bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental Study on Anisotropic Strength and Deformation Behavior of a Coal Measure Shale under Room Dried and Water Saturated Conditions
Authors: Cheng Jingyi , Wan Zhijun , Zhang Yidong , Li Wenfeng , Peng Syd S. , Zhang Peng
Published: May 2015

This paper presents an experimental investigation of anisotropic strength and deformation behavior of coal measure shale. The effect of two factors (i.e., anisotropy and water content) on shale strength and deformation behavior was studied. A series of uniaxial and triaxial compression tests were conducted on both room dried and water saturated samples for different lamination angles. The test results indicate that (1) the compressive strength, cohesion, internal friction angle, tangent Young’s modulus, and axial strain corresponding to the peak and residual strengths of room dried specimens exhibit anisotropic behavior that strongly depends on the orientation angle(β); (2) in comparison to the room dried samples, the compressive strength and Young’s modulus as well as the anisotropy are all reduced for water saturated specimens; and (3) the failure mechanism of the samples can be summarized into two categories: sliding along lamination and shearing of rock material, with the type occurring in a particular situation depending strongly on the lamination orientation angles with respect to the major principal stress. According to the findings, it is strongly recommended that the effect of anisotropy and water content on the strength and deformation behavior of the rock must be considered in ground control designs.
Application of Base Force Element Method on Complementary Energy Principle to Rock Mechanics Problems
Authors: Peng Yijiang , Guo Qing , Zhang Zhaofeng , Shan Yanyan
Published: May 2015

The four-mid-node plane model of base force element method (BFEM) on complementary energy principle is used to analyze the rock mechanics problems. The method to simulate the crack propagation using the BFEM is proposed. And the calculation method of safety factor for rock mass stability was presented for the BFEM on complementary energy principle. The numerical researches show that the results of the BFEM are consistent with the results of conventional quadrilateral isoparametric element and quadrilateral reduced integration element, and the nonlinear BFEM has some advantages in dealing crack propagation and calculating safety factor of stability.
Generation of Adducts of 4-Hydroxy-2-nonenal with Heat Shock 60 kDa Protein 1 in Human Promyelocytic HL-60 and Monocytic THP-1 Cell Lines
Authors: Arcaro Alessia , Daga Martina , Cetrangolo Giovanni Paolo , Ciamporcero Eric Stefano , Lepore Alessio , Pizzimenti Stefania , Petrella Claudia , Graf Maria , Uchida Koji , Mamone Gianfranco , Ferranti Pasquale , Ames Paul R. J. , Palumbo Giuseppe , Barrera Giuseppina , Gentile Fabrizio
Published: May 2015

Heat shock 60 kDa protein 1 (HSP60) is a chaperone and stress response protein responsible for protein folding and delivery of endogenous peptides to antigen-presenting cells and also a target of autoimmunity implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. By two-dimensional electrophoresis and mass spectrometry, we found that exposure of human promyelocytic HL-60 cells to a nontoxic concentration (10 μM) of 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE) yielded a HSP60 modified with HNE. We also detected adducts of HNE with putative uncharacterized protein CXorf49, the product of an open reading frame identified in various cell and tissue proteomes. Moreover, exposure of human monocytic THP-1 cells differentiated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate to 10 μM HNE, and to light density lipoprotein modified with HNE (HNE-LDL) or by copper-catalyzed oxidation (oxLDL), but not to native LDL, stimulated the formation of HNE adducts with HSP60, as detected by immunoprecipitation and western blot, well over basal levels. The identification of HNE-HSP60 adducts outlines a framework of mutually reinforcing interactions between endothelial cell stressors, like oxLDL and HSP60, whose possible outcomes, such as the amplification of endothelial dysfunction, the spreading of lipoxidative damage to other proteins, such as CXorf49, the activation of antigen-presenting cells, and the breaking of tolerance to HSP60 are discussed.
Fault Tolerant Control for Uncertain Time-Delay Systems with a Trajectory Tracking Approach
Authors: Zhao ShiLei , Guo Hong , Liu YuPeng
Published: May 2015

This paper studies the problem of fault tolerant control by trajectory tracking for a class of linear constant time-delay systems. The aim is to design a control law by considering the fault detected by the observer to make the faulty system track the reference model even if faults occur. By considering two kinds of actuator faults, one constant and another time-varying, the corresponding proportional integral observers and active FTC control laws are designed, respectively. State tracking error, state estimation error, output estimation error, and fault estimation error are combined into a descriptor system. Based on Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional approach stability problems of the descriptor system are easily solved in terms of the Linear Matrix Inequalities (LMI). Finally, a numerical example is considered to prove the effectiveness in both cases.
Instantaneous Rock Blasting Wave and Its Microscopic Characteristics during Interaction with Concrete
Authors: Huang Shaoqin , Luan Lifeng , Xing Wanli , Liu Qunyi
Published: May 2015

This paper uses improved technology for dynamic strain measurement to investigate the dynamic strain signals of blasting wave action tested in the range of 8–16 cm from the central blast. Based on the blasting mechanism and on the analysis of signal characteristics, blasting waves are recognized and divided into three zones, namely, shock wave zone, stress wave zone, and gas-expanding zone. This paper studies the relationships between stress, strain, and time of every zone. The tensile and compressive stresses of stress wave are considered. After the blasting test, four cracks from the borehole center toward the minimum burden appear at the model surface. The relationship between blasting wave and concrete damage is analyzed.
EEG Signal Quality of a Subcutaneous Recording System Compared to Standard Surface Electrodes
Authors: Duun-Henriksen Jonas , Kjaer Troels Wesenberg , Looney David , Atkins Mary Doreen , Sørensen Jens Ahm , Rose Martin , Mandic Danilo P. , Madsen Rasmus Elsborg , Juhl Claus Bogh
Published: May 2015

Purpose. We provide a comprehensive verification of a new subcutaneous EEG recording device which promises robust and unobtrusive measurements over ultra-long time periods. The approach is evaluated against a state-of-the-art surface EEG electrode technology.Materials and Methods. An electrode powered by an inductive link was subcutaneously implanted on five subjects. Surface electrodes were placed at sites corresponding to the subcutaneous electrodes, and the EEG signals were evaluated with both quantitative (power spectral density and coherence analysis) and qualitative (blinded subjective scoring by neurophysiologists) analysis.Results. The power spectral density and coherence analysis were very similar during measurements of resting EEG. The scoring by neurophysiologists showed a higher EEG quality for the implanted system for different subject states (eyes open and eyes closed). This was most likely due to higher amplitude of the subcutaneous signals. During periods with artifacts, such as chewing, blinking, and eye movement, the two systems performed equally well.Conclusions. Subcutaneous measurements of EEG with the test device showed high quality as measured by both quantitative and more subjective qualitative methods. The signal might be superior to surface EEG in some aspects and provides a method of ultra-long term EEG recording in situations where this is required and where a small number of EEG electrodes are sufficient.
Two Oral Midazolam Preparations in Pediatric Dental Patients: A Prospective Randomised Clinical Trial
Authors: Salem Katayoun , Kamranzadeh Shaqayegh , Kousha Maryam , Shaeghi Shahnaz , AbdollahGorgi Fatemeh
Published: May 2015

Pharmacological sedation is an alternative behavior management strategy in pediatric dentistry. The aim of this study was to compare the behavioral and physiologic effects of “commercially midazolam syrup” versus “orally administered IV midazolam dosage form (extemporaneous midazolam (EF))” in uncooperative pediatric dental patients. Eighty-eight children between 4 to 7 years of age received 0.2–0.5 mg/kg midazolam in this parallel trial. Physiologic parameters were recorded at baseline and every 15 minutes. Behavior assessment was conducted objectively by Houpt scale throughout the sedation and North Carolina at baseline and during injection and cavity preparation. No significant difference in behavior was noted by Houpt or North Carolina scale. Acceptable behavior (excellent, very good, and good) was observed in 90.9% of syrup and 79.5% of EF subjects, respectively. Physiological parameters remained in normal range without significant difference between groups and no adverse effect was observed. It is concluded that EF midazolam preparation can be used as an acceptable alternative to midazolam syrup.
Role of Oxidative RNA Damage in Chronic-Degenerative Diseases
Authors: Fimognari Carmela
Published: May 2015

Normal cellular metabolism and exposure to ionizing and ultraviolet radiations and exogenous agents produce reactive oxygen species (ROS). Due to their reactivity, they can interact with many critical biomolecules and induce cell damage. The reaction of ROS with free nucleobases, nucleosides, nucleotides, or oligonucleotides can generate numerous distinct modifications in nucleic acids. Oxidative damage to DNA has been widely investigated and is strongly implicated in the development of many chronic-degenerative diseases. In contrast, RNA damage is a poorly examined field in biomedical research. In this review, I discuss the importance of RNA as a target of oxidative damage and the role of oxidative damage to RNA in the pathogenesis of some chronic-degenerative diseases, such as neurological disorders, atherosclerosis, and cancer. Furthermore, I review recent evidence suggesting that RNA may be the target for toxic agents and indicating RNA degradation as a powerful tool to treat any pathology in which there is an aberrant expression of mRNA and/or its gene products.
Preparation of Porous Chitosan-Siloxane Hybrids Coated with Hydroxyapatite Particles
Authors: Shirosaki Yuki , Okamoto Kohei , Hayakawa Satoshi , Osaka Akiyoshi , Asano Takuji
Published: May 2015

This paper describes the apatite deposition of chitosan-silicate porous hybrids derived from chitosan andγ-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GPTMS) in alkaline phosphate solution. The preparation of porous hybrids with needle-like apatite on their surfaces is described. Following apatite deposition the porous hybrids maintained high porosity. The enzymatic degradation rate was low even after 6 months and the porous hybrids were very flexible and cut easily using surgical scissors.
Prevalence of Orthostatic Hypertension in Elderly Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Mesquita Patrícia , Queiroz Deborah , Lamartine de Lima Silva Vanderson , Texeira Vanessa de Carvalho , Vilaça de Lima Yasmin Rodrigues , Júnior Edinaldo Rodrigues Fontes , Garcia Jéssica , Bandeira Francisco
Published: May 2015

Background. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of orthostatic hypertension (OHT) in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes and its relation to metabolic and echocardiographic parameters.Methods. This was an analytical cross-sectional study in 97 patients normotensive or hypertensive. OHT was defined as a ≥10 mmHg increase in systolic blood pressure after four minutes in the standing position.Results. The prevalence of OHT was 20.6%. The mean body mass index was significantly higher in patients with OHT than in those without it (29.80±4.10versus27.51±3.98 kg/m2;P=0.026). There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups for other metabolic parameters. Among the 68 patients who had an echocardiographic examination 27% of those with OHT had an increase in their left atrial volume index (LAVi) compared with 75% of those who did not have OHT (P=0.004). The mean LAVi of patients with OHT was significantly lower than that of those without OHT (26.27±6.37versus32.65±7.54, resp.;P=0.011).Conclusion. We found a high prevalence of orthostatic hypertension and a lower left atrial volume indexed in the patients with orthostatic hypertension.
New Results for Finite-Time Stability of Discrete-Time Linear Systems with Interval Time-Varying Delay
Authors: Stojanovic Sreten B.
Published: May 2015

The problem of finite-time stability for linear discrete time systems with state time-varying delay is considered in this paper. Two finite sum inequalities for estimating weighted norms of delayed states are proposed in order to obtain less conservative stability criteria. By using Lyapunov-Krasovskii-like functional with power function, two sufficient conditions of finite-time stability are proposed and expressed in the form of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs), which are dependent on the minimum and maximum delay bounds. The numerical example is presented to illustrate the applicability of the developed results. It was shown that the obtained results are less conservative than some existing ones in the literature.
Prenatal Three-Dimensional Ultrasound Detection of Adducted Thumbs in X-Linked Hydrocephaly: Two Case Reports with Molecular Genetic Studies
Authors: Corral Edgardo , Barrios Andres , Isnard Monica , Saugier-Veber Pascale , Fortier Sophie M. , Durrin Sarah , Sepulveda Waldo
Published: May 2015

X-linked hydrocephaly is a rare sex-linked genetic recessive condition occurring in 1/30,000 deliveries. Adduction of thumbs and mental retardation are additional associated clinical findings. We describe two cases of X-linked hydrocephaly with associated adducted thumbs that were diagnosed prenatally with the combined use of three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound and fetal blood sampling for cytogenetic and molecular analyses. This report suggests that 3D ultrasound can facilitate the identification of adducted thumbs in fetuses affected by X-linked hydrocephaly and supports evaluation of the fetal hands as an integral part of the ultrasound anatomical assessment in male fetuses with hydrocephaly secondary to aqueductal stenosis.
Numerical Simulation of Vibration Deflection Effects on the Energy Efficiency of Ultrasonic Transducer for Sonochemistry
Authors: Ge Chang
Published: May 2015

The energy efficiency of ultrasound transducers for sonochemistry applications was studied from the point of view of vibration deflection effects of different transducer structures, including the configurations of rectangular plate, cylindrical shell, triangular strip array, rectangular strip array, and pentagonal strip array. It was found that the deflections are not uniform over the transducer surface with the maximum deflection locating at the geometry center of transducers. The simulated maximum deflection of rectangular plate results in the value of2.5×10-16, which is larger than the maximum deflection of cylindrical shell with the value of2×10-16. This finding suggests that the envelope deflection volume of two transducers has significant difference, which has been neglected in the design and selection of ultrasound transducer. For this reason, a quantitative index involving the envelope deflection volume was proposed to compare the efficiency of ultrasound transducers. Based on the simulation results, the triangular strip array transducer structure with higher ultrasound generation efficiency was proposed, which was also theoretically validated by the MATLAB simulation.
Blasting Vibration Safety Criterion Analysis with Equivalent Elastic Boundary: Based on Accurate Loading Model
Authors: Li Qingwen , Qiao Lan , Dasgupta Gautam , Ma Siwei , Wang Liping , Dong Jianghui
Published: May 2015

In the tunnel and underground space engineering, the blasting wave will attenuate from shock wave to stress wave to elastic seismic wave in the host rock. Also, the host rock will form crushed zone, fractured zone, and elastic seismic zone under the blasting loading and waves. In this paper, an accurate mathematical dynamic loading model was built. And the crushed zone as well as fractured zone was considered as the blasting vibration source thus deducting the partial energy for cutting host rock. So this complicated dynamic problem of segmented differential blasting was regarded as an equivalent elastic boundary problem by taking advantage of Saint-Venant’s Theorem. At last, a 3D model in finite element software FLAC3D accepted the constitutive parameters, uniformly distributed mutative loading, and the cylindrical attenuation law to predict the velocity curves and effective tensile curves for calculating safety criterion formulas of surrounding rock and tunnel liner after verifying well with the in situ monitoring data.
Multivariable Super Twisting Based Robust Trajectory Tracking Control for Small Unmanned Helicopter
Authors: Fang Xing , Wu Aiguo , Shang Yujia , Du Chunyan
Published: May 2015

This paper presents a highly robust trajectory tracking controller for small unmanned helicopter with model uncertainties and external disturbances. First, a simplified dynamic model is developed, where the model uncertainties and external disturbances are treated as compounded disturbances. Then the system is divided into three interconnected subsystems: altitude subsystem, yaw subsystem, and horizontal subsystem. Second, a disturbance observer based controller (DOBC) is designed based upon backstepping and multivariable super twisting control algorithm to obtain robust trajectory tracking property. A sliding mode observer works as an estimator of the compounded disturbances. In order to lessen calculative burden, a first-order exact differentiator is employed to estimate the time derivative of the virtual control. Moreover, proof of the stability of the closed-loop system based on Lyapunov method is given. Finally, simulation results are presented to illustrate the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed flight control scheme.
Beamspace Unitary ESPRIT Algorithm for Angle Estimation in Bistatic MIMO Radar
Authors: Xiaofang Dang , Baixiao Chen , Minglei Yang , Guimei Zheng
Published: May 2015

The beamspace unitary ESPRIT (B-UESPRIT) algorithm for estimating the joint direction of arrival (DOA) and the direction of departure (DOD) in bistatic multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) radar is proposed. The conjugate centrosymmetrized DFT matrix is utilized to retain the rotational invariance structure in the beamspace transformation for both the receiving array and the transmitting array. Then the real-valued unitary ESPRIT algorithm is used to estimate DODs and DOAs which have been paired automatically. The proposed algorithm does not require peak searching, presents low complexity, and provides a significant better performance compared to some existing methods, such as the element-space ESPRIT (E-ESPRIT) algorithm and the beamspace ESPRIT (B-ESPRIT) algorithm for bistatic MIMO radar. Simulation results are conducted to show these conclusions.
Serum MicroRNA Profiles Serve as Novel Biomarkers for the Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Dong Hui , Li Jialu , Huang Lei , Chen Xi , Li Donghai , Wang Tao , Hu Caiyou , Xu Jun , Zhang Chunni , Zen Ke , Xiao Shifu , Yan Qiao , Wang Cheng , Zhang Chen-Yu
Published: May 2015

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common type of dementia, and promptly diagnosis of AD is crucial for delaying the development of disease and improving patient quality of life. However, AD detection, particularly in the early stages, remains a substantial challenge due to the lack of specific biomarkers. The present study was undertaken to identify and validate the potential of circulating miRNAs as novel biomarkers for AD. Solexa sequencing was employed to screen the expression profile of serum miRNAs in AD and controls. RT-qPCR was used to confirm the altered miRNAs at the individual level. Moreover, candidate miRNAs were examined in the serum samples of patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and vascular dementia (VD). The results showed that four miRNAs (miR-31, miR-93, miR-143, and miR-146a) were markedly decreased in AD patients’ serum compared with controls. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated that this panel of four miRNAs could be used as potential biomarker for AD. Furthermore, miR-93, and miR-146a were significantly elevated in MCI compared with controls, and the panel of miR-31, miR-93 and miR-146a can be used to discriminate AD from VD. We established a panel of four serum miRNAs as a novel noninvasive biomarker for AD diagnosis.
Sensitive Detection of Thirteen Bacterial Vaginosis-Associated Agents Using Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction
Authors: Malaguti Natália , Bahls Larissa Danielle , Uchimura Nelson Shozo , Gimenes Fabrícia , Consolaro Marcia Edilaine Lopes
Published: May 2015

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is characterized by a polymicrobial proliferation of anaerobic bacteria and depletion of lactobacilli, which are components of natural vaginal microbiota. Currently, there are limited conventional methods for BV diagnosis, and these methods are time-consuming, expensive, and rarely allow for the detection of more than one agent simultaneously. Therefore, we conceived and validated a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (M-PCR) assay for the simultaneous screening of thirteen bacterial vaginosis-associated agents (BV-AAs) related to symptomatic BV:Gardnerella vaginalis,Mobiluncus curtisii,Mobiluncus mulieris,Bacteroides fragilis,Mycoplasma hominis,Atopobium vaginae,Ureaplasma urealyticum,Megasphaeratype I, Clostridia-like bacteria vaginosis-associated bacteria (BVABs) 1, 2, and 3,Sneathia sanguinegens, andMycoplasma genitalium. The overall validation parameters of M-PCR compared to single PCR (sPCR) were extremely high, including agreement of 99.1% and sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive values of 100.0%, negative predictive value of 97.0%, accuracy of 99.3%, and agreement with Nugent results of 100.0%. The prevalence of BV-AAs was very high (72.6%), and simultaneous agents were detected in 53.0%, which demonstrates the effectiveness of the M-PCR assay. Therefore, the M-PCR assay has great potential to impact BV diagnostic methods in vaginal samples and diminish associated complications in the near future.
Transforming Growth Factor-Beta and Oxidative Stress Interplay: Implications in Tumorigenesis and Cancer Progression
Authors: Krstić Jelena , Trivanović Drenka , Mojsilović Slavko , Santibanez Juan F.
Published: May 2015

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) and oxidative stress/Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) both have pivotal roles in health and disease. In this review we are analyzing the interplay between TGF-βand ROS in tumorigenesis and cancer progression. They have contradictory roles in cancer progression since both can have antitumor effects, through the induction of cell death, senescence and cell cycle arrest, and protumor effects by contributing to cancer cell spreading, proliferation, survival, and metastasis. TGF-βcan control ROS production directly or by downregulating antioxidative systems. Meanwhile, ROS can influence TGF-βsignaling and increase its expression as well as its activation from the latent complex. This way, both are building a strong interplay which can be taken as an advantage by cancer cells in order to increment their malignancy. In addition, both TGF-βand ROS are able to induce cell senescence, which in one way protects damaged cells from neoplastic transformation but also may collaborate in cancer progression. The mutual collaboration of TGF-βand ROS in tumorigenesis is highly complex, and, due to their differential roles in tumor progression, careful consideration should be taken when thinking of combinatorial targeting in cancer therapies.
The Verbal Rating Scale Is Reliable for Assessment of Postoperative Pain in Hip Fracture Patients
Authors: Bech Rune Dueholm , Lauritsen Jens , Ovesen Ole , Overgaard Søren
Published: May 2015

Background. Hip fracture patients represent a challenge to pain rating due to the high prevalence of cognitive impairment. Methods. Patients prospectively rated pain on the VRS. Furthermore, patients described the changes in pain after raising their leg, with one of five descriptors. Agreement between paired measures on the VRS at rest and by passive straight leg raise with a one-minute interval between ratings at rest and three-minute interval for straight leg raise was expressed by kappa coefficients. Reliability of this assessment of pain using the VRS was compared to the validity of assessing possible change in pain from the selected descriptors. Cognitive status was quantified by the short Orientation-Memory-Concentration Test. Results. 110 patients were included. Paired scores with maximum disagreement of one scale point reached 97% at rest and 95% at straight leg raise. Linear weighted kappa coefficients ranged from 0.68 (95% CI = 0.59–0.77) at leg raise to 0.75 (95% CI = 0.65–0.85) at rest. Unweighted kappa coefficients of agreement in recalled pain compared to agreement of paired VRS scores ranged from 0.57 (95% CI = 0.49–0.65) to 0.36 (95% CI = 0.31–0.41). Interpretation. The VRS is reliable for assessment of pain after hip fracture. The validity of intermittent questioning about possible change in pain intensity is poor.
Changes in Heart Rate Variability after Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting and Clinical Importance of These Findings
Authors: Lakusic Nenad , Mahovic Darija , Kruzliak Peter , Cerkez Habek Jasna , Novak Miroslav , Cerovec Dusko
Published: May 2015

Heart rate variability is a physiological feature indicating the influence of the autonomic nervous system on the heart rate. Association of the reduced heart rate variability due to myocardial infarction and the increased postinfarction mortality was first described more than thirty years ago. Many studies have unequivocally demonstrated that coronary artery bypass grafting surgery generally leads to significant reduction in heart rate variability, which is even more pronounced than after myocardial infarction. Pathophysiologically, however, the mechanisms of heart rate variability reduction associated with acute myocardial infarction and coronary artery bypass grafting are different. Generally, heart rate variability gradually recovers to the preoperative values within six months of the procedure. Unlike the reduced heart rate variability in patients having sustained myocardial infarction, a finding of reduced heart rate variability after coronary artery bypass surgery is not considered relevant in predicting mortality. Current knowledge about changes in heart rate variability in coronary patients and clinical relevance of such a finding in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting are presented.
Achalasia—An Autoimmune Inflammatory Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Furuzawa-Carballeda J. , Aguilar-León D. , Gamboa-Domínguez A. , Valdovinos M. A. , Nuñez-Álvarez C. , Martín-del-Campo L. A. , Enríquez A. B. , Coss-Adame E. , Svarch A. E. , Flores-Nájera A. , Villa-Baños A. , Ceballos J. C. , Torres-Villalobos G.
Published: May 2015

Idiopathic achalasia is a disease of unknown etiology. The loss of myenteric plexus associated with inflammatory infiltrates and autoantibodies support the hypothesis of an autoimmune mechanism. Thirty-two patients diagnosed by high-resolution manometry with achalasia were included. Twenty-six specimens from lower esophageal sphincter muscle were compared with 5 esophagectomy biopsies (control). Immunohistochemical (biopsies) and flow cytometry (peripheral blood) analyses were performed. Circulating anti-myenteric autoantibodies were evaluated by indirect immunofluorescence. Herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) infection was determined byin situhybridization, RT-PCR, and immunohistochemistry. Histopathological analysis showed capillaritis (51%), plexitis (23%), nerve hypertrophy (16%), venulitis (7%), and fibrosis (3%). Achalasia tissue exhibited an increase in the expression of proteins involved in extracellular matrix turnover, apoptosis, proinflammatory and profibrogenic cytokines, and Tregs and Bregsversuscontrols (P<0.001). Circulating Th22/Th17/Th2/Th1 percentage showed a significant increaseversushealthy donors (P<0.01). Type III achalasia patients exhibited the highest inflammatory responseversustypes I and II. Prevalence of both anti-myenteric antibodies and HSV-1 infection in achalasia patients was 100%versus0% in controls. Our results suggest that achalasia is a disease with an important local and systemic inflammatory autoimmune component, associated with the presence of specific anti-myenteric autoantibodies, as well as HSV-1 infection.
Strength Reduction Method for Stability Analysis of Local Discontinuous Rock Mass with Iterative Method of Partitioned Finite Element and Interface Boundary Element
Authors: Li Tongchun , He Jinwen , Zhao Lanhao , Li Xiaona , Niu Zhiwei
Published: May 2015

SRM (strength reduction method) with iterative method of PFE (partitioned fnite element) and IBE (interface boundary element) is proposed to solve the safety factor of local discontinuous rock mass. Slope system is divided into several continuous bodies and local discontinuous interface boundaries. Each block is treated as a partition of the system and contacted by discontinuous joints. The displacements of blocks are chosen as basic variables and the rigid displacements in the centroid of blocks are chosen as motion variables. The contact forces on interface boundaries and the rigid displacements to the centroid of each body are chosen as mixed variables and solved iteratively using the interface boundary equations. Flexibility matrix is formed through PFE according to the contact states of nodal pairs and spring flexibility is used to reflect the influence of weak structural plane so that nonlinear iteration is only limited to the possible contact region. With cohesion and friction coefficient reduced gradually, the states of all nodal pairs at the open or slip state for the first time are regarded as failure criterion, which can decrease the effect of subjectivity in determining safety factor. Examples are used to verify the validity of the proposed method.
Intelligent Autofeedback and Safety Early-Warning for Underground Cavern Engineering during Construction Based on BP Neural Network and FEM
Authors: Xu Lei , Zhang Taijun , Ren Qingwen
Published: May 2015

The low efficiency of feedback analysis is one of the main shortcomings in the construction of underground cavern engineering. With this in mind, a method of intelligent autofeedback and safety early-warning for underground cavern is proposed based on BP neural network and FEM. The training sample points are chosen by using uniform test design method, and the autogeneration of FEM calculation file for ABAQUS is realized by using the technique of file partition, information grouping, and orderly numbering. Then, intelligent autoinversion of mechanics parameters is realized, and the automatic connection of parameter inversion, subsequent prediction, and safety early-warning is achieved. The software of intelligent autofeedback and safety early-warning for underground cavern engineering during construction is developed. Finally, the applicability of the proposed method and the developed software is verified through an application example of underground cavern of a pumped-storage power station located in Southwest China.
SINS/CNS Nonlinear Integrated Navigation Algorithm for Hypersonic Vehicle
Authors: Yu Yong-jun , Xu Jin-fa , Xiong Zhi
Published: May 2015

Celestial Navigation System (CNS) has characteristics of accurate orientation and strong autonomy and has been widely used in Hypersonic Vehicle. Since the CNS location and orientation mainly depend upon the inertial reference that contains errors caused by gyro drifts and other error factors, traditional Strap-down Inertial Navigation System (SINS)/CNS positioning algorithm setting the position error between SINS and CNS as measurement is not effective. The model of altitude azimuth, platform error angles, and horizontal position is designed, and the SINS/CNS tightly integrated algorithm is designed, in which CNS altitude azimuth is set as measurement information. GPF (Gaussian particle filter) is introduced to solve the problem of nonlinear filtering. The results of simulation show that the precision of SINS/CNS algorithm which reaches 130 m using three stars is improved effectively.
Distribution of Side Abutment Stress in Roadway Subjected to Dynamic Pressure and Its Engineering Application
Authors: Qiangling Yao , Jian Zhou , Yanan Li , Yingming Tan , Zhigang Jiang
Published: May 2015

The borehole stress-meter was employed in this study to investigate the distribution of the side abutment stress in roadway subjected to dynamic pressure. The results demonstrate that the side abutment stress of the mining roadway reaches a peak value when the distance to the gob is 8 m and the distribution curve of the side abutment stress can be divided into three zones: stress rising zone, stress stabilizing zone, and stress decreasing zone. Further numerical investigation was carried out to study the effect of the coal mass strength, coal seam depth, immediate roof strength, and thickness on the distribution of the side abutment stress. Based on the research results, we determined the reasonable position of the mining roadway and the optimal width of the barrier pillar. The engineering application demonstrates that the retention of the barrier pillar with a width of 5 m along the gob as the haulage roadway for the next panel is feasible, which delivers favorable technological and economic benefits.
Insights in Behavior of Variably Formulated Alginate-Based Microcapsules for Cell Transplantation
Authors: Montanucci Pia , Terenzi Silvia , Santi Claudio , Pennoni Ilaria , Bini Vittorio , Pescara Teresa , Basta Giuseppe , Calafiore Riccardo
Published: May 2015

Alginate-based microencapsulation of live cells may offer the opportunity to treat chronic and degenerative disorders. So far, a thorough assessment of physical-chemical behavior of alginate-based microbeads remains cloudy. A disputed issue is which divalent cation to choose for a high performing alginate gelling process. Having selected, in our system, high mannuronic (M) enriched alginates, we studied different gelling cations and their combinations to determine their eventual influence on physical-chemical properties of the final microcapsules preparation,in vitroandin vivo. We have shown that used of ultrapure alginate allows for high biocompatibility of the formed microcapsules, regardless of gelation agents, while use of different gelling cations is associated with corresponding variable effects on the capsules’ basic architecture, as originally reported in this work. However, only the final application which the capsules are destined to will ultimately guide the selection of the ideal, specific gelling divalent cations, since in principle there are no capsules that are better than others.
Meso‐/Nanoporous Semiconducting Metal Oxides for Gas Sensor Applications
Authors: Hoa Nguyen Duc , Duy Nguyen Van , El-Safty Sherif A. , Hieu Nguyen Van
Published: May 2015

Development and/or design of new materials and/or structures for effective gas sensor applications with fast response and high sensitivity, selectivity, and stability are very important issues in the gas sensor technology. This critical review introduces our recent progress in the development of meso‐/nanoporous semiconducting metal oxides and their applications to gas sensors. First, the basic concepts of resistive gas sensors and the recent synthesis of meso‐/nanoporous metal oxides for gas sensor applications are introduced. The advantages of meso‐/nanoporous metal oxides are also presented, taking into account the crystallinity and ordered/disordered porous structures. Second, the synthesis methods of meso‐/nanoporous metal oxides including the soft‐template, hard‐template, and temple‐free methods are introduced, in which the advantages and disadvantages of each synthetic method are figured out. Third, the applications of meso‐/nanoporous metal oxides as gas sensors are presented. The gas nanosensors are designed based on meso‐/nanoporous metal oxides for effective detection of toxic gases. The sensitivity, selectivity, and stability of the meso‐/nanoporous gas nanosensors are also discussed. Finally, some conclusions and an outlook are presented.
Stability Assessment of Candidate Reference Genes in Urine Sediment of Prostate Cancer Patients for miRNA Applications
Authors: Egidi Maria Giulia , Cochetti Giovanni , Guelfi Gabriella , Zampini Danilo , Diverio Silvana , Poli Giulia , Mearini Ettore
Published: May 2015

We aimed at assessing the stability of candidate reference genes in urine sediments of men subjected to digital rectal examination for suspected prostate cancer (PCa). Two microRNAs (miR-191 and miR-25) and 1 small nucleolar RNA (SNORD48) were assayed in 35 post-DRE urine sediments of men with PCa and in 26 subjects with histologically confirmed benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The stability of candidate reference genes was assessed through BestKeeper algorithm and equivalence test. miR-200b and miR-452 were used to test for the effect of normalization on target genes. Our results proved miR-191 to be the most stable gene, showing the lowest degree of variation and the highest stability value. miR-25 and SNORD48 values fell beyond the cutoff of acceptability. In conclusion, we recommend the use of miR-191 for normalization purposes in post-DRE urine sediments.
Incidence Trends of Lung Cancer by Immigration Status among Chinese Americans
Authors: Gomez Scarlett Lin , Yang Juan , Lin Shih-Wen , McCusker Margaret , Sandler Alan , Cheng Iona , Wakelee Heather A. , Patel Manali , Clarke Christina A.
Published: May 2015

Background: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death among Chinese Americans. A detailed examination of incidence trends by immigration status and histology may inform the etiology of lung cancer in this growing population.

Methods: California Cancer Registry data were enhanced with data on patient nativity. Lung cancer incidence rates for Chinese males and females were computed for the years 1990–2010, and rates by immigration status and histology were computed for 1990–2004. Trends were assessed with annual percentage change (APC) statistics (two-sided P values) based on linear regression.

Results: A total of 8,167 lung cancers were diagnosed among California Chinese from 1990 to 2010. Overall incidence increased nonstatistically among U.S.-born males (APC, 2.1; 95% CI, −4.9 to 9.7), but decreased significantly among foreign-born (APC, −1.7; 95% CI, −2.9 to −0.6). Statistically significant decreasing trends were observed for non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), specifically the squamous cell and large cell carcinoma subtypes among foreign-born males. Among females, incidence decreased nonsignificantly among U.S.-born (APC, −2.8; 95% CI, −9.1 to 4.0) but was stable among foreign-born (APC, −0.4; 95% CI, −1.7 to 1.0). A statistically significant decreasing trend was observed for squamous cell among foreign-born females.

Conclusions: These data provide critical evidence base to inform screening, research, and public health priorities in this growing population.

Impact: Given the low smoking prevalence among Chinese Americans, especially females, and few known lung cancer risk factors in U.S. never-smoker populations, additional research of etiologic genetic or biologic factors may elucidate knowledge regarding lung cancer diagnosed in never smokers. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 24(8); 1157–64. ©2015 AACR.
Bacterial Prostatitis Enhances 2-Amino-1-Methyl-6-Phenylimidazo[4,5-b]Pyridine (PhIP)–Induced Cancer at Multiple Sites
Authors: Sfanos Karen S. , Canene-Adams Kirstie , Hempel Heidi , Yu Shu-Han , Simons Brian W. , Schaeffer Anthony J. , Schaeffer Edward M. , Nelson William G. , De Marzo Angelo M.
Published: May 2015

Dietary carcinogens, such as 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP), and chronic inflammation have each been implicated as etiologic agents in prostate cancer. We hypothesized that bacterial prostatitis would accelerate PhIP-induced preinvasive lesions in the rat prostate. Male Fischer 344 rats were assigned into 4 groups: Control (untreated), PhIP (200 ppm in the diet for 20 weeks), Escherichia coli (E. coli, prostatic inoculation in week 10), or PhIP + E. coli. Study animals were monitored for a total of 52 weeks and were euthanized as necessary based on strict criteria for health status and tumor burden. Animals treated with E. coli initially developed acute and chronic inflammation in all lobes of the prostate, whereas inflammation was observed predominantly in the ventral lobe at time of death. PhIP + E. coli–treated animals exhibited a marked decrease in survival compared with PhIP-alone–treated animals as a result of an increase in the number of invasive cancers that developed at multiple sites, including the skin, small intestine, and Zymbal's gland. Despite their earlier mortality, PhIP + E. coli–treated animals developed an increased average number of precancerous lesions within the prostate compared with PhIP-treated animals, with a significantly increased Ki-67 index. Multiplexed serum cytokine analysis indicated an increase in the level of circulating IL6 and IL12 in PhIP + E. coli–treated animals. Elevated serum IL6 levels correlated with the development of precancerous lesions within the prostate. These results suggest that bacterial infections and dietary carcinogens, two conceivably preventable cancer risk factors, may synergistically promote tumorigenesis. Cancer Prev Res; 8(8); 683–92. ©2015 AACR.
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing the Effects of Vessel Sealing Device and Milligan Morgan Technique on Postoperative Pain Perception after Hemorrhoidectomy
Authors: Onur Gülseren Mehmet , Dinc Tolga , Özer Vasfi , Yildiz Baris , Cete Mükerrem , Coskun Faruk
Published: May 2015

Background: The aim of this study was to compare postoperative pain perception after Milligan Morgan and Ligasure™ techniques in hemorrhoidectomy. Methods: Fifty-four patients diagnosed with Grade 3-4 hemorrhoids requiring surgery between May 2013 and September 2013 were enrolled in the study. Patients were randomized into either the Ligasure™ hemorrhoidectomy group (Group 1, n = 26) or the Milligan Morgan hemorrhoidectomy group (Group 2, n = 28). Results: The difference between visual analogue scale scores on postoperative day 1 was not statistically significant but on the third postoperative day, the Ligasure™ group had higher visual analogue scale scores (4 ± 2.61) when compared to the Milligan Morgan hemorrhoidectomy group (2.43 ± 1.20). This difference on the third postoperative day visual analogue scale scores was statistically significant (p < 0.025). Conclusions: Ligasure™ does not seem to have an advantage in postoperative pain when compared to Milligan Morgan hemorrhoidectomy.
New Insights into the Pathogenesis of IgA Nephropathy
Authors: Novak Jan , Rizk Dana , Takahashi Kazuo , Zhang XianWen , Bian Qi , Ueda Hiroyuki , Ueda Yoshimi , Reily Colin , Lai Ling-Yun , Hao Chuanming , Novak Lea , Huang Zhi-Qiang , Renfrow Matthew B. , Suzuki Hitoshi , Julian Bruce A.
Published: May 2015

Background: IgA nephropathy, a frequent cause of end-stage renal disease, is an autoimmune disease wherein immune complexes consisting of IgA1 with galactose-deficient O-glycans (autoantigen) and anti-glycan autoantibodies deposit in glomeruli and induce renal injury. Multiple genetic loci associated with disease risk have been identified. The prevalence of risk alleles varies geographically: it is the highest in eastern Asia and northern Europe, lower in other parts of Europe and North America, and the lowest in Africa. IgA nephropathy is diagnosed by the pathological assessment of a renal biopsy specimen. Currently, therapy is not disease targeted but rather focused on maintaining control of blood pressure and proteinuria, ideally with suppression of angiotensin II. Possible additional approaches differ between countries. Disease-specific therapy as well as new tools for the diagnosis, prognosis, and assessment of responses to therapy are needed. Summary: Glycosylation pathways associated with aberrant O-glycosylation of IgA1 and, thus, production of autoantigen, have been identified. Furthermore, unique characteristics of the autoantibodies in IgA nephropathy have been uncovered. Many of these biochemical features are shared by patients with IgA nephropathy and Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis, suggesting that the two diseases may represent opposite ends of a spectrum of a disease process. Understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in the formation of pathogenic IgA1-containing immune complexes will enable the development of disease-specific therapies as well as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. Key Messages: IgA nephropathy is an autoimmune disease caused by the glomerular deposition of nephritogenic circulating immune complexes consisting of galactose-deficient IgA1 (autoantigen) bound by anti-glycan autoantibodies. A better understanding of the multi-step process of the pathogenesis of IgA nephropathy and the genetic and environmental contributing factors will lead to the development of biomarkers to identify patients with progressive disease who would benefit from a future disease-specific therapy.
Putterlickia neglecta (Celastraceae), a new species from southern Africa
Authors: JORDAAN MARIE , BOON RICHARD G.C. , VAN WYK ABRAHAM E.
Published: May 2015

Putterlickia neglecta, a new species here described and illustrated, is known from South Africa (Mpumalanga and north-eastern KwaZulu-Natal), Swaziland and southern Mozambique. It is considered a near-endemic to the Maputaland Centre of Endemism. Plants grow as a shrub or small tree in savanna and thicket, or in the understory of inland, coastal and dune forests. Vegetatively it superficially resembles P. verrucosa, the species with which it has hitherto most often been confused. Both species have stems with prominently raised lenticels, but P. neglecta differs from P. verrucosa in having sessile to subsessile leaves with mostly entire, revolute leaf margins, flowers borne on pedicels 8–15 mm long, with petals up to 6 mm long and spreading or slightly recurved. Putterlickia verrucosa has leaves with distinct petioles, spinulose-denticulate margins, much smaller flowers borne on pedicels up to 4 mm long, with petals up to 2 mm long and erect or slightly spreading. The relatively large flowers of P. neglecta resemble those of P. pyracantha, but the latter differs in having stems with obscure or sunken lenticels, leaf margins entire or spinulose-denticulate and inflorescence axes as well as pedicels usually reddish. A comparative table to distinguish among the five currently recognized species of Putterlickia is provided.
Nomenclatural notes on Cerasus (Rosaceae) of China: Three earlier isonyms and typification of Prunus glandulosa and P. pseudocerasus
Authors: WANG HUA-CHEN , DUAN YI-FAN , WANG XIAN-RONG
Published: May 2015

Three earlier isonyms for three later isonyms of Cerasus of China, C. dolichadenia (Cardot) C. L. Li & S. Y. Jiang, C. glandulosa (Thunberg) Sokolov, and C. pseudocerasus (Lindley) Loudon, are suggested. We also lectotypify Prunus glandulosa Thunberg and discuss the confusing type of P. pseudocerasus Lindley.