bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does Compulsory Admission Prevent Inpatient Suicide Among Patients with Schizophrenia? A Nationwide Cohort Study in Taiwan
Authors: Lin Ching‐En , Chung Chi‐Hsiang , Chen Li‐Fen , Chien Wu‐Chien
Published: August 2018

Objective

The aim of this study was to analyze the risk of inpatient suicide in patients with schizophrenia during 2007–2013 and to determine putative risk factors.

Methods

We conducted a national population‐based cohort study of 2,038 psychiatric inpatients in their first compulsory admission, matched with 8,152 controls who were voluntary inpatients. Only patients with schizophrenia were included in the study. We used data derived from the Taiwanese National Health Insurance Database 2005, comprising 1 million beneficiaries randomly selected from the entire population of Taiwan.

Results

During the follow‐up period, 23 and 75 inpatient suicides were observed in the compulsory and control groups, respectively. Kaplan–Meier curves showed that the cumulative incidence rate of inpatient suicide was not significantly different between compulsory and voluntary admissions (log‐rank test, p = .206).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that compulsory admission has no protective effects on risk reduction of inpatient suicide for patients with schizophrenia who are compulsorily admitted compared with voluntarily admitted controls. Clinicians should be more alert for the prevention of inpatient suicide among patients with schizophrenia and consider the close monitoring of inpatient suicide risk in the first week of admission.
Associations of Suicide Prevention Trainings with Practices and Confidence among Clinicians at Community Mental Health Centers
Authors: LoParo Devon , Florez Ivonne Andrea , Valentine Nakia , Lamis Dorian A.
Published: August 2018

Objective

This study examined whether (1) behavioral health providers were more likely to implement best practices when they were more confident in their abilities, (2) number of suicide prevention trainings was positively associated with perceived confidence in abilities and implementation of evidence‐based practices, and (3) specific trainings were more impactful than others on increasing providers’ level of confidence and/or practices.

Method

Providers (N = 137) at three rural community behavioral health centers who had opportunities to attend multiple suicide prevention trainings completed the Zero Suicide Workforce Survey, a measure to evaluate staff knowledge, practices, and confidence in caring for patients at risk of suicide.

Results

There was a moderate association between provider's practice and confidence. The number of attended trainings had a significant correlation with both practice and confidence. Particular trainings demonstrated differential effects on provider's practice and confidence.

Conclusion

These results suggest that behavioral health providers who are confident in their skills in assessing and treating suicide risk are more likely incorporate best practices into their clinical work. Also, it appears there is a small but significant benefit to multiple trainings for increasing both practice and confidence among providers.
Suicide Ideation and Behavior as Risk Factors for Subsequent Suicide in Schizophrenia: A Nested Case–Control Study
Authors: Clapham Eric , Bodén Robert , Brandt Lena , Jönsson Erik G. , Bahmanyar Shahram , Ekbom Anders , Ösby Urban , Reutfors Johan
Published: August 2018

Objective

To investigate suicide ideation and behavior as risk factors for suicide in schizophrenia during varying time periods.

Method

Cases were 84 patients who died by suicide within 5 years from diagnosis in a source population of patients discharged for the first time from psychiatric hospitals in Stockholm County, Sweden, with a schizophrenia spectrum diagnosis. One control was individually matched with each suicide case. Data were retrieved from clinical records in a blind fashion. Thoughts of death, thoughts of suicide, suicide plan, and suicide attempt during varying time periods were investigated as risk factors for subsequent completed suicide.

Results

In adjusted analyses, thoughts of suicide, suicide plan, and suicide attempt were significantly associated with subsequent completed suicide in the following year. The highest suicide risk was found within a year following suicide attempt (adjusted OR 9.9, 95% confidence interval 2.5–39.0). The association between suicide ideation and behavior and subsequent suicide declined over time.

Conclusions

Several types of suicide ideation and behavior were associated with suicide, and the association was stronger for suicidal behavior. The clinical significance of suicidal communication appears highest during the following month or/and year. Many suicides occurred without recorded short‐term suicidal communication.
Molecular phylogeny and novel host associations of avian chewing lice (Insecta: Phthiraptera) from South Africa
Authors: Takano Oona M. , Voelker Gary , Gustafsson Daniel R. , Light Jessica E.
Published: August 2018

Compared with Europe and the Americas, the ectoparasites of African birds are poorly understood, despite the avian fauna being relatively well known. Notably, previous studies documenting the host associations and genetic diversity of parasitic chewing lice of southern African birds have been limited in geographic and taxonomic scope. Recent field expeditions exploring the avian diversity in South Africa facilitated an opportunity to obtain louse specimens from a taxonomically diverse host assemblage. This study is the first to investigate avian louse host associations and diversity across a large portion of South Africa encompassing several distinct habitat types, while incorporating molecular genetic data (from portions of the mitochondrial COI and nuclear EF‐1α genes) for ectoparasite phylogenetic analyses. From 1105 South African bird individuals and 170 species examined for lice, a total of 105 new louse–host associations were observed. Morphological and genetic examination of lice with these new host associations reveals a maximum of 66 louse species new to science. Results of this study support the observation that examining museum specimens is a useful way to investigate louse diversity and host associations.
HLA‐B*40:330 allele identified in a volunteer donor for hematopoietic stem cell transplant
Authors: Baek In‐Cheol , Choi Eun‐Jeong , Shin Dong‐Hwan , Kim Hyoung‐Jae , Kim Tai‐Gyu
Published: August 2018

HLA‐B*40:330 differs from HLA‐B*40:06:01:01 in codons 113 and 116 in exon 3.
Identification of a novel HLA allele, HLA‐A*01:127, in a donor from China
Authors: Li Wei‐Wei , Li Xiao‐Feng , Zhang Xu , Lin Feng‐Qiu , Li Jian‐Ping
Published: August 2018

HLA‐A*01:127 has one nucleotide change from HLA‐A*01:25 where 158 Valine is changed to Alanine.
A novel allele, HLA‐C*06:02:47, identified by sequence‐based typing in a Chinese individual
Authors: Wang Jiying , Zhang Yan , Li Qinghua , Ru Kun , Wang Xiaojing
Published: August 2018

HLA‐C*06:02:47 differs from HLA‐C*06:02:01:01 (444C → T, exon 3, I124I), resulting in a synonymous change.
The new HLA‐B*56:01:01:05S allele with a mutation in intron 4 leading to a deletion of exon 5
Authors: Balas Antonio , Alenda Raquel , Moreno‐Hidalgo Miguel A. , García‐Sánchez Felix , Vicario José L.
Published: August 2018

Description of HLA‐B*56:01:01:05S with a point mutation at the acceptor splicing site within intron 4.
Description of the new HLA‐A*11:288 allele found in a healthy individual from the Canary Islands
Authors: Balas Antonio , López‐Hernández Ruth , Moreno‐Hidalgo Miguel A. , Sanchez‐García Florentino , Vicario José L.
Published: August 2018

A new HLA‐A allele, A*11:288, was characterized in a Spanish individual from the Canary Islands.
Distribution of alveolar‐interstitial syndrome in dogs and cats with respiratory distress as assessed by lung ultrasound versus thoracic radiographs
Authors: Ward Jessica L. , Lisciandro Gregory R. , DeFrancesco Teresa C.
Published: August 2018

Objective

To assess distribution of alveolar‐interstitial syndrome (AIS) detected by lung ultrasound (LUS) compared to thoracic radiographs (TXR).

Design

Prospective study.

Setting

University teaching hospital.

Animals

Seventy‐six dogs and 24 cats with acute respiratory distress or tachypnea.

Interventions

Patients underwent LUS and TXR within 6 hours. Lung ultrasound images were scored for presence and quantity of B‐lines in 4 lung quadrants (right cranial, right caudal, left cranial, left caudal). An individual LUS quadrant was scored positive if > 3 B‐lines were observed within a single intercostal space. Dorsoventral TXR were scored for presence of AIS in the same 4 quadrants. An individual TXR quadrant was scored positive if infiltrate was present in ≥ 25% of the quadrant. Medical records were evaluated for final diagnosis.

Measurements and Main Results

Quadrant‐by‐quadrant spatial agreement in assigning AIS using LUS versus TXR was fair (K = 0.24 – 0.56). Lung ultrasound scored a higher number of quadrants positive per patient (2.65 ± 1.59 vs. 2.13 ± 1.48;P = 0.012). Patterns of distribution of AIS differed significantly based on final diagnosis. Patients with left‐sided congestive heart failure were more likely to have diffuse AIS on LUS (P < 0.001) or bilateral caudal AIS on TXR (P = 0.04) while patients with noncardiac disease were more likely to have absence of AIS in all quadrants using either modality (P < 0.001). Differences in spatial distribution of AIS were also noted among disease subcategories.

Conclusions

Lung ultrasound and TXR were both useful to detect and categorize distribution of alveolar or interstitial pulmonary pathology. Spatial agreement between modalities was only fair. Overall, LUS detected a higher incidence of AIS compared to TXR. Both modalities detected differences in distribution of AIS based on final diagnosis, suggesting that a regional pattern‐based approach to thoracic imaging may prove diagnostically useful.
Two mutations at different positions in the CNBH domain of the hERG channel accelerate deactivation and impair the interaction with the EAG domain
Authors: Kume Shinichiro , Shimomura Takushi , Tateyama Michihiro , Kubo Yoshihiro
Published: August 2018

Key points

In the human ether‐a‐go‐go related gene (hERG) channel, both the ether‐a‐go‐go (EAG) domain in the N‐terminal and the cyclic nucleotide (CN) binding homology (CNBH) domain in the C‐terminal cytoplasmic region are known to contribute to the characteristic slow deactivation.

Mutations of Phe860 in the CNBH domain, reported to fill the CN binding pocket, accelerate the deactivation and decrease the fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) efficiencies between the EAG and CNBH domains.

An electrostatic interaction between Arg696 and Asp727 in the C‐linker domain, critical for HCN and CNG channels, is not formed in the hERG channel.

Mutations of newly identified electrostatically interacting pair, Asp727 in the C‐linker and Arg752 in the CNBH domains, accelerate the deactivation and decrease FRET efficiency.

Voltage‐dependent changes in FRET efficiency were not detected.

These results suggest that the acceleration of the deactivation by mutations of C‐terminal domains is a result of the lack of interaction between the EAG and CNBH domains.

The human ether‐a‐go‐go related gene (hERG) channel shows characteristic slow deactivation, and the contribution of both of the N‐terminal cytoplasmic ether‐a‐go‐go (EAG) domain and the C‐terminal cytoplasmic cyclic nucleotide (CN) binding homology (CNBH) domain is well known. The interaction between these domains is known to be critical for slow deactivation. We analysed the effects of mutations in the CNBH domain and its upstream C‐linker domain on slow deactivation and the interaction between the EAG and CNBH domains by electrophysiological and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) analyses using Xenopus oocyte and HEK293T cell expression systems. We first observed that mutations of Phe860 in the CNBH domain, which is reported to fill the CN binding pocket as an intrinsic ligand, accelerate deactivation and eliminate the inter‐domain interaction. Next, we observed that the salt bridge between Arg696 and Asp727 in the C‐linker domain, which is reported to be critical for the function of CN‐regulated channels, is not formed. We newly identified an electrostatically interacting pair critical for slow deactivation: Asp727 and Arg752 in the CNBH domain. Their mutations also impaired the inter‐domain interaction. Taking these results together, both mutations of the intrinsic ligand (Phe860) and a newly identified salt bridge pair (Asp727 and Arg752) in the hERG channel accelerated deactivation and also decreased the interaction between the EAG and CNBH domains. Voltage‐dependent changes in FRET efficiency between the two domains were not detected. The results suggest that the CNBH domain contributes to slow deactivation of the hERG channel by a mechanism involving the EAG domain.
Local Skin Inflammation in Cutaneous Leishmaniasis as a Source of Variable Pharmacokinetics and Therapeutic Efficacy of Liposomal Amphotericin B
Authors: Wijnant Gert-Jan , Van Bocxlaer Katrien , Fortes Francisco Amanda , Yardley Vanessa , Harris Andy , Alavijeh Mo , Murdan Sudaxshina , Croft Simon L.
Published: August 2018

Disfiguring skin lesions caused by several species of the
Leishmania
parasite characterize cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). Successful treatment of CL with intravenous (i.v.) liposomal amphotericin B (LAmB) relies on the presence of adequate antibiotic concentrations at the dermal site of infection within the inflamed skin.
Trend and Pattern of Antimicrobial Resistance in Molluscan Vibrio Species Sourced to Canadian Estuaries
Authors: Banerjee Swapan K. , Farber Jeffrey M.
Published: August 2018

The emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in foodborne bacteria is a growing concern worldwide. AMR surveillance is a key element in understanding the implications resulting from the use of antibiotics for therapeutic as well as prophylactic needs.
Rapid Direct Susceptibility Testing from Positive Blood Cultures by the Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization–Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry-Based Direct-on-Target Microdroplet Growth Assay
Authors: Idelevich Evgeny A. , Storck Luise M. , Sparbier Katrin , Drews Oliver , Kostrzewa Markus , Becker Karsten
Published: August 2018

The recently developed direct-on-target microdroplet growth assay (DOT-MGA) allows rapid universal antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Here, we investigated a direct application of this method on positive blood cultures (BCs) for the acceleration of sepsis diagnostics.
Exhaustive TORCH Pathogen Diagnostics Corroborate Zika Virus Etiology of Congenital Malformations in Northeastern Brazil
Authors: Moreira-Soto Andres , Cabral Renata , Pedroso Celia , Eschbach-Bludau Monika , Rockstroh Alexandra , Vargas Ludy Alexandra , Postigo-Hidalgo Ignacio , Luz Estela , Sampaio Gilmara Souza , Drosten Christian , Netto Eduardo Martins , Jaenisch Thomas , Ulbert Sebastian , Sarno Manoel , Brites Carlos , Drexler Jan Felix
Published: August 2018

The Latin American Zika virus (ZIKV) outbreak had a major impact on reproductive health worldwide. The reasons for the massively increased reports of neonatal microcephaly in northeastern Brazil are still unclear. Beyond the technical limitations of laboratory diagnostics, unambiguous diagnosis of ZIKV as the cause of congenital malformations is hampered by similar clinical pictures elicited by other pathogens known as TORCH pathogens. We performed a case-control study comparing mothers of children with congenital malformations to age-matched controls from Salvador, Brazil, one of the areas most extensively affected by the ZIKV outbreak. The ZIKV and Chikungunya virus seroprevalence rates differed significantly, whereas the levels of maternal exposure to TORCH pathogens were similar between cases and controls. Our data support a link between maternal ZIKV infection and congenital malformations and suggest the occurrence of predominantly vector-borne ZIKV transmission in these cases. In addition, some highly prevalent TORCH pathogens may be misinterpreted as representative of ongoing ZIKV activity in the absence of exhaustive diagnostics in northeastern Brazil.
Scurvy: still a threat in the well-fed first world?
Authors: Ceglie Giulia , Macchiarulo Giulia , Marchili Maria Rosaria , Marchesi Alessandra , Rotondi Aufiero Lelia , Di Camillo Chiara , Villani Alberto
Published: August 2018

We report three cases of scurvy in previously healthy children referred to us for leg pain and refusal to walk. All children had no significant medical history, symptoms had started months before and subtly advanced. Two of them presented with gingival hyperplasia and petechiae, another one reported night sweats and gingival bleeding in the past few weeks. Two had vitamin D deficiency, and all had microcytic anaemia (in one case requiring transfusional support). A nutritional screening revealed low or undetectable levels of ascorbic acid. This, along with the clinical and radiological findings, led to a diagnosis of scurvy. Vitamin C supplementation was started with rapid improvement of the children’s clinical condition. Scurvy is a rare disease in the ‘first world’, but there are anecdotal reports of scurvy in children without any of the known risk factors for this condition. In our cases, a selective diet was the only risk factor.
Endangerment of the iPSC stock project in Japan: on the ethics of public funding policies
Authors: Akabayashi Akira , Nakazawa Eisuke , Jecker Nancy S
Published: August 2018

We examined the ethical justification for a national policy governing public funding for the induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) stock project in Japan and argue that the initiation of the iPSC stock project in 2012, when no clinical trial using iPSC-derived products had yet succeeded, was premature and unethical. Our analysis considers a generally accepted justice criterion and shows it fails to justify public funding of the iPSC stock project. We also raise concerns related to the massive amounts of public funding at stake and the absence of evidence supporting claimed success rates. We conclude that the iPSC stock project should be re-considered and deferred until a substantial number of clinical trials using iPSC-derived products are deemed successful. This analysis should benefit others worldwide as they consider their own public funding policies.
Fluorine binding with dentin adjacent to fluoride-containing luting materials
Authors: Okuyama K. , Tamaki Y. , Yamamoto H. , Yagi K. , Hayashi M. , Matsuda Y. , Saito T. , Yasuda K. , Suzuki K. , Sano H.
Published: August 2018

Tooth-bound (KOH-insoluble) fluoride contributes to caries prevention because of its low acid solubility and long retention within tooth structure. The purpose of this study was to evaluate tooth-bound fluoride in dentin, taken up from fluoride-containing luting materials, using an in-air [Formula: see text]PIXE/PIGE system. The dentin surface of tooth root cross-sections and an acrylic resin were cemented with four different fluoride-containing luting materials. Specimens were stored in a remineralizing solution for 4 or 8 weeks and then sectioned into two slices. Two adjacent slices were used for measurement of fluorine and calcium concentration using in-air [Formula: see text]PIXE/PIGE. For analysis of the KOH-insoluble fluoride ((KOH(+)), one slice was immersed in 1 mol/L KOH solution for 24 h. The other slice was not treated with KOH in order to analyze KOH-soluble and -insoluble fluoride (whole fluoride, KOH(−)). KOH(+) levels were lower than KOH(−) levels for all materials at both duration periods. Higher concentration of fluorine was detected at deeper areas in the 8-week groups than in the 4-week groups for all materials. The material, which has the largest fluoride release, shows the lowest ratio of KOH(+) to KOH(−). PIXE/PIGE analysis confirmed the presence of tooth-bound fluoride in dentin adjacent to fluoride-containing luting materials.
The Dynamic Response Law of Bank Slope under Water‐Rock Interaction
Authors: Zhang Yinchai , Deng Huafeng , Wang Wei , Duan Lingling , Zhi Yongyan , Li Jianlin
Published: August 2018

During the reservoir operation process, the long‐term security and stability of the bank slope is affected by dynamic response characteristics of its seismic action directly. Aimed at the typical bank slope existing in the actual reservoir environment, an experiment considering reservoir water level fluctuation and soaking‐air‐drying cyclic water‐rock interaction has been designed and conducted while the cyclic loading test was performed in different water‐rock cycles. Research results indicate the following: Firstly, in the process of water‐rock interaction, the dynamic characteristics of sandstone show evident degradation trend, with the increase of the damping ratio and Poisson’s ratio and decrease of dynamic elastic modulus, and the former six water‐rock cycle degradation effects are particularly obvious. Secondly, the numerical analog computation analysis of dynamic response in typical bank slope shows that as the water‐rock interaction period is increased, the dynamic response of the slope hydro‐fluctuation belt zone increases gradually, while the other parts weaken. Thirdly, under the long‐term water‐rock interaction process, the hydro‐fluctuation belt zone gradually becomes a “soft layer” which is sensitive to the earthquake effect and dynamic response, resulting in a direct influence on long‐term seismic performance of the bank slope. Therefore, it is necessary to make better protection for the bank slope hydro‐fluctuation belt zone.
Automating XFEM Modeling Process for Optimal Failure Predictions
Authors: Elruby A. Y. , Nakhla Sam , Hussein A.
Published: August 2018

The eXtended Finite Element Method (XFEM) is a versatile method for solving crack propagation problems. Meanwhile, XFEM predictions for crack onset and propagation rely on the stress field which tends to converge at a slower rate than that of displacements, making it challenging to capture critical load at crack onset accurately. Furthermore, identifying the critical region(s) for XFEM nodal enrichments is user-dependent. The identification process can be straightforward for small-scale test specimen while in other cases such as complex structures it can be unmanageable. In this work a novel approach is proposed with three major objectives; (1) alleviate user-dependency; (2) enhance predictions accuracy; (3) minimize computational effort. An automatic critical region(s) identification based on material selected failure criterion is developed. Moreover, the approach enables the selection of optimized mesh necessary for accurate prediction of failure loads at crack initiation. Also, optimal enrichment zone size determination is automated. The proposed approach was developed as an iterative algorithm and implemented in ABAQUS using Python scripting. The proposed algorithm was validated against our test data of unnotched specimens and relevant test data from the literature. The results of the predicted loads/displacements at failure are in excellent agreement with measurements. Crack onset locations were in very good agreement with observations from testing. Finally, the proposed algorithm has shown a significant enhancement in the overall computational efficiency compared to the conventional XFEM. The proposed algorithm can be easily implemented into user-built or commercial finite element codes.
A Machine Learning Approach for the Association of ki-67 Scoring with Prognostic Factors
Authors: Dirican E. , Kiliç E.
Published: August 2018

ki-67 score is a solid tumor proliferation marker being associated with the prognosis of breast carcinoma and its response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the way of clustering of prognostic factors by ki-67 score using a machine learning approach and multiple correspondence analysis. In this study, 223 patients with breast carcinoma were analyzed using the random forest method for classification of prognostic factors according to ki-67 groups (<14% and >14%). Also the relationship between subgroups of prognostic factors and ki-67 scores was examined by multiple correspondence analysis. There was a clustering of molecular classification LA, 0-3 metastatic lymph node, age <50, absence of LVI, T1 tumor size with ki-67 <14% and grade III, 10 or more metastatic lymph nodes, and presence of LVI and molecular classification LB, age >50, and T3-T4 tumor size categories with ki-67 >14%. The fact that the low scores of ki-67 correlate with early stage diseases and high scores with advanced disease suggests that 14% threshold value is crucial for ki-67 score.
NRF2 Activation Inhibits Both TGF‐β1‐ and IL‐13‐Mediated Periostin Expression in Fibroblasts: Benefit of Cinnamaldehyde for Antifibrotic Treatment
Authors: Mitamura Yasutaka , Murai Mika , Mitoma Chikage , Furue Masutaka
Published: August 2018

Systemic fibrosing or sclerotic disorders are life‐threatening, but only very limited treatment modalities are available for them. In recent years, periostin (POSTN), a major extracellular matrix component, was established by several studies as a novel key player in the progression of systemic fibrotic disease. In this research, we revealed the involvement of oxidative stress in the expression of POSTN induced by TGF‐β1 and IL‐13 in dermal fibroblasts. We found that the antioxidant cinnamaldehyde activated the NRF2/HMOX1 pathway. Cinnamaldehyde also alleviated TGF‐β1‐ and IL‐13‐mediated production of reactive oxygen species and subsequent POSTN upregulation in dermal fibroblasts. In contrast, NRF2 silencing abolished the cinnamaldehyde‐mediated downregulation of POSTN. These results suggest that cinnamaldehyde is a broad inhibitor of POSTN expression covering both TGF‐β1 and IL‐13 signaling. Cinnamaldehyde may thus be beneficial for the treatment of systemic fibrotic diseases.
FusariumInfection in a Kidney Transplant Recipient Successfully Treated with Voriconazole
Authors: Alkhunaizi Ahmed M. , Bazzi Ali M. , Rabaan Ali A. , Ahmed Elwaleed A.
Published: August 2018

Fusariuminfections in solid-organ transplant recipients are rare and carry high mortality. We report a case of a kidney transplant recipient who developed infection withFusariumspecies. The patient received treatment with oral voriconazole for five months with good response.
Predictions for the Isolated Diphoton Production through NNLO in QCD and Comparison to the 8 TeV ATLAS Data
Authors: Boussaha Bouzid , Iddir Farida , Semlala Lahouari
Published: August 2018

We present cross-section predictions for the isolated diphoton production in next-to-next-to-leading order (NNLO) QCD using the computational framework MATRIX. Both the integrated and the differential fiducial cross-sections are calculated. We found that the arbitrary setup of the isolation procedure introduces uncertainties with a size comparable to the estimation of the theoretical uncertainties obtained with the customary variation of the factorization and renormalization scales. This fact is taken into account in the final result.
Corrosion of Reinforced Concrete Structures Submerged by the 2004 Tsunami in West Aceh, Indonesia
Authors: Susanto Herdi , Huzni Syifaul , Fonna Syarizal
Published: August 2018

The earthquake and tsunami of 26 December 2004 caused the infrastructure in Aceh’s West Coast region to be submerged by seawater and to require the rehabilitation and reconstruction. The infrastructure that was submerged in the tsunami might experience a decrease in strength due to corrosion attack and would unexpectedly collapse if an earthquake occurs even on a small scale. This study was conducted to examine the corrosion risk level of the infrastructures in Aceh’s West Coast region, Indonesia, which submerged by the 2004 tsunami. Three locations were chosen for the study, i.e., Suak Ribee, Ujong Kalak, and Padang Seurahet. The assessments were carried out in 2014 and 2015. Three to four columns in each of the buildings were selected for the assessment. The half-cell potential technique method which refers to ASTM C876 was used to obtain and analyze the assessment data. The results of the assessment show that the electrical potentials on the surface of concrete for the buildings which submerged by the tsunami were range between -100 and -450 mV (vs. Cu/CuSO4) and categorized into low to high corrosion risk level. Meanwhile, the electrical potentials for new buildings range between (-100) and (-350) mV which indicated low to medium corrosion risk. Hence, the corrosion actively occurred in the areas having medium to high corrosion risk. Also, it was found that the corrosion risk level for the building tends to increase by increasing time. Therefore, the prevention and/or rehabilitation is necessary for stopping the corrosion, and so the premature failure of the building might be avoided.
Extensive Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma of the Feet Treated with High-Dose-Rate Brachytherapy and External Beam Radiation
Authors: Tao Joy , Hentz Courtney , Mysz Michael L. , Rashed Issra , Eilers David , Swan James , Tung Rebecca , Emami Bahman
Published: August 2018

Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is a chronic, debilitating disease that has a severe impact on quality of life. We present a patient with multiple CTCL lesions on the bilateral feet, which impaired his ability to ambulate. His lesions on both feet were successfully treated with a total of 8 Gy in two fractions via high-dose-rate surface brachytherapy using the Freiburg Flap applicator. The deeper aspects of the bulkier lesions on the left foot were boosted with electron beam therapy. The radiation therapy was well tolerated, and the patient was able to regain his mobility after completing radiation therapy. To our knowledge, there are few reports utilizing brachytherapy in treating CTCL. Our case describes treatment of larger, more extensive CTCL lesions than previously reported.
Mechanical Characterization of Torsional Micropaddles Using Atomic Force Microscopy
Authors: Mahmoodi N. , Sabouri A. , Bowen J. , Anthony C. J. , Mendes P. M.
Published: August 2018

The reference cantilever method is shown to act as a direct and simple method for determination of torsional spring constant. It has been applied to the characterization of micropaddle structures similar to those proposed for resonant functionalized chemical sensors and resonant thermal detectors. It is shown that this method can be used as an effective procedure to characterize a key parameter of these devices and would be applicable to characterization of other similar MEMS/NEMS devices such as micromirrors. In this study, two sets of micropaddles are manufactured (beams at centre and offset by 2.5 μm) by using LPCVD silicon nitride as a substrate. The patterning is made by direct milling using focused ion beam. The torsional spring constant is achieved through micromechanical analysis via atomic force microscopy. To obtain the gradient of force curve, the area of the micropaddle is scanned and the behaviour of each pixel is investigated through an automated developed code. The experimental results are in a good agreement with theoretical results.
Pump Selection and Performance Prediction for the Technical Innovation of an Axial-Flow Pump Station
Authors: Zhu Honggeng , Bo Ge , Zhou Yuanbing , Zhang Rentian , Cheng Jilin
Published: August 2018

Axial-flow pumps are widely used in every sector of China. After many years of operation, the aging of mechanical and electrical facilities poses threats to their steady and safe operation. Taking the technical innovation of an axial-flow pump station as an example, the study is focused on the pump selection and performance prediction. The pump similarity law and specific speed were applied to guide the pump selection based on the designed head and discharge. The performances of pump models were compared and it is suggested for the technical innovation that when the selected model pump is adopted, the impeller diameter is kept at 3100 mm and the rotational speed is reduced from 150r/min to 136.4r/min to improve its cavitation performance. A three-dimensional pumping system model was established by using software Pro/E and CFD analyses were conducted to predict the hydraulic performance of the pumping system for the evaluation of technical innovation. It is shown through the comparison of computed results with model test results that the designed flow rate corresponding to the designed head can be fully satisfied with the selected pump and stronger pumping capacity can be prospected at the designed and mean lifting head. The pumping system model tests, in comparison between the original and the selected model pump, indicate that when the innovated pump station operates under characteristic heads, the pumping system efficiency can be raised by more than 3 percentages, and the cavitation allowance can be decreased by 0.90m; thus, better engineering and economic benefits can be prospected through the technical innovation.
Analytical Approach for Solving the Internal Waves Problems Involving the Tidal Force
Authors: Jaharuddin  , Hermansyah Hadi
Published: August 2018

The mathematical model for describing internal waves of the ocean is derived from the assumption of ideal fluid; i.e., the fluid is incompressible and inviscid. These internal waves are generated through the interaction between the tidal currents and the basic topography of the fluid. Basically the mathematical model of the internal wave problem of the ocean is a system of nonlinear partial differential equations (PDEs). In this paper, the analytical approach used to solve nonlinear PDE is the Homotopy Analysis Method (HAM). HAM can be applied to determine the resolution of almost any internal wave problem involving tidal forces. The use of HAM in the solution to basic fluid equations is efficient and simple, since it involves only modest calculations using the common integral.
Research on Supply Chain Stability Driven by Consumer’s Channel Preference Based on Complexity Theory
Authors: Tian Yi , Ma Junhai , Lou Wandong
Published: August 2018

At present, most of the manufacturers are increasingly laying emphasis on dual‐channel selling. The level of consumer’s preference is diverse with different channels. This study discusses a supply chain where one common manufacturer uses two different channels to sell product. The bounded rationality expectation has been applied to explore the decision‐making mechanism in finalizing the wholesale prices and sales commissions for the manufacturer and retailers. In addition, the dynamic features of the system are simulated by 2D bifurcation diagram, the largest Lyapunov exponent, attractor variation, and time series. The simulation results suggest that if the adjustment speeds of the wholesale prices and sales commissions change drastically, the system would fall into a chaotic state. If the consumers prefer the online channel, the wholesale prices and sales commissions may be raised and vice versa. However, too strong preference of each channel will make the system appear to have a considerably periodic fluctuation, even chaos. In the meantime, the parameter adjustment method can help make the periodic or chaotic system go back to stability. Therefore, the significance of this study is with a practical meaning to make better pricing strategy for players in dual‐channel selling supply chain system.
Assessment of Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis Using Gene Xpert MTB/RIF Assay and Fluorescent Microscopy and Its Risk Factors at Dessie Referral Hospital, Northeast Ethiopia
Authors: Metaferia Yeshi , Seid Abdurahaman , Fenta Genet Mola , Gebretsadik Daniel
Published: August 2018

Background.Tuberculosis is a major public health problem and extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) accounts for a significant proportion of tuberculosis cases worldwide.Objective.To determine the magnitude of EPTB, associated risk factors, and agreement of diagnostic techniques at Dessie Referral Hospital.Methods.A cross-sectional study was conducted on consecutive presumptive EPTB cases from March 1 to June 30, 2017. Sociodemographic characteristics and other variables were collected using a structured questionnaire. Clinical specimens were collected and processed using fluorescent microscopy and Gene Xpert assay. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20. Chi-square test and logistic regression were done and a P value of ≤0.05 was taken as statistically significant.Results.From a total of 353 presumptive EPTB cases the overall prevalence of Gene Xpert assay and smear confirmed patients was 8.8% and 2.5%, respectively. Tuberculosis lymphadenitis was the predominant (33.3%) type followed by pleural (11.9%) and peritoneal (6.7%) tuberculosis. Previous history of pulmonary tuberculosis was significantly associated with extrapulmonary infection (AOR:2.8; 95%CI: 1.05-7.54; p=0.04); however, other variables such as age, residence, sex, marital status, occupation, level of education, and monthly income did not show any association.Conclusion.High proportions (71%) of Gene Xpert assay confirmed EPTB patients were smear-negative. Sensitivity of microscopy should be enhanced in resource limited countries like Ethiopia where Gene Xpert machine is not easily accessible.
Friction Characteristics of Synchronization Process Based on Tribo‐Thermodynamics
Authors: Yan Hao , Xu Zhaoping , Yuan Juntang , Liu Liang , Tan Cao , Ge Wenqing
Published: August 2018

In order to improve the shift control accuracy and shift quality, the temperature and friction coefficient changing regularities of a friction cone during the synchronization process were investigated. The thermal‐structural coupling model was established through tribo‐thermodynamic analysis. The relevant experiment was carried out as well. The results show that the error between the experimental and simulated results is within 3%. Besides, the maximum temperature of the synchronous ring friction surface increases 1.8°C for every additional 50 N of shift force, while increases 1.1°C for every additional 200  r/min shift speed difference. Moreover, the friction coefficient declines rapidly first and then tends to be stable slowly during the synchronization process. The result of friction coefficient changing regularity lays a good theoretical basis for establishing an effective friction coefficient compensation control strategy.
Establishment and Comparison of Juvenile Female Mouse Models of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis
Authors: Zhou Lishan , Liu Deliang , Wang Zhiwei , Dong Hui , Xu Xiaohu , Zhou Shunchang
Published: August 2018

Experimental research has successfully established an adult offspring animal model of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), but the female offspring model of NAFLD in young age has not been well characterized yet. The aim of this study was to present a direct comparison of the maternal versus postweaning female juvenile NAFLD and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) animal models. Four different female mouse models were established and compared using different high-fat diet feeding (HF) strategies in maternal mice and their offspring. The models were non-HF maternal mice and HF offspring with high-high fat (C/HHF), non-HF maternal mice and HF offspring with low-high fat (C/LHF), HF maternal mice and offspring both with high-high fat (HHF/HHF), and HF maternal mice and offspring both with low-high fat (LHF/LHF). A female control group (C/C) was also established. The offspring mice were raised to the age of 8 weeks and then euthanized. Blood glucose levels, lipid profiles, liver function, and triglycerides/total cholesterol contents were examined. Hepatic morphology and superoxide anion levels were evaluated. The nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate activity and related regulatory subunits protein expression in the liver tissue were also determined. Our data demonstrated that offspring fat intake contributed to the successful establishment of NAFLD and maternal-offspring fat intake contributed to the successful establishment of NASH in juvenile female mice. Offspring high-fat exposure might be associated with the development of NAFLD and maternal high-fat exposure might be associated with the development of NASH in juvenile female offspring. Higher calories from a fat diet program (both in maternal and offspring) are more prone to inducing liver injury in offspring. In addition, the combination of the aforementioned two factors could aggravate this process. Moreover, oxidative stress was prominent in the juvenile female mouse model of NAFLD/NASH, and the mechanism might be related to the activation of liver NADPH oxidase.
Research on Seepage Properties and Pore Structure of the Roof and Floor Strata in Confined Water‐Rich Coal Seams: Taking the Xiaojihan Coal Mine as an Example
Authors: Li Hailong
Published: August 2018

During the construction and exploitation process in the Xiaojihan coal mine, which is located in Yulin of northern Shaanxi, we find a special hydrogeological phenomenon that coal seam is acted as a confined fractured aquifer. The water‐rich coal seam has natural fissures which are confined with water storage. However, the water comes from the static and original reserves in coal seams, which have a weak link to other aquifers in the roof and floor strata. It indicates that the roof and floor strata provide a natural waterproof barrier for the fissure water in the coal seam, resulting in a relatively closed storage space of confined water. In order to further investigate the critical function that mechanical properties of permeability play in the confined fractured aquifer, the rock complete stress‐strain permeability test and pore development structure test are carried out with rock samples of the roof and floor strata in this field. Results are as follows: (1) coal seams of Xiaojihan coal mine are confined fractured aquifers, the fissure confined water in coal seams has a strong relationship with total stress‐strain permeability and development characteristics of the pore structure of the roof and floor strata. (2) The permeability of the roof and floor strata is extremely low, when the strata is less than 30 meters away from the coal seam with the magnitude order remaining less than 10−12 m/s. If they are closer to the coal seam, the watertightness and plasticity of the strata will be stronger, and the antidestructive capability of the strata during the distortion process will be also increased, resulting in the larger strain for the formation of macroscopic water‐conducting fissures. The roof and floor strata effectively cut off the hydraulic connection between the fissure water in the coal seam and other aquifers, which ensure the coal seam acts as water storage space of confined fractured aquifers. (3) For undeveloped fissures, the effective porosity is less than 2% of the roof and floor strata which are less than 30 meters away from the coal seam, and particularly, this index is less than 1% of the strata within 20 meters away from the coal seam, indicating that the strata have good water resistance. When the distance between the roof strata and the coal seam is greater than 40 meters, the effective porosity has a large fluctuation, and the effective porosity of the partial strata is greater than 10%, reflecting that the rock strata fissure has been well developed. It should be attached great importance to prevent water‐conducting fissures from getting hydraulic connection with the fractured water‐rich coal seams and other aquifers of the roof and floor, so as to reduce the risk of mining water hazards.
Effects of Modality and Speaking Style on Mandarin Tone Identification by Non-Native Listeners
Authors: Han Yueqiao , Goudbeek Martijn , Mos Maria , Swerts Marc
Published: August 2018

Although the way tones are acquired by second or foreign language learners has attracted some scholarly attention, detailed knowledge of the factors that promote efficient learning is lacking. In this article, we look at the effect of visual cues (comparing audio-only with audio-visual presentations) and speaking style (comparing a natural speaking style with a teaching speaking style) on the perception of Mandarin tones by non-native listeners, looking both at the relative strength of these two factors and their possible interactions. Both the accuracy and reaction time of the listeners were measured in a task of tone identification. Results showed that participants in the audio-visual condition distinguished tones more accurately than participants in the audio-only condition. Interestingly, this varied as a function of speaking style, but only for stimuli from specific speakers. Additionally, some tones (notably tone 3) were recognized more quickly and accurately than others.
Antibiotics in Uncomplicated Acute Diverticulitis: To Give or Not to Give?
Authors: Rezapour Mona , Stollman Neil
Published: August 2018

Acute uncomplicated diverticulitis (AUD) is generally felt to be caused by obstruction and inflammation of a colonic diverticulum and occurs in about 4–5% of patients with diverticulosis. The cornerstone of AUD treatment has conventionally been antibiotic therapy, but with a paradigm shift in the underlying pathogenesis of the disease from bacterial infection to more of an inflammatory process, as well as concerns about antibiotic overuse, this dogma has recently been questioned. We will review emerging data that supports more selective antibiotic use in this population, as well as newer guidelines that advocate this position as well. While there are no discrete algorithms to guide us, we will attempt to suggest clinical scenarios where antibiotics may reasonably be withheld.
The Anaphylatoxin C3a Receptor Expression on Human M2 Macrophages Is Down-Regulated by Stimulating the Histamine H4 Receptor and the IL-4 Receptor
Authors: Mommert Susanne , Aslan Derya , Ratz Lisanne , Stark Holger , Gutzmer Ralf , Werfel Thomas
Published: August 2018

The anaphylatoxin C3a triggers inflammation by binding to its specific G-protein-coupled C3a receptor (C3aR). Since the number of C3aR, which is expressed on the cell surface, affects the response to C3a, we investigated the expression levels of C3aR on human M2 macrophages in allergic situations where high levels of the Th2 cytokine IL-4 and histamine are present in a local microenvironment. The histamine H1 receptor (H1R), H2R and the H4R mRNA expressions were induced or up-regulated during the differentiation process of M2 macrophages. The presence of histamine or agonists targeting the H1R, H2R and, in particular, the H4R during in vitro differentiation from monocytes to macrophages modified the M2 phenotype by regulating the macrophage differentiation marker CD68 and CD163 expressions. In ­addition, the C3aR expression was also down-regulated by ­ST-1006 during this process. Histamine and ST-1006 down-regulated the expression of C3aR with different time kinetics on fully differentiated M2 macrophages. By analysing C3a-induced IL-6 mRNA expression, we observed a diminished response to C3a in ST-1006-treated M2 macrophages when compared to un-treated cells. Expression of C3 was not affected by histamine, whereas IL-4 strongly down-regulated C3aR and C3 expressions. Our data suggests that down-regulation of C3aR expression by mediators present in allergic situations such as IL-4 or histamine has an anti-inflammatory impact by reducing the sensitivity to C3a-induced down-stream signaling, thereby contributing to the regulation of local inflammatory responses in the skin.