bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on Bottom Damp‐Proof Method of Cave Dwelling
Authors: Wan Rong , Kong De-quan , Zhang Li-xin
Published: June 2018

The cave dwelling, as one of the most typical and traditional characteristic local housing styles in the loess area of Northwest China, has been adopted widely in many areas since ancient times. The construction of the cave dwellings supports environmental protection, makes use of innovative construction technology, and preserves historical cultural heritage. The cave dwellings have practical significance and play an important role in the current society. Although there are many natural advantages to use cave dwellings, they also pose many problems, such as high moisture, inadequate lighting, poor ventilation, insufficient strength, and so on. The most serious problem is related to moisture, which affects the comfort, security, and safety of the residents; it needs to be addressed. The authors propose to resolve this problem by developing a method of building a damp‐proof course in the bottom of these cave dwellings. Meanwhile, specified experiments were carried out to validate the feasibility of this method. The results show that the method is reasonable and practical, and it can be implemented easily and conveniently in the future. This research has significant practical value; the results can improve people’s living environment and increase comfort and safety of cave dwelling.
Comparing Project Complexity across Different Industry Sectors
Authors: Bosch-Rekveldt Marian , Bakker Hans , Hertogh Marcel
Published: June 2018

Increasing complexity of projects is mentioned as one of the reasons for project failure—still. This paper presents a comparative research to investigate how project complexity was perceived by project practitioners in different industry sectors. Five sectors were included: process industry, construction industry, ICT, high‐tech product development, and food processing industry. In total, more than 140 projects were included in the research, hence providing a broad view on Dutch project practice. From the complexity assessments, it is concluded that only one complexity element was present in the top complexity elements of projects across the five sectors: the high project schedule drive. The variety of external stakeholders’ perspectives, a lack of resources and skills availability, and interference with existing site were found in the top lists of three sectors. It was concluded that a framework to grasp project complexity could support the management of complex projects by creating awareness for the (expected) complexities. Further research could be focused on the subjective character of complexity as well as on the application of cross‐sector learning, since this research does show similarities between large technical projects in different sectors.
1s2p RIXS Calculations for 3d Transition Metal Ions in Octahedral Symmetry
Authors: Zimmermann Patric , Hunault Myrtille O. J. Y. , de Groot Frank M. F.
Published: June 2018

We present a series of 1s2p resonant inelastic X-ray scattering (RIXS) calculations for 3d transition metal ions in octahedral symmetry covering each ground state between 3d0 and 3d9. The calculations are performed in octahedral (Oh) symmetry using the crystal field multiplet theory. We discuss the crystal field effects and the selection rules with respect to the 1s2p RIXS pre-edge and compare their final state energies with the corresponding 2p X-ray absorption spectrum (XAS). The calculations provide a detailed understanding of 1s2p RIXS and serve as a basis for the future analysis of experimental spectra and also as a starting point for calculations that add additional channels including the nonlocal peaks.
An Efficient Topology Description Function Method Based on Modified Sigmoid Function
Authors: Yang Xingfa , Liu Jie , Yang Yin , Qing Qixiang , Wen Guilin
Published: June 2018

Optimal geometries extracted from traditional element-based topology optimization outcomes usually have zigzag boundaries, leading to being difficult to fabricate. In this study, a fairly accurate and efficient topology description function method (TDFM) for topology optimization of linear elastic structures is developed. By employing the modified sigmoid function, a simple yet efficient strategy is presented to tackle the computational difficulties because of the nonsmoothness of Heaviside function in topology optimization problem. The optimization problem is to minimize the structural compliance, with highest stiffness, while satisfying the volume constraint. The design problem is solved by a Sequential Linear Programming method. Convergent, crisp, and smooth final layouts are obtained, which can be fabricated without postprocessing, demonstrated by a series of numerical examples. Further, the proposed method has a rather higher accuracy and efficiency compared with traditional TDFM, when the classical topology optimization methods, such as bidirectional evolutionary structural optimization (BESO) and solid isotropic material with penalization (SIMP) method, are taken as benchmark.
Using Six Sigma DMAIC Methodology and Discrete Event Simulation to Reduce Patient Discharge Time in King Hussein Cancer Center
Authors: Arafeh Mazen , Barghash Mahmoud A. , Haddad Nirmin , Musharbash Nadeem , Nashawati Dana , Al-Bashir Adnan , Assaf Fatina
Published: June 2018

Short discharge time from hospitals increases both bed availability and patients’ and families’ satisfaction. In this study, the Six Sigma process improvement methodology was applied to reduce patients’ discharge time in a cancer treatment hospital. Data on the duration of all activities, from the physician signing the discharge form to the patient leaving the treatment room, were collected through patient shadowing. These data were analyzed using detailed process maps and cause-and-effect diagrams. Fragmented and unstandardized processes and procedures and a lack of communication among the stakeholders were among the leading causes of long discharge times. Categorizing patients by their needs enabled better design of the discharge processes. Discrete event simulation was utilized as a decision support tool to test the effect of the improvements under different scenarios. Simplified and standardized processes, improved communications, and system-wide management are among the proposed improvements, which reduced patient discharge time by 54% from 216 minutes. Cultivating the necessary ownership through stakeholder analysis is an essential ingredient of sustainable improvement efforts.
Anomalies in b→s Transitions and Dark Matter
Authors: Vicente Avelino
Published: June 2018

Since 2013, the LHCb collaboration has reported on the measurement of several observables associated with b→s transitions, finding various deviations from their predicted values in the Standard Model. These include a set of deviations in branching ratios and angular observables, as well as in the observables RK and RK⁎, specially built to test the possible violation of Lepton Flavor Universality. Even though these tantalizing hints are not conclusive yet, the b→s anomalies have gained considerable attention in the flavor community. Here we review new physics models that address these anomalies and explore their possible connection to the dark matter of the Universe. After discussing some of the ideas introduced in these works and classifying the proposed models, two selected examples are presented in detail in order to illustrate the potential interplay between these two areas of current particle physics.
Experimental Study of Phase Composition of B‐Fe‐Mn‐V Alloys and Thermodynamic Calculations of Phase Equilibria in the B‐Mn‐V and B‐Fe‐Mn‐V Systems
Authors: Homolová Viera , Kepič Ján , Zemanová Adéla , Zobač Ondřej
Published: June 2018

Phase compositions of B‐Fe‐Mn‐V alloys were studied by several experimental methods (DTA measurement, X‐ray diffractions, and scanning electron microscopy). Besides the experimental study of the quaternary system, thermodynamic modelling of the ternary B‐Mn‐V system by the Calphad method and thermodynamic calculations for the quaternary B‐Fe‐Mn‐V system were performed. Calculations for the quaternary system are based on the ternary subsystems (B‐Mn‐V, B‐Fe‐V, B‐Fe‐Mn, and Fe‐Mn‐V). Boron is modelled as an interstitial element in all solid solutions of vanadium, manganese, and iron. Very good agreement between experimental results and thermodynamic calculations was achieved. The created thermodynamic database is suitable for thermodynamic calculations of phase diagrams for all the ternary subsystems and also for the B‐Fe‐Mn‐V quaternary system.
Research on the Cross Section Forming Quality of Three‐Dimensional Multipoint Stretch Forming Parts
Authors: Yu Jiaqi , Li Yi , Teng Fei , Liang Jicai , Lin Xiangfeng , Liang Ce , Chen Guangyi , Sun Guangping
Published: June 2018

This paper introduced the basic principle and main influencing factors of the three‐dimensional multipoint stretch forming process and investigated the optimized scheme of the cross section forming quality. The main factors affecting the stretch forming process were studied by the orthogonal test through the numerical simulation technique. In the case of a good target shape, the best combination of forming parameters was established by using the range method. The cross‐sectional distortion of the formed profile is the smallest when the prestretching amount is 1% of the profile length, the poststretching amount is 0.8% of the profile length, the number of the die heads is 12, and the friction coefficient is 0.15. The optimal combination of forming parameters was verified by the multipoint bending test.
Maternal Satisfaction on Delivery Service among Postnatal Mothers in a Government Hospital, Mid-Western Nepal
Authors: Panth Asha , Kafle Praveena
Published: June 2018

Background. Maternal satisfaction is one of the most frequently reported outcome measures for quality of care, and it needs to be addressed to improve the quality and efficiency of health care during pregnancy, childbirth, and puerperium to provide quality maternal-friendly services. Objective. To find out the maternal satisfaction on delivery service among postnatal mothers in a government hospital, Mid-Western Nepal. Method. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in maternity ward of Bheri Zonal Hospital, Nepal. A total of 178 purposively selected postnatal mothers were interviewed face-to-face using semistructured interview schedules. Analysis and interpretation of the findings were done with the help of descriptive and inferential statistics. Results. The study shows that majority (89.88%) of the mothers were satisfied with the delivery service. The level of satisfaction was higher in interpersonal and technical aspects (93.82%) of care than in informative aspects (91.57%) and health facility-related statements (91.01%). There was no statistically significant association between sociodemographic and obstetric characteristics and maternal satisfaction. Although insignificant, postnatal mothers who were illiterate were 2.710 times more likely to be satisfied than who were literate (p=0.475; OR = 2.710; CI = 0.343–21.4), also postnatal mothers up to primary level were 2.850 times more likely to be satisfied than secondary level and above (p=0.241; OR-2.850; CI 0.622–13.056). Also, in this study, postnatal mothers who were multiparous were 2.352 times more likely to be satisfied with the delivery service than primiparous (p=0.111; OR = 2.352; CI = 0.801–6.907). Majority (87.1%) of the mothers would like to receive delivery service next time in the same hospital. Conclusion. Majority of mothers were satisfied by the delivery service. Care givers need to fully understand the expectations the mothers have and provide care that is consistent with those expectations. The health system should be devised to increase maternal satisfaction in the health institution and provide maternal-friendly service.
Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Nanoscale Channel Flows with Rough Wall Using the Virtual-Wall Model
Authors: Lin Xiaohui , Bao Fu-bing , Gao Xiaoyan , Chen Jiemin
Published: June 2018

Molecular dynamics simulation is adopted in the present study to investigate the nanoscale gas flow characteristics in rough channels. The virtual-wall model for the rough wall is proposed and validated. The computational efficiency can be improved greatly by using this model, especially for the low-density gas flow in nanoscale channels. The effect of roughness element geometry on flow behaviors is then studied in detail. The fluid velocity decreases with the increase of roughness element height, while it increases with the increases of element width and spacing.
Determination of Aflatoxin B1 in Feedstuffs without Clean-Up Step by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Choochuay Sasiprapa , Phakam Jutamas , Jala Prakorn , Maneeboon Thanapoom , Tansakul Natthasit
Published: June 2018

A reliable and rapid method has been developed for the determination of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in four kinds of feedstuffs comprising broken rice, peanuts, corn, and fishmeal. A sample preparation was carried out based on the QuEChERS method with the exclusion of the clean-up step. In this study, AFB1 was extracted using acetonitrile/methanol (40/60 v/v), followed by partitioning with sodium chloride and magnesium sulfate. High-performance liquid chromatography with precolumn derivatization and fluorescence detection was performed. The coefficients of determination were greater than 0.9800. Throughout the developed method, the recovery of all feedstuffs achieved a range of 82.50-109.85% with relative standard deviation lower than 11% for all analytes at a concentration of 20-100 ng/g. The limit of detection (LOD) ranged from 0.2 to 1.2 ng/g and limit of quantitation (LOQ) ranged from 0.3 to 1.5 ng/g. The validated method was successfully applied to a total of 120 samples. The occurrence of AFB1 contamination was found at the following concentrations: in broken rice (0.44-2.33ng/g), peanut (3.97-106.26ng/g), corn (0.88-50.29 ng/g), and fishmeal (1.06-10.35 ng/g). These results indicate that the proposed method may be useful for regularly monitoring AFB1 contamination in feedstuffs.
Inhibition of the mTOR Pathway Exerts Cardioprotective Effects Partly through Autophagy in CLP Rats
Authors: Han Wen , Wang Hao , Su Longxiang , Long Yun , Cui Na , Liu Dawei
Published: June 2018

Background. Sepsis-induced myocardial dysfunction is a severe clinical problem. Recent studies have indicated that autophagy and myocardial energy depletion play a major role in myocardial dysfunction during sepsis, a mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) as a master sensor of energy status and autophagy mediator; however, there are little data describing its role during sepsis in the heart. Methods. Cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) or sham operation (SHAM) was performed in rats. After treatment, pathological changes were determined by H&E staining, cardiac functions by echocardiography, the distribution of microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC-3) type II and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1a) by immunohistochemical staining, and autophagic vacuoles by transmission electron microscopy. Moreover, the mTOR signaling pathway and LC3II, p62, and HIF-1a expression were measured by western blotting. Results. Rapamycin alleviated the pathological damage of myocardial tissue, attenuated cardiac dysfunction (left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), p<0.05; fractional shortening (FS), p<0.05), and reduced HIF-1a expression (p<0.05). Expectedly, rapamycin decreased the activity of the mTOR pathway in both sham-operated rats (p<0.0001) and CLP rats (p<0.01). Interestingly, we also found inhibition of the mTOR pathway in CLP rats compared with sham-operated rats; phosphorylation of both mTOR (p<0.001) and pS6K1 (p<0.01) was significantly suppressed following CLP challenge. Furthermore, autophagic processes were elevated by CLP; the ratio of LC3II/LC3I (p<0.05) was increased while p62 expression (p<0.001) was decreased significantly; there were also more autophagic vacuoles in CLP rats; and rapamycin could further elevate the autophagic processes compared with CLP rats (LC3II/LC3I, p<0.05; P62, p<0.05). Conclusion. Inhibition of the mTOR pathway has cardioprotective effects on myocardial dysfunction during sepsis induced by CLP, which is partly mediated through autophagy.
Toxicity and Safety Evaluation of Doxorubicin-Loaded Cockleshell-Derived Calcium Carbonate Nanoparticle in Dogs
Authors: Danmaigoro Abubakar , Selvarajah Gayathri Thevi , Mohd Noor Mohd Hezmee , Mahmud Rozi , Abu Bakar Md Zuki
Published: June 2018

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a potent anticancer agent with cytotoxic effects which limit its clinical usage. This effect is due to its nonselective nature causing injury to the cells as a result of reactive free oxygen radical’s release. Cockleshell-derived calcium carbonate nanoparticle (CS-CaCO3NP) is a pH-responsive carrier with targeted delivery potentials. This study aimed at evaluating the toxicity effects of repeated dose administration of DOX-loaded CS-CaCO3NP in healthy dogs. Fifteen dogs with an average body weight of 15 kg were randomized equally into 5 groups. Dogs were subjected to 5 doses at every 3-week interval with (i) normal saline, (ii) DOX, 30 mg/m2, and the experimental groups: CS-CaCO3NP-DOX at (iii) high dose, 50 mg/m2, (iv) clinical dose, 30 mg/m2, and (v) low dose, 20 mg/m2. Radiographs, electrocardiography, and blood samples were collected before every treatment for haematology, serum biochemistry, and cardiac injury assessment. Heart and kidney tissues were harvested after euthanasia for histological and ultrastructural evaluation. The cumulative dose of DOX 150 mg/m2 over 15 weeks revealed significant effects on body weight, blood cells, functional enzymes, and cardiac injury biomarkers with alterations in electrocardiogram, myocardium, and renal tissue morphology. However, the dogs given CS-CaCO3NP-DOX 150 mg/m2 and below did not show any significant change in toxicity biomarker as compared to those given normal saline. The study confirmed the safety of repeated dose administration of CS-CaCO3NP-DOX (30 mg/m2) for 5 cycles in dogs. This finding offers opportunity to dogs with cancer that might require long-term administration of DOX without adverse effects.
Human Settlement Quality Evaluation Based on Air Quality in Major Cities of China
Authors: Li Xueming , Li Songbo , Gao Jiaji , Zhao Pengfei , Li Hang
Published: June 2018

Based on the monthly data of 12 months in 30 major cities and combined with the monthly data of the air quality index (AQI) in 30 major cities, this paper analyzed the quality of human settlements in 2015 with the ArcGIS spatial analysis method. On the basis of the quality of air in this analysis, the coupling degree of the five great systems in these human settlements was also calculated. The finding shows that (1) according to the spatial distribution of the human settlements quality index in the main cities, the quality of urban human settlements was gradually decreased from the coastal regions to northwest inland regions, presenting an overall look that the quality was high in the south and low in the north, which converged to the change of the air quality; (2) the human settlements quality index apparently changed with season variation. A significant difference was found in the fourth quarter, and the biggest deviation among cities in China was up to 0.680, while the smallest deviation in the second quarter was 0.448; and (3) on the basis of factors that influenced the quality index, related kinds of norms in the main cities were built in the five great systems of human settlements, and the evaluated coupling degree between the five systems was at the antagonistic stage.
The Beneficial Effect of Human Amnion Mesenchymal Cells in Inhibition of Inflammation and Induction of Neuronal Repair in EAE Mice
Authors: Shu Jun , He Xiaojuan , Li Hong , Liu Xue , Qiu Xuemei , Zhou Tongliang , Wang Ping , Huang Xiaojie
Published: June 2018

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Currently, there is still lack of curative treatment for MS. Mesenchymal stem cell- (MSC-) based therapy is recently the subject of intense interest in autoimmune diseases. Here, we investigated the therapeutic effect and potential mechanism of human amnion mesenchymal cells (hAMC) on inflammation and remyelination in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mice. C57BL/6 mice were immunized with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) 35–55 peptide. hAMC were injected intraperitoneal when EAE was successfully established. The results demonstrated that application of hAMC significantly ameliorated the disease severity and histopathological changes in EAE mice. The production of proinflammatory cytokines such as IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-17A in the spleen and CNS was dramatically inhibited. Moreover, CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells in the CNS were also significantly decreased in EAE mice after hAMC treatment. In addition, hAMC treatment also promoted the production of neuron-repair factors (NGF, CNTF, and BDNF) in the CNS of EAE mice. In conclusion, these results indicated that hAMC could attenuate the inflammation and promote the remyelination in EAE mice, which might be a promising cell source for the therapy of MS.
Quality and Grain Yield Attributes of Rwandan Rice (Oryza sativaL.) Cultivars Grown in a Biotron Applying Two NPK Levels
Authors: Mukamuhirwa Alphonsine , Persson Hovmalm Helena , Ortiz Rodomiro , Nyamangyoku Obedi , Johansson Eva
Published: June 2018

High-yielding rice cultivars with good processing quality and rich in nutrition suitable to a changing climate are of particular importance for future rice-based food production. Here, seven Rwandan rice cultivars were grown in a climate chamber of the biotron facility at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, to be evaluated for their grain yield, nutritional composition, and dough mixing properties. Two different levels of inorganic fertilizer were applied weekly from the seedling stage until flowering. Significant differences for grain yield and quality attributes were found between cultivars. Jyambere showed significantly the highest yield while Ingwizabukungu, Nemeyubutaka, and Jyambere were high in mineral elements content. Ndamirabahinzi and Mpembuke had the highest levels of TPC and TAC. Generally, the lower fertilizer dose resulted in a better performance of the cultivars for both yield and quality attributes. Significantly higher content of Fe, Ca, and Ba was found in grains from the moderate fertilizer dose, whereas K, Na, P, S, Zn, Cd, and Pb increased in grains from the higher fertilizer dose. The cultivar Ndamirabahinzi showed less variability of evaluated characters across fertilizer doses. The results from this study may be used for rice breeding of cultivars with high yield and good grain quality.
Self‐Healing of Concrete Cracks by Ceramsite‐Loaded Microorganisms
Authors: Xu Jing , Wang Xianzhi , Zuo Junqing , Liu Xiaoyan
Published: June 2018

Protective carrier is essential for the self‐healing of concrete cracks by microbially induced CaCO3 precipitation, owing to the harsh conditions in concrete. In this paper, porous ceramsite particles are used as microbial carrier. Heat treatment and NaOH soaking are first employed to improve the loading content of the ceramsite. The viability of bacterial spores is assessed by urea decomposition measurements. Then, the self‐healing efficiency of concrete cracks by spores is evaluated by a series of tests including compressive strength regain, water uptake, and visual inspection of cracks. Results indicate that heat treatment can improve the loading content of ceramsite while not leading to a reduction of concrete strength by the ceramsite addition. The optimal heating temperature is 750°C. Ceramsite particles act as a shelter and protect spores from high‐pH environment in concrete. When nutrients and spores are incorporated in ceramsite particles at the same time, nutrients are well accessible to the cells. The regain ratio of the compressive strength increases over 20%, and the water absorption ratio decreases about 30% compared with the control. The healing ratio of cracks reaches 86%, and the maximum crack width healed is near 0.3 mm.
How Do Patients Understand Safety for Cardiac Implantable Devices? Importance of Postintervention Education
Authors: Yildiz Bekir Serhat , Findikoglu Gulin , Alihanoglu Yusuf Izzettin , Kilic Ismail Dogu , Evrengul Harun , Senol Hande
Published: June 2018

Aim. This study was designed to assess the effect of patient education on the knowledge of safety and awareness about living with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) within the context of phase I cardiac rehabilitation. Methods. The study was conducted with 28 newly implanted CIED patients who were included in “education group (EG)”. Patients were questioned with a survey about living with CIEDs and electromagnetic interference (EMI) before and 1 month after an extensive constructed interview. Ninety-three patients who had been living with CIEDs were included in the “without education group (woEG)”. Results. Patients in EG had improved awareness on topics related to physical and daily life activities including work, driving, sports and sexual activities, EMI of household items, harmful equipment, and some of the medical devices in the hospital setting (p<0.05). Patients in EG gave significantly different percent of correct answers for doing exercise or sports, using the arm on the side of CIEDs, EMI of some of the household appliances, medical devices, and all of the harmful equipment compared to woEG (p<0.05). Conclusion. It was demonstrated that a constructed education interview on safety of CIEDs and living with these devices within the context of phase I cardiac rehabilitation is important for improving the awareness of patients significantly. Thus, patients might achieve a faster adaptation to daily life and decrease disinformation and misperceptions and thus promote the quality of life after the device implantation.
Bioactive Compounds, Nutritional Traits, and Antioxidant Properties of Artocarpus altilis (Parkinson) Fruits: Exploiting a Potential Functional Food for Food Security on the Comoros Islands
Authors: Soifoini Toilibou , Donno Dario , Jeannoda Victor , Rakotoniaina Ernest , Hamidou Soule , Achmet Said Mohamed , Solo Noe Rene , Afraitane Kamaleddine , Giacoma Cristina , Beccaro Gabriele Loris
Published: June 2018

Comoros Union presents a considerable biodiversity of food resources that are neglected or still not valorised, as breadfruit. This study aimed to evaluating nutritional and nutraceutical traits of Artocarpus altilis (Parkinson) Fosberg by characterizing its main bioactive compounds, nutritional traits, and antioxidant properties in order to contribute to the development of traditional and innovative uses of this species as functional food (e.g., infant flour). Bioactive compound composition, antioxidant properties, protein and sugar content, lipids, fibre, and macro- and microelements were observed in these fruits after a specific drying process. Breadfruit showed positive nutritional traits. The main identified phenolic groups were cinnamic acids (with a maximum of 51.88 ± 2.63 mg/100 gDW for chlorogenic acid) and tannins. The highest value of antioxidant activity was 6.40 ± 1.02 mmol·Fe2+/kgDW. This preliminary phytochemical investigation may provide a contribution to the identification and quantification of lead compounds responsible for traditional nutritional and therapeutic claims.
Primary CNS Burkitt Lymphoma: A Case Report of a 55-Year-Old Cerebral Palsy Patient
Authors: Bower Kathryn , Shah Nilay
Published: June 2018

With primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) being a rare disease, the subtype of Burkitt lymphoma (BL) presenting as a sole CNS lesion is an even more exceptional diagnosis. A case of coexistent primary CNS Burkitt lymphoma (PCNSBL) with cerebral palsy (CP) is presented. A 55-year-old Caucasian male presented with increasing bilateral lower extremity weakness above his baseline in addition to signs of increased intracranial pressure. Four abnormal enhancing masses were detected on MRI with biopsy results consistent with Burkitt lymphoma. Complete staging workup was completed with no evidence of extra-CNS disease noted on PET/CT, bone marrow biopsy, or cerebral spinal fluid analysis. The patient was treated with intravenous as well as intrathecal chemotherapy and found to be in a complete remission at six months. Recurrence in the CNS was observed four months later with treatment consisting of whole brain radiation as well as intrathecal chemotherapy. Thirty months after diagnosis, the patient remains disease-free. To our knowledge, this is the first case of PCNSBL in the setting of CP. A review of literature regarding treatment options in this controversial setting is provided.
Synthesis and Performance of Functionalized α-Zirconium Phosphate Modified with Octadecyl Isocyanate
Authors: Han Lijuan , Chen Qingyuan , Chen Hong , Yu Shang , Xiao Lin , Ye Zhongbin
Published: June 2018

The α-zirconium phosphate (α-ZrP) and hydrophobically modified α-zirconium phosphate (α-ZrP-I) were prepared. The grafting of octadecyl isocyanate was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The dispersion of α-ZrP-I was studied by environmental scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The wettability of α-ZrP-I was determined by Kruss DSA30. Then, the effects of decompression and augmented injection of α-ZrP-I have been studied. The results of water flooding experiments show that the appropriate concentration of α-ZrP-I has an effect on the decrease of the water injection pressure.
Comparison of the Effectiveness of New Material Diapers versus Standard Diapers for the Prevention of Diaper Rash in Chinese Babies: A Double-Blinded, Randomized, Controlled, Cross-Over Study
Authors: Yuan Chao , Takagi Rinko , Yao Xue-Qiu , Xu Ya-fei , Ishida Koichi , Toyoshima Haruko
Published: June 2018

Background. Diaper rash, also known as diaper dermatitis (DD), is a very common skin condition in infants, and use of disposable diapers with breathable materials is an effective approach for the management of diaper rash. In China, new material diapers and standard diapers are currently the two most commonly used disposable diapers. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of new material diapers versus standard diaper for the prevention of diaper rash in Chinese babies. Methods. A total of 80 eligible babies admitted to Shanghai Skin Diseases Hospital during the period from June through July, 2016, were enrolled and randomized into two groups. Babies in Group A (n=41) used the new material diapers, and babies in Group B (n=39) used standard diapers. Two weeks after the use of the diaper, the babies used the alternate product for the next 2 weeks. Skin conditions were assessed on the front and back waist, right and left buttock, pubic region, anal region, and right and left groin using a 6-point scoring system based on four parameters in 0, 2, and 4 weeks after use of the diapers. Results. There were changes of the mean skin assessment score in each of the six regions after the use of the diapers. There were significant differences, in the mean skin assessment score of the front waist in Group A between weeks 2 and 4 (P=0.006) and in Group B between weeks 0 and 2 (P=0.004), and no significant differences were detected in the mean skin assessment score of the back waist and buttock in both Group A and Group B on weeks 0, 2, and 4. A higher mean skin assessment score of the pubic region was assessed in Group A on week 4 than on week 2 (P=0.036), with a higher score seen on week 2 than on week 0 (P=0.048), while no significant differences were found in Group B among weeks 0, 2, or 4. There was a higher mean score of the anal region assessed in Group A on week 2 than on week 0 (P=0.01), while a higher mean score was found in Group B on week 2 than on weeks 0 (P=0.036) and 4 (P=0.01). In addition, a higher mean skin assessment score of the groin was detected on week 2 than on week 0 in both Group A (P=0.00001) and Group B (P=0.0001). Conclusion. The new material diaper is superior to the standard diaper for the prevention of diaper rash in Chinese babies.
Missed Capitellar Fracture Caused by Avoidance of Radiological Evaluation in Pregnancy
Authors: Polat Barış , Özmanevra Ramadan , Aydın Deniz , Sarı Enes , Yalçınozan Mehmet
Published: June 2018

In this paper, we report a pregnant woman with a missed capitellar fracture of the elbow, who was treated successfully with open reduction and internal fixation using two headless screws. A 29-year-old 6-month pregnant woman presented to the emergency department due to a history of falling on her outstretched hand. A long-arm splint was applied without radiological evaluation due to pregnancy. She came to the orthopaedics and traumatology outpatient clinic 6 weeks after trauma and her examination after splint removal revealed pain and restriction in the elbow joint movements. Radiography was taken by using a lead shield in order to protect the fetus. Radiographs showed a displaced osteochondral capitellar fracture. Using the posterolateral approach as described by Kocher, the fracture was fixed using headless canulated compression screws. The follow-up examination showed excellent functional and radiological results. Radiological evaluation should not be avoided in case of obvious fracture findings after trauma even in case of pregnancy. It is also highlighted that good results in terms of union and functional recovery can be achieved with open reduction and headless compression screw fixation followed by early rehabilitation even in delayed treatment of capitellum fractures.
A Definitive IMRT-SIB with Concomitant Chemotherapy for Synchronous Locally Advanced Anal Canal Cancer and Prostate Cancer
Authors: Slavisa Tubin , Wolfgang Raunik
Published: June 2018

Currently, there are no specific recommendations regarding the management of the synchronous tumours due to the lack of either specific guidelines or individuals’ clinical experiences relative to these clinical situations. In the presence of a locally advanced double primary tumour and with the lymph node metastases in addition, from the radiotherapeutical point of view, it must be challenging to manage this complicated situation that requires a more delicate treatment planning, due to higher doses prescribed to greater volumes concomitantly with the chemotherapy. A 68-year-old Caucasian male with a synchronous intermediate-risk prostate adenocarcinoma and locally advanced anal canal carcinoma underwent IMRT-SIB with concomitant chemotherapy at our institute. Two years after the treatment, the restaging CT and MRI scan showed no evidence of the disease and the patient reported no significant gastrointestinal or genitourinary toxicity. Our experience is unique, since it is the first report on using the IMRT-SIB technique simultaneously with chemotherapy in the management of the synchronous prostate and anal canal carcinomas. Therefore, we find it important to provide the current literature with the results from our experience which show good feasibility, efficacy, and tolerability of the definitive concomitant IMRT-SIB-chemotherapy for the synchronous anal canal cancer and prostate cancer.
Massless Composite Bosons Formed by the Coupled Electron-Positron Pairs and Two-Photon Angular Correlations in the Colliding Beam Reaction e-e+→Bγγ with Emission of the Massless Boson
Authors: Agafonov A. I.
Published: June 2018

The approach in which the electron and positron are treated as ordinary, different particles, each being characterized by the complete set of the Dirac plane waves, is examined. This completely symmetric representation that is beyond the standard QED makes it necessary to choose another solution of the Dirac equation for the free particle propagator as compared to that used currently. The Bethe-Salpeter equation with these particle propagators is solved in the ladder approximation. A new solution has been found represented by the massless composite bosons formed by the coupled electron-positron pairs with the coupling equal to the fine structure constant. It has been demonstrated that (1) the massless boson states have normalizable complex wave functions which are transversely compressed plane waves; (2) the transverse radius of the wave functions diverges as the boson energy goes to zero; that is, the composite bosons cannot be at rest; (3) increasing the boson energy results in an extension of the transverse wave function in the momentum space and a corresponding contraction of the real space coordinate wave function. The new reaction e-e+→Bγγ is investigated with the products composed of the massless composite boson and two photons. The cross-section of this reaction is derived for nonrelativistic colliding beams of spin-polarized electrons and positrons. In this case the 2γ angular correlation spectrum is characterized by a narrow peak with the full-width-at-half-maximum not exceeding 0.2 mrad. It is shown that in order to distinguish between the conventional annihilation of the singlet electron-positron pair with the two-photon emission and the new examined reaction yielding the three particles, experiments are proposed with the extremely nonrelativistic colliding beams.
Communication Analysis of Network‐Centric Warfare via Transformation of System of Systems Model into Integrated System Model Using Neural Network
Authors: Kang Bong Gu , Seo Kyung-Min , Kim Tag Gon
Published: June 2018

Communication system in the network‐centric warfare (NCW) has been analyzed from the perspective of the system of systems (SoS), which consists of a combat system and a network system so that the two reflect each other’s effects. However, this paradoxically causes a prolonged execution time. To solve this problem, this paper proposes an advanced integrated modeling method for the communication analysis in the NCW via the transformation of the SoS, which reduces the simulation execution time while ensuring the accuracy of the communication effects. The proposed models mainly cover interentity traffic and intraentity mobility developed in the form of feed‐forward neural networks to guarantee two‐way interactions between the combat system and the network system. Because they are characterized as discrete events, the proposed models are designed with the discrete‐event system specification (DEVS) formalism. The experimental results show that the proposed transformation reduced an error by 6.40% compared to the existing method and reduced the execution time 3.78‐fold compared to the SoS‐based NCW simulation.
An Unusual Case of Gullo’s Syndrome Concomitant with Serious Endometriosis Disease in a Postmenopausal Woman
Authors: Ainahi Abdelhakim , Ziane Abdellaziz , Wakrim Lahcen , Elmdaghri Naima , Barakat Abdelhamid
Published: June 2018

Gullo’s syndrome is a singular physiological phenomenon defined by an abnormal increase in serum pancreatic enzyme levels that may occur in healthy subjects in the absence of pancreatic disorders. During routine health examination in a 54-year-old postmenopausal woman with severe endometriosis, elevated values of serum amylase and lipase were fortuitously observed (198 and 1461 U/L, resp.). Over five years of regular pancreas surveillance, all clinical, biological, and imaging investigations were normal. However, the pancreatic enzyme levels have shown considerable fluctuations including some episodic transient normalization. The description of this benign pancreatic hyperenzymemia case incidentally associated with endometriosis disease is a very rare clinical situation. More in-depth documentation of this phenomenon may help clinicians to avoid unnecessary diagnostic management approaches and reassure the concerned patients that this affection would not be so worrying.
Preparation and Characterization of Hydrophobic-Associated Microspheres for Deep Profile Control in Offshore Oilfields
Authors: Yu Qin , Lu Xiangguo , Jin Yubao , Zhang Cui , Liu Kuo , Hu Xinbao
Published: June 2018

Microspheres have excellent sealing performances such as injectivity, bridging-off, deep migration, and deformation performances, but their plugging effects are limited by the fast swelling rate and poor viscoelasticity. In this study, we synthesized a novel modified microsphere with polymerizable surfactant monomers and cationic monomers. We investigated the influence factors on the swelling performance and rheological properties of the microspheres and explored the ways to improve the plugging performance of hydrophobic-associating microspheres. The association behaviors in aqueous media of poly(acrylamide-co-methacry loyloxyethyl trimethyl ammonium chloride-co-n-dodecyl poly(etheroxy acrylate) P(AM-DMC-DEA) are proven to be mediated by the DEA content. Moreover, the hydrophobic association interaction has a strong effect on the performance of microspheres such as swelling properties, the rheological performance, and plugging properties. The swelling properties of microsphere studies exhibited the slow swelling rate. The rheological performance measurements showed significant improvements; yield stress, and creep compliance increased rapidly from 404 to 2060 Pa and 3.89 × 10−4 to 1.41 × 10−2 1/Pa, respectively, with DEA content in microspheres rising from 0.0% to 0.22%. The plugging properties of microspheres were enhanced by the slow swelling performance and good viscoelasticity.
Aspirin Disrupts the Crosstalk of Angiogenic and Inflammatory Cytokines between 4T1 Breast Cancer Cells and Macrophages
Authors: Hsieh Chia-Chien , Wang Chih-Hsuan
Published: June 2018

The tumor microenvironment is rich in multiple cell types that influence tumor development. Macrophages infiltrate tumors, where they are the most abundant immune cell population and secrete a number of cytokines. Aspirin acts as a chemopreventive agent against cancer development. This study investigated whether aspirin regulates crosstalk between breast cancer cells and macrophages. To study these interactions in a tumor microenvironment, a conditioned media was employed using 4T1 breast cancer cells cultured in RAW 264.7 cell-conditioned medium (RAW-CM), and a cocultured model of both cells was used. When 4T1 cells were cultured in the RAW-CM, there were increases in cell viability and secretion of the cytokines VEGF, PAI-1, TNF-α, and IL-6. Treatment with aspirin inhibited 4T1 cell growth and migration and MCP-1, PAI-1, and IL-6 production. In the coculture of both cells, aspirin inhibited secretion of MCP-1, IL-6, and TGF-β. Furthermore, aspirin significantly decreased the M2 macrophage marker CD206, but increased M1 marker CD11c expression. In summary, aspirin treatment inhibited the crosstalk of 4T1 and RAW 264.7 cells through regulation of angiogenic and inflammatory mediator production and influenced the M1/M2 macrophage subtype. This highlighted that aspirin suppresses the tumor favorable microenvironment and could be a promising agent against triple-negative breast cancer.
Infantile Hemangioma Presenting as Colocolic Intussusception in an Infant Case Report with Review of Pathologic Lead Points
Authors: Rais Rehan , González Iván , Saito Jacqueline M. , Dehner Louis P.
Published: June 2018

Infantile hemangioma (IH) is one of the most common vascular anomalies of early childhood and is usually recognized in the first few weeks to months of life as a solitary cutaneous lesion. This report documents our experience with a GLUT-1 positive IH presenting as the pathologic lead point in a colocolic intussusception in a 10-week-old infant who had no skin lesions. Literature suggests approximately 2% of all children presenting with an intussusception require surgical intervention; however, an IH as the pathologic lead point is unique.
Evaluating RLWT Rutting Test of Asphalt Mixtures Based on Industrial Computerized Tomography
Authors: Wu Wenliang , Li Zhi , Zhang Xiaoning , Li Minghui
Published: June 2018

To eliminate the effects of image’s light and shade difference when separating and distinguishing the material composition, a method is put forward, namely, ring‐type and partitions threshold segmentation. It means setting up different segment threshold for different areas of the same image and then combining these different areas into one image. Furthermore, by analyzing the CT image before and after the RLWT rutting test for the drilling specimen and Marshall specimen and taking the volume of air voids and the angle (alpha) between max main axis and X axis, the differences of two kinds of specimens’ macrotest results were discussed from internal structure distribution. Here, we show that there are differences between macrotest results of two kinds of specimens because of internal air voids and aggregate distribution, which should be considered for compliance testing.
Rare Cause of Late Recurrent Angina following Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: Iatrogenic Aortocoronary Arteriovenous Fistula Causing Coronary Steal
Authors: Sreenivasan Jayakumar , Ayub Muhammad , Yadav Neha , Golzar Yasmeen
Published: June 2018

Iatrogenic aortocoronary arteriovenous fistula is a very rare complication of coronary artery bypass grafting in which one of the arterial grafts inadvertently forms a fistulous tract with a cardiac vein, shunting blood from the anastomosed coronary artery. We report a patient with an iatrogenic left internal mammary artery graft to cardiac vein fistula presenting with recurrent angina three years after a three-vessel coronary artery bypass grafting.
A CFA-Induced Model of Inflammatory Skin Disease in Miniature Swine
Authors: Navarro-Alvarez Nalú , Gonçalves Beatriz M. M. , Andrews Alec R. , Sachs David H. , Huang Christene A.
Published: June 2018

Similarities between porcine and human skin make the pig an ideal model for preclinical studies of cutaneous inflammation and wound healing. Complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) has been used to induce inflammation and to study inflammatory pain in several animal models. Here, we evaluated the inflammation caused by CFA injected in different layers of skin and subcutaneous (SC) tissue in a large-animal model. The degree of inflammation was evaluated at early and late time points by visual inspection and histopathologic analysis. In addition, the side effects of CFA injections were evaluated based on clinical findings, behavioral changes, physiologic state, and (histo)pathologic lesions. Pigs were injected with CFA at the back of the neck’s skin at different depths. All animals showed histologic signs of inflammation at the injection site. Animals injected SC did not show any signs of pain or distress (loss of appetite, abnormal behavior) and did not require pain medication. Inflammation was followed by measuring the area of induration beneath the skin. Animals injected into the dermis and/or epidermis demonstrated a severe inflammatory response on the skin surface with massive swelling, redness within 12hrs of CFA injection, and severe skin necrosis within a week, preventing accurate induration measurements. In contrast to animals injected SC, animals receiving intradermal and/or intraepidermal injection of CFA showed signs of distress requiring pain medication.Conclusion. SC injection of CFA in swine induces an inflammatory response that can be measured accurately by induration without causing unnecessary discomfort, providing a useful preclinical large-animal model of inflammatory skin disease.