bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potent Anti-hepatitis C Virus (HCV) T Cell Immune Responses Induced in Mice Vaccinated with DNA-Launched RNA Replicons and Modified Vaccinia Virus Ankara-HCV
Authors: Marín María Q. , Pérez Patricia , Ljungberg Karl , Sorzano Carlos Óscar S. , Gómez Carmen E. , Liljeström Peter , Esteban Mariano , García-Arriaza Juan
Published: January 2019

HCV represents a global health problem as more than 71 million people are chronically infected worldwide. Direct-acting antiviral agents can cure HCV infection in most patients, but due to the high cost of these agents and the emergence of resistant mutants, they do not represent a feasible and affordable strategy to eradicate the virus. Therefore, a vaccine is an urgent goal that requires efforts to understand the correlates of protection for HCV clearance. Here, we describe for the first time the generation of novel vaccines against HCV based on alphavirus DNA replicons expressing HCV antigens. We demonstrate that potent T cell immune responses, as well as humoral immune responses, against HCV can be achieved in mice by using a combined heterologous prime/boost immunization protocol consisting of the administration of alphavirus replicon DNA vectors as the priming immunization followed by a boost with a recombinant modified vaccinia virus Ankara vector expressing HCV antigens.
Genomic Analyses of Acute Flaccid Myelitis Cases among a Cluster in Arizona Provide Further Evidence of Enterovirus D68 Role
Authors: Bowers Jolene R. , Valentine Michael , Harrison Veronica , Fofanov Viacheslav Y. , Gillece John , Delisle Josie , Patton Bethany , Schupp James , Sheridan Krystal , Lemmer Darrin , Ostdiek Scott , Bains Harlori K. , Heim Jennifer , Sylvester Tammy , Prasai Siru , Kretschmer Melissa , Fowle Nicole , Komatsu Kenneth , Brady Shane , Robinson Susan , Fitzpatrick Kathryn , Ostovar Gholamabbas Amin , Alsop Eric , Hutchins Elizabeth , Jensen Kendall , Keim Paul , Engelthaler David M.
Published: January 2019

Enteroviruses frequently result in respiratory and gastrointestinal illness; however, multiple subtypes, including poliovirus, can cause severe neurologic disease. Recent biennial increases (i.e., 2014, 2016, and 2018) in cases of non-polio acute flaccid paralysis have led to speculations that other enteroviruses, specifically enterovirus D68 (EV-D68), are emerging to fill the niche that was left from poliovirus eradication. A cluster of 11 suspect cases of pediatric acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) was identified in 2016 in Phoenix, AZ. Multiple genomic analyses identified the presence of EV-D68 in the majority of clinical AFM cases. Beyond limited detection of herpesvirus, no other likely etiologies were found in the cluster. These findings strengthen the likelihood that EV-D68 is a cause of AFM and show that the rapid molecular assays developed for this study are useful for investigations of AFM and EV-D68.
Rare Taxa Exhibit Disproportionate Cell-Level Metabolic Activity in Enriched Anaerobic Digestion Microbial Communities
Authors: Jia Yangyang , Leung Marcus H. Y. , Tong Xinzhao , Wilkins David , Lee Patrick K. H.
Published: January 2019

Variation in microbial activity levels is increasingly being recognized as both an important dimension in community function and a complicating factor in sequencing-based survey methods. This study extends previous reports that rare taxa may contribute disproportionately to community activity in some natural environments, showing that this may also hold in artificially maintained model communities with well-described inputs, outputs, and biochemical functions. These results demonstrate that assessment of activity levels using the rRNA/rDNA ratio is robust across taxonomic unit formation methods and is independently corroborated by omics methods. The results also provide insight into the comparative advantages and disadvantages of different taxonomic unit formation methods in amplicon sequencing studies, showing that UNOISE3 provides comparable microbial diversity, structure, and activity information as the 97% sequence similarity method but potentially loses some phylogenetic diversity and creates more “phantom taxa” (which are present in the RNA pool but not the corresponding DNA pool).
Potential life-threatening complication of tonsillectomy: cervicofacial surgical emphysema
Authors: Shoemaker Kirsten , Thompson Christopher SG , Sawant Rupali , Thiel Gundula
Published: January 2019

A 30-year-old woman presented to the accident and emergency department 3 days post-tonsillectomy with bleeding from the tonsillar fossa and left-sided facial swelling. The patient denied any dysphagia or breathing difficulties but experienced pain on neck movement. On examination, although the bleeding had stopped on reaching the emergency department, a small clot was noted in her left tonsillar fossa. A left facial/submandibular swelling was seen, which had been present since her operation and was slowly enlarging. Flexible nasendoscopy showed a mild left sided oropharyngeal swelling but was otherwise normal. She was treated initially with antibiotics and hydrogen peroxide gargles. After 24 hours of observation and a slight worsening of the swelling she underwent a CT of the neck. This showed widespread indurated subcutaneous surgical emphysema, originating from the left tonsillar bed. Following a period of observation and improvement in her symptoms, she was discharged home with safety netting.
Comparative effectiveness of treatment options for plantar heel pain: a systematic review with network meta-analysis
Authors: Babatunde Opeyemi O , Legha Amardeep , Littlewood Chris , Chesterton Linda S , Thomas Martin J , Menz Hylton B , van der Windt Danielle , Roddy Edward
Published: January 2019

Objective

To evaluate the comparative effectiveness of current treatment options for plantar heel pain (PHP).

Design

Systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA).

Data sources

Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, AMED, PEDro, Cochrane Database, Web of Science and WHO Clinical Trials Platform were searched from their inception until January 2018.

Study selection

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of adults with PHP investigating common treatments (ie, corticosteroid injection, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, therapeutic exercise, orthoses and/or extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT)) compared with each other or a no treatment, placebo/sham control.

Data extraction and analysis

Data were extracted and checked for accuracy and completeness by pairs of reviewers. Primary outcomes were pain and function. Comparative treatment effects were analysed by random effects NMA in the short term, medium term and long term. Relative ranking of treatments was assessed by surface under the cumulative ranking probabilities (0–100 scale).

Results

Thirty-one RCTs (total n=2450 patients) were included. There was no evidence of inconsistency detected between direct and indirect treatment comparisons in the networks, but sparse data led to frequently wide CIs. Available evidence does not suggest that any of the commonly used treatments for the management of PHP are better than any other, although corticosteroid injections, alone or in combination with exercise, and ESWT were ranked most likely to be effective for the management of short-term, medium-term and long-term pain or function; placebo/sham/control appeared least likely to be effective; and exercise appeared to only be beneficial for long-term pain or function.

Conclusions

Current evidence is equivocal regarding which treatment is the most effective for the management of PHP. Given limited understanding of long-term effects, there is need for large, methodologically robust multicentre RCTs investigating and directly comparing commonly used treatments for the management of PHP.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42016046963.
Two monologues do not make a dialogue: the need for medical specialty–specific communication workshops: population-based study
Authors: Palocaren Jeeji , Puthuparampil Renjith Raj , Thalappillil Celine Mathew
Published: January 2019

Aim

Increasing attacks on healthcare personnel in India have highlighted the need for improved communication between staff and patients. Currently, communication skill workshops target doctors and nurses, overlooking a key player relevant to patient satisfaction—allied health professionals (henceforth, AHPs). This study evaluates the impact of communication skills training for diagnostic laboratory and blood bank personnel on patient satisfaction scores.

Method

The impact of communication workshop for AHPs was tested through pre-workshop and post-workshop questionnaires to participants that tested how they handle communication with patients. Additionally, participants were also administered the questionnaire 4 months after the workshop to test knowledge retention. In parallel, the change in patient satisfaction towards AHPs was assessed by a pre-workshop and post-workshop patient survey.

Results

Participants experienced a statistically significant improvement in communication skills, as measured by the pre-workshop and post-workshop questionnaires. This coincided with a significant increase in patient satisfaction scores after the workshop, as indicated by the patient satisfaction survey. The difference in communication skills scores between experienced and inexperienced personnel showed a marked decrease after the workshop, suggesting that such workshops can help inexperienced workers ‘catch up’ with more experienced workers. However, scores of all participants showed a statistically significant decrease after 4 months, suggesting that the use of such workshops can be enhanced through periodic refresher courses.

Conclusion

Communication workshops for AHPs can play a crucial role in improving patient–hospital relations. These workshops can also help standardise services by bridging communication skill differences between experienced and inexperienced staff.
Overutilisation of imaging studies for diagnosis of pulmonary embolism: are we following the guidelines?
Authors: Dhakal Prajwal , Iftikhar Mian Harris , Wang Ling , Atti Varunsiri , Panthi Sagar , Ling Xiao , Mujer Mark T P , Dawani Om , Rai Manoj P , Tatineni Shilpa , Shrotriya Shiva , Rayamajhi Supratik
Published: January 2019

Objective

To evaluate if imaging studies such as CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) or ventilation–perfusion (V/Q) scan are ordered according to the current guidelines for the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE).

Methods

We performed a retrospective observational cohort study in all adult patients who presented to the Sparrow Hospital Emergency Department from January 2014 to December 2016 and underwent CTPA or V/Q scan. We calculated the Wells’ score retrospectively, and d-dimer values were used to determine if the imaging study was justified.

Results

A total of 8449 patients underwent CTPA (93%) or V/Q scan (7%), among which 142 (1.7%) patients were diagnosed with PE. The Wells’ criteria showed low probabilities for PE in 96 % and intermediate or high probabilities in 4 % of total patients. Modified Wells’ criteria demonstrated PE unlikely in 99.6 % and PE likely in 0.4 % of total patients. D-dimer was obtained in only 37 % of patients who were unlikely to have a PE or had a low score on Wells’ criteria. Despite a low or unlikely Wells’ criteria score and normal d-dimer levels, 260 patients underwent imaging studies, and none were diagnosed with PE.

Conclusion

More than 99 % of CTPA or V/Q scans were negative in our study. This suggests extraordinary overutilisation of the imaging methods. D-dimer, recommended in patients with low to moderate risk, was ordered in only one-third of patients. Much greater emphasis of current guidelines is needed to avoid inappropriate utilisation of resources without missing diagnosis of PE.
ECG in suspected pulmonary embolism
Authors: Thomson Duncan , Kourounis Georgios , Trenear Rebecca , Messow Claudia-Martina , Hrobar Petr , Mackay Alistair , Isles Chris
Published: January 2019

Objective

To establish the diagnostic value of prespecified ECG changes in suspected pulmonary embolism (PE).

Methods

Retrospective case–control study in a district general hospital setting. We identified 189 consecutive patients with suspected PE whose CT pulmonary angiogram (CTPA) was positive for a first PE and for whom an ECG taken at the time of presentation was available. We matched these for age±3 years with 189 controls with suspected PE whose CTPA was negative. We considered those with large (n=76) and small (n=113) clot load separately. We scored each ECG for the presence or absence of eight features that have been reported to occur more commonly in PE.

Results

20%–25% of patients with PE, including those with large clot load, had normal ECGs. The most common ECG abnormality in patients with PE was sinus tachycardia (28%). S1Q3T3 (3.7%), P pulmonale (0.5%) and right axis deviation (4.2%) were infrequent findings. Right bundle branch block (9.0%), atrial dysrhythmias (10.1%) and clockwise rotation (20.1%) occurred more frequently but were also common in controls. Right ventricular (RV) strain pattern was significantly more commonly in patients than controls, 11.1% vs 2.6% (sensitivity 11.1%, specificity 97.4%; OR 4.58, 95% CI 1.63 to 15.91; p=0.002), particularly in those with large clot load, 17.1% vs 2.6% (sensitivity 17.1%, specificity 97.4%; OR 7.55, 95% CI 1.62 to 71.58; p=0.005).

Conclusion

An ECG showing RV strain in a breathless patient is highly suggestive of PE. Many of the other ECG changes that have been described in PE occur too infrequently to be of predictive value.
Leishmaniosis in a dog with no travel history outside of the UK
Authors: McKenna Myles , Attipa Charalampos , Tasker Severine , Augusto Monica
Published: January 2019

A 3‐year‐old male neutered Shih Tzu cross was presented for investigation of a three‐week history of weight loss, seborrhoea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Initial clinicopathological findings included pancytopenia, mild hypercalcaemia and marked hyperglobulinaemia. Subsequent bone marrow and skin biopsies revealed the presence of Leishmania amastigotes. Quantitative serology was positive for Leishmania species and PCR on the bone marrow sample confirmed a Leishmania infantum infection. The patient had been in the owner's possession since a puppy, had no travel history outside of the UK and had never received a blood transfusion or been used for breeding. However, another dog in the household that had been imported from Spain had been euthanased six months previously due to severe leishmaniosis. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first reported case of canine leishmaniosis in the UK without a history of travel to an endemic area, and most likely represents a case of dog‐to‐dog transmission.
N-type Ba0.2Co4Sb11.5Te0.5: Optimization of thermoelectric properties by different pressures
Authors: Chen Jiaxiang , Jia Xiaopeng , Zhang Yuewen , Liu Haiqiang , Liu Baomin , Wang Jian , Ding Luyao , Ji Guangyao , Ma Hongan
Published: January 2019

The polycrystalline skutterudite [Formula: see text] were successfully synthesized from 1.5 GPa to 3.5 GPa by the high pressure and high temperature (HPHT) method. Negative Seebeck coefficient confirmed the n-type conductivity of all samples. The phase compositions of samples were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and the microstructures were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It was found that the grains appeared smaller and the grain boundaries became more abundant when pressures were higher. We measured the electrical properties from room temperature to 723 K. Both the electrical resistivity and absolute value of Seebeck coefficient increase with the increasing synthetic pressure. At 723 K, the maximum power factor of [Formula: see text] was obtained for the sample synthesized under 3 GPa. The maximum ZT value of 0.61 was reached by [Formula: see text] synthesized under 3 GPa and measured at 723 K.
Split-ring resonator-based compact microstrip antenna
Authors: Li Linpeng , Ye Shengze , Xu Jianchun , Hao Yanan , Guo Limin , Yang Daquan , Bi Ke
Published: January 2019

Compact microstrip antennas based on split-ring resonator (SRR) structure are proposed and fabricated in this paper. The resonant frequency of the antennas is discussed upon different geometric structures. The influencing mechanism of the antenna parameters on resonant frequency is analyzed. The analytical and experimental analyses are carried out and proved that the resonant frequency can be controlled from 13.5 GHz to 17.2 GHz by tuning some of the crucial parameters. A good agreement between the simulations and the measurement results suggests that the proposed antenna can be designed at different resonant frequencies while maintaining a small-size, low-profile structure and good performance.
The adsorption of nitrogen oxides on noble metal-doped graphene: The first-principles study
Authors: Jia X. , An L.
Published: January 2019

The first-principles method based on density functional theory has been used to investigate the adsorption performance of NO/NO2 molecules on intrinsic, Ag-doped, Pt-doped and Au-doped graphene. Results show that graphene doped with Ag/Pt/Au has shorter final adsorption distance, larger adsorption energy and charge transfer amount with NO/NO2 molecules than intrinsic graphene, and the charge densities of doped graphene and NO/NO2 molecules overlap effectively. Therefore, doping graphene with noble metals can greatly enhance the adsorption between graphene and NO/NO2 molecules. Analysis also reveals that Au-doped graphene has the strongest adsorption effect on NO/NO2 molecules, followed by Ag-doped graphene, while Pt-doped graphene has the weakest role on the adsorption of NO/NO2 molecules. The work conducted in this research provides a theoretical guidance for the application of NO/NO2 gas sensors based on graphene.
Fractional magnetic flux transition in two-band single-junction superconducting rings
Authors: Huang Hai , Zhang Jian-Jiang , Huang Xia
Published: January 2019

Based on Ginzburg–Landau (GL) theory, we study the electromagnetic properties of two-band superconducting ring with a microbridge structure. The phase difference of two-order parameters in two-band superconductors satisfies the sine-Gordon equation, and from its soliton solution, the linear relation between the phase difference at both ends of the junction and total magnetic flux in the ring can be obtained. Then with the Josephson current-phase relation in the two-band superconducting microbridge, we establish the dependence of the circulating current and total magnetic flux on the applied external magnetic field. Our analysis shows that the soliton solution and the fractional flux quantization in two-band superconductors can be verified by measuring the properties of this single-junction structure.
Performance evaluation of various desmogging techniques for single smoggy images
Authors: Bala Jeevan , Lakhwani Kamlesh
Published: January 2019

The worsening air pollution is producing serious smog problems in the world. The high concentration of aerosol, that attenuates the scene radiance and adds undesired scattering illumination into the actual illumination values, has a serious effect on the visibility of the images. Therefore, images captured under smoggy environments suffer from poor visibility. Because, the smog particles attenuate the illumination reflected by the targets and add undesired scattering light. Therefore, imaging under smoggy environments affect the performance of many machine vision systems such as intelligent transportation system, remote sensing imaging, aerial imaging, etc. From the literature, it has been observed that majority of existing researchers have either focused on foggy or hazy images only.
EXPLORATORY STUDY ON RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN FAMILY FUNCTIONING, DEMOGRAPHICS AND INDIVIDUAL WELL-BEING IN EAST ASIA
Authors: LO HERMAN HAY MING , CHUNG CHAN MIRANDA LAI FOON , KIM YOUNG HEE , MUI MOSES WAI KEUNG , FENG JOYCE YEN , ZHU MEIHUA , WONG KWONG SING , CHINAPAN BAWANY , LEE NGAK SIANG
Published: January 2019

This exploratory study examined the relationship between family functioning and individual’s well-being across seven East Asian cities. 3,834 participants recruited through convenience sampling completed a family survey. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVAs, and hierarchical regression analyses were performed. Results showed that, among the survey respondents, overall 31.1% of families were diagnosed as dysfunctional, 11.3% were scored as low functioning, and 50.7% were classified as high functioning. In various cities, 21.2% to 40.6% of the families were diagnosed as dysfunctional, 6.5% to 16.6% were scored as low functioning, and 33.2% to 68% were classified as high functioning. Income per head and divorce predicted low family functioning. After controlling demographic variables, family functioning significantly predicted subjective happiness (ΔR2 = .17), depression (ΔR2 = .11), mental health (ΔR2 = .05) and physical health (ΔR2 = .02). More cross-cultural studies on Asian families were recommended for improving our understanding of family dynamics and functioning of Eastern families.
AN EVALUATION STUDY ON AN INTERVENTION MODEL ON CONSCIOUSNESS-RAISING AND COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION FOR LOW-INCOME WOMEN
Authors: FUNG KWOK KIN , HUNG SUET LIN , LAU AVA SIU MEI
Published: January 2019

This paper discusses the effectiveness of an intervention model that was targeted at facilitating consciousness-raising and community participation of low income women in achieving the objectives of reducing gender stereotypes and cultivating a belief in gender equality. A quantitative study was conducted by adopting the Sex-Role Egalitarianism Scale and 11 questions were developed with regards to family and gender equality. The research results provided evidence that the intervention model had effectively reduced gender stereotyping in five areas; raised the sense of self of the participants in their relationship with in-laws; and strengthened belief in gender equalities in family and society.
QuillajaSaponin Characteristics and Functional Properties
Authors: Reichert Corina L. , Salminen Hanna , Weiss Jochen
Published: January 2019

Consumer concerns about synthetically derived food additives have increased current research efforts to find naturally occurring alternatives. This review focuses on a group of natural surfactants, the Quillaja saponins, that can be extracted from the Quillaja saponaria Molina tree. Quillaja saponins are triterpenoid saponins comprising a hydrophobic quillaic acid backbone and hydrophilic sugar moieties. Commercially available Quillaja saponin products and their composition and properties are described, and the technofunctionality of Quillaja saponins in a variety of food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical product applications is discussed. These applications make use of the biological and interfacial activities of Quillaja saponins and their ability to form and stabilize colloidal structures such as emulsions, foams, crystallized lipid particles, heteroaggregates, and micelles. Further emphasis is given to the complexation and functional properties of Quillaja saponins with other cosurfactants to create mixed surfactant systems, an approach that has the potential to facilitate new interfacial structures and novel functionalities.
The Guizhi Gancao Decoction Attenuates Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury by Suppressing Inflammation and Cardiomyocyte Apoptosis
Authors: Gao Yuan , Song Ge , Cao Ying-Jie , Yan Kui-Po , Li Bin , Zhu Xin-Feng , Wang You-Ping , Xing Zuo-Ying , Cui Lin , Wang Xiao-Xiao , Zhu Ming-Jun
Published: January 2019

Guizhi Gancao Decoction (GGD) is a well-known traditional Chinese herbal medicine for the treatment of various cardiovascular diseases, such as myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury and arrhythmia. However, the mechanism by which GGD contributes to the amelioration of cardiac injury remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential protective role of GGD against myocardial I/R injury and its possible mechanism. Consistent with the effect of the positive drug (Trimetazidine, TMZ), we subsequently validated that GGD could ameliorate myocardial I/R injury as evidenced by histopathological examination and triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining. Moreover, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay demonstrated that GGD suppressed myocardial apoptosis, which may be related to the upregulation of Bcl-2, PPARα, and PPARγ and downregulation of Bax, caspase-3, and caspase-9. Pretreatment with GGD attenuated the levels of proinflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin- (IL-) 6, and IL-1β in serum by inhibiting Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/NF-κB signaling pathway. These results indicated that GGD exhibits cardioprotective effects on myocardial I/R injury through inhibition of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway, which led to reduced inflammatory response and the subsequent cardiomyocyte apoptosis.
Identification of Accident Blackspots on Rural Roads Using Grid Clustering and Principal Component Clustering
Authors: Shen Ling , Lu Jian , Long Man , Chen Tingjun
Published: January 2019

Identifying road accident blackspots is an effective strategy for reducing accidents. The application of this method in rural areas is different from highway and urban roads as the latter two have complete geographic information. This paper presents (1) a novel segmentation method using grid clustering and K‐MEDOIDS to study the spatial patterns of road accidents in rural roads, (2) a clustering methodology using principal component analysis (PCA) and improved K‐means to create recognition of road accident blackspots based on segmented results, and (3) using accidents causes in police report to analyze recognition results. The proposed methodology will be illustrated by accident data in Chinese rural area in 2017. A grid‐based partition was carried on by using intersection as a basic spatial unit. Appended hazard scores were then added to the segments and using K‐means clustering, a result of similar hotspots was completed. The accuracy of the results is verified by the analysis of the cause extracted by Fuzzy C‐means algorithm (FCM).
Mulberry Bark Alleviates Effect of STZ Inducing Diabetic Mice through Negatively Regulating FoxO1
Authors: Qiu Fan , Wang Jiang , Liu Hua-Yu , Zhang Yu-Qing
Published: January 2019

Dysfunction of insulin secretion and hyperglycaemia were commonly found due to damaged β cells of pancreas. In our previous research, it was found that mulberry branch bark powder (MBBP) was effective in treating diabetes in mice which were induced by STZ and high fat diet. The present study was designed to evaluate the protective effect of MBBP on STZ-induced β cells injury and investigate underlying mechanisms. By preventive administration of branch bark powder, the damage caused by STZ injection was found to be alleviated. In MBBP feed groups, pathological weight loss was inhibited, fasting blood glucose was controlled, the incidence of diabetes decreased, and blood lipid level and antioxidant capacities were restored. The PI3K/AKT/FoxO1 signal pathway was found to be activated by key proteins expression and gene testing. In liver, the increased PI3K and phosphorylated AKT, the phosphorylated, and inactivated FoxO1, which regulates the expression of gluconeogenic gene and explains the effect of relieving insulin resistance of MBBP. Therefore, the MBBP improves the tolerance of pancreas to the toxicity of STZ involving the PI3K/AKT/FoxO1 signalling pathway.
Evaluation of Caldera Hosted Geothermal Potential during Volcanism and Magmatism in Subduction System, NE Japan
Authors: Amanda Fajar F. , Yamada Ryoichi , Uno Masaoki , Okumura Satoshi , Tsuchiya Noriyoshi
Published: January 2019

Deep-seated geothermal reservoirs beneath calderas have high potential as sources of renewable energy. In this study, we used an analysis of melt inclusions to estimate the amount of water input to the upper crust and quantify the properties of a deep-seated geothermal reservoir within a fossil caldera, the late Miocene Fukano Caldera (formation age 8–6 Ma), Sendai, NE Japan. Our research shows that Fukano Caldera consists of the southern part and northern part deposits which differ in the age and composition. The northern deposits are older and have higher potassium and silica contents than the southern deposits. Both the northern and southern deposits record plagioclase and plagioclase–quartz differentiation and are classified as dacite–rhyolite. The fossil magma chamber underlying the caldera is estimated to have a depth of ~2–10 km and a water content of 3.3–7.0 wt.%, and when the chamber was active it had an estimated temperature of 750°C–795°C. The water input into the fossil magma chamber is estimated at 2.3–7.6 t/yr/m arc length based on the magma chamber size the water content in the magma chamber and the length of volcanism periods of Fukano Caldera, NE Japan arc. The total amount of water that is stored in the chamber is ~1014 kg. The chamber is saturated in water and has potential as a deep-seated geothermal reservoir. Based on the shape of the chamber, the reservoir measures ~10 km × 5 km in the horizontal dimension and is 7–9 km in vertical extent. The 0th estimate shows that the reservoir can hold the electric energy equivalent of 33–45 GW over 30 years of power generation. Although the Fukano reservoir has great potential, commercial exploitation remains challenging owing to the corrosive nature of the magmatic fluids and the uncertain permeability network of the reservoir.
Numerical Simulation of Microemulsion Flooding in Low-Permeability Reservoir
Authors: Wang Dongqi , Yin Daiyin , Gong Xiangzhu
Published: January 2019

Based on the features of microemulsion flooding in low-permeability reservoir, a three-dimension three-phase five-component mathematical model for microemulsion flooding is established in which the diffusion and adsorption characteristics of surfactant molecules are considered. The non-Darcy flow equation is used to describe the microemulsion flooding seepage law in which the changes of threshold pressure gradient can be taken into account, and the correlation coefficients in the non-Darcy flow equation are determined through the laboratory experiments. A new treatment for the changes of threshold pressure and the quantitative description of adsorption quantity of surfactant and relative permeability curves are presented, which enhance the coincidence between mathematical model and experiment results. The relative errors of main development indexes are within 4%. A software is programmed based on the model to execute a core-level small-scale numerical simulation in Chaoyanggou Oilfield. The fitting relative errors of the pressure, flow rate, and moisture content are 3.25%, 2.71%, and 2.54%, respectively. The results of laboratory experiments and numerical simulation showed that microemulsion system could reduce the threshold pressure gradient by 0.010 MPa/m and injection pressure by 0.6 MPa. The biggest decline in moisture content reaches 33%, and the oil recovery is enhanced by 10.8%.
Purple Sweet Potato Color Attenuates Kidney Damage by Blocking VEGFR2/ROS/NLRP3 Signaling in High-Fat Diet-Treated Mice
Authors: Zheng Gui-Hong , Shan Qun , Mu Jing-Jing , Wang Yong-Jian , Zhang Zi-Feng , Fan Shao-Hua , Hu Bin , Li Meng-Qiu , Xie Jun , Chen Ping , Wu Dong-Mei , Lu Jun , Zheng Yuan-Lin
Published: January 2019

Our preliminary data showed that VEGFR2 upregulation promoted renal ROS overproduction in high-fat diet- (HFD-) treated mice. Given that ROS-induced NLRP3 activation plays a central role in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetic kidney injury, we evaluate whether VEGFR2 upregulation induces type 2 diabetic kidney injury via ROS-mediated NLRP3 activation and further explore the underlying mechanism. Our results showed that VEGFR2 knockdown decreased ROS overproduction, blocked NLRP3-dependent inflammation, and alleviated kidney damage in HFD-treated mice. Treatment with α-lipoic acid, a scavenger of ROS, lowered ROS overproduction and alleviated NLRP3-triggered kidney injury of HFD-treated mice. Collectively, the VEGFR2/ROS/NLRP3 signal is a critical therapeutic strategy for the kidney injury of HFD-treated mice. Purple sweet potato color (PSPC), a natural anthocyanin, can exert renal protection by inhibiting ROS in HFD-treated mice. Here, we provide a novel mechanism of PSPC against renal damage in HFD-treated mice by downregulating VEGFR2 expression.
Stability Analysis of Soil Embankment Slope Reinforced with Polypropylene Fiber under Freeze-Thaw Cycles
Authors: Gong Yafeng , He Yulong , Han Chunpeng , Shen Yangfan , Tan Guojin
Published: January 2019

Polypropylene fiber is a common soil reinforcement material which is used to reinforce a common clay in northeast China. Numerical analysis method was performed to investigate the effect of polypropylene fibers on stability of embankment slope subjected to freeze-thaw cycles. The orthogonal experiments of three factors (freeze-thaw cycle, fiber content, and fiber length) and three levels were carried out, and the corresponding nine groups of specimens were made, whose shear strength parameters (internal friction angle and bond force) were measured by direct shear test. Then, the experimental results were analyzed by analysis of variance and range analysis so that the optimum fiber content and fiber length can be determined. The finite element model of typical high-fill soil slope of freeway in northeast China was established whose basic material parameters were taken as the parameters of shear strength of different freeze-thaw cycles under the optimum fiber content and fiber length. The concept of shear strength reduction was introduced into the finite element model, and the convergence of the finite element model was taken as the judging criterion of slope stability. Thus, stability analysis of soil embankment slope reinforced with polypropylene fiber under freeze-thaw cycles was realized. The results show that the addition of fibers improves the cohesion under the action of freeze-thaw cycles, and the internal friction angle is improved in the case of freezing and thawing. This phenomenon leads to the improvement of the stability of the embankment slope in a freeze-thaw cycle. The improvement is particularly noticeable in the case, and this improvement effect decreases as the number of freeze-thaw cycles increases.
Precise Design of Solid Rocket Motor Heat Insulation Layer Thickness under Nonuniform Dynamic Burning Rate
Authors: Wei Ran , Bao Futing , Liu Yang , Hui Weihua
Published: January 2019

With the purpose of obtaining optimal designs of the heat insulating layers in solid rocket motors, we have proposed a numerical approach to compute the ideal thickness of the heat insulating layer. The proposed method is compatible with solid rocket motors that have any shape and any manner of erosion. The nonuniform dynamic burning rate is taken into consideration to achieve higher accuracy. A high-performance code is developed that uses triangular geometry as an input to allow exchanging data from any CAD platform. An improved geometric intersection algorithm is developed to generate the required sampling points, saving 35% computation time compared to its open source equivalent. Parallel computing technology is utilized to further improve the performance. All operations of the proposed approach can be executed automatically by programs, eliminating the manual work of gathering data from CAD software in the traditional approach. Validation data shows that the proposed approach saves 3.85% of the mass compared to the ordinary design approach. Performance profiling shows that the implemented code operates within 5 seconds, which is much faster than the unoptimized open source version.
The Role of Emotions in Teachers’ Professional Development: Attending a Research Experience for Teachers (RET) Program
Authors: Thomson Margareta M. , Turner Jeannine E.
Published: January 2019

The current study investigated teachers’ emotions, motivations, and changes to classroom practice as related to their involvement in a 6-week summer professional development (PD) program. Participants (N=67) attended the Research Experience for Teachers (RET) program at a large university in the United States. Overall, study results showed that emotions played an important role in teachers’ engagement in the RET program and triggered changes in teachers’ thinking and implementation of their science teaching practices. Positive correlations were found among teachers’ motivations and emotions about their PD experience, as well as changes to their teaching practices. Interview data provided more depth to understanding participants’ views of their RET experiences.
The Importance of Apneic Events in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Associated with Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Calcaianu George , Bresson Didier , Calcaianu Mihaela , Morisset Beatrice , El-Nazer Tarek , Deodati Clara , Virot Edouard , Holtea Daniela , Iamandi Carmen , Debieuvre Didier
Published: January 2019

Background. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a potential cardiovascular risk factor. However, there is currently no prominent screening strategy for its diagnosis in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The aim of this study was to establish the impact of apneic events in case of OSA associated with ACS. Methods. Between January 1st and June 30th, fifty-three subjects with ACS (first acute myocardial infarction) were prospectively evaluated for OSA. Each patient was evaluated by polysomnography (PSG) two months after the ACS. Results. Mean age of 59±9,6 years, 81,1% males, BMI at 28,5±4,2 kg/m2, neck circumference of 42,5±12,6 cm, and waist circumference os 102,5±16,5 cm. The majority of patients (73,6%) had moderate to severe OSA (apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) ≥ 15/h and arousal index ≥ 10/h). We defined the apneic coefficient (AC) as the ratio between apnea index (AI) and AHI. We chose as cut-off the median value of apnea coefficient in our population which was at 37%. The patients with a higher AC (AC ≥ 37% versus AC < 37%) had higher levels of Troponin-I (63,4±63,2 versus 29,7±36,1 ng/mL, p=0,016), higher levels of NT-proBNP (1879,8±2141,8 versus 480±621,3 pg/mL, p=0,001), higher SYNTAX score (15,8±11,5 versus 10,2±5,9, p=0,049), and lower left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF 53,3±11,4 versus 59,4±6,4%, p=0,023) and were more likely to have a STEMI (21 patients (77,7%) vesus 14 patients (53,8%), p=0,031). Conclusion. An apneic coefficient (AI/AHI) ≥ 37% is correlated with more severe cardiac impairment, as well as higher hypoxemia and arousal index.
Burnout Syndrome among Emergency Department Staff: Prevalence and Associated Factors
Authors: Moukarzel Audrey , Michelet Pierre , Durand Anne-Claire , Sebbane Mustapha , Bourgeois Stéphane , Markarian Thibaut , Bompard Catherine , Gentile Stéphanie
Published: January 2019

Objectives. Emergency department (ED) professionals are exposed to burnout syndrome due to excessive workload and high demands for care. The objective of our study was to assess the prevalence burnout among all ED staff and to determine associated factors. Methods. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 3 EDs. The data were collected using a standardized questionnaire. It included demographical and occupational data, general health questions, burnout level (Maslach Burnout Inventory), job strain (Karasek), and quality of life (Medical Outcome Study Short Form). Results. Of the 529 professionals working in EDs, 379 responses were collected (participation rate of 71.6%). Emotional exhaustion (EE) and depersonalization (DP), the major components of burnout, were reported, respectively, by 15.8% and 29.6% of the professionals. Burnout prevalence was 34.6%, defined as a severely abnormal level of either EE or DP. The medical category was significantly more affected by the burnout compared with their colleagues: nearly one ED physician out of two had a burnout (50.7%). In the multivariate analysis of covariance, job strain and a low mental component score were the two main factors independently associated with burnout (p < 0.05). Conclusion. The results of our study show that ED professionals are a vulnerable group. Preventive approaches to stress and burnout are needed to promote quality of work life.
Severe emm89 Group A Streptococcal Disease Characterized by Toxic Shock and Endocarditis
Authors: Alramadhan Morouge , Heresi Gloria P. , Flores Anthony R.
Published: January 2019

Invasive group A Streptococcus infections are associated with diverse presentations. We report a severe, rare case of GAS infection with dissemination including endocarditis and STSS. While whole genome sequencing of blood and pharyngeal isolates did not reveal any unique features attributable to the severe presentation, our approach serves as a template for investigation of severe manifestations of common infections.
The Wound Healing Potential of Aspilia africana (Pers.) C. D. Adams (Asteraceae)
Authors: Komakech Richard , Matsabisa Motlalepula Gilbert , Kang Youngmin
Published: January 2019

Wounds remain one of the major causes of death worldwide. Over the years medicinal plants and natural compounds have played an integral role in wound treatment. Aspilia africana (Pers.) C. D. Adams which is classified among substances with low toxicity has been used for generations in African traditional medicine to treat wounds, including stopping bleeding even from severed arteries. This review examined the potential of the extracts and phytochemicals from A. africana, a common herbaceous flowering plant which is native to Africa in wound healing. In vitro and in vivo studies have provided strong pharmacological evidences for wound healing effects of A. africana-derived extracts and phytochemicals. Singly or in synergy, the different bioactive phytochemicals including alkaloids, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, phenols, terpenoids, β-caryophyllene, germacrene D, α-pinene, carene, phytol, and linolenic acid in A. africana have been observed to exhibit a very strong anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities which are important processes in wound healing. Indeed, A. africana wound healing ability is furthermore due to the fact that it can effectively reduce wound bleeding, hasten wound contraction, increase the concentration of basic fibroblast growth factor (BFGF) and platelet derived growth factor, and stimulate the haematological parameters, including white and red blood cells, all of which are vital components for the wound healing process. Therefore, these facts may justify why A. africana is used to treat wounds in ethnomedicine.
N=2 Supersymmetry with Central Charge: A Twofold Implementation
Authors: Ospedal L. P. R. , Terin R. C.
Published: January 2019

In this work, we analyze an extended N=2 supersymmetry with central charge and develop its superspace formulation under two distinct viewpoints. Initially, in the context of classical mechanics, we discuss the introduction of deformed supersymmetric derivatives and their consequence on the deformation of one-dimensional nonlinear sigma model. After that, considering a field-theoretical framework, we present an implementation of this superalgebra in two dimensions, such that one of the coordinates is related to the central charge. As an application, in this two-dimensional scenario, we consider topological (bosonic) configurations of a special self-coupled matter model and present a nontrivial fermionic solution.
Role of Multidetector Computed Tomography (CT) Virtual Hysteroscopy in the Evaluation of Abnormal Uterine Bleeding in Reproductive Age
Authors: Saleh Hend S. , Madkour Nadia M. , Abdou Ahmed Mahmoud , Mahdy Entesar R. , Sherif Hala E. , Mohamed Ekramy A. , Ibrahim Safaa A. , Amin Mohamed I.
Published: January 2019

Background. Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) may be acute or chronic and is defined as bleeding from the uterine corpus that is abnormal in regularity, volume, frequency, or duration and occurs in the absence of pregnancy. It is a widespread complaint in the primary care units. The prevalence of abnormal bleeding is up to 30% among women of reproductive age. Objective. To assess the role of CT virtual hysteroscopy in the evaluation of the uterine cavity in cases with abnormal uterine bleeding in reproductive age. Methods. Cross sectional study was performed at Obstetrics and Gynecology Department and Radiology Department, Zagazig University hospitals, Egypt, on 124 women with abnormal uterine bleeding in reproductive age, and their uterine cavity was evaluated by both row multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) scanner and Office hysteroscopy. Results. Mean age of studied group was 28.54 ± 5.99 years, and virtual hysteroscopy showed sensitivity 91.1% and specificity 85.3% in detection of abnormalities within uterine cavity. It showed sensitivity 91.1% and specificity 85.3% in cases of endometrial polyps. It yielded 88.5 % sensitivity and 100 % specificity in cases with submucous fibroids, while it yielded only 57.9 % sensitivity and 82.9% specificity in cases of thick endometrium. Conclusion. Virtual CT hysteroscopy is a good negative test in cases of abnormal uterine bleeding but has some limitations that decrease its sensitivity.
Ocular Ultrasonography: A Useful Instrument in Patients with Trauma Brain Injury in Emergency Service
Authors: Jimenez Restrepo Julie Natalie , León Oscar Javier , Quevedo Florez Leonardo Alexander
Published: January 2019

The measurement of the optic nerve sheath by ocular ultrasonography might be an indirect method to assess the quickly increase of the intracranial pressure in patients with moderate trauma brain injury, taking into account that an important proportion of these could develop the increase of the intracranial pressure in a hospital-acquired way. Therefore noninvasive, reliable, and convenient techniques are needed making the ocular ultrasonography a useful tool, due to the invasive monitoring elements’ problems and the poor access to measure the intracranial pressure in emergency services. In spite of the limitations and few studies that exist to consider it as a possible early detection, this technique could work as a noninvasive one in the case that could not be possible to do invasive monitoring or when it is not recommended.
The Role of Connexin-43 in the Inflammatory Process: A New Potential Therapy to Influence Keratitis
Authors: Xu Chu-Yang , Zhang Wen-Song , Zhang Hong , Cao Yan , Zhou Hong-Yan
Published: January 2019

The studies outlined in this review highlight the relationship between inflammatory signaling molecules and connexin-43 (Cx43). Gap junction (GJ) channels and hemichannels (HCs) participate in the metabolic activity between intra- and extracellular space. Some ions and small molecules are exchanged from cell to cell or cell to extracellular space to affect the process of inflammation via GJ. We analyzed the effects of signaling molecules, such as innate immunity messengers, transcription factors, LPS, cytokine, inflammatory chemokines, and MMPs, on Cx43 expression during the inflammatory process. At the same time, we found that these signaling molecules play a critical role in the pathogenesis of keratitis. Thus, we assessed the function of Cx43 during inflammatory corneal disease. Corneal healing plays an essential role in the late stage of keratitis. We found that Cx43 is involved in wound healing. Studies have shown that the decrease of Cx43 can decrease the time of healing. We also report several Cx43 mimic peptides which can inhibit the activity of Cx43 Hc to mediate the releasing of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which may in turn influence the inflammatory process.
A Case of Respiratory Epithelial Adenomatoid Hamartoma (REAH) in a Patient with History of Radiation Exposure
Authors: Patel Darshan N. , Koshkareva Yekaterina A. , McFarland Miles , Deckard Nathan A.
Published: January 2019

Respiratory epithelial adenomatoid hamartomas (REAHs) are becoming a more commonly recognized otolaryngologic tumor and are often misdiagnosed as inverted papilloma. Here, we present such a case in a patient with history of previous radiation exposure. Otolaryngologists and pathologists should be aware of the mucinous histological appearance of REAH to help differentiate from other growths. Given our patient’s history, an association between REAH and previous radiation exposure is worth consideration.