced vibrations for urban rail transit viaduct. It adopts four high-damping thick rubber blocks stacking slantingly to reduce the vibration and provide large lateral stiffness. But the existing stiffness calculation method of laminated rubber bearing aimed at horizontal seismic isolation is unsuitable for thick rubber bearing designed for vertical vibration reduction. First, the stiffness correction method has been proposed based on the characteristics of the novel bearing. Second, to validate the design method, mechanical property tests are performed on a specimen of the novel bearing with design frequency at 8 Hz and with 3500 kN bearing capacity. Third, damping effects of the novel bearing are investigated through impulse vibration tests on scaled models. Results show that the mechanical property of the novel bearing can satisfy the engineering demand, and the proposed method for calculating the stiffness agrees well with the test results. The overall insertion loss of the novel bearing is 13.49 dB which is 5.32 dB larger than that of steel bearing, showing that the novel bearing is very promising to be used in the field to mitigate train-induced vibrations.
Bifurcations and Dynamics of the Rb-E2F Pathway Involving miR449
Authors: Li Lingling , Shen Jianwei
Published: October 2017

We focused on the gene regulative network involving Rb-E2F pathway and microRNAs (miR449) and studied the influence of time delay on the dynamical behaviors of Rb-E2F pathway by using Hopf bifurcation theory. It is shown that under certain assumptions the steady state of the delay model is asymptotically stable for all delay values; there is a critical value under another set of conditions; the steady state is stable when the time delay is less than the critical value, while the steady state is changed to be unstable when the time delay is greater than the critical value. Thus, Hopf bifurcation appears at the steady state when the delay passes through the critical value. Numerical simulations were presented to illustrate the theoretical results.
Surface Corrosion and Microstructure Degradation of Calcium Sulfoaluminate Cement Subjected to Wet-Dry Cycles in Sulfate Solution
Authors: Zhang Wuman , Gong Sheng , Kang Bing
Published: October 2017

The hydration products of calcium sulfoaluminate (CSA) cement are different from those of Portland cement. The degradation of CSA cement subjected to wet-dry cycles in sulfate solution was studied in this paper. The surface corrosion was recorded and the microstructures were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results show that SO42-, Na+, Mg2+, and Cl− have an effect on the stability of ettringite. In the initial period of sulfate attack, salt crystallization is the main factor leading to the degradation of CSA cement specimens. The decomposition and the carbonation of ettringite will cause long-term degradation of CSA cement specimens under wet-dry cycles in sulfate solution. The surface spalling and microstructure degradation increase significantly with the increase of wet-dry cycles, sulfate concentration, and water to cement ratio. Magnesium sulfate and sodium chloride reduce the degradation when the concentration of sulfate ions is a constant value.
The Influence of Different Oregano Species on the Antioxidant Activity Determined Using HPLC Postcolumn DPPH Method and Anticancer Activity of Carvacrol and Rosmarinic Acid
Authors: Baranauskaite Juste , Kubiliene Asta , Marksa Mindaugas , Petrikaite Vilma , Vitkevičius Konradas , Baranauskas Algirdas , Bernatoniene Jurga
Published: October 2017

The aim of this study was to evaluate concentration-dependent antioxidant and anticancer activities of CA and RA in ethanol extracts of three different Oregano species (Origanum onites L., Origanum vulgare L., and Origanum vulgare ssp. hirtum). The study revealed the highest RA antioxidant activity in O. vulgare ssp. hirtum (9550±95 mmol/g) and the lowest in O. vulgare L. (2605±52 mmol/g) (p<0.05). The highest CA amount was present in O. onites L., which was 1.8 and 4.7 times higher (p<0.05) than in O. vulgare ssp. hirtum and O. vulgare L., respectively. The anticancer activity was evaluated on human glioblastoma (U87) and triple-negative breast cancer (MDA-MB231) cell lines in vitro. RA anticancer activity was negligible. CA and the extracts were about 1.5–2 times more active against MDA-MB231 cell line (p<0.05) compared to U87 cell line. The anticancer activities of three tested extracts were similar against U87 cell line (p>0.05) but they had different activities against MDA-MB231 cell line.
Dynamic Behavior Analysis of Touchdown Process in Active Magnetic Bearing System Based on a Machine Learning Method
Authors: Sun Zhe , Yan Xunshi , Zhao Jingjing , Kang Xiao , Yang Guojun , Shi Zhengang
Published: October 2017

Magnetic bearings are widely applied in High Temperature Gas-cooled Reactor (HTGR) and auxiliary bearings are important backup and safety components in AMB systems. The performance of auxiliary bearings significantly affects the reliability, safety, and serviceability of the AMB system, the rotating equipment, and the whole reactor. Research on the dynamic behavior during the touchdown process is crucial for analyzing the severity of the touchdown. In this paper, a data-based dynamic analysis method of the touchdown process is proposed. The dynamic model of the touchdown process is firstly established. In this model, some specific mechanical parameters are regarded as functions of deformation of auxiliary bearing and velocity of rotor firstly; furthermore, a machine learning method is utilized to model these function relationships. Based on the dynamic model and the Kalman filtering technique, the proposed method can offer estimation of the rotor motion state from noisy observations. In addition, the estimation precision is significantly improved compared with the method without learning. The proposed method is validated by the experimental data from touchdown experiments.
Early Production of the Neutrophil-Derived Lipid Mediators LTB4and LXA4Is Modulated by Intracellular Infection withLeishmania major
Authors: Plagge Michael , Laskay Tamás
Published: October 2017

Recruitment of neutrophil granulocytes to sites of infectious tissue damage is an early event in innate immune responses. Following chemotactic signals neutrophils establish a first line of defense in a swarm-like manner. Intracellular pathogens such asLeishmania majorcan, however, evade neutrophil-mediated killing and survive inside neutrophils. To achieve this the parasites evolved potent evasion mechanisms. Since neutrophils are a major source of inflammation regulating lipid mediators, we hypothesized that intracellular infection modifies the release of pro- and anti-inflammatory lipid mediators like leukotriene B4 (LTB4) and lipoxin A4 (LXA4), respectively. In the present study, we demonstratedin vitrothatL. major-infected primary human neutrophils release an increased amount of LTB4, whereas LXA4liberation is reduced during the first hours of infection. To investigate whether lipid mediator modulation is a common feature in intracellular infections, we tested the impact of an infection withAnaplasma phagocytophilum. Similarly toL. major, neutrophil infection withA. phagocytophilumled to an enhanced release of LTB4and decreased LXA4production. Together, our findings indicate that intracellular infections modulate the lipid mediator profile of neutrophils. This effect is likely to contribute to the survival of the pathogens in neutrophils and to the outcome of the infections.
Effects of Transverse Deformation on Free Vibration of 2D Curved Beams with General Restraints
Authors: Wang Xueren , Miao Xuhong , Jia Di , Gao Shengyao
Published: October 2017

An efficient modified Fourier series-based sampling surface approach is proposed for the analytical evaluation of the vibration characteristics of thick curved beams subjected to general restraints. The theoretical models of the beams are formulated by the theory of elasticity in two dimensions, which allows arbitrary thickness configurations to be tackled. As an innovation of this work, the approach is based upon the sampling surface method combined with the use of modified Fourier series approximation. In particular, the transverse beam domain is discretized by a set of sampling surfaces with unequal spaces, and the displacement components in beam domain coinciding with these surfaces are mathematically described as a set of modified Fourier series in which certain supplementary functions are included to remove all the relevant discontinuities with the displacements and their derivatives at the boundaries to form a mathematically complete set and guarantee the results convergent to the exact solutions. The final results are numerically solved using a modified variational principle by means of Lagrange multipliers and penalty method for the sake of arbitrary boundary conditions. The influences of transverse normal and shear deformation on the vibration characteristics with respect to the geometrical dimension and boundary conditions are systematically evaluated.
Small Molecule Supplements Improve Cultured Megakaryocyte Polyploidization by Modulating Multiple Cell Cycle Regulators
Authors: Zou Xiaojing , Qu Mingyi , Fang Fang , Fan Zeng , Chen Lin , Yue Wen , Xie Xiaoyan , Pei Xuetao
Published: October 2017

Platelets (PLTs) are produced by megakaryocytes (MKs) that completed differentiation and endomitosis. Endomitosis is an important process in which the cell replicates its DNA without cytokinesis and develops highly polyploid MK. In this study, to gain a better PLTs production, four small molecules (Rho-Rock inhibitor (RRI), nicotinamide (NIC), Src inhibitor (SI), and Aurora B inhibitor (ABI)) and their combinations were surveyed as MK culture supplements for promoting polyploidization. Three leukemia cell lines as well as primary mononuclear cells were chosen in the function and mechanism studies of the small molecules. In an optimal culture method, cells were treated with different small molecules and their combinations. The impact of the small molecules on megakaryocytic surface marker expression, polyploidy, proliferation, and apoptosis was examined for the best MK polyploidization supplement. The elaborate analysis confirmed that the combination of SI and RRI together with our MK induction system might result in efficient ploidy promotion. Our experiments demonstrated that, besides direct downregulation on the expression of cytoskeleton protein actin, SI and RRI could significantly enhance the level of cyclins through the suppression of p53 and p21. The verified small molecule combination might be further used in the in vitro PLT manufacture and clinical applications.
MR Assessment of Acute Pathologic Process after Myocardial Infarction in a Permanent Ligation Mouse Model: Role of Magnetic Nanoparticle-Contrasted MRI
Authors: Park Cheongsoo , Park Eun-Hye , Kang Jongeun , Zaheer Javeria , Lee Hee Gu , Lee Chul-Ho , Chang Kiyuk , Hong Kwan Soo
Published: October 2017

We evaluated the relationship between myocardial infarct size and inflammatory response using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) in an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) mouse model. Myocardial infarction (MI) was induced in 14 mice by permanent ligation of the left anterior descending artery. Late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), manganese-enhanced MRI (MEMRI), and magnetofluorescent nanoparticle MRI (MNP-MRI) were performed 1, 2, and 3 days after MI, respectively. The size of the enhanced lesion was quantitatively determined using Otsu’s thresholding method in area-based and sector-based approaches and was compared statistically. Linear correlation between the enhanced lesion sizes was evaluated by Pearson’s correlation coefficients. Differences were compared using Bland-Altman analysis. The size of the inflammatory area determined by MNP-MRI (57.1 ± 10.1%) was significantly larger than that of the infarct area measured by LGE (40.8 ± 11.7%, P<0.0001) and MEMRI (44.1 ± 14.9%, P<0.0001). There were significant correlations between the sizes of the infarct and inflammatory lesions (MNP-MRI versus LGE: r=0.3418, P=0.0099; MNP-MRI versus MEMRI: r=0.4764, P=0.0002). MNP-MRI provides information about inflammatory responses in a mouse model of AMI. Thus, MNP-MRI associated with LGE and MEMRI may play an important role in monitoring the disease progression in MI.
Bifurcation of Lane Change and Control on Highway for Tractor-Semitrailer under Rainy Weather
Authors: Peng Tao , Guan Zhiwei , Zhang Ronghui , Dong Jinsong , Li Kening , Xu Hongguo
Published: October 2017

A new method is proposed for analyzing the nonlinear dynamics and stability in lane changes on highways for tractor-semitrailer under rainy weather. Unlike most of the literature associated with a simulated linear dynamic model for tractor-semitrailers steady steering on dry road, a verified 5DOF mechanical model with nonlinear tire based on vehicle test was used in the lane change simulation on low adhesion coefficient road. According to Jacobian matrix eigenvalues of the vehicle model, bifurcations of steady steering and sinusoidal steering on highways under rainy weather were investigated using a numerical method. Furthermore, based on feedback linearization theory, taking the tractor yaw rate and joint angle as control objects, a feedback linearization controller combined with AFS and DYC was established. The numerical simulation results reveal that Hopf bifurcations are identified in steady and sinusoidal steering conditions, which translate into an oscillatory behavior leading to instability. And simulations of urgent step and single-lane change in high velocity show that the designed controller has good effects on eliminating bifurcations and improving lateral stability of tractor-semitrailer, during lane changing on highway under rainy weather. It is a valuable reference for safety design of tractor-semitrailers to improve the traffic safety with driver-vehicle-road closed-loop system.
Purulent Appearing Material in an Endobronchial Ultrasound-Guided Transbronchial Needle Aspiration of Mediastinal Lymph Node: A Diagnostic Challenge
Authors: Pena Damaris , Diaz-Fuentes Gilda , Venkatram Sindhaghatta
Published: October 2017

Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) has increasingly been performed for the diagnosis and staging of thoracic malignancies. Findings of a necrotic lymph node raise concern for infectious process and malignancy. A hypoechoic area on ultrasound/EBUS within a lymph node without blood flow is suggestive of pathologies like infections or malignancy. Inspection of the fluid could suggest a diagnosis; clear aspirates usually suggest bronchogenic or mediastinal cysts and purulent material suggests abscesses or necrotic lymph nodes. Growing tumor cells require a blood supply; if the vascular stroma is insufficient due to rapidly growing malignant tumors this could lead to large central areas of ischemic necrosis. Necrotic aspiration of lymph nodes is not always of infectious etiology. Aspiration of fluid in EBUS-TBNA is a rare occurrence, and malignancy should be considered when purulent fluid material is obtained. We present an elderly woman who underwent bronchoscopy with EBUS-TBNA for evaluation of upper lung nodule and mediastinal lymphadenopathy. Pus-like material was obtained on needle aspiration and endobronchial biopsy and mediastinal core biopsy revealed squamous cell carcinoma.
Families Living with Blood-Borne Viruses: The Case for Extending the Concept of “Serodiscordance”
Authors: Persson Asha , Newman Christy E. , Hamilton Myra , Bryant Joanne , Wallace Jack , valentine kylie
Published: October 2017

The concept of “serodiscordance” (mixed infection status) is primarily associated with epidemiological concerns about HIV transmission risk in couples. We make the case for extending this concept to include families with mixed HIV and viral hepatitis status. Social research on couples with mixed HIV and hepatitis C status has laid an important foundation for illuminating how experiences of serodiscordance within intimate partnerships are much broader than concerns about risk. This body of work attests to serodiscordance holding promise as a valuable concept for understanding viral infections as socially situated and intensely relational phenomena. However, serodiscordance is still limited as a concept because of its near universal focus on couples. It is rarely applied to wider relationships, including family networks beyond the couple. Despite evidence in the literature that families are affected by blood-borne viruses in multiple social, emotional, financial, and generational ways, the concept of serodiscordance does not capture these broader dynamics. Making serodiscordance more inclusive is an important step in recognising the diverse ways families’ everyday lives, relationships, and futures can be entangled with HIV, hepatitis C, and hepatitis B, and for understanding how today’s era of effective treatment options might shape the “family life” of viral infections.
The Global Optimal Algorithm of Reliable Path Finding Problem Based on Backtracking Method
Authors: Shen Liang , Shao Hu , Zhang Long , Zhao Jian
Published: October 2017

There is a growing interest in finding a global optimal path in transportation networks particularly when the network suffers from unexpected disturbance. This paper studies the problem of finding a global optimal path to guarantee a given probability of arriving on time in a network with uncertainty, in which the travel time is stochastic instead of deterministic. Traditional path finding methods based on least expected travel time cannot capture the network user’s risk‐taking behaviors in path finding. To overcome such limitation, the reliable path finding algorithms have been proposed but the convergence of global optimum is seldom addressed in the literature. This paper integrates the K‐shortest path algorithm into Backtracking method to propose a new path finding algorithm under uncertainty. The global optimum of the proposed method can be guaranteed. Numerical examples are conducted to demonstrate the correctness and efficiency of the proposed algorithm.
Early Diagnosis of HIV among Infants Born to HIV-Positive Mothers on Option-B Plus in Kampala, Uganda
Authors: Izudi Jonathan , Auma Sylvia , Alege John Bosco
Published: October 2017

Introduction. Globally, there is delay in accessing early HIV diagnosis (EID) among HIV exposed infants (HEIs). With paucity of data on EID use at Kisenyi Health Center, this study assessed factors associated with EID use among HEIs (HIV exposed infants). Method. This was a cross-sectional study of 246 HIV-positive mother-baby pairs. Data was collected by structured questionnaire, double-entered in EpiData, and analyzed with STATA using multinomial logistic regression at 5% significance level. Results. 132 (53.7%) HEIs were not tested, 60 (24.4%) tested outside EID guideline, and 54 (21.9%) tested per the guideline. Testing per guideline was associated with maternal age above 30 years (AOR = 2.75; 95% CI: 1.20–6.34; P=0.017); testing outside the guideline was associated with maternal HIV serostatus disclosure (AOR = 2.70; 95% CI: 1.10–6.63; P=0.003) and four or more antenatal care (ANC) visits (AOR = 3.25; 95% CI: 1.23–8.59; P=0.017). However, maternal knowledge of HIV transmission was associated with testing outside the guideline (AOR = 2.90; 95% CI: 1.10–7.65; P=0.032) and per the guideline (AOR = 3.70; 95% CI: 1.39–9.88; P=0.009). Conclusion. Timely EID testing was low. Improving maternal knowledge of EID during ANC visits and positive living empowerment is critical.
An Automatic Tree Skeleton Extracting Method Based on Point Cloud of Terrestrial Laser Scanner
Authors: Li Ronghao , Bu Guochao , Wang Pei
Published: October 2017

Tree skeleton could describe the shape and topological structure of a tree, which are useful to forest researchers. Terrestrial laser scanner (TLS) can scan trees with high accuracy and speed to acquire the point cloud data, which could be used to extract tree skeletons. An adaptive extracting method of tree skeleton based on the point cloud data of TLS was proposed in this paper. The point cloud data were segmented by artificial filtration and k-means clustering, and the point cloud data of trunk and branches remained to extract skeleton. Then the skeleton nodes were calculated by using breadth first search (BFS) method, quantifying method, and clustering method. Based on their connectivity, the skeleton nodes were connected to generate the tree skeleton, which would be smoothed by using Laplace smoothing method. In this paper, the point cloud data of a toona tree and peach tree were used to test the proposed method and for comparing the proposed method with the shortest path method to illustrate the robustness and superiority of the method. The experimental results showed that the shape of tree skeleton extracted was consistent with the real tree, which showed the method proposed in the paper is effective and feasible.
Rhinacanthin C Alleviates Amyloid‐β Fibrils’ Toxicity on Neurons and Attenuates Neuroinflammation Triggered by LPS, Amyloid‐β, and Interferon‐γ in Glial Cells
Authors: Chuang Kai-An , Li Ming-Han , Lin Ni-Hsuan , Chang Chih-Hsuan , Lu I-Huang , Pan I-Hong , Takahashi Tomoya , Perng Ming-Der , Wen Shu-Fang
Published: October 2017

Neuroinflammation plays a central role in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Compounds that suppress neuroinflammation have been identified as potential therapeutic targets for AD. Rhinacanthin C (RC), a naphthoquinone ester found in Rhinacanthus nasutus Kurz (Acanthaceae), is currently proposed as an effective molecule against inflammation. However, the exact role of RC on neuroinflammation remains to be elucidated. In the present study, we investigated RC effect on modulating lipopolysaccharides (LPS), amyloid‐β peptide (Aβ), or interferon‐γ‐ (IFN‐γ‐) evoked pathological events in neurons and glia. Our findings demonstrated that RC prevented Aβ‐induced toxicity in rat hippocampal neurons and attenuated LPS‐activated nitric oxide (NO) production, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression, and NF‐κB signaling in rat glia. Likewise, RC suppressed LPS‐induced neuroinflammation by reducing NO production and iNOS, IL‐1β, CCL‐2, and CCL‐5 mRNA levels in rat microglia. Further studies using BV‐2 microglia revealed that RC inhibited LPS‐, Aβ‐, and IFN‐γ‐stimulated IL‐6 and TNF‐α secretion. Of note, NF‐κB and ERK activation was abrogated by RC in BV‐2 cell response to Aβ or IFN‐γ. Moreover, RC protected neurons from Aβ‐stimulated microglial conditioned media‐dependent toxicity. Collectively, these data highlight the beneficial effects of RC on neuroprotection and support the therapeutic implications of RC to neuroinflammation‐mediated conditions.
Immunization with Bivalent Flagellin Protects Mice against FatalPseudomonas aeruginosaPneumonia
Authors: Behrouz Bahador , Hashemi Farhad B. , Fatemi Mohammad Javad , Naghavi Sara , Irajian Gholamreza , Halabian Raheleh , Imani Fooladi Abbas Ali
Published: October 2017

Pseudomonas aeruginosalung infections present a major challenge to healthcare systems worldwide because they are commonly associated with high morbidity and mortality. Here, we demonstrate the protective efficacy of type a and b flagellins (bivalent flagellin) against acute fatal pneumonia in mice. Mice immunized intranasally with a bivalent flagellin vaccine were challenged by different flagellated strains ofP. aeruginosain an acute pneumonia model. Besides the protective effect of the vaccine, we further measured the host innate and cellular immunity responses. The immunized mice in our study were protected against both strains. Remarkably, active immunization with type a or b flagellin significantly improved survival of mice against heterologous strain compared to flagellin a or b antisera. We also showed that after an intranasal challenge byP. aeruginosastrain, neutrophils are recruited to the airways of vaccinated mice, and that the bivalent flagellin vaccine was proved to be protective by the generated CD4+IL-17+Th17 cells. In conclusion, bivalent flagellin vaccine can confer protection against different strains ofP. aeruginosain an acute pneumonia mouse model by eliciting effective cellular and humoral immune responses, including increased IL-17 production and improved opsonophagocytic killing.
A Case Report of Recurrent Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy in a Patient during Myasthenia Crisis
Authors: Battineni Anusha , Mullaguri Naresh , Thanki Shail , Chockalingam Anand , Govindarajan Raghav
Published: October 2017

Introduction. Patients with myasthenia crisis can develop Takotsubo stress cardiomyopathy (SC) due to emotional or physical stress and high level of circulating catecholamines. We report a patient who developed recurrent Takotsubo cardiomyopathy during myasthenia crisis. Coexisting autoimmune disorders known to precipitate stress cardiomyopathy like Grave’s disease need to be evaluated. Case Report. A 69-year-old female with seropositive myasthenia gravis (MG), Grave’s disease, and coronary artery disease on monthly infusion of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), prednisone, pyridostigmine, and methimazole presented with shortness of breath and chest pain. Electrocardiogram (ECG) showed ST elevation in anterolateral leads with troponemia. Coronary angiogram was unremarkable for occlusive coronary disease with left ventriculogram showing reduced wall motion with apical and mid left ventricle (LV) hypokinesis suggestive of Takotsubo stress cardiomyopathy. Her symptoms were attributed to MG crisis. Her symptoms, ECG, and echocardiographic findings resolved after five cycles of plasma exchange (PLEX). She had another similar episode one year later during myasthenia crisis with subsequent resolution in 10 days after PLEX. Conclusion. Takotsubo cardiomyopathy can be one of the manifestations of myasthenia crisis with or without coexisting Grave’s disease. These patients might benefit from meticulous fluid status and cardiac monitoring while administering rescue treatments like IVIG and PLEX.
Effect of a Carbohydrate-Rich Diet on Rat Detrusor Smooth Muscle Contractility: An Experimental Study
Authors: Bolat Mustafa Suat , Bilge Sırrı S. , Akdeniz Ekrem , Cinar Onder , Firat Fatih , Agri Arzu Erdal , Bakirtas Mustafa , Alici Omer , Erdemir Fikret
Published: October 2017

Objectives. We aimed to investigate the effect of a carbohydrate-rich diet on detrusor contractility in rats. Materials and Methods. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into two groups. The control group received regular food and water. The study group received carbohydrate-rich diet for six weeks. The rats’ detrusor muscle was isolated for pharmacological and histopathological examinations. Results. In the control and study groups, mean body weights were 431.5 ± 27.6 g and 528.0 ± 36.2 g, respectively (p < 0.001). Electrical stimulation of the detrusor strips of the control group resulted in gradual contraction. A decreased contractile response was shown in the study group. Acetylcholine in 10-7-10-3 molar concentration produced a decreased contractile response in the study group, compared to the control group (p < 0.01). The study group showed marked subepithelial and intermuscular fibrosis in the bladder. Conclusion. Carbohydrate-rich diet causes marked subepithelial and extracellular fibrosis and changes in contractility in the detrusor within a six-week period. Changes have higher costs in therapeutic choices and correction of these changes remains difficult. Putting an end to carbohydrate-rich diet would seem to be more cost-effective than dealing with the effects of consuming it in high proportions which should be the national policy worldwide.
Neural Plasticity Is Involved in Physiological Sleep, Depressive Sleep Disturbances, and Antidepressant Treatments
Authors: Zhang Meng-Qi , Li Rui , Wang Yi-Qun , Huang Zhi-Li
Published: October 2017

Depression, which is characterized by a pervasive and persistent low mood and anhedonia, greatly impacts patients, their families, and society. The associated and recurring sleep disturbances further reduce patient’s quality of life. However, therapeutic sleep deprivation has been regarded as a rapid and robust antidepressant treatment for several decades, which suggests a complicated role of sleep in development of depression. Changes in neural plasticity are observed during physiological sleep, therapeutic sleep deprivation, and depression. This correlation might help us to understand better the mechanism underlying development of depression and the role of sleep. In this review, we first introduce the structure of sleep and the facilitated neural plasticity caused by physiological sleep. Then, we introduce sleep disturbances and changes in plasticity in patients with depression. Finally, the effects and mechanisms of antidepressants and therapeutic sleep deprivation on neural plasticity are discussed.
Research and Analysis of Quasi-Zero-Stiffness Isolator with Geometric Nonlinear Damping
Authors: Meng Qingguo , Yang Xuefeng , Li Wei , Lu En , Sheng Lianchao
Published: October 2017

This paper presents a novel quasi-zero-stiffness (QZS) isolator designed by combining a tension spring with a vertical linear spring. In order to improve the performance of low-frequency vibration isolation, geometric nonlinear damping is proposed and applied to a quasi-zero-stiffness (QZS) vibration isolator. Through the study of static characteristics first, the relationship between force displacement and stiffness displacement of the vibration isolation mechanism is established; it is concluded that the parameters of the mechanism have the characteristics of quasi-zero stiffness at the equilibrium position. The solutions of the QZS system are obtained based on the harmonic balance method (HBM). Then, the force transmissibility of the QZS vibration isolator is analyzed. And the results indicate that increasing the nonlinear damping can effectively suppress the transmissibility compared with the nonlinear damping system. Finally, this system is innovative for low-frequency vibration isolation of rehabilitation robots and other applications.
A New Method to Analyze the Security of Protocol Implementations Based on Ideal Trace
Authors: Wu Fusheng , Zhang Huanguo , Wang Wengqing , Jia Jianwei , Yuan Shi
Published: October 2017

The security analysis of protocols on theory level cannot guarantee the security of protocol implementations. To solve this problem, researchers have done a lot, and many achievements have been reached in this field, such as model extraction and code generation. However, the existing methods do not take the security of protocol implementations into account. In this paper, we have proposed to exploit the traces of function return values to analyze the security of protocol implementations at the source code level. Taking classic protocols into consideration, for example (like the Needham-Schroeder protocol and the Diffie-Hellman protocol, which cannot resist man-in-the-middle attacks), we have analyzed man-in-the-middle attacks during the protocol implementations and have carried out experiments. It has been shown in the experiments that our new method works well. Different from other methods of analyzing the security of protocol implementations in the literatures, our new method can avoid some flaws of program languages (like C language memory access, pointer analysis, etc.) and dynamically analyze the security of protocol implementations.
Hydrochemistry and Isotope Hydrology for Groundwater Sustainability of the Coastal Multilayered Aquifer System (Zhanjiang, China)
Authors: Zhou Pengpeng , Li Ming , Lu Yaodong
Published: October 2017

Groundwater sustainability has become a critical issue for Zhanjiang (China) because of serious groundwater level drawdown induced by overexploitation of its coastal multilayered aquifer system. It is necessary to understand the origins, material sources, hydrochemical processes, and dynamics of the coastal groundwater in Zhanjiang to support its sustainable management. To this end, an integrated analysis of hydrochemical and isotopic data of 95 groundwater samples was conducted. Hydrochemical analysis shows that coastal groundwater is fresh; however, relatively high levels of Cl−, Mg2+, and total dissolved solid (TDS) imply slight seawater mixing with coastal unconfined groundwater. Stable isotopes (δ18O andδ2H) values reveal the recharge sources of groundwater in the multilayered aquifer system. The unconfined groundwater originates from local modern precipitation; the confined groundwater in mainland originates from modern precipitation in northwestern mountain area, and the confined groundwater in Donghai and Leizhou is sourced from rainfall recharge during an older period with a colder climate. Ionic relations demonstrate that silicate weathering, carbonate dissolutions, and cation exchange are the primary processes controlling the groundwater chemical composition. Declining trends of groundwater level and increasing trends of TDS of the confined groundwater in islands reveal the landward extending tendency of the freshwater-seawater mixing zone.
Uncommon BRAF Mutations Associated with Durable Response to Immunotherapy in Patients with Metastatic Melanoma
Authors: Swofford Brenen P. , Homsi Jade
Published: October 2017

Melanoma is a disease process which has been increasing in incidence over the past three decades and metastatic melanoma carries a poor prognosis. Through genetic studies of this disease, it has been determined that the BRAF V600 mutation plays a major role in the pathophysiology of the disease and this has led to the utilization of targeted therapy (BRAF and MEK inhibitors) in its treatment. Other BRAF mutations (non-V600 mutations) are rare in melanoma and targeted therapy is not indicated for patients with these mutations due to reduced response rates. An emerging option for metastatic melanoma with uncommon BRAF mutations is immunotherapy using checkpoint inhibitors such as PD-1 inhibitors or CTLA-4 inhibitors. Currently, it is unknown how patients with BRAF non-V600 mutations respond to immunotherapy. This report will examine the effect of immunotherapy on two distinct metastatic melanoma patients, each with uncommon BRAF mutations, occurring outside the V600 locus (E586K and G469E). These patients were noted to have a durable, complete response when treated with immunotherapy and continue to exhibit a response 9 and 15 months after discontinuing therapy. Further research and clinical trials are needed to study patients with uncommon BRAF mutations and the potential therapeutic benefit of immunotherapy.
High Fasting Plasma Glucose during Early Pregnancy: A Review about Early Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Cosson E. , Carbillon L. , Valensi P.
Published: October 2017

Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) is nowadays routinely measured during early pregnancy to detect preexisting diabetes (FPG ≥ 7 mmol/L). This screening has concomitantly led to identify early intermediate hyperglycemia, defined as FPG in the 5.1 to 6.9 mmol/L range, also early gestational diabetes mellitus (eGDM). Early FPG has been associated with poor pregnancy outcomes, but the recommendation by the IADPSG to refer women with eGDM for immediate management is more pragmatic than evidence based. Although eGDM is characterized by insulin resistance and associated with classical risk factors for type 2 diabetes and incident diabetes after delivery, it is not necessarily associated with preexisting prediabetes. FPG ≥ 5.1 mmol/L in early pregnancy is actually poorly predictive of gestational diabetes mellitus diagnosed after 24 weeks of gestation. An alternative threshold should be determined but may vary according to ethnicity, gestational age, and body mass index. Finally, observational data suggest that early management of intermediate hyperglycemia may improve prognosis, through reduced gestational weight gain and potential early introduction of hypoglycemic agents. Considering all these issues, we suggest an algorithm for the management of eGDM based on early FPG levels that would be measured in case of risk factors. Nevertheless, interventional randomized trials are still missing.
Superinfection of a Dead Hepatic Echinococcal Cyst with a Cutaneous Fistulization
Authors: Cicero Giuseppe , Blandino Alfredo , Ascenti Giorgio , D’Angelo Tommaso , Frosina Luciano , Visalli Carmela , Salamone Ignazio , Marino Maria Adele , Cavallaro Marco , Mazziotti Silvio
Published: October 2017

Cystic echinococcosis (CE), also known as “hydatid disease” (HD), is a zoonotic infection caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus, which infects humans as intermediate hosts through the orofecal route. Carried by the intestinal venous blood, the embryos released by the eggs of the tapeworms can reach every organ, especially the liver, turning into a hydatid cyst. Usually asymptomatic, the cysts can be incidentally detected through radiological examinations performed for other reasons. We show an unusual case of superinfection of a hydatid cyst with typical radiological features of inactivity (WHO-type CE5) with an even rarer skin fistulization passing through a subcutaneous-abdominal abscess involving the right iliac muscle.
Effect of C/N on Water State during Composting of Kitchen Waste and Vegetable Waste Mixture
Authors: Long Yuyang , Liu Weijia , Yang Yuqiang , Shen Dongsheng
Published: October 2017

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the C/N ratio on the water state changes during the composting of kitchen waste (KW) and vegetable waste (VW) mixtures. The C/N ratios in KW and VW were 50.70 and 27.07, respectively, and the VW was added to the KW to amend the C/N ratio. Five composting treatments were used, R1 with 0% KW, R2 with 25% KW, R3 with 50% KW, R4 with 75% KW, and R5 with 100% KW, and the initial C/N ratios increased in the order R1 < R2 < R3 < R4 < R5. As the composting process progressed, the capillary water (CW) and multi-molecular-layer water (MMLW) were changed into entrapped water (EW), and a high C/N ratio could delay the changes in the water state. The percentage of EW and CW significantly positively correlated with the C/N ratio during the composting of KW. The composting process performed better in treatments R2 and R3 than in the other treatments, and it was found that treatments R2 and R3 each had a lag phase of around 4 d until the water states started to change.
Experimental Study of Vibrational Acceleration Spread and Comparison Using Three Citrus Canopy Shaker Shaking Tines
Authors: Liu Tian-Hu , Ehsani Reza , Toudeshki Arash , Zou Xiang-Jun , Wang Hong-Jun
Published: October 2017

The goal of this article is to experimentally study how the vibrational acceleration spreads along the branch shaken by PVC tine, steel tine, and nylon tine for citrus canopy shaking harvesting and to compare the difference. PVC tine and steel tine have potential to be used as shaking rod for citrus canopy shaking harvesting. Nylon tine is a commonly used shaking rod. A tractor-mounted canopy shaker was developed to do the trial. The shaking frequency was set at 2.5 and 5 Hz. Experimental results showed that the vibrational acceleration at the shaking spot is not the highest. Spreading from shaking spot to the stem, it increases evidently. When spreading from stems of the outside subbranch to stems of the nearest inside subbranch, its average decrease percentage is 42%. The overall vibrational acceleration of shaking at 5 Hz is 1.85 times as high as shaking at 2.5 Hz. The overall vibrational acceleration exerted by straight PVC tine and steel tine is 1.77 and 1.97 times as high as that exerted by straight nylon tine, respectively. It is indicated that replacing nylon tine with steel tine or PVC tine helps remove the fruits inside the canopy. Replacing with steel tine is more effective than with PVC tine.
Deep Convolutional Neural Networks for Classifying Body Constitution Based on Face Image
Authors: Huan Er-Yang , Wen Gui-Hua , Zhang Shi-Jun , Li Dan-Yang , Hu Yang , Chang Tian-Yuan , Wang Qing , Huang Bing-Lin
Published: October 2017

Body constitution classification is the basis and core content of traditional Chinese medicine constitution research. It is to extract the relevant laws from the complex constitution phenomenon and finally build the constitution classification system. Traditional identification methods have the disadvantages of inefficiency and low accuracy, for instance, questionnaires. This paper proposed a body constitution recognition algorithm based on deep convolutional neural network, which can classify individual constitution types according to face images. The proposed model first uses the convolutional neural network to extract the features of face image and then combines the extracted features with the color features. Finally, the fusion features are input to the Softmax classifier to get the classification result. Different comparison experiments show that the algorithm proposed in this paper can achieve the accuracy of 65.29% about the constitution classification. And its performance was accepted by Chinese medicine practitioners.