bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Field Measurement of Dynamic Compressive Stress Response of Pavement‐Subgrade Induced by Moving Heavy‐Duty Trucks
Authors: An Lingshi , Zhang Feng , Geng Yongchang , Lin Bo
Published: April 2018

This paper presents the dynamic compressive stress response of pavement‐subgrade induced by moving heavy‐duty trucks. In order to study the distribution characteristic of dynamic pressure of pavement‐subgrade in more detail, truck loadings, truck speeds, and dynamic pressure distributions at different depths were monitored under twenty‐five working conditions on the section of Qiqihar‐Nenjiang Highway in Heilongjiang Province, China. The effects of truck loading, truck speed, and depth on dynamic compressive stress response can be concluded as follows: (1) increasing truck loading will increase the dynamic pressure amplitude of subgrade‐pavement and dominant frequencies are close to the characteristic frequencies caused by heavy‐duty trucks at the speed of 70 km/h; (2) as truck speed increases, the dynamic pressure amplitudes of measuring points have an increasing tendency; the dynamic pressure spectrums are also significantly influenced by truck speed: the higher the truck speed, the wider the spectrum and the higher the dominant frequencies; (3) as depth increases, the dynamic pressure amplitudes of measuring points decrease rapidly. The influence of the front axle decreases gradually until disappearing and the compressive stress superposition phenomenon caused by rear double axles can be found with increasing depth.
Performance Analysis of Multihop Relaying Caching for Internet of Things under Nakagami Channels
Authors: Ji Baofeng , Xing Bingbing , Song Kang , Li Chunguo , Wen Hong , Yang Luxi
Published: April 2018

Performance analysis is studied in this paper for the wireless transmissions in Internet of Things (IoT) system, where both the direct link and the multihop relaying caching wireless transmission from the source node to the destination node are taken into the consideration. The key feature is the Nakagami channels of the wireless channel from the source node to the destination node, which results in the difficulty of the theoretical analysis over the system performance. To tackle this difficulty, the probability distribution function (PDF) of the received signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) at the destination node is derived by exploiting the function and integral properties. Then, the outage probability and bit error rate (BER) of the whole wireless IoT system are derived in the analytical expression without any approximation. Numerical simulations demonstrate the accuracy of the derived theoretical analysis for this system.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Preoperative Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte and Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratios in Detecting Occult Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinomas in Benign Multinodular Goitres
Authors: Manatakis Dimitrios K. , Tseleni-Balafouta Sophia , Tzelves Lazaros , Balalis Dimitrios , Tzortzopoulou Adelais , Korkolis Dimitrios P. , Sakorafas George H. , Gontikakis Emmanouil , Plataniotis Georgios
Published: April 2018

Objective. To investigate the diagnostic accuracy of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte (PLR) ratios in detecting occult papillary thyroid microcarcinomas in benign, multinodular goitres. Methods. 397 total thyroidectomy patients were identified from the institutional thyroid surgery database between 2007 and 2016 (94 males, 303 females, mean age 53 ± 14.5 years). NLR and PLR were calculated as the absolute neutrophil and absolute platelet counts divided by the absolute lymphocyte count, respectively, based on the preoperative complete blood cell count. Results. NLR was significantly higher in carcinomas and microcarcinomas compared to benign pathology (p=0.026), whereas a direct association could not be established for PLR. Both NLR and PLR scored low in all parameters of diagnostic accuracy, with overall accuracy ranging between 45 and 50%. Conclusions. As surrogate indices of the systemic inflammatory response, NLR and PLR are inexpensive and universally available from routine blood tests. Although we found higher NLR values in cases of malignancy, NLR and PLR cannot effectively predict the presence of occult papillary microcarcinomas in otherwise benign, multinodular goitres.
The Association between Adolescent’s Weight Perception and Health Behaviors: Analysis of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Data, 2011–2014
Authors: Xu Furong , Greaney Mary L. , Cohen Steven A. , Riebe Deborah , Greene Geoffrey W.
Published: April 2018

The association between adolescents’ weight perception and their physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviors remains unclear. Therefore, these associations were explored using data from 2438 adolescents aged 12–19 years who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination 2011–2014 Survey. Respondents reported weight perception, and their weight perception accuracy was determined by examining whether the measured weight and perceived weight were concordant. Respondents also reported sedentary time (sitting time and screen time), PA, and intention to lose weight. Linear and logistic regression models were conducted to determine whether adolescents’ PA, sedentary behaviors, and weight loss intention differed by weight perception and weight perception accuracy adjusted for demographic variables accounting for complex sampling. About one-quarter (21.4%) of the respondents had obesity. For respondents who perceived themselves as being overweight/fat, despite greater weight loss intention, males reported more sitting time (512.7 ± 16.3 versus 474.1 ± 10.2 minutes/day, p<0.05) and females reported less PA (48.7 ± 5.0 versus 64.6 ± 3.3 minutes/day, p<0.05) than respondents who perceived themselves as being normal weight. Similar patterns were observed for weight perception accuracy among individuals with obesity. Study results show that perceiving oneself as being overweight/fat regardless of accuracy was associated with more sedentary time for males or less PA for females despite higher weight loss intention.
Deposition of Coating to Protect Waste Water Reservoir in Acidic Solution by Arc Thermal Spray Process
Authors: Lee Han-Seung , Park Jin-ho , Singh Jitendra Kumar , Ismail Mohamed A.
Published: April 2018

The corrosion characteristics of 304 stainless steel (SS) and titanium (Ti) coatings deposited by the arc thermal spray process in pH 4 solution were assessed. The Ti‐sprayed coating exhibits uniform, less porous, and adherent coating morphology compared to the SS‐sprayed coating. The electrochemical study, that is, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), revealed that as exposure periods to solution were increased, the polarization resistance (Rp) decreased and the charge transfer resistance (Rct) increased owing to corrosion of the metallic surface and simultaneously at the same time the deposition of oxide films/corrosion on the SS‐sprayed surface, while Ti coating transformed unstable oxides into the stable phase. Potentiodynamic studies confirmed that both sprayed coatings exhibited passive tendency attributed due to the deposition of corrosion products on SS samples, whereas the Ti‐sprayed sample formed passive oxide films. The Ti coating reduced the corrosion rate by more than six times compared to the SS coating after 312 h of exposure to sulfuric acid‐ (H2SO4‐) contaminated water solution, that is, pH 4. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) results confirmed the uniform and globular morphology of the passive film on the Ti coating resulting in reduced corrosion. On the other hand, the corrosion products formed on SS‐sprayed coating exhibit micropores with a net‐like microstructure. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) revealed the presence of the composite oxide film on Ti‐sprayed samples and lepidocrocite (γ‐FeOOH) on the SS‐coated surface. The transformation of TiO and Ti3O into TiO2 (rutile and anatase) and Ti3O5 after 312 h of exposure to H2SO4 acid reveals the improved corrosion resistance properties of Ti‐sprayed coating.
Prevalence of Iron Deficiency Anemia among University Students in Hodeida Province, Yemen
Authors: Al-alimi Abdullah Ahmed , Bashanfer Salem , Morish Mohammed Abdo
Published: April 2018

Background.Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is one of the most common types of nutritional anemia in the worldwide and considered a major public health problem in developing countries especially in Yemen. Therefore, this cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence and risk factors of IDA among apparently healthy Yemeni students at Hodeida University.Method.Five hundred blood samples (326 males and 174 females) were collected randomly from medical students at Hodeida University. Participants were subjected to different tests including complete blood counts (CBC), serum ferritin (SF), serum iron (SI), and total iron binding capacity (TIBC). Moreover, a questionnaire was designed to collect demographics, food and drink habits, and socioeconomic status.Result.The overall prevalence of IDA was 30.4%  (n=152), of whom 54.00% were females(n=82)and 46.0% were males(n=70). Students aged 20–22 years were found more anemic with prevalence 59.2% than students aged 17–19 years (25.0%) and 23–25 years (15.8%). Statistical analysis showed regularly having breakfast had significant (p< 0.001) role in preventing development of IDA compared with irregularly having breakfast. Infrequent consumption of vegetables/fruits; meat, fish, chicken; tea drinking; low household income; smoking and khat(Catha edulis)chewing showed a significant role (p< 0.001) in provoking of IDA, whereas consumption of coffee and cola showed insignificant influence (p=0.585;p=0.513) on IDA.Conclusion.This study revealed that the majority of university students, especially females, have IDA that might become worse by malnutrition, lifestyle habits, and lack of awareness. Our results suggest that IDA can be prevented by providing proper knowledge on the healthful diet, improved lifestyle, and harmful effect of IDA to the students.
Prevalence and Characterization of Breakthrough Pain Associated with Chronic Low Back Pain in the South of Spain: A Cross-Sectional, Multicenter, Observational Study
Authors: Torres Luis Miguel , Jiménez Antonio Javier , Cabezón Ana , Rodríguez Manuel Jesús
Published: April 2018

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is highly prevalent in industrialized countries, where it is one of the main causes of disability. Patients with CLBP in treatment with opioids often experience episodes of breakthrough pain (BTP), but data on prevalence and treatment preferences are scarce. The objectives of this study were, first, the evaluation of the prevalence of BTP in patients with CLBP in the South of Spain (N=1,868) and, second, the characterization of BTP in these patients (N=295). Data was collected on presence of BTP, type and location of pain, treatment, compliance, and patient satisfaction. We found a prevalence of BTP in patients with CLBP of 37.5% (95% CI: 35.3%–39.7%), similar in men and women. 75% of the patients were older than 50 years. The preferred drug of patients who control BTP with opioids is fentanyl (78.3%) and its most common form of administration is nasal (53.2%). Therapeutic compliance was high and 46.3% of patients considered the control of their BTP very satisfactory. Our study showed that BTP is common in patients with CLBP and that current treatments seem adequate.
Epidemiology and Clinical Features of Adult Patients with Psoriasis in Malaysia: 10-Year Review from the Malaysian Psoriasis Registry (2007–2016)
Authors: Mohd Affandi Azura , Khan Iman , Ngah Saaya Nooraishah
Published: April 2018

Background.Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease affecting 2-3% of the general population.Aim.To evaluate the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of patients with psoriasis who seek treatment in outpatient dermatology clinics throughout hospitals in Malaysia.Materials and Methods.Data were obtained from the Malaysian Psoriasis Registry (MPR). All patients (aged 18 and above) who were notified to the registry from July 2017 to December 2017 were included in this study.Results.Among 15,794 patients, Malays were the most common (50.4%), followed by Chinese (21.4%), Indian (17.6%), and others (10.6%). The mean age onset of psoriasis for our study population was 35.14 ± 16.16 years. Male to female ratio was 1.3 : 1. 23.1% of patients had positive family history of psoriasis. The most common clinical presentation was chronic plaque psoriasis (85.1%), followed by guttate psoriasis (2.9%), erythrodermic psoriasis (1.7%), and pustular psoriasis (1.0%). Majority of our patients (76.6%) had a mild disease with BSA < 10%. 57.1% of patients had nail involvement, while arthropathy was seen in 13.7% of patients. Common triggers of the disease include stress (48.3%), sunlight (24.9%), and infection (9.1%). Comorbidities observed include obesity (24.3%), hypertension (25.6%), hyperlipidemia (18%), diabetes mellitus (17.2%), ischaemic heart disease (5.4%), and cerebrovascular disease (1.6%). The mean DLQI (Dermatology Life Quality Index) was 8.5 ± 6.6. One-third (33.1%) of the patients had a DLQI score of more than 10, while 14.2% of patients reported no effect at all.Conclusion.Our study on the epidemiological data of adult patients with psoriasis in Malaysia showed a similar clinical profile and outcome when compared to international published studies on the epidemiology of psoriasis.
Spatiotemporal Characterization of Texture of Crescenza Cheese, a Soft Fresh Italian Cheese
Authors: Alinovi Marcello , Rinaldi Massimiliano , Mucchetti Germano
Published: April 2018

Crescenza cheese is a soft fresh cheese without rind, typically manufactured using a high amount of rennet. It is characterized by a fast proteolysis that causes changes in texture and leads to the so-called defect of “colatura” that is the tendency of the matrix to freely flow in the outer part of the cheese and generate spatial inhomogeneities into the cheese. In this paper, the textural properties of Crescenza were evaluated for cheeses manufactured using two types of rennet and starter cultures. Cheese texture was monitored during a 3-week shelf life considering a possible spatial variability of the matrix. At the beginning of the shelf life, a certain spatial inhomogeneity was observed from the center to the edge of the cheese block for all the trials. The firmness decreases from the center to the outer part of the block. During storage, hardness showed a decrease during 1st wk of storage; moreover, from days 7 to 21, cheese increased its hardness in the center and decreased it in the outer part of the block, resulting in a higher spatial inhomogeneity of the cheese. The textural measurements can be a useful tool to define the quality of Crescenza cheese during shelf life.
Catalytic Activity of a Bifunctional Catalyst for Hydrotreatment of Jatropha curcas L. Seed Oil
Authors: García-Dávila J. , Ocaranza-Sanchez E. , Sánchez C. , Martínez-Ayala A. L.
Published: April 2018

The hydrotreating process of vegetable oils (HPVO) involves the transformation of vegetable oil triglycerides into straight chain alkanes, which are carried out by deoxygenation reactions, generating multiple hydrocarbon compounds, cuts similar to heavy vacuum oil. The HPVO is applied to Jatropha curcas oil on USY zeolite supported with gamma alumina and platinum deposition on the catalytic as hydrogenation component. The acid of additional activity of the supports allows the development of catalytic routes that the intervention of catalytic centers of different nature reaches the desired product. The products of the hydrotreating reaction with Jatropha curcas seed oil triglycerides were identified by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and by mass spectroscopy to identify and analyze the generated intermediate and final hydrocarbon compounds.
Malignant Transformation of Endometriosis in the Ischioanal Fossa
Authors: Klebanoff Jordan S. , Shah Shivani K. , Cadungog Mark G.
Published: April 2018

We present the case of a 28-year-old nulliparous female with malignant transformation of an ectopic focus of endometriosis in the right ischioanal fossa. A 28-year-old nulliparous patient with a past medical history of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) was diagnosed with endometrioid adenocarcinoma in her right ischioanal fossa. Initially, patient presented to an emergency department and underwent a CT scan of the appendix to rule out appendicitis. A multiloculated cystic lesion adjacent to the right obturator internus muscle was found. She underwent surgical resection of the mass, which confirmed FIGO grade 2 endometrioid adenocarcinoma, followed by localized radiation therapy. Malignancy arising in endometriosis is rare, and the influence of PCOS on the rate of malignant transformation is not well established.
Correlation between the Expression of PD-L1 and Clinicopathological Features in Patients with Thymic Epithelial Tumors
Authors: Chen Yanmei , Zhang Yuping , Chai Xiaoling , Gao Jianfang , Chen Guorong , Zhang Weifen , Zhang Yunxiang
Published: April 2018

The incidence of thymic epithelial tumors (TETs) in the Chinese population was much higher than that in the North American population. In clinical treatment, the prognosis of benign tumors after surgical resection was significantly better than that of malignant tumors. Currently, the commonly used clinical indicators for TET staging included Masaoka staging and WHO (2015) pathological criteria; however, the distinction between the benign and malignant tumors and diagnosis is yet to be explored. The current study demonstrated that the expression of PD-L1 in tumor cells was correlated with the degree of TET malignancy. The quantitative analysis of PD-L1 expression in 70 cases of TET tumor samples revealed that the positive rate of PD-L1 expression in types A, AB, B1, and B2 of thymoma (40 cases) was 37.5% (15/40), which was significantly lower than that in type B3 thymoma and thymic carcinoma (76.67%, 30 cases, 23/30) as demonstrated by chi-square test (P<0.05). In addition, the two methods were analyzed for the quantitative detection of PD-L1 expression. The results from the estimation of transcriptional RNA expression and quantitative protein immunohistochemistry were consistent (r=0.745). Furthermore, we also analyzed PD-L1 expression level in different types of TETs from TCGA database and observed that higher PD-L1 expression was in thymic carcinoma than in thymoma. Therefore, it could be concluded that PD-L1 expression in TET cells was correlated with the degree of malignancy, whereas the estimation of PD-L1 expression was potentially applicable in the clinical staging of TETs.
Matrix Stone Occupying an Entire Renal Collecting System: A Case Report and Video of Diagnostic Ureterorenoscopy
Authors: Cobley Jonathan , Phan Yih Chyn , Mahmalji Wasim
Published: April 2018

Renal matrix stones are a rare phenomenon and they present a diagnostic challenge due to their atypical radiological appearances in comparison to more commonly encountered renal tract calculi. We describe a case of known stone former presenting with loin pain and recurrent urinary tract infections who was diagnosed with a matrix stone. The video of the diagnostic flexiureterorenoscopy demonstrating the matrix stone occupying almost the entire right renal collecting system is also presented.
Effects of Gui Zhi Ma Huang Ge Ban Tang on the TLR7 Pathway in Influenza Virus Infected Mouse Lungs in a Cold Environment
Authors: Qin Hong-Qiong , Shi Shan-Shan , Fu Ying-Jie , Yan Yu-Qi , Wu Sha , Tang Xiao-Long , Chen Xiao-Yin , Hou Guang-Hui , Jiang Zhen-You
Published: April 2018

Objective. We wished to investigate the effects of the traditional Chinese medicine Gui Zhi Ma Huang Ge Ban Tang on controlling influenza A virus (IAV) infection and improving inflammation in mouse lungs. Method. Mice were maintained in normal and cold environments and infected with IAV by intranasal application, respectively. Real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to measure mRNA expression of TLR7, myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MyD88), and nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB)p65 in the TLR7 signaling pathway and virus replication in lungs. Western blotting was used to measure expression levels of TLR7, MyD88, and NF‐κB p65 proteins. Flow cytometry was used to detect the proportion of T‐helper (Th)1/Th2 and Th17/T‐regulatory (Treg) cells. Results. Application of Gui Zhi Ma Huang Ge Ban Tang in influenza‐infected mice in a cold environment showed (i) downregulation of TLR7, MyD88, and NF‐κBp65; (ii) inhibition of transcriptional activities of promoters coding for TLR7, MyD88, and NF‐κBp65; (iii) reduction in the proportion of Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg cells. Conclusions. Gui Zhi Ma Huang Ge Ban Tang had a good therapeutic effect on mice infected with IAV, especially in the cold environment. It could reduce lung inflammation in mice significantly and elicit an anti‐influenza effect by downregulating expression of the key factors in TLR7 signaling pathway.
Chronic Intermittent Hypoxia Induces the Long-Term Facilitation of Genioglossus Corticomotor Activity
Authors: Zou Ying , Wang Wei , Nie Xinshi , Kang Jian
Published: April 2018

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by the repetitive collapse of the upper airway and chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) during sleep. It has been reported that CIH can increase the EMG activity of genioglossus in rats, which may be related to the neuromuscular compensation of OSA patients. This study aimed to explore whether CIH could induce the long-term facilitation (LTF) of genioglossus corticomotor activity. 16 rats were divided into the air group (n=8) and the CIH group (n=8). The CIH group was exposed to hypoxia for 4 weeks; the air group was subjected to air under identical experimental conditions in parallel. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) was applied every ten minutes and lasted for 1 h/day on the 1st, 3rd, 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th days of air/CIH exposure. Genioglossus EMG was also recorded at the same time. Compared with the air group, the CIH group showed decreased TMS latency from 10 to 60 minutes on the 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th days. The increased TMS amplitude lasting for 60 minutes was only observed on the 21st day. Genioglossus EMG activity increased only on the 28th day of CIH. We concluded that CIH could induce LTF of genioglossus corticomotor activity in rats.
LWR-Based Fully Homomorphic Encryption, Revisited
Authors: Luo Fucai , Wang Fuqun , Wang Kunpeng , Li Jie , Chen Kefei
Published: April 2018

Very recently, Costache and Smart proposed a fully homomorphic encryption (FHE) scheme based on the Learning with Rounding (LWR) problem, which removes the noise (typically, Gaussian noise) sampling needed in the previous lattices-based FHEs. But their scheme did not work, since the noise of homomorphic multiplication is complicated and large, which leads to failure of decryption. More specifically, they chose LWR instances as a public key and the private key therein as a secret key and then used the tensor product to implement homomorphic multiplication, which resulted in a tangly modulus problem. Recall that there are two moduli in the LWR instances, and then the moduli will tangle together due to the tensor product. Inspired by their work, we built the first workable LWR-based FHE scheme eliminating the tangly modulus problem by cleverly adopting the celebrated approximate eigenvector method proposed by Gentry et al. at Crypto 2013. Roughly speaking, we use a specific matrix multiplication to perform the homomorphic multiplication, hence no tangly modulus problem. Furthermore, we also extend the LWR-based FHE scheme to the multikey setting using the tricks used to construct LWE-based multikey FHE by Mukherjee and Wichs at Eurocrypt 2016. Our LWR-based multikey FHE construction provides an alternative to the existing multikey FHEs and can also be applied to multiparty computation with higher efficiency.
The Relative Influence of Proximity to Fast Road Infrastructure, Accessibility, and Deprivation on Crime
Authors: O’Mahony Margaret
Published: April 2018

Irish rural areas saw an increase in the number of burglaries in the period following the completion of a network of high speed motorway interurban routes. To test the hypothesis that the new fast infrastructure was providing quick exits by urban based criminal gangs, Irish crime statistics along with census data were combined in a logistic regression analysis to assess the relative influence of accessibility, deprivation, population, and proximity to fast road infrastructure on the number of burglaries in areas. It was found that accessibility had a higher influence on crime than area deprivation and that proximity to fast road infrastructure was not significant.
De Novo Endotoxin-Induced Production of Antibodies against the Bile Salt Export Pump Associated with Bacterial Infection following Major Hepatectomy
Authors: Chan Kun-Ming , Cheng Chih-Hsien , Wu Tsung-Han , Lee Chen-Fang , Wu Ting-Jung , Chou Hong-Shiue , Lee Wei-Chen
Published: April 2018

Background. Clinically severe infection-related inflammation after major liver resection may cause hyperbilirubinemia. This study aims to clarify the impact of bacterial infection and endotoxins on the hepatobiliary transporter system and to explore possible mechanisms of endotoxin-related postoperative hyperbilirubinemia.Method. Mice that underwent major hepatectomy with removal of at least 70% of liver volume were exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) at different dosages. Subsequently, hepatobiliary transporter compounds related to bile salt excretion were further investigated.Results. The expression of genes related to hepatobiliary transporter compounds was not significantly different in the liver tissue of mice after major hepatectomy and LPS exposure. However, bile salt export pump (BSEP) protein expression within the liver tissue of mice treated with LPS after major hepatectomy was relatively weaker and was even further reduced in the high-dose LPS group. The formation of antibodies against the BSEP in response to endotoxin exposure was also detected.Conclusion. This study illustrates a possible mechanism whereby the dysfunction of hepatobiliary transporter systems caused by endotoxin-induced autoantibodies may be involved in the development of postoperative jaundice associated with bacterial infection after major hepatectomy.
Resting State fMRI: A Valuable Tool for Studying Cognitive Dysfunction in PD
Authors: Li Kai , Su Wen , Li Shu-Hua , Jin Ying , Chen Hai-Bo
Published: April 2018

Cognitive impairment is a common disabling symptom in PD. Unlike motor symptoms, the mechanism underlying cognitive dysfunction in Parkinson’s disease (PD) remains unclear and may involve multiple pathophysiological processes. Resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) is a fast-developing research field, and its application in cognitive impairments in PD is rapidly growing. In this review, we summarize rs-fMRI studies on cognitive function in PD and discuss the strong potential of rs-fMRI in this area. rs-fMRI can help reveal the pathophysiology of cognitive symptoms in PD, facilitate early identification of PD patients with cognitive impairment, distinguish PD dementia from dementia with Lewy bodies, and monitor and guide treatment for cognitive impairment in PD. In particular, ongoing and future longitudinal studies would enhance the ability of rs-fMRI in predicting PD dementia. In combination with other modalities such as positron emission tomography, rs-fMRI could give us more information on the underlying mechanism of cognitive deficits in PD.
Evaluation of Quizalofop-Resistant Rice for Arkansas Rice Production Systems
Authors: Lancaster Zachary D. , Norsworthy Jason K. , Scott Robert C.
Published: April 2018

Due to the ongoing evolution of herbicide-resistant weeds, new technologies are needed to maintain effective levels of control. A new rice variety that will be resistant to quizalofop, an acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase- (ACCase-) inhibiting herbicide, is currently under development. With the anticipated launch of this technology in 2018, multiple experiments were conducted to determine effectiveness of the quizalofop-resistant rice system for common grass weed species found in Arkansas rice production. One hundred and twenty-six barnyardgrass populations were collected across Arkansas and treated with quizalofop at 80 g ai ha−1 to determine a baseline of response. All populations evaluated were effectively controlled (≥92%) by quizalofop, with only 13 populations resulting in lower than 98% control. A greenhouse and field trial were conducted to compare efficacy of quizalofop to currently labeled rice graminicides for control of common rice grass weeds. Results from the greenhouse experiment showed that quizalofop treatments resulted in greater efficacy of common grass weeds compared to cyhalofop or fenoxaprop. This was especially apparent at the larger grass growth stages. A field experiment conducted compared season-long weed control programs of quizalofop to fenoxaprop and cyhalofop. The quizalofop-containing treatments were no better than fenoxaprop and cyhalofop for barnyardgrass and broadleaf signalgrass control. Barnyardgrass and broadleaf signalgrass control were greater than 96% for all herbicide treatments. An additional field experiment was conducted to determine the best rate structure for sequential applications of quizalofop in rice. Sequential applications of quizalofop at 120 g ha−1 followed by 120 g ha−1 two weeks later resulted in the highest barnyardgrass and broadleaf signalgrass control. Likewise, applying the full seasonal use rate of 240 g ha−1 of quizalofop resulted in greater control compared to 200 and 160 g ha−1. Results from this research indicate a strong benefit from quizalofop use in rice.
The Antitumor Effect of Xihuang Pill on Treg Cells Decreased in Tumor Microenvironment of 4T1 Breast Tumor‐Bearing Mice by PI3K/AKT~AP‐1 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Li Xin-ye , Su Liang , Jiang Yi-ming , Gao Wen-bin , Xu Chun-wei , Zeng Chang-qian , Song Jie , Xu Yu , Weng Wen-cai , Liang Wen-bo
Published: April 2018

To study the antitumor effect of Xihuang pill (XHP) on the number of Treg cells in the tumor microenvironment of 4T1 breast tumor‐bearing mice by PI3K/AKT/AP‐1 pathway, a mouse model was established. Flow cytometry (FCM) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were used to detect the number of Treg cells in the tumor microenvironment; terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) was used to detect the apoptosis of Treg cells in tumor microenvironment. Quantitative real‐time PCR (RT‐qPCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression of PI3K, AKT, and AP‐1 in Treg cells in tumor microenvironment; immunofluorescence (IF) and Western Blot (WB) were used to detect the protein expression of PI3K, AKT, and AP‐1 in Treg cells in tumor microenvironment. Compared with the naive control group, the tumor weight in XHP groups decreased significantly (P < 0.05); FCM and IHC results showed that the number of Treg cells in the tumor microenvironment decreased with the dose of XHP groups (P < 0.05); TUNEL staining showed that the number of Treg cells in tumor microenvironment increased with the dose of XHP groups (P < 0.05); RT‐qPCR results showed that the mRNA expression of PI3K and AKT in Treg cells decreased with the dose of XHP groups, while RNA expression of AP‐1 increased with the dose of XHP groups (P < 0.05); IF and WB results showed that the protein expression of PI3K and AKT in Treg cells decreased with the dose of XHP groups and the protein expression of AP‐1 increased with the dose of XHP groups (P < 0.05). The results suggested that XHP decreased the number of Treg cells via inhibiting PI3K and AKT expression and upregulating AP‐1 expression in Treg cells and then promoting the apoptosis of Treg cells. Thus, XHP could improve the immunosuppressive state of tumor microenvironment and reverse the immune escape to inhibit tumor growth.
Verification of Thermal Models of Internally Cooled Gas Turbine Blades
Authors: Shevchenko Igor , Rogalev Nikolay , Rogalev Andrey , Vegera Andrey , Bychkov Nikolay
Published: April 2018

Numerical simulation of temperature field of cooled turbine blades is a required element of gas turbine engine design process. The verification is usually performed on the basis of results of test of full-size blade prototype on a gas-dynamic test bench. A method of calorimetric measurement in a molten metal thermostat for verification of a thermal model of cooled blade is proposed in this paper. The method allows obtaining local values of heat flux in each point of blade surface within a single experiment. The error of determination of local heat transfer coefficients using this method does not exceed 8% for blades with radial channels. An important feature of the method is that the heat load remains unchanged during the experiment and the blade outer surface temperature equals zinc melting point. The verification of thermal-hydraulic model of high-pressure turbine blade with cooling allowing asymmetrical heat removal from pressure and suction sides was carried out using the developed method. An analysis of heat transfer coefficients confirmed the high level of heat transfer in the leading edge, whose value is comparable with jet impingement heat transfer. The maximum of the heat transfer coefficients is shifted from the critical point of the leading edge to the pressure side.
Why They Are Different: Based on the Burden of Disease Research of WHO and Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation
Authors: Yoon Seok-Jun , Kim Young-Eun , Kim Eun-Jung
Published: April 2018

Objectives. We traced the methodology of measuring the burden of disease of IHME and WHO in detail and we would like to present various perspectives on the aspects that can be acceptable in Korea or not. Study Design. We investigate the methodology and the major outcomes of the studies of burden of disease and show the direction of our future research. We studied and compared WHO’s and IHME’s outcomes in aspect of the data source, methodological differences, and the interpretation ways. Results. Despite the in-depth review, there was “black box” that could not be explained specifically. But there were some estimations and using of data from developed countries which had well-developed population polls. In addition, using DisMod-MR for metaregression of IHME was different from WHO’s DisMod-2. Discussion. It will be necessary to secure the validity of the claim data in order to trace the accuracy of the disease diagnosis. At last, the accuracy of the data used to construct the disease burden survey system should be promoted. To this end, we propose to introduce a cause-of-death estimation system, linking the cause-of-death report and the health insurance claiming system with the electronic medical records that the hospital produces.
Determinants of Normal Left Atrial Volume in Heart Failure with Moderate-to-Severely Reduced Ejection Fraction
Authors: Gopal Dipika , Wang Jing , Han Yuchi
Published: April 2018

Background. Indexed left atrial volume (LAVi) is a robust predictor of adverse cardiovascular events. A minority of patients with moderate-to-severe left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction maintain normal LAVi. We followed clinical and echocardiographic parameters for at least 6 months to understand how this population is different from patients with similar systolic dysfunction and dilated left atria. Methods and Results. We searched our electronic medical records for “normal” n=817 and “severely dilated” n=1094 LA size and LV ejection fraction (EF) ≤ 35% on echocardiogram reports from 2009 to 2015. We analyzed 115 subjects for LAVi, biplane EF, and diastolic parameters over 2 echocardiograms at least 6 months apart. Younger age, white race, being on an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, smaller end-diastolic LV volume (LVEDV), and longer deceleration time (DT) were associated with having a normal LAVi. The receiver-operating characteristic curve has an area under the curve of 0.95 p<0.0001 for this model. An increase in LVESVi and early mitral flow velocity and a decrease in DT explain 32% of the variance seen in LAVi increase over time. Conclusion. In patients with moderate-to-severely reduced EF, younger age, being on heart failure therapies, and better diastolic dysfunction were independently associated with a normal LAVi. Improvement in systolic and diastolic performances was associated with decreasing LAVi with 6-month to 1-year follow-up.
Study on the Single Scattering of Elastic Waves by a Cylindrical Fiber with a Partially Imperfect Bonding Using the Collocation Point Method
Authors: Zhang Jun , Zeng Longhai , Hu Chuanlin , Yan Wensheng
Published: April 2018

The single scattering of P‐ and SV‐waves by a cylindrical fiber with a partially imperfect bonding to the surrounding matrix is investigated, which benefits the characterization of the behavior of elastic waves in composite materials. The imperfect interface is modelled by the spring model. To solve the corresponding single scattering problem, a collocation point (CP) method is introduced. Based on this method, influence of various aspects of the imperfect interface on the scattering of P‐ and SV‐waves is studied. Results indicate that (i) the total scattering cross section (SCS) is almost symmetric about the axis α = π/2 with respect to the location (α) of the imperfect interface, (ii) imperfect interfaces located at α = 0 and α = π highly reduce the total SCS under a P‐wave incidence and imperfect interfaces located at α = π/2 reduce the total SCS most significantly under SV‐incidence, and (iii) under a P‐wave incidence the SCS has a high sensitivity to the bonding level of imperfect interfaces when α is small, while it becomes more sensitive to the bonding level when α is larger under SV‐wave incidence.
A Novel Heterozygous Missense Mutation inGNAT1Leads to Autosomal Dominant Riggs Type of Congenital Stationary Night Blindness
Authors: Zeitz Christina , Méjécase Cécile , Stévenard Mathilde , Michiels Christelle , Audo Isabelle , Marmor Michael F.
Published: April 2018

Autosomal dominant congenital stationary night blindness (adCSNB) is rare and results from altered phototransduction giving a Riggs type of electroretinogram (ERG) with loss of the rod a-wave and small b-waves. These patients usually have normal vision in light. Only few mutations in genes coding for proteins of the phototransduction cascade lead to this condition; most of these gene defects cause progressive rod-cone dystrophy. Mutation analysis of an adCSNB family with a Riggs-type ERG revealed a novel variant (c.155T>A p.Ile52Asn) inGNAT1coding for theα-subunit of transducin, cosegregating with the phenotype. Domain predictions and 3D-modelling suggest that the variant does not affect the GTP-binding site as otherGNAT1adCSNB mutations do. It affects a predicted nuclear localization signal and a part of the firstα-helix, which is distant from the GTP-binding site. The subcellular protein localization of this and other mutant GNAT1 proteins implicated in CSNB are unaltered in mammalian GNAT1 overexpressing cells. Our findings add a thirdGNAT1mutation causing adCSNB and suggest that different pathogenic mechanisms may cause this condition.
Osteonecrosis of the Jaw Associated with Antiangiogenics in Antiresorptive-Naïve Patient: A Comprehensive Review of the Literature
Authors: Pimolbutr Kununya , Porter Stephen , Fedele Stefano
Published: April 2018

Objectives. To review the available literature on medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) associated with antiangiogenics in antiresorptive-naïve individuals. Methods. A literature search was performed using MEDLINE via PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science in December 2017. Results. We identified reports describing a total of 35 antiresorptive drugs-naïve patients who developed antiangiogenic-related MRONJ. The mean age of these patients was 59.06 years and the F : M ratio was 4 : 5. The most common underlying disease was metastatic renal cell cancer. Pain to the mandible was the most common complaint (34.29%) and the majority of patients presented with bone exposure. The mean duration of intravenous and oral antiangiogenics before MRONJ development was 6.5 and 16.72 months, respectively. The most common additional risk factor was dental extraction (37.14%). Almost half of the MRONJ patients (48.57%) received surgical treatment. 18 patients (62.06%) were reported to have disease resolution within an average time of 6.75 months. Conclusion. MRONJ associated with antiangiogenic therapy in antiresorptive-naïve patients is a rare but potentially serious adverse effect. Available data suggests that there might be notable differences between MRONJ associated with antiangiogenics and antiresorptives; however, further prospective well-designed studies are required.
Pulmonary Artery Pseudoaneurysm: A Rare Cause of Fatal Massive Hemoptysis
Authors: Koneru Himaja , Biswas Roy Sreeja , Islam Monirul , Abdelrazek Hesham , Bandyopadhyay Debabrata , Madan Nikhil , Patil Pradnya D. , Panchabhai Tanmay S.
Published: April 2018

Pulmonary artery pseudoaneurysm (PAPA), an uncommon complication of pyogenic bacterial and fungal infections and related septic emboli, is associated with high mortality. The pulmonary artery (PA) lacks an adventitial wall; therefore, repeated endovascular seeding of the PA with septic emboli creates saccular dilations that are more likely to rupture than systemic arterial aneurysms. The most common clinical presentation of PAPA is massive hemoptysis and resultant worsening hypoxemia. Computed tomography angiography is the preferred diagnostic modality for PAPA; typical imaging patterns include focal outpouchings of contrast adjacent to a branch of the PA following the same contrast density as the PA in all phases of the study. In mycotic PAPAs, multiple synchronous lesions are often seen in segmental and subsegmental PAs due to ongoing embolic phenomena. The recommended approach for a mycotic PAPA is prolonged antimicrobial therapy; for massive hemoptysis, endovascular treatment (e.g., coil embolization, stenting, or embolization of the feeding vessel) is preferred. PAPA resection and lobectomy are a last resort, generally reserved for patients with uncontrolled hemoptysis or pleural hemorrhage. We present a case of a 28-year-old woman with necrotizing pneumonia from intravenous drug use who ultimately died from massive hemoptysis and shock after a ruptured PAPA.
Green LED as an Effective Light Source for Curing Acrylate-Based Dental Resins in Combination with Irgacure 784
Authors: Bukovinszky Katalin , Szalóki Melinda , Csarnovics István , Szabó Istvan , Kéki Sándor , Nagy Miklós , Hegedűs Csaba
Published: April 2018

Low intensity green light emitting diodes (LED) were shown to be an effective light source to induce the photopolymerization of an acrylate-based photocurable dental restorative resin mixture of bisphenol A glycerolate dimethacrylate (BisGMA), triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA), and diurethane dimethacrylate (UDMA), in combination with fluorinated diaryl titanocene (Irgacure 784). Dental matrices were prepared by the LED light source at different intensities. The mechanical properties, such as Vickers microhardness, compressive strength, diametric tensile strength, flexural strength, and E-modulus of the created samples, were investigated. The kinetics of the photopolymerization was followed by Raman spectroscopy and conversion values were determined. It was found that, despite its narrow-emission range centered at a wavelength of 531 nm, the green LED light source is suitable for the preparation of dental matrices with good mechanical properties and high conversion values.
Use of Osteofasciocutaneous Fibular Free Flap and Radial Head Arthroplasty in Trauma for Limb Salvage and Continued Elbow Function
Authors: Kilmartin Catherine , Harper Katharine D. , Mehta Chirag , Thoder Joseph , Newman Andrew
Published: April 2018

Reconstructive flaps have revolutionized the ability of surgeons to restore function and cosmesis for patients. While reconstructive flaps have been used to bridge large defects due to oncologic or congenital maladies necessitating large debridements, few cases have observed salvage flaps in traumas which provide additional challenges secondary to an injury trajectory. This case report details use of an osteofasciocutaneous fibular free flap and radial head prosthesis to restore forearm function in a 64-year-old female with a comminuted fracture of the proximal radius. The patient has sustained a 5.5 cm epiphyseal radial defect with an associated 20 × 15 cm overlying tissue defect after serial debridement. In review of the literature, only one nontraumatic case using a combined free flap and radial head prosthesis for proximal forearm defect to restore joint function has been reported. We suggest that, for proximal forearm fractures, this technique can be used to restore elbow joint function in limb salvage.
The Kinetics of Anti-HLA Antibodies in the First Year after Kidney Transplantation: In Whom and When Should They Be Monitored?
Authors: Castro Maria Cristina Ribeiro de , Barbosa Erick A. , Souza Renata P. , Agena Fabiana , Souza Patrícia S. de , Maciel Gabriella , Rodrigues Hélcio , Panajotopoulos Nicolas , David Daísa S. , Paula Flávio J. de , David-Neto Elias
Published: April 2018

The impact of the kinetics of the anti-HLA antibodies after KTx on the occurrence of acute rejection as well as the better time-point to monitor anti-HLA Abs after transplantation is not completely defined. This prospective study followed 150 patients over 12 months after transplantation. Serum IgG anti-HLA Abs were detected by single antigen beads after typing donors and recipients for loci A, B, C, DR, and DQ. Before KTx, 89 patients did not present anti-HLA Abs and 2% developed “de novo” Abs during the 1st year, 39 patients were sensitized without DSAs, and 13% developed DSA after surgery; all of them presented ABMR. Sensitized patients presented higher acute rejection rates (36.4% versus 13.5%, p<0.001), although 60% of the patients did not present ABMR. Patients, in whom DSA-MFI decreased during the first two weeks after surgery, did not develop ABMR. Those who sustained their levels presented a rate of 22% of ABMR. 85% of patients developed ABMR when MFIs increased early after transplantation (which occurred in 30% of the DSA positive patients). In the ABMR group, we observed an iDSA-MFI sharp drop on the fourth day and then an increase between the 7th and 14th POD, which suggests DSA should be monitored at this moment in sensitized patients for better ABMR prediction.
Verification of a Motion Sensor for Evaluating Physical Activity in COPD Patients
Authors: Miyamoto Seiko , Minakata Yoshiaki , Azuma Yuichiro , Kawabe Kazumi , Ono Hideya , Yanagimoto Ryuta , Suruda Tadatoshi
Published: April 2018

Background. Objective evaluation of the physical activity (PA) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is important. We validated a triaxial accelerometer, Active Style Pro HJA-750C® (HJA), and evaluated the necessary conditions for obtaining reproducible data. Methods. The PA measured by HJA was compared with that measured by two already validated accelerometers in 11 patients with COPD (age: 76.6 ± 6.9, FEV1% predicted: 57.6 ± 18.6). Then, the influence of weather and holidays on the PA and the required number of days to obtain repeatability were examined in 21 patients with COPD (age: 73.0 ± 8.0, FEV1% predicted: 58.7 ± 19.0). Results. The PA values measured by HJA and those by DynaPort Move Monitor® (DMM) or Actimarker® (AM) were significantly correlated at all intensities (p=0.024 at ≥4.0 METs by DMM and p<0.0001 at the rest) except at ≥4.0 METs by AM, though the values measured by HJA were higher than those by AM which was reported to underestimate PA. The durations of PA on rainy days were significantly shorter than those on nonrainy days, but those on holidays were not different from those on weekdays. The values of ICC for 3, 4, or 5 days were higher than 0.8 at all intensities. The PA measured by HJA was correlated with the dyspnea scale FVC and age and tended to correlate with FEV1. Conclusions. The HJA was validated for evaluating the PA in patients with COPD. This trial is registered with UMIN000016363.