bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surface Treatment on Physical Properties and Biocompatibility of Orthodontic Power Chains
Authors: Cheng H. C. , Chen M. S. , Peng B. Y. , Lin W. T. , Shen Y. K. , Wang Y. H.
Published: April 2017

The conventional orthodontic power chain, often composed of polymer materials, has drawbacks such as a reduction of elasticity owing to water absorption as well as surface discoloration and staining resulting from food or beverages consumed by the patient. The goal of this study was to develop a surface treatment (nanoimprinting) for orthodontic power chains and to alleviate their shortcomings. A concave template (anodic alumina) was manufactured by anodization process using pure aluminum substrate by employing the nanoimprinting process. Convex nanopillars were fabricated on the surface of orthodontic power chains, resulting in surface treatment. Distinct parameters of the nanoimprinting process (e.g., imprinting temperature, imprinting pressure, imprinting time, and demolding temperature) were used to fabricate nanopillars on the surface of orthodontic power chains. The results of this study showed that the contact angle of the power chains became larger after surface treatment. In addition, the power chains changed from hydrophilic to hydrophobic. The power chain before surface treatment without water absorption had a water absorption rate of approximately 4%, whereas a modified chain had a water absorption rate of approximately 2%–4%. Furthermore, the color adhesion of the orthodontic power chains after surface modification was less than that before surface modification.
Efficient Design Methodology for a Complex DRA-SIW Filter-Antenna Subsystem
Authors: Naeem Umair , Iqbal Amjad , Shafique Muhammad Farhan , Bila Stéphane
Published: April 2017

This work reports on an efficient design methodology for realizing hybrid filter-antenna subsystems. Designing a filter-antenna subsystem in the case of complex multimode filter is not straightforward. The coupling of the antenna with a multimode filter depends upon several uncorrelated parameters. An efficient design methodology is proposed which can address these complex problems. The work focuses on the characterization of radiating and filtering elements and then proposes a reliable model, which is derived mathematically as well as from rigorous statistical analyses, which can then be used for designing hybrid filter-antenna structures such as a hybrid DRA codesigned with a SIW based multimode filter. A highly compact filter-antenna subsystem has been designed employing the proposed methodology, and the measured results validate the proposed design technique.
Influence of the Anomalous Patterns of the Mascarene and Australian Highs on Precipitation during the Prerainy Season in South China
Authors: Han Xue , Wei Fengying , Chen Xingrong
Published: April 2017

The authors investigate the features of precipitation during the prerainy season in South China (PSCPRS) and the atmospheric circulation in the Southern Hemisphere (SH), which is expected to influence the PSCPRS significantly. The Morlet wavelet method revealed that the PSCPRS has significant interannual variability, especially in its quasi-biennial oscillation. The PSCPRS exhibits a significant monsoonal precipitation pattern. Using singular value decomposition (SVD) and composite analysis, the anomalous characteristics of SH atmospheric circulations and their impacts on the PSCPRS are studied. The results reveal that eastward movements or extensions of the Mascarene high (MH) and Australian high (AH), which have quasi-baroclinic geopotential height structures in the lower and middle troposphere, are the most significant factors affecting the PSCPRS. Their impacts on the PSCPRS anomalies are further studied using the index east of the MH (IEMH) and index east of the AH (IEAH). The IEMH and IEAH have notable significant positive correlations with the PSCPRS. When either the IEMH or IEAH is stronger (weaker), more (less) rainfall occurs during the prerainy season in South China.
Multiple Immunosuppressive Effects of CpG-c41 on Intracellular TLR-Mediated Inflammation
Authors: Liu Wancheng , Yang Xuejiao , Wang Ning , Fan Shijun , Zhu Yuanfeng , Zheng Xinchuan , Li Yan
Published: April 2017

A growing body of literature suggests that most chronic autoimmune diseases are associated with inappropriate inflammation mediated by Toll-like receptor (TLR) 3, TLR7/8, or TLR9. Therefore, research into blocking TLR activation to treat these disorders has become a hot topic. Here, we report the immunomodulatory properties of a nonstimulatory CpG-containing oligodeoxynucleotide (CpG-ODN), CpG-c41, which had previously only been known as a TLR9 antagonist. In this study, we found that both in vitro and in vivo CpG-c41 decreased levels of various proinflammatory factors that were induced by single activation or coactivation of intracellular TLRs, but not membrane-bound TLRs, no matter what downstream signal pathways the TLRs depend on. Moreover, CpG-c41 attenuated excessive inflammation in the imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like mouse model of skin inflammation by suppressing immune cell infiltration and release of inflammatory factors. We also found evidence that the immunosuppressive effects of CpG-c41 on other intracellular TLRs are mediated by a TLR9-independent mechanism. These results suggest that CpG-c41 acts as an upstream of signaling cascades, perhaps on the processes of ligand internalization and transfer. Taken together, these results suggest that CpG-c41 disrupts various aspects of intracellular TLR activation and provides a deeper insight into the regulation of innate immunity.
Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase 5 is Required for Low-Concentration H2O2-Induced Angiogenesis of Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells
Authors: Jiang Shan , Zhang Dongxin , Huang Hong , Lei Yonghong , Han Yan , Han Weidong
Published: April 2017

Background. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of low concentrations of H2O2 on angiogenesis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in vitro and explore the underlying mechanisms. Methods. HUVECs were cultured and stimulated with different concentrations of H2O2. Flow cytometric analysis was used to select an optimal concentration of H2O2 for the following experiments. Cell proliferation, migration, and tubule formation were evaluated by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assays, scratch wound assays, and Matrigel tubule formation assays, respectively. For gain and loss of function studies, constitutively active MEK5 (CA-MEK5) and ERK5 shRNA lentiviruses were used to activate or knock down extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 (ERK5). Results. We found that low concentrations of H2O2 promoted HUVECs proliferation, migration, and tubule formation. ERK5 in HUVECs was significantly activated by H2O2. Enhanced ERK5 activity significantly amplified the proangiogenic effects of H2O2; in contrast, ERK5 knock-down abrogated the effects of H2O2. Conclusions. Our results confirmed that low concentrations of H2O2 promoted HUVECs angiogenesis in vitro, and ERK5 is an essential mediator of this process. Therefore, ERK5 may be a potential therapeutic target for promoting angiogenesis and improving graft survival.
Novel Wideband Metallic Patch Antennas with Low Profile
Authors: Zhang Zhong-Xiang , Kong Meng , Wang Shuo , Pan Yong-Mei
Published: April 2017

Two planar metallic patch (MP) antennas with low profiles are investigated and compared in this paper. The MP of each antenna consists of metallic patch cells and it is centrally fed by a rectangular slot. Two modes with close resonance frequencies are excited, providing a quite wide bandwidth. The antenna principle is explained clearly through a parametric study. Simulated and measured results show that the MP antennas with profile of 0.06λ0 can obtain a 10 dB impedance bandwidth of ~32% and an average gain of ~10 dBi.
HPLC Quantification of Cytotoxic Compounds fromAspergillus niger
Authors: Uchoa Paula Karina S. , de Lima Leandro Bezerra , Pimenta Antonia T. A. , de Oliveira Maria da Conceição F. , Mafezoli Jair , Lima Mary Anne S.
Published: April 2017

A high-performance liquid chromatography method was developed and validated for the quantification of the cytotoxic compounds produced by a marine strain ofAspergillus niger. The fungus was grown in malt peptone dextrose (MPD), potato dextrose yeast (PDY), and mannitol peptone yeast (MnPY) media during 7, 14, 21, and 28 days, and the natural products were identified by standard compounds. The validation parameters obtained were selectivity, linearity (coefficient of correlation > 0.99), precision (relative standard deviation below 5%), and accuracy (recovery > 96).
The Risk of Achilles Tendon Rupture in the Patients with Achilles Tendinopathy: Healthcare Database Analysis in the United States
Authors: Yasui Youichi , Tonogai Ichiro , Rosenbaum Andrew J. , Shimozono Yoshiharu , Kawano Hirotaka , Kennedy John G.
Published: April 2017

Introduction. Disorders of the Achilles tendon can be broadly classified into acute and chronic entities. Few studies have established chronic Achilles tendinopathy as a precursor to acute Achilles ruptures. In this study, we assessed the relationship between Achilles tendinopathy and rupture, clarifying the incidence of rupture in the setting of underlying tendinopathy.Methods. The United Healthcare Orthopedic Dataset from the PearlDiver Patient Record Database was used to identify patients with ICD-9 codes for Achilles rupture and/or Achilles tendinopathy. The number of patients with acute rupture, chronic tendinopathy, and rupture following a prior diagnosis of tendinopathy was assessed.Results.Four percent of patients with an underlying diagnosis of Achilles tendinopathy went on to sustain a rupture (7,232 patients). Older patients with tendinopathy were most vulnerable to subsequent rupture.Conclusions. The current study demonstrates that 4.0% of patients who were previously diagnosed with Achilles tendinopathy sustained an Achilles tendon rupture. Additionally, older patients with Achilles tendinopathy were most vulnerable. These findings are important as they can help clinicians more objectively council patients with Achilles tendinopathy.
Additive Intraocular Pressure-Lowering Effects of Ripasudil with Glaucoma Therapeutic Agents in Rabbits and Monkeys
Authors: Kaneko Yoshio , Ohta Masayuki , Isobe Tomoyuki , Nakamura Yuto , Mizuno Ken
Published: April 2017

Ripasudil hydrochloride hydrate (K-115), a specific Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase (ROCK) inhibitor, is developed for the treatment of glaucoma and ocular hypertension. Topical administration of ripasudil decreases intraocular pressure (IOP) by increasing conventional outflow through the trabeculae to Schlemm’s canal, which is different from existing agents that suppress aqueous humor production or promote uveoscleral outflow. In this study, we demonstrated that ripasudil significantly lowered IOP in combined regimens with other glaucoma therapeutic agents in rabbits and monkeys. Ripasudil showed additional effects on maximum IOP lowering or prolonged the duration of IOP-lowering effects with combined administration of timolol, nipradilol, brimonidine, brinzolamide, latanoprost, latanoprost/timolol fixed combination, and dorzolamide/timolol fixed combination. These results indicate that facilitation of conventional outflow by ripasudil provides additive IOP-lowering effect with other classes of antiglaucoma agents. Ripasudil is expected to have substantial utility in combined regimens with existing agents for glaucoma treatment.
A Synthetic Algorithm for Tracking a Moving Object in a Multiple‐Dynamic Obstacles Environment Based on Kinematically Planar Redundant Manipulators
Authors: Jin Hongzhe , Zhang Hui , Liu Zhangxing , Yang Decai , Bie Dongyang , Zhang He , Li Ge , Zhu Yanhe , Zhao Jie
Published: April 2017

This paper presents a synthetic algorithm for tracking a moving object in a multiple‐dynamic obstacles environment based on kinematically planar manipulators. By observing the motions of the object and obstacles, Spline filter associated with polynomial fitting is utilized to predict their moving paths for a period of time in the future. Several feasible paths for the manipulator in Cartesian space can be planned according to the predicted moving paths and the defined feasibility criterion. The shortest one among these feasible paths is selected as the optimized path. Then the real‐time path along the optimized path is planned for the manipulator to track the moving object in real‐time. To improve the convergence rate of tracking, a virtual controller based on PD controller is designed to adaptively adjust the real‐time path. In the process of tracking, the null space of inverse kinematic and the local rotation coordinate method (LRCM) are utilized for the arms and the end‐effector to avoid obstacles, respectively. Finally, the moving object in a multiple‐dynamic obstacles environment is thus tracked via real‐time updating the joint angles of manipulator according to the iterative method. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm is feasible to track a moving object in a multiple‐dynamic obstacles environment.
Selecting Critical Data Flows in Android Applications for Abnormal Behavior Detection
Authors: Feng Pengbin , Ma Jianfeng , Sun Cong
Published: April 2017

Nowadays, mobile devices are widely used to store and process user privacy and confidential data. With the popularity of Android platform, the cases of attacks against users’ privacy-sensitive data within Android applications are on the rise. Researchers have developed sophisticated static and dynamic analysis tools to detect information leakage. These methods cannot distinguish legitimate usage of sensitive data in benign apps from the intentional sensitive data leakages in malicious apps. Recently, malicious apps have been found to treat sensitive data differently from benign apps. These differences can be used to flag malicious apps based on their abnormal data flows. In this paper, we further find that some sensitive data flows show great difference between benign apps and malware. We can use these differences to select critical data flows. These critical flows can guide the identification of malware based on the abnormal usage of sensitive data. We present SCDFLOW, a tool that automatically selects critical data flows within Android applications and takes these critical flows as feature for abnormal behavior detection. Compared with MUDFLOW, SCDFLOW increases the true positive rate of malware detection by 5.73%~9.07% on different datasets and causes an ignorable effect on memory consumption.
Time to Frequency Domain Analysis of Narrow Band Antennas
Authors: Rehman Sajjad Ur , Alkanhal Majeed A. S.
Published: April 2017

This paper presents system modeling of three different single band antennas using the singularity expansion method (SEM). To acquire the accurate physical complex poles and the corresponding residues of the narrow band antenna model, an enhanced Matrix Pencil (MP) method has been applied to the impulse response of the antennas. A delayed time parameter T is introduced to enhance the performance of the MP method to extract the actual physical poles and eliminate the nonphysical poles caused by the early time response of the narrow band antennas. The poles extracted by the enhanced MP method are located precisely within the single operating band of each antenna. The one set of the developed parameters is used to accurately characterize narrow band antennas in both time and frequency domains. The far field impulse response of a fabricated single band microstrip antenna has been measured in the laboratory and then reconstructed precisely using the SEM based model with the proposed MP scheme.
Strong Electroweak Phase Transition in a Model with Extended Scalar Sector
Authors: Saeedhosseini Mina , Tofighi Ali
Published: April 2017

We consider an extension of the Standard Model (SM) with additional gauge singlets which exhibits a strong first-order phase transition. Due to this first-order phase transition in the early universe gravitational waves are produced. We estimate the contributions such as the sound wave, the bubble wall collision, and the plasma turbulence to the stochastic gravitational wave background, and we find that the strength at the peak frequency is large enough to be detected at future gravitational interferometers such as eLISA. Deviations in the various Higgs boson self-couplings are also evaluated.
The Elasticity Coefficients Measurement of Human Dentin Based on RUS
Authors: Fan Fan , Feng Dandan , Wang Rui , Zhang Qiang , Niu Haijun
Published: April 2017

This paper proposed to take advantages of resonant ultrasound spectroscopy (RUS) to measure the mechanical properties of human dentin specimen. The resonant spectroscopy of the dentin specimen was obtained between the frequency bands 155 and 575 kHz, and resonant frequencies were extracted by linear predictive filter and then by Levenberg-Marquardt method. By inverse problem approach, 13 experimental resonant frequencies progressively matched to the first 30 orders of theoretical resonant frequencies calculated by Lagrangian variational method. The full second-order elastic tensor of dentin specimen was adjusted. The whole set of human dentin engineering moduli, including Young’s moduli (E11=22.641 GPa, E33=13.637 GPa), shear moduli (G12=10.608 GPa, G23=7.742 Gpa), and Poisson’s ratios (ν12=0.067, ν31=0.378), were finally calculated. This study demonstrates that RUS can be successfully adapted to measure the mechanical properties of low quality factor biomaterials.
Bending Vibration Suppression of a Flexible Multispan Shaft Using Smart Spring Support
Authors: Peng Bo , Zhu Rupeng , Li Miaomiao , Tang Ziyang
Published: April 2017

Because the flexible multispan shaft in large machines often rotates at supercritical speed, it is desirable to find ways to suppress the resulting bending vibration. In this paper, a novel type of support structure is proposed and investigated, which can suppress the bending vibration using dry friction. This approach is called Smart Spring support (SMSS). A dynamic model for the multispan shaft with SMSS is developed. The relationship between the vibration suppression effect and the control parameters of the SMSS is obtained through a numerical example involving a helicopter tail drive shaft. A structure of the SMSS is designed and examined with a rotor test. The results demonstrate that the SMSS has a significant effect on bending vibration suppression of flexible multispan shafts. The vibration-reduction ratio of the peak amplitude reaches 57.2% in the numerical example and 45.2% in the rotor test.
5,7‐Dihydroxyflavone Analogues May Regulate Lipopolysaccharide‐Induced Inflammatory Responses by Suppressing IκBα‐Linked Akt and ERK5 Phosphorylation in RAW 264.7 Macrophages
Authors: Nishina Atsuyoshi , Shimizu Kazue , Koketsu Mamoru , Ninomiya Masayuki , Sato Daisuke , Suzuki Takashi , Hayakawa Satoshi , Kimura Hirokazu
Published: April 2017

We studied the anti‐inflammatory activity of twelve 5,7‐dihydroxyflavone analogues in lipopolysaccharide‐ (LPS‐) stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. We found that chrysin (1) and 4′‐methoxytricetin (9) showed relatively significant anti‐inflammatory activity and low cytotoxicity. Moreover, 1 and 9 recovered the expression levels of iNOS and COX2, as well as those of the intracellular inflammatory mediators IL‐1β and IL‐6, which were upregulated by LPS stimulation. In addition, 1 and 9 actively regulated the phosphorylation of IκBα, leading to the activation of NFκB. Phosphorylation of Akt and ERK5 (upstream of NFκB) by LPS stimulation was significantly regulated by 1 and 9, as well as by BIX 02189 and LY 294002, which are phosphorylation inhibitors of ERK5 and Akt, respectively. The results suggest that compounds 1 and 9 may suppress the levels of iNOS and COX2 by regulating phosphorylation of Akt, ERK5, and IκBα and thus NFκB‐related signaling pathways, resulting in anti‐inflammatory effects in the cells. Because 1 and 9 showed low cytotoxicity and regulated both PGE2 and NO production caused by inflammatory responses, they may hold promise as natural anti‐inflammatory agents.
Existence and Uniqueness of Solution of Stochastic Dynamic Systems with Markov Switching and Concentration Points
Authors: Lukashiv Taras , Malyk Igor
Published: April 2017

In this article the problem of existence and uniqueness of solutions of stochastic differential equations with jumps and concentration points are solved. The theoretical results are illustrated by one example.
Adaptive Stabilization of Stochastic Nonlinear Systems Disturbed by Unknown Time Delay and Covariance Noise
Authors: Duan Na , Min Huifang , Qin Xiaoyan
Published: April 2017

This paper considers a more general stochastic nonlinear time‐delay system driven by unknown covariance noise and investigates its adaptive state‐feedback control problem. As a remarkable feature, the growth assumptions imposed on delay‐dependent nonlinear terms are removed. Then, with the help of Lyapunov‐Krasovskii functionals and adaptive backstepping technique, an adaptive state‐feedback controller is constructed by overcoming the negative effects brought by unknown time delay and covariance noise. Based on the designed controller, the closed‐loop system can be guaranteed to be globally asymptotically stable (GAS) in probability. Finally, a simulation example demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
An Efficient Energy Constraint Based UAV Path Planning for Search and Coverage
Authors: Gramajo German , Shankar Praveen
Published: April 2017

A path planning strategy for a search and coverage mission for a small UAV that maximizes the area covered based on stored energy and maneuverability constraints is presented. The proposed formulation has a high level of autonomy, without requiring an exact choice of optimization parameters, and is appropriate for real-time implementation. The computed trajectory maximizes spatial coverage while closely satisfying terminal constraints on the position of the vehicle and minimizing the time of flight. Comparisons of this formulation to a path planning algorithm based on those with time constraint show equivalent coverage performance but improvement in prediction of overall mission duration and accuracy of the terminal position of the vehicle.
Body Composition and Metabolic Syndrome Components on Lipodystrophy Different Subtypes Associated with HIV
Authors: Sacilotto Livia Bertazzo , Pereira Paulo Câmara Marques , Manechini João Paulo Vieira , Papini Sílvia Justina
Published: April 2017

HIV-associated lipodystrophy syndrome (HALS) is characterized by body fat redistribution as a consequence of the antiretroviral therapy (ART) introduction, associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease development. Subjective diagnosis, classified between three subtypes according to the body region on which fat is lost and/or accumulated, named lipoatrophy, lipohypertrophy, and mixed lipodystrophy, is possibly accompanied with metabolic alterations. Forty people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA), with clinical diagnosis of HALS and from both genders, were assessed. They performed ambulatorial follow-up and used ART regularly. The main findings were greater lipid profile alterations among women, while no metabolic profile differences were found between the HALS subtypes. The lipohypertrophy group showed major alterations, with higher values for total body fat percent, visceral fat area (VFA), body mass index (BMI), and abdominal and neck circumferences when compared to the other groups. Lean body mass was superior only compared to the mixed lipodystrophy group, and fat mass only compared to the lipoatrophy group. BMI showed strong correlation with the VFA. In conclusion, despite anthropometric alterations related to HALS these individuals present, those are not accompanied with metabolic alterations. Strategies, as behavioral changes and disorders prevention, are important to decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease development.
Diabetes Risk Score in a Young Student Population in Jordan: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Al-Shudifat Abdel-Ellah , Al-Shdaifat Amjad , Al-Abdouh Ahmad Ali , Aburoman Mohammad Ibrahim , Otoum Sara Mohammad , Sweedan Amro Ghaleb , Khrais Ibrahim , Abdel-Hafez Ibrahim Hisham , Johannessen Asgeir
Published: April 2017

Background. The Middle East is the home to the most obese population in the world, and type 2 diabetes mellitus is endemic in the region. However, little is known about risk factors for diabetes in the younger age groups.Methods. The Finnish Diabetes Risk Score (FINDRISC) is a simple, validated tool to identify persons at risk of diabetes. We investigated students at Hashemite University in Jordan with FINDRISC and measured fasting plasma glucose in those who were categorized in the high-risk group.Results. Overall, 1821 students (881 [48.4%] female) were included in the study. Risk factors for diabetes were common: 422 (23.2%) were overweight or obese and 497 (27.3%) had central obesity. Using the FINDRISC score, 94 (5.2%) students were at moderate risk and 32 (1.8%) at high risk of diabetes. The mean FINDRISC score was significantly higher in men than women (5.9 versus 5.4;p=0.002). Twenty-eight students in the high-risk group had a subsequent plasma glucose measurement, and 8 (29%) of them fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for diabetes.Conclusions. Risk factors for diabetes were common in a young student population in Jordan, suggesting that preventive measures should be initiated early in adulthood to turn the diabetes epidemic in the region.
The Embedding Theorem of an L0-Prebarreled Module into Its Random Biconjugate Space
Authors: Zhang Xia , Liu Ming
Published: April 2017

We first prove Mazur’s lemma in a random locally convex module endowed with the locally L0-convex topology. Then, we establish the embedding theorem of an L0-prebarreled random locally convex module, which says that if (S,P) is an L0-prebarreled random locally convex module such that S has the countable concatenation property, then the canonical embedding mapping J of S onto J(S)⊂(Ss⁎)s⁎ is an L0-linear homeomorphism, where (Ss⁎)s⁎ is the strong random biconjugate space of S under the locally L0-convex topology.
Impacts of Anti-dsDNA Antibody on In Vitro Fertilization-Embryo Transfer and Frozen-Thawed Embryo Transfer
Authors: Fan Jiao , Zhong Yiping , Chen Cuina
Published: April 2017

Our purpose is to explore whether anti-dsDNA antibody, which was demonstrated to enter living cells and induced apoptosis, could adversely affect reproductive outcomes. A total of 259 women receiving the in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF) cycle were enrolled in this study, including 52 women with positive ANA and anti-dsDNA (ANA+/anti-dsDNA+ group), 86 women with positive ANA and negative anti-dsDNA (ANA+/anti-dsDNA− group), and 121 women with negative ANA and anti-dsDNA (ANA−/anti-dsDNA− group). 136 nonpregnant women among 259 patients in the IVF-ET cycle were enrolled in the hormone replacement therapy frozen-thawed embryo transfer (HRT-TET) cycle. We compared basic characters and IVF outcomes among three groups in fresh embryo transfer and frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycle, respectively. The number of retrieved oocytes, available embryos, and high-quality embryos in the ANA+/anti-dsDNA+ group was lower than those in the other two groups in the fresh embryo transfer cycle. The rates of fertilization, implantation, and clinical pregnancy in the ANA+/anti-dsDNA+ group were the lowest, while the early miscarriage rate was the highest in the ANA+/anti-dsDNA+ group both in the fresh embryo transfer cycle and in the frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycle. Our data suggested that anti-dsDNA antibody may be the essential marker for defective oocytes or embryos in infertile women with any type of ANA.
Effector and Regulatory T Cell Trafficking in Corneal Allograft Rejection
Authors: Amouzegar Afsaneh , Chauhan Sunil K.
Published: April 2017

Corneal transplantation is among the most prevalent and successful forms of solid tissue transplantation in humans. Failure of corneal allograft is mainly due to immune-mediated destruction of the graft, a complex and highly coordinated process that involves elaborate interactions between cells of innate and adaptive immunity. The migration of immune cells to regional lymphoid tissues and to the site of graft plays a central role in the immunopathogenesis of graft rejection. Intricate interactions between adhesion molecules and their counter receptors on immune cells in conjunction with tissue-specific chemokines guide the trafficking of these cells to the draining lymph nodes and ultimately to the site of graft. In this review, we discuss the cascade of chemokines and adhesion molecules that mediate the trafficking of effector and regulatory T cells during corneal allograft rejection.
Identifying the Genes Responsible for Iron-Limited Condition in Riemerella anatipestifer CH-1 through RNA-Seq-Based Analysis
Authors: Liu MaFeng , Huang Mi , Zhu DeKang , Wang MingShu , Jia RenYong , Chen Shun , Sun KunFeng , Yang Qiao , Wu Ying , Biville Francis , Cheng AnChun
Published: April 2017

One of the important elements for most bacterial growth is iron, the bioavailability of which is limited in hosts. Riemerella anatipestifer (R. anatipestifer, RA), an important duck pathogen, requires iron to live. However, the genes involved in iron metabolism and the mechanisms of iron transport are largely unknown. Here, we investigated the transcriptomic effects of iron limitation condition on R. anatipestifer CH-1 using the RNA-Seq and RNA-Seq-based analysis. Data analysis revealed genes encoding functions related to iron homeostasis, including a number of putative TonB-dependent receptor systems, a HmuY-like protein-dependent hemin (an iron-containing porphyrin) uptake system, a Feo system, a gene cluster related to starch utilization, and genes encoding hypothetical proteins that were significantly upregulated in response to iron limitation. Compared to the number of upregulated genes, more genes were significantly downregulated in response to iron limitation. The downregulated genes mainly encoded a number of outer membrane receptors, DNA-binding proteins, phage-related proteins, and many hypothetical proteins. This information suggested that RNA-Seq-based analysis in iron-limited medium is an effective and fast method for identifying genes involved in iron uptake in R. anatipestifer CH-1.
Full Vehicle Vibration and Noise Analysis Based on Substructure Power Flow
Authors: Liu Zhien , Yuan Shuai , Xiao Shenghao , Du Songze , Zhang Yan , Lu Chihua
Published: April 2017

Combining substructure and power flow theory, in this paper an external program is written to control MSC. Nastran solution process and the substructure frequency response are also formulated accordingly. Based on a simple vehicle model, characteristics of vibration, noise, and power flow are studied, respectively. After being compared with the result of conventional FEM (finite element method), the new method is confirmed to be feasible. When it comes to a vehicle with the problem of low-frequency noise, finite element models of substructures for vehicle body and chassis are established, respectively. In addition, substructure power flow method is also employed to examine the transfer characteristics of multidimensional vibration energy for the whole vehicle system. By virtue of the adjustment stiffness of drive shaft support and bushes at rear suspension lower arm, the vehicle interior noise is decreased by about 3 dB when the engine speed is near 1050 rpm and 1650 rpm in experiment. At the same time, this method can increase the computation efficiency by 78%, 38%, and 98% when it comes to the optimization of chassis structure, body structure, and vibration isolation components, respectively.
Anti-MuSK-Positive Myasthenic Crisis in a 7-Year-Old Female
Authors: Matthews Harrison J. , Thambundit Apisadaporn , Allen Brandon R.
Published: April 2017

A seven-year-old African American female with anti-MuSK-positive Juvenile Myasthenia Gravis collapsed while at school from progressively worsening weakness and dyspnea. On initial emergency department presentation, she required 15 liters per minute of supplemental oxygen to maintain oxygen saturation above 92%. Initial pulmonary function tests and venous blood gas led to the decision to place her on noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV) with BiPAP in the emergency department. Due to worsening hypercarbia, she later required mechanical intubation in the PICU and underwent IVIG therapy followed by plasmapheresis in order to achieve a stable discharge from the hospital. A respiratory virus panel PCR was positive for influenza A, influenza B, and rhinovirus, likely precipitating the respiratory failure and myasthenic crisis in this seven-year-old patient. Given the rarity of this condition, this case report is to provide further education to the clinician managing severe, prepubertal Juvenile Myasthenia Gravis and myasthenic crisis.
Entropic Destruction of Heavy Quarkonium from a Deformed AdS5 Model
Authors: Zhang Zi-qiang , Luo Zhong-jie , Hou De-fu , Chen Gang
Published: April 2017

We study the destruction of heavy quarkonium due to the entropic force in a deformed AdS5 model. The effects of the deformation parameter on the interdistance and the entropic force are investigated. The influence of the deformation parameter on the quarkonium dissociation is analyzed. It is shown that the interdistance increases in the presence of the deformation parameter. In addition, the deformation parameter has the effect of decreasing the entropic force. These results imply that the quarkonium dissociates harder in a deformed AdS background than in a usual AdS background, in agreement with earlier findings.
Stability and Dissipation of Many Components’ LC Systems and Application to Metamaterials
Authors: Arkhincheev Valeriy E.
Published: April 2017

Dykhne’s method, based on rotational symmetry of two-dimensional equations of constant direct current, was applied to study the properties of the medium, consisting of reactances—of inductors and capacitors (nondissipative elements). The exact solution for the 4-component system consisting of the two different types of 2 inductors and 2 capacitors, randomly placed and connected, was obtained. The obtained solution for investigated system has the two features: (1) the finite dissipation in the nondissipative system of inductors and capacitors; (2) appearance of plateau—the constant value of effective conductivity in a wide range of concentrations of components. The obtained results were useful for description of composite metamaterials.
Laboratory Electrical Resistivity Studies on Cement Stabilized Soil
Authors: Vincent Nimi Ann , Shivashankar R. , Lokesh K. N. , Jacob Jinu Mary
Published: April 2017

Electrical resistivity measurement of freshly prepared uncured and cured soil-cement materials is done and the correlations between the factors controlling the performance of soil-cement and electrical resistivity are discussed in this paper. Conventional quality control of soil-cement quite often involves wastage of a lot of material, if it does not meet the strength criteria. In this study, it is observed that, in soil-cement, resistivity follows a similar trend as unconfined compressive strength, with increase in cement content and time of curing. Quantitative relations developed for predicting 7-day strength of soil-cement mix, using resistivity of the soil-cement samples at freshly prepared state, after 1-hour curing help to decide whether the soil-cement mix meets the desired strength and performance criteria. This offers the option of the soil-cement mix to be upgraded (possibly with additional cement) in its fresh state itself, if it does not fulfil the performance criteria, rather than wasting the material after hardening.
Effect of Kangshuanyihao Formula on the Inflammatory Reaction and SIRT1/TLR4/NF‐κB Signaling Pathway in Endothelial Injury
Authors: Han Jie , Tong Hua-Qin , Cheng Song-Yi , Yang Li , Chen Han-Yu , Chen Jian-Dong , Chen Xiao-Hu
Published: April 2017

Endothelial injury plays an important role in atherosclerosis (AS). Kangshuanyihao formula uses therapeutic principles from Chinese medicine to supplement Qi, thereby promoting blood circulation, and remove blood stasis. The mechanism by which the formula inhibits endothelial injury was examined in a rat model of 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 (VD3) intraperitoneal injection and high‐fat‐induced endothelial injury. Rats were randomly divided into the model, high‐dose, middle‐dose, low‐dose, positive drug (rosuvastatin), and combination (positive drug + middle‐dose) groups; 10 Sprague‐Dawley rats served as the blank group. The aortic endothelium was stained with hematoxylin and eosin and the levels of blood lipids and inflammation markers (mRNA and protein) were measured. Endothelial injury, lipid levels, and inflammation were increased in the model. Kangshuanyihao formula reduced endothelial injury, improved lipid levels, and downregulated inflammation, as shown by significant reduction of the protein levels of SIRT1, TLR4, and NF‐κB and mRNA levels of SIRT1, TLR4, NF‐κB, IL‐1β, IL‐6, and IL‐12. Thus, we conclude that Kangshuanyihao formula can inhibit the inflammatory reaction in the rat model of high‐fat‐induced endothelial injury after intraperitoneal injection of VD3. This mechanism may be attributed to regulating the SIRT1/TLR4/NF‐κB signaling pathway.
Determination of the Peak and Residual Shear Strengths of the Sandwich Material in Slopes
Authors: Hu Qijun , Cai Qijie , He Leping , Yang Xiaoqiang , Ye Tao , Shi Rendan
Published: April 2017

The mudded weak interlayer is a geotechnical sandwich material exhibiting strain softening behavior, which plays an important part in the slope stability. The present work primarily focuses on the shear strength of the mudded weak interlayer in rock slopes. To determine the peak and residual shear strengths of the mudded weak interlayers, the particle flow code (PFC) is used to simulate the failure behavior during the direct shear tests. Laboratory investigations including uniaxial compression test, SEM, and 3D deformation measurement are employed to calibrate the essential micro parameters of the mudded weak interlayer during the simulation process in PFC. The numerical model is built based on these parameters and both the peak and residual shear strengths can be predicted from the model. The prediction results show that the peak and residual internal friction angle are 19.36° and 14.61°, while the peak and residual cohesion are 22.33 kPa and 2.73 kPa, respectively. Moreover, to validate the obtained peak and residual strengths, the results are compared with literature data. The peak and residual shear strengths of the mudded weak interlayer can serve as an important benchmark to evaluate the stability of side slopes and provide guiding suggestions for their reinforcement.
Multiscale Characterization of Nanoengineered Fiber-Reinforced Composites: Effect of Carbon Nanotubes on the Out-of-Plane Mechanical Behavior
Authors: Medina Carlos , Fernandez Eduardo , Salas Alexis , Naya Fernando , Molina-Aldereguía Jon , Melendrez Manuel F. , Flores Paulo
Published: April 2017

The mechanical properties of the matrix and the fiber/matrix interface have a relevant influence over the mechanical properties of a composite. In this work, a glass fiber-reinforced composite is manufactured using a carbon nanotubes (CNTs) doped epoxy matrix. The influence of the CNTs on the material mechanical behavior is evaluated on the resin, on the fiber/matrix interface, and on the composite. On resin, the incorporation of CNTs increased the hardness by 6% and decreased the fracture toughness by 17%. On the fiber/matrix interface, the interfacial shear strength (IFSS) increased by 22% for the nanoengineered composite (nFRC). The influence of the CNTs on the composite behavior was evaluated by through-thickness compression, short beam flexural, and intraply fracture tests. The compressive strength increased by 6% for the nFRC, attributed to the rise of the matrix hardness and the fiber/matrix IFSS. In contrast, the interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) obtained from the short beam tests was reduced by 8% for the nFRC; this is attributed to the detriment of the matrix fracture toughness. The intraply fracture test showed no significant influence of the CNTs on the fracture energy; however, the failure mode changed from brittle to ductile in the presence of the CNTs.
Decellularization Strategies for Regenerative Medicine: From Processing Techniques to Applications
Authors: Gilpin Anna , Yang Yong
Published: April 2017

As the gap between donors and patients in need of an organ transplant continues to widen, research in regenerative medicine seeks to provide alternative strategies for treatment. One of the most promising techniques for tissue and organ regeneration is decellularization, in which the extracellular matrix (ECM) is isolated from its native cells and genetic material in order to produce a natural scaffold. The ECM, which ideally retains its inherent structural, biochemical, and biomechanical cues, can then be recellularized to produce a functional tissue or organ. While decellularization can be accomplished using chemical and enzymatic, physical, or combinative methods, each strategy has both benefits and drawbacks. The focus of this review is to compare the advantages and disadvantages of these methods in terms of their ability to retain desired ECM characteristics for particular tissues and organs. Additionally, a few applications of constructs engineered using decellularized cell sheets, tissues, and whole organs are discussed.
A Parameter Sensitivity Analysis of the Effect of Rebar Corrosion on the Stress Field in the Surrounding Concrete
Authors: Li Fangyuan , Ye Wenya
Published: April 2017

Rebar corrosion results in a change in the stress field in the surrounding concrete, which in turn accelerates the deterioration of the concrete structure. In addition to the protective layer, the compressive stress under which concrete is prestressed also affects the effect of corrosion-induced rebar expansion on the stress field in the concrete. The present study simulates the effect of corrosion-induced rebar expansion on the stress field in the concrete using the finite element method (FEM) by applying a virtual radial displacement to the product of corrosion-induced rebar expansion. Based on an analysis of the effect of multiple rebars on the stress field in ordinary concrete, stress distribution in the protective layer of the concrete is determined. Afterward, the locations where there is damage to the surface concrete caused by rebar corrosion are determined. After verifying the feasibility of the FEM analysis, the effect of corrosion-induced ordinary rebar expansion in a typical prestressed concrete segment is determined by analyzing the characteristics of corrosion-induced rebar expansion occurring in various prestressed concrete specimens.
Role of HER2-Related Biomarkers (HER2, p95HER2, HER3, PTEN, and PIK3CA) in the Efficacy of Lapatinib plus Capecitabine in HER2-Positive Advanced Breast Cancer Refractory to Trastuzumab
Authors: Nishimura Reiki , Toh Uhi , Tanaka Maki , Saimura Michiyo , Okumura Yasuhiro , Saito Tsuyoshi , Tanaka Toshihiro , Teraoka Megumi , Shimada Kazuo , Katayama Kazuhisa , Koga Toshihiro , Kurashita Kaname , Hasegawa Satoshi , Todoroki Hidekazu , Kai Yuichiro , Ohi Yasuyo , Toyoshima Satoshi , Arima Nobuyuki , Mitsuyama Shoshu , Tamura Kazuo
Published: May 2017

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-related biomarkers and the treatment outcomes using lapatinib plus capecitabine (LC) and to evaluate the influence of the estrogen receptor (ER) status in trastuzumab-refractory HER2-positive advanced breast cancer. Method: Eighty patients were enrolled in this study. Total HER2, p95HER2, and total HER3 expression were quantified using the VeraTag assays. PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog) and p95 expression was evaluated using immunohistochemistry and PIK3CA mutation using direct sequencing. Results: The response rate to LC was 30%, clinical benefit rate was 51.3%, and the median progression-free survival (PFS) was 174.5 days. ER negativity significantly correlated with higher HER2 and p95HER2. The lower HER2 and PIK3CA mutations were often observed in the nonresponders. A high p95HER2 expression correlated with longer PFS especially in the high HER2- and ER-positive cases. Patients without the PIK3CA mutation showed longer PFS in the same subset. Overall survival after LC significantly correlated with the number of recurrence organs. Conclusion: LC therapy is effective in trastuzumab-refractory HER2-positive breast cancer. Moreover, the biomarker expression differed depending on ER status, and a high p95HER2 expression and wild-type PIK3CA gene correlated with longer PFS especially in the ER-positive cases.
Cerebrovascular Lesions in Mixed Neurodegenerative Dementia: A Neuropathological and Magnetic Resonance Study
Authors: De Reuck Jacques L. , Deramecourt Vincent , Auger Florent , Durieux Nicolas , Maurage Claude-Alain , Pasquier Florence , Cordonnier Charlotte , Leys Didier , Bordet Regis
Published: May 2017

Background: In elderly brains of demented patients, Alzheimer and Lewy body pathology (LBP) are frequently associated. Cortical microinfarcts (CoMIs) are more observed in Lewy body disease, even in the absence of cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA). The present neuropathological and 7.0-tesla MRI studies investigate whether CoMIs are also more frequent in mixed neurodegenerative dementia syndromes. Summary: Both examinations revealed that CoMIs are increased to different degrees in mixed dementia syndromes according to the severity of the LBP. They were mainly associated with a trend of older age and arterial hypertension in the patients with the most severe LBP. Messages: The increased number of CoMIs in mixed dementia syndromes with LBP is mainly due to the associated cerebrovascular pathology, even in the absence of CAA.
Interrupções incessantes: o dilaceramento da forma em Cent mille milliards de poèmes, de Raymond Queneau, Tom, Tom, the Piper’s son, de Ken Jacobs, e Patterns, de Gerhard Richter
Authors: Costa Alexandre Rodrigues da
Published: April 2017

Nosso estudo tem como proposta analisar o informe, anticonceito formulado por Georges Bataille, aplicando-o às obras Cent mille milliards de poèmes, de Raymond Queneau, Tom, Tom, the Piper's son, de Ken Jacobs, e Patterns: divided, mirrored, repeated, de Gerhard Richter. Essas obras se abrem, através de dilaceramentos, para a impossibilidade de lhes fixar limites, uma vez que elas geram excessos de significados, que têm como fundamento a instabilidade da forma.
Cultura visual japonesa: a intersecção entre arte e o design gráfico
Authors: Almeida Flavio
Published: April 2017

Neste artigo, será abordada a relação e as influências estéticas entre as artes tradicionais do Japão e a comunicação visual contemporânea, em especial o design gráfico japonês. A arte desenvolvida durante o período de isolamento do Japão tem notável influência na linguagem estética da comunicação comercial. Para investigar essa relação, a questão sobre a abordagem investigativa das artes e do design gráfico será problematizada para definir um caminho metodológico a ser seguido. Posteriormente, o desenvolvimento de três linguagens artísticas japonesas (ukiyo-e, sumie e rinpa) será contextualizada para criar análises e relações visuais com trabalhos na área do design gráfico japonês.
O cubismo como método
Authors: Gonçalves Rosa Gabriella de Castro
Published: April 2017

Este artigo busca discutir a relevância do Cubismo para a concepção de Modernismo elaborada pelo crítico de arte norte-americano Clement Greenberg a partir da análise de ensaios e textos críticos publicados por ele ao longo de mais de três décadas, nos quais transparece a identificação da unidade do plano pictórico – entendida pelo crítico como uma das características mais essenciais da pintura moderna, ao lado da planaridade – com o pensamento plástico cubista.