bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Pentagalloyl Glucose on the Wall Mechanics and Inflammatory Activity of Rat Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms
Authors: Thirugnanasambandam Mirunalini , Simionescu Dan T. , Escobar Patricia G. , Sprague Eugene , Goins Beth , Clarke Geoffrey D. , Han Hai-Chao , Amezcua Krysta L. , Adeyinka Oluwaseun R. , Goergen Craig J. , Finol Ender
Published: July 2018

An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a permanent localized expansion of the abdominal aorta with mortality rate of up to 90% after rupture. AAA growth is a process of vascular degeneration accompanied by a reduction in wall strength and an increase in inflammatory activity. It is unclear whether this process can be intervened to attenuate AAA growth, and hence, it is of great clinical interest to develop a technique that can stabilize the AAA. The objective of this work is to develop a protocol for future studies to evaluate the effects of drug-based therapies on the mechanics and inflammation in rodent models of AAA. The scope of the study is limited to the use of pentagalloyl glucose (PGG) for aneurysm treatment in the calcium chloride rat AAA model. Peak wall stress (PWS) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity, which are the biomechanical and biological markers of AAA growth and rupture, were evaluated over 4 weeks in untreated and treated (with PGG) groups. The AAA specimens were mechanically characterized by planar biaxial tensile testing and the data fitted to a five-parameter nonlinear, hyperelastic, anisotropic Holzapfel–Gasser–Ogden (HGO) material model, which was used to perform finite element analysis (FEA) to evaluate PWS. Our results demonstrated that there was a reduction in PWS between pre- and post-AAA induction FEA models in the treatment group compared to the untreated group using either animal-specific or average material properties. However, this reduction was not statistically significant. Conversely, there was a statistically significant reduction in MMP-activated fluorescent signal between pre- and post-AAA induction models in the treated group compared to the untreated group. Therefore, the primary contribution of this work is the quantification of the stabilizing effects of PGG using biomechanical and biological markers of AAA, thus indicating that PGG could be part of a new clinical treatment strategy that will require further investigation.
Anthropomorphic Model of Intrathecal Cerebrospinal Fluid Dynamics Within the Spinal Subarachnoid Space: Spinal Cord Nerve Roots Increase Steady-Streaming
Authors: Khani Mohammadreza , Sass Lucas R. , Xing Tao , Keith Sharp M. , Balédent Olivier , Martin Bryn A.
Published: July 2018

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dynamics are thought to play a vital role in central nervous system (CNS) physiology. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of spinal cord (SC) nerve roots (NR) on CSF dynamics. A subject-specific computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model of the complete spinal subarachnoid space (SSS) with and without anatomically realistic NR and nonuniform moving dura wall deformation was constructed. This CFD model allowed detailed investigation of the impact of NR on CSF velocities that is not possible in vivo using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or other noninvasive imaging methods. Results showed that NR altered CSF dynamics in terms of velocity field, steady-streaming, and vortical structures. Vortices occurred in the cervical spine around NR during CSF flow reversal. The magnitude of steady-streaming CSF flow increased with NR, in particular within the cervical spine. This increase was located axially upstream and downstream of NR due to the interface of adjacent vortices that formed around NR.
A Temporary Local Rigid Clamping Structure to Improve Antibuckling Ability of the Thin-Walled Cylinder Under External Pressure
Authors: Gao BingJun , Yin Zongxun , Zhao Fuhai , Shang Chengwen
Published: July 2018

Although the inner container of the cryogenic liquid semitrailer works under inner pressure, it needs to be vacuumed during the helium leak detection. Furthermore, the inner container usually cannot meet the stability requirements during the evacuation, though equipped with stiffening structures such as supporting rings for baffles inside the container. Therefore, a kind of temporary local rigid clamping structure was proposed to improve the antibuckling ability of the inner container during the helium leak detection. “Lulu” can was taken as the thin-walled cylindrical shell specimen under external pressure and was clamped with the temporary local rigid ring on the outside surface. The critical pressures were experimentally and numerically studied for the specimen with local clamping rings of different sizes, in which eigenvalue buckling analysis and nonlinear analysis were employed with the aid of ANSYS. It indicates that the critical pressure of the specimen with the local clamping ring is higher than that without the clamping ring. Finally, the optimal clamping scheme including size and location of clamping rings for the inner container of DC18 type cryogenic liquid semitrailer was studied with the finite element method, which aimed to improve the antibuckling capacity of the inner container during the helium leak detection.
Pharmacokinetics, Tolerability, and Safety of Murepavadin, a Novel Antipseudomonal Antibiotic, in Subjects with Mild, Moderate, or Severe Renal Function Impairment
Authors: Dale Glenn E. , Halabi Atef , Petersen-Sylla Marc , Wach Achim , Zwingelstein Christian
Published: July 2018

This open-label, nonrandomized, single-dose, phase 1 study evaluated the pharmacokinetics and safety of murepavadin, a novel peptide antibiotic for the treatment of serious
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
infections. The study was conducted in 32 subjects of either sex in 4 groups (up to 8 per group) with mild (group 1), moderate (group 2), and severe (group 3) renal function impairment or with normal renal function (group 4).
Impact of Antibiotic Treatment on the Burden of Nasal Staphylococcus aureus among Hospitalized Patients
Authors: Kanwar Anubhav , Cadnum Jennifer L. , Jencson Annette L. , Donskey Curtis J.
Published: July 2018

We examined the impact of systemic antibiotics on the burden of nasal
Staphylococcus aureus
in hospitalized patients. Of 1,482 patients, 237 (16%) had nasal methicillin-susceptible
S. aureus
(MSSA) and 92 (6%) had nasal methicillin-resistant
S. aureus
(MRSA) on admission.
Structure-Based Drug Design and Characterization of Sulfonyl-Piperazine Benzothiazinone Inhibitors of DprE1 from Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Piton Jérémie , Vocat Anthony , Lupien Andréanne , Foo Caroline S. , Riabova Olga , Makarov Vadim , Cole Stewart T.
Published: July 2018

Macozinone (MCZ) is a tuberculosis (TB) drug candidate that specifically targets the essential flavoenzyme DprE1, thereby blocking synthesis of the cell wall precursor decaprenyl phosphoarabinose (DPA) and provoking lysis of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
. As part of the MCZ backup program, we exploited structure-guided drug design to produce a new series of sulfone-containing derivatives, 2-sulfonylpiperazin 8-nitro 6-trifluoromethyl 1,3-benzothiazin-4-one, or sPBTZ.
Evaluation of Oritavancin Combinations with Rifampin, Gentamicin, or Linezolid against Prosthetic Joint Infection-Associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Biofilms by Time-Kill Assays
Authors: Yan Qun , Karau Melissa J. , Raval Yash S. , Patel Robin
Published: July 2018

The antibiofilm activity of oritavancin in combination with rifampin, gentamicin, or linezolid was evaluated against 10 prosthetic joint infection (PJI)-related methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) isolates by time-kill assays. Oritavancin combined with rifampin demonstrated statistically significant bacterial reductions compared with those of either antimicrobial alone for all 10 isolates (
P
≤ 0.001), with synergy being observed for 80% of the isolates.
Microbial Community Dynamics and Assembly Follow Trajectories of an Early-Spring Diatom Bloom in a Semienclosed Bay
Authors: Zhang Huajun , Wang Kai , Shen Lixin , Chen Heping , Hou Fanrong , Zhou Xiaoyan , Zhang Demin , Zhu Xiangyu
Published: July 2018

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) significantly influence biogeochemical cycles driven by bacteria. The shifts in microbial communities during HABs have been studied intensively, but the assembly mechanisms of microbial communities during HABs are poorly understood, with limited investigation of the balance of deterministic and stochastic processes in shaping microbial communities in HABs. In this study, the dynamics and assembly of microbial communities in an early-spring diatom bloom process were investigated. Our data both confirm previously observed general microbial successional patterns and show new detailed mechanisms for microbial assembly in HABs. These results will facilitate deeper understanding of the ecological processes shaping microbial communities in HABs. In addition, predictions of metabolic potential in this study will facilitate understanding of the influence of HABs on nitrogen metabolism in marine environments.
Yellow Fever Virus: Diagnostics for a Persistent Arboviral Threat
Authors: Waggoner Jesse J. , Rojas Alejandra , Pinsky Benjamin A.
Published: July 2018

Yellow fever (YF) is the prototypical hemorrhagic fever and results from infection with yellow fever virus (YFV), which is endemic to regions of Africa and South America. Despite the availability of an effective vaccine, YFV continues to cause disease throughout regions where it is endemic, including intermittent large outbreaks among undervaccinated populations.
Regulatory RNAs in Virulence and Host-Microbe Interactions
Authors: Westermann Alexander J.
Published: July 2018

Bacterial regulatory RNAs are key players in adaptation to changing environmental conditions and response to diverse cellular stresses. However, while regulatory RNAs of bacterial pathogens have been intensely studied under defined conditions
in vitro
, characterization of their role during the infection of eukaryotic host organisms is lagging behind. This review summarizes our current understanding of the contribution of the different classes of regulatory RNAs and RNA-binding proteins to bacterial virulence and illustrates their role in infection by reviewing the mechanisms of some prominent representatives of each class. Emerging technologies are described that bear great potential for global, unbiased studies of virulence-related RNAs in bacterial model and nonmodel pathogens in the future. The review concludes by deducing common principles of RNA-mediated gene expression control of virulence programs in different pathogens, and by defining important open questions for upcoming research in the field.
Small RNA-Based Regulation of Bacterial Quorum Sensing and Biofilm Formation
Authors: Svenningsen Sine Lo
Published: July 2018

Quorum sensing is a vital property of bacteria that enables community-wide coordination of collective behaviors. A key example of such a behavior is biofilm formation, in which groups of bacteria invest in synthesizing a protective, joint extracellular matrix. Quorum sensing involves the production, release, and subsequent detection of extracellular signaling molecules called autoinducers. The architecture of quorum-sensing signal transduction pathways is highly variable among different species of bacteria, but frequently involves posttranscriptional regulation carried out by small regulatory RNA molecules. This review illustrates the diverse roles small
trans
-acting regulatory RNAs can play, from constituting a network’s core to auxiliary roles in adjusting the rate of autoinducer synthesis, mediating cross talk among different parts of a network, or integrating different regulatory inputs to trigger appropriate changes in gene expression. The emphasis is on describing how the study of small RNA-based regulation in quorum sensing and biofilm formation has uncovered new general properties or expanded our understanding of bacterial riboregulation.
Effects of dietary crude protein levels and cysteamine supplementation on meat quality and related indices of finishing pigs
Authors: Zhu Y.P. , Zhou P. , Zhang L. , Li J.L. , Gao F. , Zhou G.H.
Published: July 2018

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary crude protein levels and cysteamine (CS) supplementation on meat quality and related indices in longissimus dorsi muscle of finishing pigs. One hundred and twenty barrows were randomly allocated to a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with five replicates of six pigs each. The primary variations were crude protein levels (14% or 10%) and CS supplemental levels (0 or 140 mg kg−1). After 41 d, 10 pigs per treatment were slaughtered. The results showed that low-protein level diets (LPDs) decreased Warner–Bratzler shear force (P < 0.01) and increased the content of intramuscular fat (P < 0.01). The mRNA expressions of lipogenic genes were up-regulated (P < 0.01), and the mRNA expressions of lipolytic genes were down-regulated (P < 0.01) in pigs fed LPD. LPDs increased the mRNA expressions of μ-calpain, and decreased the mRNA expression of calpastatin (P < 0.01). In addition, CS supplementation increased the mRNA expression of μ-calpain (P < 0.01). In conclusion, LPD improved the meat quality probably through regulating the lipogenesis, lipolysis, and the proteolysis process in muscle. The CS supplementation did not affect the meat quality of finishing pigs. Moreover, no significant interaction between dietary protein levels and CS supplementation for the meat quality of finishing pigs was observed.
Effects of in ovo injection of carbohydrates, β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate, and vitamins on ostrich organ weight, bone characteristics, and small intestinal morphology
Authors: Zamani Akbar , Shariatmadari Farid , Rahimi Shaban , Karimi Torshizi Mohammad Amir
Published: July 2018

A total of 144 ostrich eggs (24 per group) were injected with 4 mL of physiological saline solution [positive control (PC)], carbohydrates (CHO — 20% maltose, 2.5% sucrose, and 2.5% dextrin), β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB), vitamin B6 solution, and vitamin D3 (vit D3) solution at 38 d of incubation. Injection of 4 mL physiological saline decreased the hatchability compared with negative control (NC) group (not injected eggs) (68.5% vs. 71.7%; P < 0.05). There was also lower hatchability and more number of embryonic deaths before piping in vitamin-injected group (72.2%). Heart, gizzard, pancreas, spleen and thymus, ileum, cecum, and rectum relative weight were not significantly different among treatments at hatch (P > 0.05). Carbohydrates group had higher duodenum and jejunum relative weight, whereas NC and PC groups had the least duodenum, jejunum relative weight (P < 0.05). Vit D3 injection increased bone strength, fresh and dry bone relative weight (P < 0.01). Chicks from HMB and CHO group had the highest levels of glycogen in the livers, whereas PC, NC, and vit D3 exhibited very low levels of glycogen in their liver (P = 0.014). Vitamins in ovo injected groups had the least duodenum villus height and also vit D3 group had the least jejunum villus height (P < 0.01). In conclusion, the use of CHO for the in ovo injection of ostrich hatching eggs would be practical in industry due to improvement in hatchability, bone characteristics, small intestine villus height and capacity, and also liver glycogen sources.
A survey of practices implemented to improve cow comfort following an initial assessment on Canadian dairy farms
Authors: Nash C.G.R. , Kelton D.F. , Vasseur E. , DeVries T.J. , Parent D. , Pellerin D. , Carrier K. , Pajor E.A. , Rushen J. , de Passillé A.M. , Coe J.B. , Haley D.B.
Published: July 2018

The objectives of this study were to determine the difficulty of implementing changes to improve cow comfort on Canadian dairy farms, to determine if any changes were implemented to improve dairy cow comfort following an initial cow comfort assessment, to categorize producers based on types of changes they made, to compare how producers in these categories differed, and to identify barriers to implementing these changes. The most difficult type of change to implement was changing stall design (including building a new barn) with a mean difficulty score of 3.3 (out of 5) scored by a panel of dairy researchers. Overall, 3 of 118 (2.5%) interviewed producers were categorized as innovators, 62 (52.5%) as effective adopters, 20 (16.9%) as ineffective adopters, and 33 (28.0%) as non-adopters. The most common types of changes made were to stall management (37.3%). Participants were asked to identify all barriers to further improvement of cow comfort. The most commonly reported barriers were lack of funds (52.9%), lack of time (38.7%), and being satisfied with the level of cow comfort (31.1%). This survey study demonstrates that a cow comfort assessment can influence dairy producers to implement changes to improve cow comfort; however, certain barriers exist to implementation.
Chelator production by Deschampsia cespitosa (L.) Beauv. in adaptive Ni/Cu hyper-tolerance derived from fields in the Sudbury region and lab assessment
Authors: Nguyen Thien Quoc , Hayward Allison R. , Bruce Kahlan E. , Hutchinson Thomas C. , Emery R.J. Neil
Published: July 2018

Plants possess a complex network of mechanisms to utilize and, if necessary, detoxify metals. Plants utilize constitutive basal tolerance mechanisms to maintain appropriate internal metal levels under normal conditions. However, adaptive hyper-tolerance mechanisms are used in order to tolerate excess metal exposure. The production of metal binding chelators could be one way to convey these tolerances. Chelator production of field and greenhouse-derived materials was investigated to determine any multi-metal hyper-tolerances in different populations of the grass Deschampsia cespitosa (L.) Beauv. Plant tissue was collected from metal-contaminated mine sites, and from specimens grown in metal exposure hydroponic experiments. The chelator metabolites from these samples were simultaneously analyzed using HPLC-tandem mass spectrometry. In the hydroponic grown grass, histidine was produced at high concentrations solely in the hyper-tolerant populations during metal exposure. In all of the populations, the responses of chelators were metal-specific, where levels of nicotianamine were at high concentrations during Ni exposure, and levels of phytochelatins were high during Cu exposure. Moreover, a similar pattern of chelator production was seen in the root specimens collected from mine sites contaminated with Ni and (or) Cu. Histidine was the strongest Ni chelator involved in adaptive hyper-tolerance, while constitutive basal tolerance to Ni and Cu was observed via the responses of nicotianamine and phytochelatin, respectively.
Acupuncture Alleviates Rheumatoid Arthritis by Immune-Network Modulation
Authors: Xu Yuan , Hong Shouhai , Zhao Xue , Wang Shenjun , Xu Zhifang , Ding Shasha , Zhang Kuo , Zhang Yiping , Xu Lianjie , Yu Nannan , Zhao Tianyi , Yan Yawen , Yang Fuming , Liu Yangyang , Yu Kun , Liu Baohu , Guo Yi , Pang Guangchang
Published: July 2018

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic autoimmune inflammatory and debilitating disease that involves the systemic imbalance of the immune network. Previous studies have shown that acupuncture can help treat RA. However, its specific mechanisms are not fully understood. Thus, the present study was designed to clarify the mechanisms of acupuncture acted on RA via immune network modulation using complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritic rats. Results revealed that manual acupuncture (MA) could alleviate the inflammation and pain of infected joints. Moreover, MA could effectively stimulate the innate immune cytokines (IL-1[Formula: see text], IL-1[Formula: see text], IL-6, IL-7, IL-18, TNF-[Formula: see text]) and adaptive immunity cytokines (IL-2, IL-12, IFN-[Formula: see text], IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-13, IL-17) as the main part of the immune response and repaired damage of RA. These complex immunomodulatory processes were analyzed quantitatively by cell–cell communication (CCC) networks. The CCC networks demonstrated that the immune networks were enhanced with the development of RA, while MA enhanced the immune networks in the early stage to act on RA and promoted the immune-network to a normal level at the late stage. Moreover, we found that monocyte/macrophage and endothelial cells were the key cells of innate immunity and body cells; TH1, TH2 and B cells were the key cells of adaptive immunity, which were also the main target cells for MA regulation.
Administrations of Preoperative Shenmai Injection and Postoperative Shenfu Injection, Two Ginseng Containing TCM Formulas, Improve Cognitive Dysfunction in Aged Rats
Authors: Zhang Wei-Liang , Chi Yong-Liang , Wang Lian-Zhu , Liu Hui , Zhao Lu-Xi , Su Fan
Published: July 2018

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is one of the major complications in patients who have undergone surgeries. Reduction of surgery-induced inflammation and perioperative stress responses may prevent the development of POCD. As recent experimental data have suggested, Shenmai and Shenfu injections, two ginseng containing formulations, may improve cognition. We designed this study using aged rats as an experimental model to determine the effect of combined perioperative Shenmai injection and Shenfu injection in preventing the development of POCD and exploring the underlying mechanism of this intervention. Aged rats were randomized into one of the two groups. Rats in the experiment group received preoperative Shenmai injection and postoperative Shenfu injection while those of the control group did not receive this treatment. Study results indicate that the memory and cognitive ability of rats in the experiment group were significantly better than those of the control group at postoperative day 1 as well as at day 3. Plasma levels of neuron-specific enolase (NSE), S-100 [Formula: see text] protein, interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-[Formula: see text] (TNF-[Formula: see text]), cortisol (COR), aldosterone (ALD), and adenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) were significantly lower in the experiment group than in those of the control group (day 1 postoperatively). The plasma level of NSE on postoperative day 3 remained lower in the experimental group than in those of the control group. Our experimental results indicate that preoperative Shenmai and postoperative Shenfu injections facilitate conscious recovery and prevent postoperative cognitive decline. This anti-POCD effect may be a result of minimizing surgery-induced inflammation and reduction of perioperative stress responses by these injections.
Zariski-like topologies for lattices with applications to modules over associative rings
Authors: Abuhlail Jawad , Hroub Hamza
Published: July 2018

We study Zariski-like topologies on a proper class [Formula: see text] of a complete lattice [Formula: see text]. We consider [Formula: see text] with the so-called classical Zariski topology [Formula: see text] and study its topological properties (e.g. the separation axioms, the connectedness, the compactness) and provide sufficient conditions for it to be spectral. We say that [Formula: see text] is [Formula: see text]-top if [Formula: see text] is a topology. We study the interplay between the algebraic properties of an [Formula: see text]-top complete lattice [Formula: see text] and the topological properties of [Formula: see text] Our results are applied to several spectra which are proper classes of [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] is a nonzero left module over an arbitrary associative ring [Formula: see text] (e.g. the spectra of prime, coprime, fully prime submodules) of [Formula: see text] as well as to several spectra of the dual complete lattice [Formula: see text] (e.g. the spectra of first, second and fully coprime submodules of [Formula: see text]).
The 2-adic valuation of the cardinality of Jacobians of genus 2 curves over quadratic towers of finite fields
Authors: Garra Ricard , Miret Josep M. , Pujolàs Jordi , Thériault Nicolas
Published: July 2018

Given a genus 2 curve [Formula: see text] defined over a finite field [Formula: see text] of odd characteristic such that [Formula: see text], we study the growth of the 2-adic valuation of the cardinality of the Jacobian over a tower of quadratic extensions of [Formula: see text]. In the cases of simpler regularity, we determine the exponents of the 2-Sylow subgroup of [Formula: see text].
A polyconvex extension of the logarithmic Hencky strain energy
Authors: Martin Robert J. , Ghiba Ionel-Dumitrel , Neff Patrizio
Published: July 2018

Adapting a method introduced by Ball, Muite, Schryvers and Tirry, we construct a polyconvex isotropic energy function [Formula: see text] which is equal to the classical Hencky strain energy [Formula: see text] in a neighborhood of the identity matrix 𝟙; here, [Formula: see text] denotes the set of [Formula: see text]-matrices with positive determinant, [Formula: see text] denotes the deformation gradient, [Formula: see text] is the corresponding stretch tensor, [Formula: see text] is the principal matrix logarithm of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] is the trace operator, [Formula: see text] is the Frobenius matrix norm and [Formula: see text] is the deviatoric part of [Formula: see text]. The extension can also be chosen to be coercive, in which case Ball’s classical theorems for the existence of energy minimizers under appropriate boundary conditions are immediately applicable. We also generalize the approach to energy functions [Formula: see text] in the so-called Valanis–Landel form [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] denote the singular values of [Formula: see text].
The Impact of GSCM on Manufacturing Enterprise’s Performance
Authors: Yu Zhang , Golpîra Hêriş , Khan Syed Abdul Rehman
Published: July 2018

The Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM) is a significantly important proposition to resolve issues and hurdles between the economic development of manufacturing enterprises and its commitment to environment and society, and it will also encourage and promote the degree of green environmental and eventually enhance the enterprises performance. This article collects 136 manufacturing companies of Guangzhou and Shenzhen provinces of China as the research samples, and structural equation model (SEM) is used to explore the relationship among environmental monitoring, environmental collaboration and enterprise’s performance. These findings show that the GSCM contains social environmental responsibility information publicly and the general public engagement, provides new power to achieve the win-win situation between financial and environmental performance through collaborated environmental management activities, environmental violations monitoring and other aspects performed by downstream and upstream companies.
3D-Printable Unit Cell Design for Cubic and Orthotropic Porous Microstructures Using Topology Optimization Based on Optimality Criteria Algorithm
Authors: Moshki Alireza , Ghazavizadeh Akbar , Atai Ali Asghar , Baghani Mostafa , Baniassadi Majid
Published: July 2018

Optimal design of porous and periodic microstructures through topology identification of the associated periodic unit cell (PUC) constitutes the topic of this work. Here, the attention is confined to two-phase heterogeneous materials in which the topology identification of manufacturable 3D-PUC is conducted by means of a topology optimization technique. The associated objective function is coupled with 3D numerical homogenization approach that connects the elastic properties of the 3D-PUC to the target product. The topology optimization methodology that is adopted in this study is the combination of solid isotropic material with penalization (SIMP) method and optimality criteria algorithm (OCA), referred to as SIMP-OCA methodology. The fairly simple SIMP-OCA is then generalized to handle the topology design of 3D manufacturable microstructures of cubic and orthotropic symmetry. The performance of the presented methodology is experimentally validated by fabricating real prototypes of extremal elastic constants using additive manufacturing. Experimental evaluation is performed on two designed microstructures: an orthotropic sample with Young’s moduli ratios [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and a cubic sample with negative Poisson’s ratio of [Formula: see text]. In all practical examples studied, laboratory measurements are in reasonable agreement with the prescribed values; thus, corroborating the applicability of the proposed methodology.
Contour reconstruction of three-dimensional spiral CT damage image
Authors: Cui Ling-Ling , Zhang Hui
Published: July 2018

In order to improve the diagnosis and analysis ability of 3D spiral CT and to reconstruct the contour of 3D spiral CT damage image, a contour reconstruction method based on sharpening template enhancement for 3D spiral CT damage image is proposed. This method uses the active contour LasSO model to extract the contour feature of the 3D spiral CT damage image and enhances the information by sharpening the template enhancement technique and makes the noise separation of the 3D spiral CT damage image. The spiral CT image was processed with ENT, and the statistical shape model of 3D spiral CT damage image was established. The gradient algorithm is used to decompose the feature to realize the analysis and reconstruction of the contour feature of the 3D spiral CT damage image, so as to improve the adaptive feature matching ability and the ability to locate the abnormal feature points. The simulation results show that in the 3D spiral CT damage image contour reconstruction, the proposed method performs well in the feature matching of the output pixels, shortens the contour reconstruction time by 20/ms, and provides a strong ability to express the image information. The normalized reconstruction error of CES is 30%, which improves the recognition ability of 3D spiral CT damage image, and increases the signal-to-noise ratio of peak output by 40 dB over other methods.
Numerical Study on Choked Flow of CO2 Refrigerant in Helical Capillary Tube
Authors: Jadhav Pravin , Agrawal Neeraj
Published: July 2018

This paper presents a numerical study on an adiabatic helical capillary tube employing homogenous and choked flow conditions of a CO2 transcritical system. The theoretical model is based on the fundamental principle of fluid dynamics and thermodynamics. The result of the present model validates with the previously published data. The influence of operating and geometric parameters on the performance of the capillary tube has been evaluated. Flow characterizations of choked and unchoked flow conditions are determined. As the evaporator pressure drops, from unchoked condition to choked state, the percentage change in mass flow rate is minimal. A simulation graph is developed which has been helpful for the design of the helical capillary tube. The choked flow condition in a capillary tube is avoided by either increasing tube diameter of the fixed length tube or decreasing the length of the fixed tube diameter.
Analysis of the Value System Concerning Nature’s Role in Distribution
Authors: PAN Jiahua
Published: July 2018

Nature, especially organic lives within it, is capable of self-regulation and regeneration from damages. However, if the rate of human exploitation surpasses that of natural regeneration, problems such as environmental pollution, ecological destruction and resource degradation will occur. The author argues that nature needs compensation in a certain form and ratio for its production. Eco-compensation is a form of reimbursement in the name of protection to owners of eco-properties, but not to nature’s production. The true compensation should give nature a break by substituting natural products with manufacturing artifacts and utilizing social outcomes to restore ecosystem, cope with emergencies and preserve nature. The bottom line of maintaining the simple reproduction of life members in the ecosystem is the minimum standard of nature participating in distribution, namely the ecological red line. The sustainable development paradigm of ecological civilization requires that nature shares a certain proportion of the outcome of natural and social production so as to build a long-term mechanism for ecological security.
Electrical conductivity structure across the Parnaíba Basin, NE Brazil
Authors: Solon F. F. , Fontes S. L. , La Terra E. F.
Published: July 2018

Magnetotelluric (MT) data spanning from 0.001 to 50 000 s were acquired across the Parnaíba cratonic basin along an east–west profile approximately 1430 km long. Our preferred 3D resistivity inversion model revealed the presence of three distinct lithospheric blocks bounded by major electrical discontinuities. The western block is characterized by mainly resistive crust and upper mantle, comprising the Amazonian Craton and the western border of the Parnaíba Basin. The central block reveals a broad highly conductive anomaly extending to the upper mantle and is entirely within the basin limits. The eastern block extends from the eastern portion of the Parnaíba Basin towards the Borborema Province, and discloses two resistive profound vertical anomalies cutting through the crust and upper mantle, intercalated by a conductive zone. We associate this large conductive zone (>100 km long) with the signature of the Transbrazilian Lineament Shear Zone which appears to have served as palaeofluid pathways. The anomalous bulk conductivity increase in the crust beneath the central part of the Parnaíba Basin is credited to the impregnation of the lithosphere by conducting minerals related to tectonic events involving either Brazilian orogenic processes or dispersed magmatic residues associated with the continuous igneous intrusions that occurred during the Triassic and Cretaceous.

Supplementary material:
Additional forward modelling tests are available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.4157600
Auto-Scaling Web Applications in Clouds
Authors: Qu Chenhao , Calheiros Rodrigo N. , Buyya Rajkumar
Published: July 2018

Web application providers have been migrating their applications to cloud data centers, attracted by the emerging cloud computing paradigm. One of the appealing features of the cloud is elasticity. It allows cloud users to acquire or release computing resources on demand, which enables web application providers to automatically scale the resources provisioned to their applications without human intervention under a dynamic workload to minimize resource cost while satisfying Quality of Service (QoS) requirements. In this article, we comprehensively analyze the challenges that remain in auto-scaling web applications in clouds and review the developments in this field. We present a taxonomy of auto-scalers according to the identified challenges and key properties. We analyze the surveyed works and map them to the taxonomy to identify the weaknesses in this field. Moreover, based on the analysis, we propose new future directions that can be explored in this area.
Controlling the Time Discretization Bias for the Supremum of Brownian Motion
Authors: Bisewski Krzysztof , Crommelin Daan , Mandjes Michel
Published: July 2018

We consider the bias arising from time discretization when estimating the threshold crossing probabilityw(b) := P(suptϵ [0,1]Bt>b), with (Bt)t∈ [0,1]a standard Brownian Motion. We prove that if the discretization is equidistant, then to reach a given target value of the relative bias, the number of grid points has to grow quadratically inb, asbgrows. When considering non-equidistant discretizations (with threshold-dependent grid points), we can substantially improve on this: we show that for such grids the required number of grid points is independent ofb, and in addition we point out how they can be used to construct a strongly efficient algorithm for the estimation ofw(b). Finally, we show how to apply the resulting algorithm for a broad class of stochastic processes; it is empirically shown that the threshold-dependent grid significantly outperforms its equidistant counterpart.
Who Watches the Watchmen
Authors: Botacin Marcus , Geus Paulo Lício De , grégio André
Published: July 2018

Malicious software, a threat users face on a daily basis, have evolved from simple bankers based on social engineering to advanced persistent threats. Recent research and discoveries reveal that malware developers have been using a wide range of anti-analysis and evasion techniques, in-memory attacks, and system subversion, including BIOS and hypervisors. In addition, code-reuse attacks like Returned Oriented Programming emerge as highly potential remote code execution threats. To counteract the broadness of malicious codes, distinct techniques and tools have been proposed, such as transparent malware tracers, system-wide debuggers, live forensics tools, and isolated execution rings. In this work, we present a survey on state-of-the-art techniques that detect, mitigate, and analyze the aforementioned attacks. We show approaches based on Hardware Virtual Machines introspection, System Management Mode instrumentation, Hardware Performance Counters, isolated rings (e.g., Software Guard eXtensions), as well as others based on external hardware. We also discuss upcoming threats based on the very same technologies used for defense. Our main goal is to provide the reader with a broader, more comprehensive understanding of recently surfaced tools and techniques aiming at binary analysis for modern platforms.
The Connection Between Galaxies and Their Dark Matter Halos
Authors: Wechsler Risa H. , Tinker Jeremy L.
Published: July 2018

In our modern understanding of galaxy formation, every galaxy forms within a dark matter halo. The formation and growth of galaxies over time is connected to the growth of the halos in which they form. The advent of large galaxy surveys as well as high-resolution cosmological simulations has provided a new window into the statistical relationship between galaxies and halos and its evolution. Here, we define this galaxy–halo connection as the multivariate distribution of galaxy and halo properties that can be derived from observations and simulations. This galaxy–halo connection provides a key test of physical galaxy-formation models; it also plays an essential role in constraints of cosmological models using galaxy surveys and in elucidating the properties of dark matter using galaxies. We review techniques for inferring the galaxy–halo connection and the insights that have arisen from these approaches. Some things we have learned are that galaxy-formation efficiency is a strong function of halo mass; at its peak in halos around a pivot halo mass of 1012M⊙, less than 20% of the available baryons have turned into stars by the present day; the intrinsic scatter in galaxy stellar mass is small, less than 0.2 dex at a given halo mass above this pivot mass; below this pivot mass galaxy stellar mass is a strong function of halo mass; the majority of stars over cosmic time were formed in a narrow region around this pivot mass. We also highlight key open questions about how galaxies and halos are connected, including understanding the correlations with secondary properties and the connection of these properties to galaxy clustering.
Using Cryo-EM to Investigate Bacterial Secretion Systems
Authors: Rapisarda Chiara , Tassinari Matteo , Gubellini Francesca , Fronzes Rémi
Published: July 2018

Bacterial secretion systems are responsible for releasing macromolecules to the extracellular milieu or directly into other cells. These membrane complexes are associated with pathogenicity and bacterial fitness. Understanding of these large assemblies has exponentially increased in the last few years thanks to electron microscopy. In fact, a revolution in this field has led to breakthroughs in characterizing the structures of secretion systems and other macromolecular machineries so as to obtain high-resolution images of complexes that could not be crystallized. In this review, we give a brief overview of structural advancements in the understanding of secretion systems, focusing in particular on cryo–electron microscopy, whether tomography or single-particle analysis. We describe how such techniques have contributed to knowledge of the mechanism of macromolecule secretion in bacteria and the impact they will have in the future.
Hypothermia elongates the contraction-relaxation cycle in explanted human failing heart decreasing the time for ventricular filling during diastole
Authors: Hiis Halvard G. , Cosson Marie V. , Dahl Christen P. , Fiane Arnt E. , Levy Finn Olav , Andersen Geir Ø. , Krobert Kurt A.
Published: July 2018

Targeted temperature management is part of the standardized treatment for patients in cardiac arrest. Hypothermia decreases cerebral oxygen consumption and induces bradycardia; thus, increasing the heart rate may be considered to maintain cardiac output. We hypothesized that increasing heart rate during hypothermia would impair diastolic function. Human left ventricular trabeculae obtained from explanted hearts of patients with terminal heart failure were stimulated at 0.5 Hz, and contraction-relaxation cycles were recorded. Maximal developed force (Fmax), maximal rate of development of force [(dF/d t)max], time to peak force (TPF), time to 80% relaxation (TR80), and relaxation time (RT = TR80 − TPF) were measured at 37, 33, 31, and 29°C. At these temperatures, stimulation frequency was increased from 0.5 to 1.0 and to 1.5 Hz. At 1.5 Hz, concentration-response curves for the β-adrenergic receptor (β-AR) agonist isoproterenol were performed. Fmax, TPF, and RT increased when temperature was lowered, whereas (dF/d t)max decreased. At all temperatures, increasing stimulation frequency increased Fmax and (dF/d t)max, whereas TPF and RT decreased. At 31 and 29°C, resting tension increased at 1.5 Hz, which was ameliorated by β-AR stimulation. At all temperatures, maximal β-AR stimulation increased Fmax, (dF/d t)max, and maximal systolic force, whereas resting tension decreased progressively with lowering temperature. β-AR stimulation reduced TPF and RT to the same extent at all temperatures, despite the more elongated contraction-relaxation cycle at lower temperatures. Diastolic dysfunction during hypothermia results from an elongation of the contraction-relaxation cycle, which decreases the time for ventricular filling. Hypothermic bradycardia protects the heart from diastolic dysfunction and increasing the heart rate during hypothermia should be avoided.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Decreasing temperature increases the duration of the contraction-relaxation cycle in the human ventricular myocardium, significantly reducing the time for ventricular filling during diastole. During hypothermia, increasing heart rate further reduces the time for ventricular filling and in some situations increases resting tension further impairing diastolic function. Modest β-adrenergic receptor stimulation can ameliorate these potentially detrimental changes during diastole while improving contractile force generation during targeted temperature management.
Role of the heart in blood pressure lowering during chronic baroreflex activation: insight from an in silico analysis
Authors: Clemmer John S. , Pruett W. Andrew , Hester Robert L. , Iliescu Radu , Lohmeier Thomas E.
Published: July 2018

Electrical stimulation of the baroreflex chronically suppresses sympathetic activity and arterial pressure and is currently being evaluated for the treatment of resistant hypertension. The antihypertensive effects of baroreflex activation are often attributed to renal sympathoinhibition. However, baroreflex activation also decreases heart rate, and robust blood pressure lowering occurs even after renal denervation. Because controlling renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) and cardiac autonomic activity cannot be achieved experimentally, we used an established mathematical model of human physiology (HumMod) to provide mechanistic insights into their relative and combined contributions to the cardiovascular responses during baroreflex activation. Three-week responses to baroreflex activation closely mimicked experimental observations in dogs including decreases in blood pressure, heart rate, and plasma norepinephrine and increases in plasma atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), providing validation of the model. Simulations showed that baroreflex-induced alterations in cardiac sympathetic and parasympathetic activity lead to a sustained depression of cardiac function and increased secretion of ANP. Increased ANP and suppression of RSNA both enhanced renal excretory function and accounted for most of the chronic blood pressure lowering during baroreflex activation. However, when suppression of RSNA was blocked, the blood pressure response to baroreflex activation was not appreciably impaired due to inordinate fluid accumulation and further increases in atrial pressure and ANP secretion. These simulations provide a mechanistic understanding of experimental and clinical observations showing that baroreflex activation effectively lowers blood pressure in subjects with previous renal denervation.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Both experimental and clinical studies have shown that the presence of renal nerves is not an obligate requirement for sustained reductions in blood pressure during chronic electrical stimulation of the carotid baroreflex. Simulations using HumMod, a mathematical model of integrative human physiology, indicated that both increased secretion of atrial natriuretic peptide and suppressed renal sympathetic nerve activity play key roles in mediating long-term reductions in blood pressure during chronic baroreflex activation.
Electroacupuncture Could Influence the Expression of IL‐1β and NLRP3 Inflammasome in Hippocampus of Alzheimer’s Disease Animal Model
Authors: Jiang Jing , Ding Ning , Wang Kang , Li Zhigang
Published: July 2018

Background. Effective therapies for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are still being explored. Electroacupuncture with traditional Chinese medicine theory may improve spatial learning and memory abilities and glucose metabolism rates in an animal model of AD. However, the mechanism of electroacupuncture in intervention of AD is still unclear. According to recent studies of AD mechanisms, the NLRP3 inflammasome regulated the expression of IL‐1β in the brain which may mediate AD related processes. Therefore, in our study, we intend to explore the possible relation between electroacupuncture and the expression of NLRP 3 inflammasome in the hippocampus of an AD animal model. Method. In this study, 7.5‐month‐old male senescence‐accelerated mouse prone 8 (SAMP8) mice were used as an AD animal model, which were randomly divided into two groups: Alzheimer’s disease model group (AD group) and electroacupuncture group (EA group). In the control paradigm, 7.5‐month‐old male SAMR1 mice were used as the normal control group (N group). DU20, DU26, and EX‐HN3 were selected as the acupuncture points, and after a 15‐day treatment of electroacupuncture, we used immunohistochemistry and Western blotting to examine the expression of IL‐1β and NLRP3, ASC, and Caspase‐1 in the hippocampus of the AD animal model. Results. Compared with N group, IL‐1β, NLRP3, ASC, and Caspase‐1 positive cells in AD group were increased, and the relative expression of all above proteins significantly increased (P < 0.01). Compared with AD group, the expression of IL‐1β, NLRP3, ASC, and Caspase‐1 in EA group was significantly decreased (P < 0.01). Conclusion. Electroacupuncture treatment could inhibit the inflammation reaction in the hippocampus of SAMP8 mice. What is more, the possible mechanism of electroacupuncture reduced the expression of IL‐1β and NLRP3 inflammasome relative protein.