bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of PdP Nanoparticles as Electrocatalysts for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction in an Alkaline Medium
Authors: Xia Tian , Zhao Ming , Tong Bin , Kang Zinan , Wu Yanfang , Ding Wei , Feng Baoming
Published: April 2019

The synthesis of PdP nanoparticles (NPs) using triphenylphosphine as a phosphorus precursor was investigated. The electrocatalytic performance of PdP NPs in hydrogen evolution reaction in an alkaline medium was measured. It can be concluded that when the current density is 10[Formula: see text]mA[Formula: see text]cm[Formula: see text], the overpotential produced by Pd3P[Formula: see text] NPs is 75[Formula: see text]mV which is 185[Formula: see text]mV lower than that produced by commercial Pd/C. The mass activity of Pd3P[Formula: see text] NPs is more than twice as high as that of commercial Pd/C. The work indicates that PdP nanomaterials could be a potential catalyst for water splitting.
The Hadamengou K-feldspar–quartz vein-type Au mineralization in the northern margin of the North China Craton (China): an Indosinian oxidized intrusion-related Au–(Mo) system?
Authors: Jia Sanshi , Fu Jianfei , Wang Ende , Men Yekai
Published: April 2019

K-feldspar–quartz vein-type Au deposits, represented by the Hadamengou super-large Au deposit, are widely developed in the Archean high-grade metamorphic terrane in the western segment of the northern margin of the North China Craton. However, the formation processes of these Au deposits have long been debated, and their genetic relationship with magmatic activity remains unclear. In this study, by examining the geological and geochemical characteristics of the Hadamengou Au deposit and several related intrusions, we find that the Au–(Mo) mineralization system may be related to Indosinian alkaline magmatic activity. The Dongshadegai and Xishadegai intrusions, which are related to the formation of the Hadamengou Au deposit, formed in an Indosinian extensional tectonic environment, and both are characterized by high silica and alkaline contents and strong oxidizing properties, indicating that the parent magmas of these intrusions were capable of dissolving and transporting metallic elements during magma formation and evolution. The Indosinian Hadamengou Au deposit contains minerals such as magnetite and barite, and the H, O, S and Pb isotopic characteristics of this deposit indicate that the ore-forming fluids originated from magmatic–hydrothermal fluids and had oxidizing properties. These observations suggest the presence of an oxidized intrusion-related Au–(Mo) mineralization system in the studied metamorphic terrane.
The Lateral Approach in the Surgical Treatment of a Complex Dorsal Metacarpophalangeal Joint Dislocation of the Index Finger
Authors: Pereira Joana Monteiro , Quesado Miguel , Silva Marcos , Carvalho João Das Dores , Nogueira Hélder , Alves Jorge
Published: April 2019

Complex dorsal metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint dislocations as a result of hyperextension injuries are uncommon in the pediatric population and irreducible to closed maneuvers. Treatment of these complex lesions is invariably surgical, and dorsal or volar approaches are traditionally used. The authors describe a case of a 16-year-old male who suffered a fall onto his outstretched right hand in a soccer game. The patient presented to the ER with pain and deformity of the index finger MCP joint. Radiographs confirmed a complex MCP dislocation with a small osteochondral fragment. A lateral surgical approach was made, and interposition of the volar plate and an osteochondral fragment blocking the reduction were found. This versatile approach allowed access to volar and dorsal structures, minimizing the risk of surgical scarring and mobility arch limitation. To our knowledge, there are no reported cases regarding a lateral surgical approach.
Excavation Safety Modeling Approach Using BIM and VPL
Authors: Khan Numan , Ali Ahmad K. , Skibniewski Miroslaw J. , Lee Do Yeop , Park Chansik
Published: April 2019

Soil excavation is a fundamental step of building and infrastructure development. Despite strong enforcement of construction best practices and regulations, accidents in construction industry are comparatively higher than other industries. Likewise, significant increase in injuries and fatalities are recently reported on geotechnical activities such as excavation pits and trenches. Academic researchers and industry professionals have currently devoted vital attention to acquire construction safety in preconstruction phase of the project. They have developed various algorithms to enhance safety in preconstruction phase such as automated generation of scaffolding and its potential risk analysis, checking BIM model for fall risks, and limited access zone allocation in wall masonry. However, safety in geotechnical works at preconstruction phase is yet unexplored. This paper proposed automatic safety rule compliance approach for excavation works leveraging algorithmic modeling tools and BIM technologies. The focused approach comprises of the following three modules: information extraction and logic design (IELD), information conversion and process integration (ICPI), and automodeling and safety plan generation (ASPG). Specifically, the scope of the paper is limited to major risks such as cave‐ins, fall, safety egress, and prohibited zones risks. A set of rules‐based algorithms was developed in commercially available software using visual programming language (VPL) that automatically generates geometric conditions in BIM and visualizes the potential risks and safety resources installation along with their quantity take‐off and optimized locations. A case study has been presented to validate the proof of concept; automated modeling tool for excavation safety planning generated the required results successfully. It is anticipated that the proposed approach has potential to help the designers through automated modeling and assist decision makers in developing productive and practical safety plans compared to the conventional 2D plans for excavation works at the preconstruction phase. Moreover, it is realized that the same approach can be extended to other rule‐dependent subjects in construction.
Transition Metal Oxides on Reduced Graphene Oxide Nanocomposites: Evaluation of Physicochemical Properties
Authors: Modafferi Vincenza , Santangelo Saveria , Fiore Michele , Fazio Enza , Triolo Claudia , Patanè Salvatore , Ruffo Riccardo , Musolino Maria G.
Published: April 2019

Transition metal oxides on reduced graphene oxide (TMO@rGO) nanocomposites were successfully prepared via a very simple one-step solvothermal process, involving the simultaneous (thermal) reduction of graphene oxide to graphene and the deposition of TMO nanoparticles over its surface. Texture and morphology, microstructure, and chemical and surface compositions of the nanocomposites were investigated via scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, micro-Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, respectively. The results prove that Fe2O3@rGO, CoFe2O4@rGO, and CoO@rGO are obtained by using Fe and/or Co acetates as oxide precursors, with the TMO nanoparticles uniformly anchored onto the surface of graphene sheets. The electrochemical performance of the most promising nanocomposite was evaluated as anode material for sodium ion batteries. The preliminary results of galvanostatic cycling prove that Fe2O3@rGO nanocomposite exhibits better rate capability and stability than both bare Fe2O3and Fe2O3+rGO physical mixture.
Impact of Leather on the Fire Resistance of Leather-Wood Fibreboard: FT-IR Spectroscopy and Pyrolysis-GC-MS Investigation
Authors: Schnabel T. , Barbu M.-C. , Windeisen-Holzhauser E. , Petutschnigg A. , Tondi G.
Published: April 2019

Leather-wood fibreboards are innovative composite materials, which combine together the high mechanical properties of wood with the superior fire behaviour properties of leather. This study deals with the understanding of the combustion mechanism of the wet-white leather panel. During burning, an overlay coating-like surface is formed on top of a foamy structure that creates the heat transfer barrier. The FT-IR spectroscopy results of the leather show the rearrangement of the proteins and the formation of an increasing amount of acid groups when the exposure to hot gun at over 530°C was prolonged. These acid moieties can react with amino groups of other peptide chains, building a protective polymer network which hinders the oxygen to reach the core of the panel. Simultaneously, the gases produced during rearrangement cannot easily leave the material, producing a foamy structure which slows down the heat transfer to the core of the material. The Py-GC-MS analysis shows that the gases produced by the wet-white leather-type protein-based boards were amino-aromatic compounds like the diketopiperazine (DKP), which do not burn easily. The combination of the effects of (i) formation of the overlay coating-like surface, (ii) establishment of the foamy structure, and (iii) degassing of DKP explains the outstanding fire properties of leather and wood-leather fibreboards.
The Effective and Safe Way to Use Crusade Microcatheter-Facilitated Reverse Wire Technique to Solve Bifurcated Lesions with Markedly Angulated Target Vessel
Authors: Cui Jingang , Jiang Xiaowei , Qiao Shubin , Gao Lijian , Yuan Jiansong , Hu Fenghuan , Yang Weixian , Gao Runlin
Published: April 2019

Objectives. We aim to present a new way to introduce reverse wire in crusade microcatheter-facilitated reverse wire technique to solve markedly angulated bifurcated lesions. Background. Markedly angulated coronary bifurcation lesions are still one of the considerable challenges of treatment with percutaneous coronary intervention especially with severe proximal stenosis. Microcatheter-facilitated reverse wire technique improved the efficacy of crossing a guide wire to such an extremely angulated complex targeted vessel. However, there has been a debate regarding what kind of curve was the best to introduce reverse guide wire in this technique. Methods. We analyzed 7 patients who were admitted to Fuwai Hospital and underwent antegrade wiring which failed. Crusade microcatheter-facilitated reverse wire technique with simple short tip one round curve was used successfully to solve in all 7 bifurcation lesions. We investigated the bifurcation lesion’s characteristics and details of the reverse wire technique procedures. Results. All 7 bifurcations exhibit both a smaller take-off angle and a larger carina angle and severe proximal significant stenosis. After having suitable size of balloon predilation, reverse wire with simple short distal one curve was delivered to distal segment of targeted vessel successfully. We performed all PCI procedures without any complications and no major adverse cardiac event was observed during hospitalization. Conclusions. In solving markedly angulated bifurcated lesions, especially with severe proximal stenosis, crusade microcatheter-facilitated reverse wire technique with simple short tip one curve is an effective and safe way of wiring.
Preoperative Management of MGD Alleviates the Aggravation of MGD and Dry Eye Induced by Cataract Surgery: A Prospective, Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Song Peng , Sun Zhuo , Ren Shengwei , Yang Kaili , Deng Guohua , Zeng Qingyan , Sun Yajie
Published: April 2019

Purpose. To investigate the effect of preoperative treatment and postoperative enhanced anti-inflammatory treatment on alleviating meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and dry eye induced by cataract surgery. Design. Prospective, randomized clinical trial. Methods. A total of 120 cataract patients with moderate obstructive-MGD were enrolled and randomized with 60:30:30 number of patients in cohorts I, II, and III, respectively: Cohort I: routine postoperative anti-inflammatory treatment; Cohort II: preoperative treatment (warming compress, lid hygiene, and anti-inflammatory treatment) and routine postoperative anti-inflammatory treatment; Cohort III: enhanced postoperative anti-inflammatory treatment. Main Outcomes Measures. All participants were examined preoperatively and postoperatively for ocular symptom score (OSS), noninvasive keratographic tear break-up time (NIKBUT), corneal fluorescein staining, Schirmer I test, lid margin, meibum quality and expressibility, and meibomian gland dropout. Results. Ocular surface disorders and MGD showed aggravated status at 1 month postoperatively in Cohort I and Cohort III, and the aggravated MGD resolved by 3 months postoperatively. At 1 month postoperatively, Cohort II and Cohort III presented high NIKBUT and low OSS, lid margin, and meibum quality and expressibility (Cohort II vs Cohort I: all P<0.001, respectively; Cohort III vs Cohort I: P=0.011, P=0.024, P=0.046, P=0.045, and P=0.012, respectively). Additionally, Cohort II had better outcomes of lid margin and meibum quality and expressibility than Cohort III at 1 month postoperatively (P=0.031, P=0.026, and P<0.001, respectively). At 3 months postoperatively, Cohort II presented a significantly higher NIKBUT than Cohort I and Cohort III (P<0.001 and P=0.001, respectively). Conclusion. Preoperative management of MGD is effective and optimal in alleviating obstructive-MGD and dry eye induced by cataract surgery.
Interactions of Secondary DNA and Initial DNA on Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Surfaces Studied by Photoluminescence, Atomic Force Microscopy, and Electrophoresis
Authors: Toyofuku Reona , Ohura Shusuke , Ito Masahiro , Homma Yoshikazu , Umemura Kazuo
Published: April 2019

We examined the interactions of initial single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) and secondary ssDNA molecules on single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs). Thymine 30-mers (T30) and 30-mers from a partial sequence of φx174 DNA (φ30) were used to prepare the DNA-SWNT hybrids. First, the hybrids were annealed at various temperatures without secondary DNA to evaluate the stability of the hybrids. As a result, aggregates of SWNTs were formed in the T30-SWNT hybrids, even at 54°C, although the φ30-SWNT hybrids were stable up to 84°C. Second, we added secondary DNA molecules during the annealing procedure. We reacted adenine 30-mers (A30) with the T30-SWNT hybrids and characterized the samples by combining agarose gel electrophoresis with/without ethidium bromide and atomic force microscopy (AFM) as well as near-infrared photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. Cross-links appeared to form among the SWNTs because of nonspecific hybridization of T30 and A30. PL measurements revealed clear shifts in the PL emission wavelength of SWNTs. However, when complementary φ30 DNA (cφ30) was reacted with φ30-SWNT hybrids, there was no significant difference in the PL spectra after the reaction, although electrophoresis suggested the hybridization of the cφ30 and φ30 DNA molecules. Our results suggest that the hybridization manner of DNA molecules with unnatural sequences greatly differs from that of natural DNA molecules.
Delivery of miRNA-29b Using R9-LK15, a Novel Cell-Penetrating Peptide, Promotes Osteogenic Differentiation of Bone Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Liu Qiuling , Lin Zhen , Liu Yi , Du Jiang , Lin Hongsheng , Wang Jing
Published: April 2019

Delivery of osteogenesis-promoting microRNAs (miRNAs) is a promising approach to enhance bone regeneration. In this study, we generated nanocomplexes comprising the novel cell-penetrating peptide R9-LK15 and miR-29b and investigated their effects on osteogenic differentiation of bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). R9-LK15/miR-29b nanocomplexes were prepared and characterized. The transfection efficiency, cell viability, and osteogenic differentiation were investigated. The results showed that R9-LK15 maintained the stability of miR-29b in serum for up to 24 h. Moreover, R9-LK15 efficiently delivered miR-29b into BMSCs; the transfection efficiency was ~10-fold higher than that achieved using Lipofectamine 2000. The Cell Counting Kit-8 assay showed that R9-LK15 and R9-LK15/miR-29b nanocomplexes had negligible cytotoxic effects on BMSCs. Delivery of R9-LK15/miR-29b nanocomplexes promoted osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs and extracellular matrix mineralization by upregulating alkaline phosphatase expression and downregulating histone deacetylase-4 expression. In general, we developed a novel miRNA delivery system that has a high transfection efficiency and promotes osteogenic differentiation.
Bioactivities of Flavonoids fromLopezia racemosa
Authors: Vergara Barragán Enrique , Bach Horacio , Meza-Reyes Socorro , Montiel-Smith Sara , Sánchez-Arreola Eugenio , Hernández Luis Ricardo
Published: April 2019

Lopezia racemosaCav.(Onagraceae) has been used in Mexican traditional medicine to alleviate stomachache, biliary colic, urine retention, stomach cancer, and skin, dental, buccal, and urinary infections. The objective of this study was to determine the bioactivities of specific parts of the plant to scientifically confirm its traditional use. Aerial parts and flowers were macerated and subsequently extracted with hexane, chloroform, and methanol. This study was focused on the analysis of polar components, and thus the methanolic fractions were selected for further investigations. These fractions were evaluated for their antimicrobial activity using a panel of bacterial Gram-positive and -negative strains, as well as fungal strains, including filamentous fungi and yeasts. In addition, the cytotoxic activity of the extract was assessed by MTT using the human-derived monocytic THP-1 and the normal human fibroblast cell lines. Various fractions showed antimicrobial activity against various pathogens, although the most relevant were againstPseudomonas aeruginosaandTrichophyton mentagrophytes. No inhibition of yeasts was recorded. Only four fractions showed cytotoxic effects when the human-derived THP-1 and fibroblast cells were assessed. The four flavonoids isolated from the extract were luteolin, luteolin-6-C-hexoside, luteolin-8-C-hexoside, and hyperoside. The biological activities presented in this study validate some traditional uses of the plant.
A Novel Multispace Image Reconstruction Method for Pathological Image Classification Based on Structural Information
Authors: Zhu Honglin , Jiang Huiyan , Li Siqi , Li Haoming , Pei Yan
Published: April 2019

Pathological image classification is of great importance in various biomedical applications, such as for lesion detection, cancer subtype identification, and pathological grading. To this end, this paper proposed a novel classification framework using the multispace image reconstruction inputs and the transfer learning technology. Specifically, a multispace image reconstruction method was first developed to generate a new image containing three channels composed of gradient, gray level cooccurrence matrix (GLCM) and local binary pattern (LBP) spaces, respectively. Then, the pretrained VGG-16 net was utilized to extract the high-level semantic features of original images (RGB) and reconstructed images. Subsequently, the long short-term memory (LSTM) layer was used for feature selection and refinement while increasing its discrimination capability. Finally, the classification task was performed via the softmax classifier. Our framework was evaluated on a publicly available microscopy image dataset of IICBU malignant lymphoma. Experimental results demonstrated the performance advantages of our proposed classification framework by comparing with the related works.
Effect of Immunomodulatory Supplements Based on Echinacea Angustifolia and Echinacea Purpurea on the Posttreatment Relapse Incidence of Genital Condylomatosis: A Prospective Randomized Study
Authors: De Rosa Nicoletta , Giampaolino Pierluigi , Lavitola Giada , Morra Ilaria , Formisano Carmen , Nappi Carmine , Bifulco Giuseppe
Published: April 2019

Introduction.HPV infection is a highly infectious disease; about 65% of partners of individuals with genital warts will develop genital condylomatosis. Only in 20-30% it regresses spontaneously and relapse rates range deeply (9-80%). Echinacea extracts possess antiviral and immunomodulator activities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the therapy, using a formulation based on HPVADL18® (on dry extracts of 200 mg Echinacea Purpurea (EP) roots plus E. Angustifolia (EA)), on the posttreatment relapse incidence of genital condylomatosis.Materials and Methods.It is a prospective single-arm study. Patients with a satisfactory and positive vulvoscopy, colposcopy, or peniscopy for genital condylomatosis were divided into two random groups and subjected to destructive therapy with Co2 Laser. Group A (N=64) immediately after the laser therapy started a 4-month treatment with oral HPVADL18®; Group B (N=61) did not undergo any additional therapy. Patients were subjected to a follow-up after 1, 6, and 12 months. Differences in relapse incidence between the two groups during follow-up controls were evaluated byχ2-test; the groups were stratified by age, gender, and condylomatosis extension degree.Results and Discussion.Gender, age, and condyloma lesions’ extension degree showed no statistically significant differences between the two trial groups. The relapse incidence differs statistically between the two studied groups and progressively decreases during the 12 months after treatment in both groups. Statistically significant reduction of relapse rates has been shown in Group A in patients over 25 years old. This difference is significant for both men and women. The relapse incidence is superior in case of extended condylomatosis.Conclusions.In conclusion, the presence of a latent infection causes condylomatosis relapse; in order to reduce the relapse risk an induction of a protective immune response seems to be essential to allow rapid viral clearance from genital areas surrounding lesion and treatment zones. Echinacea promotes this process. EP and EA dry root extracts seem to be a valid adjuvant therapy in reducing relapse incidence of lesions in patients treated for genital condylomatosis.
Indirect Regeneration and Assessment of Genetic Fidelity of Acclimated Plantlets by SCoT, ISSR, and RAPD Markers in Rauwolfia tetraphylla L.: An Endangered Medicinal Plant
Authors: Rohela Gulab Khan , Jogam Phanikanth , Bylla Prasad , Reuben Christopher
Published: April 2019

Rauwolfia tetraphylla L. is an important medicinal plant species which is well known for its pharmaceutically important alkaloids. In the present study, we are reporting about its conservation by in vitro clonal multiplication through the standardized protocol of indirect regeneration by using leaf and stem based callus and assessment of genetic fidelity of acclimated plantlets by start codon targeted (SCoT), inter simple sequence repeats (ISSR), and randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) marker based analysis. Initially friable callus was induced in maximum amounts (378.7, 323.8, and 412.8 in mg) from leaf, root, and stem explants on Murashige and Skoog (MS) media supplemented with 5.0 mg/L, 3.0 mg/L of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 5.0 mg/L of naphthalene acetic acid (NAA), respectively. Shoot regeneration with the maximum number of shoot buds (25 and 20) was obtained from leaf and stem calluses on MS media supplemented with TDZ (0.25 mg/L) + BAP (2 mg/L). The regenerated shoots were rooted successfully with maximum rooting percentage of 98.0 on full strength MS media amended with IAA (1.0 mg/L) and IBA (1.0 mg/L). The regenerated plantlets were hardened using 2:1 ratio of sterile garden soil and sand, followed by acclimatization in field conditions with 86% of survival. SCoT, ISSR, and RAPD primers based polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis was carried out to check possible genetic variations in micro propagated plants in comparison with mother plant. Among the ten SCoT (S), ISSR (R), and RAPD (OPA) primers used, S2, R10, and OPA3 has given good amplification with scorable DNA bands. The results revealed that the regenerated plants did not have any polymorphism with mother plant. Hence, the in vitro regenerated R. tetraphylla plantlets were confirmed as true-to-type.
Mosaic Turner Syndrome Presenting with a 46,XY Karyotype
Authors: Rasouli Melody , McDaniel Katherine , Awadalla Michael , Chung Karine
Published: April 2019

Although Turner syndrome is most commonly associated with a 45,X genotype, other mosaic genotypes are present in approximately half of all cases. We describe a case of Turner syndrome with a 46,XY genotype by conventional 5-cell karyotype who was subsequently found to have a mosaic genotype of 18% 45,X and 82% 46,XY by 50-cell FISH analysis. Individuals with a mosaic 45,X/46,XY genotype have a variety of phenotypic presentations ranging from male to female which are not correlated with the percentage of mosaicism. Our case represents an extreme example where the genotype is predominately 46,XY and the phenotype typical of Turner syndrome.
Colonic Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor: A Population-Based Analysis of Incidence and Survival
Authors: Liu Zhiqiang , Sun Yan , Li Yongfeng , Zhao Jingyuan , Wu Shihong , Meng Zibo , Wu Heshui
Published: April 2019

Objectives. The incidence of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) located in the colon is rare. Current studies mainly focus on case reports for colonic GISTs. Therefore, a population-based analysis was useful to guide the clinical treatment strategy.Methods. The patients were selected from 2000 to 2015 based on Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Patients’ demographics, tumor characteristics, incidence, treatment, and survival were retrieved for analysis.Results. 249 cases of colonic GISTs were collected. The male-female ratio was close to 1 : 1 (male 51.41%, female 48.59%). Most cases were Caucasians (70.28%), and African Americans accounted for 19.68%. Age of diagnosis ranged from 21 to 93 years with a median (mean) age of 67.5 (65.56). The incidence was rare, only 0.018 per 100,000. It had an annual percentage change (APC=−0.7728) without statistical significance (P=0.5127) while the incidence of other GISTs increased from 2000 to 2015, with an annual percentage change of 3.9% (P=0.0001). Surgery was associated with better prognosis whereas chemotherapy did not impact the survival rate.Conclusion. Colonic GIST is a rare solid tumor, and the incidence is stable. The entity has a poorer prognosis than other GISTs. Surgery improved the survival rate, while chemotherapy did not.
Intention Recognition in Physical Human-Robot Interaction Based on Radial Basis Function Neural Network
Authors: Liu Zhiguang , Hao Jianhong
Published: April 2019

To solve synchronization movement problem in human-robot haptic collaboration, the robot is often required to recognize intention of the cooperator. In this paper, a method based on radial basis function neural network (RBFNN) model is presented to identify the motion intention of collaborator. Here, the human intention is defined as the desired velocity in human limb model, of which the estimation is obtained in real time based on interaction force and the contact point movement characteristics (current position and velocity of the robot) by the trained RBFNN model. To obtain training samples, adaptive impedance control method is used to control the robot during the data acquisition process, and then the data matching is executed due to the phase delay of the impedance function. The advantage of proposed intention estimation method according to the system real-time status is that the model overcomes the shortcoming of difficult estimating the human body impedance parameters. The experimental results show that this proposed method improves the synchronization of human-robot collaboration and reduces the force of the collaborator.
Influence of Load Weight on Dynamic Response of Vibrating Screen
Authors: Jiang Yong-Zheng , He Kuan-Fang , Dong Yong-Le , Yang Da-lian , Sun Wei
Published: April 2019

The dynamic response of the vibrating screen has a great impact on the screening efficiency and fatigue life of the structures. For the conventional dynamic design, the consideration of the influence of load weight on dynamic response is lacking. So, in this paper, taking a very common vibrating screen used in tunnel construction as an example, the relationship between the screen dynamic response and the load weight is studied through numerical simulations. Firstly, to make sure the accuracy of simulation, the three‐dimensional finite element model of a vibration screen is strictly built to maximize consistency with the real screen, and then the simulated results are validated by experiments. Furthermore, the variation regularity of dynamic response with the load weight and excitation frequency is analyzed based on simulations. Results show the load weight has obvious influence on the modal shapes as well as the natural frequencies. There are three regions that will lead to the sudden increase of vibration acceleration: (1) the load weight variates within 0–50 kg and excitation frequency variates within 40–60 Hz; (2) the load weight variates within 10–100 kg and excitation frequency variates within 50–90 Hz; (3) the load weight variates within 80–200 kg and excitation frequency variates within 70–100 Hz. These results will provide new theoretical reference for the maintenance and further improvement in the dynamic design of the vibrating screen.
A Distributed AGC Method considering Two-Channel Random Delays and Their Difference between Interconnected Power Systems
Authors: Zhao Xilin , Lin Zhenyu , Fu Bo , Yang Yang , Ma Jimin
Published: April 2019

With the emergence of the concept of smart grid, the networked automatic generation control (AGC) method has been more and more important for secondary frequency control due to its characteristics such as openness and flexibility. However, the networked AGC system also presents some defects such as time delays and packet dropouts. The existence of time delays makes the traditional AGC strategies more challenging. A novel AGC method is proposed in this paper to mitigate the negative effects of time delays. Firstly, a multiarea power system model is built under the consideration of two-channel time delays: from controller to actuator and from sensor to controller. More practically, the difference of delays between areas is also exhibited in the model. Thus, from the predictive characteristics of model predictive control (MPC), a method of selection with optimization is presented to obtain the appropriate control variable when delays exist. Furthermore, three cases, (a) no processing for delay, (b) control sequence selection, (c) control sequence selection with optimization, are analyzed. The frequency and area control error (ACE) performance are evaluated with step load perturbation and random load perturbation. The simulation results indicate that the system controlled by the proposed method has desired dynamic performances. Consequently, the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method are verified.
Association between Inflammatory Cytokine Levels and Thrombocytopenia duringPlasmodium falciparumandP. vivaxInfections in South-Western Coastal Region of India
Authors: Punnath Kishore , Dayanand Kiran K. , Chandrashekar Valleesha N. , Achur Rajeshwara N. , Kakkilaya Srinivas B. , Ghosh Susanta K. , Kumari Suchetha N. , Gowda D. Channe
Published: April 2019

Background. Thrombocytopenia is a most commonly observed complication during malaria infections. Inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1, IL-6, and IL-10 have been documented in malaria induced thrombocytopaenia. This study was aimed to understand the possible relationship between inflammatory cytokines across varying degrees of thrombocytopenia duringP. vivax,P. falciparum,and mixed infections.Methods. A hospital-based cross sectional study was conducted at District Wenlock Hospital in Mangaluru, a city situated along the south-western coastal region of Arabian Sea in India. In this study, blood samples from 627 malaria patients were analyzed for infected parasite species, clinical conditions, platelet levels, and key cytokines that are produced in response to infection; samples from 176 uninfected healthy individuals were used as controls.Results. The results of our study showed a high prevalence of malarial thrombocytopenia (platelets <150 ×103/μl) in this endemic settings. About 62.7% patients had mild-to-moderate levels of thrombocytopenia and 16% patients had severe thrombocytopenia (platelets <50 × 103/μl). Upon comparison of cytokines across varying degrees of thrombocytopenia, irrespective of infecting species, the levels of TNF-αand IL-10 were significantly higher during thrombocytopenia, whereas IL-6 levels were considerably lower in severe thrombocytopenia patients suffering fromP. vivaxorP. falciparuminfections. The severe clinical complications observed in patients with malarial thrombocytopenia included severe anemia (17.5%), acute renal failure (12.7%), jaundice (27.0%), metabolic acidosis (36.5%), spontaneous bleeding (3.2%), hypoglycemia (25.4%), hyperparasitemia (4.8%), acute respiratory distress syndrome (1.6%), pulmonary edema (19.0%), and cerebral malaria (1.6%) in various combinations.Conclusion. Overall, the results of our study suggest that inflammatory cytokines influence the transformation of mild forms of thrombocytopenia into severe forms during malarial infections. Further studies are needed to understand the association of inflammatory cytokine responses with severe malaria complications and thrombocytopenia.
Effect of Hydrotalcite on Indometacin-Induced Gastric Injury in Rats
Authors: Fang Yan Fei , Xu Wen Li , Wang Lan , Lian Qing Wu , Qiu Li Feng , Zhou Hui , Chen Shu Jie
Published: April 2019

Background and Aims. Hydrotalcite plays an important role in the therapy of gastric ulcer induced by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), but little is known about the mechanism. We designed two experiments to study the preventive and curative effects of hydrotalcite on NSAIDs-related gastric injury in rats and to investigate the relationship between the protective and curative mechanism of hydrotalcite and the secretion of epidermal growth factor (EGF)/prostaglandin E2 (PGE2).Methods. Two experiments were separately designed to evaluate the preventive and curative effects of hydrotalcite. A total of 25 male rats and 25 female rats were randomly divided into five groups (vehicle group, model group, omeprazole group, hydrotalcite group, and ranitidine group) in each experiment. Rats were treated with indomethacin by gavage to build the model of acute gastric mucosal injury. The concentrations of EGF and PGE2 in blood specimens and mucosal injury indexes by gross inspection were measured and an immunohistochemical technique was also employed to test the levels of EGF, cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in gastric mucosa.Results. Comparing with model group in both preventive and curative experiments, hydrotalcite decreased the gastric injury in the mucosa of stomach significantly (7±4.5 vs. 16±11.25, 1.5±2 vs. 2.5±6;P<0.01, P<0.05). The levels of EGF and PGE2 in blood serum were markedly higher in hydrotalcite group than that in model group and ranitidine group in preventive experiment (574.39±34.28 vs. 486.22±41.73, 488.07±24.44;P<0.01,P<0.01). The expression levels of COX-2 in gastric mucosa were also higher in hydrotalcite group than that in model group in both preventive and therapeutic experiments (12±4 vs. 9±6, 14±7 vs. 9±4;P<0.01, P<0.05).Conclusions. Hydrotalcite promotes gastric protection and healing via several mechanisms, including increased levels of PGE2 in blood serum, activation of EGF, and antagonising the inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX) caused by NSAIDs.
Form and Operation Mode Analysis of a Novel Solar-Driven Cogeneration System with Various Collector Types
Authors: Zhang Haofei , Lei Bo , Yu Tao , Zhao Zhida
Published: April 2019

In this study, the form and operation modes of a novel solar-driven cogeneration system consisted of various solar collectors (flat plat collectors (FPC), evacuated tube collectors (ETC), and parabolic trough collectors (PTC)) and ORC (organic Rankine cycle) based on building heating load are analyzed. This paper mainly obtains the fitting formula of thermal efficiency of the ORC power generation device and determines the form and operation mode of the cogeneration system. The form is the same, but the operation modes are different for PTC and FPC or ETC. There are six operating modes, respectively, based on the size relationship between the heating load of buildings and the effective heat collection of the solar collector subsystem when the solar collectors are PTC or FPC and ETC.
Clinical Performance of the Spot Vision Photo Screener before and after Induction of Cycloplegia in Children
Authors: Yakar Konuralp
Published: April 2019

Aim. To compare the clinical performance of the Spot Vision Screener used to detect amblyopia risk factors (ARFs) in children before and after induction of cycloplegia; the children were referred because they met the screening criteria of the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS). Methods. The Spot Vision Screener and a standard autorefractometer were used to examine 200 eyes of 100 children aged 3–10 years, before and after cycloplegia induction, in terms of ARFs. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values for the detection of significant refractive errors were measured using the AAPOS referral criteria. It was explored that Spot Screener data were affected by cycloplegia. The extent of agreement between cycloplegic/noncycloplegic photoscreening data and cycloplegic autorefraction measurements was assessed using Wilcoxon and Spearman correlation analyses. Results. The Spot’s sensitivity was improved from 60.9% to 85.3% and specificity from 94.9% to 87.4% with cycloplegia compared to cycloplegic standard autorefractometer results. The positive predictive value of Spot was 75.7%, and the negative predictive value was 90.4% without cycloplegia. With cycloplegia, the positive predictive value of Spot was 63.6% and the negative predictive value was 95.8%. Conclusions. The Spot Screener afforded moderate sensitivity and high specificity prior to cycloplegia. The sensitivity and negative predictive value improved after induction of cycloplegia. Examiners should be aware of the effects of cycloplegia on their findings.
Anatomical Consideration of the Anterolateral Ligament of the Knee
Authors: Cho Ho-Jung , Kwak Dai-Soon
Published: April 2019

Many researchers have studied the structures of the anterolateral part of the knee. Several researchers have investigated the existence of the anterolateral ligament (ALL) and its frequency has been inconsistently reported. Therefore, we assessed whether the ALL is the anatomical true ligament and studied the morphological variations of this structure. Sixty-four Korean adult cadavers (120 knees, mean age: 79.1 years) were used for this study. The lateral part of the knee joint was carefully dissected with internal rotation of the tibia. We checked the existence and morphological features and measured the dimensions (length, width, and thickness) of the ALL. The ALL was clearly distinguished from the capsulo-osseous layer of the iliotibial tract and runs obliquely from the lateral femoral epicondyle to the tibial plateau. The ALL was found in 42.5% of the samples, and 15 cadavers had ALLs in both knees. There was no prevalence difference between females and males. Most of the anterior border of the ALL was blended with the knee capsule. Therefore, we concluded that this structure is a local thickening of the capsule in the anterolateral region of the knee, where it possibly developed against some external physical stress. Therefore, the ALLs in this present study can be defined as a capsular ligament of the knee and, as per the nomenclature of the capsular ligament, can be also called the ‘anterolateral (capsular) ligament’.
Pregnancy Promotes Maternal Hippocampal Neurogenesis in Guinea Pigs
Authors: Wan Lily , Tu Tian , Zhang Qi-Lei , Jiang Juan , Yan Xiao-Xin
Published: April 2019

Adult neurogenesis in the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) modulates cognition and behavior in mammals, while motherhood is associated with cognitive and behavioral changes essential for the care of the young. In mice and rats, hippocampal neurogenesis is reported to be reduced or unchanged during pregnancy, with few data available from other species. In guinea pigs, pregnancy lasts ~9 weeks; we set to explore if hippocampal neurogenesis is altered in these animals, relative to gestational stages. Time-pregnant primigravidas (3-5 months old) and age-matched nonpregnant females were examined, with neurogenic potential evaluated via immunolabeling of Ki67, Sp8, doublecortin (DCX), and neuron-specific nuclear antigen (NeuN) combined with bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) birth-dating. Relative to control, subgranular Ki67, Sp8, and DCX-immunoreactive (+) cells tended to increase from early gestation to postpartum and peaked at the late gestational stage. In BrdU pulse-chasing experiments in nonpregnant females surviving for different time points (2-120 days), BrdU+ cells in the DG colocalized with DCX partially from 2 to 42 days (most frequently at 14-30 days) and with NeuN increasingly from 14 to 120 days. In pregnant females that received BrdU at early, middle, and late gestational stages and survived for 42 days, the density of BrdU+ cells in the DG was mostly high in the late gestational group. The rates of BrdU/DCX and BrdU/NeuN colocalization were similar among these groups and comparable to those among the corresponding control group. Together, the findings suggest that pregnancy promotes maternal hippocampal neurogenesis in guinea pigs, at least among primigravidas.
Identification of Viscoelastic Constitutive Parameters of a Cell Based on Fluid‐Structure Coupled Finite Element Model and Experiment
Authors: Qiu Jun , Li Fang-Fang
Published: April 2019

Although mechanical properties of a single cell as well as its mechanical response to stimulation are significant for mechanotransduction, it is difficult to quantitatively identify the viscoelasticity of a cell. This study proposes a methodology to determine the viscoelastic parameters for a single cell combining flow chamber experiment and fluid‐structure coupled finite element model. The observation from the experiment is used to compare with the deformation response of the cell with different parameters in the finite element model with standard linear solid constitute model, which are adjusted until the two displacement response curves from the experiment and the simulation accord with each other, and then the corresponding combination of the viscoelastic parameters is determined to represent the viscoelasticity of the cell. The proposed methodology is applied on osteocytes in this study but can be generalized to other cells. The results indicate that both k1 and k2 of an osteocyte are in the order of several hundred Pa and η is in the order of kPa·s.
High Serum Uric Acid Is Associated with Tubular Damage and Kidney Inflammation in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Guarda Naiara S. , Bollick Yãnaí S. , de Carvalho José Antonio M. , Premaor Melissa O. , Comim Fabio V. , Moresco Rafael N.
Published: April 2019

Background. Uric acid presents different roles in an organism. High serum uric acid concentrations may induce inflammatory pathways and promote kidney damage through different mechanisms. Therefore, this study investigated the association among high serum uric acid concentrations, renal tubular damage, and renal inflammation assessed via estimation of urinary kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) and inflammatory cytokines in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Methods. Urinary concentrations of KIM-1, IL-1, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-alpha, as well as other biochemical parameters, were assessed in 125 patients with T2D who were grouped into two groups based on the serum uric acid levels (<6.0 mg/dL and ≥6.0 mg/dL). Patients were also stratified according to the tertiles of serum uric acid concentrations. Results. Urinary KIM-1, IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-alpha were higher in patients with serum uric acid concentrations≥6.0 mg/dL. However, the differences between the groups were not statistically significant when the urinary values of KIM-1 and cytokines were normalized by the urinary creatinine concentration. Serum uric acid concentrations were significantly associated with urinary KIM-1 (values normalized by urinary creatinine concentration) and urinary TNF-alpha (absolute values and values normalized by urinary creatinine concentration), independent of the body mass index (BMI) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Conclusions. High serum uric acid concentrations were associated with high urinary KIM-1 levels accompanied by the increase of urinary proinflammatory cytokines in patients with T2D. However, normalization of urinary markers by urine creatinine concentration seems to influence the profile of the results.
Wave Propagation in L‐Shape Beams with Piezoelectric Shunting Arrays
Authors: Chen Shengbing , Song Yubao , Zhang Hao
Published: April 2019

Piezoelectric shunting arrays are employed to control the elastic wave propagation in L‐shape beams. Unlike straight beams where longitudinal and flexural waves usually propagate independently, these waves are coupled in an L‐shape beam. Based on transfer matrix method and Bloch theorem, dispersion curves and vibration transmissibility are evaluated and analyzed. A locally resonant gap is produced on the flexural and longitudinal waves, respectively, whose locations are nonoverlapped if the shunt damping is void. However, the longitudinal wave band gap can be completely overlaid by the flexural one when a proper shunting resistance is involved. With the decreasing of shunting inductance, the locations of longitudinal and flexural wave gaps both go up to higher frequencies which agree with the variation of resonant frequencies, but they are less affected by shunting resistance. As the resistance increases, the width of the band gaps grows, whereas the attainable maximum attenuation within the band gaps shows a significant decrease. Also, finite element simulations are performed to validate the numerical predictions, which demonstrate that the resulting transmissibility of displacements agree well with the band gaps.