bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Numerical and Experimental Study of Wall Pressure Caused by an Underwater Explosion Bubble
Authors: Chen Yingyu , Yao Xiongliang , Cui Xiongwei
Published: August 2018

The bubble dynamics behaviors and the pressure in the wall center are investigated through experimental method and numerical study. In the experiment, the dynamics of an underwater explosion (UNDEX) bubble beneath a rigid wall are captured by high-speed camera and the wall pressure in the wall center is measured by pressure transducer. To reveal the process and mechanism of the pressure on a rigid wall during the first bubble collapse, numerical studies based on boundary element method (BIM) are applied. Numerical results with two different stand-off parameters (γ=0.38 and γ=0.90) show excellent agreement with experiment measurements and observations. According to the experimental and the numerical results, we can conclude that the first peak is caused by the reentrant jet impact and the following splashing effect enlarged the duration of the first jet impact. When γ=0.38, the splashing jet has a strong impact on the minimum volume bubble, a number of tiny bubbles, formed like bubble ring, are created and collapse more rapidly owing to the surrounding high pressure and emit multi shock waves. When γ=0.90, the pressure field around the bubble is low enough only a weak rebounding bubble peak occurs.
Carbon Nanofoam by Pulsed Electric Arc Discharges
Authors: Saucedo-Jimenez David , Medina-Sanchez Isaac , Couder Castañeda Carlos
Published: August 2018

The aim of this article was to report the carbon nanofoam synthesis by a new method and a new catalytic mixture. Using the pulsed electric arc discharge method, carbon nanofoam was synthesized. The synthesis was carried out in a controlled atmosphere at 200 torr of hydrogen pressure. The pulsed electric arc discharge was established between two graphite electrodes with 22.8 kVA of power and 150 A DC current; the cathode was relatively motionless and was made of a pure carbon rod of 6 mm diameter, and the spinner anode was a pure carbon disc spinning at 600 rpm; over the disc was an annular cavity where the new catalytic mixture of 93.84/2.56/1.43/0.69/1.48 of C/Ni/Fe/Co/S molar fraction was deposited in a geometrically fixed way by 8 catalytic mixture blocks and 8 empty spaces, and the discharge frequency was 80 Hz. After the synthesis was made, the resulting products were deposited on the electrodes, proving that our method can synthesize different carbon nanostructures easily and at low cost.
Robust Stability of Fractional‐Order Linear Time‐Invariant Systems: Parametric versus Unstructured Uncertainty Models
Authors: Matušů Radek , Şenol Bilal , Pekař Libor
Published: August 2018

The main aim of this paper is to present and compare three approaches to uncertainty modeling and robust stability analysis for fractional‐order (FO) linear time‐invariant (LTI) single‐input single‐output (SISO) uncertain systems. The investigated objects are described either via FO models with parametric uncertainty, by means of FO unstructured multiplicative uncertainty models, or through FO unstructured additive uncertainty models, while the unstructured models are constructed on the basis of appropriate selection of a nominal plant and a weight function. Robust stability investigation for systems with parametric uncertainty uses the combination of plotting the value sets and application of the zero exclusion condition. For the case of systems with unstructured uncertainty, the graphical interpretation of the utilized robust stability test is based mainly on the envelopes of the Nyquist diagrams. The theoretical foundations are followed by two extensive, illustrative examples where the plant models are created; the robust stability of feedback control loops is analyzed, and obtained results are discussed.
PMMA-Assisted Plasma Patterning of Graphene
Authors: Bobadilla Alfredo D. , Ocola Leonidas E. , Sumant Anirudha V. , Kaminski Michael , Seminario Jorge M.
Published: August 2018

Microelectronic fabrication of Si typically involves high-temperature or high-energy processes. For instance, wafer fabrication, transistor fabrication, and silicidation are all above 500°C. Contrary to that tradition, we believe low-energy processes constitute a better alternative to enable the industrial application of single-molecule devices based on 2D materials. The present work addresses the postsynthesis processing of graphene at unconventional low temperature, low energy, and low pressure in the poly methyl-methacrylate- (PMMA-) assisted transfer of graphene to oxide wafer, in the electron-beam lithography with PMMA, and in the plasma patterning of graphene with a PMMA ribbon mask. During the exposure to the oxygen plasma, unprotected areas of graphene are converted to graphene oxide. The exposure time required to produce the ribbon patterns on graphene is 2 minutes. We produce graphene ribbon patterns with ∼50 nm width and integrate them into solid state and liquid gated transistor devices.
Sources Identification of Nitrogen Using Major Ions and Isotopic Tracers in Shenyang, China
Authors: Huang Huan , Liu Mingzhu , Wang Junjie , He Jiangtao , Chen Honghan
Published: August 2018

Stable isotopes are natural tracers that can provide quantitative information about the surface water/groundwater interactions and sources of pollutants in water. In this study, we measured δ18Owater and δ2Hwater and δ18Onitrate and δ15Nnitrate of the samples from the Hun River and groundwater in Shenyang City, China, where the water from the Hun River has a strong discharge and recharge connection with the groundwater. δ18Owater and δ2Hwater were used to determine the amount of surface water that was discharged into groundwater, while δ18Onitrate and δ15Nnitrate were employed to determine the sources of nitrate and ammonium in groundwater, which are the main contaminants in the study area. The reducing environment in groundwater may result from the prevailing iron and manganese, occurring from weathering of minerals and rocks, which prevents the ammonium being oxidized into nitrate. Results show that the amount of recharge from the Hun River into groundwater accounts for around 55.56–86.60% of the total groundwater in the dry season, and the ratio changed to 30.97–63.79% in the wet season. Multiproxy analysis (stable isotope analyses in combination with chemical and hydrogeological data of the study area) indicates that human activities, such as manure and sewage discharge, are the prevailing source of nitrogen in the waters.
Discretization Analysis Method of Hybrid Reliability Based on Evidence Theory
Authors: Tang Zhong , Li Wenqiang , Li Yan
Published: August 2018

Aiming at the problem that various types of uncertainties, such as randomness, fuzziness, and interval, coexist in structure reliability analysis, a discretization analysis method of hybrid reliability for uncertain structures is proposed based on evidence theory (ET) in this article. Firstly, in order to establish a hybrid reliability model based on ET, a generalized density method (GDM) is developed to transform the fuzzy variables into equivalent random variables on the basis of the entropy equivalent method (EEM). Based on the discrete property of the basic probability assignment (BPA) in evidence theory, the random variables and fuzzy variables (equivalent random variables) are both discretized into subintervals according to six-sigma rule. Then, the BPA of each subinterval is solved and all focal elements are assigned BPA, so the evidence structure characterization of random and fuzzy variables is realized. Secondly, using Fmincon function based on the sequential quadratic programming (SQP) algorithm in MATLAB, the minimum and maximum values of performance function over each focal element can be acquired directly. Meanwhile, the production rules are used to judge the belonging of focal elements and classify them, so the numerical calculation of belief measure and plausibility measure is also realized. Finally, combined with the Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS) method, an engineering example is provided to demonstrate the feasibility and accuracy of the proposed method.
Asymmetric Omphalopagus in a Triplet after In Vitro Fertilization: A Rare Case of Conjoined Twinning
Authors: Jabari Samir , Carbon Roman , Besendörfer Manuel , Hartmann Arndt , Rompel Oliver , Hoerning André , Söder Stephan
Published: August 2018

Introduction. Asymmetric omphalopagus is a rare situation of conjoined twinning, in which a grossly defective twin is attached to the thorax and upper abdomen of the main twin. We describe a case of an asymmetric omphalopagus accompanied by a normal triplet after assisted reproductive technology (ART) and tried to further characterize the all aspects of the conjoined twins. Case Presentation: Perioperative diagnostic imaging was carried out followed by an autopsy to evaluate all aspects of the parasite accompanied by histological, immunohistochemical, and molecular biological evaluation. The parasite had well-developed lower extremities as well as upper extremities with a cleft hand syndrome. The sex was nondeterminable, but DNA fingerprinting revealed that both parasite and autosite are monozygotic, so are females. There was no sign of any axial skeleton or central nervous system. We found a rudimentary rectum with a nonpervious anus, a kidney, ureter, urinary bladder, and a blind-ending urethra. The blood supply of the parasite was connected to the vessel system of the autosite. Conclusions. To our knowledge, only two cases of parasitic omphalopagus after ART have been described to date. Altogether, 52 cases have been reported, and in most of them, the parasites were successfully separated.
The Cell Research Trends of Asthma: A Stem Frequency Analysis of the Literature
Authors: Tang Wenchao , Shang Yi , Xiao Bin , Wen Peitong , Lyu Ruoyun , Ning Ke
Published: August 2018

Objective. This study summarized asthma literature indexed in the Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE) and explored the history and present trends of asthma cell research by stem frequency ranking to forecast the prospect of future work.Methods. Literature was obtained from MEDLINE for the past 30 years and divided into three groups by decade as the retrieval time. The frequency of stemmed words in each group was calculated using Python with Apache Spark and the Natural Language Tool Kit for ranking. The unique stems or shared stems of 3 decades were summarized.Results. A total of 1331, 4393, and 7215 records were retrieved from 3 decades chronologically, and the stem ranking of the top 50 were listed by frequency. The number of stems shared with 3 decades was 26 and with the first and last 2 decades was 5 and 13.Conclusions. The number of cell research studies of asthma has increased rapidly, and scholars have paid more attentions on experimental research, especially on mechanistic research. Eosinophils, mast cells, and T cells are the hot spots of immunocyte research, while epithelia and smooth muscle cells are the hot spots of structural cell research. The research trend is closely linked with the development of experimental technology, including animal models. Early studies featured basic research, but immunity research has dominated in recent decades. The distinct definition of asthma phenotypes associated with genetic characteristics, immunity research, and the introduction of new cells will be the hot spots in future work.
Study of Clinical Characteristics and Cytokine Profiles of Asthmatic Children with Rhinovirus Infection during Acute Asthma Exacerbation at National Hospital of Pediatrics
Authors: Nguyen-Thi-Dieu Thuy , Le-Thi-Thu Huong , Le-Thi-Minh Huong , Pham-Nhat An , Duong-Quy Sy
Published: August 2018

Background. In children with asthma, the viral infection of airways is usually a main cause of acute asthma exacerbation and hospitalization. However, few studies on clinical and biomolecular characteristics of asthmatic children in this field have been done, especially in emergent countries. Objective. This study described the clinical and biological characteristics of asthmatic children who had acute asthma exacerbation and rhinovirus (RV) infection. Methods. Children under 15 years of age hospitalized for acute asthma exacerbation were included. They underwent clinical examination and peripheral blood analyses for the cytokine profile. The severity of acute asthma exacerbation was evaluated by Pediatric Asthma Score (PAS). Healthy children under 15 years of age were also invited in this study. Results. One hundred fifteen asthmatic children were included in this study. There were 18.2% of mild PAS, 37.4% of moderate PAS, and 44.4% of severe PSA. Among them, 63/115 (54.8%) asthmatic children had positive RV infection (RV+). The percentages of asthmatic children with RV+ had increased polymorphonuclear leucocytes were significantly higher than asthmatic children with RV−. There were no significant differences of the concentrations of non-Th2-related cytokines in asthmatic children with RV− and RV+. The concentration of Th2-related cytokines (IL-5 and IL-13) in asthmatic children with RV+ was significantly higher than those with RV−. However, there was no significant difference for the cytokine profile between mild, moderate, and severe asthma. Conclusion. RV infection is a main cause of acute asthma exacerbation in children with asthma. The increase of Th2-related cytokines, especially IL-5 and IL-13, is a relevant biomarker for RV infection in asthmatic children with severe exacerbation.
The Research on Comprehensive Performance Evaluation of Axial Piston Pump Based on AHP
Authors: Wan Li-rong , Lu Yan-jie , Zeng Qing-liang , Gao Kui-dong , Jiang Shou-bo
Published: August 2018

The axial piston pump is an important industrial power element, and its performance directly affects the operation of the system. However, owing to its complex structure and harsh operational environment, the actual operational performance of the axial piston pump is difficult to be assessed accurately, which makes ensuring the normal operation of the hydraulic system difficult. To improve the evaluation method for an axial piston pump, a comprehensive performance evaluation system was proposed based on analytic hierarchy process (AHP), which could assess the performance of an axial piston pump on the basis of theoretical analysis, test, operator interaction, and application. Considering a model of load-sensitive axial piston pump with good operability as an example, the model development and simulation of the pump were carried out based on AMESim and the pump was tested using a developed performance test bed for axial piston pump. The weights of factors in the evaluation system were determined on the basis of the simulation results, analyses, and calculation. The above results were used to comprehensively analyze the tested pump and design a set of comprehensive performance evaluation software. The evaluation result was nearly identical to the actual usage, which verified the feasibility of the designed evaluation system.
Sodium Houttuyfonate Inhibits Voltage-Gated Peak Sodium Current and Anemonia Sulcata Toxin II-Increased Late Sodium Current in Rabbit Ventricular Myocytes
Authors: Cao Zhenzhen , Liu Zhipei , Zhang Peipei , Hu Liangkun , Hao Jie , Zhang Peihua , Tian Youjia , Song Zhijing , Zhou Quankui , Ma Ji-hua
Published: August 2018

Aim: Sodium houttuyfonate (SH), a chemical compound originating from Houttuynia cordata, has been reported to have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal effects, as well as cardioprotective effects. In this study, we investigated the effects of SH on cardiac electrophysiology, because to the best of our knowledge, this issue has not been previously investigated. Methods: We used the whole-cell patch-clamp technique to explore the effects of SH on peak sodium current (INa.P) and late sodium current (INa.L) in isolated rabbit ventricular myocytes. To test the drug safety of SH, we also investigated the effect of SH on rapidly activated delayed rectifier potassium current (IKr). Results: SH (1, 10, 50, and 100 μmol/L) inhibited INa.P in a concentration-dependent manner with an IC50 of 78.89 μmol/L. In addition, SH (100 μmol/L) accelerated the steady state inactivation of INa.P. Moreover, 50 and 100 μmol/L SH inhibited Anemonia sulcata toxin II (ATX II)-increased INa.L by 30.1 and 57.1%, respectively. However, SH (50 and 100 μmol/L) only slightly affected IKr. Conclusions: The inhibitory effects of SH on ATX II-increased INa.L may underlie the electrophysiological mechanisms of the cardioprotective effects of SH; SH has the potential to be an effective and safe antiarrhythmic drug.
Diagnosis, Prevention and Treatment of Stable COPD and Acute Exacerbations of COPD: The Swiss Recommendations 2018
Authors: Stolz Daiana , Barandun Jürg , Borer Heinz , Bridevaux Pierre-Olivier , Brun Patrick , Brutsche Martin , Clarenbach Christian , Eich Christine , Fiechter René , Frey Martin , Geiser Thomas , Grob Michael , Helfenstein Erich , Junker Lilian , Kohler Malcolm , Latshang Tsogyal , Lechmann Armin , Maurer Marc , Nicod Laurent , Quadri Franco , Schilter Daniel , Sigrist Thomas , Soccal Paola , Tarr Philip , Thurnheer Robert , Turk Alexander , Tamm Michael
Published: August 2018

The Swiss National Guidelines 2013 for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease have been revised in order to acknowledge recent progress in diagnosis and management of this disease. The resulting new Swiss recommendations are based on best evidence from the literature, the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) 2018 report and other published national guidelines. Misdiagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is common and means that patients do not always receive optimal treatment. To improve the management of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Switzerland, these recommendations encourage a more comprehensive assessment of patients, based on the combined assessment of symptoms, degree of airflow limitation, risk of exacerbation and the presence of comorbidities. Recommendations for evidence-based preventive measures, as well as pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies for the management of both stable and acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are provided in this update.
Prognostic Impact of miR-200 Family Members in Plasma and Exosomes from Tumor-Draining versus Peripheral Veins of Colon Cancer Patients
Authors: Santasusagna Sandra , Moreno Isabel , Navarro Alfons , Martinez Rodenas Francisco , Hernández Raquel , Castellano Joan J. , Muñoz Carmen , Monzo Mariano
Published: August 2018

Objective: To evaluate the prognostic potential of expression levels of miR-200 family members (miR-200a, miR-200b, miR-200c, miR-429, miR-141) in plasma and exosomes from the tumor-draining vein (mesenteric vein [MV]) and peripheral vein (PV) of colon cancer (CC) patients. Methods: We analyzed the expression of miR-200 family members in matched samples of MV and PV plasma from 50 resected patients with CC and correlated our findings with overall survival (OS). We also examined the content of these microRNAs in MV and PV exosomes. Results: Expression levels were higher in MV than in PV (miR-200a, p < 0.001; miR-200b, p < 0.001; miR-429, p = 0.01; miR-200c, p = 0.05; miR-141, p = 0.05). Low levels of both miR-200c and miR-141 in MV plasma were associated with longer OS (p = 0.02). This association was maintained for the MV exosome cargo of miR-200c and miR-141 (p = 0.02). Conclusion: Our findings provide the first indication that expression levels of miR-200c and miR-141 in MV plasma can identify CC patients with poor prognosis. In addition, our results lend further support to the premise that tumor-draining veins constitute a better source of biomarkers than do PVs.
An hs-TNT Second Peak Associated with High CRP at Day 2 Appears as Potential Biomarkers of Micro-Vascular Occlusion on Magnetic Resonance Imaging after Reperfused ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Huet Fabien , Akodad Mariama , Kuster Nils , Kovacsik Hélène , Leclercq Florence , Dupuy Anne-Marie , Gervasoni Richard , Khoury Gisele , Macia Jean Christophe , Cristol Jean-Paul , Roubille François
Published: August 2018

Introduction: Micro-vascular occlusion (MVO) in a myocardial infarction (MI) is associated with an increased risk of heart failure and mortality. Hs-T-troponin has a double peak kinetic after MI. The aim was to determine if this kinetic was correlated to MVO evaluated by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after MI. Methods: This is a monocentric retrospective study. Inclusion criteria were hospitalization for MI, Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction flow 0 at coronary angiography, reperfusion within 12 h from the onset of chest pain, cardiac MRI within the first month, and a 5-days’ biological follow-up with at least hs-T-Troponin and C-reactive protein (CRP). Statistics were performed using the R software. Results: Ninety-eight patients were included. Fifty-three patients (54.1%) had MVO at MRI. The existence of MVO was associated with a trend of more kissing procedure during primary percutaneous coronary intervention (p = 0.06), a significantly more frequent second peak of troponin (p = 0.048), a significantly higher CRP level (p < 0.0001) and a longer time to balloon (p = 0.01). The association of CRP level above 40 mg/L at day 2 and the observation of a second peak of troponin were associated to 95% of MVO in ST-segment elevation MI patients. By contrast, in the absence of these 2 criteria, MVO was absent in 78% of the cases. This score was associated with a higher rate of hospitalisation at 2 years. Conclusion: A biological score integrating hs-TNT second peak and CRP might help to predict MVO and predict outcomes after reperfused MI in our population.
Strengthening the Ability of General Hospital Neurology Departments to Treat Neuropsychiatric Diseases and Mental Disorders
Authors: Zhu Wei , Pan Weidong
Published: August 2018

Due to the “stigma” of neuropsychological and psychogenic disorders in China, patients with psychological and affective disorders mostly prefer to go to general hospitals or integrative medicine hospitals, while the majority of patients with mental disorders in the department of internal medicine are treated in the department of neurology. At present, there are few physicians with the ability to diagnose and treat neuropsychiatric diseases properly in the neurological department of general hospitals in China, and the diagnosis and treatment experience of mental diseases is insufficient. At the same time, the diagnosis and treatment of comorbid patients with internal diseases and mental disorders are more complicated. The psychology departments in general hospitals or mental health centers also have a limited ability to diagnose and treat comorbid diseases relating to internal medicine and mental disorders together. Therefore, this article reviews the current status of diagnosis and treatment of neuropsychiatric and mental disorders in general hospitals or integrative medicine hospitals.
A Case of Gastroparesis after Cryoballoon Ablation followed by Medication-Induced Recovery within 6 Months
Authors: Sunata Yukie , Mori Hideki , Hirai Yuichiro , Kubosawa Yoko , Banno Shigeo , Kinoshita Satoshi , Nakazato Yoshihiro , Nishizawa Toshihiro , Kikuchi Masahiro , Uraoka Toshio
Published: August 2018

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia, and cryoballoon ablation was developed as a new treatment modality for symptomatic AF. Gastroparesis is rarely reported as a transient complication of ablation, and its frequency and risk are not clear. We experienced a rare case of gastroparesis after cryoballoon ablation followed by medication-induced recovery within 6 months.
Recurrent Granuloma Gluteale Infantum Secondary to Fecal Overflow Incontinence
Authors: Ingersoll Zachary , Garza-Chapa Juana Irma , Pham Ryan , Malouf Peter , Susa Joseph , Weis Stephen
Published: August 2018

Granuloma gluteale infantum is a rare pediatric dermatological disorder of uncertain etiology. Suggested causes include fluorinated corticosteroids, Candida albicans, and irritant contact dermatitis. We present the case of a 3-year-old boy with recurrent episodes of granuloma gluteale infantum which resolved with treatment of his fecal overflow incontinence. As each recurrence correlated with a relapse of overflow incontinence, in this case the cause was irritant contact dermatitis from the liquid stool. This is the first reported case of recurrent granuloma gluteale infantum.
A Young Adult Patient with Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Developed Severe Gastroesophageal Varices Associated with Severe Obesity and Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Honma Yuichi , Sumida Kazuhiro , Ogino Noriyoshi , Kusanaga Masashi , Minami Sota , Kumei Shinsuke , Matsuoka Hidehiko , Watanabe Tatsuyuki , Hiura Masaaki , Abe Shintaro , Shibata Michihiko , Harada Masaru
Published: August 2018

Obesity is a major contributor to insulin resistance and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, which is the most common cause of chronic liver diseases. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) can progress to liver cirrhosis and end-stage liver diseases. Some cases already show severe liver fibrosis at the time of diagnosis. We present the case of a 44-year-old male with overt obesity who was admitted with hematemesis due to the rupture of gastric varices. We diagnosed him with NASH with severe liver fibrosis. This case shows that we should be concerned about the progression of liver fibrosis due to NASH associated with severe obesity even in young patients.
Accurate Detection of Tumor Infiltration by 11C-Methionine Positron Emission Tomography in a Patient with Central Nervous System Intravascular Lymphoma: A Case Report
Authors: Yomo Shoji , Tsutsumi Keiji , Yako Takehiro , Sato Hiromasa , Hashimoto Takao , Oguchi Kazuhiro
Published: August 2018

Intravascular lymphoma (IVL) is a rare and clinically devastating subtype of extranodal diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with a distinct presentation. Diagnostic difficulty derives from marked variability in clinical presentations and nonspecific laboratory and radiological findings, especially when central nervous system (CNS) symptoms are the only manifestation. Establishing the diagnosis premortem thus remains a major challenge. We describe a 70-year-old male with CNS IVL. He presented with acute onset of neurocognitive impairments. Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed multiple high-intensity areas suggesting occlusive cerebrovascular disease due to emboli, but extensive investigations detected no embolic sources. Intracranial neoplasm was included in a differential diagnosis based on elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase and interleukin 2 receptor levels. Gadolinium-enhanced MRI or 18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (PET) failed to demonstrate specific findings leading to a definite diagnosis, while 11C-methionine PET (MET-PET) distinctively demonstrated an area of focally increased MET uptake in the frontal cortex, suggesting the extent of tumor infiltration. Stereotactic biopsy was conducted under MET-PET imaging guidance and immunohistological examinations confirmed the proliferation and aggregation of CD20-positive lymphoma cells within the lumina of small blood vessels. The findings of the present case first suggest that MET-PET may provide important information on the diagnosis of CNS IVL and on the selection of the optimal site for brain biopsy. Further investigation is necessary to clarify whether positive findings on MET-PET are truly specific and pathognomonic for CNS IVL.
Short-Chain Fatty Acids Manifest Stimulative and Protective Effects on Intestinal Barrier Function Through the Inhibition of NLRP3 Inflammasome and Autophagy
Authors: Feng Yanhai , Wang Yu , Wang Pei , Huang Yalan , Wang Fengjun
Published: August 2018

Background/Aims: Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are the major energy resources of intestinal epithelial cells. It has been reported that SCFAs can repair the dysfunction of intestinal barrier, however, the underlying mechanisms are still not fully understood. Here, we investigated the stimulative and protective effects of SCFAs on intestinal barrier function and the possible mechanisms. Methods: To investigate the effects of SCFAs on intestinal barrier function, the Caco-2 monolayers were exposed to acetate, propionate, butyrate respectively or simultaneously without or with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Next, Caco-2 cells were treated with trichostatin A and etomoxir to identify whether SCFAs act as HDAC inhibitors or energy substances. To activate NLRP3 inflammasome and autophagy, Caco-2 cells were treated with LPS+ATP and rapamycin respectively without or with SCFAs. The transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) and paracellular permeability were respectively detected with a Millicell-ERS voltohmmeter and fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled dextran. Immunoblotting and immunofluorescence were applied to analyze the expression and distribution of tight junction proteins, and the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and autophagy. Results: Acetate (0.5mM), propionate(0.01mM) and butyrate (0.01mM) alone or in combination significantly increased TER, and stimulated the formation of tight junction. SCFAs also dramatically attenuated the LPS-induced TER reduction and paracellular permeability increase, accompanying significantly alleviated morphological disruption of ZO-1 and occludin. Meanwhile, the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and autophagy induced by LPS were significantly inhibited by SCFAs. Trichostatin A imitated the inhibiting action of SCFAs on NLRP3 inflammasome, whereas etomoxir blocked the action of SCFAs on protecting intestinal barrier and inhibiting autophagy. In addition, the activation of autophagy and NLRP3 inflammasome by rapamycin and LPS+ATP resulted in TER reduction, paracellular permeability increase and morphological disruption of both ZO-1 and occludin, which was alleviated by SCFAs. Conclusion: It is suggested that SCFAs stimulate the formation of intestinal barrier, and protect the intestinal barrier from the disruption of LPS through inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome and autophagy. In addition, SCFAs act as energy substances to protect intestinal barrier and inhibit autophagy, but act as HDAC inhibitors to suppress NLRP3 inflammasome. Furthermore, the mutual promoting action between NLRP3 inflammasome and autophagy would destroy intestinal barrier function, which could be alleviated by SCFAs.
Genetic Evaluation of 114 Chinese Short Stature Children in the Next Generation Era: a Single Center Study
Authors: Huang Zhuo , Sun Yu , Fan Yanjie , Wang Lili , Liu Huili , Gong Zhuwen , Wang Jianguo , Yan Hui , Wang Yu , Hu Guorui , Wang Ruifang , Ye Jun , Han Lianshu , Qiu Wenjuan , Zhang Huiwen , Liang Lili , Yang Yu , Dauber Andrew , Yu Yongguo , Gu Xue-Fan
Published: August 2018

Background/Aims: The genetics of human height is a frequently studied and complex issue. However, there is limited genetic research of short stature. To uncover the subgroup of patients to have higher yield and to propose a simplified diagnostic algorithm in the next generation era. Methods: This study included 114 Chinese children with height SDS ≤ -2.5 and unknown etiology from 2014 to 2015. Target/whole exome sequencing (referred as NGS) and chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) were performed on the enrolled patients sequentially to identify potential genetic etiologies. The samples solved by NGS and CMA were retrospectively studied to evaluate the clinical pathway of the patients following a standard diagnostic algorithm. Results: In total, a potential genetic etiology was identified in 41 (36%) patients: 38 by NGS (33.3%), two by CMA (1.8%), and an additional one by both (0.9%). There were 46 different variants in 29 genes and 2 pathogenic CNVs identified. The diagnostic yield was significantly higher in patients with facial dysmorphism or skeletal abnormalities than those without the corresponding phenotype (P=0.006 and P=0.009, respectively, Pearson’s χ2 test). Retrospectively study the cohort indicate 83.3% patients eventually would be evaluated by NGS/CMA. Conclusion: This study confirms the utility of high-throughput molecular detection techniques for the etiological diagnosis of undiagnosed short stature and suggests that NGS could be used as a primary diagnostic strategy. Patients with facial dysmorphism and/or skeletal abnormalities are more likely to have a known genetic etiology. Moving NGS forward would simplified the diagnostic algorithm.
A New Participant in the Pathogenesis of Alcoholic Gastritis: Pyroptosis
Authors: Li Gang , Zhu Lei , Cao Zhigang , Wang Jing , Zhou Fuxin , Wang Xiuyun , Li Xiaoguang , Nie Gang
Published: August 2018

Background/Aims: Alcohol abuse exerts deleterious effects on the internal organs of the body, and alcohol-related gastritis is a common disease for which prompt treatment is essential to prevent the condition from growing worse. However, the therapeutic methods have some adverse effects. Determining the pathogenic mechanisms of alcoholic gastritis is therefore essential. Methods: The MTT assay was developed in order to determine the optimal concentration of alcohol needed to treat gastric mucosal cells. The effects of alcohol on the gastric mucosal cells were determined by qRT-PCR and western blot. The release of IL-1β and IL-18 were determined by ELISA assay. The immunofluorescence assay was used to detect caspase-1 activation levels, while immunohistochemical assay and HE staining were performed to identify the effectiveness of the caspase-1 inhibitor on alcoholic gastritis. The TUNEL assay was used to determine DNA fragmentation. Results: Here, we clarified that ethanol treatment could cause cell DNA damage, activate caspase-1, and promote the generation and release of IL-1β and IL-18. In other words, ethanol could induce pyroptosis. Interestingly, a caspase-1 inhibitor could significantly suppress pyroptosis, decrease the release of inflammatory cytokines induced by ethanol, and cause no side effects in vivo and in vitro. Conclusion: Collectively, our results showed that pyroptosis is involved in the pathogenesis of alcohol-induced gastritis and that caspase-1 inhibitor Ac-yvad-cmk could effectively decrease the damage caused by alcohol, making it a potentially promising agent for the treatment of alcoholic gastritis.
Tapeworms (Cestoda: Proteocephalidae) of Australian reptiles: hidden diversity of strictly host-specific parasites
Authors: DE CHAMBRIER ALAIN , BEVERIDGE IAN , SCHOLZ TOMÁŠ
Published: August 2018

Reptilian fauna of Australia is extraordinarily rich and diverse, but very little is known about parasites of reptiles, including proteocephalid cestodes of the genus Ophiotaenia La Rue, 1911. In the present survey, data on these parasites are summarised for the first time based on detailed evaluation of all available type and voucher specimens. This survey includes five named species, with four species redescribed, namely O. amphiboluri (Nybelin, 1917), O. longmani Johnston, 1916, O. mjobergi (Nybelin, 1917), and O. striata (Johnston, 1914), and 9 putative new species which are not formally described because of their poor quality and scarce material. An identification key is given for the five named species and unnamed species are briefly characterised with focus on their differential characteristics to facilitate their description as new taxa in the future. Australian species of Ophiotaenia form a monophyletic lineage, whose members share several morphological traits which are absent or rare in other proteocephalids, such as a three-layered embryophore, a scolex with large, anteriorly directed suckers, eggs with thick-walled embryophores, exclusively dorsal and paramuscular position of vitelline follicles, and a postequatorial to equatorial genital pore in most species. A new genus, Australophiotaenia, is proposed to accommodate the species from Australian reptiles that share the above-mentioned characters.
The Role of WISHE in Secondary Eyewall Formation
Authors: Cheng Chieh-Jen , Wu Chun-Chieh
Published: August 2018

Numerical simulations are conducted to examine the role of the wind-induced surface heat exchange (WISHE) mechanism in secondary eyewall formation (SEF). The control experiment exhibits a coherent secondary eyewall structure as quantified by various parameters (e.g., the azimuthal-mean tangential wind and vertical velocity). Prior to SEF, an area characterized by increasing diabatic heating, enhanced inertial stability, and increasing supergradient winds at the top of the boundary layer is observed outside the eyewall. While these characteristics offer the possibility of both balanced and unbalanced dynamical pathways to SEF, the focus of this study is to evaluate the impact of WISHE. To examine the sensitivity of SEF to WISHE, the surface wind used for the calculation of surface heat fluxes is capped at several designated values and at different radial intervals. When the heat fluxes are moderately suppressed around and outside the SEF region observed in the control experiment, sensitivity experiments show that the formation of the outer eyewall is delayed, and the intensity of both eyewalls is weaker. When the heat fluxes are strongly suppressed in the same region, SEF does not occur. In contrast, suppressing the surface heat fluxes in the storm’s inner-core region has limited effect on the evolution of the outer eyewall. This study provides important physical insight into SEF, indicating that WISHE plays a crucial role in SEF and tropical cyclone evolution.
Ground-Truth Model Evaluation of Subgrid Orographic Base-Flux Parameterization
Authors: Garner Stephen T.
Published: August 2018

High-resolution simulation can be a powerful means of evaluating and tuning orographic drag schemes, but connecting the parameterized drag, which is a local forcing, with the model drag, which is fundamentally global, is not entirely straightforward. The simplest idea is to filter the velocity down to its divergent component and exploit Bernoulli’s law to define a local form drag. Using regional simulations over the Rockies, the Andes, and Greenland, we investigate the validity of this approach, which assumes that both the included nonorographic divergence and the missing orographic deformation will not significantly alter the diagnostic. The local drag is checked for consistency with the nonlocal drag at scales containing most of the gravity wave drag and blocking drag. The agreement is found to be satisfactory unless the drag is weak and nonlinear. In that case, we find it necessary to remove a steady pattern from the nonlocal drag in order to uncover a correlation. We test a specific mountain drag scheme using the proposed diagnostic and describe procedures for tuning the scheme’s drag coefficients and treatment of anisotropy.
Violence et cohésion dans le cycle imagé de la haggadah de Castille (British Library, Or. 2737)
Authors: Hazan Olga
Published: August 2018

Dans les sept premiers doubles folios du cycle imagé de la haggadah de Castille, dite « Hispano-Moresque Haggadah » (c. 1300, British Library, ms. Or. 2737), les rôles attribués aux principaux personnages donnent à voir successivement deux thématiques contrastées : la violence, d’une part, et la proximité des membres de la famille de Moïse et leur cohésion, d’autre part. Compte tenu de cette dualité, la prise en compte d’une chaîne de dialogues – entre Dieu et Moïse, Moïse et Aaron, le couple Moïse / Aaron et les anciens et le couple Moïse / Aaron et Pharaon accompagné de ses magiciens – est essentielle, dans la mesure où c’est l’ensemble de ces dialogues, incarnés ici par la gestuelle de tous ces personnages, qui permet de mettre en évidence le pouvoir de Dieu. L’insistance, dans ce cycle imagé, sur le fait que ce pouvoir se manifeste par le biais de la parole permet de démarquer ce pouvoir divin de celui des magiciens de Pharaon.
L’influence de la Cour Suprême du Canada dans la reconstruction de l’identité collective des huttériens
Authors: Legault-Laberge Raphaël Mathieu
Published: August 2018

Lorsqu’il est question de reconstruction, il est question d’affirmation et de mutation des identités convoquées à une rencontre interculturelle. L’espace public s’avère le lieu de cette reconstruction pour plusieurs groupes religieux minoritaires. Le cas des huttériens est particulièrement révélateur de cette modulation identitaire dont l’État est un moteur. En ce sens, comment la rencontre du politique et du religieux s’avère-t-il un facteur de façonnement de l’identité collective des huttériens ? Nous cernerons théoriquement, dans un premier temps, ce qu’implique la reconstruction et comment elle peut s’effectuer par le plus haut tribunal du Canada. Dans un second temps, en utilisant deux jugements de la Cour Suprême du Canada comme sources primaires, nous montrerons comment l’État canadien permet cette reconstruction identitaire pour un groupe religieux minoritaire.
Kinematic arrangement optimization of a quadruped robot with genetic algorithms
Authors: Gülhan Mehmet Mert , Erbatur Kemalettin
Published: August 2018

Background:

As research on quadruped robots grows, so does the variety of designs available. These designs are often inspired by nature and finalized around various technical, instrumentation-based constraints. However, no systematic methodology of kinematic parameter selection to reach performance specifications is reported so far. Kinematic design optimization with objective functions derived from performance metrics in dynamic tasks is an underexplored, yet promising area.

Methods:

This article proposes to use genetic algorithms to handle the designing process. Given the dynamic tasks of jumping and trotting, body and leg link dimensions are optimized. The performance of a design in genetic algorithm search iterations is evaluated via full-dynamics simulations of the task.

Results:

The article presents comparisons of design results optimized for jumping and trotting separately. Significant dimensional dissimilarities and associated performance differences are observed in this comparison. A combined performance measure for jumping and trotting tasks is studied too. It is discussed how significantly various structural lengths affect dynamic performances in these tasks. Results are compared to a relatively more conventional quadruped design too.

Conclusions:

The task-specific nature of this optimization process improves the performances dramatically. This is a significant advantage of the systematic kinematic parameter optimization over straight mimicking of nature in quadruped designs. The performance improvements obtained by the genetic algorithm optimization with dynamic performance indices indicate that the proposed approach can find application area in the design process of a variety of robots with dynamic tasks.
Piloting Classroom Response Systems in Graduate Psychology Courses
Authors: Thapar-Olmos Natasha , Seeman Stephanie R.
Published: August 2018

This study examined student experiences of using classroom response systems (CRS; i.e., clickers) in graduate-level psychology courses. A total of 98 students participated in a repeated measures design. Overall, student attitudes toward using clickers were positive at both measurement time points. Participants reported that clickers helped check comprehension of lectures, increased enjoyment of lectures, helped apply concepts to practical examples, and made the class more engaging. Ratings were less positive for exam preparation and prompting discussions with classmates. This study demonstrates potential applications of CRS in small graduate psychology classrooms and supports previous research indicating that CRS can improve learning by increasing interactivity and higher order processing of information.
Analyzing Heaped Counts Versus Longitudinal Presence/Absence Data in Joint Zero-inflated Discrete Regression Models
Authors: Lundy Erin R. , Dean C. B.
Published: August 2018

Multiple outcome recurrent event data are typical in social sciences, where several outcomes on an individual are collected. In situations where aggregated counts of events over a long observation period are recorded, rounding is common, leading to counts being heaped at rounded values. We consider situations where multiple outcome recurrent event data are recorded as binary responses indicating presence/absence of events between periodic assessments. By analyzing these jointly through linkage via random effects, we show that a joint outcome analysis of the presence/absence data, that are less prone to recall errors, provides high relative efficiency, compared to the analysis of true counts. Motivated by a study of criminal behavior, we demonstrate the utility of such joint analyses, including that the analysis of longitudinal presence/absence data eliminates the bias arising from the analysis of heaped count data, and hence incorrect conclusions concerning possible risk factors.
One-sided control charts for monitoring the multivariate coefficient of variation in short production runs
Authors: Khatun Mahfuza , Khoo Michael BC , Lee Ming Ha , Castagliola Philippe
Published: August 2018

In production, it is common to deal with short production runs, where flexibility is required in the built-up of parts to produce numerous variants of manufactured goods. Monitoring the multivariate coefficient of variation (MCV) is an effective method to monitor the relative multivariate variability compared with the mean. Monitoring the relative multivariate variability is important when practitioners are not interested in the changes in the mean vector or the covariance matrix. Monitoring the univariate coefficient of variation in short production runs has already been successfully executed. In this paper, the statistical performance of one-sided charts for monitoring the MCV of a multivariate process with finite horizon is investigated. Prior to this work, no attempt has been made to study process monitoring of MCV in short production runs. Investigations are made when the exact shift size can be specified and when there is a random shift size. It is found that the proposed upward chart detects an increasing shift in the MCV quicker than its downward counterpart detects a decreasing shift, for the same shift size (from the nominal value). An example is presented to illustrate the implementation of the new method.
Examining the association of grit with test emotions among Hong Kong Chinese primary school students
Authors: Datu Jesus Alfonso D. , Fong Ricci W.
Published: August 2018

Passion and perseverance for long-term goals or grit has been linked to various indices of educational success such as academic achievement, engagement, and motivation. Despite the nascent evidence regarding the beneficial impact of grit, previous investigations adopted a variable-centered approach which could not explore how individuals with different profiles of grit may differ in terms of academic outcomes. The current research aimed to build on the existing grit literature through examining the linkage of grit to test emotions using a person-centered approach among 1,051 Hong Kong Chinese primary school students. Results of cluster analyses showed that there were three naturally-occurring profiles of grit (Cluster 1 = High Perseverance and High Consistency; Cluster 2 = High Perseverance and Low Consistency; Cluster 3 = Low Perseverance and High Consistency) in the present study. Results of the multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) demonstrated that students who belonged to Cluster 2 had the highest scores on hope and lowest scores on anxiety and shame. The results imply that espousing high perseverance of effort and low consistency of interest is associated with higher levels of positive activating emotions and reduced levels of negative activating emotional states when taking academic tests.