bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How cerebellar motor learning keeps saccades accurate
Authors: Soetedjo Robijanto , Kojima Yoshiko , Fuchs Albert F.
Published: April 2019

The neuronal substrate underlying the learning of a sophisticated task has been difficult to study. However, the advent of a behavioral paradigm that deceives the saccadic system into thinking it is making an error has allowed the mechanisms of the adaptation that corrects this error to be revealed in a primate. The neural elements that fashion the command signal for the generation of accurate saccades involve subcortical structures in the brain stem and cerebellum. In this review we show that sites in both those structures also are involved with the gradual adaptation of saccade size, a form of motor learning. Pharmacological manipulation of the oculomotor vermis (lobules VIc and VII) impairs mechanisms that either increase or decrease saccade size during adaptation. The net saccade-related simple spike (SS) activity of its Purkinje cells is correlated with the changes in saccade characteristics that occur during adaptation. These changes in SS activity are driven by an error signal delivered over climbing fibers, which create complex spikes whose probability of occurrence reflects the motor error between the actual and desired saccade size. These climbing fibers originate in the part of the inferior olive that receives projections from the superior colliculus (SC). Disabling the SC prevents adaptation and stimulation of the SC just after a normal saccade produces a surrogate error signal that drives adaptation without an actual visual error. Therefore, the SC provides not only the initial command that generates a saccade, as shown by others, but also the error signal that ensures that saccades remain accurate.
Interaction of a Screw Dislocation with Interface and Wedge‐Shaped Cracks in One‐Dimensional Hexagonal Piezoelectric Quasicrystals Bimaterial
Authors: Li Lian he , Zhao Yue
Published: April 2019

Interaction of a screw dislocation with wedge‐shaped cracks in one‐dimensional hexagonal piezoelectric quasicrystals bimaterial is considered. The general solutions of the elastic and electric fields are derived by complex variable method. Then the analytical expressions for the phonon stresses, phason stresses, and electric displacements are given. The stresses and electric displacement intensity factors of the cracks are also calculated, as well as the force on dislocation. The effects of the coupling constants, the geometrical parameters of cracks, and the dislocation location on stresses intensity factors and image force are shown graphically. The distribution characteristics with regard to the phonon stresses, phason stresses, and electric displacements are discussed in detail. The solutions of several special cases are obtained as the results of the present conclusion.
Deep Hypothermic Circulatory Arrest Does Not Show Better Protection for Vital Organs Compared with Moderate Hypothermic Circulatory Arrest in Pig Model
Authors: Liu Yang , Wu Zining , Dai Lu , Li Haiyang , Gong Ming , Lan Feng , Guan Xinliang , Zhang Hongjia
Published: April 2019

Background. Continued debates exist regarding the optimal temperature during hypothermic circulatory arrest in aortic arch repair for patients with type A aortic dissection. This study seeks to examine whether the use of moderate hypothermic circulatory arrest in a pig model provides comparable vital organ protection outcomes to the use of deep hypothermic circulatory arrest. Methods. Thirteen pigs were randomly assigned to 30 minutes of hypothermic circulatory arrest without cerebral perfusion at 15°C (n = 5), 25°C (n = 5), and a control group (n = 3). The changes in standard laboratory tests and capacity for protection against apoptosis in different vital organs were monitored with different temperatures of hypothermic circulatory arrest management in pig model to determine which temperature was optimal for hypothermic circulatory arrest. Results. There were no significant differences in the capacity for protection against apoptosis in vital organs between 2 groups (p > 0.05, respectively). Compared with the moderate hypothermic circulatory arrest group, the deep hypothermic circulatory arrest group had no significant advantages in terms of the biologic parameters of any other organs (p > 0.05). Conclusions. Compared with deep hypothermic circulatory arrest, moderate hypothermic circulatory arrest is a moderate technique that has similar advantages with regard to the levels of biomarkers of injury and capacity for protection against apoptosis in vital organs.
Immunohistochemical Analysis of BRAF (V600E) Mutation and P16 Expression in Malignant Melanoma in Lagos, Nigeria: A 10-Year Retrospective Study
Authors: Obadofin O. , Badmos K. , Orsi N. , Bipin M. , Rotimi O. , Banjo A.
Published: April 2019

Background. In Blacks, malignant melanoma (MM) is associated with greater morbidity and mortality compared to Caucasians. MMs with BRAF V600E mutation as well as those with loss of p16 protein expression are associated with aggressive behavior and worse prognosis. Objectives. We determined BRAF (V600E) mutation status and loss of p16 expression in MM cases in Lagos, Nigeria, and correlated these with histopathologic parameters and patients’ age. Methods. Forty-five cases of MM received between January 2005 and December 2014 in the Anatomic and Molecular Pathology Department of Lagos University Teaching Hospital were subjected to immunohistochemical studies to determine BRAF V600E mutation and p16 protein expression. These included cutaneous (n=37), musosal (n=3), and ocular MM (n=2) as well as lymph node metastatases (n=3). Results. BRAF (V600E) mutations were detected in 5/45 (11%) while 31/45 (69%) of the cases had loss of p16 expression. No statistically significant association was found between the BRAF (V600E) mutation, loss of p16 expression, and histologic parameters such as histologic variant, Clark level, Breslow thickness, and ulceration. Conclusion. BRAF (V600E) mutation was detected only in a small proportion of cases while loss of p16 expression occurred in most cases which also had high Clark level, high Breslow thickness, and ulceration.
Simultaneous Determination of Zn(II), Cd(II), Pb(II), and Cu(II) Using Differential Pulse Anodic Stripping Voltammetry at a Bismuth Film-Modified Electrode
Authors: Thanh Nguyen Mau , Van Hop Nguyen , Luyen Nguyen Dinh , Phong Nguyen Hai , Tam Toan Tran Thanh
Published: April 2019

The simultaneous electrochemical determination of Zn(II), Cd(II), Pb(II), and Cu(II) in the aqueous solution has been developed on the basis of the bismuth film glassy carbon electrode (GCE) using differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DP-ASV). The bismuth film electrode (BiFE) was prepared by adding 500 ppb bismuth(III) directly to the sample solution and simultaneously depositing bismuth and the metal analytes on GCE. The optimal operational parameters, namely, accumulation potential (–1.6 V), accumulation time (110 s), pulsed amplitude (0.07 V), and scan rate (0.021 V·s−1), were found using a Box–Behnken design. Under the optimum conditions, a linear relationship exists between the current and the concentration of Zn(II), Cd(II), Pb(II), and Cu(II) in the range between 5.0 ppb and 110.0 ppb with the detection limits of 1.07 for Zn(II), 0.93 ppb for Cd(II), 0.65 ppb for Pb(II), and 0.94 ppb for Cu(II) calculated on the basis of a signal-to-noise ratio equal to 3 (S/N = 3). The interference experiments show that Co(II), Ni(II), and Fe(III) have a little influence on the DP-ASV signals of Zn(II), Cd(II), Pb(II), and Cu(II). In addition, a high reproducibility was indicated from small relative standard deviations (1.03%, 1.74%, 1.32%, and 4.74%) for 25 repeated measurements of 15 ppb copper, lead, cadmium, and zinc solutions. BiFE was successfully applied to determine Zn(II), Cd(II), Pb(II), and Cu(II) in river samples, and the results are in a good agreement with those determined with graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GF-AAS).
Research on the Grey Verhulst Model Based on Particle Swarm Optimization and Markov Chain to Predict the Settlement of High Fill Subgrade in Xiangli Expressway
Authors: Liu Haiming , Guo Wei , Zhang Chao , Yang Huaihao
Published: April 2019

It is of vital significance to accurately forecast the settlement of high fill subgrade, which is the foundation for disaster prevention and treatment of subgrade. According to the monitoring data of high fill subgrade, a novel model, called PSOMGVM model, based on particle swarm optimization (PSO) and Markov chain is proposed. Firstly, the typical characteristics of settlement curve are analyzed from the aspect of geomechanics theory and based on the grey theory, the grey Verhulst model (GVM) with unequal time‐interval is proposed. Then, according to the theory of Markov chain, the grey Verhulst model is built to revise the relative residuals of the GVM, in which the effects of volatility characteristics can be considered. Finally, the PSOMGVM model based on PSO algorithm and Markov chain is set up, which whitens the parameters of the grey interval. In order to demonstrate the fitness and the ability of the proposed model, five competing models are introduced to predict the settlement of the high fill subgrade of Xiangli Expressway in Yunnan Province. Through the analysis of APE, MAPE, and RMSE, it states that the accuracy and performance of the PSOMGVM model outperform the other five competing models for simulative and predictive periods.
Indoxyl Sulfate Induces Renal Fibroblast Activation through a Targetable Heat Shock Protein 90-Dependent Pathway
Authors: Milanesi Samantha , Garibaldi Silvano , Saio Michela , Ghigliotti Giorgio , Picciotto Daniela , Ameri Pietro , Garibotto Giacomo , Barisione Chiara , Verzola Daniela
Published: April 2019

Indoxyl sulfate (IS) accumulation occurs early during chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression and contributes to renal dysfunction by inducing fibrosis, inflammation, oxidative stress, and tissue remodeling. Renal toxicity of high IS concentrations (250 μM) has been widely explored, particularly in resident tubular and glomerular cells, while the effect of a moderate IS increase on kidneys is still mostly unknown. To define the effects of IS accumulation on renal fibroblasts, we first analyzed kidneys of C57BL/6 mice receiving IS (0.1%) in drinking water for 12 weeks. As a next step, we treated renal fibroblasts (NRK-49F) with IS (20 μM) with or without the HSP90 inhibitor 17-AAG (1 μM). In mouse kidneys, IS increased the collagen deposition and HSP90 and α-SMA expression (immunohistochemistry) in interstitial fibroblasts and caused tubular necrosis (histological H&E and picrosirius red staining). In NRK-49F cells, IS induced MCP1, TGF-β, collagen I, α-SMA, and HSP90 gene/protein expression and Smad2/3 pathway activation. IS had no effects on fibroblast proliferation and ROS production. 17-AAG counteracted IS-induced MCP1, TGF-β, collagen I, and α-SMA expression and Smad2/3 phosphorylation. Our study demonstrates that the IS increase promotes renal fibroblast activation by a HSP90-dependent pathway and indicates HSP90 inhibition as a potential strategy to restrain IS-induced kidney inflammation and fibrosis in CKD.
Effects of Dual Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated ReceptorsαandγActivation in Two Rat Models of Neuropathic Pain
Authors: Alsalem Mohammad , Haddad Mansour , Aldossary Sara A. , Kalbouneh Heba , Azab Belal , Dweik Aala , Imraish Amer , El-Salem Khalid
Published: April 2019

Neuropathic pain is a growing healthcare problem causing a global burden. Currently used analgesics such as opioids are associated with adverse effects; urging the need for safer alternatives. Here we aimed to investigate the potential analgesic effects of tesaglitazar; dual peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorsαandγ(PPARαandγ) agonist in rat models of neuropathic pain. This study also aimed to investigate the modulation of the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) receptor activity by tesaglitazar which could provide a potential mechanism that underlie tesaglitazar antinociceptive effects. Von Frey filaments were used to determine the paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) in adult male Sprague Dawley rats (180-250g) following i.p. injection of streptozotocin (STZ) or cisplatin, which were used as models of neuropathic pain. Antinociceptive effects of tesaglitazar were determined 6 hours after drug administration. Cobalt influx assays in cultured dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons were used to study the effects of tesaglitazar preincubation on capsaicin-evoked cobalt influx. Both cisplatin and STZ produced a significant decrease in PWT. The higher dose of tesaglitazar (20μg/kg) significantly restored PWT in both neuropathic pain models (P<0.05). 10μM capsaicin produced a robust cobalt response in DRG neurons. Preincubation of DRG neurones with tesaglitazar 6 hours prior to stimulation with capsaicin significantly reduce capsaicin-evoked cobalt responses in a PPARαand PPARγdependent fashion (P<0.05). In conclusion, tesaglitazar produced significant analgesic effects in STZ and cisplatin-induced neuropathy, possibly by modulating TRPV1 receptor activity. This may be of potential benefit in clinical practice dealing with peripheral neuropathy.
Efficient Stereo Matching Based on Pervasive Guided Image Filtering
Authors: Zhu Chengtao , Chang Yau-Zen
Published: April 2019

This paper presents an effective cost aggregation strategy for dense stereo matching. Based on the guided image filtering (GIF), we propose a new aggregation scheme called Pervasive Guided Image Filtering (PGIF) to introduce weightings to the energy function of the filter which allows the whole image pair to be taken into account. The filter parameters of PGIF are calculated as two‐dimensional convolution using the bright and spatial differences between the corresponding pixels, which can be incrementally calculated for efficient aggregation. The complexity of the proposed algorithm is O(N), which is linear to the number of image pixels. Furthermore, the algorithm can be further simplified into O(N/4) without significantly sacrificing accuracy if subsampling is applied in the stage of parameter calculation. We also found that a step function to attenuate noise is required in calculating the weights. Experimental evaluation on version 3 of the Middlebury stereo evaluation datasets shows that the proposed method achieves superior disparity accuracy over state‐of‐the‐art aggregation methods with comparable processing speed.
Electroacupuncture Improves Antidepressant Effects in CUMS Rats by Protecting Hippocampal Synapse and Mitochondrion: An Ultrastructural and iTRAQ Proteomic Study
Authors: Zhang Jialing , Zhang Zhinan , Zhang Jiping , Zhong Zheng , Yao Zengyu , Qu Shanshan , Huang Yong
Published: April 2019

Electroacupuncture (EA) is considered a complementary therapy for depression. Trials also found that EA has additive benefits when combined with medication compared with medication alone. It is revealed that EA restores altered hippocampal synaptic plasticity in depressed brain. But precise molecular mechanism is poorly understood. Here, we evaluated the therapeutic effects of EA and EA combined with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) on depressed (CUMS) rats. Then a new proteomics approach, isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ), was used to explore the differential expressed synaptic protein in hippocampus between CUMS and EA-treated rats to identify the possible target molecular mechanism of its effects. We found that EA had additive benefit against depressive behaviors when combined with SSRI. Ultrastructure study on neuron showed significant change in postsynapse density (PSD) and mitochondrion. Through iTRAQ, it is found that synaptic and mitochondrial proteins were significantly changed after EA, consisting with ultrastructure study results. These findings suggest that EA improves antidepressant performance in depressed rats through protecting synaptic and mitochondrial functions in hippocampus.
Improving the Accuracy Rate of Link Quality Estimation Using Fuzzy Logic in Mobile Wireless Sensor Network
Authors: Huang Zhirui , Por Lip Yee , Ang Tan Fong , Anisi Mohammad Hossein , Adam Mohammed Sani
Published: April 2019

Link quality estimation is essential for improving the performance of a routing protocol in a wireless sensor network. Many methods have been proposed to increase the performance of the link quality estimation; however, most of them are not able to evaluate link quality accurately. In this study, a method that uses fuzzy logic to combine both hardware-based and software-based metrics is proposed to improve the accuracy rate for evaluating a link quality. This proposed method consists of three types of modules, the Fuzzifier module, the Inference module, and the Defuzzifier module. The Fuzzifier module is used to determine the degree to which input link quality metrics belong to each fuzzy set through proposed membership functions. The Inference module obtains the rule outputs based on the proposed fuzzy rules and the given inputs acquired from the Fuzzifier module. The Defuzzifier module is used to aggregate the rule outputs inferred from the Inference module. The result from the Defuzzifier module is then used to evaluate the link quality. A simulation conducted to compare the accuracy rates of the proposed method and those found in related works showed that the proposed method had higher accuracy rates for evaluating a link quality.
Nivolumab and Ipilimumab in the Treatment of Metastatic Uveal Melanoma: A Single-Center Experience
Authors: Karivedu Vidhya , Eldessouki Ihab , Taftaf Ahmad , Zhu Zheng , Makramalla Abouelmagd , Karim Nagla Abdel
Published: April 2019

Background. Metastatic uveal melanoma (MUM) is associated with a poor prognosis, with a median overall survival (OS) of 4–15 months. Despite new insights into the genetic and molecular background of MUM, satisfactory systemic treatment approaches are currently lacking. The study results of innovative treatment strategies are urgently needed. Patients and Methods. This was a retrospective case series of 8 patients with MUM managed at the University of Cincinnati between January 2015 and January 2018. The immune-related Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (irRECIST) 1.1 criteria were used for patient evaluation, and magnetic resonance imaging was used for evaluation at treatment checkpoints. Objective. To assess the clinical outcome of patients with MUM treated with a combination of checkpoint inhibitors. Results. The series included eight patients, six men and two women, with MUM. Their median age at MUM diagnosis was 69 (range, 55–77) years. All patients were treated with ipilimumab and nivolumab combination along with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), followed by nivolumab maintenance and monthly TACE procedures. The majority of patients had a partial response or stable disease. Two of the patients had partial response, while four others had stable disease. Two other patients experienced disease progression. Conclusion. We report the outcomes of eight patients with MUM treated with the combination of ipilimumab and nivolumab. We report the clinical outcome and toxicity associated with this treatment approach. Further studies are warranted to explore immunotherapy in MUM. These findings support the consideration of immunotherapy in MUM.
Evaluate the Probability of Failure in Rainfall-Induced Landslides Using a Fuzzy Point Estimate Method
Authors: Yang Ya-Sin , Yeh Hsin-Fu
Published: April 2019

Traditional slope stability analysis mostly adopts the limit equilibrium method, which predetermines the slope failure surface and assumes that failure occurs simultaneously at all points of the failure surface. The method is based on the balance of forces and torques. The slope stability is represented by the factor of safety. The lowest factor of safety obtained after repeated analysis indicates the most failure-prone slope surface. However, the factor of safety for only one slope failure surface is obtained when applying this method. The distribution and changes of factor of safety in the interior of the slope are not identified. In addition, the analysis of factor of safety is influenced by the uncertainty in soil mechanical parameters, whereas uncertainty is not quantified in the traditional deterministic analysis. Therefore, a probabilistic approach, which uses the probability distribution function to explain the randomness of parameters, is proposed for quantifying the uncertainty. Nonetheless, when the observation data are not sufficient for determining the probability distribution function, the fuzzy theory can be an alternative method for the analysis. The fuzzy theory is based on fuzzy sets. It expresses the ambiguity of incomplete sets of information using a membership function. Moreover, a correct judgment can be made without verbose iterations. Hence, the aim of this study is to examine the uncertainty in soil mechanical parameters. The membership functions between soil mechanical parameters, i.e., cohesion and angle of internal friction, were constructed based on the fuzzy theory. The fuzzy point estimation was used in combination with the hydrologic and mechanical coupling model on HYDRUS 2D and the Slope Cube Module. The local factor of safety at different depths of the slope was determined using the local factor of safety theory. The probability of failure at different depths was calculated through reliability analysis, which could serve as an early warning for subsequent slope failures.
Robust Control for a Two DOF Robot Manipulator
Authors: Massaoudi Fatma , Elleuch Dorsaf , Damak Tarak
Published: April 2019

In this paper, we present robust control techniques applied on a manipulator robot system: modified sliding mode control (MSMC) and backstepping control (BSC). The purpose is to evaluate SMC and BSC performances, taking into account the model uncertainties. Then, the obtained results of MSMC technique are compared with those of the adaptive sliding mode. Both methods have comparable simulation results which show a good quality of robustness. However, simulation results prove that the modified SMC is more robust, mostly under the effect of external variations and uncertainties.
Stability and Complexity of a Novel Three‐Dimensional Environmental Quality Dynamic Evolution System
Authors: Zhao LiuWei , Otoo Charles Oduro Acheampong
Published: April 2019

In this paper, a novel three‐dimensional environmental quality dynamic system is introduced. Bayesian estimation was used to calibrate environmental quality variables, and Genetic algorithm (GA) optimized Levenberg‐Marquardt Back Propagation (LM‐BP) neural network method was used to effectively identify the system parameters for calibration of various variables and official data. The studies found that the effect of increasing investment in environmental protection on energy intensity and environmental quality is not obvious, and it also aggravates the economic instability. Adjustment of peak parameters of pollution emissions can accelerate the evolution of energy intensity and environmental quality to a stable speed and eventually stabilize with a certain value. But if the peak value of pollution emissions reaches too early, it will pose a certain threat to the environment. Although the speed of ecological environment self‐repair is increased, it cannot effectively reduce energy intensity, improve environmental quality, and maintain economic growth; it can control the stability of the control system or effectively control pollution. Therefore, in order to improve the environmental quality, we need to take more measures in parallel, use more means and resources for environmental governance, and ultimately achieve “win‐win” between environmental quality and economy.
Segmentation of LiDAR Data Using Multilevel Cube Code
Authors: Park So-Young , Lee Dae Geon , Yoo Eun Jin , Lee Dong-Cheon
Published: April 2019

Light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data collected from airborne laser scanning systems are one of the major sources of spatial data. Airborne laser scanning systems have the capacity for rapid and direct acquisition of accurate 3D coordinates. Use of LiDAR data is increasing in various applications, such as topographic mapping, building and city modeling, biomass measurement, and disaster management. Segmentation is a crucial process in the extraction of meaningful information for applications such as 3D object modeling and surface reconstruction. Most LiDAR processing schemes are based on digital image processing and computer vision algorithms. This paper introduces a shape descriptor method for segmenting LiDAR point clouds using a “multilevel cube code” that is an extension of the 2D chain code to 3D space. The cube operator segments point clouds into roof surface patches, including superstructures, removes unnecessary objects, detects the boundaries of buildings, and determines model key points for building modeling. Both real and simulated LiDAR data were used to verify the proposed approach. The experiments demonstrated the feasibility of the method for segmenting LiDAR data from buildings with a wide range of roof types. The method was found to segment point cloud data effectively.
An Improved Random Forest Algorithm for Predicting Employee Turnover
Authors: Gao Xiang , Wen Junhao , Zhang Cheng
Published: April 2019

Employee turnover is considered a major problem for many organizations and enterprises. The problem is critical because it affects not only the sustainability of work but also the continuity of enterprise planning and culture. Therefore, human resource departments are paying greater attention to employee turnover seeking to improve their understanding of the underlying reasons and main factors. To address this need, this study aims to enhance the ability to forecast employee turnover and introduce a new method based on an improved random forest algorithm. The proposed weighted quadratic random forest algorithm is applied to employee turnover data with high‐dimensional unbalanced characteristics. First, the random forest algorithm is used to order feature importance and reduce dimensions. Second, the selected features are used with the random forest algorithm and the F‐measure values are calculated for each decision tree as weights to build the prediction model for employee turnover. In the area of employee turnover forecasting, compared with the random forest, C4.5, Logistic, BP, and other algorithms, the proposed algorithm shows significant improvement in terms of various performance indicators, specifically recall and F‐measure. In the experiment using the employee dataset of a branch of a communications company in China, the key factors influencing employee turnover were identified as monthly income, overtime, age, distance from home, years at the company, and percent of salary increase. Among them, monthly income and overtime were the two most important factors. The study offers a new analytic method that can help human resource departments predict employee turnover more accurately and its experimental results provide further insights to reduce employee turnover intention.
Study of Durability of Concrete with Fly Ash as Fine Aggregate under Alternative Interactions of Freeze‐Thaw and Carbonation
Authors: Mao Mingjie , Zhang Dongsheng , Yang Qiuning , Zhang Wenbo
Published: April 2019

To study the durability of concrete with fly ash as fine aggregate subjected to alternative attacks of freeze‐thaw and carbonation, the appearance, mass loss, relative dynamic modulus of elasticity, relative compressive strength, and carbonation depth of the concrete are investigated using cyclic tests under single carbonation, single freeze‐thaw, and alternation of freeze‐thaw and carbonation. In addition, microstructural analysis techniques including scanning electron microscope and X‐ray diffraction are adopted to reveal the deterioration mechanism of alternating freeze‐thaw and carbonation. Results show that carbonation is beneficial for refining the pore structure and increasing concrete strength in the initial alternative cycle, which delays the damage from freeze‐thaw cycles. Damage from freeze‐thaw causes crack propagation in concrete, which leads to carbonation intensification. Compared with other test modes, concrete under alternative freeze‐thaw and carbonation causes the greatest degree of deterioration during the initial freeze‐thaw cycles. The carbonation depth under alternative freeze‐thaw and carbonation is positively correlated with the carbonation time and the water‐to‐cement ratio. However, as the reactant is continuously consumed due to the expansion of crystalline ice and CaCO3, alternative cycles result in the appearance of many more new cracks in the concrete.
High Temperature Friction and Wear Performance of PVD Coatings under Press Hardening Contact Conditions
Authors: Mozgovoy Sergej , Hardell Jens , Prakash Braham
Published: April 2019

Press hardening is widely employed to produce automotive structural and safety components from advanced high-strength steels. This process depends on friction between the forming tools and the work piece. Wear of the forming tools affects the dimensional accuracy of produced components and reduces their service life. It is therefore desirable to reduce wear of forming tools for press hardening applications. One way to achieve this is by applying hard physical vapour deposited (PVD) coatings on the tool. In this work, the tribological behaviour of PVD coated tool-work piece material pairs has been studied at elevated temperatures in an experimental set-up simulating the tribological conditions in press hardening. Four different PVD coatings deposited on tool steel and uncoated tools as reference were studied during sliding against uncoated and Al-Si coated 22MnB5 steel. Results show that uncoated tools exhibited the lowest coefficient of friction when sliding against uncoated 22MnB5 steel. A CrWN coating initially showed low coefficient of friction but it increased with increasing sliding distance. A TiAlN coating and one of two AlCrN coatings showed similar frictional behaviour when sliding against uncoated 22MnB5 steel. During sliding against uncoated 22MnB5 steel, adhesive wear has been found to be the dominant wear mechanism. Adhesive wear was considerably reduced in the case of hard PVD coated tools in comparison to that of uncoated tools. During sliding against Al-Si coated 22MnB5 steel, no clear advantage in terms of friction behaviour of uncoated or PVD coated tools was observed. However, the transfer of Al-Si coating material from the work piece to the tools was significantly reduced for PVD coated tools. Frictional instabilities in all cases involving Al-Si coated work piece material further confirmed the occurrence of adhesive material transfer.
Preliminary Study to Evaluate Three Different Treatments on Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients Based on Markov Model
Authors: Yu Xue-qing , Yang Shu-guang , Li Han , Xie Yang , Li Jian-sheng , Zhang Pan
Published: April 2019

This study evaluates the costs and utilities of different treatment strategies for stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients based on Markov model and provides guidance for clinical decision and health policy making. Patients with stable COPD from four subcenters had been investigated. A Markov model with three states, namely, GOLD 1-2, GOLD 3-4, and death, was built using TreeAge Pro 2011 software. Cost-utility ratio (CUR) and incremental cost-utility ratio (ICUR) from forty Markov circles were applied to measuring the economics evaluation of three different treatments. A total of 236 stable COPD patients were randomly assigned into three groups, Western medicine group (79 cases), traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) group (79 cases), and combined group (78 cases). The results of Markov cohort simulation showed that the accumulative quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) of the three above groups per 100 000 people in 40 years were 1 702 773, 1 616 797, and 1 709 668 years, respectively, and the accumulative costs were 13 582 138 466, 1 207 904 113, and 14 656 607 371 Yuan, respectively. The CURs of the three groups were 87 235, 74 602, and 87 223 Yuan/QALY, respectively. ICURs of combined group were 8 707 and 41 705 Yuan as against Western medicine group and TCM group, respectively. Therefore, combined treatment has a lower cost, higher health output, and more socioeconomic benefits in the long run. Markov model is recommended to conduct health economics evaluation of different treatments for COPD.
Multidrug-Resistant Escherichia coli Resulting in Postpartum Necrotizing Endomyometritis
Authors: Tymon-Rosario Joan , Chuang Meleen
Published: April 2019

Background. Postpartum endometritis is a fairly common postoperative complication occurring in up to 11 percent of all cesarean deliveries. Multidrug-resistant pathogenic organism is increasingly a factor in postoperative source of infection. Postpartum endomyometritis from a multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli infection resulting in uterine is one such rare clinical circumstance where there is minimal information in the literature to guide its treatment and management. Case. A 29-year-old G1P0 who underwent a primary cesarean delivery for a failed induction of labor developed endomyometritis on post-op day one and was treated with multiple broad-spectrum antibiotic regimens. The source of infection was found to be multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli with uterine involvement and pelvic abscesses, requiring hysterectomy and drainage of pelvic abscesses. Severe uterine necrosis from this multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli infection was noted intraoperatively. After three weeks of antibiotic therapy, she had resolution of her infection. Conclusion. Multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli is a highly pathogenic organism that can cause endomyometritis, persistent bacteremia, and uterine necrosis, which necessitates definitive surgical management with hysterectomy to achieve resolution of the infection.
Psychosocial Mediators between Socioeconomic Status and Dietary Restrictions among Patients Receiving Hemodialysis in Japan
Authors: Sugisawa Hidehiro , Shinoda Toshio , Shimizu Yumiko , Kumagai Tamaki , Sugisaki Hiroaki
Published: April 2019

The generalizability of differences in dietary restrictions (DRs) as function of socioeconomic status (SES) and the pathways of the associations between SES and DRs remain unclear. Therefore, we aimed to explore SES differences in DRs and psychosocial mediators between SES and DRs in Japanese patients receiving hemodialysis. This study was a cross-sectional survey of 6,644 outpatients (average age = 66.5 years; 65% males) of hemodialysis facilities across Japan. DRs were assessed by self-reported and objective measures, and SES was assessed based on education and income. Three psychosocial mediators were used: self-efficacy, control expectancy, and social support. Indirect influences of SES through the mediators were evaluated with a multiple mediator model. Although higher education was significantly associated with higher self-reported DRs, higher income was significantly associated with lower self-reported DRs. Significant SES differences in objective DRs were not observed. The relationships between education and self-reported DRs and objective DRs were significantly mediated by self-efficacy and/or control expectancy. The influences of income were mediated by social support. It becomes possible to design interventions targeting modifiable psychosocial factors including self-efficacy, control expectancy, and social support in order to reduce SES inequalities in DRs.
On-the-Scene Hyaluronan and Syndecan-1 Serum Concentrations and Outcome after Cardiac Arrest and Resuscitation
Authors: Bogner-Flatz V. , Braunstein M. , Ocker L. E. , Kusmenkov T. , Tschoep J. , Ney L. , Böcker W. , Annecke T.
Published: April 2019

Background. It is not predictable which patients will develop a severe inflammatory response after successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), also known as “postcardiac arrest syndrome.” This pathology affects only a subgroup of cardiac arrest victims. Whole body ischemia/reperfusion and prolonged shock states after return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) may both contribute to this devastating condition. The vascular endothelium with its glycocalyx is especially susceptible to initial ischemic damage and may play a detrimental role in the initiation of postischemic inflammatory reactions. It is not known to date if an immediate early damage to the endothelial glycocalyx, detected by on-the-scene blood sampling and measurement of soluble components (hyaluronan and syndecan-1), precedes and predicts multiple organ failure (MOF) and survival after ROSC. Methods. 15 patients after prehospital resuscitation were included in the study. Serum samples were collected on the scene immediately after ROSC and after 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, and 48 h. Hyaluronan and syndecan-1 were measured by ELISA. We associated the development of multiple organ failure and 30-day survival rates with these serum markers of early glycocalyx damage. Results. Immediate serum hyaluronan concentrations show significant differences depending on 30-day survival. Further, the hyaluronan level is significantly higher in patients developing MOF during the initial and intermediate resuscitation period. Also, the syndecan-1 levels are significantly different according to MOF occurrence. Conclusion. Serum markers of glycocalyx shedding taken immediately on the scene after ROSC can predict the occurrence of multiple organ failure and adverse clinical outcome in patients after cardiac arrest.
Thermodynamic Simulation and Experimental Investigation of Plasma Preparation of Nanosized Carbon Using Propane
Authors: Luo Zuyun , Wang Fangfang , Xu Jinjia , Liu Jieying , Hong Ruoyu
Published: April 2019

Carbon black was prepared by pyrolysis of propane under different plasma conditions. The effects of the flow ratio of the carbon precursor, discharge current, and plasma gases (including argon, nitrogen, and hydrogen) on the morphology and structure of carbon black were investigated by a series of physical characterizations. The equilibrium components were computed based on the minimization of the Gibbs free energy. The theoretical analysis and experimental results confirmed that HCN is the inevitable byproduct in the tail gas from the nitrogen plasma process, indicating that nitrogen is inappropriate as the carrier gas for the preparation of carbon black. The effects of discharging current, discharging spacing, and proportions of propane were also symmetrically studied by the evaluation of HCN concentration. Moreover, the graphene was generated when using argon as the plasma gas mixed with a small amount of hydrogen.
APC-Cdh1 Inhibits the Proliferation and Activation of Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cells after Mechanical Stretch Injury
Authors: Ma Xiang , Guo Yongqing , Qi Yuehong , Zhang Hongpeng , Hao Yuhua , Zhang Huaping , Li Xiaona
Published: April 2019

The incidence of spinal cord injury (SCI) continues to increase; however, the involved mechanisms remain unclear. Anaphase promoting complex (APC) and its regulatory subunit Cdh1 play important roles in the growth, development, and repair of the central nervous system (CNS). Cdh1 is involved in the pathophysiological processes of neuronal apoptosis and astrocyte-reactive proliferation after ischemic brain injury, whereas the role played by APC-Cdh1 in the proliferation and activation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) after SCI remains unresolved. Using primary cultures of spinal oligodendrocyte precursor cells, we successfully established an in vitro mechanical stretch injury model to simulate SCI. Cell viability and proliferation were determined by MTT assay and flow cytometric analysis of the cell cycle. Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR and Western blot analysis determined the mRNA and protein expression levels of Cdh1 and its downstream substrates Skp2 and Id2. Mechanical stretch injury decreased the proliferative activity of OPCs and enhanced cellular Cdh1 expression. Dampened expression of Cdh1 in primary OPCs significantly promoted proliferation and activation of OPCs after SCI. In addition, the expression of the downstream substrates of Cdh1, Skp2, and Id2 was decreased following mechanical injury, whereas adenovirus-mediated Cdh1 RNA interference increased postinjury expression of Skp2 and Id2. These findings suggest that APC-Cdh1 might be involved in regulating the proliferation and activation of OPCs after mechanical SCI. Moreover, degraded ubiquitination of the downstream substrates Skp2 and Id2 might play an important role, at least in part, in the beneficial effects of OPCs activity following SCI.
Extremal Matching Energy and the Largest Matching Root of Complete Multipartite Graphs
Authors: Chen Xiaolin , Lian Huishu
Published: April 2019

The matching energy ME(G) of a graph G was introduced by Gutman and Wagner, which is defined as the sum of the absolute values of the roots of the matching polynomial m(G, x). The largest matching root λ1(G) is the largest root of the matching polynomial m(G, x). Let denote the complete r‐partite graph with order n = n1 + n2 + …+nr, where r > 1. In this paper, we prove that, for the given values n and r, both the matching energy ME(G) and the largest matching root λ1(G) of complete r‐partite graphs are minimal for complete split graph CS(n, r − 1) and are maximal for Turán graph T(n, r).
From Onset and Prodromal Stage to a Life-Long Course of Schizophrenia and Its Symptom Dimensions: How Sex, Age, and Other Risk Factors Influence Incidence and Course of Illness
Authors: Häfner Heinz
Published: April 2019

The core symptoms of psychosis—delusions, hallucinations, and thought disorders—are not unique to the disorder traditionally called schizophrenia. They occur at the early stages of various brain diseases, too. Psychosis seems to be a preformed pattern of response of the human brain. Most schizophrenia onsets are marked by a prodromal stage extending over several years and producing the maximum of social consequences. Schizophrenia incidence shows a steep increase culminating at age 15 to 25 years in males. In females it reaches a first peak at age 15 to 30 years and a second, flatter peak at menopausal age (44-49 years). Thereafter, incidence declines to a plateau at later ages. Unlike what the findings of most large-scale epidemiological studies applying an upper age limit of 45 to 55 years suggest, schizophrenia is a disorder of all ages. The lifetime risk seems to be the same for both sexes. The lower incidence in premenopausal women is accounted for by the downregulating effect of oestrogen on dopamine receptors. This hormonal protective effect is antagonised by the genetic effect of a high familial load. In the long-term illness course, right-censored to 11.2 years following first admission, the number of psychotic relapse episodes ranges from 0 to 29 with a mean of 3. The positive symptom dimension produces the highest number of relapses and the shortest duration of exacerbations with a mean length of two months. The depressive and negative symptom dimensions show exacerbations extending over nearly six months on average. Following the first illness episode symptom scores decline sharply, reaching a plateau five years after first admission. Negative symptoms come to a plateau after 2 to 3 years in females and after 5 years in males. Depression is the most frequent type of symptom in the long-term course. In the light of these results urgent treatment issues will be discussed.
Comparison of Place-versus-Pitch Mismatch between a Perimodiolar and Lateral Wall Cochlear Implant Electrode Array in Patients with Single-Sided Deafness and a Cochlear Implant
Authors: Peters Jeroen P.M. , Bennink Edwin , van Zanten Gijsbert A.
Published: April 2019

Background: In electric-acoustic pitch matching experiments in patients with single-sided deafness and a cochlear implant, the observed “mismatch” between perceived pitch and predicted pitch, based on the amended Greenwood frequency map, ranges from –1 to –2 octaves. It is unknown if and how this mismatch differs for perimodiolar versus lateral wall electrode arrays. Objectives: We aimed to investigate if the type of electrode array design is of influence on the electric-acoustic pitch match. Method: Fourteen patients (n = 8 with CI422 + lateral wall electrode array, n = 6 with CI512 + perimodiolar electrode array; Cochlear Ltd.) compared the pitch of acoustic stimuli to the pitch of electric stimuli at two test sessions (average interval 4.3 months). We plotted these “pitch matches” per electrode contact against insertion angle, calculated from high-resolution computed tomography scans. The difference between these pitch matches and two references (the spiral ganglion map and the default frequency allocation by Cochlear Ltd.) was defined as “mismatch.” Results: We found average mismatches of –2.2 octaves for the CI422 group and –1.3 octaves for the CI512 group. For any given electrode contact, the mismatch was smaller for the CI512 electrode array than for the CI422 electrode array. For all electrode contacts together, there was a significant difference between the mismatches of the two groups (p < 0.05). Results remained stable over time, with no significant difference between the two test sessions considering all electrode contacts. Neither group showed a significant correlation between the mismatch and phoneme recognition scores. Conclusion: The pitch mismatch was smaller for the perimodiolar electrode array than for the lateral wall electrode array.
Determination of Circulating Endothelial Cells and Endothelial Progenitor Cells Using Multicolor Flow Cytometry in Patients with Thrombophilia
Authors: Řádek Martin , Babuňková Eva , Špaček Martin , Kvasnička Tomáš , Kvasnička Jan
Published: April 2019

Background/Aims: Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and circulating endothelial cells (CECs) have been described as markers of endothelial damage and dysfunction in several diseases, including deep venous thrombosis. Their role in patients with known thrombophilia has not yet been evaluated. Both EPCs and CECs represent extremely rare cell populations. Therefore, it is essential to use standardized methods for their identification and quantification. Methods: In this study, we used multicolor flow cytometry to analyze the number of EPCs and CECs in patients with thrombophilia with or without a history of thrombosis. Patients with hematological malignancies after high-dose chemotherapy and patients with acute myocardial infarction were used as positive controls. Results: EPC and CEC immunophenotypes were determined as CD45dim/–CD34+CD146+CD133+ and CD45dim/–CD34+CD146+CD133–, respectively. Increased levels of endothelial cells were observed in positive control groups. No significant changes in the number of EPCs or CECs were detected in patients with thrombophilia compared to healthy controls. Conclusion: Our optimized multicolor flow cytometry method allows unambiguous identification and quantification of endothelial cells in the peripheral blood. Our results support previous studies showing that elevated levels of CECs could serve as an indicator of endothelial injury or dysfunction. Normal levels of CECs or EPCs were found in patients with thrombophilia.
Granulomatous Reactions from Tattoos Following BRAF Inhibitor Therapy
Authors: Giet Gabrielle , Lebas Eve , Rorive Andrée , Arrese Jorge E. , Nikkels Arjen F.
Published: April 2019

BRAF inhibitors may present several cutaneous adverse effects, including actinic keratosis, squamous cell carcinoma, keratoacanthoma, rashes, increased photosensitivity, panniculitis, palmoplantar and capillary involvement, pruritus and xerosis as well as granulomatous reactions. A 30-year-old patient with multiple tattoos received dabrafenib and trametinib for metastatic melanoma. After 4 months, he developed an induration and thickening strictly limited to several tattoos. Histopathology revealed nonnecrotizing granulomas in the dermis. Topical steroids relieved pruritus but not the granulomatous aspect of the tattoos. As far as we know, this is the first description of granulomatous reactions restricted to preexisting tattoos following BRAF inhibitor therapy.