bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic utility of skin autofluorescence when patch test results are doubtful
Authors: Shin E.‐J. , Seo J.‐K. , Lee E. J. , Lee E. S. , Shin M. K.
Published: July 2018

Background

The standard diagnostic test for allergic contact dermatitis is the patch test, which can also be used to identify irritant contact dermatitis. Doubtful reactions (?+) can be often clinically relevant to individuals and can require additional tests.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to examine whether autofluorescence (AF) measurements in patients with doubtful reactions are helpful in diagnosing contact dermatitis.

Methods

Patients with a history of contact dermatitis were patch tested on the upper back for 48‐hours of occlusion using aqueous solutions of 5% sodium lauryl sulfate. Reaction intensity was scored, and AF was measured on reactive lesions and non‐lesions. Three dermatologists classified the results as positive or negative using the fluorescence photographs of patients with a doubtful reaction.

Results

Among doubtful reactions, the R/G% values were significantly higher in the AF‐ based positive group than in the negative group (P = .0086). On the other hand, the heterogeneity values of R, G, and B (HR, HG, HB) were significantly lower in the AF‐based positive group (P = .0026, .0046, .0004 respectively).

Conclusions

Measuring AF along with the clinical readings can help confirm doubtful patch test reactions.
Actinomycosis: An infrequent disease in renal transplant recipients?
Authors: Rousseau Celia , Piroth Lionel , Pernin Vincent , Cassuto Elisabeth , Etienne Isabelle , Jeribi Ahmed , Kamar Nassim , Pouteil‐Noble Claire , Mousson Christiane
Published: July 2018

Actinomycosis is a rare and heterogeneous infection involving Gram‐positive anaerobic bacteria, which are commensals in the oral cavity and digestive tract. Only four cases of actinomycosis in renal transplant recipients have been reported to date. We performed a retrospective study in French renal transplantation centers to collect data about actinomycosis, patients, and transplantation. Seven cases were reported between 2000 and 2017; mean age was 55.7 years, and prevalence of actinomycosis was 0.02%. Median time between transplantation and infection was 104 months (4‐204 months). Locations of actinomycosis were cervicofacial (n = 2), pulmonary (n = 2), abdominopelvic (n = 2), or cutaneous (n = 1). Two patients (28.5%) had acute kidney injury. Diagnosis was made possible by microbiology (71%) or histopathology (filaments and sulfur granules) (14%) of the infection site. The suspected gate of entry for the infection was dental (57%), abdominal (28.5%) or through the sinuses (14%). All patients were treated with amoxicillin for 30‐200 days (median duration of 115 days), and clavulanic acid was added for 28.5% of cases. Three patients (43%) required surgery. All patients, except one, recovered completely after a few months. Actinomycosis is a rare, slow, progressive disease in French renal transplant recipients. The location and clinical features of this infection are miscellaneous. Global and renal outcomes do not seem to be affected by actinomycosis.
Donor derived Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection after solid‐organ transplantation: A comprehensive review
Authors: Abad Cybele L. R. , Razonable Raymund R.
Published: July 2018

Background

Mycobacterium tuberculosis may be transmitted via the allograft to cause a morbid and potentially fatal infection after solid organ transplantation (SOT). We reviewed all reported cases of donor‐derived tuberculosis (DDTB) to provide an update on its epidemiology, clinical course, and outcome after SOT.

Methods

MEDLINE, OVID, and EMBASE were reviewed from its inception until December 31, 2016 using key words donor‐derived infection, tuberculosis and solid organ transplant or transplantation.

Results

We retrieved 36 cases of proven (n = 17), probable (n = 8), and possible (n = 11) DDTB among 16 lung, 13 kidney, 6 liver, and 1 heart recipients. Most patients were male (21/35, 60%) with median age of 48 (range 23‐68) years. Median time to clinical presentation or diagnosis was 2.7 months (range 0.2‐29). The most common donor risk factor was residence in a TB‐endemic area (13/28, 46.4%). Fever was the most frequent presenting symptom (20/36, 56.5%). Diagnosis of tuberculosis was mostly made via AFB smear or mycobacterial culture (30/36, 83.3%). Allograft involvement was expectedly common; there were almost equal proportions of pulmonary (36%), extra‐pulmonary (28%) and disseminated (36%) cases. All cases of pulmonary TB were identified only among lung transplant recipients. The median duration of TB treatment was 10.5 (range 3‐24) months. Graft loss occurred in four (4/22, 18.2%) patients. All‐cause mortality was 25% (9/36); four of nine deaths were attributed to TB.

Conclusions

Donor‐derived TB presents early after SOT, most commonly as fever, and carries a high mortality risk. Donors should be screened, with particular attention to TB risk factors. Fever during the early post‐operative period should prompt a thorough evaluation for DDTB in endemic regions and among patients with “at‐risk” donors.
Interest in HIV pre‐exposure prophylaxis in men who have sex with men in West Africa (CohMSM ANRS 12324 – Expertise France)
Authors: Coulaud Pierre‐julien , Sagaon‐Teyssier Luis , M'madi Mrenda Bakridine , Maradan Gwenaëlle , Mora Marion , Bourrelly Michel , Dembélé Keita Bintou , Keita Abdoul Aziz , Anoma Camille , Babo Yoro Stéphane‐Alain , Dah Ter Tiero Elias , Coulibaly Christian , Mensah Ephrem , Agbomadji Selom , Bernier Adeline , Couderc Clotilde , Laurent Christian , Spire Bruno ,   The CohMSM Study Group
Published: July 2018

Objective

To explore the interest in taking PrEP among Western African men who have sex with men (MSM).

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey was implemented at enrolment of HIV‐negative MSM in a multiple centre community‐based cohort study in four West African countries (Mali, Côte d'Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Togo). A standardised face‐to‐face questionnaire collected data on socio‐demographic and behavioural characteristics over the previous 6 months. Descriptive analysis and multivariate logistic regression helped identify factors associated with the interest in taking PrEP.

Results

Of 564 participants, 87% were interested in taking PrEP. Interest in PrEP was associated with inconsistent condom use for anal sex (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 2.11; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.21–3.67), transactional sex (aOR: 2.02; 95% CI 1.11–3.71), searching for male sexual partners on the Internet in the previous month (aOR: 1.86; 95% CI 1.01–3.43), having a high level of self‐esteem (aOR: 1.20; 95% CI 1.06–1.36), having at least one sexually transmitted infections at enrolment (aOR: 5.08; 95% CI 1.40–18.4) and not being aware of PrEP (aOR: 2.03; 95% CI 1.04–3.96). Participants having sex with HIV‐positive male partners (aOR: 0.28; 95% CI 0.11–0.74), those being more sexually attracted to women than to men (aOR: 0.20; 95% CI 0.07–0.89) and those reporting psychological and material support from close friends (aOR: 0.33; 95% CI 0.15–0.73) were less interested in taking PreP.

Conclusions

Western African HIV‐negative MSM appear very interested in taking PrEP, especially those most at risk of HIV infection. PrEP implementation in a comprehensive prevention package should be considered urgently.
Assembling multiple xenoprotective transgenes in pigs
Authors: Fischer Konrad , Kind Alexander , Schnieke Angelika
Published: July 2018

This review gives a brief overview of the genetic modifications necessary for grafted porcine tissues and organs to overcome rejection in human recipients. It then focuses on the problem of generating and breeding herds of donor pigs carrying modified endogenous genes and multiple xenoprotective transgenes. A xenodonor pig optimised for human clinical use could well require the addition of ten or more xenoprotective transgenes. It is impractical to produce the required combination of transgene by cross‐breeding animals bearing individual transgenes at unlinked genetic loci, because independent segregation means that huge numbers of pigs would be required to produce relatively few donor animals. A better approach is to colocate groups of transgenes at a single genomic locus. We outline current methods to assemble transgene arrays and consider their pros and cons. These include polycistronic expression systems, in vitro recombination of large DNA fragments in PAC and BAC vectors, transposon vectors, classical gene targeting by homologous recombination at permissive loci such as ROSA26, targeted transgene placement aided by gene editing systems such as CRISPR/Cas9, and transgene placement by site‐specific recombination such as Min‐tagging using the Bxb1recombinase.
Right ventricular dyssynchrony during hypoxic breathing but not during exercise in healthy subjects: a speckle tracking echocardiography study
Authors: Pezzuto Beatrice , Forton Kevin , Badagliacca Roberto , Motoji Yoshiki , Faoro Vitalie , Naeije Robert
Published: July 2018

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Right ventricular dyssynchrony in severe pulmonary hypertension is associated with a poor prognosis. However, it has recently been observed in patients with lung or connective tissue disease and pulmonary artery pressure at the upper limits of normal. The mechanisms of right ventricular dyssynchrony in pulmonary hypertension remain uncertain.

What is the main finding and its importance?

Acute hypoxic breathing, but not normoxic exercise, induces an increase in right ventricular dyssynchrony detected by speckle tracking echocardiography in healthy subjects. These results add new insights into the determinants of right ventricular dyssynchrony, suggesting a role for systemic factors added to afterload in the pathophysiology of right ventricular inhomogeneity of contraction.

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) has been shown to be associated with regional inhomogeneity (or dyssynchrony) of right ventricular (RV) contraction. Right ventricular dyssynchrony is an independent predictor of decreased survival in advanced PH, but has also been reported in patients with only mildly elevated pulmonary artery pressure (PAP). The mechanisms of RV dyssynchrony in PH remain uncertain. Our aim was to evaluate RV regional function in healthy subjects during acute hypoxia and during exercise. Seventeen healthy subjects (24 ± 6 years) underwent a speckle tracking echocardiography of the RV at rest in normoxia and every 15 min during a 60 min exposure to hypoxic breathing ( 12%). Ten of the subjects also underwent an incremental cycle ergometry in normoxia to 100 W, with the same echocardiographic measurements. Dyssynchrony was measured as the SD of the times to peak systolic strain of the four basal and mid RV segments corrected for the heart rate (RV‐SD4). RV‐SD4 increased during hypoxia from 12 ± 7 to 22 ± 11 ms in spite of mild increases in mean PAP (mPAP) from 15 ± 2 to 20 ± 2 mmHg and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) from 1.18 ± 0.15 to 1.4 ± 0.15 Wood units (WU). During exercise RV‐SD4 did not significantly change (from 12 ± 6 ms to 14 ± 6 ms), while mPAP increased to 25 ± 2 mmHg and PVR was unchanged. These data show that in healthy subjects, RV contraction is inhomogeneous in hypoxia but not during exercise. Since PAP increases more during exercise, RV dyssynchrony in hypoxia may be explained by a combination of mechanical (RV afterload) and systemic (hypoxia) factors.
Thirty minutes of handgrip exercise potentiates flow‐mediated dilatation in response to sustained and transient shear stress stimuli to a similar extent
Authors: McPhee I. A. C. , Pyke K. E.
Published: July 2018

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

This study sought to determine whether enhancement of brachial artery flow‐mediated dilatation (FMD) after acute exposure to a sustained elevation in shear stress is greater when the shear stress stimulus for FMD is also sustained.

What is the main finding and its importance?

Brachial artery FMD in response to a sustained (handgrip exercise) and transient (reactive hyperaemia) shear stress stimulus was enhanced to a similar extent 10 min after a 30 min handgrip exercise intervention. This suggests that prior exposure to a sustained elevation in shear stress results in a similar acute augmentation of the ability of the endothelium to transduce sustained and transient shear stress stimuli.

Brief (30 min) exposure of the brachial artery (BA) to a sustained elevation in shear stress has been shown to potentiate subsequent BA flow‐mediated dilatation (FMD) in response to a transient shear stress stimulus [reactive hyperaemia (RH) FMD]. It is unknown whether matching the sustained shear stress exposure to a subsequent sustained shear stress stimulus for FMD [via handgrip exercise (SS‐FMD)] might enhance the potentiation of FMD. The purpose of the study, therefore, was to assess the impact of a 30 min handgrip exercise intervention‐induced elevation in shear stress on subsequent BA SS‐FMD versus RH‐FMD. Nineteen healthy men (22 ± 3 years) preformed a 30 min rhythmic handgrip exercise intervention on two experimental days. BA‐FMD was assessed using either an RH or a 6 min sustained shear stress stimulus created via handgrip exercise (order of visits counterbalanced) at three time points: pre‐intervention and 10 and 60 min post‐intervention. The FMD was assessed using duplex ultrasound. Shear stress was estimated as shear rate (SR = BA blood velocity/BA diameter). Data are mean ± SD. Both SS and RH‐FMD increased from pre‐intervention to 10 min post‐intervention [SS‐FMD (6 min average), from 0.11 ± 0.05 to 0.16 ± 0.08 mm; P = 0.008; Cohen's d = 0.66; and RH‐FMD, from 0.25 ± 0.1 to 0.32 ± 0.11 mm; P = 0.013; Cohen's d = 0.68]. The magnitude of enhancement in RH and SS‐FMD did not differ (change in RH versus SS‐FMD pre‐ versus 10 min post‐intervention, P = 0.344). These findings suggest that exposure to elevated shear stress via 30 min of handgrip exercise potentiates subsequent FMD in response to sustained and transient elevations in shear stress to a similar extent.
Water drinking enhances the gain of arterial baroreflex control of muscle sympathetic nerve activity in healthy young humans
Authors: Vianna Lauro C. , Fernandes Igor A. , Martinez Daniel G. , Teixeira André L. , Silva Bruno M. , Fadel Paul J. , Nóbrega Antonio C. L.
Published: July 2018

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Water drinking increases muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA), and it increases arterial blood pressure (ABP) in older populations but not in young healthy subjects. Does an increase in gain of arterial baroreflex control of MSNA contribute to maintenance of ABP after water drinking in healthy young subjects?

What is the main finding and its importance?

The gain of arterial baroreflex control of MSNA was increased and remained elevated 60 min after water drinking (500 ml) but remained unchanged after saline intake. An enhancement in gain of arterial baroreflex control of MSNA contributes to the maintenance of ABP after water drinking in young healthy subjects, probably via osmosensitive mechanisms.

Water drinking increases muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA), which is accompanied by a profound pressor response in patients with impaired arterial baroreflex function and in older populations, but not in healthy young subjects. We tested the hypothesis that an enhancement in the gain of arterial baroreflex control of MSNA contributes to the maintenance of arterial blood pressure after water drinking in healthy young subjects. The MSNA, arterial blood pressure and heart rate were measured in 10 healthy men (24 ± 2 years old; mean ± SD) before and for 60 min after ingestion of 500 ml of bottled water or saline solution. Weighted linear regression analysis between MSNA and diastolic blood pressure was used to determine the gain (i.e. sensitivity) of arterial baroreflex control of MSNA. After water drinking, MSNA was significantly elevated within 15 min and remained above baseline for up to 60 min [e.g. 21 ± 10 bursts (100 heart beats)−1 mmHg−1 at baseline versus 35 ± 14 bursts (100 heart beats)−1 mmHg−1 at 30 min; P < 0.01], whereas mean arterial blood pressure (e.g. 87 ± 7 mmHg at baseline versus 89 ± 7 mmHg at 30 min; P = 0.34) and heart rate were unchanged. The arterial baroreflex–MSNA gain for bursts incidence was increased and remained elevated throughout the protocol [e.g. −2.25 ± 0.99 bursts (100 heart beats)−1 mmHg−1 at baseline versus −4.32 ± 1.53 bursts (100 heart beats)−1 mmHg−1 at 30 min; P < 0.01]. Importantly, saline intake had no effect on arterial baroreflex–MSNA gain or any neurocardiovascular variables. These findings demonstrate that water drinking enhances the gain of arterial baroreflex control of MSNA in healthy young men, which may contribute to buffering the pressor response after water drinking, probably via osmosensitive mechanisms.
Phase waves and trigger waves: emergent properties of oscillating and excitable networks in the gut
Authors: Parsons Sean P. , Huizinga Jan D.
Published: July 2018

The gut is enmeshed by a number of cellular networks, but there is only a limited understanding of how these networks generate the complex patterns of activity that drive gut contractile functions. Here we review two fundamental types of cell behaviour, excitable and oscillating, and the patterns that networks of such cells generate, trigger waves and phase waves, respectively. We use both the language of biophysics and the theory of nonlinear dynamics to define these behaviours and understand how they generate patterns. Based on this we look for evidence of trigger and phase waves in the gut, including some of our recent work on the small intestine.
Uncovering a critical period of synaptic imbalance during postnatal development of the rat visual cortex: role of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor
Authors: Zhang Hanmeng , Mu Lianwei , Wang Dandan , Xia Dongdong , Salmon Alexander , Liu Qiuli , Wong‐Riley Margaret T. T.
Published: July 2018

Key points

With daily electrophysiological recordings and neurochemical analysis, we uncovered a transient period of synaptic imbalance between enhanced inhibition and suppressed excitation in rat visual cortical neurons from the end of the fourth toward the end of the fifth postnatal weeks.

The expression of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which normally enhances excitation and suppresses inhibition, was down‐regulated during that time, suggesting that this may contribute to the inhibition/excitation imbalance.

An agonist of the BDNF receptor tropomyosin‐related kinase B (TrkB) partially reversed the imbalance, whereas a TrkB antagonist accentuated the imbalance during the transient period.

Monocular lid suture during the transient period is more detrimental to the function and neurochemical properties of visual cortical neurons than before or after this period.

We regard the period of synaptic imbalance as the peak critical period of vulnerability, and its existence is necessary for neurons to transition from immaturity to a more mature state of functioning.

The mammalian visual cortex is immature at birth and undergoes postnatal structural and functional adjustments. The exact timing of the vulnerable period in rodents remains unclear. The critical period is characterized by inhibitory GABAergic maturation reportedly dependent on brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). However, most of the studies were performed on experimental/transgenic animals, questioning the relationship in normal animals. The present study aimed to conduct in‐depth analyses of the synaptic and neurochemical development of visual cortical neurons in normal and monocularly‐deprived rats and to determine specific changes, if any, during the critical period. We found that (i) against a gradual increase in excitation and inhibition with age, a transient period of synaptic and neurochemical imbalance existed with suppressed excitation and enhanced inhibition at postnatal days 28 to 33/34; (ii) during this window, the expression of BDNF and tropomyosin‐related kinase B (TrkB) receptors decreased, along with glutamatergic GluN1 and GluA1 receptors and the metabolic marker cytochrome oxidase, whereas that of GABAARα1 receptors continued to rise; (iii) monocular deprivation reduced both excitatory and inhibitory synaptic activity and neurochemicals mainly during this period; and (iv) in vivo TrkB agonist partially reversed the synaptic imbalance in normal and monocularly‐deprived neurons during this time, whereas a TrkB antagonist accentuated the imbalance. Thus, our findings highlight a transitory period of synaptic imbalance with a negative relationship between BDNF and inhibitory GABA. This brief critical period may be necessary in transitioning from an immature to a more mature state of visual cortical functioning.
Disagreement of diameter and volume measurements for pulmonary nodule size estimation in CT lung cancer screening
Authors: Heuvelmans Marjolein A , Walter Joan E , Vliegenthart Rozemarijn , van Ooijen Peter M A , De Bock Geertruida H , de Koning Harry J , Oudkerk Matthijs
Published: July 2018

We studied 2240 indeterminate solid nodules (volume 50–500mm3) to determine the correlation of diameter and semi-automated volume measurements for pulmonary nodule size estimation. Intra-nodular diameter variation, defined as maximum minus minimum diameter through the nodule’s center, varied by 2.8 mm (median, IQR:2.2–3.7 mm), so above the 1.5 mm cutoff for nodule growth used in Lung CT Screening Reporting and Data System (Lung-RADS). Using mean or maximum axial diameter to assess nodule volume led to a substantial mean overestimation of nodule volume of 47.2% and 85.1%, respectively, compared to semi-automated volume. Thus, size of indeterminate nodules is poorly represented by diameter.

Trial registration number

Pre-results, ISRCTN63545820.
Characteristics of new solid nodules detected in incidence screening rounds of low-dose CT lung cancer screening: the NELSON study
Authors: Walter Joan E , Heuvelmans Marjolein A , Bock Geertruida H de , Yousaf-Khan Uraujh , Groen Harry J M , Aalst Carlijn M van der , Nackaerts Kristiaan , Ooijen Peter M A van , Koning Harry J de , Vliegenthart Rozemarijn , Oudkerk Matthijs
Published: July 2018

Purpose

New nodules after baseline are regularly found in low-dose CT lung cancer screening and have a high lung cancer probability. It is unknown whether morphological and location characteristics can improve new nodule risk stratification by size.

Methods

Solid non-calcified nodules detected during incidence screening rounds of the randomised controlled Dutch-Belgian lung cancer screening (NELSON) trial and registered as new or previously below detection limit (15 mm3) were included. A multivariate logistic regression analysis with lung cancer as outcome was performed, including previously established volume cut-offs (<30 mm3, 30–<200 mm3 and ≥200 mm3) and nodule characteristics (location, distribution, shape, margin and visibility <15 mm3 in retrospect).

Results

Overall, 1280 new nodules were included with 73 (6%) being lung cancer. Of nodules ≥30 mm3 at detection and visible <15 mm3 in retrospect, 22% (6/27) were lung cancer. Discrimination based on volume cut-offs (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC): 0.80, 95% CI 0.75 to 0.84) and continuous volume (AUC: 0.82, 95% CI 0.77 to 0.87) was similar. After adjustment for volume cut-offs, only location in the right upper lobe (OR 2.0, P=0.012), central distribution (OR 2.4, P=0.001) and visibility <15 mm3 in retrospect (OR 4.7, P=0.003) remained significant predictors for lung cancer. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test (P=0.75) and assessment of bootstrap calibration curves indicated adequate model fit. Discrimination based on the continuous model probability (AUC: 0.85, 95% CI 0.81 to 0.89) was superior to volume cut-offs alone, but when stratified into three risk groups (AUC: 0.82, 95% CI 0.78 to 0.86), discrimination was similar.

Conclusion

Contrary to morphological nodule characteristics, growth-independent characteristics may further improve volume-based new nodule lung cancer prediction, but in a three-category stratification approach, this is limited.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN63545820; pre-results.
Temporal patterns of ground flora response to fire in thinned Pinus–Quercus stands
Authors: Willson Kevin G. , Barefoot Carson R. , Hart Justin L. , Schweitzer Callie Jo , Dey Daniel C.
Published: July 2018

The ground flora stratum affects stand structure, resource acquisition, nutrient cycling, and taxonomic richness in forest ecosystems. Disturbances such as thinning and prescribed fire alter forest understory growing conditions that generally increase ground flora cover and richness. We studied annual changes in ground flora assemblages over three growing seasons after fire in thinned and frequently burned (3-year rotation) Pinus–Quercus stands. Our results corroborated trends from other studies that indicated greater ground flora richness and cover after thinning and burning compared with thin-only treatments. We also found that the stratum experienced relatively rapid succession between growing seasons that complimented the tolerance succession model. Forbs had reduced cover and richness from increasingly difficult growing conditions over time and were replaced by woody plants, shrubs, and seedlings. This likely occurred from changing competition dynamics that favored quick growth in the first growing season and long-term investment in vertical growth in the third growing season. The successful regeneration pathways also fit ground flora regeneration models and added a unique pathway to strengthen the predictive power of these models. As many stand management goals are focused towards improving biodiversity, prescribed fire and thinning may be used to increase understory richness in Pinus–Quercus stands.
Schwinger effect in an instanton background with electric and magnetic fields via holography
Authors: Arashti Maryam Gholizadeh , Dehghani Majid
Published: July 2018

The Schwinger effect in the presence of instantons and background magnetic field was considered to study the dependence of critical electric field on instanton density and magnetic field using AdS/CFT conjecture. The gravity side is the near horizon limit of D3[Formula: see text]D(−[Formula: see text]1) background with electric and magnetic fields on the brane. Our approach is based on the potential analysis for particle–antiparticle pair at zero and finite temperatures, where the zero temperature case is a semi-confining theory. We find that presence of instantons suppresses the pair creation effect, similar to a background magnetic field. Then, the production rate will be obtained numerically using the expectation value of circular Wilson loop. The obtained production rate in a magnetic field is in agreement with previous results.
Metamaterial-based multifunctional sensor design for moisture, concrete aging and ethanol density sensing applications
Authors: Akgol Oguzhan , Unal Hatice
Published: July 2018

We have designed and developed a metamaterial (MTM)-based multipurpose sensor structure capable of sensing moisture, liquid (ethyl alcohol-ethanol-in our case) density in pure water and the concrete aging. The structure is composed of a rectangular shape MTM cell resonator which can be adjusted to any desired frequency range depending on the application area and the material to be sensed. The material is put into a plastic rectangular pipe placed in a hole located in the middle of the structure. Depending on the response of the proposed model to the electromagnetic properties of the material under test (MUT), overall resonance frequency shifts providing the information to accurately estimate the soil moisture, concrete age and density rate of the sensed liquid samples in real time. The resonance frequency has been carefully chosen so that the MUT has a linear variation in its electromagnetic response behaviors. It is aimed for future studies to adjust the structure for designing a portable multipurpose sensor device and even adjust it to smart phones and sense the materials by simply using smart phones and a small amount of sample in high efficiency.
Single-buried-layer reflection-mode metasurfaces for dual-band linear to circular polarization conversion
Authors: Fartookzadeh Mahdi
Published: July 2018

In this paper, analysis, design and simulation of dual-band metasurfaces as the reflection-mode linear to circular polarization converters (RMCPs) consisting of single-buried-layer rectangular patches are carried out. The proposed structure for RMCPs can be realized for all frequency ranges from microwave to optical frequencies. However, two far-infrared frequencies, 2 THz and 10 THz, are considered for the design. Dimensions of the dual-band RMCP are obtained using equivalent transmission line circuit and defining a circular polarization (CP) indicator factor (RLI), which should be about ±[Formula: see text]1 for CP. An advantage of the proposed RMCP is the wide permitted angle of incidence [Formula: see text] in both operating frequencies. Simulation results of the proposed RMCP indicate 41.2% and 39.1% bandwidths for 3-dB axial ratio (AR) at 2 THz and 10 THz, respectively with [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. In addition, higher quality of CP can be obtained by reducing the incident angle difference. For example, 2-dB AR bandwidths of the proposed metasurface are 28.4% and 42.1% at 2 THz and 10 THz, respectively, with [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text].
Four-wave mixing effect on high-power continuous-wave all-fiber lasers
Authors: Zheng Jinkun , Zhao Wei , Zhao Baoyin , Li Zhe , Li Gang , Gao Qi , Ju Pei , Gao Wei , She Shengfei , Wu Peng
Published: July 2018

A four-wave mixing effect on high-power continuous-wave fiber lasers has been demonstrated theoretically and experimentally. Detailed theoretical description of phase matching is presented and we found that the phase matching condition is satisfied at the frequency shift of 5.16 THz. While the intensity in fiber core region is more than about 394 MW/cm2, the four-wave mixing products of 1100 nm and 1060 nm were also observed in high-power all-fiber laser. The comparison shows that the experiment result is in good agreement with the simulation result. In addition, the beam quality deterioration for the laser is caused by the four-wave mixing effect and the mode instability. The [Formula: see text] factor measured at maximal intensity of 478 MW/cm2 is 2.80.
A 0.5–6.5-GHz 3.9-dB NF 7.2-mW active down-conversion mixer in 65-nm CMOS
Authors: Guo Benqing , Wang Xuebing , Chen Hongpeng , Chen Jun
Published: July 2018

In the paper, a broadband CMOS active down-conversion mixer is presented. Specifically, a noise-canceling transconductor is developed to reduce the noise figure of the mixer. The current-reuse technique applied to the developed transconductor by stacked nMOS/pMOS architecture not only saves power consumption of the circuit, but also reduces the undesirable parasitics. Moreover, two passive [Formula: see text]-type networks are exploited to absorb internal parasitics of the circuit and guarantee broadband operation. Implemented in an advanced 65-nm CMOS process, post-simulations show that, driven by 0 dBm sinusoidal LO signal, the proposed mixer provides a maximal conversion gain of 15 dB and a NF of 3.9–4.9 dB across RF input frequency range of 0.5–6.5 GHz. The IIP3 and IP1dB of 3.1 and −6.9 dBm are obtained, respectively. The mixer core consumes 7.2 mW from a 1 V supply.
High-frequency tail of the radio-frequency spectrum in a unitary Fermi gas with particle–hole fluctuation
Authors: Ruan Xiao-Xia , Wang Fei , Gong Hao , Wang Zheng-Ling , Zong Hong-Shi
Published: July 2018

The contact plays an important role in the study of ultracold atoms. We determine the contact from the high-frequency asymptotic behavior of radio-frequency spectrum for a homogeneous Fermi gas at unitarity in the normal phase. The contact is obtained within the framework of the non-self-consistent T-matrix approximation with particle–hole fluctuation.
Study of the structural and electrical properties of silicon ion irradiated zirconium nitride thin films
Authors: Shah Waqar H. , Iqbal Yousaf , Safeen Akif , Safeen Kashif , Khan Gulzar , Shah Wiqar H. , Ahmed Ishaq , Khan Shakil , Zhao Tingkai , Ul-Haq Khizar
Published: July 2018

In this work, modification in structural and electrical properties of zirconium nitride (ZrN) thin films induced by silicon-ion irradiation is studied. ZrN thin films are grown on glass substrate over Zirconium (Zr) layer using cathodic arc evaporation method. The samples of the film are irradiated with silicon ions of energy 2.08 MeV at different fluences ranging from [Formula: see text] ions/cm[Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text] ions/cm[Formula: see text]. The structural and electrical properties of the prepared films are investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy and four-point probe method. XRD analysis shows significant shift in the peak corresponding to (111) crystallographic plane of ZrN at low fluence ([Formula: see text] ions/cm[Formula: see text]) while modest peak shift at high fluence rate ([Formula: see text] ions/cm[Formula: see text]) is observed. Under the electrical properties point of view, it is observed that the decrease in resistivity is small at high ion fluence as compared to that at low ion fluence. At highest fluence of [Formula: see text] ions/cm[Formula: see text], resistivity of the irradiated sample approaches the resistivity of the un-irradiated sample indicating very small changes in structure at very high dose irradiance.
MANAGING KNOWLEDGE-RELATED BARRIERS TO TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION THROUGH EXPLOITATIVE AND EXPLORATIVE ORGANISATIONAL STRATEGIES
Authors: TORUGSA NUTTANEEYA (ANN) , O’DONOHUE WAYNE
Published: July 2018

This study uses data from a sample of 31,948 European innovating firms to examine the impact that knowledge-related barriers to technological innovation have on the link between the level of such innovation and firm performance, and, to investigate the role of “exploitative” and “explorative” organisational strategies in moderating such impact. Exploitative strategies are measured by the level of organisational innovations, and exploratory strategies are measured by the level of methods for fostering workplace creativity. Using moderated hierarchical regression, the results reveal a negative effect of the interaction between technological innovation and related knowledge constraints on firm performance. They also reveal that the negative interaction effect becomes positive at high levels of organisational innovations and creativity-fostering methods. The study findings thus indicate the need for managers of technologically innovative firms to implement both exploitative and explorative organisational strategies. Doing so could help minimise the negative effects of knowledge-related barriers to technological innovation, and in turn promote innovation-based competitiveness and business success.
Seismic and lithofacies characterization of a gravity core transect down the submarine Tuaheni Landslide Complex, NE New Zealand
Authors: Kuhlmann Jannis , Orpin Alan R. , Mountjoy Joshu J. , Crutchley Gareth J. , Henrys Stuart , Lunenburg Ryan , Huhn Katrin
Published: July 2018

The southern Tuaheni Landslide Complex (TLC) at the Hikurangi subduction margin displays distinctive morphological features along its distribution over the Tuaheni slope offshore Gisborne, New Zealand. We here present first analyses of a gravity core transect that systematically samples surficial sediments from the source area to the toe of this landslide complex, thus providing important new insight into shallow lithological variation in the slide complex. Geophysical and geochemical core logs and core descriptions form the basis for a characterization of representative sediment successions that are indicative of the respective slope segment of recovery. Our results show that the lithology of surficial sediments varies significantly along the length of the landslide complex. Depending on the slope segment observed, this variation includes post-Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) outer-shelf sediments, and hemipelagic drape and near-surface reworked debris avalanche deposits, as well as multiple intercalated thinner turbidites and tephra layers at the distal end of the profile. Lithological downslope variability suggests ongoing mass transport events through the late Holocene that were likely to have been limited to small mud-turbidite flows. Integration with acoustic sub-bottom imagery reveals the presence of multiple stacked mass-transport deposits at depth, contrasting with previous interpretations of a single parent failure.
Tight typings and split bounds
Authors: Accattoli Beniamino , Graham-Lengrand Stéphane , Kesner Delia
Published: July 2018

Multi types—aka non-idempotent intersection types—have been used to obtain quantitative bounds on higher-order programs, as pioneered by de Carvalho. Notably, they bound at the same time the number of evaluation steps
and
the size of the result. Recent results show that the number of steps can be taken as a reasonable time complexity measure. At the same time, however, these results suggest that multi types provide quite lax complexity bounds, because the size of the result can be exponentially bigger than the number of steps.

Starting from this observation, we refine and generalise a technique introduced by Bernadet & Graham-Lengrand to provide
exact
bounds for the maximal strategy. Our typing judgements carry two counters, one measuring evaluation lengths and the other measuring result sizes. In order to emphasise the modularity of the approach, we provide exact bounds for four evaluation strategies, both in the λ-calculus (head, leftmost-outermost, and maximal evaluation) and in the linear substitution calculus (linear head evaluation).

Our work aims at both capturing the results in the literature and extending them with new outcomes. Concerning the literature, it unifies de Carvalho and Bernadet & Graham-Lengrand via a uniform technique and a complexity-based perspective. The two main novelties are exact split bounds for the leftmost strategy—the only known strategy that evaluates terms to full normal forms and provides a reasonable complexity measure—and the observation that the computing device hidden behind multi types is the notion of substitution at a distance, as implemented by the linear substitution calculus.
Message Relaying and Collaboration Motivating for Mobile Crowdsensing Service: An Edge‐Assisted Approach
Authors: Yang Shu , Li Jinglin , Yuan Quan , Liu Zhihan , Yang Fangchun
Published: July 2018

Group sensing is a kind of crowdsensing service where HD map producers motivate private cars in a local region to collect data from real world. Group sensing needs vehicles to communicate physically and drivers to collaborate strategically in a mobile or edge‐assisted environment. First, we consider collaboration module that motivates drivers to be participants; centralized and distributed motivating methods are discussed. Secondly, we consider communication module; two VANET‐based methods are proposed to achieve message relaying in edge infrastructure. To accomplish participants’ selection, three combinations of two modules are proposed and simulated based on a flexible framework. The results show that centralized selection could motivate collaboration at a low price but brings heavy communication overhead. Clustered selection requires more incentives and less communication overhead than centralized selection. Distributed selection is usually the first class choice because of its fine performances on both communicating and motivating.
Integration of an Iterative Update of Sparse Geologic Dictionaries with ES-MDA for History Matching of Channelized Reservoirs
Authors: Kim Sungil , Min Baehyun , Lee Kyungbook , Jeong Hoonyoung
Published: July 2018

This study couples an iterative sparse coding in a transformed space with an ensemble smoother with multiple data assimilation (ES-MDA) for providing a set of geologically plausible models that preserve the non-Gaussian distribution of lithofacies in a channelized reservoir. Discrete cosine transform (DCT) of sand-shale facies is followed by the repetition of K-singular value decomposition (K-SVD) in order to construct sparse geologic dictionaries that archive geologic features of the channelized reservoir such as pattern and continuity. Integration of ES-MDA, DCT, and K-SVD is conducted in a complementary way as the initially static dictionaries are updated with dynamic data in each assimilation of ES-MDA. This update of dictionaries allows the coupled algorithm to yield an ensemble well conditioned to static and dynamic data at affordable computational costs. Applications of the proposed algorithm to history matching of two channelized gas reservoirs show that the hybridization of DCT and iterative K-SVD enhances the matching performance of gas rate, water rate, bottomhole pressure, and channel properties with geological plausibility.
Effect of Coenzyme Q10 on Insulin Resistance in Korean Patients with Prediabetes: A Pilot Single-Center, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study
Authors: Yoo Ja-Young , Yum Keun-Sang
Published: July 2018

Introduction. This study aimed to examine whether administration of coenzyme Q10, an antioxidant, improves insulin resistance in patients with prediabetes. The study design was a pilot single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Methods. This pilot single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial included a total of 80 adults (aged ≥20 years) with impaired glucose tolerance. After the initial screening visit, subjects were assigned to either the experimental (n = 40) or placebo (n = 40) group via simple randomization. Insulin resistance was represented as the insulin resistance index estimated by homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR). Results. After the 8-week treatment period, the coenzyme group exhibited a significant decrease in the HOMA-IR (P < .001). The free oxygen radical and coenzyme Q10 concentrations were found to correlate significantly (P < .001). However, no significant changes in fasting blood glucose, insulin, and glycated hemoglobin levels were observed in either group. Additionally, no adverse events occurred in either group. Conclusion. Patients with prediabetes who were administered coenzyme Q10 showed a significant reduction in HOMA-IR values. Therefore, administration of coenzyme Q10 in patients with impaired glucose tolerance may slow the progression from prediabetes to overt diabetes.
Identification and Validation of Reference Genes for RT-qPCR Normalization in Mythimna separata (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Li Ke , Xu Na , Yang Yu Jing , Zhang Jin Hui , Yin Huan
Published: July 2018

Mythimna separata is a major agricultural pest with seasonal migrating trait in China. Formation and regulation mechanism of migration behavior has resulted in a large number of fundamental researches involving quantitative studies of gene expression in this species. Using appropriate reference gene is critical in RT-qPCR data normalization. A comprehensive study on the reference genes in M. separata is lacking. In this paper, expression stabilities of ten candidate reference genes were evaluated in M. separata under various biotic and abiotic conditions by employing four different software geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, and the comparative ΔCT method. The comprehensive stabilities ranking of these genes were suggested by RefFinder. PKG as a target gene was employed to justify the number of reference genes in four larval tissues and two photoperiod treatments. Results demonstrate that the first three most stable genes were as follows: EF, CypA, and β-TUB for developmental stages; EF, CypA, and RPL12 for larval tissues; EF, TBP, and β-TUB for adult tissues. RPL12, β-TUB, and EF for densities; EF, RPL12, and GAPDH for photoperiod treatments; β-TUB, EF, and ATPase for temperature treatments. Stable reference gene combinations may reduce bias in normalization. This work provides for the first time a comprehensive list of appropriate reference genes and facilitates future studies on gene function of M. separata.
Advanced Multiresolution Wavelet Based Wideband Spectrum Sensing Technique for Cognitive Radio
Authors: Singh Jai Sukh Paul , Rai Mritunjay Kumar , Kumar Gulshan , Singh Rajwinder , Kim Hye-Jin , Kim Tai-hoon
Published: July 2018

An advance multiresolution wavelet based approach for wideband spectrum sensing for cognitive radio system is proposed in this paper. Prime focus is made on the coarse detection part for interweaved system, in which unoccupied spectrum can be used efficiently by the cognitive users. Quick and immediate shifting over the sensed vacant channel is extremely vital and is a challenging task. To overcome this issue, fast and efficient spectrum sensing technique is proposed for cognitive radios by improvising the Discrete Wavelet Packet Transform (DWPT) for multiresolution interweaved systems. This proposed scheme not only increases the system speed but also reduces complexity. Simulation results are used to analyse the system performance and numerical analysis for computing system complexity.
Porphyromonas gingivalis Induces Apoptosis and Autophagy via ER Stress in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells
Authors: Hirasawa Masaaki , Kurita-Ochiai Tomoko
Published: July 2018

It has been reported that periodontitis is associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis. Accumulating evidence suggests that endothelial dysfunction is an early marker for atherosclerosis. To determine how periodontal infections contribute to endothelial dysfunction, we examined the effect of Porphyromonas gingivalis on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). P. gingivalis significantly suppressed the viability of HUVEC, induced DNA fragmentation and annexin V staining, and increased caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9 activities. P. gingivalis also increased the expression of GADD153 and GRP78 and caspase-12 activity. Further, P. gingivalis induced autophagy, as evidenced by increased LC3-II and Beclin-1 levels. The suppression of P. gingivalis-induced autophagy by silencing of LC3 with siRNA significantly increased P. gingivalis-induced apoptosis. ER stress inhibitor, salubrinal, suppressed apoptosis and autophagy by inhibiting P. gingivalis-induced DNA fragmentation and LC3-II expression. These data suggest that P. gingivalis infection induces ER stress-mediated apoptosis followed by autophagic response that protects HUVEC from P. gingivalis-mediated apoptosis, potentially amplifying proatherogenic mechanisms in the perturbed vasculature.