bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nonfragile H∞ Control of Delayed Active Suspension Systems in Finite Frequency Under Nonstationary Running
Authors: Li Wenfeng , Xie Zhengchao , Wong Pak Kin , Ma Xinbo , Cao Yucong , Zhao Jing
Published: January 2019

The vehicle active suspension has drawn considerable attention due to its superiority in improving the vehicle dynamic performance. This paper investigates the nonfragile H∞ control of delayed vehicle active suspension in a finite frequency range under nonstationary running. The control objective is to improve ride quality in a finite frequency band and ensure suspension constraints, and a quarter car model of the active suspension is established for a controller design. Then, the input delay, actuator uncertainty, and external disturbances are considered in the controller design. Moreover, a further generalization of the strict S-procedure is utilized to derive a sufficient condition in terms of linear matrix inequality (LMI) to capture performance in the concerned frequency range. Furthermore, a multi-objective controller is designed based on projection lemma in the framework of the solution of LMIs. A nonstationary road profile is established, and numerical simulations are also conducted to show the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed controller. Finally, experimental tests on a quarter-car test rig are implemented to examine the performance of the proposed controller for real applications.
New Electronic Packaging Method for Potted Guidance Electronics to Sustain Temperature Cycling and Survive High-G Applications
Authors: Chao N. H. , Carlucci D. E.
Published: January 2019

Potted Guidance Electronics have been widely used in precision guided munitions. In the current generation of projectiles, soft potting materials have been sufficient to protect the electronics from the G-forces of gun launch at approximately 15 kG while sustaining uncontrolled extreme low temperature storage environments at different locations around the world. With on-going development of long-range precision guided munitions, stronger and hardened potting materials will be needed to survive gun-launch accelerations of 30 kG and higher. In the case of uncontrolled storage environments, the daily temperature fluctuations can act to dislodge/fail electronic components due to the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) mismatches between the potting materials and the electronic components. In this paper, a new protective layer method is presented, which consists of two tightly fitted preformed polymer layers, acting to mitigate the CTE mismatches, while only producing insignificant degradation of the supporting structure during extreme high-G projectile launch. The effectiveness of this new method is demonstrated by using finite element based modeling and simulation methods to examine a simplified potted electronics example. In the first step, the example was simulated with and without protective layers during an accelerated temperature cycling (−67 °F to 185 °F), and found that the protective layers were able to mitigate the CTE mismatch problem. During second step, the example compared dynamic responses between potted electronics with and without protective layers during a high-G, ∼15 kG, gun-launch simulations; results also showed that the degradation of the supporting structure introduced by protective layers during gun launch was insignificant.
Design of Thermal Ground Planes for Cooling of Foldable Smartphones
Authors: Nematollahisarvestani Ali , Lewis Ryan J. , Lee Yung-Cheng
Published: January 2019

Foldable smartphones are expected to be widely commercialized in the near future. Thermal ground plane (TGP), known as vapor chamber or two-dimensional flat heat pipe, is a promising solution for the thermal management of foldable smartphones. There are two approaches to designing a TGP for foldable smartphones. One approach uses two TGPs connected by a graphite bridge and the other approach uses a single, large, and foldable TGP. In this study, different thermal management solutions are simulated for a representative foldable smartphone with screen dimensions of 144 × 138.3 mm2 (twice the screen of iPhone 6 s with a 10 mm gap). In addition, the simulation includes two heat sources representing a main processor with dimensions of 14.45 × 14.41 mm2 and power of 3.3 W (A9 processor in iPhone 6S) and a broadband processor with dimensions of 8.26 × 9.02 mm2 and power of 2.5 W (Qualcomm broadband processor). For the simulation, a finite element method (FEM) model is calibrated and verified by steady-state experiments of two different TGPs. The calibrated model is then used to study three different cases: a graphite heat spreader, two TGPs with a graphite hinge, and a single, large, and foldable TGP. In the fully unfolded configuration, using a graphite heat spreader, the temperature difference across the spreader's surface is about 17 °C. For the design using two TGPs connected by a graphite bridge, the temperature difference is about 7.2 °C. Finally, for the design using a single large TGP with a joint region, the temperature difference is only 1–2 °C. These results suggest that a single foldable TGP or a configuration with two TGPs outperform the graphite sheet solution for the thermal management of foldable smartphones.
Identification of Clotrimazole Derivatives as Specific Inhibitors of Arenavirus Fusion
Authors: Torriani Giulia , Trofimenko Evgeniya , Mayor Jennifer , Fedeli Chiara , Moreno Hector , Michel Sébastien , Heulot Mathieu , Chevalier Nadja , Zimmer Gert , Shrestha Neeta , Plattet Philippe , Engler Olivier , Rothenberger Sylvia , Widmann Christian , Kunz Stefan
Published: January 2019

Emerging human-pathogenic arenaviruses are causative agents of severe hemorrhagic fevers with high mortality and represent serious public health problems. The current lack of a licensed vaccine and the limited treatment options makes the development of novel antiarenaviral therapeutics an urgent need. Using a recombinant pseudotype platform, we uncovered that clotrimazole drugs, in particular TRAM-34, specifically inhibit cell entry of a range of arenaviruses, including important emerging human pathogens, with the exception of Lassa virus. The antiviral effect was independent of the known pharmacological drug target and involved inhibition of the unusual membrane fusion mechanism of arenaviruses. TRAM-34 and its derivatives currently undergo evaluation against a number of human diseases and show favorable toxicity profiles and high stability
in vivo
. Our study provides the basis for further evaluation of clotrimazole derivatives as antiviral drug candidates. Their advanced stage of drug development will facilitate repurposing for therapeutic intervention against human-pathogenic arenaviruses.
Complete Genome Sequence of Staphylococcus epidermidis CSF41498
Authors: Galac M. R. , Hoang Tra-My , Ong Ana C. , Hinkle M. , O’Gara J. P. , Fey P. D.
Published: January 2019

Staphylococcus epidermidis
CSF41498 is amenable to genetic manipulation and has been used to study mechanisms of biofilm formation. We report here the whole-genome sequence of this strain, which contains 2,427 protein-coding genes and 82 RNAs within its 2,481,008-bp-long genome, as well as three plasmids.
Whole-Genome Sequence of the Endophytic Streptomyces sp. Strain CBMAI 2042, Isolated from Citrus sinensis
Authors: Gonzaga de Oliveira Luciana , Sigrist Renata , Sachetto Paulo Bruno , Samborskyy Markyian
Published: January 2019

The whole-genome sequence of
Streptomyces
sp. strain CBMAI 2042, an endophytic actinobacterium isolated from
Citrus sinensis
branches, is described.
Draft Genome Sequence ofRalstoniasp. Strain SET104, Isolated from Root Nodules ofAeschynomene indica
Authors: Tanaka Aiko , Suzuki Takamasa , Uesaka Kazuma , Hata Shingo
Published: January 2019

Here, we report a draft genome sequence ofRalstoniasp. strain SET104, isolated from the root nodules ofAeschynomene indica.
Complete Genome Sequence of Streptococcus mutans Strain LAB761, Which Harbors Several Bacteriocin Loci, Isolated from a Caries-Active Child in Canada
Authors: Barbour Abdelahhad , He Richard Yi , Gong Siew-Ging , Lévesque Céline M.
Published: January 2019

Streptococcus mutans
LAB761 has been isolated from dental plaque collected from a child with severe caries. We report here the complete genome sequence of
S. mutans
strain LAB761, which has a chromosome of 2.0 Mb.
Complete Genome Sequence of Hypervirulent Streptococcus pyogenes
emm
3 Strain 1838
Authors: Lei Benfang , Flores Anthony R. , Yeoman Carl , Liu Mengyao
Published: January 2019

We report the complete genome sequence for
Streptococcus pyogenes
strain 1838 (type
emm
3) isolated from a patient with toxic shock syndrome. The strain lacked the
speK
- and
sla
-encoding prophage frequently encountered among
emm
3 strains and possessed an Arg66His mutation in CovR of the 2-component virulence regulatory system CovRS.
Genome Sequence of
Paracoccus
sp. JM45, a Bacterial Strain Isolated from a Marine Sponge with a Dual Quorum Sensing Inhibition Activity
Authors: Gutiérrez-Barranquero José A. , Parages María L. , Dobson Alan D. W. , Reen F. Jerry , O’Gara Fergal
Published: January 2019

The draft genome sequence of
Paracoccus
sp. strain JM45, isolated from a marine sponge harvested off the west coast of Ireland, is reported here. Quorum sensing and quorum sensing inhibition activities have been reported recently for this bacterium, and genomic analysis supports its potential use for novel therapeutic development.
Complete Endogenous Retrovirus Genome Sequence from a Brazilian Vampire Bat (Desmodus rotundus)
Authors: Franco Filho Luciano Chaves , Barata Rafael Ribeiro , Cardoso Jedson Ferreira , Massafra Janaina Mota de Vasconcelos , Lemos Poliana da Silva , Casseb Lívia Medeiros Neves , Cruz Ana Cecilia Ribeiro , Nunes Marcio Roberto Teixeira
Published: January 2019

The strain
Desmodus rotundus
endogenous retrovirus
(DrERV) QR09 was obtained from a bat tissue sample collected from
Desmodus rotundus
in the Brazilian rain forest. The complete genome was sequenced using the next-generation sequencing strategy.
Draft Genome Sequences of Type Strains of Gordonibacter faecihominis, Paraeggerthella hongkongensis
, Parvibacter caecicola,
Slackia equolifaciens, Slackia faecicanis, and Slackia isoflavoniconvertens
Authors: Danylec Nicolas , Stoll Dominic A. , Dötsch Andreas , Huch Melanie
Published: January 2019

Here, we report the annotated draft genome sequences of six type strains of the family
Eggerthellaceae
,
Gordonibacter faecihominis
JCM 16058,
Paraeggerthella hongkongensis
DSM 16106,
Parvibacter caecicola
DSM 22242,
Slackia equolifaciens
DSM 24851,
Slackia faecicanis
DSM 17537, and
Slackia isoflavoniconvertens
DSM 22006.
Improving safety and reducing error in endoscopy: simulation training in human factors
Authors: Ravindran Srivathsan , Thomas-Gibson Siwan , Murray Sam , Wood Eleanor
Published: January 2019

Patient safety incidents occur throughout healthcare and early reports have exposed how deficiencies in ‘human factors’ have contributed to mortality in endoscopy. Recognising this, in the UK, the Joint Advisory Group for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy have implemented a number of initiatives including the ‘Improving Safety and Reducing Error in Endoscopy’ (ISREE) strategy. Within this, simulation training in human factors and Endoscopic Non-Technical Skills (ENTS) is being developed. Across healthcare, simulation training has been shown to improve team skills and patient outcomes. Although the literature is sparse, integrated and in situ simulation modalities have shown promise in endoscopy. Outcomes demonstrate improved individual and team performance and development of skills that aid clinical practice. Additionally, the use of simulation training to detect latent errors in the working environment is of significant value in reducing error and preventing harm. Implementation of simulation training at local and regional levels can be successfully achieved with collaboration between organisational, educational and clinical leads. Nationally, simulation strategies are a key aspect of the ISREE strategy to improve ENTS training. These may include integration of simulation into current training or development of novel simulation-based curricula. However used, it is evident that simulation training is an important tool in developing safer endoscopy.
Guideline review: British Society of Gastroenterology/UK-PBC Primary Biliary Cholangitis treatment and management guidelines
Authors: Goet Jorn C , Hirschfield Gideon M
Published: January 2019

New guidelines have been produced for the management of primary biliary cholangitis, an infrequent but nonetheless important autoimmune liver disease. We provide a succient commentary and overview of the key features of disease management that arise from these recent guideline recommendations, with a focus on therapy with licensed agents (ursodeoxycholic acid and obeticholic acid) as well as personalised management of disease complications and associated symptoms.
Rituximab to the rescue: novel therapy for chronic gastrointestinal bleeding due to angiodysplasia and acquired von Willebrand syndrome
Authors: Hawken James , Knott Amy , Alsakkaf Wesam , Clark Amanda , Fayyaz Faisal
Published: January 2019

Identification of acquired von Willebrand syndrome (AVWS) was key to treating a patient with chronic gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding due to angiodysplasia. After exhausting endoscopic and pharmacological options, the patient was successfully treated with rituximab. A 78-year-old man developed chronic GI bleeding from caecal and jejunal angiodysplasia. Red cell transfusion was required weekly despite argon plasma coagulation. A diagnosis of AVWS was made from analysis of clotting factors. Therapies including von Willebrand factor concentrate, thalidomide and tranexamic acid were unsuccessful. With failed endoscopic therapy and no viable surgical option, the patient was given intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIGs). Haemoglobin remained stable from this point. The impact on the patient and hospital of attending for IVIG every 3 weeks necessitated consideration to longer-term therapy. After a single course of rituximab, no further blood products, IVIG or rituximab were required. This case is the first to describe the use of rituximab in AVWS-associated angiodysplasia.
Anatomical characterization of the inferior petrosal sinus and adjacent cerebellopontine angle cistern for development of an endovascular transdural cerebrospinal fluid shunt
Authors: Heilman Carl B , Basil Gregory W , Beneduce Brandon M , Malek Adel M
Published: January 2019

Background and purpose

We evaluated the inferior petrosal sinus (IPS) and adjacent cerebellopontine angle (CPA) cistern as a potential implantation site for a novel venous endovascular transdural CSF shunt concept to treat communicating hydrocephalus. We analyzed the dimensions of the IPS, CPA cistern, and distances to adjacent neurovascular structures.

Materials and methods

Gadolinium enhanced T1 weighted brain MRI datasets of 36 randomly selected patients, aged 20–80 years, were analyzed with three-dimensional multiplanar reconstruction to measure IPS diameter and length, CPA cistern depth, and IPS proximity to the vertebrobasilar arteries and brainstem. Statistical analysis was used to assess gender, sidedness, and age dependence.

Results

Mean IPS diameter ranged from 2.27 mm to 3.31 mm at three axial levels, with >90% larger than 1.46 mm. CPA cistern adjacent to the IPS exhibited a mean depth of 3.86 mm to 7.39 mm between the dura and brainstem at corresponding axial levels. There was no side dependence except for a longer distance from the IPS to the basilar artery on the left compared with the right (9.72 vs 7.28, P<0.019). Linear regression analysis showed that the distance from the IPS to the brainstem was statistically significantly increased with age (P<0.0002) and was greater in men, with little side variation (P=0.524).

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate sufficient CSF CPA cisternal space adjacent to the IPS and support the feasibility of an endovascular catheter delivered transdural implantable shunt. Such a device could serve to mimic the function of the arachnoid granulation by establishing a regulated path for CSF flow from the intracranial subarachnoid space to the venous system and provide a treatment for communicating hydrocephalus.
Oxidative ring-opening of benzothiazole derivatives
Authors: Moreira Ryan E. , Sinclair Geoffrey S. , Schipper Derek J.
Published: January 2019

An oxidative ring opening of benzothiazole to an acylamidobenzene sulfonate ester using alcohol solvents and magnesium monoperxoyphthalate hexahydrate has been described. Under the established conditions, the reaction produces synthetically significant yields with a variety of benzothiazole derivatives. A sulfonate ester intermediate suggests that the reaction proceeds via thiazole ring opening followed by thiol oxidation.
Economic implications of a native tree disease, Caliciopsis canker, on the white pine (Pinus strobus) lumber industry in the northeastern United States
Authors: Costanza Kara K.L. , Crandall Mindy S. , Rice Robert W. , Livingston William H. , Munck Isabel A. , Lombard Kyle
Published: January 2019

In the northeastern United States, eastern white pine (Pinus strobus L.) is a leading species in the forest products industry. The native pathogen Caliciopsis pinea Peck is associated with Caliciopsis canker of white pine, with symptoms including excessive resin production and cankers. This study processed 28.0 m3 of white pine lumber to (i) quantify losses resulting from Caliciopsis canker, (ii) assess how damage varies between Caliciopsis canker symptom severity and thinning, and (iii) quantify economic loss resulting from damage. Caliciopsis canker damage was present in 37% of lumber, yet only 10% was downgraded due to canker damage. Of the downgraded lumber, the vast majority (77%) lost one grade. Additionally, severely symptomatic trees consistently had more damage, and their lumber was more likely to be downgraded than trees with low symptom severity. Caliciopsis canker damage resulted in average revenue losses of 2.3%, yet much of the sampled lumber had other, more significant damage that resulted in downgrade: highly symptomatic trees averaged 63% of the revenue of low or asymptomatic trees. Caliciopsis canker, therefore, can be used as an indicator of poor quality trees. We recommend thinning Caliciopsis canker symptomatic trees to meet low-density stocking guidelines, which may minimize revenue loss while simultaneously minimizing stress to residual stock.
Malnutrition and depression in pregnancy and associations with child behaviour and cognitive function: a review of recent evidence on unique and joint effects
Authors: Bleker Laura S. , de Rooij Susanne R. , Roseboom Tessa J.
Published: January 2019

Accumulating studies suggest that prenatal experiences can shape a child’s neurodevelopment. Malnutrition and depression occur in pregnancy relatively often and may affect child neurodevelopment independently as well as synergistically. We aimed to provide an overview of recent studies that have examined malnutrition and (or) depression in pregnancy and associations with child behavioural problems and cognitive function. We conducted a literature search in PubMed, using the following main search terms: “depression”, “nutrition”, “BMI”, “pregnancy”, “offspring”, “cognition”, and “behaviour”. We included studies in human populations published from 2013 onwards. The literature search yielded 1531 articles, of which 55 were included in the current review. We presented the evidence on the associations between prenatal markers of nutritional status and (or) depression and child behaviour and (or) cognitive function. We additionally discussed interventions and mechanisms. Both malnutrition and depression in pregnancy are associated with increased externalizing behavioural problems and attentional deficits, and to some extent with poorer cognitive function in the child, but the evidence is not conclusive. Studies on synergistic effects of both factors on child behaviour and cognitive function are still scarce, and more research is needed. Potential shared mechanisms include the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, the immune system, epigenetics, and oxidative stress.
Lawson method for obtaining wave functions and g factors of Ar isotopes
Authors: Zamick L. , Yeager S. , Sharon Y. Y. , Robinson S. J. Q.
Published: January 2019

Lawson has shown that one can obtain sensible wave functions even in the weak deformation limit of the Nilsson model as long as one projects out states of good total angular momentum. We apply this method to obtain wave functions and magnetic [Formula: see text] factors of excited states of select even–even Ar isotopes with emphasis on the comparison of [Formula: see text]Ar and [Formula: see text]Ar. These [Formula: see text] factors are compared with the values that are obtained by matrix diagonalization in the same space using the WBT residual interaction.
HIGH-TEMPERATURE FRICTION AND WEAR BEHAVIOR OF A NI-BASED VALVE ALLOY
Authors: ZHU ZHI-YUAN , CHEN JIA-HUAN , CAI YUAN-FEI , LI JIAN-QIANG
Published: January 2019

This study explored the friction and wear behavior of a Ni-based exhaust valve at high temperatures. Nickel-based superalloy was used with two types of processing states: the original forged sample and the sample under the standard T1 heat treatment. At room temperature and a loading force of 10[Formula: see text]N, the average friction coefficient of the T1 heat-treated specimen is 0.61, which was lower than that of the forged sample (0.78). The wear rate of this specimen was also lower than that of the forged sample at the same temperature and loading force. Thus, T1 heat treatment can significantly improve the wear resistance of the alloy because of [Formula: see text] phase and carbides. The wear rate was the minimum at 550∘C and increased again at 750∘C dominated by the formation and flake-off of the oxide film.
Computational and Experimental Investigation of the Vertical Flash Tank Separator Part 1: Effect of Parameters on Separation Efficiency
Authors: Mahmood Raid Ahmed , Buttsworth David , Malpress Ray
Published: January 2019

The flash tank separator is one of the most important components that can be used to improve the performance of a refrigeration cycle by separating the liquid from the gas–liquid two-phase flow and providing the evaporator with only liquid refrigerant. This technique increases the effective area and enhances the heat transfer coefficient in the evaporator. To optimize the size of the vertical flash tank separator for obtaining high separation efficiency, the effect of the size of the vertical flash tank separator needs to be considered. This paper investigates the effect of the size on the liquid separation efficiency of the vertical flash tank separator. This paper also assesses the usefulness of Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) in flash tank design, and this is achieved through experiments and simulations on a range of relevant configurations using water as the working fluid. The results revealed that the size has a significant effect on the liquid separation efficiency, as the highest value was achieved by the largest size (VFT-V5). The CFD simulations give a good agreement with the experiments; all the simulations underestimated the liquid separation efficiency by approximately 0.02 over the range of conditions tested.
China-Nepal Relations: A Cooperative Partnership in Slow Motion
Authors: Sharma Buddhi Prasad
Published: January 2019

Despite the long-standing friendship between Nepal and China, their relationship has developed rather slowly since the reestablishment of democracy in Nepal in 1990, mainly due to the constant pressure from Western forces faced by Nepali political elite, as well as the ignorance of most democratic governments about balancing Nepal’s foreign relations, especially between its two giant neighbors, India and China. In recent years, however, the Nepali government has been trying to promote pragmatic cooperation with China in order to garner support for its own development. With the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cooperation in building the “Belt and Road Initiative (BRI),” the China-Nepal relationship is likely to enter a new era. Based on a historical review of the development of China-Nepal relations, this article offers some suggestions on how to enhance their cooperative partnership in the future.
Application of anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) in understanding regional deformation, fabric development and granite emplacement: examples from Indian cratons
Authors: Mamtani Manish A. , Bhatt Sandeep , Rana Virendra , Sen Koushik , Mondal Tridib K.
Published: January 2019

In this paper the authors review various applications of analysing fabric in granites from Indian cratons using anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS). First the general importance of AMS in identifying the internal fabric in massive granitoids devoid of visible foliations/lineations is highlighted. Subsequently, three important applications of AMS in granitoids are discussed. (a) The case of Godhra Granite (southern parts of the Aravalli Mountain Belt) is presented as an example of the robustness of AMS in working out the time relationship between emplacement/fabric development and regional deformation by integrating field, microstructural and magnetic data. (b) AMS orientation data from Chakradharpur Granitoid (eastern India) are compared with field-based information from the vicinity of the Singhbhum Shear Zone to highlight the use of AMS in kinematic analysis and vorticity quantification of syntectonic granitoids. (c) Magnetic fabric orientations from the Mulgund Granite (Dharwar Craton) are presented to document the application of AMS in recognizing superposed deformation in granitoids. Moreover, AMS data from Mulgund Granite are also compared with data from another pluton of similar age (
c.
2.5 Ga) from the Dharwar Craton (Koppal Granitoid; syenitic composition). This highlights the use of AMS from granitoids of similar absolute ages in constraining the age of regional superposed deformation.
A Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Blockchain Universe
Authors: Waldo Jim
Published: January 2019

It is difficult these days to avoid hearing about blockchain. Despite the significant potential of blockchain, it is also difficult to find a consistent description of what it really is. This article looks at the basics of blockchain: the individual components, how those components fit together, and what changes might be made to solve some of the problems with blockchain technology.
Emerging Pharmacological Targets for the Treatment of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, Insulin Resistance, and Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Goedeke Leigh , Perry Rachel J. , Shulman Gerald I.
Published: January 2019

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is characterized by persistent hyperglycemia despite hyperinsulinemia, affects more than 400 million people worldwide, and is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Insulin resistance, of which ectopic lipid accumulation in the liver [nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)] and skeletal muscle is the root cause, plays a major role in the development of T2D. Although lifestyle interventions and weight loss are highly effective at reversing NAFLD and T2D, weight loss is difficult to sustain, and newer approaches aimed at treating the root cause of T2D are urgently needed. In this review, we highlight emerging pharmacological strategies aimed at improving insulin sensitivity and T2D by altering hepatic energy balance or inhibiting key enzymes involved in hepatic lipid synthesis. We also summarize recent research suggesting that liver-targeted mitochondrial uncoupling may be an attractive therapeutic approach to treat NAFLD, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, and T2D.
Adenine acts in the kidney as a signaling factor and causes salt- and water-losing nephropathy: early mechanism of adenine-induced renal injury
Authors: Dos Santos Ingrid F. , Sheriff Sulaiman , Amlal Sihame , Ahmed Rafeeq P. H. , Thakar Charuhas V. , Amlal Hassane
Published: January 2019

Chronic adenine feeding is extensively used to develop animal models of chronic renal failure with metabolic features resembling those observed in humans. However, the mechanism by which adenine induces renal failure is poorly understood. In this study, we examined the early effects of adenine on water metabolism and salt balance in rats placed in metabolic cages and fed control or adenine-containing diets for 7 days. Molecular and functional studies demonstrated that adenine-fed rats exhibited a significant reduction in food intake, polyuria, polydipsia, decreased urine osmolality, and increased salt wasting. These effects are independent of changes in food intake and result from a coordinated downregulation of water channel aquaporin-2 (AQP2) and salt transporter (Na+-K+-Cl−cotransporter 2; NKCC2) in the collecting duct and medullary thick ascending limb, respectively. As a result, adenine-fed rats exhibited massive volume depletion, as indicated by a significant body weight loss, increased blood urea nitrogen, and increased hematocrit and hemoglobin levels, all of which were significantly corrected with NaCl replacement. Adenine-induced urinary concentrating defect was not corrected by exogenous arginine vasopressin (AVP), and it correlated with reduced cAMP production in vivo and in vitro. In conclusion, adenine acts on renal tubules as a signaling molecule and causes nephrogenic diabetes insipidus with salt wasting, at least, by directly interfering with AVP V2 receptor signaling with subsequent downregulation of NKCC2 and AQP2 in the kidney. The combination of renal fluid loss and decreased food intake with subsequent massive volume depletion likely plays an important role in the development of early prerenal failure that progresses to chronic kidney disease in long-term adenine feeding.
Autoimmune-Associated Hemophagocytosis and Myelofibrosis in a Newly Diagnosed Lupus Patient: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Gauiran Deonne Thaddeus V. , Cheng Paula Victoria Catherine Y. , Pagaduan Christopher Ryan P. , Santos Maria Clariza M.
Published: January 2019

Bone marrow abnormalities in SLE are now becoming increasingly recognized, suggesting that the bone marrow may also be an important site of target organ damage. In this study, we present a rare case of concurrent autoimmune hemophagocytic syndrome and autoimmune myelofibrosis, potentially life-threatening conditions, in a newly diagnosed SLE patient. We report a case of a 30-year-old Filipino woman who presented with a one-year history of fever, constitutional symptoms, exertional dyspnea, joint pains, and alopecia and physical examination findings of fever, facial flushing, cervical lymphadenopathies, and knee joint effusions. Laboratory workup revealed pancytopenia with leukoerythroblastosis, elevated ESR, increased serum levels of transaminases, elevated CRP and LDH, hyperferritinemia, hypertriglyceridemia, proteinuria, hepatomegaly, and positive antinuclear antibody. Bone marrow aspiration and trephine biopsy revealed hemophagocytosis and moderate myelofibrosis. The patient was diagnosed with SLE with concomitant autoimmune-associated hemophagocytic syndrome and autoimmune myelofibrosis. Treatment with high-dose corticosteroids led to dramatic clinical improvement with normalization of laboratory data and complete resolution of bone marrow hemophagocytosis and myelofibrosis. Hemophagocytosis and myelofibrosis, although uncommon, are possible initial manifestations of SLE and should be included in the differential diagnosis of cytopenias in SLE. Thorough clinical assessment and microscopic bone marrow examination and timely initiation of corticosteroid therapy are essential in the diagnosis and management of these potentially life-threatening conditions. This case emphasizes that the bone marrow is an important site of target organ damage in SLE, and evaluation of cytopenias in SLE should take this into consideration.
A Machine Learning Method for Predicting Driving Range of Battery Electric Vehicles
Authors: Sun Shuai , Zhang Jun , Bi Jun , Wang Yongxing
Published: January 2019

It is of great significance to improve the driving range prediction accuracy to provide battery electric vehicle users with reliable information. A model built by the conventional multiple linear regression method is feasible to predict the driving range, but the residual errors between -3.6975 km and 3.3865 km are relatively unfaithful for real-world driving. The study is innovative in its application of machine learning method, the gradient boosting decision tree algorithm, on the driving range prediction which includes a very large number of factors that cannot be considered by conventional regression methods. The result of the machine learning method shows that the maximum prediction error is 1.58 km, the minimum prediction error is -1.41 km, and the average prediction error is about 0.7 km. The predictive accuracy of the gradient boosting decision tree is compared against that of the conventional approaches.
Outage Probability of Cognitive DF Relay Systems over Nakagami-m Fading
Authors: Qin Dong
Published: January 2019

This paper aims to derive accurate outage probability expressions of a cognitive decode-and-forward (DF) relay system over the Nakagami-m fading channel. A secondary system and a primary system coexist in a spectrum sharing the environment. In order to protect the data transmission of the primary system, the transmission power of the secondary system cannot exceed the tolerable interference threshold of the primary system and its available peak power. In particular, we also consider the impact on the secondary system when the primary system turns on its transmitter. Simulation results align with our theoretical formulas very well.
Hopf Bifurcation and Chaos of a Delayed Finance System
Authors: Zhang Xuebing , Zhu Honglan
Published: January 2019

In this paper, a finance system with delay is considered. By analyzing the corresponding characteristic equations, the local stability of equilibrium is established. The existence of Hopf bifurcations at the equilibrium is also discussed. Furthermore, formulas for determining the direction of Hopf bifurcation and the stability of the bifurcating periodic solutions are derived by applying the normal form method and center manifold theorem. Finally, numerical simulation results are presented to validate the theoretical analysis. Numerical simulation results show that delay can lead a stable system into a chaotic state.
Optimization of Extraction Conditions for Determination of Tiliroside in Tilia L. Flowers Using an LC-ESI-MS/MS Method
Authors: Pieczykolan Aleksandra , Pietrzak Wioleta , Nowak Renata , Pielczyk Józefina , Łamacz Karolina
Published: January 2019

Tiliroside exhibits a wide spectrum of effects on the human body; considering expensive synthesis of tiliroside, linden trees seem to be a good source of this compound. For the first time, 46 various extraction methods were developed to receive tiliroside from Tilia L., including ultrasound-assisted extraction, maceration, maceration with stirring, accelerated solvent extraction, and extraction under reflux. The effects of extraction techniques, solvents, additives, and temperature on the content of tiliroside were studied using analytical and statistical methods. A new, rapid, simple, sensitive, and selective liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) method was developed to determine the content of tiliroside in Tilia L. flowers. The LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis demonstrated the highest content of tiliroside in Tilia L. flowers obtained using accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) where 70% ethanol with addition of 1% acetic acid was used as a solvent (7.400 ± 0.019 mg of tiliroside per g dry extract).The results showed that the extracts of Tiliae inflorescentia contained large amounts of tiliroside; therefore, they are good sources of this compound. Moreover, ASE was found to be superior to other extraction techniques due to its high efficiency as well as considerable saving of time and solvent.
Decompression and Enucleation of a Mandibular Radicular Cyst, Followed by Bone Regeneration and Implant-Supported Dental Restoration
Authors: AboulHosn M. , Noujeim Z. , Nader N. , Berberi A.
Published: January 2019

Odontogenic cysts are usually treated by enucleation (cystectomy). Limited cysts (less than 5 cm) are usually managed by primary excision (total cystectomy), whereas larger ones (exceeding 5 cm) are often decompressed or marsupialized. Because it consists only of opening a much smaller surgical window, decompression is regarded as a more conservative method of treatment: this method associates the creation of an opening (window) into the cystic cavity with the suturing of a decompressing device (plastic tube or stent) at the periphery of the cyst. Apart from releasing intraluminal pressure in the pathological cavity, this procedure helps the lesion to progressively decrease in volume “with a gradual increase in bone apposition” and preserves pulp vitality and periodontal integrity of the adjacent teeth. We are reporting a case of a mandibular radicular cyst that was treated by decompression, followed by enucleation, bone reconstruction, and restoration with two osseointegrated dental implants. The cystic cavity progressively decreased in volume and increased in bone density.
Identifying Molecular Markers of Cervical Cancer Based on Competing Endogenous RNA Network Analysis
Authors: Qin Shanshan , Gao Yingchun , Yang Yijun , Zhang Lei , Zhang Ting , Yu Juanpeng , Shi Can
Published: January 2019

Aim: Recurrence being a major challenge for the treatment of cervical cancer, we aimed at identifying novel molecular markers of cervical cancer to improve recurrence prediction. Methods: Cervical cancer samples were obtained from the Cancer Genome Atlas. Prognosis-associated long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs), and mRNAs between recurrent and nonrecurrent samples were acquired using expression analysis. Regulatory relationships among these prognosis-associated RNAs were predicted and used to construct a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network. Key prognostic lncRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs were identified using the ceRNA network, followed by the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis to reveal the influence of these key prognostic RNAs on prognosis. Results: In total, 15 lncRNAs, 10 miRNAs, and 348 mRNAs were identified as significant prognosis-associated molecules. The cervical cancer-related ceRNA network contained 13 prognosis-associated lncRNAs, 5 prognosis-associated miRNAs, and 120 prognosis-associated mRNAs. Key prognostic lncRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs were further identified using the ceRNA network. The key prognostic lncRNAs included H19 and HOTAIR, those for miRNAs included hsa-miR-133b, hsa-miR-138, and hsa-miR-301b, and those for mRNAs included Wnt family member 2, fibroblast growth factor 7, fibronectin 1, synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A, and bone morphogenetic protein 7. Conclusion: The key prognostic lncRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs may serve as potential molecular markers for recurrence prediction and may contribute to the treatment of cervical cancer.
Prevalence of Migraine in the Elderly: A Narrated Review
Authors: Wijeratne Tissa , Tang Huiliang Melissa , Crewther David , Crewther Sheila
Published: January 2019

Migraine is one of the most prevalent neurological disorders among all age groups including the elderly, but the incidence and prevalence of migraine tend to decrease with age. The clinical phenotype of migraine also appears to be different in the elderly patient group in comparison to the younger patient group, with elderly migraine appearing to be more often bilateral and associated with what has become known as “late-life migraine accompaniments. Furthermore, difficulty in the differentiation of migraine from vascular insults such as transient ischemic attacks and amyloid angiopathy and other multiple comorbidities, polypharmacy and age-related changes in pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics makes treatments for this cohort challenging but necessary, especially given the worldwide increase in life expectancy, and likelihood of migraine continuing to be a major personal and public health problem.
Community-Acquired Pneumonia with Negative Chest Radiography Findings: Clinical and Radiological Features
Authors: Seo Hyewon , Cha Seung-Ick , Shin Kyung-Min , Lim Jae-Kwang , Yoo Seung-Soo , Lee Shin-Yup , Lee Jaehee , Kim Chang-Ho , Park Jae-Yong
Published: January 2019

Background: Data regarding community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) identified on chest computed tomography (CT) but not on chest radiography (CR) are limited. Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the clinical and radiological features of these patients. Methods: We retrospectively compared the clinical characteristics, etiological agents, treatment outcomes, and CT findings between CAP patients with negative CR and positive CT findings (negative CR group) and those with positive CR as well as CT findings (control group). Results: Of 1,925 patients, 94 patients (4.9%) were included in the negative CR group. Negative CR findings could be attributed to the location of the lesions (e.g., those located in the dependent lung) and CT pattern with a low attenuation, such as ground-glass opacity (GGO). The negative CR group was characterized by a higher frequency of aspiration pneumonia, lower incidences of complicated parapneumonic effusion or empyema and pleural drainage, and lower blood levels of inflammatory markers than the control group. On CT, the negative CR group exhibited higher rates of GGO- and bronchiolitis-predominant patterns and a lower rate of consolidation pattern. Despite shorter length of hospital stay in the negative CR group, 30-day and in-hospital mortalities were similar between the two groups. Conclusions: CAP patients with negative CR findings are characterized by lower blood levels of inflammatory markers, a higher incidence of aspiration pneumonia, and a lower incidence of complicated para­pneumonic effusion or empyema than those with positive CR findings. Chest CT scan should be considered in suspected CAP patients with a negative CR, especially in bedridden patients.
Mastocytosis and the Fig Wasp (Blastophaga psenes)
Authors: Armentia Alicia , Pineda Fernando , Fernandez-Cortés Sara , Moro Angela , Martin-Armentia Blanca , Mendez Paula , Porcuna Ana , Mendez-Alcalde Jorge
Published: January 2019

Background: Mastocytosis involves the abnormal proliferation of mast cells and clinical variability. In the case of anaphylaxis, the triggering antigen, often associated with Hymenoptera allergens, must be identified. The common fig (Ficus carica) requires the fig wasp (Blastophaga psenes) for pollination. Objective: We evaluated the ingestion of B. psenes as a trigger of anaphylaxis in patients with mastocytosis. Material and Methods: Skin prick tests (SPTs) and specific immunoglobulin E to the possible involved allergens were carried out in the patient and in 4 controls allergic to Hymenoptera and fig. Given the possibility of hidden allergens, we studied the source (figs of various origins) and possible hypersensitivity to Hymenoptera allergens, including the fig wasp (B. psenes). Results: In all subjects, the SPT resulted in a wheal (larger than with histamine) with the extract of the inferior part of the female fig but not with the male extract (lower pole and stem). Immune detection was made with the stem and inferior part of figs and venom of Polistes and Vespula. Recognition bands were observed at 25 kDa with female fig extracts that were also recognized by the patient with anaphylaxis to Hymenoptera venom. Conclusions: We cannot exclude the possibility that the ingestion of fig with Blastophaga antigens may have triggered anaphylaxis in our patient.
Role of Aspergillus fumigatus-Specific IgE in the Diagnosis of Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis
Authors: Lou Bin , Xu Zhen , Yang Guangdie , Guo Chuangen , Zheng Shufa , Lou Haiyan , Ma Guanghua , Sadhukhan Annapurna , Lin Sha , Chen Yu
Published: January 2019

Introduction: Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) has been regarded as a rare disease in China due to the lack of quantitative detection of Aspergillus fumigatus-specific IgE (sIgE). We compared the diagnostic rate of ABPA among asthma patients with or without A. fumigatus-sIgE screening tests to evaluate the benefit of the tests in diagnosing ABPA. Methods: We reviewed the detection rate of A. fumigatus-sIgE and the diagnostic rate of ABPA in 1842 asthma patients in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University from 2014 to 2016. Additionally, we collected 144 asthma cases from November 2016 to March 2017 to detect the total serum IgE, A. fumigatus-sIgE and sIgE against mixed mold extract, the ABPA diagnostic rate of these patients was then compared with the total cohort. Total serum IgE, A. fumigatus-sIgE and sIgE against mixed mold extract were also tested in 30 patients identified with Aspergillus-positive sputum culture to analyze the incidence of ABPA. Results: Among the 1,842 asthma cases, 566 were inspected for total IgE; 308 (55.40%) were total IgE-positive and 58 (10.43%) had total IgE > 1,000 IU/mL. In contrast, only 126 cases were tested for A. fumigatus-sIgE (6.84%), and 28 had A. fumigatus-sIgE > 0.35 kUA/L (22.22%). Eleven patients were finally diagnosed with ABPA. Of 1,842 asthma patients, only 0.6% were diagnosed with ABPA if the A. fumigatus-sIgE was not detected at first. Moreover, among the 144 asthma cases that were selected for total IgE, A. fumigatus-sIgE, and sIgE against mixed mold extract screening tests, 12 had total IgE > 1,000 IU/mL (8.33%), 11 had A. fumigatus-sIgE > 0.35 kUA/L (7.64%), and 14 had sIgE against mixed mold extract > 0.35 (9.72%); 7 of these patients were confirmed as having ABPA according to the ISHAM guidelines (4.86%) but only 2 without A. fumigatus-sIgE screening test were diagnosed with ABPA (1.39%) (p = 0.000). Of the 30 Aspergillus-positive sputum culture cases, 4 had A. fumigatus-sIgE > 0.35 kUA/L (13.33%), but none was diagnosed with ABPA. Conclusions: Routine A. fumigatus-sIgE screening for asthma patients can significantly improve the diagnostic rate of ABPA.
Automated Source Estimation of Scalp EEG Epileptic Activity Using eLORETA Kurtosis Analysis
Authors: Ikeda Shunichiro , Ishii Ryouhei , Pascual-Marqui Roberto D. , Canuet Leonides , Yoshimura Masafumi , Nishida Keiichiro , Kitaura Yuichi , Katsura Koji , Kinoshita Toshihiko
Published: January 2019

Objectives: eLORETA (exact low-resolution brain electromagnetic tomography) is a technique created by Pascual-Marqui et al. [Int J Psychophysiol. 1994 Oct; 18(1): 49–65] for the 3-dimensional representation of current source density in the brain by electroencephalography (EEG) data. Kurtosis analysis allows for the identification of spiky activity in the brain. In this study, we focused on the evaluation of the reliability of eLORETA kurtosis analysis. For this purpose, the results of eLORETA kurtosis source localization of paroxysmal activity in EEG were compared with those of eLORETA current source density (CSD) analysis of EEG data in 3 epilepsy patients with partial seizures. Methods: EEG was measured using a digital EEG system with 19 channels. We set the bandpass filter at traditional frequency band settings (1–4, 4–8, 8–15, 15–30, and 30–60 Hz) and 5–10 and 20–70 Hz and performed eLORETA kurtosis to compare the source localization of paroxysmal activity with that of visual interpretation of EEG data and CSD analysis of eLORETA in focal epilepsy patients. Results: The eLORETA kurtosis analysis of EEG data preprocessed by bandpass filtering from 20 to 70 Hz and traditional frequency band settings did not show any discrete paroxysmal source activity compatible with the results of CSD analysis of eLORETA. In all 3 cases, eLORETA kurtosis analysis filtered at 5–10 Hz showed paroxysmal activities in the theta band, which were all consistent with the visual inspection results and the CSD analysis results. Discussion: Our findings suggested that eLORETA kurtosis analysis of EEG data might be useful for the identification of spiky paroxysmal activity sources in epilepsy patients. Since EEG is widely used in the clinical practice of epilepsy, eLORETA kurtosis analysis is a promising method that can be applied to epileptic activity mapping.