bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knockout of microRNA-21 attenuates alcoholic hepatitis through the VHL/NF-κB signaling pathway in hepatic stellate cells
Authors: Wu Nan , McDaniel Kelly , Zhou Tianhao , Ramos-Lorenzo Sugeily , Wu Chaodong , Huang Li , Chen Demeng , Annable Tami , Francis Heather , Glaser Shannon , Alpini Gianfranco , Meng Fanyin
Published: May 2018

microRNA-21 (miRNA) is one of the most abundant miRNAs in chronic liver injuries including alcoholic liver injury. Previous studies have demonstrated that miR-21 plays a role in inflammation in the liver and functions in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), which reside in the perisinusoidal space between sinusoidal endothelial cells and hepatocytes and regulate sinusoidal circulation. HSCs integrate cytokine-mediated inflammatory responses in the sinusoids and relay them to the liver parenchyma. Here, we showed that the activation of Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) expression, by miR-21 knockout in vivo and anti-miR-21 or VHL overexpression in vitro, suppressed the production of proinflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-6, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and IL-1β, in human HSCs during alcoholic liver injury. Sequence and functional analyses confirmed that miR-21 directly targeted the 3′-untranslated region of VHL. Immunofluorescence and real-time PCR analysis revealed that miR-21 depletion blocked NF-κB activation in human HSCs both in cultured HSCs as well as HSCs isolated from alcohol-related liver disease mice liver by laser capture microdissection. We also showed that conditioned medium from anti-miR-21-transfected HSCs suppressed human monocyte-derived THP-1 cell migration. Taken together, our study indicates that depletion of miR-21 may downregulate cytokine production in HSCs and macrophage chemotaxis during alcoholic liver injury and that the targeting of miR-21 may have therapeutic potential for preventing the progression of alcoholic liver diseases.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study demonstrates that silencing microRNA-21 can inhibit cytokine production and inflammatory responses in human hepatic stellate cells during alcoholic liver injury and that the targeting of microR-21 in hepatic stellate cells may have therapeutic potential for prevention and treatment of alcoholic liver diseases.
Human visceral nociception: findings from translational studies in human tissue
Authors: Hockley James R. F. , Smith Ewan St. John , Bulmer David C.
Published: May 2018

Peripheral sensitization of nociceptors during disease has long been recognized as a leading cause of inflammatory pain. However, a growing body of data generated over the last decade has led to the increased understanding that peripheral sensitization is also an important mechanism driving abdominal pain in highly prevalent functional bowel disorders, in particular, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). As such, the development of drugs that target pain-sensing nerves innervating the bowel has the potential to be a successful analgesic strategy for the treatment of abdominal pain in both organic and functional gastrointestinal diseases. Despite the success of recent peripherally restricted approaches for the treatment of IBS, not all drugs that have shown efficacy in animal models of visceral pain have reduced pain end points in clinical trials of IBS patients, suggesting innate differences in the mechanisms of pain processing between rodents and humans and, in particular, how we model disease states. To address this gap in our understanding of peripheral nociception from the viscera and the body in general, several groups have developed experimental systems to study nociception in isolated human tissue and neurons, the findings of which we discuss in this review. Studies of human tissue identify a repertoire of human primary afferent subtypes comparable to rodent models including a nociceptor population, the targeting of which will shape future analgesic development efforts. Detailed mechanistic studies in human sensory neurons combined with unbiased RNA-sequencing approaches have revealed fundamental differences in not only receptor/channel expression but also peripheral pain pathways.
Pregnancy preserves pulmonary function following influenza virus infection in C57BL/6 mice
Authors: Vermillion Meghan S. , Nelson Andrew , vom Steeg Landon , Loube Jeffery , Mitzner Wayne , Klein Sabra L.
Published: May 2018

Pregnancy is associated with significant anatomic and functional changes to the cardiopulmonary system. Using pregnant C57BL/6 mice, we characterized changes in pulmonary structure and function during pregnancy in healthy animals and following infection with influenza A virus (IAV). We hypothesized that pregnancy-associated alterations in pulmonary physiology would contribute to the more severe outcome of IAV infection. Nonpregnant and pregnant females (at embryonic day 10.5) were either mock-infected or infected with 2009 H1N1 IAV for assessment of pulmonary function, structure, and inflammation at 8 days postinoculation. There were baseline differences in pulmonary function, with pregnant females having greater lung compliance, total lung capacity, and fixed lung volume than nonpregnant females. Following IAV infection, both pregnant and nonpregnant females exhibited reduced circulating progesterone, which in nonpregnant females was associated with increased pulmonary resistance and decreased lung compliance, minute ventilation, and oxygen diffusing capacity compared with uninfected nonpregnant females. In pregnant females, reduced concentrations of progesterone were associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, but measures of pulmonary function were preserved following IAV infection and were not significantly different from uninfected pregnant mice. Following IAV infection, infectious virus titers and total numbers of pulmonary leukocytes were similar between pregnant and nonpregnant females, but the histological density of pulmonary inflammation was reduced in pregnant animals. These data suggest that pregnancy in mice is associated with significant alterations in pulmonary physiology but that these changes served to preserve lung function during IAV infection. Pregnancy-associated alterations in pulmonary physiology may serve to protect females during severe influenza.
Prevention of the progression of renal injury in diabetic rodent models with preexisting renal disease with chronic endothelin A receptor blockade
Authors: Spires Denisha , Poudel Bibek , Shields Corbin A. , Pennington Alyssa , Fizer Brianca , Taylor Lateia , McPherson Kasi C. , Cornelius Denise C. , Williams Jan M.
Published: May 2018

The endothelin (ET) system has emerged as a therapeutic target for the treatment of diabetic nephropathy (DN). The present study examined whether chronic endothelin A (ETA) receptor blockade with atrasentan prevents the progression of renal injury in two models of DN with preexisting renal disease that exhibit an increased renal ET-1 system compared with nondiabetic rats: streptozotocin-treated Dahl salt-sensitive (STZ-SS) and type 2 diabetic nephropathy (T2DN) rats. Nine week-old SS rats were treated with (STZ; 50 mg/kg ip) to induce diabetes. After 3 wk of diabetes, proteinuria increased to 353 ± 34 mg/day. The rats were then separated into two groups: 1) vehicle and 2) atrasentan (5 mg·kg−1·day−1) via drinking water. After 6 wk of treatment with atrasentan, mean arterial pressure (MAP) and proteinuria decreased by 12 and 40%, respectively, in STZ-SS rats. The degree of glomerulosclerosis and renal fibrosis was significantly reduced in the kidneys of atrasentan-treated STZ-SS rats compared with vehicle STZ-SS rats. Interestingly, treatment with atrasentan did not affect GFR but significantly increased renal blood flow by 33% and prevented the elevations in filtration fraction and renal vascular resistance by 23 and 20%, respectively, in STZ-SS rats. In contrast to the STZ-SS study, atrasentan had no effect on MAP or proteinuria in T2DN rats. However, treatment with atrasentan significantly decreased glomerular injury and renal fibrosis and prevented the decline in renal function in T2DN rats. These data indicate that chronic ETAblockade produces advantageous changes in renal hemodynamics that slow the progression of renal disease and also reduces renal histopathology in the absence of reducing arterial pressure and proteinuria.
Pharmacological manipulation of the olfactory bulb modulates beta oscillations: testing model predictions
Authors: Osinski Bolesław L. , Kim Alex , Xiao Wenxi , Mehta Nisarg M. , Kay Leslie M.
Published: May 2018

The mammalian olfactory bulb (OB) generates gamma (40–100 Hz) and beta (15–30 Hz) local field potential (LFP) oscillations. Gamma oscillations arise at the peak of inhalation supported by dendrodendritic interactions between glutamatergic mitral cells (MCs) and GABAergic granule cells (GCs). Beta oscillations are induced by odorants in learning or odor sensitization paradigms, but their mechanism and function are still poorly understood. When centrifugal OB inputs are blocked, beta oscillations disappear, but gamma oscillations persist. Centrifugal inputs target primarily GABAergic interneurons in the GC layer (GCL) and regulate GC excitability, suggesting a causal link between beta oscillations and GC excitability. Our previous modeling work predicted that convergence of excitatory/inhibitory inputs onto MCs and centrifugal inputs onto GCs increase GC excitability sufficiently to produce beta oscillations primarily through voltage dependent calcium channel-mediated GABA release, independently of NMDA channels. We test some of the predictions of this model by examining the influence of NMDA and muscarinic acetylcholine (ACh) receptors, which affect GC excitability in different ways, on beta oscillations. A few minutes after intrabulbar infusion, scopolamine (muscarinic antagonist) suppressed odor-evoked beta in response to a strong stimulus but increased beta power in response to a weak stimulus, as predicted by our model. Pyriform cortex (PC) beta power was unchanged. Oxotremorine (muscarinic agonist) suppressed all oscillations, likely from overinhibition. APV, an NMDA receptor antagonist, suppressed gamma oscillations selectively (in OB and PC), lending support to the model’s prediction that beta oscillations can be supported independently of NMDA receptors.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Olfactory bulb local field potential beta oscillations appear to be gated by GABAergic granule cell excitability. Reducing excitability with scopolamine reduces beta induced by strong odors but increases beta induced by weak odors. Beta oscillations rely on the same synapse as gamma oscillations but, unlike gamma, can persist in the absence of NMDA receptor activation. Pyriform cortex beta oscillations maintain power when olfactory bulb beta power is low, and the system maintains beta band coherence.
How to monitor breathing in laboratory rodents: a review of the current methods
Authors: Grimaud Julien , Murthy Venkatesh N.
Published: May 2018

Accurately measuring respiration in laboratory rodents is essential for many fields of research, including olfactory neuroscience, social behavior, learning and memory, and respiratory physiology. However, choosing the right technique to monitor respiration can be tricky, given the many criteria to take into account: reliability, precision, and invasiveness, to name a few. This review aims to assist experimenters in choosing the technique that will best fit their needs, by surveying the available tools, discussing their strengths and weaknesses, and offering suggestions for future improvements.
Comparative transcriptome analysis of the swimbladder reveals expression signatures in response to low oxygen stress in channel catfish,Ictalurus punctatus
Authors: Yang Yujia , Fu Qiang , Wang Xiaozhu , Liu Yang , Zeng Qifan , Li Yun , Gao Sen , Bao Lisui , Liu Shikai , Gao Dongya , Dunham Rex , Liu Zhanjiang
Published: May 2018

Channel catfish is the leading aquaculture species in the US, and one of the reasons for its application in aquaculture is its relatively high tolerance against hypoxia. However, hypoxia can still cause huge economic losses to the catfish industry. Studies on hypoxia tolerance, therefore, are important for aquaculture. Fish swimbladder has been considered as an accessory respiration organ surrounded by a dense capillary countercurrent exchange system. In this regard, we conducted RNA-Seq analysis with swimbladder samples of catfish under hypoxic and normal conditions to determine if swimbladder was responsive to low oxygen treatment and to reveal genes, their expression patterns, and pathways involved in hypoxia responses in catfish. A total of 155 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified from swimbladder of adult catfish, whereas a total of 2,127 DEGs were identified from swimbladder of fingerling catfish under hypoxic condition as compared with untreated controls. Subsequent pathway analysis revealed that many DEGs under hypoxia were involved in HIF signaling pathway ( nos2, eno2, camk2d2, prkcb, cdkn1a, eno1, and tfrc), MAPK signaling pathway (voltage-dependent calcium channel subunit genes), PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway ( itga6, g6pc, and cdkn1a), Ras signaling pathway ( efna3 and ksr2), and signaling by VEGF ( fn1, wasf3, and hspb1) in catfish swimbladder. This study provided insights into regulation of gene expression and their involved gene pathways in catfish swimbladder in response to low oxygen stresses.
Endosomal and Phagosomal SNAREs
Authors: Dingjan Ilse , Linders Peter T. A. , Verboogen Danielle R. J. , Revelo Natalia H. , ter Beest Martin , van den Bogaart Geert
Published: May 2018

The soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) protein family is of vital importance for organelle communication. The complexing of cognate SNARE members present in both the donor and target organellar membranes drives the membrane fusion required for intracellular transport. In the endocytic route, SNARE proteins mediate trafficking between endosomes and phagosomes with other endosomes, lysosomes, the Golgi apparatus, the plasma membrane, and the endoplasmic reticulum. The goal of this review is to provide an overview of the SNAREs involved in endosomal and phagosomal trafficking. Of the 38 SNAREs present in humans, 30 have been identified at endosomes and/or phagosomes. Many of these SNAREs are targeted by viruses and intracellular pathogens, which thereby reroute intracellular transport for gaining access to nutrients, preventing their degradation, and avoiding their detection by the immune system. A fascinating picture is emerging of a complex transport network with multiple SNAREs being involved in consecutive trafficking routes.
A Numerical Computation Approach for the Optimal Control of ASP Flooding Based on Adaptive Strategies
Authors: Li Shurong , Ge Yulei
Published: May 2018

A numerical computation approach based on constraint aggregation and pseudospectral method is proposed to solve the optimal control of alkali/surfactant/polymer (ASP) flooding. At first, all path constraints are aggregated into one terminal condition by applying a Kreisselmeier-Steinhauser (KS) function. After being transformed into a multistage problem by control vector parameter, a normalized time variable is introduced to convert the original problem into a fixed final time optimal control problem. Then the problem is discretized to nonlinear programming by using Legendre-Gauss pseudospectral method, whose numerical solutions can be obtained by sequential quadratic programming (SQP) method through solving the KKT optimality conditions. Additionally, two adaptive strategies are applied to improve the procedure: (1) the adaptive constraint aggregation is used to regulate the parameter ρ in KS function and (2) the adaptive Legendre-Gauss (LG) method is used to adjust the number of subinterval divisions and LG points. Finally, the optimal control of ASP flooding is solved by the proposed method. Simulation results show the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method.
Wireless Sensor Network Dynamic Mathematics Modeling and Node Localization
Authors: Liu Xiaoyang , Liu Chao
Published: May 2018

With the rapid development of wireless sensor network (WSN) technology and its localization method, localization is one of the basic services for data collection in WSN. The localization accuracy often depends on the accuracy of distance estimation. Because of the constraint in size, power, and cost of sensor nodes, the investigation of efficient location algorithms which satisfy the basic accuracy requirement for WSN meets new challenges. This paper proposes a novel intelligent node localization algorithm in WSN based on beacon nodes to improve the precision in location estimation. Firstly, system model of WSN node localization is constructed according to the WSN environment. Then traditional WSN node localization methods such as DV‐HOP, GA, and PSO are studied. Localization algorithm of WSN is proposed by using dynamic mathematics modeling. And the result of simulation, which is compared to the traditional algorithm, indicated that this algorithm is better to improve the accuracy and coverage of WSN. The simulation results show that the performance of the proposed WSN location algorithm is better than the traditional localization algorithms.
Smart Shift Decision Method Based on Stacked Autoencoders
Authors: Wang Zengcai , Qi Yazhou , Zhang Guoxin , Zhao Lei
Published: May 2018

Manual calibration and testing on real vehicles are common methods of generating shifting schedules for newly developed vehicles. However, these methods are time-consuming. Shifting gear timing is an important operating parameter that affects shifting time, power loss, fuel efficiency, and driver comfort. The stacked autoencoder (SAE) algorithm, a type of artificial neural network, is used in this study to predict shifting gear timing on the basis of throttle percentage, vehicle velocity, and acceleration. Experiments are conducted to obtain training and testing data. Different neural networks are trained with experimental data on a real vehicle under different road conditions collected using the CANcaseXL device and control AMESim simulation model, which was constructed based on real vehicle parameters. The input number of SAE is determined through a comparison between two and three parameters. The output type of SAE is determined through a comparative experiment on pattern recognition and multifitting. Meanwhile, the network structure of SAE is determined through a comparative experiment on simple and deep-learning neural networks. Experimental results demonstrate that using the SAE intelligent shift control strategy to determine shift timing not only is feasible and accurate but also saves time and development costs.
Estimation of the Wenchuan Earthquake Rupture Sequence Utilizing Teleseismic Records and Coseismic Displacements
Authors: Yin Deyu , Liu Qifang , Wu Jingke
Published: May 2018

For the 12 May 2008 Mw 7.9 Wenchuan earthquake, two imbricate faults, Beichuan fault and Pengguan fault, have ruptured simultaneously. Special attention should be paid to the point of 40 km northeast of the epicenter, in which the Xiaoyudong fault intersects the above two faults, creating a complex fault structure. Surface rupture data from field surveys and previous research of dynamics studies indicate that an important transformation may take place at the intersection. But, few studies about inversion of source rupture process have focused on this issue. We establish a multiple‐segment, variable‐slip, finite‐fault model to reproduce the rupture process and distinguish rupture sequence. Based on the nonnegative least square method and multiple‐time‐window approach, the spatial and temporal distribution of slip for three rupture sequences are exhibited, using teleseismic records and coseismic displacements. The conformity between synthetic and observed teleseismic records as well as the slip value of the shallowest subfaults and the coseismic displacements is utilized to calibrate the model. The results are as follows: (1) The teleseismic records inversion alone could not distinguish different rupture sequences. However, in order to make the slip of the Hongkou and Yingxiu area coincide with the field investigation, only the Beichuan fault has a bilateral rupture on the point of intersection of Xiaoyudong fault. So the possible rupture sequence is that the earthquake started at the low dip angle part of southern Beichuan fault, and then it propagated to the Pengguan fault, which caused the rupture of Xiaoyudong fault. Then the southern part of Beichuan fault with high dip angle is triggered by the Xiaoyudong fault. (2) The coseismic displacements constraint can control the slip of subfaults near the surface and has little impact on the deeper subfaults. (3) The maximum slip on the fault is located near the Yingxiu and Beichuan area; moreover, the slip is mainly distributed at the shallow region rather than at the deep, which led to serious disasters. Meanwhile, majority of the aftershocks occur in the periphery of large slip.
Numerical Simulation of a No-Insulation BSCCO Toroidal Magnet Applied in Magnetic Confinement Fusion
Authors: Zhang Yi , Tang Yuejin , Xu Ying , Xia Zhong , Ren Li
Published: May 2018

At present, the Tokamak has become a mainstream form of the magnetic confinement fusion device. The toroidal field (TF) magnet in the Tokamak system is required to generate a high-steady field to confine and shape the high temperature plasma. To secure high current density and high thermal stability, the no-insulation (NI) winding technique is used in the fabrication of the TF magnet. During plasma operation, heat is generated in the TF magnet caused by the interaction with central solenoid (CS) coils, poloidal field (PF) coils, and the plasma current. The heat generated in NI coils is complex owing to the existence of current flow between adjacent turns. Thus, it is necessary to calculate the thermal problems. Taking into consideration the effect of turn-to-turn contact resistance, this paper presents the thermal behavior of a NI toroidal magnet under different operating conditions. The NI toroidal magnet is composed of 10 double-pancake (DP) coils wound with BSCCO tapes. The analysis procedure combines the finite element method (FEM) with an equivalent circuit model. This analysis has applicability and practical directive to the design of cryogenic cooling system for NI toroidal magnet.
Propellant Slosh Force and Mass Measurement
Authors: Hunt Andrew , Foster-Turner Richard , Drury Ross
Published: May 2018

We have used electrical capacitance tomography (ECT) to instrument a demonstration tank containing kerosene and have successfully demonstrated that ECT can, in real time, (i) measure propellant mass to better than 1% of total in a range of gravity fields, (ii) image propellant distribution, and (iii) accurately track propellant centre of mass (CoM). We have shown that the ability to track CoM enables the determination of slosh forces, and we argue that this will result in disruptive changes in a propellant tank design and use in a spacecraft. Ground testing together with real-time slosh force data will allow an improved tank design to minimize and mitigate slosh forces, while at the same time keeping the tank mass to a minimum. Fully instrumented Smart Tanks will be able to provide force vector inputs to a spacecraft inertial navigation system; this in turn will (i) eliminate or reduce navigational errors, (ii) reduce wait time for uncertain slosh settling, since actual slosh forces will be known, and (iii) simplify slosh control hardware, hence reducing overall mass. ECT may be well suited to space borne liquid measurement applications. Measurements are independent of and unaffected by orientation or levels of g. The electronics and sensor arrays can be low in mass, and critically, the technique does not dissipate heat into the propellant, which makes it intrinsically safe and suitable for cryogenic liquids. Because of the limitations of operating in earth-bound gravity, it has not been possible to check the exact numerical accuracy of the slosh force acting on the vessel. We are therefore in the process of undertaking a further project to (i) build a prototype integrated “Smart Tank for Space”, (ii) undertake slosh tests in zero or microgravity, (iii) develop the system for commercial ground testing, and (iv) qualify ECT for use in space.
Overcoming Multidrug Resistance by On-Demand Intracellular Release of Doxorubicin and Verapamil
Authors: Jiang Jianwei , Liu Shaojuan , Wang Chunlei , Zhang Hongyan
Published: May 2018

Multidrug resistance (MDR) is one of the major obstacles to the successful application of cancer chemotherapy. Herein, we developed light-responsive doxorubicin-and-verapamil-coencapsulated gold liposomes to overcome MDR. Upon ns-pulsed laser irradiation, the highly confined thermal effect increased the permeability of the phospholipid bilayer, triggering the release of doxorubicin and verapamil, leading to high concentrations in cells. Free verapamil efficiently inhibited the membrane multidrug resistance proteins (MRPs), while the high concentration of doxorubicin saturated MRPs, thus overcoming MDR. We showed that nanosecond- (ns-) pulsed laser- (532 nm, 6 ns) induced doxorubicin release from gold liposomes depended on laser fluence and pulse number. More than 58% of the doxorubicin was released with a 10-pulse irradiation (100 mJ/cm2). Furthermore, ns laser pulses also liberated doxorubicin from endocytosed gold liposomes into the cytosol in MDA-MB-231-R cancer cells. The cytotoxicity of doxorubicin coencapsulated with verapamil was significantly enhanced upon laser irradiation. This study suggested that light-triggered on-demand release of chemotherapeutic agents and MRP inhibitors could be used advantageously to overcome multidrug resistance.
A Composite Model of Wound Segmentation Based on Traditional Methods and Deep Neural Networks
Authors: Li Fangzhao , Wang Changjian , Liu Xiaohui , Peng Yuxing , Jin Shiyao
Published: May 2018

Wound segmentation plays an important supporting role in the wound observation and wound healing. Current methods of image segmentation include those based on traditional process of image and those based on deep neural networks. The traditional methods use the artificial image features to complete the task without large amounts of labeled data. Meanwhile, the methods based on deep neural networks can extract the image features effectively without the artificial design, but lots of training data are required. Combined with the advantages of them, this paper presents a composite model of wound segmentation. The model uses the skin with wound detection algorithm we designed in the paper to highlight image features. Then, the preprocessed images are segmented by deep neural networks. And semantic corrections are applied to the segmentation results at last. The model shows a good performance in our experiment.
Study to Improve Security for IoT Smart Device Controller: Drawbacks and Countermeasures
Authors: Su Xin , Wang Ziyu , Liu Xiaofeng , Choi Chang , Choi Dongmin
Published: May 2018

Including mobile environment, conventional security mechanisms have been adapted to satisfy the needs of users. However, the device environment-IoT-based number of connected devices is quite different to the previous traditional desktop PC- or mobile-based environment. Based on the IoT, different kinds of smart and mobile devices are fully connected automatically via device controller, such as smartphone. Therefore, controller must be secure compared to conventional security mechanism. According to the existing security threats, these are quite different from the previous ones. Thus, the countermeasures applied should be changed. However, the smart device-based authentication techniques that have been proposed to date are not adequate in terms of usability and security. From the viewpoint of usability, the environment is based on mobility, and thus devices are designed and developed to enhance their owners’ efficiency. Thus, in all applications, there is a need to consider usability, even when the application is a security mechanism. Typically, mobility is emphasized over security. However, considering that the major characteristic of a device controller is deeply related to its owner’s private information, a security technique that is robust to all kinds of attacks is mandatory. In this paper, we focus on security. First, in terms of security achievement, we investigate and categorize conventional attacks and emerging issues and then analyze conventional and existing countermeasures, respectively. Finally, as countermeasure concepts, we propose several representative methods.
Engineered Multifunctional Fluorinated Film Based on Semicontinuous Emulsion Polymerization Using Polymerizable Quaternary Ammonium Emulsifiers
Authors: Liu Hongzhu , Wang Lingnan , Wang Minhuan , Hou Chuan-Jin , Ye Bin-bin , Wang Zefeng , Bian Jiming
Published: May 2018

Along with society’s progress, high-quality coatings are widely used. Although fluorinated polymers were successfully prepared by semicontinuous emulsion polymerization with surfactants, chlorotrifluoroethylene (CTFE), and acrylate monomers, the optimization collocation of surfactants still has room for improvement. The traditional emulsifiers are physically absorbed onto the surface of latex particles. The latex film generated by latex particles is unstable in water, which limits its application. Herein, a novel series of cationic quaternary ammonium polymerizable surfactant was selected because it can react with CTFE and acrylate monomers and can become a part of the polymers. We also studied the effects of emulsifier type on resultant emulsion properties. In addition, wonderful weatherability, water resistance, and antibacterial and antifouling of the multifunctional fluorinated films were observed, which would open up a bright future for coating industries.
Modern Endoscopic Imaging in Diagnosis and Surveillance of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients
Authors: Hundorfean Gheorghe , Pereira Stephen P. , Karstensen John G. , Vilmann Peter , Saftoiu Adrian
Published: May 2018

Endoscopy remains the most important diagnostic and monitoring modality in the management of inflammatory bowel disease. Advances in imaging have progressively added new tools into the armamentarium of endoscopists with the goal of more accurate, sensitive, and accessible visual diagnoses for the benefit of patients with gastrointestinal diseases. Here, we review the relevant literature regarding commonly used endoscopic techniques (dye-based and digital chromoendoscopy, high-definition endoscopy, capsule endoscopy, and endosonography), as well as advanced and experimental technologies (full-spectrum endoscopy, endocytoscopy, autofluorescence, laser endoscopy, and endomicroscopy, including molecular imaging), applicable to inflammatory bowel diseases and emerging for implementation into everyday practice. Additionally, we discuss future directions and techniques as candidates for a superior inflammation imaging in the diagnosis and prediction of therapeutic response.
Online Sequential Extreme Learning Machine with Generalized Regularization and Adaptive Forgetting Factor for Time-Varying System Prediction
Authors: Guo Wei , Xu Tao , Tang Keming , Yu Jianjiang , Chen Shuangshuang
Published: May 2018

Many real world applications are of time-varying nature and an online learning algorithm is preferred in tracking the real-time changes of the time-varying system. Online sequential extreme learning machine (OSELM) is an excellent online learning algorithm, and some improved OSELM algorithms incorporating forgetting mechanism have been developed to model and predict the time-varying system. But the existing algorithms suffer from a potential risk of instability due to the intrinsic ill-posed problem; besides, the adaptive tracking ability of these algorithms for complex time-varying system is still very weak. In order to overcome the above two problems, this paper proposes a novel OSELM algorithm with generalized regularization and adaptive forgetting factor (AFGR-OSELM). In the AFGR-OSELM, a new generalized regularization approach is employed to replace the traditional exponential forgetting regularization to make the algorithm have a constant regularization effect; consequently the potential ill-posed problem of the algorithm can be completely avoided and a persistent stability can be guaranteed. Moreover, the AFGR-OSELM adopts an adaptive scheme to adjust the forgetting factor dynamically and automatically in the online learning process so as to better track the dynamic changes of the time-varying system and reduce the adverse effects of the outdated data in time; thus it tends to provide desirable prediction results in time-varying environment. Detailed performance comparisons of AFGR-OSELM with other representative algorithms are carried out using artificial and real world data sets. The experimental results show that the proposed AFGR-OSELM has higher prediction accuracy with better stability than its counterparts for predicting time-varying system.
Clinical Relevance of Bone Density Values from CT Related to Dental Implant Stability: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Bruno Vincenzo , Berti Cesare , Barausse Carlo , Badino Mauro , Gasparro Roberta , Ippolito Daniela Rita , Felice Pietro
Published: May 2018

Purpose. The majority of the techniques used to assess the primary implant stability are subjective and empirical and can be used during or after the surgery. The aim of this study is to evaluate the bone density prior to surgery, in order to give recommendations to the clinician about the best surgical technique and the type of implant which is needed. Materials and Methods. A surgeon operated on 75 patients for 269 implants over the period 2010–2014. He required a CT to plan the surgery and he documented the type, the diameters, and the lengths of the implants, the insertion torque, and the ISQ values. At a later stage another clinician measured bone density and cortical thickness. We endeavoured to get the most accurate superimposition between the implants placed by the surgeon and those placed by the clinician. Results. In maxilla ISQ showed a significant positive correlation with HU values detected for coronal-buccal (r=0.302; p=0.020) and middle-lingual (r=0.295; p=0.023). Torque showed a positive correlation with cortical bone thickness at the middle of the ridge (ρ=0.196; p=0.032). Conclusion. It is important to take into consideration the Hounsfield Units and the cortical thickness as predictive parameters during the preoperative assessment, with regard to the choice of the implant type as well as the surgical technique.
Neurotrophic Keratopathy after Trigeminal Nerve Block for Treatment of Postherpetic Neuralgia
Authors: Kodama-Takahashi Aya , Sugioka Koji , Sato Tomoko , Nishida Koichi , Aomatsu Keiichi , Fukuda Masahiko , Shimomura Yoshikazu
Published: May 2018

Purpose. To report a case of persistent corneal epithelial defect that had occurred after a trigeminal nerve block. Case Presentation. A 75-year-old female had suffered from postherpetic neuralgia for 8 years. She underwent Gasserian ganglion block surgery and noticed declining visual acuity in the right eye on the following day. She presented with severe hyperemia and corneal epithelial defects in the right eye and experienced remarkable reduction of sensitivity in the right cornea. She was diagnosed with neurotrophic keratopathy. Ofloxacin eye ointment and rebamipide ophthalmic suspension ameliorated the corneal epithelial defects but superficial punctate keratopathy, corneal superficial neovascularization, and Descemet’s fold persisted. Although the epithelial defects occasionally recurred, the corneal sensation and epithelial defects, Descemet’s fold, and corneal superficial neovascularization all improved around 5 months after trigeminal nerve block. The HRT II Rostock Cornea Module (RCM) could not detect any corneal subbasal nerve fibers at postoperative 4 months; however, it could detect them at postoperative 6 months. Conclusions. As the nerve block effect wore off, the corneal subbasal nerve fibers slowly regenerated. As the corneal sensation improved, the corneal epithelial defects and superficial neovascularization also improved. The HRT II RCM appeared useful for observing loss and regeneration of the corneal subbasal nerve fibers.
Mechanical Quadrature Methods and Extrapolation for Solving Nonlinear Problems in Elasticity
Authors: Cheng Pan , Zhang Ling
Published: May 2018

This paper will study the high accuracy numerical solutions for elastic equations with nonlinear boundary value conditions. The equations will be converted into nonlinear boundary integral equations by the potential theory, in which logarithmic singularity and Cauchy singularity are calculated simultaneously. Mechanical quadrature methods (MQMs) are presented to solve the nonlinear equations where the accuracy of the solutions is of three orders. According to the asymptotical compact convergence theory, the errors with odd powers asymptotic expansion are obtained. Following the asymptotic expansion, the accuracy of the solutions can be improved to five orders with the Richardson extrapolation. Some results are shown regarding these approximations for problems by the numerical example.
An Identity Involving the Integral of the First-Kind Chebyshev Polynomials
Authors: Wang Xiao , Hu Jiayuan
Published: May 2018

We used the algebraic manipulations and the properties of Chebyshev polynomials to obtain an interesting identity involving the power sums of the integral of the first-kind Chebyshev polynomials and solved an open problem proposed by Wenpeng Zhang and Tingting Wang.
A New Mathematical Model For Heat Radius of Cyclic Superheated Steam Stimulation with Horizontal Wellbore
Authors: He Congge , Xu Anzhu , Fan Zifei , Zhao Lun , Bo Bing
Published: May 2018

When superheated steam flows along the horizontal wellbore, it may change to saturated steam at some point of the wellbore. In this paper, to accurately predict the heat radius of cyclic superheated steam stimulation with horizontal wellbore, the distribution of thermophysical properties of superheated steam along the horizontal wellbore is considered. The heating process is divided into 4 stages for superheated steam and 3 stages for saturated steam when the phase change undergoes in the wellbore. On this basis, the mathematical model for heat radius of cyclic superheated steam stimulation with horizontal wellbore was established according to energy conservation principle and Laplace transformation method. The calculation result of the new mathematical model is in good agreement with that of the numerical simulation (CMG STARS) for the same parameters from a specific heavy oil reservoir, which verified the correctness of the new mathematical model. The effect of degree of superheat and the cycle of stimulation are analyzed in detail after the new mathematical model is validated. The results show that the heat radius of superheated zone, steam zone, and hot fluid zone all decrease with horizontal well length and increase with the cycle of stimulation. The higher the degree of superheat is, the farther from the heel of the horizontal wellbore the phase change undergoes. Besides, the radius of superheated zone, steam zone, and hot fluid zone increases with the degree of superheat, but the value increases little at steam zone and hot fluid zone.
Plastic Design Theory of Frozen Wall Thickness in an Ultradeep Soil Layer Considering Large Deformation Characteristics
Authors: Zhang Bo , Yang Weihao , Wang Baosheng
Published: May 2018

Frozen wall design theory is a key technique of the freezing method. However, previous design theories for a deep artificial frozen wall have neglected the influence of shaft flank displacement, that is, the displacement of the inner boundary of a frozen wall. Thus, the associated designs tend to be unsafe and earthwork excavations tend to be underestimated. This study builds a new design theory for frozen wall thickness which considers the influence of a large strain and obtains new solution formulas for the thickness and excavation radius before deformation occurs. The analytical results are compared with numerical calculation results by analyzing the influences of various parameters, such as crustal stress, cohesion and internal friction angle of frozen soil, and cohesion and internal friction angle of unfrozen soil as well as the elastic modulus of the ground, on the frozen wall thickness and the shaft flank displacement. The results indicate that the new formula is applicable for large deformation calculation with a strain of up to 0.2. The new formula can accurately calculate the amount of excavation earthwork and serves as a safer and more reasonable theoretical support for the design of frozen walls in ultradeep soil layers.
Two-Vector FCS-MPC for Permanent-Magnet Synchronous Motors Based on Duty Ratio Optimization
Authors: Sheng Long , Li Dapeng , Ji Yue
Published: May 2018

The servo system of a permanent-magnet synchronous motor usually consists of current, speed, and position loops. Compared with conventional PI control, finite-control-set model predictive control (FCS-MPC) has the advantage of fast response. Conventional FCS-MPC relies on the precise parameters of system model and has large current ripple. To address that problem, this paper proposed an improved FCS-MPC based on duty ratio optimization in synchronous rotating reference frame. To get more precise voltage vector, the proposed FCS-MPC selects the optimal vector combination and, respectively, calculates the time duration. Moreover, feedback correction is also applied to improve the robustness of the control strategy. The simulation results validate the effectiveness of the algorithm.
A Rational Exchange Protocol under Asymmetric Information in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Lv Zhen , Peng Changgen , Peng Yanguo , Zhang Junwei
Published: May 2018

P2P network is one of the most extensive network frameworks for wireless sensor network (WSN) in Internet of Things (IoT). The peers in WSN are rational and often free ride to save power of electricity and calculation, due to the fact that the usability is of great variability and unpredictability. Such a phenomenon tremendously reduces the quality of service (QoS) in WSN. Rational exchange protocol aims at promoting QoS and guaranteeing security and fairness. However, existing schemes have taken only complete information into account, which is not up to realistic environment. The peers in realistic environment indeed possess incomplete information, which is, however, still not thoroughly investigated so far. In this paper, under asymmetric information (a typical incomplete information), an entropy based incentive model is well designed based on Markov model and QoS evaluation model to help peers cooperate in WSNs. A concrete utility function with entropy is constructed to evaluate decision utility in P2P network. Finally, an entropy based rational exchange protocol is proposed based on the presented incentive model and concrete utility function, with analysis of correctness, security, fairness, and robustness, respectively. The proposed protocol can facilitate rational peers positively and sensibly participating in services and prevent free riding for rational peers. Hence, it further promotes QoS and guarantees security and fairness simultaneously in WSNs.
Simulación de eventos críticos en anestesia: lecciones y aprendizaje desde la aviación para mejorar la seguridad del paciente
Authors: Pedemonte Trewhela Juan Cristóbal , García Soto Nicolás , Altermatt Couratier Fernando , Corvetto Marcia
Published: May 2018

Durante décadas, las industrias de alto riesgo tales como la aviación comercial, las plantas nucleares y la ingeniería militar han sido entrenadas en el manejo de eventos críticos. En salud, la aplicación de los conceptos del entrenamiento del equipo de aviación y Crew Resource Management (“manejo de los recursos en crisis”), particularmente en anestesia, se han utilizado para mejorar la seguridad del paciente. Los eventos críticos, definidos como el punto en el curso de una enfermedad en la que se produce un cambio decisivo que conduce a la recuperación o a la muerte, tienen muchas características ideales para el entrenamiento por simulación.En esta revisión narrativa, nuestro objetivo es definir los conceptos y la relación entre eventos críticos y simulación en anestesia, determinando su uso en el manejo de dichos eventos y la evidencia existente para apoyarlo.
Helicase-Driven Activation of NFκB-COX2 Pathway Mediates the Immunosuppressive Component of dsRNA-Driven Inflammation in the Human Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Theodoraki Marie-Nicole , Yerneni Saigopalakrishna , Sarkar Saumendra N. , Orr Brian , Muthuswamy Ravikumar , Voyten Jamie , Modugno Francesmary , Jiang Weijian , Grimm Melissa , Basse Per H. , Bartlett David L. , Edwards Robert P. , Kalinski Pawel
Published: May 2018

Presence of cytotoxic CD8+ T cells (CTL) in tumor microenvironments (TME) is critical for the effectiveness of immune therapies and patients' outcome, whereas regulatory T(reg) cells promote cancer progression. Immune adjuvants, including double-stranded (ds)RNAs, which signal via Toll-like receptor-3 (TLR3) and helicase (RIG-I/MDA5) pathways, all induce intratumoral production of CTL-attractants, but also Treg attractants and suppressive factors, raising the question of whether induction of these opposing groups of immune mediators can be separated. Here, we use human tumor explant cultures and cell culture models to show that the (ds) RNA Sendai Virus (SeV), poly-I:C, and rintatolimod (poly-I:C12U) all activate the TLR3 pathway involving TRAF3 and IRF3, and induce IFNα, ISG-60, and CXCL10 to promote CTL chemotaxis to ex vivo–treated tumors. However, in contrast with SeV and poly I:C, rintatolimod did not activate the MAVS/helicase pathway, thus avoiding NFκB– and TNFα-dependent induction of COX2, COX2/PGE2-dependent induction of IDO, IL10, CCL22, and CXCL12, and eliminating Treg attraction. Induction of CTL-attractants by either poly I:C or rintatolimod was further enhanced by exogenous IFNα (enhancer of TLR3 expression), whereas COX2 inhibition enhanced the response to poly-I:C only. Our data identify the helicase/NFκB/TNFα/COX2 axis as the key suppressive pathway of dsRNA signaling in human TME and suggest that selective targeting of TLR3 or elimination of NFκB/TNFα/COX2-driven suppression may allow for selective enhancement of type-1 immunity.

Significance: This study characterizes two different poly-I:C-induced signaling pathways in their induction of immunostimulatory and suppressive factors and suggests improved ways to reprogram the TME to enhance the antitumor efficacy of immunotherapies. Cancer Res; 78(15); 4292–302. ©2018 AACR.