bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stationary rarefaction waves in discrete materials with strain-softening behavior
Authors: Herbold Eric B.
Published: March 2017

This article details some of the techniques used to derive exact solutions from the discrete equations of motion of strongly and weakly nonlinear discrete systems. The distinction between strongly and weakly nonlinear systems is related to the amplitude of a traveling pulse and the external confining load. Materials with an anomalous strain-softening behavior will be emphasized (i.e., [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]), though this choice does not preclude applications for strain-hardening systems like those with Hertzian potentials. Discrete materials with tunable acoustic transmission properties and novel impact mitigation capacity have gained interest in recent years due to their practical application across many scientific fields. Wave-guides comprised of discrete materials with a nonlinear interaction potential have been used to investigate the interplay between nonlinearity, dispersion and dissipation.
Temporal community detection based on symmetric nonnegative matrix factorization
Authors: Jiao Pengfei , Lyu Haodong , Li Xiaoming , Yu Wei , Wang Wenjun
Published: March 2017

To understand time-evolving networks, researchers should not only concentrate on the community structures, an essential property of complex networks, in each snapshot, but also study the internal evolution of the entire networks. Temporal communities provide insights into such mechanism, i.e., how the communities emerge, expand, shrink, merge, split and decay over time. Based on the symmetric nonnegative matrix factorization (SNMF), we present a dynamic model to detect temporal communities, which not only could find a well community structure in a given snapshot but also demands the results bear some similarity to the partition obtained from the previous snapshot. Moreover, our method can handle the situation that of the number of community changes in the networks. Also, a gradient descent algorithm is proposed to optimize the objective function of the model. Experimental results on both the synthetic and real-world networks indicate that our method outperforms the state-of-art methods for temporal community detection.
Stochastic resonance and MFPT in an asymmetric bistable system driven by correlated multiplicative colored noise and additive white noise
Authors: Shi Pei-Ming , Li Qun , Han Dong-Ying
Published: March 2017

This paper investigates a new asymmetric bistable model driven by correlated multiplicative colored noise and additive white noise. The mean first-passage time (MFPT) and the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) as the indexes of evaluating the model are researched. Based on the two-state theory and the adiabatic approximation theory, the expressions of MFPT and SNR have been obtained for the asymmetric bistable system driven by a periodic signal, correlated multiplicative colored noise and additive noise. Simulation results show that it is easier to generate stochastic resonance (SR) to adjust the intensity of correlation strength [Formula: see text]. Meanwhile, the decrease of asymmetric coefficient [Formula: see text] and the increase of noise intensity are beneficial to realize the transition between the two steady states in the system. At the same time, the twice SR phenomena can be observed by adjusting additive white noise and correlation strength. The influence of asymmetry of potential function on the MFPTs in two different directions is different.
An indium tin oxide metasurface filter for terahertz applications: Design, fabrication, and characterization
Authors: Nebioğlu Mehmet Ali , Takan Taylan , Altan Hakan , Demirhan Yasemin , Alaboz Hakan , Özyüzer Lütfi , Sabah Cumali
Published: March 2017

In this paper, using a cross-shaped complementary Indium Tin Oxide (ITO)-based metasurface design, the transmission of THz radiation is shown to be filtered within the 3 dB level from maximum in the frequency range of interest ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]333 GHz). Various metasurface structures primarily composed of cross-shaped openings with a 400 micron unit cell size are patterned on top of 1750 micron thick fused silica substrates. They are patterned using UV lithography methods after the films were grown using DC sputtering. The fabricated structures were characterized using Terahertz Time Domain Spectroscopy (THz-TDS) measurement technique. The measured transmission agrees well with the simulation of the structure for four different samples with different geometries. These results suggest that metasurface and/or metamaterial patterns based on ITO in visibly transparent media can be utilized for filtering of frequencies in the long wavelength spectrum. These types of filters can be very useful in the near future for THz communication and security applications.
Levitation force of small clearance superconductor–magnet system under non-coaxial condition
Authors: Xu Jimin , Jin Yingze , Yuan Xiaoyang , Miao Xusheng
Published: March 2017

A novel superconducting tilting-pad bearing was proposed for the advanced research of reusable liquid hydrogen turbopump in liquid rocket. The bearing is a combination of superconducting magnetic bearing and hydrodynamic fluid-film bearing. Since the viscosity of cryogenic fuel to activate superconducting state and form hydrodynamic fluid-film is very low, bearing clearance will be very small. This study focuses on the investigation of superconducting levitation force in this kind of small clearance superconductor–magnet system. Based on Bean critical state model and three-dimensional finite element method, an analysis method is presented to obtain the levitation force under such situation. Since the complicated operational conditions and structural arrangement for application in liquid rocket, center lines of bulk superconductor and magnet rotor will usually be in non-coaxial state. Superconducting levitation forces in axial direction and radial direction under non-coaxial situation are also analyzed by the presented method.
A new approach of analyzing time-varying dynamical equation via an optimal principle
Authors: Zhao Hui , Li Lixiang , Peng Haipeng , Kurths Jürgen , Xiao Jinghua , Yang Yixian , Li Ang
Published: March 2017

In this paper, an innovative design approach is proposed to solve time-varying dynamical equation, including matrix inverse equation and Sylvester equation. Based on the precondition of the existing solution of time-varying dynamical equation, different from previous approach to solve unknown matrix, an optimal design principle is used to solve the unknown variables. A performance index is introduced based on the inherent properties of the time-varying dynamical equation and Euler equation. The solution of time-varying dynamical equation is converted to an optimal problem of performance index. Furthermore, convergence and sensitivity to additive noise are also analyzed, and simulation results confirm that the method is feasible and effective. Especially, in simulations we design a tunable positive parameter in the dynamic optimization model. The tunable parameter is not only helpful to accelerate its convergence but also reduce its sensitivity to additive noise. Meanwhile the comparative simulation results are shown for the convergence accuracy and robustness of this method.
Editorial
Authors: De Paolis Francesco , Gurzadyan Vahe G. , Nucita Achille A. , Siddiqui Azad A.
Published: March 2017

The invited papers presented at the Fifth Italian–Pakistani Workshop on Relativistic Astrophysics are published in the present issue of IJMPD.
ROBUST ASSET ALLOCATION FOR LONG-TERM TARGET-BASED INVESTING
Authors: FORSYTH P. A. , VETZAL K. R.
Published: March 2017

This paper explores dynamic mean-variance (MV) asset allocation over long horizons. This is equivalent to target-based investing with a quadratic loss penalty for deviations from the target level of terminal wealth. We provide a number of illustrative examples in a setting with a risky stock index and a risk-free asset. Our underlying model is very simple: the value of the risky index is assumed to follow a geometric Brownian motion diffusion process and the risk-free interest rate is specified to be constant. We impose realistic constraints on the leverage ratio and trading frequency. In many of our examples, the MV optimal strategy has a standard deviation of terminal wealth less than half that of a constant proportion strategy which has the same expected value of terminal wealth, while the probability of shortfall is reduced by a factor of two to three. We investigate the robustness of the model through resampling experiments using historical data dating back to 1926. These experiments also show much lower standard deviation and shortfall probability for the MV optimal strategy relative to a constant proportion strategy with approximately the same expected terminal wealth.
Synthesis of a novel CB2 cannabinoid-porphyrin conjugate based on an antitumor chromenopyrazoledione
Authors: Morales Paula , Moreno Laura , Fernández-Ruiz Javier , Jagerovic Nadine
Published: March 2017

With the objective of developing an antitumor agent, the synthesis of a chromenopyrazoledione conjugated to a tetraphenylporphyrin is described. A complete conformational analysis of the novel porphyrin conjugate was performed using ab initio Hartree–Fock calculations at the 6-31G* level. The novel conjugate (14) shows stronger absorption intensity for both Soret and Q-bands than the free meso-tetraphenylporphyrin. It binds weakly but selectively to the cannabinoid receptor type-2. During the synthetic approach, a new tetraphenylporphyrin, 5-[4-(3,5-dioxomorpholino)phenyl]-10,15,20-triphenylporphyrin (10), has been characterized.
Convolutional Neural Networks for Water Body Extraction from Landsat Imagery
Authors: Yu Long , Wang Zhiyin , Tian Shengwei , Ye Feiyue , Ding Jianli , Kong Jun
Published: March 2017

Traditional machine learning methods for water body extraction need complex spectral analysis and feature selection which rely on wealth of prior knowledge. They are time-consuming and hard to satisfy our request for accuracy, automation level and a wide range of application. We present a novel deep learning framework for water body extraction from Landsat imagery considering both its spectral and spatial information. The framework is a hybrid of convolutional neural networks (CNN) and logistic regression (LR) classifier. CNN, one of the deep learning methods, has acquired great achievements on various visual-related tasks. CNN can hierarchically extract deep features from raw images directly, and distill the spectral–spatial regularities of input data, thus improving the classification performance. Experimental results based on three Landsat imagery datasets show that our proposed model achieves better performance than support vector machine (SVM) and artificial neural network (ANN).
Co-movement of precious metals and forecasting using scale by scale wavelet transform
Authors: Oral Emrah , Unal Gazanfer
Published: March 2017

In this paper, a new approach is proposed to improve forecasting performances. We analyze the co-movement of precious metals (daily data of gold, silver and platinum starting from July, 2011) using multiple wavelet coherence and determine the movement dependencies on frequency–time space. The data is split into frequencies using scale by scale continuous wavelet transform. All three time series retaining the same frequency scale are (i) selected, (ii) inversed and (ii) forecasted using multivariate model, Vector Auto Regressive Moving Average (VARMA). We conclude that the efficiency of VARMA forecasting is substantially increased because of same frequency highly correlated time series obtained by using scale by scale wavelet transform. Moreover, the direction of price shift (increasing/decreasing trend) is prospected to an adequately distinguishable degree.
GPR40 reduces food intake and body weight through GLP-1
Authors: Gorski Judith N. , Pachanski Michele J. , Mane Joel , Plummer Christopher W. , Souza Sarah , Thomas-Fowlkes Brande S. , Ogawa Aimie M. , Weinglass Adam B. , Di Salvo Jerry , Cheewatrakoolpong Boonlert , Howard Andrew D. , Colletti Steven L. , Trujillo Maria E.
Published: March 2017

G protein-coupled receptor 40 (GPR40) partial agonists lower glucose through the potentiation of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, which is believed to provide significant glucose lowering without the weight gain or hypoglycemic risk associated with exogenous insulin or glucose-independent insulin secretagogues. The class of small-molecule GPR40 modulators, known as AgoPAMs (agonist also capable of acting as positive allosteric modulators), differentiate from partial agonists, binding to a distinct site and functioning as full agonists to stimulate the secretion of both insulin and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). Here we show that GPR40 AgoPAMs significantly increase active GLP-1 levels and reduce acute and chronic food intake and body weight in diet-induced obese (DIO) mice. These effects of AgoPAM treatment on food intake are novel and required both GPR40 and GLP-1 receptor signaling pathways, as demonstrated in GPR40 and GLP-1 receptor-null mice. Furthermore, weight loss associated with GPR40 AgoPAMs was accompanied by a significant reduction in gastric motility in these DIO mice. Chronic treatment with a GPR40 AgoPAM, in combination with a dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitor, synergistically decreased food intake and body weight in the mouse. The effect of GPR40 AgoPAMs on GLP-1 secretion was recapitulated in lean, healthy rhesus macaque demonstrating that the putative mechanism mediating weight loss translates to higher species. Together, our data indicate effects of AgoPAMs that go beyond glucose lowering previously observed with GPR40 partial agonist treatment with additional potential for weight loss.
Effect of Dam Depth and Relief Track Depth on Steady-State and Dynamic Performance Parameters of 3-Lobe Pressure Dam Bearing
Authors: Kumar Ashutosh , Kakoty S. K.
Published: March 2017

The present study analyzes the effect of pressure dam depth and relief track depth on the performance of three-lobe pressure dam bearing. Different values of dam depth and relief track depth are taken in nondimensional form in order to analyze their effect. Results are plotted for different parameters against eccentricity ratios and it is shown that the effect of pressure dam depth and relief track depth has great significance on stability and other performance parameters. Study of stability and performance characteristics is undertaken simultaneously.
Understanding Youth Violence in Kumasi: Does Community Socialization Matter? A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Barnie Asamani Jonas , Nyarko Ama Serwaa , Dapaah Jonathan Mensah , Appiah Seth Christopher Yaw , Awuviry-Newton Kofi
Published: March 2017

Violence by young people is one of the most visible forms of social disorder in urban settlements. This study assesses the causes and consequences of youth violence in the Kumasi metropolis. The study design was a nonexperimental cross-sectional survey. A mixed method approach facilitated the random sampling of 71 young people in the Kumasi metropolis through a stratified procedure between December 2014 and November 2015. Ten (10) participants were purposively selected and enrolled in a focus group discussion. Descriptive statistics formed the basis for the analysis. This was supported with a matched discourse analysis of the emerging themes. More than half of the youth (39, 54.9%) demonstrated history of ever engaging in violence in the past one year of whom 24 (61.5%) were without formal education. The frequency of the violence perpetuation ranged from daily engagement (3, 4%) to weekly engagement in violence (12, 17%). Principally, the categories of youth violence were manifested in noise making, rape, murder, stealing, drug addiction, obscene gestures, robbery, sexual abuse, and embarrassment. Peer pressure and street survival coping approaches emerged as the pivotal factors that induced youth violence. Addressing youth violence requires an integrative framework that incorporates youth perspectives, government, chiefs, and nongovernmental organizations in Ghana, and religious bodies.
The Transcription Factor Bach1 Suppresses the Developmental Angiogenesis of Zebrafish
Authors: Jiang Li , Yin Meng , Xu Jie , Jia Mengping , Sun Shaoyang , Wang Xu , Zhang Jianyi , Meng Dan
Published: March 2017

Bach1 disrupts Wnt/β‐catenin signaling, reduces the proliferation, migration, and tube formation activity of endothelial cells (ECs), and suppresses angiogenesis in mice with surgically induced hind‐limb ischemia (HLI). However, the function of Bach1 during developmental angiogenesis in zebrafish remains unclear. Here, we found that zebrafish Bach1 was expressed ubiquitously during early embryonic development in zebrafish. Bach1b mRNA injection of Tg(fli1:gfp) fish disrupted intersegmental vessels (ISV) and dorsal longitudinal anastomotic vessels (DLAV) and suppressed endogenous Wnt/β‐catenin signaling and Wnt8a stimulated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) gene expression at early embryonic stages of zebrafish. Furthermore, chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments confirmed that Bach1 occupied the TCF/LEF‐binding site of the VEGF promoter in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Bach1 inhibited VEGF transcription by recruiting histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) to the VEGF promoter in HUVECs. Exogenous administration of VEGF or IL‐8 partially rescued Bach1‐driven antiangiogenic functions in HUVECs. Taken together, these observations indicate that Bach1 suppresses the developmental angiogenesis of zebrafish and that this function is associated with declines in Wnt/β‐catenin signaling and VEGF and IL‐8 expression.
Automatic Optimizer Generation Method Based on Location and Context Information to Improve Mobile Services
Authors: Son Yunsik , Jeong Junho , Lee Yangsun
Published: March 2017

Several location-based services (LBSs) have been recently developed for smartphones. Among these are proactive LBSs, which provide services to smartphone users by periodically collecting background logs. However, because they consume considerable battery power, they are not widely used for various LBS-based services. Battery consumption, in particular, is a significant issue on account of the characteristics of mobile systems. This problem involves a greater service restriction when performing complex operations. Therefore, to successfully enable various services based on location, this problem must be solved. In this paper, we introduce a technique to automatically generate a customized service optimizer for each application, service type, and platform using location and situation information. By using the proposed technique, energy and computing resources can be more efficiently employed for each service. Thus, users should receive more effective LBSs on mobile devices, such as smartphones.
Report from a Survey of Parents Regarding the Use of Cannabidiol (Medicinal cannabis) in Mexican Children with Refractory Epilepsy
Authors: Aguirre-Velázquez Carlos G.
Published: March 2017

Structured online surveys were used to explore the experiences of the parents of children with refractory epilepsy using medicinal cannabis in Mexico during September 2016. The surveys, which were completed in full, were reviewed, and 53 cases of children aged between 9 months and 18 years were identified. Of these, 43 cases (82%) were from Mexico and 10 (18%) were from Latin American countries. Of the 43 Mexican cases, the diagnoses were as follows: 20 cases (47%) had Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS); 13 cases (30%) had unspecified refractory epilepsy (URE); 8 cases (19%) had West syndrome (WS); 1 case (2%) had Doose syndrome (DS); and 1 case (2%) had Ohtahara syndrome (OS). In total, 47.1% of cases had previously been treated with 9 or more anticonvulsant therapies. The parents reported a decrease in convulsions when cannabidiol was used in 81.3% of the cases; a moderate to significant decrease occurred in 51% of cases, and 16% of cases were free from seizure. The number of antiepileptic drugs being used was reduced in 9/43 (20.9%) cases. No serious adverse effects were reported, with only some mild adverse effects, such as increased appetite or changes in sleep patterns, reported in 42% of cases.
Persistent Oxygen Requirement beyond Prematurity: A Case of Acquired Pulmonary Vein Stenosis
Authors: Fick Tyler A. , Richards Bernadette , Backes Carl H. , Ball Molly K.
Published: March 2017

Acquired pulmonary vein stenosis is a rare cardiac defect and diagnosis can often be challenging, as many cases present with refractory or prolonged oxygen requirement over the expected course. Comorbid conditions can cloud this diagnosis further. Prognosis is poor for most patients. We present a case of idiopathic acquired pulmonary vein stenosis and discuss diagnostics, treatment options, and the need for further collaborative studies.
Adenovirus-Mediated CCR7 and BTLA Overexpression Enhances Immune Tolerance and Migration in Immature Dendritic Cells
Authors: Xin Haiming , Zhu Jinhong , Miao Hongcheng , Gong Zhenyu , Jiang Xiaochen , Feng Xiaoyan , Tong Yalin
Published: March 2017

Our previous report revealed that immature dendritic cells (imDCs) with adenovirus-mediated CCR7 overexpression acquired an enhanced migratory ability but also exhibited the lower immune tolerance observed in more mature cells. In the present study, we aimed to investigate whether BTLA overexpression was sufficient to preserve immune tolerance in imDCs with exogenous CCR7 overexpression. Scanning electron microscopy and surface antigens analysis revealed that BTLA overexpression suppressed DC maturation, an effect further potentiated in CCR7 and BTLA cooverexpressing cells. Correspondingly, in vitro chemotaxis assays and mixed lymphocyte reactions demonstrated increased migratory potential and immune tolerance in CCR7 and BTLA coexpressing cells. Furthermore, CCR7 and BTLA cooverexpressed imDCs suppressed IFN-γ and IL-17 expression and promoted IL-4 and TGF-beta expression of lymphocyte, indicating an increase of T helper 2 (Th2) regulatory T cell (Treg). Thus, these data indicate that CCR7 and BTLA cooverexpression imparts an intermediate immune phenotype in imDCs when compared to that in CCR7- or BTLA-expressing counterparts that show a more immunocompetent or immunotolerant phenotype, respectively. All these results indicated that adenovirus-mediated CCR7 and BTLA overexpression could enhance immune tolerance and migration of imDCs. Our study provides a basis for further studies on imDCs in immune tolerance, with the goal of developing effective cellular immunotherapies for transplant recipients.
Bisphenol A Exposure during Pregnancy Alters the Mortality and Levels of Reproductive Hormones and Genes in Offspring Mice
Authors: Ma Shuang , Shi Wanyu , Wang Xiaodan , Song Pengyan , Zhong Xiuhui
Published: March 2017

The present study investigated the reproductive toxicity of bisphenol A (BPA) exposure to the mother on the offspring mice. BPA was given to pregnant mice at 50 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, and 2500 mg/kg BW BPA daily by gavage during the whole gestation period. The offspring mice were sacrificed at 8 weeks of age. Results showed that exposure of BPA to the mother increased the mortality (P<0.05). Maternal exposure of BPA reduced the levels of T (♂) and FSH (♀) (P<0.01) and elevated E2 (♀) level in the adult offspring (P<0.01). BPA exposure caused testicular damage as shown by less Leydig cells and ovarian injury as shown by more vacuoles and less corpus granules in the adult offspring mice. Immunohistochemistry revealed that maternal exposure of BPA increased Bax and decreased Bcl-2 at the protein levels in testicular and ovary tissues in the offspring mice. BPA significantly reduced the expression of StAR in male offspring (P<0.05). Interestingly, the mRNA levels of Cyp11a were significantly decreased in 50 mg/kg groups and were increased in 500 mg/kg group in the males. Reduced Kitlg and elevated Amh at the mRNA levels were detected in the female offspring.
Determinants of Rural Out-Migration in Habru District of Northeast Ethiopia
Authors: Wondimagegnhu Beneberu Assefa , Zeleke Mesfin Eshetu
Published: March 2017

Migration has become a cause of concern at the global, regional, and national levels. Like the case of many developing countries, Ethiopia has been facing increasing challenges related to rural out-migration. This study aimed to analyze factors that determine rural communities’ decision to migrate to internal and international destinations in Habru district of Northeast Ethiopia. Stratified sampling technique has been employed to select a total of 200 household heads in three agroecologies of the study area. Structured questionnaires have been used as a principal primary data collection method and logistic regression has been employed for analysis. The results of the study showed that intravillage conflict, absence of relief assistant, livestock ownership, farm land size, access to information, and household and individual characteristics including family size, sex, and age of the migrants are the dominant determinant factors for rural out-migration. Migration can have a positive outcome in improving livelihoods if comprehensive and holistic policies and strategies are in place. There is also a need to strengthen the link between rural development policy and the disadvantaged groups by designing and implementing different livelihood alternatives including reducing pressure on scarce resources particularly land, integrating health and education services, and creating nonfarm employment opportunities.
Technological and Theoretical Aspects for Testing Electroporation on Liposomes
Authors: Denzi Agnese , della Valle Elena , Esposito Gianluca , Mir Lluis M. , Apollonio Francesca , Liberti Micaela
Published: March 2017

Recently, the use of nanometer liposomes as nanocarriers in drug delivery systems mediated by nanoelectroporation has been proposed. This technique takes advantage of the possibility of simultaneously electroporating liposomes and cell membrane with 10-nanosecond pulsed electric fields(nsPEF)facilitating the release of the drug from the liposomes and at the same time its uptake by the cells. In this paper the design and characterization of a 10nsPEFexposure system is presented, for liposomes electroporation purposes. The design and the characterization of the applicator have been carried out choosing an electroporation cuvette with 1 mm gap between the electrodes. The structure efficiency has been evaluated at different experimental conditions by changing the solution conductivity from 0.25 to 1.6 S/m. With the aim to analyze the influence of device performances on the liposomes electroporation, microdosimetric simulations have been performed considering liposomes of 200 and 400 nm of dimension with different inner and outer conductivity (from 0.05 to 1.6 S/m) in order to identify the voltage needed for their poration.
Mediastinal Pseudocyst: Varied Presentations and Management—Experience from a Tertiary Referral Care Centre in India
Authors: Segamalai Durairaj , Abdul Jameel Abdul Rehman , Kannan Naveen , Anbalagan Amudhan , Duraisamy Benet , Raju Prabhakaran , Devy Gounder Kannan
Published: March 2017

Pseudocysts are a recognised complication following acute or chronic pancreatitis. Usually located in peripancreatic areas, they have also been reported to occur in atypical regions like liver, pelvis, spleen, and mediastinum. Mediastinal pseudocysts are a rare entity and present with myriad of symptoms due to their unique location. They are a clinical challenge to diagnose and manage. In this paper, we describe the clinical and radiological characteristics of mediastinal pseudocysts in 7 of our patients, as well as our experience in managing these patients along with their clinical outcome.
Wind Turbine Aeroelastic Modeling: Basics and Cutting Edge Trends
Authors: Ageze Mesfin Belayneh , Hu Yefa , Wu Huachun
Published: March 2017

The interaction of fluid flow and the structure dynamic of the system is a vital subject for machines operating under their coupling. It is not different for wind turbine either, especially as the coupling enhanced for multi-MW turbine with larger and flexible blades and complex control methods, and other nonlinearity, more comprehensive aeroelastic tools will be required to investigate the realistic phenomena. The present paper will overview the aeroelastic tool for wind turbine, the efforts done, gaps, and future directions indicated. One starts with background of the subject, presenting a case study to demonstrate the effect of fluid-structure interaction considering NREL 5MW blade and a brief comparison of several aeroelastic codes. Cutting edge efforts done in the area such as complex inflow, effect of geometric nonlinearity, and other stability and smart control issues are addressed and concluded by elaborating the gaps and future direction of aeroelasticity of wind turbine.
Insulin Resistance and Chronic Kidney Disease in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Vladu Mihaela , Clenciu Diana , Efrem Ion Cristian , Forțofoiu Mircea-Cătalin , Amzolini Anca , Micu Simona Tudorică , Moţa Maria , Forțofoiu Maria
Published: March 2017

Background and Aims. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease which can evolve towards devastating micro- and macrovascular complications. DM is the most frequent cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Insulin resistance plays an important role in the natural history of type 1 diabetes. The purpose of the study was to determine the prevalence of CKD in T1DM and the correlation with insulin resistance (IR) in patients with CKD.Materials and Methods. The study was conducted over a period of three years (2010–2013) and included patients with DM registered in the Clinical Centre of Diabetes, Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases of Dolj county. The study design was an epidemiological, transversal, noninterventional type. Finally, the study group included 200 subjects with type 1 DM. Insulin resistance (IR) was estimated by eGDR. The subjects with eGDR ≤ 7.5 mg/kg/min were considered with insulin resistance.Results. CKD was found in 44% of the patients. Analyzing statistically the presence of CKD, we found highly significant differences between patients with CKD and those without CKD regarding age and sex of the patients, the duration of diabetes, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), the estimated glucose disposal rate (eGDR), and the presence of hypertension, dyslipidemia, and hyperuricaemia. In patients with CKD, age and diabetes duration are significantly higher than in those who do not have this complication. CKD is more frequent in males than in females (50.9% men versus 34.5% women,p=0.022). From the elements of metabolic syndrome, high blood pressure, hyperuricemia, and dyslipidemia are significantly increased in diabetic patients with CKD. eGDR value (expressed as mg·kg−1·min−1) is lower in patients with CKD than in those without CKD (15.92 versus 6.42,p<0.001) indicating the fact that patients with CKD show higher insulin resistance than those without CKD.Conclusions.This study has shown that insulin resistance is associated with an increased risk of CKD, but, due to the cross-sectional design, the causal relationship cannot be assessed. However, the existence of this causality and the treatment benefit of insulin resistance in type 1 diabetes are issues for further discussion.
Nuclear Imaging to Detect Diaphragmatic Perforation as a Rare Complication of Microwave Ablation
Authors: Cull Stephanie , Khneizer Gebran , Krishna Abhishek , Muzaffar Razi , Gadani Sameer , Jamkhana Zafar
Published: March 2017

Acquired diaphragmatic perforation leading to massive hepatic hydrothorax and respiratory failure is a rare complication of microwave ablation (MWA) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Imaging modalities to detect pleuroperitoneal communication remain poorly described. We report a nuclear imaging technique used to efficiently diagnose and locate diaphragmatic defects. A 57-year-old male with cirrhosis and HCC presented with respiratory distress after undergoing MWA of a HCC lesion. He was admitted to the intensive care unit for noninvasive positive pressure ventilator support. Chest radiography revealed a new large right pleural effusion. Large-volume thoracentesis was consistent with hepatic hydrothorax. The fluid reaccumulated within 24 hours; therefore an acquired diaphragmatic perforation induced by the ablation procedure was suspected. To investigate,  99mTechnetium-labeled albumin was injected into the peritoneal cavity. The tracer accumulated in the right hemi thorax almost immediately. The patient then underwent transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunting in efforts to relieve portal hypertension and decrease ascites volume. Unfortunately, the patient deteriorated and expired after few days. Although diaphragmatic defects develop in cirrhotic patients, such small fenestrations do not normally lead to rapid development of life-threatening pleural effusion. MWA procedures can cause large diaphragmatic defects. Immediate detection of this complication is essential for initiating early intervention.
Tyrosine Phosphorylation of NR2B Contributes to Chronic Migraines via Increased Expression of CGRP in Rats
Authors: Liang Xiping , Wang Sha , Qin Guangcheng , Xie Jingmei , Tan Ge , Zhou Jiying , McBride Devin W. , Chen Lixue
Published: March 2017

Tyrosine phosphorylation of NR2B (NR2B-pTyr), a subunit of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, has been reported to develop central sensitization and persistent pain in the spine, but its effect in chronic migraines has not been examined. We hypothesized that tyrosine phosphorylation of NR2B contributes to chronic migraines (CM) through calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in rats. Ninety-four male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to seven inflammatory soup (IS) injections. In a subset of animals, the time course and location of NR2B tyrosine phosphorylation were detected by western blot and immunofluorescence double staining. Another set of animals were given either genistein, vehicle, or genistein and recombinant CGRP. The mechanical threshold was measured, the expressions of NR2B-pTyr, NR2B, and CGRP were quantified using western blot, and nitric oxide (NO) was measured with the nitric acid reductase method. NR2B-pTyr expression, in neurons, peaked at 24 hours after CM. Genistein improved the mechanical threshold and reduced migraine attacks 24 and 72 hours after CM. Tyrosine phosphorylation of NR2B decreased the mechanical threshold and increased migraine attacks via upregulated CGRP expression in the rat model of CM. Thus, tyrosine phosphorylation of NR2B may be a potential therapeutic target for treatment of CM.
Investigation and Control of VIVs with Multi-Lock-in Regions on Wide Flat Box Girders
Authors: Wu Bo , Zhang Liangliang , Yang Yang , Liu Lianjie , Li Haohong
Published: March 2017

On the preliminary designing of a wide flat box girder with the slenderness ratio 12, vertical and torsional vortex-induced vibrations (VIV) are observed in wind tunnel tests. More than one lock-in region, which are defined as“multi-lock-in regions,”are recorded. Therefore, suspicions should be aroused regarding the viewpoint that wide box girders are aerodynamic friendly. As the three nascent vortexes originating at the pedestrian guardrails and inspection rails shed to near-wake through different pathways with different frequencies, the mechanisms of VIVs and multi-lock-in regions are analyzed to be determined by the inappropriate subsidiary structures. A hybrid method combiningLarge Eddy Simulation(LES) with experimental results is introduced to study the flow-structure interactions (FSI) when undergoing VIVs; the vortex mode of torsional VIV on wide flat box girders is defined as “4/2S,” which is different from any other known ones. Based on the mechanism of VIV, a new approach by increasing ventilation rate of the pedestrian guardrails is proved to be effective in suppressing vertical and torsional VIVs, and it is more feasible than other control schemes. Then, the control mechanisms are deeper investigated by analyzing the evolution of vortex mode and FSI using Hybrid-LES method.
A Mechanical Sensor Designed for Dynamic Joint Angle Measurement
Authors: Ching Congo Tak-Shing , Liao Su-Yu , Cheng Teng-Yun , Cheng Chih-Hsiu , Sun Tai-Ping , Yao Yan-Dong , Hsiao Chin-Sung , Chang Kang-Ming
Published: March 2017

Background. The measurement of the functional range of motion (FROM) of lower limb joints is an essential parameter for gait analysis especially in evaluating rehabilitation programs.Aim. To develop a simple, reliable, and affordable mechanical goniometer (MGR) for gait analysis, with six-degree freedom to dynamically assess lower limb joint angles.Design. Randomized control trials, in which a new MGR was developed for the measurements of FROM of lower limb joints.Setting. Reliability of the designed MGR was evaluated and validated by a motion analysis system (MAS).Population. Thirty healthy subjects participated in this study.Methods. Reliability and validity of the new MGR were tested by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), Bland-Altman plots, and linear correlation analysis.Results. The MGR has good inter- and intrarater reliability and validity withICC≥0.93(for both). Moreover, measurements made by MGR and MAS were comparable and repeatable with each other, as confirmed by Bland-Altman plots. Furthermore, a very high degree of linear correlation (R≥0.92for all joint angle measurements) was found between the lower limb joint angles measured by MGR and MAS.Conclusion. A simple, reliable, and affordable MGR has been designed and developed to aid clinical assessment and treatment evaluation of gait disorders.
Monitoring Fetal Heart Rate during Labor: A Comparison of Three Methods
Authors: Euliano Tammy Y. , Darmanjian Shalom , Nguyen Minh Tam , Busowski John D. , Euliano Neil , Gregg Anthony R.
Published: March 2017

The purpose of the study was to compare the accuracy of a noninvasive fetal heart rate monitor with that of ultrasound, using a fetal scalp electrode as the gold standard, in laboring women of varying body habitus, throughout labor and delivery. Laboring women requiring fetal scalp electrode were monitored simultaneously with the investigational device (noninvasive fetal ECG), ultrasound, and fetal scalp electrode. An algorithm extracted the fetal heart rate from the noninvasive fetal ECG signal. Each noninvasive device recording was compared with fetal scalp electrode with regard to reliability by positive percent agreement and accuracy by root mean squared error. Seventy-one women were included in this analysis. Positive percent agreement was83.4±15.4% for noninvasive fetal ECG and62.4±26.7% for ultrasound. The root mean squared error compared with fetal scalp electrode-derived fetal heart rate was 4.8 ± 2.0 bpm for noninvasive fetal ECG and 14.3 ± 8.2 bpm for ultrasound. The superiority of noninvasive fetal ECG was maintained for stages 1 and 2 of labor and increases in body mass index. Compared with fetal scalp electrode-derived fetal heart rate, noninvasive fetal ECG is more accurate and reliable than ultrasound for intrapartum monitoring for stages 1 and 2 of labor and is less affected by increasing maternal body mass index. This confirms the results of other workers in this field.
Brain Herniation into Giant Arachnoid Granulation: An Unusual Case
Authors: Rodrigues Joana Ruivo , Santos Gonçalo Roque
Published: March 2017

Arachnoid granulations are structures filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that extend into the venous sinuses through openings in the dura mater and allow the drainage of CSF from subarachnoid space into venous system. Usually they are asymptomatic but can be symptomatic when large enough to cause sinus occlusion. We report a rare case of a brain herniation into a giant arachnoid granulation in an asymptomatic elderly male patient, which was discovered incidentally.
3-Mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane Modified Diatomite: Preparation and Application for Voltammetric Determination of Lead (II) and Cadmium (II)
Authors: Quang Khieu Dinh , Dang Son Bui Hai , Thi Thanh Chau Vo , Dinh Du Pham , Hai Phong Nguyen , Thi Diem Chau Nguyen
Published: March 2017

In this study, functionalized diatomite was prepared by grafting of 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane (MPTMS) to diatomite (MPTMS-diatomite). The diatomite with thermal treatment from 100 to 700°C was functionalized by MPTMS under dry and humid conditions. The obtained MPTMS-diatomite was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermal gravity-differential scanning calorimeter (TG-DSC), and Fourier transformation infrared (FT-IR). The results showed that an increase in treatment temperature seems to reduce the loading of MPTMS onto diatomite. The humidity of diatomite was favorable for the grafting of functional groups on the surface. The possible mechanisms of MPTMS loading to diatomite (MPTMS-diatomite) were also proposed. The performance of a carbon paste electrode (CPE) modified with MPTMS-diatomite in the simultaneous determination of Cd(II) and Pb(II) ions was addressed.
Distinct Afatinib Resistance Mechanisms Identified in Lung Adenocarcinoma Harboring an EGFR Mutation
Authors: Yamaoka Toshimitsu , Ohmori Tohru , Ohba Motoi , Arata Satoru , Murata Yasunori , Kusumoto Sojiro , Ando Koichi , Ishida Hiroo , Ohnishi Tsukasa , Sasaki Yasutsuna
Published: March 2017

EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) are associated with significant responses in non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients harboring EGFR-activating mutations. However, acquired resistance to reversible EGFR-TKIs remains a major obstacle. In particular, although the second-generation irreversible EGFR-TKI afatinib is currently used for treating NSCLC patients, the mechanisms underlying acquired afatinib resistance remain poorly understood. Here, heterogeneous mechanisms of acquired resistance were identified following long-term exposure to increasing doses of afatinib in EGFR-mutant lung adenocarcinoma PC-9 cells. Notably, three resistant cell lines, PC-9AFR1, PC-9AFR2, and PC-9AFR3 (AFR1, AFR2, and AFR3, respectively) employed distinct mechanisms for avoiding EGFR inhibition, with increased EGFR expression being detected in all resistant cell lines. Moreover, an activating EGFR mutation was partially lost in AFR1 and AFR2 cells. AFR1 cells exhibited afatinib resistance as a result of wild-type KRAS amplification and overexpression; however, these cells showed a progressive decrease and eventual loss of the acquired KRAS dependence, as well as resensitization to afatinib, following a drug holiday. Meanwhile, AFR2 cells exhibited increased expression of insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 3 (IGFBP3), which promoted insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) activity and subsequent AKT phosphorylation, thereby indicating a potential bypass signaling pathway associated with IGFR1. Finally, AFR3 cells harbored the secondary EGFR mutation T790M. Our findings constitute the first report showing acquired wild-type KRAS overexpression and attenuation of afatinib resistance following a drug holiday.

Implications: The heterogeneous mechanisms of afatinib resistance should facilitate the development of more effective therapeutic strategies for NSCLC patients. Mol Cancer Res; 15(7); 915–28. ©2017 AACR.
Identification of a DNA Damage–Induced Alternative Splicing Pathway That Regulates p53 and Cellular Senescence Markers
Authors: Chen Jing , Crutchley John , Zhang Dadong , Owzar Kouros , Kastan Michael B.
Published: March 2017

Cellular responses to DNA damage are critical determinants of cancer development and aging-associated pathogenesis. Here, we identify and characterize a DNA-damage response (DDR) pathway that regulates alternative splicing of numerous gene products, including the human tumor suppressor TP53, and controls DNA damage–induced cellular senescence. In brief, ionizing radiation (IR) inhibits the activity of SMG1, a phosphoinositide-3-kinase-like kinase family member, reducing the binding of SMG1 to a specific region near exon 9 of p53 precursor mRNA and promoting the binding of ribosomal protein L26 (RPL26) to p53 pre-mRNA. RPL26, in turn, is required for the recruitment of the serine/arginine-rich splicing factor SRSF7 to p53 pre-mRNA and generation of alternatively spliced p53β RNA. Disruption of this pathway via selective knockout of p53β by CRISPR/Cas9 or downregulation of pathway constituents significantly reduces IR-induced senescence markers, and cells lacking p53β expression fail to transcriptionally repress negative regulators of cellular senescence and aging.

Significance: We identified a new component of the DDR pathway that regulates alternative splicing of messenger RNAs, including human TP53 mRNA. Modulation of this regulatory pathway affects DNA-damage induction of cellular senescence markers. Cancer Discov; 7(7); 766–81. ©2017 AACR.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 653
Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome: Weight Loss Can Be a Problem, Weight Gain Can Be a Solution
Authors: Alvarenga Ana , Espinheira Céu , Guerra Paula , Garcia Maria , Abreu Mariana , Campos Miguel
Published: March 2017

Introduction: Superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMAS) is a rare acquired disorder, which in the present case had an acute and unusual way of presentation. Case Report: We present a 17-year-old female with nausea, vomiting, and intense epigastric pain. In the previous 6 months, she had lost 42% of her body weight. The echography showed a distended stomach that reached the pelvis, and the nasogastric tube that was placed drained 2,000 mL. A computed tomography scan confirmed the SMAS diagnosis. She started a hypercaloric fractionated meal diet, prokinetics, and postural measures. After the 1-year follow-up the patient is asymptomatic. Conclusion: This acute presentation is rare but life-threatening due to the possibility of gastric rupture. Medical management is possible in the majority of cases, and surgery is needed only in the refractory ones.
Multisystemic Sarcoidosis with Early Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Authors: Mota Catarina , Ferreira Carlos , Oliveira Maria Emília , Santos João Meneses , Victorino Rui M.M.
Published: March 2017

Sarcoidosis involving the digestive tract is very rare and requires a strict differential diagnosis with other systemic granulomatous diseases. We present a case of multisystemic granulomatosis involving the stomach and colon, causing initial digestive symptoms. Pulmonary nodules, pleural effusion, ascites, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, and mesenteric as well as retroperitoneal and axillary lymphadenopathy were subsequently identified. The reticulo-endothelial expression, the hypercalcemia and, above all, a rapid and complete resolution after corticosteroids supported the hypothesis of sarcoidosis involving the digestive tract. A brief review of digestive tract involvement in sarcoidosis and of the distinctive features of sarcoidosis with gastrointestinal involvement and Crohn's disease with a rare form of pleuro-pulmonary involvement is presented.