bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tuning the electronic and optical properties of hexagonal boron-nitride nanosheet by inserting graphene quantum dots
Authors: Ding Yi-Min , Shi Jun-Jie , Zhang Min , Wu Meng , Wang Hui , Cen Yu-Lang , Pan Shu-Hang , Guo Wen-Hui
Published: February 2018

It is difficult to integrate two-dimensional (2D) graphene and hexagonal boron-nitride (h-BN) in optoelectronic nanodevices, due to the semi-metal and insulator characteristic of graphene and h-BN, respectively. Using the state-of-the-art first-principles calculations based on many-body perturbation theory, we investigate the electronic and optical properties of h-BN nanosheet embedded with graphene dots. We find that C atom impurities doped in h-BN nanosheet tend to phase-separate into graphene quantum dots (QD), and BNC hybrid structure, i.e. a graphene dot within a h-BN background, can be formed. The band gaps of BNC hybrid structures have an inverse relationship with the size of graphene dot. The calculated optical band gaps for BNC structures vary from 4.71 eV to 3.77 eV, which are much smaller than that of h-BN nanosheet. Furthermore, the valence band maximum is located in C atoms bonded to B atoms and conduction band minimum is located in C atoms bonded to N atoms, which means the electron and hole wave functions are closely distributed around the graphene dot. The bound excitons, localized around the graphene dot, determine the optical spectra of the BNC hybrid structures, in which the exciton binding energies decrease with increase in the size of graphene dots. Our results provide an important theoretical basis for the design and development of BNC-based optoelectronic nanodevices.
Riemann–Hilbert approach for the combined nonlinear Schrödinger and Gerdjikov–Ivanov equation and its N-soliton solutions
Authors: Nie Hui , Lu Liping , Geng Xianguo
Published: February 2018

On the basis of the spectral analysis for the Lax pair, a Riemann–Hilbert problem of the combined nonlinear Schrödinger and Gerdjikov–Ivanov equation is established. Using the inverse scattering transformation and the Riemann–Hilbert approach, the combined nonlinear Schrödinger and Gerdjikov–Ivanov equation is studied. As an application, N-soliton solutions of the combined nonlinear Schrödinger and Gerdjikov–Ivanov equation are obtained. In addition, some figures are given to illustrate the soliton characteristics of the nonlinear integrable equation.
Size-dependent resonance frequencies of cantilevered and bridged nanosensors
Authors: Shi W. , Zou J. , Lee K. Y. , Li X. F.
Published: February 2018

This paper studies transverse vibration of nanoscale cantilevered and bridged sensors carrying a nanoparticle. The nanoscale sensors are modelled as Euler–Bernoulli beams with surface effect and nanoparticle as a concentrated mass. Frequency equations of cantilevered and bridged beam-mass system are derived and exact resonance frequencies are calculated. An alternative Fredholm integral equation method is used to obtain an approximate explicit expression for the fundamental frequency for both cases. A comparison between the approximate and analytical results is made and the approximation accuracy is satisfactory. The influences of the residual surface stress, surface elasticity, and attached mass on the resonance frequencies and mode shapes are discussed. These results are useful to illustrate the surface phenomena and are helpful to design micro-/nano-mechanical sensors.
Study of stellar structures in f(R,T) gravity
Authors: Sharif M. , Siddiqa Aisha
Published: February 2018

This paper is devoted to study the compact objects whose pressure and density are related through polytropic equation-of-state (EoS) and MIT bag model (for quark stars) in the background of [Formula: see text] gravity. We solve the field equations together with the hydrostatic equilibrium equation numerically for the model [Formula: see text] and discuss physical properties of the resulting solution. It is observed that for both types of stars (polytropic and quark stars), the effects of model parameters [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] remain the same. We also obtain that the energy conditions are satisfied and stellar configurations are stable for both EoS.
Understanding the Excited State Photophysics of Pyrrolopyrrole-Dione Isomers and Derivatives Using Time-Dependence Density Functional Theory
Authors: Tam Teck Lip Dexter , Lin Ting Ting , Lukman Steven
Published: February 2018

The ability to understand and predict excited state photophysics is vital for the development of photo- and electroluminescence materials, as well as light harvesting materials and photodynamic therapy. Herein, we demonstrate that single determinant time-dependent density functional theory can be computationally cost-effective and has the ability to explain both experimental singlet and triplet dynamics of pyrrolo[3,4-[Formula: see text]]pyrrole-1,4-dione and pyrrolo[3,2-b]pyrrole-2,5-dione isomers with intriguing photophysical properties. We also used the methodology to predict the photophysical properties of pyrrolo[3,4-c]pyrrole-1,3-dione and a hypothetical hybrid pyrrolo[3,4-b]pyrrole-2,4-dione isomers.
High-Precision Multi-UAV Teaming for the First Outdoor Night Show in Singapore
Authors: Ang Kevin Z. Y. , Dong Xiangxu , Liu Wenqi , Qin Geng , Lai Shupeng , Wang Kangli , Wei Dong , Zhang Songyuan , Phang Swee King , Chen Xudong , Lao Mingjie , Yang Zhaolin , Jia Dandan , Lin Feng , Xie Lihua , Chen Ben M.
Published: February 2018

Advancement in the development of automation in aerial robotics has created endless applications today by utilizing autonomous drones, or in other words, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Motivated by the idea of the entertainment robots, in this paper, we present a robust and safe multi-UAV formation system for the purpose of entertainment in the form of a night multi-UAV teaming light show. The performance includes a 5-minutes flight show with 16 UAVs, changing patterns with background music, and with synchronized visual lighting from each of the UAVs. The high-precision autonomous formation flight is achieved with a centralized control method with a single ground control station (GCS). The system includes offline trajectory generation, safety features such as collision avoidance and UAV states monitoring, geo-fencing for out-of-bound control and many more which will be discussed in this paper. The live performance of the multi-UAV teaming night show was successfully presented to the public in conjunction with The Future of Us Exhibitions held in January 2016, in Singapore.
Postoperative Infection Related with the Total Elbow Arthroplasty (Kudo’s Prosthesis) in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Minami Michio , Kondo Makoto , Nishio Yasuhiko , Suzuki Koji , Kato Sadatoshi , Kawamura Sumito , Kato Hiroyuki , Minami Akio
Published: February 2018

Background: Total Elbow Arthroplasty (TEA) for the rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been popularized since 1980s. The outcomes of TEA using any type of implant design for RA has been satisfactory. On the other hand, many orthopedicians experience several postoperative complications. Among them, postoperative infection has still being the most troublesome and difficult to treat. This study is to clarify the causes of postoperative infection of TEA using Kudo’s prosthesis for RA and discuss how to manage and prevent infection.

Methods: 421 TEAs were performed for 405 cases with RA at the authors’ institute during the period between 1982 and 2007. They were followed up for 1~25 years (Av. 12.3 years). The authors examined pain, the range of motion, roentgenograms and complications postoperatively. We were able to start treatment within 4 weeks after occurrence of infection. For surgical management of infected TEAs, debridement of the synovium and removal of the prosthesis with loosening were performed for all cases. In addition, all cases have been regularly and strictly followed-up with the elbow protector to prevent recurrence of infection since 2008.

Results: There were 98 TEAs with the postoperative complications (23.3%). Eight out of 98 TEAs were infected (1.9%). Five of eight infected TEAs were primarily at the surgical scar site infection (SSSI) (60%), unknown causes in two, hematogenous course in 1. It’s obvious that surgical scar site infection (SSSI) was the leading cause of postoperative infection in this study. Thus, the authors made the elbow proctor to avoid injuries of the skin around surgical scar site (SSS). Since 2008, all of the TEAs and revised TEAs have been applied with this protector.

Conclusions: The authors reported 8 infected TEAs: 5 cases were revised, 2 with the brace, 1 had above the elbow amputated. The regular and meticulous follow up and application of the elbow protector were useful to prevent infection of post-TEAs using Kudo’s prosthesis in RA. Since 2008, there have been no infection of post TEAs and revised TEAs.
Attrition of the Extensor Tendon of the Index Finger Following an Avulsion Fracture of the Third Metacarpal
Authors: Yamazaki Hiroshi , Miyaoka Shunsuke , Kato Hiroyuki
Published: February 2018

We report an avulsion fracture at the base of the third metacarpal involving the extensor carpi radialis brevis insertion and a resulting complication of attritional rupture of the extensor indicis proprius tendon and the extensor digitorum communis to the index finger, in a 67-year-old man.
Transdisciplinary Innovation: Connecting Ideas from Professional and User Networks
Authors: Beckett Ronald C. , Vachhrajani Hardik
Published: February 2018

Transdisciplinary innovation — what is it and how does it work? In this paper, the way disparate professional and community actors may work together is considered, drawing on case study data from three different Australian–Indian academic research collaborations. One considered food sector SME innovation practice in the two countries and the other two considered the deployment in India of radical technologies developed by international teams to deliver social benefits. The collection of knowledge artifacts from disparate sources was the norm. Implementation of an innovative idea or technology application commonly involved interactive learning from parallel testing of possible combinations. Six themes to be explored further emerged from this exploratory study. These related to social networking, interaction protocols, the use of boundary objects, knowledge sharing and modes of research.
Branched fibers from old fast-twitch dystrophic muscles are the sites of terminal damage in muscular dystrophy
Authors: Kiriaev Leonit , Kueh Sindy , Morley John W. , North Kathryn N. , Houweling Peter J. , Head Stewart I.
Published: February 2018

A striking pathological feature of dystrophinopathies is the presence of morphologically abnormal branched skeletal muscle fibers. The deterioration of muscle contractile function in Duchenne muscular dystrophy is accompanied by both an increase in number and complexity of these branched fibers. We propose that when number and complexity of branched fibers reaches a critical threshold, or “tipping point,” the branches in and of themselves are the site of contraction-induced rupture. In the present study, we use the dystrophic mdx mouse and littermate controls to study the prediseased dystrophic fast-twitch extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscle at 2–3 wk, the peak myonecrotic phase at 6–9 wk, and finally, “old,” at 58–112 wk. Using a combination of isolated muscle function contractile measurements coupled with single-fiber imaging and confocal microscope imaging of cleared whole muscles, we identified a distinct pathophysiology, acute fiber rupture at branch nodes, which occurs in “old” fast-twitch EDL muscle approaching the end stage of the dystrophinopathy muscle disease, where the EDL muscles are entirely composed of complexed branched fibers. This evidence supports our concept of “tipping point” where the number and extent of fiber branching reach a level where the branching itself terminally compromises muscle function, irrespective of the absence of dystrophin.
With no lysine kinase 4 modulates sodium potassium 2 chloride cotransporter activity in vivo
Authors: Terker Andrew S. , Castañeda-Bueno Maria , Ferdaus Mohammed Z. , Cornelius Ryan J. , Erspamer Kayla J. , Su Xiao-Tong , Miller Lauren N. , McCormick James A. , Wang Wen-Hui , Gamba Gerardo , Yang Chao-Ling , Ellison David H.
Published: February 2018

With no lysine kinase 4 (WNK4) is essential to activate the thiazide-sensitive NaCl cotransporter (NCC) along the distal convoluted tubule, an effect central to the phenotype of familial hyperkalemic hypertension. Although effects on potassium and sodium channels along the connecting and collecting tubules have also been documented, WNK4 is typically believed to have little role in modulating sodium chloride reabsorption along the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle. Yet wnk4−/−mice (knockout mice lacking WNK4) do not demonstrate the hypocalciuria typical of pure distal convoluted tubule dysfunction. Here, we tested the hypothesis that WNK4 also modulates bumetanide-sensitive Na-K-2Cl cotransporter (NKCC2) function along the thick ascending limb. We confirmed that w nk4−/−mice are hypokalemic and waste sodium chloride, but are also normocalciuric. Results from Western blots suggested that the phosphorylated forms of both NCC and NKCC2 were in lower abundance in wnk4−/−mice than in controls. This finding was confirmed by immunofluorescence microscopy. Although the initial response to furosemide was similar in wnk4−/−mice and controls, the response was lower in the knockout mice when reabsorption along the distal convoluted tubule was inhibited. Using HEK293 cells, we showed that WNK4 increases the abundance of phosphorylated NKCC2. More supporting evidence that WNK4 may modulate NKCC2 emerges from a mouse model of WNK4-mediated familial hyperkalemic hypertension in which more phosphorylated NKCC2 is present than in controls. These data indicate that WNK4, in addition to modulating NCC, also modulates NKCC2, contributing to its physiological function in vivo.
Lineage tracing aged mouse kidneys shows lower number of cells of renin lineage and reduced responsiveness to RAAS inhibition
Authors: Hamatani Hiroko , Eng Diana G. , Kaverina Natalya V. , Gross Kenneth W. , Freedman Benjamin S. , Pippin Jeffrey W. , Shankland Stuart J.
Published: February 2018

Blocking the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) remains a mainstay of therapy in hypertension and glomerular diseases. With the population aging, our understanding of renin-producing cells in kidneys with advanced age is more critical than ever. Accordingly, we administered tamoxifen to Ren1cCreERxRs-tdTomato-R mice to permanently fate map cells of renin lineage (CoRL). The number of Td-tomato-labeled CoRL decreased significantly in aged mice (24 mo of age) compared with young mice (3.5 mo of age), as did renin mRNA levels. To determine whether aged CoRL responded less to RAAS blockade, enalapril and losartan were administered over 25 days following uninephrectomy in young and aged mice. The number of CoRL increased in young mice in response to enalapril and losartan. However, this was significantly lower in aged mice compared with young mice due to limited proliferation, but not recruitment. Gene expression analysis of laser-captured CoRL showed a substantial increase in mRNA levels for proapoptotic and prosenescence genes, and an increase in a major prosenescence protein on immunostaining. These results show that CoRL are lower in aged mice and do not respond to RAAS inhibition to the same extent as young mice.
Examination of muscle composition and motor unit behavior of the first dorsal interosseous of normal and overweight children
Authors: Miller Jonathan D. , Sterczala Adam J. , Trevino Michael A. , Herda Trent J.
Published: February 2018

We examined differences between normal weight (NW) and overweight (OW) children aged 8–10 yr in strength, muscle composition, and motor unit (MU) behavior of the first dorsal interosseous. Ultrasonography was used to determine muscle cross-sectional area (CSA), subcutaneous fat (sFAT), and echo intensity (EI). MU behavior was assessed during isometric muscle actions at 20% and 50% of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) by analyzing electromyography amplitude (EMGRMS) and relationships between mean firing rates (MFR), recruitment thresholds (RT), and MU action potential amplitudes (MUAPsize) and durations (MUAPtime). The OW group had significantly greater EI than the NW group ( P = 0.002; NW, 47.99 ± 6.01 AU; OW, 58.90 ± 10.63 AU, where AU is arbitrary units) with no differences between groups for CSA ( P = 0.688) or MVC force ( P = 0.790). MUAPsizewas larger for NW than OW in relation to RT ( P = 0.002) and for MUs expressing similar MFRs ( P = 0.011). There were no significant differences ( P = 0.279–0.969) between groups for slopes or y-intercepts from the MFR vs. RT relationships. MUAPtimewas larger in OW ( P = 0.015) and EMGRMSwas attenuated in OW compared with NW ( P = 0.034); however, there were no significant correlations ( P = 0.133−0.164, r = 0.270−0.291) between sFAT and EMGRMS. In a muscle that does not support body mass, the OW children had smaller MUAPsizeas well as greater EI, although anatomical CSA was similar. This contradicts previous studies examining larger limb muscles. Despite evidence of smaller MUs, the OW children had similar isometric strength compared with NW children.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Ultrasound data and motor unit action potential sizes suggest that overweight children have poorer muscle composition and smaller motor units in the first dorsal interosseous than normal weight children. Evidence is presented that suggests differences in action potential size cannot be explained by differences in subcutaneous fat alone.
Opposing effects of 2-deoxy-d-glucose on interictal- and ictal-like activity when K+currents and GABAAreceptors are blocked in rat hippocampus in vitro
Authors: Nedergaard Steen , Andreasen Mogens
Published: February 2018

The ketogenic diet (KD), a high-fat, carbohydrate-restricted diet, is used as an alternative treatment for drug-resistant epileptic patients. Evidence suggests that compromised glucose metabolism has a significant role in the anticonvulsant action of the KD; however, it is unclear what part of the glucose metabolism that is important. The present study investigates how selective alterations in glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation influence epileptiform activity induced by blocking K+currents and GABAAand NMDA receptors in the hippocampal slice preparation. Blocking glycolysis with the glucose derivative 2-deoxy-d-glucose (2-DG; 10 mM) gave a fast reduction of the frequency of interictal discharge (IED) consistent with findings in other in vitro models. However, this was followed by the induction of seizure-like discharges in area CA1 and CA3. Substituting glucose with sucrose (glucopenia) had effects similar to those of 2-DG, whereas substitution with l-lactate or pyruvate reduced the IED but had a less proconvulsant effect. Blockade of ATP-sensitive K+channels, glycine or adenosine 1 receptors, or depletion of the endogenous anticonvulsant compound glutathione did not prevent the actions of 2-DG. Baclofen (2 μM) reproduced the effect of 2-DG on IED activity. The proconvulsant effect of 2-DG could be reproduced by blocking the oxidative phosphorylation with the complex I toxin rotenone (4 μM). The data suggest that inhibition of IED, induced by 2-DG and glucopenia, is a direct consequence of impairment of glycolysis, likely exerted via a decreased recurrent excitatory synaptic transmission in area CA3. The accompanying proconvulsant effect is caused by an excitatory mechanism, depending on impairment of oxidative phosphorylation.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study reveals two opposing effects of 2-deoxy-d-glucose (2-DG) and glucopenia on in vitro epileptiform discharge observed during combined blockade of K+currents and GABAAreceptors. Interictal-like activity is inhibited by a mechanism that selectively depends on impairment of glycolysis and that results from a decrease in the strength of excitatory recurrent synaptic transmission in area CA3. In contrast, 2-DG and glucopenia facilitate ictal-like activity by an excitatory mechanism, depending on impairment of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation.
The Metabolic Flexibility of Hovering Vertebrate Nectarivores
Authors: Welch Kenneth C. , Myrka Alexander M. , Ali Raafay Syed , Dick Morag F.
Published: February 2018

Foraging hummingbirds and nectar bats oxidize both glucose and fructose from nectar at exceptionally high rates. Rapid sugar flux is made possible by adaptations to digestive, cardiovascular, and metabolic physiology affecting shared and distinct pathways for the processing of each sugar. Still, how these animals partition and regulate the metabolism of each sugar and whether this occurs differently between hummingbirds and bats remain unclear.
Breathing: Motor Control of Diaphragm Muscle
Authors: Fogarty Matthew J. , Mantilla Carlos B. , Sieck Gary C.
Published: February 2018

Breathing occurs without thought but is controlled by a complex neural network with a final output of phrenic motor neurons activating diaphragm muscle fibers (i.e., motor units). This review considers diaphragm motor unit organization and how they are controlled during breathing as well as during expulsive behaviors.
Arginase: A Multifaceted Enzyme Important in Health and Disease
Authors: Caldwell R. William , Rodriguez Paulo C. , Toque Haroldo A. , Narayanan S. Priya , Caldwell Ruth B.
Published: February 2018

The arginase enzyme developed in early life forms and was maintained during evolution. As the last step in the urea cycle, arginase cleaves l-arginine to form urea and l-ornithine. The urea cycle provides protection against excess ammonia, while l-ornithine is needed for cell proliferation, collagen formation, and other physiological functions. In mammals, increases in arginase activity have been linked to dysfunction and pathologies of the cardiovascular system, kidney, and central nervous system and also to dysfunction of the immune system and cancer. Two important aspects of the excessive activity of arginase may be involved in diseases. First, overly active arginase can reduce the supply of l-arginine needed for the production of nitric oxide (NO) by NO synthase. Second, too much l-ornithine can lead to structural problems in the vasculature, neuronal toxicity, and abnormal growth of tumor cells. Seminal studies have demonstrated that increased formation of reactive oxygen species and key inflammatory mediators promote this pathological elevation of arginase activity. Here, we review the involvement of arginase in diseases affecting the cardiovascular, renal, and central nervous system and cancer and discuss the value of therapies targeting the elevated activity of arginase.
Survey of Energy-Efficient Techniques for the Cloud-Integrated Sensor Network
Authors: Das Kalyan , Das Satyabrata , Darji Rabi Kumar , Mishra Ananya
Published: February 2018

The sensor cloud is a combination of cloud computing with a wireless sensor network (WSN) which provides an easy to scale and efficient computing infrastructure for real-time application. A sensor cloud should be energy efficient as the life of the battery in the sensor is limited and there is a huge consumption of energy in the data centre in running the servers to provide storage. In this paper, we have classified energy-efficient techniques for sensor cloud into different categories and analyzed each technology by using various parameters. Usage percentage of each parameter for every technology is calculated and for all technologies on average is also calculated. From our analysis, we found that most of the energy-efficient techniques ignore quality of service (QoS) parameters, scalability, and network lifetime. Multiparameter optimization including other QoS parameters along with energy may be the future direction of research. Our study will be helpful for researchers to get information regarding current methods used for an energy-efficient sensor cloud and also to build advanced systems in the future.
Separable Reversible Data Hiding in Encrypted Images Based on Two-Dimensional Histogram Modification
Authors: Xu Dawen , Chen Kai , Wang Rangding , Su Shubing
Published: February 2018

An efficient method of completely separable reversible data hiding in encrypted images is proposed. The cover image is first partitioned into nonoverlapping blocks and specific encryption is applied to obtain the encrypted image. Then, image difference in the encrypted domain can be calculated based on the homomorphic property of the cryptosystem. The data hider, who does not know the original image content, may reversibly embed secret data into image difference based on two-dimensional difference histogram modification. Data extraction is completely separable from image decryption; that is, data extraction can be done either in the encrypted domain or in the decrypted domain, so that it can be applied to different application scenarios. In addition, data extraction and image recovery are free of any error. Experimental results demonstrate the feasibility and efficiency of the proposed scheme.
Functional Dehydrated Foods for Health Preservation
Authors: Morais R. M. S. C. , Morais A. M. M. B. , Dammak I. , Bonilla J. , Sobral P. J. A. , Laguerre J.-C. , Afonso M. J. , Ramalhosa E. C. D.
Published: February 2018

The market of functional foods has experienced a huge growth in the last decades due to the increased consumers’ awareness in a healthy lifestyle. Dried fruits constitute good snacks, in alternative to salty or sweet ones, and food ingredients due to their taste and nutritional/health benefits. Bioactive molecules are interesting sources to develop functional foods, as they play a major role in improving the health status and minimizing disease risks. The bioactive compounds most widely discussed in literature are presented in this review, for example, polyphenols, phytosterols, and prebiotics. Different technologies to dry bioproducts for producing functional foods or ingredients are presented. New drying techniques for the preservation of bioactive compounds are proposed, focusing more specifically on dielectric drying. A discussion on the techniques that can be used to optimize drying processes is performed. An overview on dehydrated plant based foods with probiotics is provided. The microorganisms used, impregnation procedures, drying methods, and evaluated parameters are presented and discussed. The principal bioactive compounds responsible for nutritional and health benefits of plant derived dried food products—fruits and vegetables, fruits and vegetables by-products, grains, nuts, and algae—are presented. Phytochemical losses occurring during pretreatments and/or drying processes are also discussed.
Carboxyl of Poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) Nanoparticles of Perfluorooctyl Bromide for Ultrasonic Imaging of Tumor
Authors: Luo Shengjuan , Ding Jinsong , Wang Peiqi , Wang Zheng , Ma Xiaoqian , Yang Cejun , Liang Qi , Rong Pengfei , Wang Wei
Published: February 2018

Perfluorooctyl bromide (PFOB) enclosed nanoparticles (NPs) as ultrasonic contrasts have shown promising results in the recent years. However, NPs display poor contrast enhancement in vivo. In this work, we used the copolymers poly(lactide-co-glycolide) carboxylic acid (PLGA-COOH) and poly(lactide-co- glycolide) poly(ethylene glycol) carboxylic acid (PLGA-PEG-COOH) as a shell to encapsulate PFOB to prepare a nanoultrasonic contrast agent. The NPs were small and uniform (210.6±2.9 nm with a polydispersity index of 0.129±0.016) with a complete shell nuclear structure under the transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In vitro, when concentration of NPs was ≥10 mg/ml and clinical diagnostic frequency was ≥9 MHz, NPs produced intensive enhancement of ultrasonic gray-scale signals. NPs could produce stable and obvious gray enhancement with high mechanical index (MI) (MI > 0.6). In vivo, the NPs offered good ultrasound enhancement in tumor after more than 24 h and optical imaging also indicated that NPs were mainly located at tumor site. Subsequent analysis confirmed that large accumulation of fluorescence was observed in the frozen section of the tumor tissue. All these results caused the conclusion that NPs encapsulated PFOB has achieved tumor-selective imaging in vivo.
Primary Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma Mimicking Hyperplastic Reactive Lesion (Lymphoma of the Oral Cavity)
Authors: Donaduzzi Liziane Cattelan , Reinheimer Angélica , da Silva Maria Augusta Ramires , de Noronha Lucia , Johann Aline Cristina Batista Rodrigues , Franco Ademir , Couto Soraya de Azambuja Berti , Souza Paulo Henrique Couto
Published: February 2018

Objective. To report a case of a challenging oral diagnosis involving a primary diffuse large B cell lymphoma of the oral cavity mimicking a hyperplastic reactive lesion.Case Report. A 72-year-old male patient was referred to the Department of Stomatology presenting a proliferative nodular lesion in the anterior region of the mandible involving the anterior teeth. The clinical examination revealed anterior teeth affected by periodontal disease, suggesting the nodular cession hyperplastic reaction. Incisional biopsy was performed under local anesthesia. The histopathological examination revealed a diffuse proliferation of atypical large lymphoid cells. The tumor cells showed immunopositivity for CD20 and Ki67 (100%) and negativity for CD3, CD30, and CD15. The diagnosis of diffuse large B cell lymphoma was established. The patient underwent chemotherapy and progressed to death after nine months.Conclusion. Lymphomas of the oral cavity are rare and may have nonspecific clinical features, mimicking inflammatory and reactive lesions. Therefore, a detailed clinical evaluation associated with histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis should be performed to enable early and accurate diagnoses in suspected oral lesions.
Injectable Hydrogel versus Plastically Compressed Collagen Scaffold for Central Nervous System Applications
Authors: Tsintou Magdalini , Dalamagkas Kyriakos , Seifalian Alexander
Published: February 2018

Central Nervous System (CNS) repair has been a challenge, due to limited CNS tissue regenerative capacity. The emerging tools that neural engineering has to offer have opened new pathways towards the discovery of novel therapeutic approaches for CNS disorders. Collagen has been a preferable material for neural tissue engineering due to its similarity to the extracellular matrix, its biocompatibility, and antigenicity. The aim was to compare properties of a plastically compressed collagen hydrogel with the ones of a promising collagen-genipin injectable hydrogel and a collagen-only hydrogel for clinical CNS therapy applications. The focus was demonstrating the effects of genipin cross-linking versus plastic compression methodology on a collagen hydrogel and the impact of each method on clinical translatability. The results showed that injectable collagen-genipin hydrogel is better clinical translation material. Full collagen compression seemed to form extremely stiff hydrogels (up to about 2300 kPa) so, according to our findings, a compression level of up to 75% should be considered for CNS applications, being in line with CNS stiffness. Taking that into consideration, partially compressed collagen 3D hydrogel systems may be a good tunable way to mimic the natural hierarchical model of the human body, potentially facilitating neural repair application.
Experimental Investigation of Concrete Runway Snow Melting Utilizing Heat Pipe Technology
Authors: Chen Fengchen , Su Xin , Ye Qing , Fu Jianfeng
Published: February 2018

A full scale snow melting system with heat pipe technology is built in this work, which avoids the negative effects on concrete structure and environment caused by traditional deicing chemicals. The snow melting, ice-freezing performance and temperature distribution characteristics of heat pipe concrete runway were discussed by the outdoor experiments. The results show that the temperature of the concrete pavement is greatly improved with the heat pipe system. The environment temperature and embedded depth of heat pipe play a dominant role among the decision variables of the snow melting system. Heat pipe snow melting pavement melts the snow completely and avoids freezing at any time when the environment temperature is below freezing point, which is secure enough for planes take-off and landing. Besides, the exportation and recovery of geothermal energy indicate that this system can run for a long time. This paper will be useful for the design and application of the heat pipe used in the runway snow melting.
The Prevalence of Traditional Malpractice during Pregnancy, Child Birth, and Postnatal Period among Women of Childbearing Age in Meshenti Town, 2016
Authors: Gedamu Haileyesus , Tsegaw Adane , Debebe Etsubdink
Published: February 2018

Background. Cultural practices, beliefs, and taboos are often implicated in determining the care received by mothers during pregnancy and child birth which is an important determinant of maternal mortality. Objective. To assess prevalence of cultural malpractice during pregnancy, child birth, and postnatal period among women of childbearing age in Meshenti town, Amhara region, northwest Ethiopia, in 2016. Methods. Community based cross-sectional study was conducted among women of reproductive age group interviewed during the study period from May 10 to June 17, 2016. Total sample size was 318 women of reproductive age group. Systematic sampling technique was conducted. Result. Overall, 50.9% of the respondents had cultural malpractices during their pregnancy. Out of 318 women, 62 (19.5%) practiced nutrition taboo, 78 (24.5%) practiced abdominal massage, 87 (29.7%) delivered their babies at home, 96 (32.8%) avoided colostrums, 132 (45.2%) washed their baby before 24 hr after delivery, and 6 (6.9%) cut the cord by unclean blade. Conclusion and Recommendation. The findings of this study show that different traditional malpractice during perinatal period is still persisting in spite of modern developments in the world. Health education and promoting formal female education are important to decrease or avoid these cultural malpractices.
A Stable Distributed Neural Controller for Physically Coupled Networked Discrete‐Time System via Online Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Sun Jian , Li Jie
Published: February 2018

The large scale, time varying, and diversification of physically coupled networked infrastructures such as power grid and transportation system lead to the complexity of their controller design, implementation, and expansion. For tackling these challenges, we suggest an online distributed reinforcement learning control algorithm with the one‐layer neural network for each subsystem or called agents to adapt the variation of the networked infrastructures. Each controller includes a critic network and action network for approximating strategy utility function and desired control law, respectively. For avoiding a large number of trials and improving the stability, the training of action network introduces supervised learning mechanisms into reduction of long‐term cost. The stability of the control system with learning algorithm is analyzed; the upper bound of the tracking error and neural network weights are also estimated. The effectiveness of our proposed controller is illustrated in the simulation; the results indicate the stability under communication delay and disturbances as well.
Compromised Dynamic Cerebral Autoregulation in Patients with Epilepsy
Authors: Lv Shan , Guo Zhen-Ni , Jin Hang , Sun Xin , Jia Meiyan , Ma Hongyin , Lv Yudan , Qiu Quanli , Liu Jia , Yang Yi
Published: February 2018

Objective. The aim of this study is to analyze dynamic cerebral autoregulation (dCA) in patients with epilepsy. Methods. One hundred patients with epilepsy and 100 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were recruited. Noninvasive continuous cerebral blood flow velocity of the bilateral middle artery and arterial blood pressure were recorded. Transfer function analyses were used to analyze the autoregulatory parameters (phase difference and gain). Results. The overall phase difference of patients with epilepsy was significantly lower than that of the healthy control group (p=0.046). Furthermore, patients with interictal slow wave had significant lower phase difference than the slow-wave-free patients (p=0.012). There was no difference in overall phase between focal discharges and multifocal discharges in patients with epilepsy. Simultaneously, there was no difference in mean phase between the affected and unaffected hemispheres in patients with unilateral discharges. In particular, interictal slow wave was an independent factor that influenced phase difference in patients with epilepsy (p=0.016). Conclusions. Our study documented that dCA is impaired in patients with epilepsy, especially in those with interictal slow wave. The impairment of dCA occurs irrespective of the discharge location and type. Interictal slow wave is an independent factor to predict impaired dCA in patients with epilepsy. Clinical Trial Identifier. This trial is registered with NCT02775682.
Paraurethral Leiomyoma as an Incidental Finding in Patient with Fibroid Uterus
Authors: Fridman Dmitry , Abeshouse Marnie , Sankin Alexander
Published: February 2018

Paraurethral leiomyomas are rare benign fibromuscular tumors developing from urethra. The presenting symptoms are usually related to mass effect. We present a case of an incidental diagnosis of a paraurethral leiomyoma in a patient with a fibroid uterus. Case was managed by hysterectomy concurrent with periurethral leiomyoma excision. Patient had uncomplicated clinical course. Due to close localization of paraurethral leiomyoma to urethra and bladder care must be taken to minimize the injury during resection.
Lorentz Distributed Noncommutative F(T,TG) Wormhole Solutions
Authors: Sharif M. , Nazir Kanwal
Published: February 2018

The aim of this paper is to study static spherically symmetric noncommutative F(T,TG) wormhole solutions along with Lorentzian distribution. Here, T and TG are torsion scalar and teleparallel equivalent Gauss-Bonnet term, respectively. We take a particular redshift function and two F(T,TG) models. We analyze the behavior of shape function and also examine null as well as weak energy conditions graphically. It is concluded that there exist realistic wormhole solutions for both models. We also studied the stability of these wormhole solutions through equilibrium condition and found them stable.
Optimal Sensor Placement for Spatial Structure Based on Importance Coefficient and Randomness
Authors: He Haoxiang , Xu Honggang , Wang Xiaobing , Zhang Xiaofu , Fan Shaoyong
Published: February 2018

The current methods of optimal sensor placement are majorly presented based on modal analysis theory, lacking the consideration of damage process of the structure. The effect of different minor damage cases acting on the total spatial structure is studied based on vulnerability theory in structural analysis. The concept of generalized equivalent stiffness is introduced and the importance coefficient of component is defined. For numerical simulation, the random characteristics for both structural parameters and loads are considered, and the random samples are established. The damage path of each sample is calculated and all the important members on the damage failure path are listed; therefore the sensor placement scheme is determined according to the statistical data. This method is extended to dynamic analysis. For every dynamic time‐history analysis, time‐varying responses of the structure are calculated by selecting appropriate calculating interval and considering the randomness of structural parameters and load. The time‐varying response is analyzed and the importance coefficient of members is sorted; finally the dynamic sensor placement scheme is determined. The effectiveness of the method in this paper is certified by example.
Frequency of Interferon-Resistance Conferring Substitutions in Amino Acid Positions 70 and 91 of Core Protein of the Russian HCV 1b Isolates Analyzed in the T-Cell Epitopic Context
Authors: Kichatova V. S. , Kyuregyan K. K. , Soboleva N. V. , Karlsen A. A. , Isaeva O. V. , Isaguliants M. G. , Mikhailov M. I.
Published: February 2018

Amino acid substitutions R70Q/H and L91M in HCV subtype 1b core protein can affect the response to interferon and are associated with the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. We found that the rate of R70Q/H in HCV 1b from Russia was 31.2%, similar to that in HCV strains from Asia (34.0%), higher than that in the European (18.0%, p=0.0010), but lower than that in the US HCV 1b strains (62.8%, p<0.0001). Substitution L91M was found in 80.4% of the Russian HCV 1b isolates, higher than in Asian isolates (43.8%, p<0.0001). Thus, a significant proportion of Russian HCV 1b isolates carry the unfavorable R70Q/H and/or L91M substitution. In silico analysis of the epitopic structure of the regions of substitutions revealed that both harbor clusters of T-cell epitopes. Peptides encompassing these regions were predicted to bind to a panel of HLA class I molecules, with substitutions impairing peptide recognition by HLA I molecules of the alleles prevalent in Russia. This indicates that HCV 1b with R70Q/H and L91M substitutions may have evolved as the immune escape variants. Impairment of T-cell recognition may play a part in the negative effect of these substitutions on the response to IFN treatment.
Strong Tracking Filter for Nonlinear Systems with Randomly Delayed Measurements and Correlated Noises
Authors: Yang Hongtao , Meng Xinxin , Li Hui , Li Xiulan
Published: February 2018

This paper proposes a novel strong tracking filter (STF), which is suitable for dealing with the filtering problem of nonlinear systems when the following cases occur: that is, the constructed model does not match the actual system, the measurements have the one-step random delay, and the process and measurement noises are correlated at the same epoch. Firstly, a framework of decoupling filter (DF) based on equivalent model transformation is derived. Further, according to the framework of DF, a new extended Kalman filtering (EKF) algorithm via using first-order linearization approximation is developed. Secondly, the computational process of the suboptimal fading factor is derived on the basis of the extended orthogonality principle (EOP). Thirdly, the ultimate form of the proposed STF is obtained by introducing the suboptimal fading factor into the above EKF algorithm. The proposed STF can automatically tune the suboptimal fading factor on the basis of the residuals between available and predicted measurements and further the gain matrices of the proposed STF tune online to improve the filtering performance. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed STF has been proved through numerical simulation experiments.
Chronic Pain in Inflammatory Arthritis: Mechanisms, Metrology, and Emerging Targets—A Focus on the JAK-STAT Pathway
Authors: Salaffi Fausto , Giacobazzi Giovanni , Di Carlo Marco
Published: February 2018

Chronic pain is nowadays considered not only the mainstay symptom of rheumatic diseases but also “a disease itself.” Pain is a multidimensional phenomenon, and in inflammatory arthritis, it derives from multiple mechanisms, involving both synovitis (release of a great number of cytokines) and peripheral and central pain-processing mechanisms (sensitization). In the last years, the JAK-STAT pathway has been recognized as a pivotal component both in the inflammatory process and in pain amplification in the central nervous system. This paper provides a summary on pain in inflammatory arthritis, from pathogenesis to clinimetric instruments and treatment, with a focus on the JAK-STAT pathway.
Combination of Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy with Electroacupuncture Improves Functional Recovery following Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Brain Injury in Rats
Authors: Kim Hyunha , Koo Young Soo , Shin Myung Jun , Kim Soo-Yeon , Shin Yong Beom , Choi Byung Tae , Yun Young Ju , Lee Seo-Yeon , Shin Hwa Kyoung
Published: February 2018

Aim. Neonatal hypoxic-ischemia (HI) due to insufficient oxygen supply and blood flow during the prenatal and postnatal periods can cause cerebral palsy, a serious developmental condition. The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of combining constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) and electroacupuncture to treat rat neonatal HI brain injury.Methods. The left common carotid arteries of postnatal day 7 rats were ligated to induce HI brain injury, and the neonates were kept in a hypoxia chamber containing 8% oxygen for 2 hrs. Electroacupuncture at Baihui (GV 20) and Zusanli (ST 36) was performed concurrently with CIMT 3 weeks after HI induction for 4 weeks.Results. Motor asymmetry after HI was significantly improved in the CIMT and electroacupuncture combination group, but HI lesion size was not improved. The combination of CIMT and electroacupuncture after HI injury increases NeuN and decreases GFAP levels in the cerebral cortex, suggesting that this combination treatment inversely regulates neurons and astrocytes. In addition, the combination treatment group reduced the level of cleaved caspase-3, a crucial mediator of apoptosis, in the cortex.Conclusions. Our findings indicate that a combination of CIMT and electroacupuncture is an effective method to treat hemiplegia due to neonatal HI brain injury.
Eine seltene Ursache pulmonaler Rundherde
Authors: Chew Michael Tsuyoshi , Chak Eric , Matsukuma Karen
Published: February 2018

Morbus Crohn ist eine chronische idiopathische Autoimmunerkrankung, die hauptsächlich den Gastrointestinaltrakt (GIT) befällt. Charakteristisch für die Erkrankung ist eine transmurale Entzündung, die überall im Verdauungstakt vom Mund bis zum After auftreten kann. Darüber hinaus sind bei M. Crohn nicht selten extraintestinale Manifestationen (EIM) zu beobachten, die nahezu alle Organsysteme betreffen können. Schätzungen zufolge kommt es bei bis zu 36% der M. Crohn-Patienten zu EIM, allerdings schwanken die Angaben zur Inzidenz und Prävalenz der Lungenbeteiligung in der Literatur stark, mit Werten von teilweise nur 0,4%. Es gibt nur wenige Fallberichte über pulmonale Manifestationen, da diese oftmals übersehen werden, insbesondere dann, wenn die respiratorischen Symptome vor Diagnose der gastrointestinalen Manifestationen aufgetreten sind, so wie im vorliegenden Fall. Eine 44-jährige ansonsten gesunde Frau stellte sich mit unspezifischen respiratorischen Beschwerden und rezidivierenden Pneumonien vor. In den mitgebrachten Computertomographie-Aufnahmen war eine diffuse, migratorische noduläre und konsolidierende parenchymale Lungenerkrankung zu erkennen; die infektiologische und rheumatologische Untersuchung war weitgehend unauffällig. Die Lungenbiopsie ergab nekrotisierende und nicht-nekrotisierende Granulome, sodass der Verdacht auf eine Sarkoidose aufkam. In den anschließenden bildgebenden Untersuchungen fand sich als Zufallsbefund eine Geschwulst im Caecum. Die Biopsie der Caecum-Geschwulst zeigte eine akute Kryptitis, einen Kryptenabszess und ein einzelnes schwach ausgebildetes Granulom, die auf M. Crohn hindeuteten. Im vorliegenden Bericht stellen wir eine Patientin vor, deren pulmonale Manifestationen schließlich zur Diagnose M. Crohn führten. Übersetzung aus Case Rep Gastroenterol 2016;10:633-639 (DOI: 10.1159/000452198)