bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Misfolded SOD1 inclusions in patients with mutations in C9orf72 and other ALS/FTD-associated genes
Authors: Forsberg Karin , Graffmo Karin , Pakkenberg Bente , Weber Markus , Nielsen Martin , Marklund Stefan , Brännström Thomas , Andersen Peter Munch
Published: April 2019

Objective

A hallmark of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) caused by mutations in superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD1) are inclusions containing SOD1 in motor neurons. Here, we searched for SOD1-positive inclusions in 29 patients carrying ALS-linked mutations in six other genes.

Methods

A panel of antibodies that specifically recognise misfolded SOD1 species were used for immunohistochemical investigations of autopsy tissue.

Results

The 18 patients with hexanucleotide-repeat-expansions in C9orf72 had inclusions of misfolded wild type (WT) SOD1WT in spinal motor neurons. Similar inclusions were occasionally observed in medulla oblongata and in the motor cortex and frontal lobe. Patients with mutations in FUS, KIF5A, NEK1, ALSIN or VAPB, carried similar SOD1WT inclusions. Minute amounts of misSOD1WT inclusions were detected in 2 of 20 patients deceased from non-neurological causes and in 4 of 10 patients with other neurodegenerative diseases. Comparison was made with 17 patients with 9 different SOD1 mutations. Morphologically, the inclusions in patients with mutations in C9orf72HRE, FUS, KIF5A, NEK1, VAPB and ALSIN resembled inclusions in patients carrying the wildtype-like SOD1D90A mutation, whereas patients carrying unstable SOD1 mutations (A4V, V5M, D76Y, D83G, D101G, G114A, G127X, L144F) had larger skein-like SOD1-positive inclusions.

Conclusions and relevance

Abundant inclusions containing misfolded SOD1WT are found in spinal and cortical motor neurons in patients carrying mutations in six ALS-causing genes other than SOD1. This suggests that misfolding of SOD1WT can be part of a common downstream event that may be pathogenic. The new anti-SOD1 therapeutics in development may have applications for a broader range of patients.
Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy: update on diagnosis, immunopathogenesis and treatment
Authors: Lehmann Helmar Christoph , Burke David , Kuwabara Satoshi
Published: April 2019

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is an immune-mediated neuropathy typically characterised by symmetrical involvement, and proximal as well as distal muscle weakness (typical CIDP). However, there are several ‘atypical’ subtypes, such as multifocal acquired demyelinating sensory and motor neuropathy (Lewis-Sumner syndrome) and ‘distal acquired demyelinating symmetric neuropathy’, possibly having different immunopathogenesis and treatment responses. In the absence of diagnostic and pathogenetic biomarkers, diagnosis and treatment may be difficult, but recent progress has been made in the application of neuroimaging tools demonstrating nerve hypertrophy and in identifying subgroups of patients who harbour antibodies against nodal proteins such as neurofascin and contactin-1. Despite its relative rarity, CIDP represents a significant economic burden, mostly due to costly treatment with immunoglobulin. Recent studies have demonstrated the efficacy of subcutaneous as well as intravenous immunoglobulin as maintenance therapy, and newer immunomodulating drugs can be used in refractory cases. This review provides an overview focusing on advances over the past several years.
Noise-induced hearing loss in the military dental setting: a UK legislative perspective
Authors: Ramsey Richard , Greenough J , Breeze J
Published: April 2019

Introduction

Health professionals working in the dental environment are potentially at risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) due to the use of clinical and laboratory equipment. Workplaces engaging in the practice of dentistry within the UK are subject to legislation from the Control of Noise at Work (CNW) regulations 2005. Clinicians working in the military are at further increased risk of NIHL due to exposure from additional risk factors such as rifles or aircraft engines. To our knowledge, no authors have previously studied the noise levels experienced in a military dental setting or compared noise levels in a typical dental practice with current UK legislation.

Method

Measurements of noise levels experienced by a dentist, dental nurse and dental hygienist during a standard conservation procedure were assessed using wearable noise dose-badges. Furthermore, noise levels within a dental technician’s work space were also assessed. Noise levels produced by representative clinical and laboratory equipment were assessed and compared with CNW legislation.

Results

The highest level for clinical equipment was produced by the suction apparatus while aspirating up a cup of water at 76 dB. For laboratory equipment, the lower exposure action value (LEAV) of 80 dB would be exceeded in 2.1 hours’ use of the trimmer, 3.6 hours’ use of the vibrating table and 9 min use of the airline.

Conclusions

Noise levels experienced by clinicians within the dental surgery were well below the legislative LEAV thresholds for both peak and continuous noise. However, noise levels produced by laboratory equipment were far higher and there is clearly the potential for excessive noise exposure for dental professional in the everyday setting. Dental professionals responsible for dental laboratory settings must be familiar with the CNW regulations and measures put in place that control the inadvertent breach of legislation. Hearing protection must be mandated when using equipment that exceeds the LEAV and an educational programme is required to explain both their correct use and the rationale behind it. Methods of mitigating that risk further require exploration such as alternative methods of completing the tasks performed by the airline or reducing the noise generated by it, such as by reducing the supply pressure or using an alternative nozzle design.
Surgical outcomes for chronic exertional compartment syndrome following improved diagnostic criteria
Authors: Simpson Christopher , Roscoe D , Hughes S , Hulse D , Guthrie H
Published: April 2019

Introduction

Chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) presents with pain during exercise, most commonly within the anterior compartment of the lower limb. A diagnosis is classically made from a typical history and the measurement of intramuscular compartmental pressure (IMCP) testing. Improved, more specific diagnostic criteria for IMCP testing allow clinicians to now be more certain of a diagnosis of CECS. Outcomes following surgical treatment in patients diagnosed using these more robust criteria are unknown.

Methods

All patients undergoing fasciectomy for anterior compartment CECS at a single rehabilitation unit were identified between 2014 and 2017. Wilcoxen signed-rank test was used to compare military fitness grading and paired t-test was used to compare Foot and Ankle Ability Measure, FAAM Sport Specific and Exercise-Induced LimbPain-G outcome measures, presurgery and postsurgery.

Results

There was a significant difference in fitness grading between presurgical and postsurgical intervention (Z = −2.68, p < 0.01) with 46 % of patients improving their occupational medical grading. All secondary measures of outcome, looking at clinical symptoms, also improved.

Conclusion

Almost half of the patients undergoing fasciectomy, following diagnosis using more specific criteria, will have an improvement in occupational medical grading. These outcomes represent the lower end of those reported in civilian populations. This is likely a result of a combination of factors, most notably the different diagnostic criteria followed and the more stringent criteria applied to military occupational grading, compared with civilian practice. Further work is now required to evaluate the impact of differing rehabilitation regimes on postoperative patients identified through this more specific diagnostic testing.
Anaesthesia management of a pug (in late‐stage pregnancy) with lung lobe torsion
Authors: Harðardóttir Hulda , Thierry Florence , Murison Pamela J
Published: April 2019

Anaesthetic management can be challenging when patients have multiple comorbidities. This report presents one such case: a pug with brachycephalic airway syndrome, in late gestation, presented with a lung lobe torsion. Under general anaesthesia the dog initially had low PaO2, with severe ventilation perfusion mismatch and pulmonary shunt; this was mildly improved with the patient positioned on a head‐up tilted table in right lateral recumbency. Tension pneumothorax developed after initiation of positive pressure ventilation and was resolved with rapid entry into the thoracic cavity. Ventilation was adjusted with the aid of spirometry, blood gases, capnography and direct visualisation of the lung tissue. The dog made a full recovery and was discharged from hospital five days postoperatively.
Second ISSMGE R. Kerry Rowe Lecture: On the intrinsic, state, and fabric parameters of active clays for contaminant control
Authors: Manassero Mario
Published: April 2019

The osmotic, hydraulic and self-healing efficiency of bentonite-based barriers for the containment of subsoil pollutants is governed not only by the intrinsic chemicophysical parameters of the bentonite, i.e., the solid phase density, ρsk; the total specific surface, S; the surface density of the electric charge, σ; and the Stern layer thickness, dStern, and fraction, fStern, but also by the chemicomechanical fabric parameters that quantify the structure or texture of the solid skeleton, such as the micro, em, and nano, en, void ratios; the average number of platelets or lamellae per tactoid, Nl,AV; and the solid skeleton effective electric charge concentration, [Formula: see text]. In turn, the fabric parameters are controlled by state parameters, such as the total void ratio, e; and the salt concentration of the equilibrium solution, cs. A theoretical framework has been developed to describe the relationships between the aforementioned intrinsic, state, and fabric parameters for a bentonite barrier and its performance parameters: the hydraulic conductivity, k; the effective diffusion coefficient, [Formula: see text]; the chemico-osmotic efficiency coefficient, ω; and the osmotic swelling pressure, usw. The proposed theoretical hydrochemicomechanical model has been validated through comparison with a large amount of experimental results.
Comment on electron-impact excitation cross section measurements for He-like xenon
Authors: Pain J.-C. , Comet M. , Fontes C.J.
Published: April 2019

We discuss lower-than-predicted collisional–excitation cross sections for helium-like xenon measured at an Electron Beam Ion Trap facility. In a review paper (H. Chen and P. Beiersdorfer. Can. J. Phys. 86, 55 (2008)), the authors find a significant effect due to the Breit interaction between the free and the bound electrons in the excitation process of He-like xenon. The authors state that the agreement between the measured and calculated cross section values can only be found when the generalized Breit interaction is included in the calculations. We have performed new calculations with a multi-configuration Dirac–Fock code, as well as with the Penn State University suite of codes, and our conclusions are that the contribution of the Breit interaction is much lower than found in the calculations presented in the abovementioned article. In fact, our predictions are subsequently almost twice as large as the experimental values. We present these considerations in hopes of motivating new experimental investigations.
Note about integrability of non-relativistic string
Authors: Klusoň Josef
Published: April 2019

In this paper, we define non-relativistic string in the background with nontrivial metric. Then we analyze its properties when we focus on integrability of this string in [Formula: see text] background.
Conceptual design study of iron-based superconducting dipole magnets for SPPC
Authors: Kong Ershuai , Wang Chengtao , Wang Lin , Wang Xiangqi , Cheng Da , Zhang Kai , Wang Yingzhe , Peng Quanling , Xu Qingjin
Published: April 2019

A conceptual design study of 12-T two-in-one dipole magnets is ongoing with the iron-based superconducting (IBS) technology, as a candidate option for Super Proton Proton Collider (SPPC), which is designed with a circumference of 100 km and a center-of-mass energy of 70 TeV. Compared with Nb3Sn, the IBS design is competitive because of the potential much higher performance and lower cost of IBS conductors in the future. The design study is carried out with an expected Je level of IBS in 10 years. Besides, we also expect the IBS superconductor to have much better mechanical properties compared to stress-sensitive conductors like Nb3Sn and Bi-2212 wires. The 12-T dipole magnet is designed with common-coil configuration. We have optimized the field uniformity with two different layouts of the coil ends, including the soft-way bending and the hard-way bending. We also have explored the influence of a mid-plane gap on the field uniformity. The main parameters, the coil layouts, and the optimization of the field quality are presented.
The energy sawtooth effects in the partial double ring scheme of CEPC
Authors: Wang Yiwei , Bai Sha , Yu Chenghui , Gao Jie
Published: April 2019

The energy sawtooth will be significant in the future circular Higgs factory with beam energy as high as 120 GeV. For the partial double ring scheme, unlike the double ring scheme, the effects of energy sawtooth cannot be corrected by tapering the magnet strength with beam energy along the beamline. In this paper, the energy sawtooth effects in the partial double ring scheme and its mitigation methods are presented. As an example, the study of the energy sawtooth effects of the CEPC advanced partial double ring scheme is presented.
Decentralized stabilization for structurally balanced networks with similar nodes
Authors: Gao Zilin , Wang Yinhe , Zhang Lili , Xiong Jiang , Wang Wenli
Published: April 2019

This paper studies the stabilization problem of complex dynamical networks with nonlinear similar nodes and arbitrary finite communication delays, while the networks are structural balance. For the considered networks, the information flow is undirected or directed, and only locally delayed information can be used for each node. We derive that stabilization of structurally balanced networks can be realized by designing decentralized controllers, when the associated assumptions are true. Furthermore, the proposed stabilization schemes are also useful to the structurally balanced networks without communication delays. Finally, the simulations are presented to show the effectiveness of the method in this paper.
Correlation of Reverse Logistics Performance to Solutions Using Structural Equation Modeling
Authors: Sirisawat Pornwasin , Kiatcharoenpol Tossapol
Published: April 2019

Nowadays, reverse logistics (RL) is one of the key strategies in many industries, especially in the electronics industry due to increasing environmental awareness and sustainable management. The main aim of this research is to investigate the correlation of RL performance to solutions for RL practice of the electronics industry in Thailand. In this research, questionnaires were distributed to 417 companies in the electronics industry of Thailand. A conceptual model was developed and the model examined by using structural equation modeling (SEM). Both exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were used in this study. The hypotheses were tested in which RL performance was directly positively associated with the overall solutions for RL practices. RL performance was also indirectly positively associated with management & organization solutions, legal & technology solutions and collaboration and support solutions of the various solutions for RL practices. Empirical data was tested by using SEM and it was found that the proposed model could fit with the empirical data. The proposed results of this study will help to understand more about RL practices and could provide further direction for researchers and practitioners in the electronics industry and other related industries.
Tool Condition Monitoring While Using Vegetable Based Cutting Fluids During Milling of Inconel 625
Authors: Shankar S. , Mohanraj T. , Pramanik A.
Published: April 2019

This investigation has designed a tool condition monitoring system (TCM) while milling of Inconel 625 based on sound and vibration signatures. The experiments were carried out based on response surface methodology (RSM) central composite design, design of experiments. The process parameters such as speed, feed, depth of cut and vegetable-based cutting fluids were optimized based on surface roughness, flank wear. It was found that the sound pressure and vibration signatures have the direct relation with flank wear. The statistical features like root mean square, skewness, kurtosis and mean values were extracted from the experimental data. From the designed NN estimator, the cutting tool flank wear was predicted with the mean square error (MSE) of 0.084212.
Machinability Investigation of HSLA Steel in Hard Turning with Coated Ceramic Tool: Assessment, Modeling, Optimization and Economic Aspects
Authors: Panda Asutosh , Ranjan Das Sudhansu , Dhupal Debabrata
Published: April 2019

The present study addresses the machinability investigation in finish dry hard turning of high strength low alloy steel with coated ceramic tool by considering cutting speed, feed and depth of cut as machining parameters. The technological parameters like surface roughness, flank wear, chip morphology and economical feasibility have been considered to investigate the machinability performances. Twenty seven set of trials according to full factorial design of experiments are performed and analysis of variance, multiple regression method, Taguchi method, desirability function approach and finally Gilbert’s approach are subsequently applied for parametric influence study, mathematical modeling, multi-response optimization, tool life estimation and economic analysis. Results indicated that feed and cutting speed are the most significant controlled as well as dominant factors for hard turning operation if the minimization of the machined surface roughness and tool flank wear is considered. Abrasions, adhesion followed by plastic deformation have been observed to be the principal wear mechanism for tool life estimation and observed tool life for coated ceramic insert is 47[Formula: see text]min under optimum cutting conditions. The total machining cost per part is ensued to be lower ($0.29 only) as a consequence of higher tool life, reduction in downtime and enhancement in savings, which finds economical benefits in hard turning. The current work demonstrates the substitution of conventional, expensive and slow cylindrical grinding process, and proposes the most expensive CBN tool alternative using coated ceramic tools in hard turning process considering techno-economical and ecological aspects.
Mathematical Modeling and Fuzzy Analysis of Hot Runner in Comparison to Cold Runner in Injection Moulding
Authors: Mathur Sandeep , Kumar Ravinder , Mathur Vipul
Published: April 2019

In a mass production environment of supply chains where volume of production runs into millions of parts per month where even the slight improvement in the manufacturing process through cycle time reduction or better material utilization has the potential to produce huge savings and productivity to match customer tact time, the paper serves a useful insight into appropriate tooling technology for moulding processes. Though there have been several studies on hot runner technology in injection molding processes vis a vis conventional cold runner technology, ultimate manufacturer still has to conduct trials and calculate ROIs, initial investment, quality and maintainability aspect to conclude if the manufacturer can go for hot runner or not. The paper lends a scientific expression to this decision making problem and offers a mathematical model with variables like Gross weight to Net Weight ratio, machine tonnage, volume involved. The user only has to put in the values to get an index value with a threshold number to decide if hot runner is viable for the component in hand or not.
Aggregate Accounting Data and the Prediction of Credit Risk
Authors: Kousenidis Dimitrios V. , Ladas Anestis C. , Negkakis Christos I.
Published: April 2019

A recent area of accounting research concerns the ability of changes in aggregate earnings to predict various macroeconomic fundamentals. We extend this line of research and examine whether changes in aggregate earnings convey information regarding the changes in future sovereign risk, which is considered a proxy for changes in aggregate risk. The results of the study indicate that aggregate earnings changes have predictive ability for sovereign credit risk. This result persists even after controlling for liquidity and indicators of macroeconomic imbalance, as well as under alternative research specifications. We also find that in some of the research specifications, future sovereign credit risk is affected by earnings management. In general, our results point towards the presence of significant information in earnings that is related to future sovereign risk.
The Diffusion of Management Accounting Innovations in Dependent (Subsidiary) Organizations and MNCs
Authors: Yazdifar Hassan , Askarany Davood , Wickramasinghe Danture , Nasseri Ahmad , Alam Ashraful
Published: April 2019

A range of management accounting innovations (MAIs) have emerged in responding to the increasing changes in technology through the proliferation of globalization. Researchers have offered alternative views concerning these MAIs. These views range from rational-economic perspectives to the social-organizational process perspectives that explore how MAIs are adopted and implemented in different organizational settings. This paper contributes to the implementation impact by discussing the network view and subsidiaries’ capabilities, both absorptive and combinative, in the diffusion of MAIs in group organizations. The paper identifies four possible sources of diffusion of MAIs that have not been discussed in the literature.
Providing multidisciplinary scientific advice for coastal planning in Kitimat Arm, British Columbia
Authors: Lintern Gwyn , Blais-Stevens Andrée , Stacey Cooper , Shaw John , Bobrowsky Peter , Conway Kim , Huntley David , Mackillop Kevin , Overeem Irina , Scherwath Martin
Published: April 2019

A 6.3 m tsunami swept through Kitimat Arm, British Columbia in 1974. An even larger wave struck and damaged the Northlands Navigation dock at Kitimat and the Haisla First Nation docks at Kitamaat Village the following year. Further down the fjord, two large coastal block failures were observed on the fjord walls across from the Gitga'at village of Hartley Bay. Several large infrastructure projects have recently been proposed for the Kitimat Arm coastal areas. The Geological Survey of Canada has therefore embarked on a five-year project to understand the magnitude and frequency of submarine mass movements in this fjord system to provide information regarding the risks from these events and to propose mitigation measures that may reduce these risks. We provide here an overview and the main results to date of an ongoing multidisciplinary study, which includes palaeotsunami studies, geomorphological and sub-seabed mapping, subaerial landslide hazard assessment, tsunami modelling,
in situ
and laboratory geotechnical testing, and the real-time tracking of seismic activity and seafloor movement. Some of these activities are reported in greater detail elsewhere in this book. The results of this research are summarized as a list of conclusions and recommendations to the Government of Canada.
Modelling of Time-Dependent Wellbore Collapse in Hard Brittle Shale Formation under Underbalanced Drilling Condition
Authors: Jia Shanpo , Xiao Zhiqiang , Wu Bisheng , Wen Caoxuan , Jia Lufeng
Published: April 2019

In recent years, the lithologic traps in a mid-depth formation are the focus of oil or gas exploration and development for eastern oilfields in China. The Shahejie Formation develops thick hard brittle shale, and the wellbore instability problem is prominent due to obvious hydration effect for long immersion time during drilling. Through the analysis of laboratory tests and field test results of physical and chemical properties and microstructure and mechanical properties of hard brittle shale, the instability mechanism is discussed for the wellbore in the shale formation. To simulate the whole process of progressive collapse of a wellbore in a hard brittle shale formation, a coupled hydraulic-mechanical-chemical (HMC) model is developed and this model is compiled with ABAQUS software as the solver. Then the coupled HMC model is applied to simulate the progressive evolution process of wellbore collapse in a hard brittle shale formation, and the influence of different parameters on the progressive failure of the wellbore is analysed. The results show that the wellbore enlargement rate increases with the drilling fluid immersion time and the influence of different parameters on the wellbore enlargement rate is different. The water absorption diffusion coefficient and the activity of the drilling fluid have the most obvious influence on the expansion of the wellbore, and the sensitivity is strong. The permeability of shale has little effect on the wellbore enlargement rate. The calculated progressive failure process of the wellbore is basically consistent with that of the actual drilling.
Pretreatment Serum Uric Acid as an Efficient Predictor of Prognosis in Men with Laryngeal Squamous Cell Cancer: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Hsueh Chi-Yao , Shao Mingxi , Cao Wenjun , Li Shengjie , Zhou Liang
Published: April 2019

Purpose. Uric acid (UA) is a major antioxidant molecule that has been hypothesized to have a protective effect against cancer-induced oxidative damage. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether preoperative levels of serum UA are associated with the prognosis of laryngeal squamous cell cancer (LSCC). Methods. A total of 814 male LSCC patients (followed up for five years) and 814 normal control subjects were enrolled from January 2007 to December 2011. The rates of total mortality and cancer mortality were 23.46% and 21.36%, respectively. The prevalence of overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and cancer-specific survival (CSS) was analysed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression models were evaluated to identify UA as a prognostic factor. Results. The serum UA and UA/Cr (creatinine) ratio levels were significantly reduced (P<0.001 for both) in the LSCC group compared with the control group. The applied multivariate Cox regression model analysis found that low levels of UA and the UA/Cr ratio were independent poor prognostic factors for OS (UA (HR 95% CI=1.458 (1.095–1.942)), UA/Cr ratio (HR 95% CI=1.337 (1.004–1.780))), DFS (UA (HR 95% CI=1.504 (1.131–2.001)), UA/Cr ratio (HR 95% CI=1.376 (1.030–1.839))), and CSS (UA (HR 95% CI=1.494 (1.109–2.012)), UA/Cr ratio (HR 95% CI=1.420 (1.049–1.923))). The patients with high UA (>0.310 mmol/l) and UA/Cr ratio (>3.97) experienced five more years of OS, DFS, and CSS than did patients with low UA (<0.310 mmol/l) and UA/Cr ratio (<3.97) levels. Conclusion. High preoperative UA serum levels were identified as an independent prognostic factor associated with improved clinical outcomes among LSCC patients.
Emerging Roles of Redox-Mediated Angiogenesis and Oxidative Stress in Dermatoses
Authors: Xian Dehai , Song Jing , Yang Lingyu , Xiong Xia , Lai Rui , Zhong Jianqiao
Published: April 2019

Angiogenesis is the process of new vessel formation, which sprouts from preexisting vessels. This process is highly complex and primarily involves several key steps, including stimulation of endothelial cells by growth factors, degradation of the extracellular matrix by proteolytic enzymes, migration and proliferation of endothelial cells, and capillary tube formation. Currently, it is considered that multiple cytokines play a vital role in this process, which consist of proangiogenic factors (e.g., vascular endothelial growth factor, fibroblast growth factors, and angiopoietins) and antiangiogenic factors (e.g., endostatin, thrombospondin, and angiostatin). Angiogenesis is essential for most physiological events, such as body growth and development, tissue repair, and wound healing. However, uncontrolled neovascularization may contribute to angiogenic disorders. In physiological conditions, the above promoters and inhibitors function in a coordinated way to induce and sustain angiogenesis within a limited period of time. Conversely, the imbalance between proangiogenic and antiangiogenic factors could cause pathological angiogenesis and trigger several diseases. With insights into the molecular mechanisms of angiogenesis, increasing reports have shown that a close relationship exists between angiogenesis and oxidative stress (OS) in both physiological and pathological conditions. OS, an imbalance between prooxidant and antioxidant systems, is a cause and consequence of many vascular complains and serves as one of the biomarkers for these diseases. Furthermore, emerging evidence supports that OS and angiogenesis play vital roles in many dermatoses, such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and skin tumor. This review summarizes recent findings on the role of OS as a trigger of angiogenesis in skin disorders, highlights newly identified mechanisms, and introduces the antiangiogenic and antioxidant therapeutic strategies.
Medicinal Plants Traded in Informal Herbal Medicine Markets of the Limpopo Province, South Africa
Authors: Rasethe Marula Triumph , Semenya Sebua Silas , Maroyi Alfred
Published: April 2019

Trading of herbal medicines generates economic opportunities for vulnerable groups living in periurban, rural, and marginalized areas. This study was aimed at identifying medicinal plant species traded in the Limpopo province in South Africa, including traded plant parts, conservation statutes of the species, and harvesting methods used to collect the species. Semistructured questionnaire supplemented by field observation was used to collect data from owners of 35 informal herbal medicine markets in the Limpopo province. A total of 150 medicinal plant products representing at least 79 plant species belonging to 45 botanical families, mainly the Fabaceae (11.4%), Asteraceae (7.6%), and Hyacinthaceae (6.3%), were traded in the study area. Roots (50.0%), bulbs (19.0%), and bark (16.0%) were the most frequently sold plant parts. Some of the traded species which includeAlepidea amatymbica, Bowiea volubilis, Brackenridgea zanguebarica, Clivia caulescens,Dioscorea sylvatica,Elaeodendron transvaalense, Encephalartos woodii,Eucomis pallidiflorasubsp.pole-evansii,Merwilla plumbea,Mondia whitei,Prunus africana, Siphonochilus aethiopicus, Synaptolepis oliveriana,andWarburgia salutarisare of conservation concern and listed on the South African Red Data List.Findings of this study call for effective law enforcement to curb illegal removal of wild plants especially those species that are at the verge of extinction.
History Matching of a Channelized Reservoir Using a Serial Denoising Autoencoder Integrated with ES-MDA
Authors: Kim Sungil , Min Baehyun , Kwon Seoyoon , Chu Min-gon
Published: April 2019

For an ensemble-based history matching of a channelized reservoir, loss of geological plausibility is challenging because of pixel-based manipulation of channel shape and connectivity despite sufficient conditioning to dynamic observations. Regarding the loss as artificial noise, this study designs a serial denoising autoencoder (SDAE) composed of two neural network filters, utilizes this machine learning algorithm for relieving noise effects in the process of ensemble smoother with multiple data assimilation (ES-MDA), and improves the overall history matching performance. As a training dataset of the SDAE, the static reservoir models are realized based on multipoint geostatistics and contaminated with two types of noise: salt and pepper noise and Gaussian noise. The SDAE learns how to eliminate the noise and restore the clean reservoir models. It does this through encoding and decoding processes using the noise realizations as inputs and the original realizations as outputs of the SDAE. The trained SDAE is embedded in the ES-MDA. The posterior reservoir models updated using Kalman gain are imported to the SDAE which then exports the purified prior models of the next assimilation. In this manner, a clear contrast among rock facies parameters during multiple data assimilations is maintained. A case study at a gas reservoir indicates that ES-MDA coupled with the noise remover outperforms a conventional ES-MDA. Improvement in the history matching performance resulting from denoising is also observed for ES-MDA algorithms combined with dimension reduction approaches such as discrete cosine transform, K-singular vector decomposition, and a stacked autoencoder. The results of this study imply that a well-trained SDAE has the potential to be a reliable auxiliary method for enhancing the performance of data assimilation algorithms if the computational cost required for machine learning is affordable.
Experimental Study on the Application of BOTDA in the Overlying Strata Deformation Monitoring Induced by Coal Mining
Authors: Chai Jing , Du Wengang
Published: April 2019

The coal mine working face overlying strata is often disturbed by multiple mining, leading to adverse effects on the working face’s safe production and ground surface movement. In the three-dimensional physical model test with the size of 3000×2000×2000 mm, after the overburden gets stable when the first working face had been extracted, by using three vertical distributed optical fibers based on the BOTDA principle, the deformation law of the overburden caused by the contiguous coal face mining is studied. Results show that, before the working face advanced to 840 mm (near the fiber), the stress law of the overburden was as follows: the middle of the model was under pressure state and the remaining part was under tension state, and the key stratum produced stress concentration phenomena caused by the secondary mining; when the face advanced to 840 mm (through the fiber), the frequency shift curve of the key stratum and the strata on it combined, and the stress concentration in the key stratum disappeared, indicating that the bearing structure of the key stratum gets unstable; compared with the previous monitoring data, when the working face far away from the fiber, the information reflected by the frequency shift data gradually gets single when the working face is far away from the fiber compared with the previous measurement data. The overburden deformation increased dramatically after the key stratum gets unstable. The surrounding rock and fiber will detach when the stratum goes though large deformation such as abscission layer, fracture, and collapse, and the frequency shift monitored by BOTDA cannot characterize the rock deformation in this situation. The experimental method and the results of this paper serve as useful reference for the application of BOTDA technology in geotechnical engineering.
Paraneoplastic Opsoclonus Myoclonus in a Patient with Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Nwafor Divine C. , Petrone Ashley B. , Collins Joseph M. , Adcock Amelia K.
Published: April 2019

Opsoclonus myoclonus syndrome (OMS) is an extremely rare neurological syndrome typically affecting as few as 1 in 10,000,000 people annually. OMS is characterized by the presence of involuntary, saccadic eye movements, as well as ataxia, including gait incoordination, rigidity, and tremor. The origin of OMS is unclear, but a significant percentage of OMS cases are indicative of an underlying malignancy, most commonly neuroblastoma and small cell lung cancer. Here we describe an adult patient with OMS, who was ultimately diagnosed with a small ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreas. To our knowledge, this is the third published report of an association between OMS and pancreatic malignancy, and the only case where the pancreatic malignancy was detected prior to metastasis or autopsy at death. This case report highlights the importance of careful, aggressive malignancy screening with OMS, as the pancreatic duct cut-off sign may be overlooked if pancreatic malignancy is not suspected.
Inhibition of Mitofusin-2 Promotes Cardiac Fibroblast Activation via the PERK/ATF4 Pathway and Reactive Oxygen Species
Authors: Xin Yanguo , Wu Wenchao , Qu Jing , Wang Xiaojiao , Lei Song , Yuan Lixing , Liu Xiaojing
Published: April 2019

Mitofusin-2 (Mfn2) is a key outer mitochondrial membrane protein, which maintains normal mitochondrial dynamics and function. However, its role in cardiac fibroblast activation remains poorly understood. In the present study, a rat model of transverse aortic constriction (TAC) was established to observe the cardiac fibroblast activation in vivo. TGF-β1 treatment for 24 hours was used to induce cardiac fibroblast activation in vitro. As a result, the expression of Mfn2 decreased in the hypertrophic heart tissues and cardiac fibroblasts treated with TGF-β1. siMfn2 and adenovirus were applied to mediate Mfn2 gene silencing and overexpression in cardiac fibroblasts to elucidate the relationship between Mfn2 and cardiac fibroblast activation, as well as the possible underlying mechanisms. Knockdown of Mfn2 further promoted TGF-β1-induced cardiac fibroblast activation, while forced expression of Mfn2 attenuated this pathological reaction. The PERK/ATF4 pathway, one of the branches of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, was identified to be involved in this process. Knockdown and overexpression of Mfn2 lead to aggravation or alleviation of the PERK/ATF4 pathway. Blocking this pathway by silencing ATF4 with siATF4 attenuated the pathological process. During the activation of cardiac fibroblasts, knockdown of Mfn2 also increased the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), while ROS scavenger N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC) could attenuate the effect caused by knockdown of Mfn2. Our data suggested that inhibition of Mfn2 could promote cardiac fibroblast activation by activating the PERK/ATF4 signaling pathway and increasing the generation of ROS.
Increased C-Reactive Protein in Brazilian Children: Association with Cardiometabolic Risk and Metabolic Syndrome Components (PASE Study)
Authors: Suhett Lara Gomes , Hermsdorff Helen Hermana Miranda , Rocha Naruna Pereira , Silva Mariane Alves , Filgueiras Mariana De Santis , Milagres Luana Cupertino , Peluzio Maria do Carmo Gouveia , Novaes Juliana Farias de
Published: April 2019

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a marker of subclinical inflammation that has been found to be associated with cardiovascular disease risk. However, few studies have investigated the relationship between CRP and cardiometabolic markers in a representative sample of prepubescent children. The objective was to evaluate the high-sensitive CRP (hs-CRP) and its association with traditional and nontraditional cardiometabolic risk factors, as well as metabolic syndrome (MetS) components in Brazilian children. This is a cross-sectional representative study, with participants of the Schoolchildren Health Assessment Survey (PASE). Children from 8 to 9 years old (n=350) enrolled in public and private schools in the municipality of Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil, were evaluated. Sociodemographic evaluation was performed through a semistructured questionnaire. Anthropometric, body composition, clinical, and biochemical measures were analyzed for cardiometabolic risk assessment. The total mean of serum hs-CRP concentration was 0.62 (±1.44) mg/L. hs-CRP was significantly correlated with several anthropometric, biochemical, and clinical parameters in this population (P<0.05). hs-CRP was positively associated with the accumulation of cardiometabolic risk factors and MetS components (P<0.05). Children with excessive weight; abdominal obesity; increased gynoid and android body fat; low HDL-c; hyperglycemia; and elevated uric acid, homocysteine, and apoB had higher chances of presenting increased hs-CRP (P<0.05). In this study, Brazilian children with cardiometabolic risk already presented elevated serum hs-CRP concentration. hs-CRP was associated with the increase of traditional and nontraditional cardiometabolic risk factors, as well as the accumulation of MetS components.
Superselective Embolization with Microcoil and Gelfoam for High-Flow Priapism Secondary to Bilateral Cavernous Fistulae: A Case Study
Authors: Prattley Sarah , Bryant Timothy , Rees Rowland
Published: April 2019

Background. High-flow priapism is rare, and bilateral arteriocavernous fistulae formation following trauma is rarer still. Management of high-flow priapism is conservative either through observation, use of ice packs, mechanical decompression, or intracavernosal injection of α-adrenergic agonists, giving temporary results in selected cases. Alternatively, superselective arteriography with embolization is widely accepted. However, intervention needs to be mindful of the potential impact on long-term potency. We report the first case of bilateral arteriocavernous fistulae managed with both Gelfoam and microcoil embolization. Case Study. We present the case of a 35-year-old gentleman who attended the emergency department nine days following a fall from a moped, where he sustained bruising to his perineum, with persistent nonpainful erection. CT angiogram demonstrated bilateral arteriovenous fistulas. Management with superselective catheterisation and embolization with Gelfoam and microcoil was successful with resolution of symptoms. Long-term follow-up has shown return to normal erectile function twelve months following the injury. Outcomes. Concern regarding the effect to long-term erectile function has previously led to delayed bilateral embolization. Selection of embolization material can be tailored to the anatomical features of the fistula to help preserve function.
Predictive Factors for a Long Postoperative Stay after Emergency Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Using the 2013 Tokyo Guidelines: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Inukai Koichi
Published: April 2019

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is widely used for treating early acute cholecystitis (AC) and substantially reduces hospital costs. This study aimed to identify and evaluate risk factors associated with long postoperative hospital stays (PHSs) in patients undergoing emergency LC for AC according to the 2013 Tokyo Guidelines (TG13). Clinical data of patients who underwent emergency LC for AC between 2011 and 2017 were retrospectively collected. Patients were divided into early discharge (ED, discharge in three days or less postoperatively) and late discharge (LD, discharge in more than three days postoperatively) groups based on clinical progression and PHS after LC. Preoperative characteristics and perioperative outcomes were analysed as potential risk factors for LD. Among 149 patients, 104 (69.8%) were discharged within 3 days postoperatively, whereas 45 (30.2%) had long PHSs. Main causes of LD were fever and inflammation. Univariate analysis of preoperative risk factors revealed significant differences in age, white blood cell count, C-reactive protein, total bilirubin (T-bil), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels; anticoagulation therapy; and TG13 severity grade. Multivariate analysis revealed that TG13 severity grade II, age >65 years, and elevated T-bil and ALP levels are independent factors for long PHS. Older age, worse biliary function, and increased TG13 severity grade might predict prolonged PHSs in AC patients undergoing emergency LC.
Ultra-Wideband Dielectric Resonator Antenna Design Based on Multilayer Form
Authors: Wang Fan , Zhang Chuanfang , Sun Houjun , Xiao Yu
Published: April 2019

In this paper, an ultra-wideband dielectric resonator antenna (DRA) is investigated. It basically covers the bandwidth from 6 GHz to 16 GHz and achieves a relative bandwidth of 90.9%. It is found that a wide bandwidth can be reached with a small DRA by adopting multilayer form. Thus, the dimension of the designed DRA element which is composed of nine-element phased-scanning linear array is as small as 6.9mm x 8.2mm x 11 mm. While the maximum stable zenith gain is 6.2dB, the lobe width is 3 dB. The operating frequency range of the antenna array is from 5.42GHz to 16.5GHz, achieving a 101.1% relative bandwidth. A large scanning angle of ±60° is realized within the operating frequency band, with good scanning pattern and cross polarization. To verify the design and simulation, a 1 × 9 DRA array is fabricated, and measurements are carried out.
The Effect of Damping Coefficient, Spring Coefficient, and Mass Ratio on the Power Extraction Performance of a Semiactive Flapping Wing
Authors: Zhu Jianyang
Published: April 2019

The effect of varying damping coefficient C∗, spring coefficient K∗, and mass ratio M∗ on the semiactive flapping wing power extraction performance was numerically studied in this paper. A numerical code based on Finite Volume method to solve the two-dimensional Navier-Stokes equations and coupled with Finite Center Difference method to solve the passive plunging motion equation is developed. At a Reynolds number of 3400 and the pitching axis at quarter chord from the leading edge of the wing, the power extraction performance of the semiactive flapping wing with different damping coefficient, spring coefficient, and mass ratio is systematically investigated. The optimal set of spring coefficient is found at a value of 1.00. However, the variation of mass ratio M∗ cannot increase the maximum mean power coefficient and power efficiency, but it can influence the value of damping coefficient C∗ at which the wing achieves the maximum mean power coefficient and power efficiency. Moreover, insensitivity of the mean power coefficient and power efficiency to the variation of damping coefficient C∗ is observed for the wing with smaller mass ratio, which indicates the wing with smaller M∗ has better working stability.
Identification of Maltase Glucoamylase as a Biomarker of Acute Kidney Injury in Patients with Cirrhosis
Authors: Awdishu Linda , Tsunoda Shirley , Pearlman Michelle , Kokoy-Mondragon Chanthel , Ghassemian Majid , Naviaux Robert K. , Patton Heather M. , Mehta Ravindra L. , Vijay Bhavya , RamachandraRao Satish P.
Published: April 2019

Background. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent complication of decompensated cirrhosis with increased mortality. Traditional biomarkers such as serum creatinine are not sensitive for detecting injury without functional change. We hypothesize that urinary exosomes potentially carry markers that differentiate the type of kidney injury in cirrhotic patients. Methods. This is a prospective, single-center, and observational study of adult patients with cirrhosis. The patient groups included healthy normal controls, compensated cirrhosis with normal kidney function, decompensated cirrhosis with normal kidney function, and decompensated cirrhosis with AKI. Data were extracted from the electronic health record including etiology of liver disease, MELD score, history of decompensation, Child-Turcotte-Pugh score, history of AKI, and medication exposures. Urine samples were collected at the time of consent. Urine exosome protein content was analyzed, and proteomic data were validated by immunoblotting. Statistical analysis included partial least squares-discriminant analysis coupled with variable importance in projection identification. Results. Eighteen cirrhotic subjects were enrolled, and six healthy control subjects were extracted from our biorepository. Urine exosomes were isolated, and 1572 proteins were identified. Maltase-glucoamylase was the top discriminating protein confirmed by western blotting. Conclusions. Patients with cirrhosis and AKI have upregulation of renal brush border disaccharidase, MGAM, in urinary exosomes which may differentiate the type of kidney injury in cirrhosis; however, the clinical significance of this requires further validation.