bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Options and Limitations in Clinical Investigation of Bacterial Biofilms
Authors: Magana Maria , Sereti Christina , Ioannidis Anastasios , Mitchell Courtney A. , Ball Anthony R. , Magiorkinis Emmanouil , Chatzipanagiotou Stylianos , Hamblin Michael R. , Hadjifrangiskou Maria , Tegos George P.
Published: April 2018

Bacteria can form single- and multispecies biofilms exhibiting diverse features based upon the microbial composition of their community and microenvironment. The study of bacterial biofilm development has received great interest in the past 20 years and is motivated by the elegant complexity characteristic of these multicellular communities and their role in infectious diseases. Biofilms can thrive on virtually any surface and can be beneficial or detrimental based upon the community's interplay and the surface. Advances in the understanding of structural and functional variations and the roles that biofilms play in disease and host-pathogen interactions have been addressed through comprehensive literature searches. In this review article, a synopsis of the methodological landscape of biofilm analysis is provided, including an evaluation of the current trends in methodological research. We deem this worthwhile because a keyword-oriented bibliographical search reveals that less than 5% of the biofilm literature is devoted to methodology. In this report, we (i) summarize current methodologies for biofilm characterization, monitoring, and quantification; (ii) discuss advances in the discovery of effective imaging and sensing tools and modalities; (iii) provide an overview of tailored animal models that assess features of biofilm infections; and (iv) make recommendations defining the most appropriate methodological tools for clinical settings.
Comparison of Immunogenicity and Protection of Two Pneumococcal Protein Vaccines Based on PsaA and PspA
Authors: Yu Jinfei , Li Bo , Chen Xiaorui , Lu Jingcai , Wang Dandan , Gu Tiejun , Kong Wei , Wu Yongge
Published: April 2018

Streptococcus pneumoniae
is a major cause of invasive pneumococcal disease, septicemia, and meningitis that can result in high morbidity rates in children under 5 years old. The current polysaccharide-based vaccines can provide type-specific immunity, but a broad-spectrum vaccine would provide greater coverage. Therefore, developing pneumococcal-protein-based vaccines that can extend to more serum types is highly important. In this study, we vaccinated mice via the subcutaneous (s.c.) route with a systemic vaccine that is a mixture of fusion protein PsaA-PspA23 and a single protein, PspA4, with aluminum hydroxide as an adjuvant. As a comparison, mice were immunized intranasally with a mucosal vaccine that is a mixture of PspA2-PA-BLP (where PA is protein anchor and BLP is bacterium-like particle) and PspA4-PA-BLP, via the intranasal (i.n.) route. The two immunization processes were followed by challenge with
Streptococcus pneumoniae
bacteria from two different PspA families. Specific IgG titers in the serum and specific IgA titers in the mucosa were determined following immunizations. Bacterial loads and survival rates after challenge were compared. Both the systemic vaccine and the mucosal vaccine induced a significant increase of IgG against PspAs. Only the mucosal vaccine also induced specific IgA in the mucosa. The two vaccines provided protection, but each vaccine showed an advantage. The systemic vaccine induced higher levels of serum antibodies, whereas the mucosal vaccine limited the bacterial load in the lung and blood. Therefore, coimmunizations with the two types of vaccines may be implemented in the future.
Two-Component Flavin-Dependent Riboflavin Monooxygenase Degrades Riboflavin in Devosia riboflavina
Authors: Kanazawa Hiroshi , Shigemoto Ryosuke , Kawasaki Yukie , Oinuma Ken-Ichi , Nakamura Akira , Masuo Shunsuke , Takaya Naoki
Published: April 2018

The actinobacterium
Microbacterium maritypicum
splits riboflavin (vitamin B
2
) into lumichrome and
d
-ribose. However, such degradation by other bacteria and the involvement of a two-component flavin-dependent monooxygenase (FMO) in the reaction remain unknown. Here we investigated the mechanism of riboflavin degradation by the riboflavin-assimilating alphaproteobacterium
Devosia riboflavina
(formerly
Pseudomonas riboflavina
). We found that adding riboflavin to bacterial cultures induced riboflavin-degrading activity and a protein of the FMO family that had 67% amino acid identity with the predicted riboflavin hydrolase (RcaE) of
M. maritypicum
MF109. The
D. riboflavina
genome clustered genes encoding the predicted FMO, flavin reductase (FR), ribokinase, and flavokinase, and riboflavin induced their expression. This finding suggests that these genes constitute a mechanism for utilizing riboflavin as a carbon source. Recombinant FMO (rFMO) protein of
D. riboflavina
oxidized riboflavin in the presence of reduced flavin mononucleotide (FMN) provided by recombinant FR (rFR), oxidized FMN and NADH, and produced stoichiometric amounts of lumichrome and
d
-ribose. Further investigation of the enzymatic properties of
D. riboflavina
rFMO indicated that rFMO-rFR coupling accompanied O
2
consumption and the generation of enzyme-bound hydroperoxy-FMN, which are characteristic of two-component FMOs. These results suggest that
D. riboflavina
FMO is involved in hydroperoxy-FMN-dependent mechanisms to oxygenize riboflavin and a riboflavin monooxygenase is necessary for the initial step of riboflavin degradation.

IMPORTANCE
Whether bacteria utilize either a monooxygenase or a hydrolase for riboflavin degradation has remained obscure. The present study found that a novel riboflavin monooxygenase, not riboflavin hydrolase, facilitated this process in
D. riboflavina
. The riboflavin monooxygenase gene was clustered with flavin reductase, flavokinase, and ribokinase genes, and riboflavin induced their expression and riboflavin-degrading activity. The gene cluster is uniquely distributed in
Devosia
species and actinobacteria, which have exploited an environmental niche by developing adaptive mechanisms for riboflavin utilization.
Defining and Evaluating a Core Genome Multilocus Sequence Typing Scheme for Genome-Wide Typing of Clostridium difficile
Authors: Bletz Stefan , Janezic Sandra , Harmsen Dag , Rupnik Maja , Mellmann Alexander
Published: April 2018

Clostridium difficile
, recently renamed
Clostridioides difficile
, is the most common cause of antibiotic-associated nosocomial gastrointestinal infections worldwide. To differentiate endogenous infections and transmission events, highly discriminatory subtyping is necessary. Today, methods based on whole-genome sequencing data are increasingly used to subtype bacterial pathogens; however, frequently a standardized methodology and typing nomenclature are missing. Here we report a core genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST) approach developed for
C. difficile
. Initially, we determined the breadth of the
C. difficile
population based on all available MLST sequence types with Bayesian inference (BAPS). The resulting BAPS partitions were used in combination with
C. difficile
clade information to select representative isolates that were subsequently used to define cgMLST target genes. Finally, we evaluated the novel cgMLST scheme with genomes from 3,025 isolates. BAPS grouping (
n
= 6 groups) together with the clade information led to a total of 11 representative isolates that were included for cgMLST definition and resulted in 2,270 cgMLST genes that were present in all isolates. Overall, 2,184 to 2,268 cgMLST targets were detected in the genome sequences of 70 outbreak-associated and reference strains, and on average 99.3% cgMLST targets (1,116 to 2,270 targets) were present in 2,954 genomes downloaded from the NCBI database, underlining the representativeness of the cgMLST scheme. Moreover, reanalyzing different cluster scenarios with cgMLST were concordant to published single nucleotide variant analyses. In conclusion, the novel cgMLST is representative for the whole
C. difficile
population, is highly discriminatory in outbreak situations, and provides a unique nomenclature facilitating interlaboratory exchange.
Brain Large Artery Lymphocytic Inflammation and Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Related Brain Arterial Remodeling
Authors: Shenoy Adele , Dwork Andrew , Elkind Mitchell S. V. , Marshall Randolph , Morgello Susan , Gutierrez Jose
Published: April 2018

The pathogenesis of increased stroke risk in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remains unclear. Our study investigated the relationship between adventitial and intimal CD3
+
T cells and brain arterial remodeling that potentially contributes to HIV-related vasculopathy and stroke. Large brain arteries from 84 HIV
+
cases and 78 HIV
−
cases were analyzed to determine interadventitial and luminal diameters, intimal and wall thickness, percent stenosis, and the presence of atherosclerosis. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed to detect and visually score CD3, a pan-T-cell marker, in the intima and adventitia. Our study showed that numbers of adventitial CD3
+
T cells are lower among persons with HIV than among those without HIV, especially if CD4 counts are <200, though intimal CD3
+
T cell numbers did not differ by HIV status. Among those with HIV but CD4 counts of <200 at the time of death, intimal CD3
+
T cells were associated with hypertrophic outward remodeling, while among those with HIV and CD4 of >200 or HIV
−
controls, intimal CD3
+
T cells were associated with hypertrophic inward remodeling. We conclude that intimal lymphocytic inflammation is involved in brain arterial remodeling that may contribute to HIV-related cerebrovascular pathology.

IMPORTANCE
Although mortality from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has decreased with the use of combination antiretroviral therapies, there is now an increased risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease associated with HIV. Thus, there is a need to understand the pathogenesis of stroke in HIV infection. Our study examines how lymphocytic inflammation in brain arteries may contribute to increased cerebral vasculopathy. With this understanding, our study can potentially help direct future therapies to target and prevent brain arterial remodeling processes associated with HIV.
Mutations Conferring Increased Sensitivity to Tripartite Motif 22 Restriction Accumulated Progressively in the Nucleoprotein of Seasonal Influenza A (H1N1) Viruses between 1918 and 2009
Authors: Pagani Isabel , Di Pietro Andrea , Oteiza Alexandra , Ghitti Michela , Mechti Nadir , Naffakh Nadia , Vicenzi Elisa
Published: April 2018

We have uncovered that long-term circulation of seasonal influenza A viruses (IAV) in the human population resulted in the progressive acquisition of increased sensitivity to a component of the innate immune response: the type I interferon-inducible TRIM22 protein, which acts as a restriction factor by inducing the polyubiquitination of the IAV nucleoprotein (NP). We show that four arginine residues present in the NP of the 1918 H1N1 pandemic strain and early postpandemic strains were progressively substituted for by lysines between 1918 and 2009, rendering NP more susceptible to TRIM22-mediated ubiquitination. Our observations suggest that during long-term evolution of IAVs in humans, variants endowed with increased susceptibility to TRIM22 restriction emerge, highlighting the complexity of selection pressures acting on the NP.
Frequency–risk relationships between second-hand smoke exposure and respiratory symptoms among adolescents: a cross-sectional study in South China
Authors: Chen Zhiyao , Liu Guocong , Chen Jianying , Li Shunming , Jiang Ting , Xu Bin , Ye Xiaohua
Published: April 2018

Objectives

Although previous studies have suggested an association between second-hand smoke (SHS) exposure and respiratory symptoms, current evidence is inconsistent. Additionally, it remains unclear whether there are frequency–risk relationships between SHS exposure and respiratory symptoms among adolescents.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a stratified cluster sampling method to obtain a representative sample of high school students in Guangzhou, China. The respiratory symptoms were defined as persistent cough or sputum for three consecutive months during the past 12 months. Self-reported SHS exposure was defined as non-smokers' inhalation of the smoke exhaled from smokers on ≥1 day a week in the past 7 days. The univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were fitted to explore the potential frequency–risk relationships between SHS exposure and respiratory symptoms.

Results

Among 3575 students, the overall prevalence of SHS exposure was 69.2%, including 49.5% for SHS in public places, 34.5% in homes, 22.7% in indoor campuses and 29.2% in outdoor campuses. There were significantly increased risks of having respiratory symptoms corresponding to SHS exposure in public places (OR=1.60, 95% CI 1.30 to 1.95), in homes (OR=1.53, 95% CI 1.25 to 1.87), in indoor campuses (OR=1.43, 95% CI 1.14 to 1.79) and in outdoor campuses (OR=1.37, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.69) using no exposure as reference. Notably, we observed monotonic frequency–risk relationships between setting-specific(eg, homes, public places and campuses) SHS exposure and respiratory symptoms.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that setting-specific SHS exposure is associated with a significant, dose-dependent increase in risk of respiratory symptoms.
Comparison of prognostic models to predict the occurrence of colorectal cancer in asymptomatic individuals: a systematic literature review and external validation in the EPIC and UK Biobank prospective cohort studies
Authors: Smith Todd , Muller David C , Moons Karel G M , Cross Amanda J , Johansson Mattias , Ferrari Pietro , Fagherazzi Guy , Peeters Petra H M , Severi Gianluca , Hüsing Anika , Kaaks Rudolf , Tjonneland Anne , Olsen Anja , Overvad Kim , Bonet Catalina , Rodriguez-Barranco Miguel , Huerta Jose Maria , Barricarte Gurrea Aurelio , Bradbury Kathryn E , Trichopoulou Antonia , Bamia Christina , Orfanos Philippos , Palli Domenico , Pala Valeria , Vineis Paolo , Bueno-de-Mesquita Bas , Ohlsson Bodil , Harlid Sophia , Van Guelpen Bethany , Skeie Guri , Weiderpass Elisabete , Jenab Mazda , Murphy Neil , Riboli Elio , Gunter Marc J , Aleksandrova Krasimira Jekova , Tzoulaki Ioanna
Published: April 2018

Objective

To systematically identify and validate published colorectal cancer risk prediction models that do not require invasive testing in two large population-based prospective cohorts.

Design

Models were identified through an update of a published systematic review and validated in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) and the UK Biobank. The performance of the models to predict the occurrence of colorectal cancer within 5 or 10 years after study enrolment was assessed by discrimination (C-statistic) and calibration (plots of observed vs predicted probability).

Results

The systematic review and its update identified 16 models from 8 publications (8 colorectal, 5 colon and 3 rectal). The number of participants included in each model validation ranged from 41 587 to 396 515, and the number of cases ranged from 115 to 1781. Eligible and ineligible participants across the models were largely comparable. Calibration of the models, where assessable, was very good and further improved by recalibration. The C-statistics of the models were largely similar between validation cohorts with the highest values achieved being 0.70 (95% CI 0.68 to 0.72) in the UK Biobank and 0.71 (95% CI 0.67 to 0.74) in EPIC.

Conclusion

Several of these non-invasive models exhibited good calibration and discrimination within both external validation populations and are therefore potentially suitable candidates for the facilitation of risk stratification in population-based colorectal screening programmes. Future work should both evaluate this potential, through modelling and impact studies, and ascertain if further enhancement in their performance can be obtained.
Genomic retained heterosis effects on fertility and lifetime productivity in beef heifers
Authors: Basarab J.A. , Crowley J.J. , Abo-Ismail M.K. , Manafiazar G.M. , Akanno E.C. , Baron V.S. , Plastow G.
Published: April 2018

This study evaluated the effects of three genomic indicators of heterosis on female fertility and lifetime productivity, and quantified changes over 11 production cycles in a crossbred cow herd. Pedigree-based breed composition (pBC) was determined and used to calculate retained heterozygosity for 412 replacement heifers born from 2004 to 2014 at the Lacombe Research and Development Centre (AB, Canada). Heifers were followed as cows over 1050 mating opportunities, 11 production cycles, and five parities. Heifers and their sires (51) were genotyped and these genotypes were used to predict each animal’s genomic breed composition (gBC) and three genomic indicators of heterosis: (1) retained heterozygosity (RHETg), (2) heterozygous proportion (H), and (3) retained heterosis (RHg). Correlations between pedigree and genomic breed fractions for Angus, Hereford, and Charolais were high (rp = 0.74–0.94; P < 0.001). Genomic indicators of heterosis were highly related (rp = 0.61 for RHETg vs. H; 0.71 for RHg vs. H; 0.96 for RHETg vs. RHg; P < 0.001). Each 10% change in RHETg resulted in 51 ± 20 d longer survival (P = 0.011) in the herd and 35.7 ± 15.2 kg more (P = 0.019) calf wean weight per cow exposed to breeding when summed over five parities. These differences resulted in an extra $161 per heifer in a year. Optimizing heterosis using genomic tools can be very beneficial for the cow herd if applied correctly.
Bit-level plane image encryption based on coupled map lattice with time-varying delay
Authors: Lv Xiupin , Liao Xiaofeng , Yang Bo
Published: April 2018

Most of the existing image encryption algorithms had two basic properties: confusion and diffusion in a pixel-level plane based on various chaotic systems. Actually, permutation in a pixel-level plane could not change the statistical characteristics of an image, and many of the existing color image encryption schemes utilized the same method to encrypt R, G and B components, which means that the three color components of a color image are processed three times independently. Additionally, dynamical performance of a single chaotic system degrades greatly with finite precisions in computer simulations. In this paper, a novel coupled map lattice with time-varying delay therefore is applied in color images bit-level plane encryption to solve the above issues. Spatiotemporal chaotic system with both much longer period in digitalization and much excellent performances in cryptography is recommended. Time-varying delay embedded in coupled map lattice enhances dynamical behaviors of the system. Bit-level plane image encryption algorithm has greatly reduced the statistical characteristics of an image through the scrambling processing. The R, G and B components cross and mix with one another, which reduces the correlation among the three components. Finally, simulations are carried out and all the experimental results illustrate that the proposed image encryption algorithm is highly secure, and at the same time, also demonstrates superior performance.
Image Segmentation Based on Supervised Discriminative Learning
Authors: Song Lijuan
Published: April 2018

In view of the complex background of images and the segmentation difficulty, a sparse representation and supervised discriminative learning were applied to image segmentation. The sparse and over-complete representation can represent images in a compact and efficient manner. Most atom coefficients are zero, only a few coefficients are large, and the nonzero coefficient can reveal the intrinsic structures and essential properties of images. Therefore, sparse representations are beneficial to subsequent image processing applications. We first described the sparse representation theory. This study mainly revolved around three aspects, namely a trained dictionary, greedy algorithms, and the application of the sparse representation model in image segmentation based on supervised discriminative learning. Finally, we performed an image segmentation experiment on standard image datasets and natural image datasets. The main focus of this thesis was supervised discriminative learning, and the experimental results showed that the proposed algorithm was optimal, sparse, and efficient.
Classification of Music Mood Using MPEG-7 Audio Features and SVM with Confidence Interval
Authors: Sarno Riyanarto , Ridoean Johanes Andre , Sunaryono Dwi , Wijaya Dedy Rahman
Published: April 2018

Psychologically, music can affect human mood and influence human behavior. In this paper, a novel method for music mood classification is introduced. In the experiment, music mood classification was performed using feature extraction based on MPEG-7 features from the ISO/IEC 15938 standard for describing multimedia content. The result of this feature extraction are 17 low-level descriptors. Here, we used the Audio Power, Audio Harmonicity, and Audio Spectrum Projection features. Moreover, the discrete wavelet transform (DWT) was utilized for audio signal reconstruction. The reconstructed audio signals were classified by the new method, which uses a support vector machine with a confidence interval (SVM-CI). According to the experimental results, the success rate of the proposed method was satisfactory and SVM-CI outperformed the ordinary SVM.
Contact Behaviors of Coated Asperity with Power-Law Hardening Elastic–Plastic Substrate During Loading and Unloading Process
Authors: Lu Xiqun , Huang Fuzhan , Zhao Bin , Keer Leon M.
Published: April 2018

The behavior of a coated asperity contacting with a rigid flat during the loading and unloading processes is investigated using the finite element method. The power-law hardening elastic–plastic substrate is considered, and the effect of the substrate hardening exponent and the coating thickness on the contact behavior is studied. It is shown that in the loading process, the contact load increases more slow and the contact area increases faster as the interference increases for smaller coating thickness and hardening exponent cases, and the coating thickness recovers more obviously after a rapid decrease. In the unloading process, the residual interference and the pileup effect of the asperity surface is larger for smaller coating thicknesses and hardening exponents, and the energy loss due to the plastic deformation is larger accordingly.
Modeling DNA & RNA mutation using mset and topology
Authors: El-Sharkasy M. M. , Badr M. S.
Published: April 2018

Mathematical equations are now found not only in the books, but also they help in finding solutions for the biological problems by explaining the technicality of the current biological models and providing predictions that can be validated and complemented to experimental and clinical studies. In this research paper, we use the mset theory to study DNA & RNA mutations to discover the mutation occurrence. Also, we use the link between the concept of the mset and topology to determine the compatibility or similarity between “types”, which may be the strings of bits, vectors, DNA or RNA sequences, etc.
Flexoelectricity in dielectrics: Materials, structures and characterizations
Authors: Huang Shujin , Qi Lu , Huang Wenbin , Shu Longlong , Zhou Shenjie , Jiang Xiaoning
Published: April 2018

Flexoelectricity in dielectrics suggests promising smart structures for sensors, actuators and transducers. In this review, dielectric materials, structures and the associated flexoelectric characterization methods are presented. First of all, we review structures and methods to measure different flexoelectric coefficients, including [Formula: see text], etc., via direct or converse flexoelectric effect. The flexoelectric materials in the form of bulk, thin films and 2D materials and the reported flexoelectric properties of these dielectrics will then be discussed. Semiconductor materials and the associated flexoelectric studies will also be reviewed. The progress of flexoelectric device study will next be presented, followed by the flexoelectricity research challenges and future trend.
Suppression of Chaos in Porous Media Convection under Multifrequency Gravitational Modulation
Authors: Allali Karam
Published: April 2018

Suppression of chaos in porous media convection under multifrequency gravitational modulation is investigated in this paper. For this purpose, a two-dimensional rectangular fluid-saturated porous layer heated from below subjected to a vertical gravitational modulation will be considered. The model consists of nonlinear heat equation coupled with a system of equations describing the motion under Darcy law. The time-dependent gravitational modulation is assumed to be with two frequencies σ1 and σ2. A spectral method of solution is used in order to reduce the problem to a system of four ordinary differential equations. The system is solved numerically by using the fifth- and a sixth-order Runge-Kutta-Verner method. Oscillating and chaotic convection regimes are observed. It was shown that chaos can be suppressed by appropriate tuning of the frequencies’ ratio η=σ2/σ1.
Arthroscopically Assisted Retrograde Intramedullary Nailing for Periprosthetic Fracture of the Femur after Posterior-Stabilized Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Udagawa Kazuhiko , Niki Yasuo , Harato Kengo , Kobayashi Shu , Nomoto So
Published: April 2018

Retrograde intramedullary nailing (RIMN) has been used for periprosthetic fracture of the distal femur after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), yielding good fracture union rates and satisfactory outcomes. However, RIMN for posterior-stabilized- (PS-) TKA risks malpositioning the entry point and disturbing the post of the tibial insert, and the surgeon therefore usually requires knee joint arthrotomy. We report a case of a 79-year-old male who was involved in bicycle accident resulting in periprosthetic fracture of the distal femur after PS-TKA. We performed osteosynthesis with arthroscopically assisted RIMN to define an appropriate entry point. RIMN for posterior-stabilized- (PS-) TKA risks malpositioning the entry point and disturbing the post of the tibial insert. Because arthroscopy can directly visualize the entry point and the tibial post without arthrotomy, arthroscopically assisted RIMN offers a useful technical option for periprosthetic fracture of the distal femur after PS-TKA.
Network Restoration for Next-Generation Communication and Computing Networks
Authors: Awoyemi B. S. , Alfa A. S. , Maharaj B. T.
Published: April 2018

Network failures are undesirable but inevitable occurrences for most modern communication and computing networks. A good network design must be robust enough to handle sudden failures, maintain traffic flow, and restore failed parts of the network within a permissible time frame, at the lowest cost achievable and with as little extra complexity in the network as possible. Emerging next-generation (xG) communication and computing networks such as fifth-generation networks, software-defined networks, and internet-of-things networks have promises of fast speeds, impressive data rates, and remarkable reliability. To achieve these promises, these complex and dynamic xG networks must be built with low failure possibilities, high network restoration capacity, and quick failure recovery capabilities. Hence, improved network restoration models have to be developed and incorporated in their design. In this paper, a comprehensive study on network restoration mechanisms that are being developed for addressing network failures in current and emerging xG networks is carried out. Open-ended problems are identified, while invaluable ideas for better adaptation of network restoration to evolving xG communication and computing paradigms are discussed.
Mathematical Modelling of a Friction Stir Welding Process to Predict the Joint Strength of Two Dissimilar Aluminium Alloys Using Experimental Data and Genetic Programming
Authors: Yunus Mohammed , Alsoufi Mohammad S.
Published: April 2018

Friction stir welding (FSW) is the most popular and efficient method of solid-state joining for similar as well as dissimilar metals and alloys. It is mostly used in applications for aerospace, rail, automotive, and marine industries. Many researchers are currently working with different perspectives on this FSW process for various combinations of materials. The general input process parameters are the thickness of the plate, axial load, rotational speed, welding speed, and tilt angle. The output parameters are joint hardness, % of elongation, and impact and yield strengths. Genetic programming (GP) is a relatively new method of evolutionary computing with the principal advantage of this approach being to evaluate efficacious predictive mathematical models or equations without any prior assumption regarding the possible form of the functional relationship. This paper both defines and illustrates how GP can be applied to the FSW process to derive precise relationships between the output and input parameters in order to obtain a generalized prediction model. A GP model will assist engineers in quantifying the performance of FSW, and the results from this study can then be utilized to estimate future requirements based on the historical data to provide a robust solution. The obtained results from the GP models showed good agreement with experimental and target data at an average prediction error of 0.72%.
A New Hybrid PSS Optimization Method Based on Improved Active Set Algorithm
Authors: Liu Xiang-Yu , He Yu-Ling , Yao Jian
Published: April 2018

This paper proposes a new hybrid optimization method for the phase-frequency characteristics of the double input power system stabilizer (PSS) based on the improved active set algorithm. This method takes the effect of the filtering section optimization on the parameter improvement into account, and the optimized model focuses on the minimum residual sum of squares between the actual and the target phase-frequency characteristics. The result shows that the improved parameters obtained from the proposed method provide much better phase-frequency characteristics than the widely used engineering parameters. The comparison between the proposed method and the typical commercial software indicates the universal superiority of the proposed method. And the studies on the impact of considering the filter section optimization on the phase-frequency improvement show that taking the filter section optimization into account will be beneficial for the phase-frequency improvement, though in application to the PSS2A model and the PSS2B model there are some differences. The achievements obtained in this paper provide a significant reference for the practical PSS parameter modification and improvement.
Hydrogels for the Application of Articular Cartilage Tissue Engineering: A Review of Hydrogels
Authors: Chuang Er-Yuan , Chiang Chih-Wei , Wong Pei-Chun , Chen Chih-Hwa
Published: April 2018

The treatment of articular cartilage damage is a major task in the medical science of orthopedics. Hydrogels possess the ability to form multifunctional cartilage grafts since they possess polymeric swellability upon immersion in an aqueous phase. Polymeric hydrogels are capable of physiological swelling and greasing, and they possess the mechanical behavior required for use as articular cartilage substitutes. The chondrogenic phenotype of these materials may be enhanced by embedding living cells. Artificial hydrogels fabricated from biologically derived and synthesized polymeric materials are also used as tissue‐engineering scaffolds; with their controlled degradation profiles, the release of stimulatory growth factors can be achieved. In order to make use of these hydrogels, cartilage implants were formulated in the laboratory to demonstrate the bionic mechanical behaviors of physiological cartilage. This paper discusses developments concerning the use of polymeric hydrogels for substituting injured cartilage tissue and assisting tissue growth. These gels are designed with consideration of their polymeric classification, mechanical strength, manner of biodegradation, limitations of the payload, cellular interaction, amount of cells in the 3D hydrogel, sustained release for the model drug, and the different approaches for incorporation into adjacent organs. This article also summarizes the different advantages, disadvantages, and the future prospects of hydrogels.
Ductility Calculation of Prefabricated Shear Wall with Rabbet‐Unbond Horizontal Connection
Authors: Sun Chongfang , Liang Shuting , Zhu Xiaojun , Song Yamin , Wu Dongyue
Published: April 2018

Considering the effect of confined end‐zone and unbonded reinforcement, the yield curvature and ultimate curvature of rabbet‐unbond horizontal connection (RHC) shear wall were calculated. Based on the curvature calculation result, the yield displacement and ultimate displacement were calculated using displacement superposition, which were compared with test values. The result showed that theoretical values were slightly smaller than test values; however, on the whole, both were in good agreement. The author studied the effect of unbonded reinforcement on yield displacement and ultimate displacement, and the result showed that the effect on ultimate displacement is more pronounced than yield displacement. The present work could be useful for the design of new prefabricated shear wall.
Differences in Nanostructure and Hydrophobicity of Cicada (Cryptotympana atrata) Forewing Surface with the Distribution of Precipitation
Authors: Sun Mingxia , Zhang Jiajing , Watson Gregory S. , Watson Jolanta A. , Han Dong , Liang Aiping
Published: April 2018

Although the cicada wing has a variety of functions and the nanostructure and surface properties of many species have been extensively investigated, there are no reports investigating diversity of nanostructures and wetting properties within a single species collected at locations with different rainfall conditions. In this study, the hydrophobicity and nanostructure dimensions of the forewing surface of Cryptotympana atrata were measured, based on specimens collected from 12 distributions with varying precipitation averages in China and Japan. The relationships among hydrophobicity, nanostructures, and precipitation were analyzed, and the adaption of hydrophobic nanostructures under different wet environments is discussed. The precipitation of locations in the years the samples of C. atrata were collected only has an effect on the diameter and spacing of wing surface nanostructure, and the multiple years of precipitation may have an influence on the basic diameter and spacing, as well as the height of protrusions. The rougher the wing surface, the stronger the hydrophobicity which was observed from samples taken where the rainfall conditions of the collection years are high. To our knowledge, this is one special example providing evidence of hydrophobic nanostructures found on a biological surface of a single species which shows adaption for specific wet environments.
Choroidal Thickness and Ganglion Cell Complex in Pubescent Children with Type 1 Diabetes without Diabetic Retinopathy Analyzed by Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Gołębiewska Joanna , Olechowski Andrzej , Wysocka-Mincewicz Marta , Baszyńska-Wilk Marta , Groszek Artur , Czeszyk-Piotrowicz Agnieszka , Szalecki Mieczysław , Hautz Wojciech
Published: April 2018

Aim. To assess the retinal and choroidal thickness and ganglion cell complex (GCC) in pubescent children with type 1 diabetes (T1D) without diabetic retinopathy (DR), using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Materials and Method. Sixty-four right eyes of 64 subjects with T1D and 45 right eyes of 45 age-matched healthy volunteers (control group) were enrolled in this study. The mean age of the subjects and controls was 15.3 (±SD = 2.2) and 14.6 (±SD = 1.5), respectively. SD-OCT was performed using RTVue XR Avanti. Ganglion cell complex (GCC), GCC focal loss volume (FLV), GCC global loss volume (GLV), choroidal thickness (CT), foveal (FT) and parafoveal thickness (PFT), and foveal (FV) and parafoveal volume (PFV) data were analyzed. Results. There was no significant difference between subjects and controls in the CT in the fovea and nasal, temporal, superior, and inferior quadrants of the macula. There were no significant correlations between CT, duration of diabetes, and HbA1C level (p=0.272 and p=0.197, resp.). GCC thickness did not differ significantly between the groups (p=0.448), but there was a significant difference in FLV (p=0.037). Significant differences between the groups were found in the PFT and PFV (p=0.004 and p=0.005, resp.). There was a significant negative correlation between PFT, PFV, and HbA1C level (p=0.002 and p=0.001, resp.). Conclusions. Choroidal thickness remains unchanged in children with T1D. Increased GCC FLV might suggest an early alteration in neuroretinal tissue. Parafoveal retinal thickness is decreased in pubescent T1D children and correlates with HbA1C level. OCT can be considered a part of noninvasive screening in children with T1D and a tool for early detection of retinal and choroidal abnormalities. Further OCT follow-up is needed to determine whether any of the discussed OCT measurements are predictive of future DR severity.
Study on the Interaction of Collinear Cracks and Wing Cracks and Cracking Behavior of Rock under Uniaxial Compression
Authors: Wang Chaolin , Zhao Yu , Zhao Yanlin , Wan Wen
Published: April 2018

This paper investigates the crack interaction, initiation, and propagation rules of rock‐like materials containing two collinear cracks. Based on the Kachanov method, the formulations for stress intensity factors (SIFs) of two collinear cracks and two winged cracks are derived, respectively. The influences of bridge ligament and crack length on the crack interaction are analyzed theoretically. The results show that the propagation of a long crack is independent of crack interaction when d ≥ a2 and the same rule applies for a short crack when d ≥ a1. With the growth of wing cracks, the SIF of wings first remarkably decreases and then it tends toward a steady value. Subsequently, the propagation of collinear cracks and cracking processes under uniaxial compression are analyzed experimentally and numerically. Both the experimental results and simulation results demonstrate that shear cracks tend to initiate and propagate at higher inclination angle. The crack coalescence is affected by the inclination angle of bridge ligament. For increasing the inclination angle, the crack coalescence varies from wing crack failure to shear crack coalescence. As bridge ligament increases, the crack coalescence varies from shear crack coalescence to shear‐wing crack coalescence and then to wing crack failure.
Palmitoylation as a Functional Regulator of Neurotransmitter Receptors
Authors: Naumenko Vladimir S. , Ponimaskin Evgeni
Published: April 2018

The majority of neuronal proteins involved in cellular signaling undergo different posttranslational modifications significantly affecting their functions. One of these modifications is a covalent attachment of a 16-C palmitic acid to one or more cysteine residues (S-palmitoylation) within the target protein. Palmitoylation is a reversible modification, and repeated cycles of palmitoylation/depalmitoylation might be critically involved in the regulation of multiple signaling processes. Palmitoylation also represents a common posttranslational modification of the neurotransmitter receptors, including G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and ligand-gated ion channels (LICs). From the functional point of view, palmitoylation affects a wide span of neurotransmitter receptors activities including their trafficking, sorting, stability, residence lifetime at the cell surface, endocytosis, recycling, and synaptic clustering. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the palmitoylation of neurotransmitter receptors and its role in the regulation of receptors functions as well as in the control of different kinds of physiological and pathological behavior.
The Effect of Various Parameters of Solution Methodology on a Flexible Integrated Supply Chain Model
Authors: Behmanesh Elham , Pannek Jürgen
Published: April 2018

A successful supply chain must be able to operate at the lowest cost while providing the best customer service as well as environmental protection. As industrial players are under pressure but mostly unprepared to take back products after their usage, logistics network design becomes an even more important issue. To allow for a maximum of flexibility and efficiency, we consider an integrated design of the forward/reverse logistics network using full delivery graph. We apply a Memetic Algorithm with a novel population generation to find a near optimal solution for large size problems. The effect of different parameters on the behavior of the proposed Metaheuristic Algorithm is investigated. Using the experimental work to find the best parameters for this problem is the outlook of these researches.
Study of Post‐Peak Strain Softening Mechanical Behaviour of Rock Material Based on Hoek–Brown Criterion
Authors: Lin Qibin , Cao Ping , Wang Peixin
Published: April 2018

In order to build the post‐peak strain softening model of rock, the evolution laws of rock parameters (m, s) were obtained by using the evolutionary mode of piecewise linear function regarding the maximum principle stress. Based on the nonlinear Hoek–Brown criterion, the analytical relationship of the rock strength parameters (m, s), cohesion (c), and friction angle (φ) has been developed by theoretical derivation. According to the analysis on the four different types of rock, it is found that, within the range from 0 to σ3min, the peak hardness of the rock becomes smaller as the confining pressure increases and the degree of rock fragmentation decreases as well. The post‐peak stress‐strain curves obtained from the developed softening model are in good agreement with the laboratory test results under different confining pressures. In conclusion, the analytical method is reasonable, and it can predict the post‐peak mechanical behaviour of rock well, which provides a new thought for the rock‐softening simulation.
Endothelium as a Potential Target for Treatment of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Authors: Sun Jingyuan , Deng Hongping , Zhou Zhen , Xiong Xiaoxing , Gao Ling
Published: April 2018

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) was previously ascribed to weaken defective medial arterial/adventitial layers, for example, smooth muscle/fibroblast cells. Therefore, besides surgical repair, medications targeting the medial layer to strengthen the aortic wall are the most feasible treatment strategy for AAA. However, so far, it is unclear whether such drugs have any beneficial effect on AAA prognosis, rate of aneurysm growth, rupture, or survival. Notably, clinical studies have shown that AAA is highly associated with endothelial dysfunction in the aged population. Additionally, animal models of endothelial dysfunction and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) uncoupling had a very high rate of AAA formation, indicating there is crucial involvement of the endothelium and a possible pharmacological solution targeting the endothelium in AAA treatment. Endothelial cells have been found to trigger vascular wall remodeling by releasing proteases, or recruiting macrophages along with other neutrophils, into the medial layer. Moreover, inflammation and oxidative stress of the arterial wall were induced by endothelial dysfunction. Interestingly, there is a paradoxical differential correlation between diabetes and aneurysm formation in retinal capillaries and the aorta. Deciphering the significance of such a difference may explain current unsuccessful AAA medications and offer a solution to this treatment challenge. It is now believed that AAA and atherosclerosis are two separate but related diseases, based on their different clinical patterns which have further complicated the puzzle. Therefore, a thorough investigation of the interaction between endothelium and medial/adventitial layer may provide us a better understanding and new perspective on AAA formation, especially after taking into account the importance of endothelium in the development of AAA. Moreover, a novel medication strategy replacing the currently used, but suboptimal treatments for AAA, could be informed with this analysis.
Management of Patella Dislocation in Say-Barber-Biesecker-Young-Simpson’s Syndrome: A Report of Two Cases
Authors: Mundama Meni , Ayong Serge , Rossillon Renaud
Published: April 2018

Say-Barber-Biesecker-Young-Simpson’s syndrome is one of the Ohdo-like syndromes. It is a very rare congenital condition that is commonly defined by its main clinical features that are blepharophimosis, ptosis, mental retardation, and delayed motor development. They are often associated with skeletal manifestations that are joint laxity, long thumbs and toes, and hypoplastic and/or dislocated patellae. To our knowledge, the available literature does not report any case where attention is drawn to management of skeletal aspect of this specific syndrome, especially surgically. We report 2 cases of SBBYS syndrome with patellar dislocation that we followed for 11 years. One case (with bilateral dislocation) was managed conservatively, and the other (with unilateral dislocation) underwent conservative and surgical treatment. Both had good functional outcome at follow-up. This experience shows that patellar abnormality in this condition can be efficiently addressed conservatively and/or surgically with satisfying results.
A Novel Rerouting Planning Model for the Terminal Arrival Routes under the Influence of Convective Weather
Authors: Zhang Ming , Kong Xianglu , Liu Kai , Li Xiangyu
Published: April 2018

Under convective weather conditions, aircraft rerouting in terminal airspace is essential to ensure flight safety and reduce air traffic delays. Traditional air traffic rerouting approaches do not combine convective weather information using radar image recognition with controller workload, additional fuel consumption, delay loss, time cost, and route length at terminal airspace in tactical ATFM phase for exact rerouting decision. In accordance with the safety and economic principles of the route network in terminal airspace and in consideration of the changes in the speed and height of aircraft in terminal airspace, a multiobjective rerouting planning model is established in this study for terminal airspace under convective weather conditions in tactical air traffic flow management phase. Then traffic simulation is conducted to analyze the capacity and delays of the rerouting in the approach path in Shanghai terminal area. Experimental results indicate that this model can increase airspace capacity and operational efficiency of air traffic compared with the traditional air traffic rerouting approaches.