bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Subfoveal choroidal thickness as a prognostic factor in exudative age-related macular degeneration
Authors: Kumar Jaya B , Wai Karen M , Ehlers Justin P , Singh Rishi P , Rachitskaya Aleksandra V
Published: August 2018

Aims

To investigate the relationship between subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT), visual acuity (VA), optical coherence tomography (OCT) features and total anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatments to determine whether SFCT serves as a prognostic factor in age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Methods

This is a retrospective case series of 62 consecutive treatment-naive patients with exudative AMD followed for 1 year and treated with treat-and-extend or pro re nata anti-VEGF protocols. SFCT was measured at three locations using Cirrus HD-OCT (the foveal centre and 500 um nasal and temporal to the fovea) at presentation, 3, 6 and 12 months. Demographic characteristics, OCT imaging biomarkers and VA were recorded.

Results

Mean SFCT at baseline was 187 µm (range: 70–361 µm). There was a trend of decreasing SFCT at 1 year (173 µm) compared with 3 months (175 µm) and baseline (188 µm) (p=0.2). There was no correlation between baseline SFCT and presence of subretinal fluid (p=0.2), intraretinal fluid (p=0.6) or subretinal hyper-reflective material (p=0.4) at baseline. The mean number of injections at 1 year was 6.6 (range: 2–12). Increased SFCT at baseline showed statistically significant correlation with a higher number of intravitreal injections at 1 year (p=0.004). Eyes with SFCT>1 SD above the mean required 50% more injections compared with others. There was no association between SFCT on presentation with baseline and 1 year VA (p=0.7 and p=0.2).

Conclusions

SFCT in naïve patients with exudative AMD may be an important prognostic tool in determining treatment burden. Patients with thicker subfoveal choroid may require increased intravitreal injections.
Medication reminder applications to improve adherence in coronary heart disease: a randomised clinical trial
Authors: Santo Karla , Singleton Anna , Rogers Kris , Thiagalingam Aravinda , Chalmers John , Chow Clara K , Redfern Julie
Published: August 2018

Objective

The aim of the MEDication reminder APPs to improve medication adherence in Coronary Heart Disease Study was to evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of using publicly available high-quality medication reminder applications (apps) to improve medication adherence compared with usual care in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). An additional aim was to examine whether an app with additional features improved adherence further.

Methods

Patients with CHD (n=163) were randomised to one of three groups: (1) usual care, (2) a basic app or (3) an advanced app with interactive/customisable features. The primary analysis compared usual care versus app use on the primary outcome of the 8-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8) at 3 months. Secondary outcomes included blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Results

The mean age was 57.9 years and 87.7% were male. At 3 months, patients using an app had higher adherence (mean MMAS-8 score 7.11) compared with the usual care group (mean MMAS-8 score 6.63) with a mean difference between groups of 0.47 (95% CI 0.12 to 0.82, p=0.008). There was no significant difference in patients using the basic app versus the advanced app (mean difference −0.16, 95% CI −0.56 to 0.24, p=0.428). There were no significant differences in secondary clinical outcome measures.

Conclusion

Patients with CHD who used medication reminder apps had better medication adherence compared with usual care, and using apps with additional features did not improve this outcome further. These data suggest medication apps are likely to help patients with chronic health conditions adhere to medicines, but further examination of whether such benefits are sustained is warranted.

Clinical trial registration number

ACTRN12616000661471; Results.
Mortality in the United States from self-injury surpasses diabetes: a prevention imperative
Authors: Rockett Ian R H , Caine Eric D , Connery Hilary S , Greenfield Shelly F
Published: August 2018

This report uses an enhanced conceptualisation of self-injury mortality (SIM), which comprised registered or known suicides by any method and estimated non-suicide deaths from opioid and other drug self-intoxication. SIM surpassed diabetes as a cause of death in the USA in 2015. The gap expanded in 2016 with respective rates of 29.1 and 24.8 per 100 000 population. Facing similar social and psychologically complex health problems to SIM, the USA has initiated and sustained successful broad-based prevention efforts that have reduced deaths from cardiovascular diseases, smoking-related lung cancer, HIV and motor vehicular injury—given both necessary epidemiological understanding to define the problem and sufficient political will to address it. Development of strategies to prevent SIM will be facilitated by focusing on factors that are common risks for diverse outcomes. Like premature mortality frequently associated with diabetes, deaths from self-injurious behaviours are preventable.
Statins and the risk of intracerebral haemorrhage in patients with stroke: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ziff Oliver Jonathan , Banerjee Gargi , Ambler Gareth , Werring David J
Published: August 2018

Objective

Whether statins increase the risk of intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) in patients with a previous stroke remains uncertain. This study addresses the evidence of statin therapy on ICH and other clinical outcomes in patients with previous ischaemic stroke (IS) or ICH.

Methods

A systematic literature review and meta-analysis was performed in conformity with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines to assess observational and randomised studies comparing statin therapy with control (placebo or no treatment) in patients with a previous ICH or IS. The risk ratios (RR) for the primary outcome (ICH) and secondary outcomes (IS, any stroke, mortality and function) were pooled using random effects meta-analysis according to stroke subtype.

Results

Forty-three studies with a combined total of 317 291 patient-years of follow-up were included. In patients with previous ICH, statins had no significant impact on the pooled RR for recurrent ICH (1.04, 95% CI 0.86 to 1.25; n=23 695); however, statins were associated with significant reductions in mortality (RR 0.49, 95% CI 0.36 to 0.67; n=89 976) and poor functional outcome (RR 0.71, 95% CI 0.67 to 0.75; n=9113). In patients with previous IS, statins were associated with a non-significant increase in ICH (RR 1.36, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.91; n=103 525), but significantly lower risks of recurrent IS (RR 0.74, 95% CI 0.66 to 0.83; n=53 162), any stroke (RR 0.82, 95% CI 0.67 to 0.99; n=55 260), mortality (RR 0.68, 95% CI 0.50 to 0.92; n=74 648) and poor functional outcome (RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.76 to 0.91; n=34 700).

Conclusions

Irrespective of stroke subtype, there were non-significant trends towards future ICH with statins. However, this risk was overshadowed by substantial and significant improvements in mortality and functional outcome among statin users.

Trial registration number

CRD42017079863.
Spinal cord involvement in adult-onset metabolic and genetic diseases
Authors: Marelli Cecilia , Salsano Ettore , Politi Letterio S , Labauge Pierre
Published: August 2018

In adulthood, spinal cord MRI abnormalities such as T2-weighted hyperintensities and atrophy are commonly associated with a large variety of causes (inflammation, infections, neoplasms, vascular and spondylotic diseases). Occasionally, they can be due to rare metabolic or genetic diseases, in which the spinal cord involvement can be a prominent or even predominant feature, or a secondary one. This review focuses on these rare diseases and associated spinal cord abnormalities, which can provide important but over-ridden clues for the diagnosis. The review was based on a PubMed search (search terms: ‘spinal cord’ AND ‘leukoencephalopathy’ OR ‘leukodystrophy’; ‘spinal cord’ AND ‘vitamin’), further integrated according to the authors’ personal experience and knowledge. The genetic and metabolic diseases of adulthood causing spinal cord signal alterations were identified and classified into four groups: (1) leukodystrophies; (2) deficiency-related metabolic diseases; (3) genetic and acquired toxic/metabolic causes; and (4) mitochondrial diseases. A number of genetic and metabolic diseases of adulthood causing spinal cord atrophy without signal alterations were also identified. Finally, a classification based on spinal MRI findings is presented, as well as indications about the diagnostic work-up and differential diagnosis. Some of these diseases are potentially treatable (especially if promptly recognised), while others are inherited as autosomal dominant trait. Therefore, a timely diagnosis is needed for a timely therapy and genetic counselling. In addition, spinal cord may be the main site of pathology in many of these diseases, suggesting a tempting role for spinal cord abnormalities as surrogate MRI biomarkers.
Sexually transmitted infections in the Delta Regional Authority: significant disparities in the 252 counties of the eight-state Delta Region Authority
Authors: Barger Alexandra C , Pearson William S , Rodriguez Christofer , Crumly David , Mueller-Luckey Georgia , Jenkins Wiley D
Published: August 2018

Objective

Chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis (primary and secondary) are at high levels in the USA. Disparities by race, gender and sexual orientation have been characterised, but while there are indications that rural poor populations may also be at distinct risk this has been subjected to little study by comparison. The federally designated Delta Regional Authority, similar in structure to the Appalachian Regional Commission, oversees 252 counties within eight Mississippi Delta states experiencing chronic economic and health disparities. Our objective was to identify differences in infection risk between Delta Region (DR)/non-DR counties and examine how they might vary by rurality, population density, primary care access and education attainment.

Methods

Reported chlamydia/gonorrhoea/syphilis data were obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention AtlasPlus, county demographic data from the Area Health Resource File and rurality classifications from the Department of Agriculture. Data were subjected to analysis by t-test, χ2 and linear regression to assess geographical disparities in incidence and their association with measures of rurality, population and primary care density, and education.

Results

Overall rates for each infection were significantly higher in DR versus non-DR counties (577.8 vs 330.1/100 000 for chlamydia; 142.8 vs 61.8 for gonorrhoea; 3.6 vs 1.7 for syphilis; all P<0.001) and for nearly every infection for every individual state. DR rates for each infection were near-universally significantly increased for every level of rurality (nine levels) and population density (quintiles). Regression found that primary care and population density and HS graduation rates were significantly associated with each, though model predictive abilities were poor.

Conclusions

The nearly 10 million people living in the DR face significant disparities in the incidence of chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis—in many instances a near-doubling of risk. Our findings suggest that resource-constrained areas, as measured by rurality, should be considered a priority for future intervention efforts.
A synopsis ofChaenothecain North America, including a new species from southern Ontario,C. selvae, supported by morphometric analyses
Authors: McMullin Richard Troy , Maloles Jose R. , Selva Steven B. , Newmaster Steven G.
Published: August 2018

We describe and illustrate a new species of calicioid lichen from southern Ontario, Chaenotheca selvae. We place it in Chaenotheca because of its lichenized thallus with a Stichococcus photobiont, a brown mazaedium, and ascospores that are brown, spherical, and single-celled (3.0–3.6 μm in diam.). It differs from other species of Chaenotheca by its photobiont, non-ornamented ascospores, straight stalks, and producing orange-brown pruina on the mazaedium, excipulum, and upper portion of the stalk when mature. Using a detrended correspondence analysis we identified 25 taxa, including the sp. nov., analyzing 22 morphological characters. Our results provide evidence of chemical and morphometric variation among species of Chaenotheca. We also provide a key for the identification of the 25 Chaenotheca species in North America.
Oleanolic Acid, a Novel Endothelin A Receptor Antagonist, Alleviated High Glucose-Induced Cardiomyocytes Injury
Authors: Wu Dewei , Zhang Qiao , Yu Yangyang , Zhang Yuxin , Zhang Minyu , Liu Qing , Zhang Erli , Li Shiyou , Song Guangyuan
Published: August 2018

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) and its receptor endothelin A receptor (ET[Formula: see text] have been shown to be upregulated in a high glucose environment, which increase the incidence of diabetes-related heart failure. Our previous study demonstrated that oleanolic acid (OA), a natural compound found in Chinese herbs had ET-1 antagonistic effects. We aimed to verify whether OA could ameliorate diabetes mellitus (DM)-induced injury in cardiomyocytes by reducing the antagonistic effects of the ET-1 pathway. For the induction of high glucose-related injury in cardiomyocytes, neonatal rat ventricular cardiomyocytes (NRVMs) were subjected to culture medium containing 25[Formula: see text]mM of glucose. Natriuretic peptide B (BNP), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and cell surface area were measured to evaluate the severity of NRVMs injury. mRNA expression of ET-1 and ETA was determined using quantitative PCR. Moreover, a Ca[Formula: see text] influx assay was used to evaluate potential ETA antagonistic effects. Molecular docking of OA and ETA was performed using the Sulflex-Dock program. Human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPS-C)-derived cardiomyocytes and real time cell analysis system (RTCA) were used to verify the effect of OA on the ET-1 pathway. High glucose levels increased the expression of BNP at both mRNA and protein levels in cardiomyocytes. Moreover, cell surface area and MMP were also elevated in a high glucose environment. High glucose-induced injury in NRVMs was not reversible by hypoglycemic therapy. In addition, ETA was upregulated by high glucose treatment and levels could not be reduced by hypoglycemic treatment. The Ca[Formula: see text] influx assay on ETA/HEK293 cells showed that OA had a partial ETA antagonistic effect. Molecular docking approaches showed that OA was docked into the active site of ETA. Furthermore, functionality tests based on iPS-C and RTCA demonstrated that treatment with OA could reverse ET-1-induced alternation of beating rates and amplitude. Thus, OA could reverse high glucose-induced BNP upregulation, and increased both the cell area and MMP in NRVMs. High glucose-induced irreversible ETA upregulation is a major reason of continuous diabetes-related injury in cardiomyocytes. Treatment with OA had a protective effect on high glucose-induced injury in cardiomyocytes through a partial ETA antagonistic role.
COMPLEX LAPLACIAN-BASED DISTRIBUTED CONTROL FOR MULTI-AGENT NETWORK
Authors: DESHPANDE ANIKET , JAGTAP PUSHPAK , BANSODE PRASHANT , MAHINDRAKAR ARUN , SINGH NAVDEEP
Published: August 2018

This paper, proposes a complex Laplacian-based distributed control scheme for convergence in the multi-agent network. The proposed scheme has been designated as cascade formulation. The proposed technique exploits the traditional method of organizing large scattered networks into smaller interconnected clusters to optimize information flow within the network. The complex Laplacian-based approach results in a hierarchical structure, with the formation of a meta-cluster leading other clusters in the network. The proposed formulation enables flexibility to constrain the eigenspectra of the overall closed-loop dynamics, ensuring desired convergence rate and control input intensity. The sufficient conditions ensuring globally stable formation for the proposed formulation are also asserted. Robustness of the proposed formulation to uncertainties like loss in communication links and actuator failure have also been discussed. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is illustrated by simulating a finitely large network of 30 vehicles.
A DYNAMICAL MODEL FOR THE PROCESS OF SHARING
Authors: KRAUSE ULRICH
Published: August 2018

The paper introduces a general sharing structure and presents sufficient and necessary conditions for the agents to approach by the dynamics of sharing an equal distribution of assets. For the special case of a ring structure with a uniform sharing rate, robustness is analyzed in case the rate does change during the process of sharing. The search for an equal distribution is similar to that for consensus in opinion dynamics and multiagent systems as a result of which tools from the latter are used in proving the results.
Examples of covering properties of boundary points of space-times
Authors: Irmer Ingrid
Published: August 2018

The problem of classifying boundary points of space-time, for example singularities, regular points and points at infinity, is an unexpectedly subtle one. Due to the fact that whether or not two boundary points are identified or even “nearby” is dependent on the way the space-time is embedded, difficulties occur when singularities are thought of as an inherently local aspect of a space-time, as an analogy with electromagnetism would imply. The completion of a manifold with respect to a pseudo-Riemannian metric can be defined intrinsically. This was done by Scott–Szekeres via an equivalence relation, formalizing which boundary sets cover other sets. This paper works through the possibilities, providing examples to show that all covering relations not immediately ruled out by the definitions are possible.
Acoustic Emission-Based Tool Condition Classification in a Precision High-Speed Machining of Titanium Alloy: A Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Krishnakumar P. , Rameshkumar K. , Ramachandran K. I.
Published: August 2018

Mechanical and chemical properties of titanium alloy have led to its wide range of applications in aerospace and biomedical industries. The heat generation and its transfer from the cutting zone are critical in machining of titanium alloys. The process of transferring heat from the primary cutting zone is difficult due to poor thermal conductivity of titanium alloy, and it will lead to rapid tool wear and poor surface finish. An effective tool monitoring system is essential to predict such variations during machining process. In this study, using a high-speed precision mill, experiments are conducted under optimum cutting conditions with an objective of maximizing the life of tungsten carbide tool. Tool wear profile is established and tool conditions are arrived on the basis of the surface roughness. Acoustic emission (AE) signals are captured using an AE sensor during machining of titanium alloy. Statistical features are extracted in time and frequency domain. Features that contain rich information about the tool conditions are selected using J48 decision tree (DT) algorithm. Tool condition classification abilities of DT and support vector machines are studied in time and frequency domains.
The area of convex projective surfaces and Fock–Goncharov coordinates
Authors: Adeboye Ilesanmi , Cooper Daryl
Published: August 2018

The area of a convex projective surface of genus [Formula: see text] is at least [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] is the vector of triangle invariants of Bonahon–Dreyer and [Formula: see text] are the Fock–Goncharov triple ratios.
The generating function for the Bessel point process and a system of coupled Painlevé V equations
Authors: Charlier Christophe , Doeraene Antoine
Published: August 2018

We study the joint probability generating function for [Formula: see text] occupancy numbers on disjoint intervals in the Bessel point process. This generating function can be expressed as a Fredholm determinant. We obtain an expression for it in terms of a system of coupled Painlevé V equations, which are derived from a Lax pair of a Riemann–Hilbert problem. This generalizes a result of Tracy and Widom [C. A. Tracy and H. Widom, Level spacing distributions and the Bessel kernel, Commun. Math. Phys. 161(2) (1994) 289–309], which corresponds to the case [Formula: see text]. We also provide some examples and applications. In particular, several relevant quantities can be expressed in terms of the generating function, like the gap probability on a union of disjoint bounded intervals, the gap between the two smallest particles, and large [Formula: see text] asymptotics for [Formula: see text] Hankel determinants with a Laguerre weight possessing several jump discontinuities near the hard edge.
Evolution of Arbitration System under the China FTZ Template
Authors: Huichun Liu
Published: August 2018

The construction of China’s free trade zones (FTZs) has levered the evolution of the arbitration regime in the People’s Republic of China (PRC). Under the FTZ template, breakthroughs in arbitration have been made in regulations, FTZ arbitration rules, arbitral proceedings and judicial practice. The development of FTZ arbitration mechanism is highlighted with the introduction of new concepts, such as ad hoc arbitration consolidation of arbitration joinder of third parties and model cases, and with the updated or expanded interpretation of the existing concepts, such as permission for the offshore arbitration for WFOEs and FIEs interim measures arbitration in combination with mediation, and the open panel of arbitrators. Regardless of the progress, many issues related to the FTZ arbitration need to be clarified, among which is the amendment of the PRC Arbitration Law and keeping it in line with the mainstream international arbitration, constitute probably the most effective way to promote and guarantee the arbitration evolution.
An Algorithmic Approach to Formally Verify an ECC Library
Authors: K. Keerthi , Rebeiro Chester , Hazra Aritra
Published: August 2018

The weakest link in cryptosystems is quite often due to the implementation rather than the mathematical underpinnings. A vast majority of attacks in the recent past have targeted programming flaws and bugs to break security systems. Due to the complexity, empirically verifying such systems is practically impossible, while manual verification as well as testing do not provide adequate guarantees.

In this article, we leverage model checking techniques to prove the functional correctness of an elliptic curve cryptography (ECC) library with respect to its formal specification. We demonstrate how the huge state space of the C library can be aptly verified using a hierarchical assume-guarantee verification strategy. To test the scalability of this approach, we verify the correctness of five NIST-specified elliptic curve implementations. We also verify the newer curve25519 elliptic curve, which is finding multiple applications, due to its higher security and simpler implementation. The 192-bit NIST elliptic curve took 1 day to verify. This was the smallest curve we verified. The largest curve with a 521-bit prime field took 26 days to verify. Curve25519 took 1.5 days to verify.
Scalable Analysis for Multi-Scale Dataflow Models
Authors: Ara Hadi Alizadeh , Behrouzian Amir , Hendriks Martijn , Geilen Marc , Goswami Dip , Basten Twan
Published: August 2018

Multi-scale dataflow models have actors acting at multiple granularity levels, e.g., a dataflow model of a video processing application with operations on frame, line, and pixel level. The state of the art timing analysis methods for both static and dynamic dataflow types aggregate the behaviours across all granularity levels into one, often large iteration, which is repeated without exploiting the structure within such an iteration. This poses scalability issues to dataflow analysis, because behaviour of the large iteration is analysed by some form of simulation that involves a large number of actor firings. We take a fresh perspective of what is happening inside the large iteration. We take advantage of the fact that the iteration is a sequence of smaller behaviours, each captured in a scenario, that are typically repeated many times. We use the (max ,+) linear model of dataflow to represent each of the scenarios with a matrix. This allows a compositional worst-case throughput analysis of the repeated scenarios by raising the matrices to the power of the number of repetitions, which scales logarithmically with the number of repetitions, whereas the existing throughput analysis scales linearly. We moreover provide the first exact worst-case latency analysis for scenario-aware dataflow. This compositional latency analysis also scales logarithmically when applied to multi-scale dataflow models. We apply our new throughput and latency analysis to several realistic applications. The results confirm that our approach provides a fast and accurate analysis.
Muscle Wasting Diseases: Novel Targets and Treatments
Authors: Furrer Regula , Handschin Christoph
Published: August 2018

Adequate skeletal muscle plasticity is an essential element for our well-being, and compromised muscle function can drastically affect quality of life, morbidity, and mortality. Surprisingly, however, skeletal muscle remains one of the most under-medicated organs. Interventions in muscle diseases are scarce, not only in neuromuscular dystrophies, but also in highly prevalent secondary wasting pathologies such as sarcopenia and cachexia. Even in other diseases that exhibit a well-established risk correlation of muscle dysfunction due to a sedentary lifestyle, such as type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular pathologies, current treatments are mostly targeted on non-muscle tissues. In recent years, a renewed focus on skeletal muscle has led to the discovery of various novel drug targets and the design of new pharmacological approaches. This review provides an overview of the current knowledge of the key mechanisms involved in muscle wasting conditions and novel pharmacological avenues that could ameliorate muscle diseases.
Bevacizumab: A Rare Cause of Nonischemic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Oladiran Oreoluwa , Nazir Salik
Published: August 2018

Left ventricular dysfunction is a rare side effect of bevacizumab occurring in 2–4% of cases. We report the case of a 68-year-old woman who presented to the emergency department (ED) with sudden onset of shortness of breath, orthopnea, and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea. She was tachypneic and in respiratory distress. Physical examination revealed jugular venous distention, diffuse expiratory wheeze, and bipedal edema. She had been started on bevacizumab for the treatment of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia 1 month prior to presentation. Laboratory tests revealed BNP of 1697 pg/ml with slightly elevated troponin 0.05 ng/ml. Chest X-ray showed interstitial edema with cardiomegaly, and transthoracic echocardiogram showed ejection fraction of 30% with global hypokinesia. Left heart catheterization revealed widely patent coronary arteries. Flash pulmonary edema secondary to acute left ventricular dysfunction in this case was attributed to recent treatment with bevacizumab after ruling out other possible etiologies. This case highlights the importance of early recognition of this rare but potentially reversible side effect of bevacizumab to prevent long-term sequelae.
Effects of Geometrical Parameters on Stress Wave Propagation across the Rough Joint
Authors: Xin Chen , Wenhui Tan , Peng Wang
Published: August 2018

The contact surface of the rough joint has geometrical parameters as the joint matching coefficient (JMC) and the distribution pattern of the contact segments. The specimen used in the modified SHPB test got the artificial joint by sawing some notches on the surface contacted to the output bar. Different assemblies of the notches formed various contact areas and distribution patterns. Using the modified SHPB tests data, the altered thin‐layer interface model was used to analyze the effects of geometrical parameters on one‐dimensional stress wave transmission and energy dissipation across a single rough joint. It revealed that the transmission coefficient decreased with the diminution of JMC, and it increased with the scattered distribution pattern as the similar trend for each JMC set. As for the energy coefficients, with the decrease of JMC, the transmission energy coefficient reduced sharply, but it increased very slowly with the reflection energy coefficient and irreversible energy coefficient. It revealed that the JMC of 0.5 was the critical point of the energy dissipation. More energy transmitted across the joint rather than reflecting back and dissipating, when JMC > 0.5. Nevertheless, the irreversible energy coefficient was much larger than the transmission and reflection coefficients, when JMC < 0.5.
Development of Ground Freezing System for Undisturbed Sampling of Granular Soils
Authors: Kim Youngseok , Hwang Bumsik , Cho Wanjei
Published: August 2018

The ground freezing technique was first invented for the undisturbed sampling of the granular soils. With increasing necessity of liquefaction evaluation under earthquake loading, there has been more research with high‐quality granular samples, with ground freezing techniques in the world. However, there has been little research on the ground freezing techniques since Korea had no records of liquefactions until the Pohang earthquake in 2017. Since more than 10 places were reported with liquefaction phenomena, it is required to assess the liquefaction potential with high‐quality samples of granular soils. Therefore, in order to obtain undisturbed samples of granular soils, a new local ground freezing equipment and an operating system were developed in this study. The applied coolant was liquid nitrogen and circulated through a double tube inserted in the ground. To evaluate the performance of the system, laboratory scale tests were performed with water only and saturated fine sands. In the laboratory evaluation, a frozen soil column of 60 cm diameter was made after 20 hours and the average freezing rate was approximately 12 mm/hr in radial direction. After laboratory evaluation, the freezing system was applied in the field and the performance was evaluated with the 2D electrical resistivity tomography. In the field evaluation, the frozen region was 4 m diameter with 6.5 m depth in a cylindrical shape.
Integrated Geophysical-Geological 3D Model of the Right-Bank Slope Downstream from the Rogun Dam Construction Site, Tajikistan
Authors: Havenith Hans-Balder , Torgoev Isakbek , Ischuk Anatoli
Published: August 2018

In summer of 2015 we had completed a geophysical survey complemented by borehole drilling near the right-bank slope of the Rogun Dam construction site, Tajikistan. These data were first processed and then compiled within a 3D geomodel. The present paper describes the geophysical results and the 3D geomodel generated for an ancient mass movement located immediately downstream from the construction site. The geophysical survey included electrical and seismic profiles and ambient vibration measurements as well as earthquake recordings. The electrical and seismic data were processed as tomographic sections, the ambient vibrations as horizontal-to-vertical spectral H/V ratios, and the earthquake data mainly in terms of standard spectral ratios. By estimating the average shear wave velocities of the subsurface, we computed the local soft layer thickness from the resonance frequencies revealed by the H/V ratios. Three seismic stations had been installed for ten days along a profile crossing the intermediate plateau. Standard spectral ratios inferred from ten processed earthquake measurements confirmed the presence of a thick soft material layer on the plateau made of weathered rocks, colluvium, and terrace deposits, which produce a medium-level amplification at about 2 Hz. The 3D geomodel was first built on the basis of new topographic data, satellite imagery, and a geological map with two sections. Then, the various electrical resistivity and seismic refraction tomographies were inserted in the geomodel. The soft layer thickness information and borehole data were represented in terms of logs in the model. The site is crossed by the Ionakhsh Fault that could be modeled on the basis of the geological inputs and of a lateral resistivity gradient found on one electrical profile along the steep lower slope. The integrated interpretation of all results reveals that probably only a relatively small part of the ancient giant mass movement is really exposed to slope instability phenomena.
Bifurcation Analysis of Stick-Slip Motion of the Vibration-Driven System with Dry Friction
Authors: Li Peng , Jiang Ziwang
Published: August 2018

This paper is concerned with the vibration-driven system which can move due to the periodic motion of the internal mass and the dry friction; the system can be modeled as Filippov system and has the property of stick-slip motion. Different periodic solutions of stick-slip motion can be analyzed through sliding bifurcation, two-parameter numerical continuation for sliding bifurcation is carried out to get the different bifurcation curves, and the bifurcation curves divide the parameters plane into different regions which stand for different stick-slip motion of the periodic solution. Furthermore, continuations with additional condition v=0 are carried out for the directional control of the vibration-driven system in one period; the curves divide the parameter plane into different progressions.
Evaluation of Reliability and Validity of Three Common Dry Eye Questionnaires in Chinese
Authors: Lu Fan , Tao Aizhu , Hu Yinu , Tao Weiwei , Lu Ping
Published: August 2018

Purpose. To investigate the psychometric properties of three commonly used dry eye questionnaires including McMonnies Questionnaire (MQ), the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), and the Salisbury Eye Evaluation Questionnaire (SEEQ) in Chinese. Methods. This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted at the Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University. Ninety-eight participants completed three questionnaires in a random order. Ophthalmic examinations including tear break-up time, corneal fluorescein staining score, and Schirmer I test were performed. Reliability, validity, and accuracy were assessed for three questionnaires. Results. There were 35 mild-to-moderate dry eye patients, 14 severe dry eye patients, and 49 non-dry eye patients. The Cronbach α of MQ, OSDI, and SEEQ was 0.54, 0.74, and 0.76, respectively, and the intraclass correlation coefficients were 0.91, 0.90, and 0.94, respectively. There were significant differences (P<0.05) in MQ and OSDI scores among different groups, but there were no statistically significant differences between the mild-to-moderate group and the severe group in terms of SEEQ scores. With cutoff values for abnormal MQ of 15, OSDI of 27.2, and SEED of 1, respectively, good dry eye diagnostic accuracies were obtained. Conclusions. The three questionnaires showed fair accuracy in the diagnosis of dry eye. The cutoff values of OSDI changed when applied to Chinese people.
Experimental Study on the Shear Performance of Shallow Hinge Joints for Prefabricated Hollow Slab Bridges
Authors: Yi Hanbin , Li Chuanxi , Dai Li
Published: August 2018

To investigate whether shallow hinge joint fracture was caused by shear stress or flexural stress, during the demolition and reconstruction of Xiaojiang River bridge, two original girders were collected and shipped to the lab, and the shallow hinge joint between the two girders was rebuilt. Tests were performed to investigate the cracking load, failure mode, and force transmission performance of the hollow slab girder and shallow hinge joint under vehicle load. The test result shows that under eccentric load, when the load increases to 365 kN, the midspan bottom slab of the testing girder starts to fracture; as the load increases to 560 kN, the roof slab of the testing girder starts to fracture; the hinge joint has a maximum horizontal opening of 0.153 mm and vertical relative displacement of 0.201 mm; during the entire test loading process, the shallow hinge joint structure does not develop fracture and shear failure; and the shallow hinge structure demonstrates excellent shear stress transmission performance. In addition, based on hinge slab theory, the hinge joint internal force under vehicle load was calculated. Based on ACI 318‐05 specification, CAN/CSA‐S6‐00, and JTG D61‐2005, the hinge joint shear bearing capacity was calculated. Hinge joint stress resistances calculated from the three specifications all exceed the internal force. Among them, the calculation results from ACI 318‐05 and CAN/CSA‐S6‐00 are similar, while the result from JTG D61‐2005 specification significantly exceeds the internal force, which is mainly because the designed concrete direct shear strength fvd in the Chinese specification does not consider factors such as bonding surface coarseness, concrete pouring sequence, and material properties. Theoretical calculations and tests show that the actual failure mode of the shallow hinge joint in prefabricated hollow slab girder bridges is not caused by shear stress.
New Pulse Width Modulation Technique to Reduce Losses for Three-Phase Photovoltaic Inverters
Authors: Mnati Mohannad Jabbar , Bozalakov Dimitar V. , Van den Bossche Alex
Published: August 2018

Nowadays, most three-phase, “off the shelf” inverters use electrolytic capacitors at the DC bus to provide short term energy storage. However, this has a direct impact on inverter lifetime and the total cost of the photovoltaic system. This article proposes a novel control strategy called a 120° bus clamped PWM (120BCM). The 120BCM modulates the DC bus and uses a smaller DC bus capacitor value, which is typical for film capacitors. Hence, the inverter lifetime can be increased up to the operational lifetime of the photovoltaic panels. Thus, the total cost of ownership of the PV system will decrease significantly. Furthermore, the proposed 120BCM control strategy modulates only one phase current at a time by using only one leg to perform the modulation. As a result, switching losses are significantly reduced. The full system setup is designed and presented in this paper with some practical results.
In Situ Low-Temperature Chemical Bath Deposition of CdS Thin Films without Thickness Limitation: Structural and Optical Properties
Authors: Ouafi Mouad , Jaber Boujemaâ , Atourki Lahoucine , Zayyoun Najwa , Ihlal Ahmed , Mzerd Ahmed , Laânab Larbi
Published: August 2018

In this work, thin CdS films have been deposited using the chemical bath deposition technique (CBD). Different synthesis parameters, such as number of runs, deposition time, and postannealing temperature, are studied and optimized in order to avoid the supersaturation phenomenon and to achieve a low-temperature growth. CdS thin films, of cubic structure, oriented along the (111) direction with homogenous and smooth surface, have been deposited by using the CBD growth process without any annealing treatment. Based on a set of experimental observations, we show that the solution saturation phenomenon can be avoided if the deposition is performed in several runs at a short deposition time. Throughout the CBD technique, it is then possible not only to overcome any film thickness limitation but also to grow the CdS films in a single technological step at a low temperature and without any postdeposition annealing treatment. CdS films with excellent structural quality and a controllable thickness are obtained when the deposition bath temperature is fixed at 65°C. In addition, deposited films exhibit an optical transmittance ranging from 70 to 95% depending on the synthesis parameters, with band gap energy around 2.42 eV. The process developed in this work might be useful for depositing CdS films on flexible substrates.
Rosiglitazone Elicits an Adiponectin-Mediated Insulin-Sensitizing Action at the Adipose Tissue-Liver Axis in Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty Rats
Authors: Li Jia , Xue Yao-Ming , Zhu Bo , Pan Yong-Hua , Zhang Yan , Wang Chunxia , Li Yuhao
Published: August 2018

Rosiglitazone is an agonist of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor- (PPAR-) γ that is principally associated with insulin action. The exact mechanisms underlying its insulin-sensitizing action are still not fully elucidated. It is well known that adiponectin mostly secreted in adipose tissue is an insulin sensitizer. Here, we found that treatment of Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats with rosiglitazone (3 mg/kg, once daily, by oral gavage for 33 weeks) attenuated the increase in fasting plasma insulin concentrations and the index of the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance along with the age growth and glucose concentrations during an oral glucose tolerance test. In addition, the increase in plasma alanine aminotransferase activity, concentrations of fasting plasma nonesterified fatty acids and triglyceride, and hepatic triglyceride content was also suppressed. The hepatic protein expression profile revealed that rosiglitazone increased the downregulated total protein expression of insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1) and IRS-2. Furthermore, the treatment suppressed the upregulated phosphorylation of IRS-1 at Ser307 and IRS-2 at Ser731. The results indicate that rosiglitazone ameliorates hepatic and systemic insulin resistance, hepatic inflammation, and fatty liver. Mechanistically, rosiglitazone suppressed hepatic protein overexpression of both phosphorylated nuclear factor- (NF-) κBp65 and inhibitory-κB kinase-α/β, a transcription factor that primarily regulates chronic inflammatory responses and the upstream NF-κB signal transduction cascades which are necessary for activating NF-κB, respectively. More importantly, rosiglitazone attenuated the decreases in adipose adiponectin mRNA level, plasma adiponectin concentrations, and hepatic protein expression of adiponectin receptor-1 and receptor-2. Thus, we can draw the conclusion that rosiglitazone elicits an adiponectin-mediated insulin-sensitizing action at the adipose tissue-liver axis in obese rats. Our findings may provide new insights into the mechanisms of action of rosiglitazone.
Intercomparison of Downscaling Techniques for Satellite Soil Moisture Products
Authors: Kim Daeun , Moon Heewon , Kim Hyunglok , Im Jungho , Choi Minha
Published: August 2018

During recent decades, various downscaling methods of satellite soil moisture (SM) products, which incorporate geophysical variables such as land surface temperature and vegetation, have been studied for improving their spatial resolution. Most of these studies have used least squares regression models built from those variables and have demonstrated partial improvement in the downscaled SM. This study introduces a new downscaling method based on support vector regression (SVR) that includes the geophysical variables with locational weighting. Regarding the in situ SM, the SVR downscaling method exhibited a smaller root mean square error, from 0.09 to 0.07 m3·m−3, and a larger average correlation coefficient increased, from 0.62 to 0.68, compared to the conventional method. In addition, the SM downscaled using the SVR method had a greater statistical resemblance to that of the original advanced scatterometer SM. A residual magnitude analysis for each model with two independent variables was performed, which indicated that only the residuals from the SVR model were not well correlated, suggesting a more effective performance than regression models with a significant contribution of independent variables to residual magnitude. The spatial variations of the downscaled SM products were affected by the seasonal patterns in temperature-vegetation relationships, and the SVR downscaling method showed more consistent performance in terms of seasonal effect. Based on these results, the suggested SVR downscaling method is an effective approach to improve the spatial resolution of satellite SM measurements.
Mineral Composition and Baking Value of the Winter Wheat Grain under Varied Environmental and Agronomic Conditions
Authors: Jaskulska Iwona , Jaskulski Dariusz , Gałęzewski Lech , Knapowski Tomasz , Kozera Wojciech , Wacławowicz Roman
Published: August 2018

The mineral composition of cereal crops, the technological value of grain and flour, as well as bread quality are affected by the genotype, environment, and agronomic management practices. The aim of the research has been to investigate the effect of the environment and agronomic factors on the mineral composition and baking value of winter wheat grain. Opal cultivar grain of the genetically determined prime-quality wheat was obtained in a two-year field experiment (varied soil and weather). The agronomic management practices included tillage (conventional moldboard-plow, reduced ploughless, and strip-till) and nitrogen fertilisation rate (100 kg·N·ha−1, 200 kg·N·ha−1). In the grain samples, the content of macronutrients was assayed: P, K, Mg, Ca, and Na, total protein, and wet gluten as well as sedimentation value. The colour and the water absorption of flour and its content of protein and ash were determined. Laboratory baking was performed. It was found that the content of protein and gluten in grain, sedimentation value, bread volume, and weight changed depending on the environmental conditions and research years. Tillage and nitrogen rate, despite an effect on the properties of grain and flour, did not differentiate, however, the bread quality. The environmental conditions and agronomic management practices did not have a significant effect on the content of mineral nutrients in grain, except for calcium. The biofortification with mineral nutrients in prime-quality winter wheat cultivar grain by selecting the environmental and agronomic conditions seems more difficult than increasing the content of organic compounds and enhancement of flour and bread parameters.
Uncertain Multiattribute Decision-Making Based on Interval Number with Extension-Dependent Degree and Regret Aversion
Authors: Xu Libo , Li Xingsen , Pang Chaoyi
Published: August 2018

In view of the uncertainty multiattribute decision-making problem with attribute values and weights both being interval number, a new solution based on regret theory and extension-dependent degree is proposed. It can define pass value of each attribute, which means decision-maker’s acceptance for the scheme under the pass value will decline quickly. Then according to traditional regret theory, the method defines an extension-dependent function based on pass value which can improve the flexibility of the traditional utility function and the ability to describe the risk aversion actions from decision-makers. Then the extension-dependent function for interval number is built, and the perceived utility value of each scheme is obtained based on the interval’s optimal value. The method can also reflect the decision-maker’s reference to high or low evaluation score by setting attitude coefficients. At last, an example is presented to examine the feasibility, effectiveness, and stability of our method.
Role of Histamine in Modulating the Immune Response and Inflammation
Authors: Branco Anna Cláudia Calvielli Castelo , Yoshikawa Fábio Seiti Yamada , Pietrobon Anna Julia , Sato Maria Notomi
Published: August 2018

Inflammatory mediators, including cytokines, histamine, bradykinin, prostaglandins, and leukotrienes, impact the immune system, usually as proinflammatory factors. Other mediators act as regulatory components to establish homeostasis after injury or prevent the inflammatory process. Histamine, a biogenic vasoactive amine, causes symptoms such as allergies and has a pleiotropic effect that is dependent on its interaction with its four histamine receptors. In this review, we discuss the dualistic effects of histamine: how histamine affects inflammation of the immune system through the activation of intracellular pathways that induce the production of inflammatory mediators and cytokines in different immune cells and how histamine exerts regulatory functions in innate and adaptive immune responses. We also evaluate the interactions between these effects.