bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Navigation-Guided Endoscopy Combined with Deep Lateral Orbitotomy for Removal of Small Tumors at the Lateral Orbital Apex
Authors: Zhou GuangMing , Ju Xin , Yu Bo , Tu YunHai , Shi JieLiang , Wu EnDe , Wu WenCan
Published: November 2018

Purpose. To evaluate the efficacy, feasibility, and safety of the navigation-guided endoscopy combined with deep lateral orbitotomy for removal of small tumors at the lateral orbital apex.Design. A retrospective, noncomparative case series.Methods. Retrospective analysis of ten patients (10 eyes) with small tumors at the lateral orbital apex comprised navigation-guided endoscopy combined with deep lateral orbitotomy at the Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University from November 2015 to November 2017. In each case, the indication of surgery was existing or imminent visual impairment due to the tumor. The removal was believed to be complete if the mass was removed intactly during the surgery. The tumor character was confirmed by pathological examination after surgery. Patients were followed up to 3 months after surgery. Best corrected visual acuity before and after surgery was compared.Results. All tumors were completely removed by the navigation-guided endoscopic approach. The mean preoperative best corrected visual acuity was 6/15 (95% confidence interval (95% CI) 6/40–6/8.5), and the mean postoperative best corrected visual acuity was 6/10 (95% CI 6/15–6/7.5). 5 of 7 (71%) patients with vision loss gained visual improvement in different degrees after surgery, and the rest of the patients had preoperative best corrected visual acuity. Visual field of all patients also improved. 8 cavernous hemangiomas and 2 schwannomas were confirmed postoperatively by pathology. 4 patients accompanied with limitation of eye abduction, which recovered spontaneously in an average of 4 weeks. No other serious complications occurred.Conclusions. Navigation-guided endoscopy combined with deep lateral orbitotomy seems to be a feasible, efficient, and safe approach for removing small tumors at the lateral orbital apex. This trial is registered withChiCTR1800019244.
Bortezomib-Induced Pulmonary Toxicity: A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Kharel Prakash , Uprety Deekchha , Chandra Abhinav B. , Hu Yirui , Belur Anuradha Avinash , Dhakal Ajay
Published: November 2018

Bortezomib, a proteasome inhibitor, is an established therapy against multiple myeloma. Bortezomib-induced lung injury, although not appreciated during the introductory time of the medication, has now been highlighted in multiple case reports. The objective of this study is to report a case of bortezomib-induced lung injury, review current literature, and perform exploratory analysis.
HLA-A2-Restricted Epitopes Identified from MTA1 Could Elicit Antigen-Specific Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte Response
Authors: Wu Yahong , Zhai Wenjie , Zhou Xiuman , Wang Zhiwei , Lin Yan , Ran Ling , Qi Yuanming , Gao Yanfeng
Published: November 2018

Overexpression of metastasis-associated protein 1 (MTA1) has been observed in many human malignancies and is significantly related to tumor invasion and metastasis, therapeutic resistance to radiation and chemotherapy, making MTA1 an ideal candidate tumor antigen. We identified several human leukocyte antigen- (HLA-) A2-restricted epitopes in MTA1 and evaluated their binding ability to HLA-A∗0201 molecules. Subsequently, a recombinant fragment encompassing the dominant epitopes, MTA1(1–283), was expressed, and the abilities of the selected epitopes of MTA1 and the MTA1(1–283)fragment to induce cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) were examined. Our results indicated that the epitopes and MTA1(1–283)fragment elicited HLA-A2-restricted and antigen-specific CTL responses bothin vitroandin vivo. The new epitopes identified here may help promote the development of new therapeutic vaccines for HLA-A2+patients expressing MTA1.
Analysis of Bus Trip Characteristics and Demand Forecasting Based on NARX Neural Network Model
Authors: Sun Feng , Su Wenheng , Liu Weixuan , Cao Hui , Guo Dong , Zhu Ye
Published: November 2018

In recent years, there has been increased interest in the use of bus IC card data to analyze bus transit time characteristics, and the prediction is no longer confined to rail traffic passenger flow prediction and traditional traffic flow prediction. Research on passenger flow forecast for the bus IC card has been increasing year by year. Based on the bus IC card data of Qingdao City, this paper first analyzes the characteristics of one-day passenger flow and passenger flow during subperiods and conducts a separate study on the characteristics of the elderly. The results show that the travel of the elderly is also affected by the weekday and the weekend. Then, based on the ARIMA model and the NARX neural network model, the passenger flow forecasting (10-minute interval) is carried out using the IC card data of No. 1 bus for 5 weekdays. The prediction results show that the NARX neural network model is effective in the short-term prediction of bus passenger flow, and especially, it is more accurate in the peak hour and large-scale data prediction.
A Case Report of Acute Airway Compromise due to Subcutaneous Emphysema
Authors: Olmstead David , Gelfand Gary , Anderson Ian , Kortbeek John B.
Published: November 2018

In the acute management of a trauma patient, airway patency is of utmost importance. The present case describes a male patient who presented with delayed severe upper airway obstruction secondary to massive subcutaneous emphysema following blunt traumatic injury two days previously. Airway compromise is a rarely described but serious complication of subcutaneous emphysema. Current management of subcutaneous emphysema and its association with pneumothorax is summarized. Early decompression of underlying pneumothoraces in patients with significant subcutaneous emphysema should be performed to avoid this rare complication.
Ordered Structures of Constructing Operators for Generalized Riesz Systems
Authors: Inoue Hiroshi
Published: November 2018

A sequence {φn} in a Hilbert space H with inner product <·,·> is called a generalized Riesz system if there exist an ONB e={en} in H and a densely defined closed operator T in H with densely defined inverse such that {en}⊂D(T)∩D((T-1)⁎) and Ten=φn, n=0,1,⋯, and (e,T) is called a constructing pair for {φn} and T is called a constructing operator for {φn}. The main purpose of this paper is to investigate under what conditions the ordered set Cφ of all constructing operators for a generalized Riesz system {φn} has maximal elements, minimal elements, the largest element, and the smallest element in order to find constructing operators fitting to each of the physical applications.
Efficient Sensitivity Based Reconstruction Technique to Accomplish Breast Hyperelastic Elastography
Authors: Dastjerdi Maryam Mehdizadeh , Fallah Ali , Rashidi Saeid
Published: November 2018

Hyperelastic models have been acknowledged as constitutive equations which reliably model the nonlinear behaviors observed from soft tissues under various loading conditions. Among them, the Mooney-Rivlin, Yeoh, and polynomial models have been proved capable of accurately modeling responses of breast tissues to applied compressions. Hyperelastic elastography technique takes advantage of the disparities between hyperelastic parameters of varied tissues and the change in hyperelastic parameters in pathological processes. The precise reconstruction of hyperelastic parameters of a completely unknown pathology in the breast in a noninvasive and nondestructive way using the ultrasound elastography has been scrutinized in this paper. In the ultrasound elastography, tissue displacement field is extracted from radio frequency signals or images recorded using the ultrasound medical imaging system; hence the exact displacement field might not be obtained. Our results indicate that the parameters estimated by manipulating the iterative sensitivity-matrix based method converge to tissue’s real hyperelastic parameters providing appropriate parameters are assigned to the hypothetical hyperelastic and regularization parameters. Iterative methods have therefore been proposed to compute proper hypothetical hyperelastic and regularization parameters. Accurate estimates of hyperelastic parameters of obscure breast pathology have been achieved even from imprecise measurements of displacements induced in the tissue by the ramp excitation.
A Case of Influenza B and Mycoplasma pneumoniae Coinfection in an Adult
Authors: Shinozaki Taro , Sasahara Kotaro , Iwami Eri , Kuroda Aoi , Matsuzaki Tatsu , Nakajima Takahiro , Terashima Takeshi
Published: November 2018

A 19-year-old woman was referred to our hospital because of a persistent fever and cough that lasted for over a week. Influenza B virus infection was diagnosed using the rapid test kit. Initially, the patient was diagnosed with influenza B infection associated with lobar pneumonia and treated with an anti-influenza virus drug and sulbactam/ampicillin. The patient’s fever persisted, and her respiratory condition worsened. On day 5, a computed tomography (CT) scan revealed an extension of the consolidation areas in the left lung and new opacities in the right lung. The antibiotic treatment was changed to meropenem and levofloxacin, and the patient’s physical condition gradually improved. A sputum sample revealed the presence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae-specific DNA. Both influenza B virus and M. pneumoniae infections were confirmed serologically. This was a case of coinfection with influenza B virus and M. pneumoniae in a healthy young woman. The M. pneumoniae pneumonia diagnosis was delayed because the predominant feature observed in the CT scan was dense consolidation. M. pneumoniae should be considered as one of the causative pathogens in influenza coinfection cases with CT scan images presenting dense consolidation.
Time-Delayed Polynomial Grey System Model with the Fractional Order Accumulation
Authors: Chen Lin , Liu Zhibin , Ma Nannan
Published: November 2018

In this work, a novel time-delayed polynomial grey prediction model with the fractional order accumulation is put forward, which is abbreviated as TDPFOGM(1,1), based on the new grey system theory to predict the small sample in comparison with the existing forecasting models. The new model takes into account the nonhomogeneous term and the priority of new information can be better reflected in the in-sample model. The data in this paper all come from the existing literatures. The results demonstrate that the TDPFOGM(1,1) model outperforms the TDPGM(1,1) and FOGM(1,1) model.
Sprain of the Subaxial Cervical Spine in Childhood
Authors: Lyons Rebecca F. , McSorely Kevin , Jadaan Mutaz , McCabe J. P. , Murphy Colin G.
Published: November 2018

Posterior atlantoaxial ligament disruption in children is a rare diagnosis. We present a case of a young girl with cervical spine posterior atlantoaxial ligament disruption post a fall from a climbing frame. Presenting with minimal symptoms other than neck pain, this case highlights the diagnostic difficulty and need for further radiological imaging in paediatric patients with neck pain post trauma.
Choline Compounds of the Frontal Lobe and Temporal Glutamatergic System in Bipolar and Schizophrenia Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Study
Authors: Galińska-Skok Beata , Małus Aleksandra , Konarzewska Beata , Rogowska-Zach Anna , Milewski Robert , Tarasów Eugeniusz , Szulc Agata , Waszkiewicz Napoleon
Published: November 2018

Purpose. Modern neuroimaging techniques allow investigating brain structures and substances involved in the pathophysiology of mental disorders, trying to find new markers of these disorders. To better understanding of the pathophysiology and differential diagnosis of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, this study was conducted to assess the neurochemical alterations in the frontal and temporal lobes in hospitalized patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Methods. Twenty-one subjects with schizophrenia (paranoid and differentiated types), 16 subjects with bipolar I disorder (manic, depressive, and mixed episode), and 20 healthy subjects were studied. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and proton resonance magnetic spectroscopy (1H MRS) were performed on a 1.5 T scanner. Voxels of 8 cm3 were positioned in the left frontal and left temporal lobes. Results. Glx/H2O (GABA, glutamine, and glutamate/nonsuppressed water signal) ratios were significantly increased in the left temporal lobe in schizophrenia, but not in bipolar disorder, compared with controls. Cho/H2O (choline/nonsuppressed water signal) ratios in the left frontal lobe had a tendency to increase in bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, relative to controls. A lower temporal lobe NAA/H2O ratio in mixed than in manic and depressive episode of bipolar patients was also found. No other significant differences were found among three studied groups as regards NAA, Cr, and mI ratios. Conclusions. Our results partially confirm the role of a glutamatergic system in schizophrenia, however, only in a temporal lobe. We also point to the importance of the choline-containing compounds (marker of cellular density) in the frontal lobe of patients suffering from bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. We also found the deleterious effect of mixed bipolar episode on the integrity and functioning of the temporal lobe. Glutamatergic left temporal spectroscopic changes may potentially help in differential diagnosis of schizophrenia from bipolar disorder.
Pulmonary Hemodynamic Changes with Nitric Oxide or Oxygen in a Patient with Asplenia, Single Right Ventricle, and Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection after Fontan Procedure
Authors: Oka Hideharu , Nakau Kouichi , Kajihama Aya , Sugimoto Masaya , Azuma Hiroshi
Published: November 2018

Asplenia syndrome is frequently complicated by a total anomalous pulmonary venous connection. Pulmonary venous obstruction, following total anomalous pulmonary venous connection surgery, is one of the risk factors for morbidity and mortality. In some patients, the pulmonary vasculature is abnormal even in the absence of clinical evidence of pulmonary venous obstruction. We hypothesized that a change in the pulmonary hemodynamics could indicate the abnormality of pulmonary vein in a patient with asplenia, single right ventricle, and total anomalous pulmonary venous connection, following Fontan procedure. Here, we present a case of asplenia, single right ventricle, total anomalous pulmonary venous connection, and right pulmonary venous obstruction in which evidence of a potential left pulmonary venous obstruction was obtained following the administration of inhaled nitric oxide and oxygen.
A Network Pharmacology Analysis to Explore the Effect ofAstragali Radix-Radix Angelica Sinensison Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Xie Genggeng , Peng Weijun , Li Pengfei , Xia Zian , Zhong Yuanyuan , He Feng , Tulake Yimingaji , Feng Dandan , Wang Yang , Xing Zhihua
Published: November 2018

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a critical public health and socioeconomic problem worldwide. The herb pairAstragali Radix(AR)-Radix Angelica Sinensis(RAS) is a common prescribed herbal formula or is added to other Chinese medicine prescriptions for traumatic brain injury (TBI) treatment. However, the underlying mechanisms are unclear. In this study, we aimed to explore the active ingredients and action targets of AR-RAS based on the combined methods of network pharmacology prediction and experimental verification. Furthermore, the corresponding potential mechanisms of “multicomponents, multitargets, and multipathways” were disclosed.Methods. A network pharmacology approach including ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion) filter analysis, target prediction, known therapeutic targets collection, Gene Ontology (GO), pathway enrichment analysis, and network construction was used in this study. Further verification experiments were performed to reveal the therapeutic effects of AR-RAS in a rat model of TBI.Results. The comprehensive systematic approach was to successfully identify 14 bioactive ingredients in AR-RAS, while 33 potential targets hit by these ingredients related to TBI. Based on GO annotation analysis, multiple biological processes were significantly regulated by AR-RAS. In addition, 89 novel signaling pathways (P<0.05) underlying the effects of AR-RAS for TBI treatment were identified by DAVID. The neurotrophin signaling pathway was suggested as the major related pathway targeted by AR-RAS to improve axonal growth. The animal experiment confirmed that AR-RAS significantly induced tissue recovery and improved neurological deficits on the 14th day (P<0.01). Treatment with AR-RAS markedly reduced the protein and mRNA expression level of NogoA in the hippocampus of TBI rats.Conclusion. Our work illuminates the “multicompounds, multitargets, and multipathways” curative action of AR-RAS in the treatment of TBI by network pharmacology. The animal experiment verifies the effects of AR-RAS on neurological function improvement and axonal outgrowth via downregulation of NogoA expression, providing a theoretical basis for further research on treatment of TBI.
Anxiety and Depression among Patients with Coronary Artery Disease Attending at a Cardiac Center, Kathmandu, Nepal
Authors: Sharma Dhital Puja , Sharma Kalpana , Poudel Pratik , Dhital Pankaj Raj
Published: November 2018

Psychiatric morbidity such as anxiety and depression is common among patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). The coexistence of psychiatric morbidity negatively affects the outcome of treatment and increases the overall burden of disease in CAD patients. The objective of the study was to identify the level of anxiety and depression among patients with CAD. Descriptive, cross-sectional research design and purposive sampling were used and a total of 168 patients having coronary artery disease were selected purposively for the study from the patients attending cardiac outpatient department of Sahid Gangalaal National Heart Center, Kathmandu, Nepal. Data was collected on 2017 by using pretested semistructured interview schedule, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. The findings showed that 27.4% of the respondents had anxiety caseness and 23.8% of the respondents had depression caseness. Bivariate analysis showed that patient’s level of anxiety was significantly associated with sex, family income, occupation status, and self-esteem. Higher level of anxiety (42.4%) was found in female than male patients. Likewise, level of depression was significantly associated with education status, occupation status, presence of comorbidities, physical exercise, and self-esteem of the patients. There was significant positive relationship between anxiety and depression score. Thus anxiety and depression were common among patients with CAD. Hence, anxiety and depression in CAD patients need be monitored regularly, provide regular counseling services, and refer the patients for the treatment when needed.
Synthesis and Polymerization of Naphthoxazines Containing Furan Groups: An Approach to Novel Biobased and Flame-Resistant Thermosets
Authors: de Oliveira Davi Rabelo , Mazzetto Selma Elaine , Lomonaco Diego
Published: November 2018

Naphthoxazines are a class of compounds with potential application in obtaining high-performance polymeric materials. Such application of these compounds, however, is still scarcely explored in the literature. Combined with the search for new high-performance materials, the development of biobased polymers has gained a lot of attention. In this sense, the inclusion of furan groups in polymers has been explored as a strategy that combines the search for high-performance materials with the search for the development of biobased materials. In this work, novel naphthoxazine monomers containing furan groups were synthetized. The syntheses were carried out in a single step, without the use of solvents and catalysts, obtaining the products in satisfactory yields and high purity. The naphthoxazines had their chemical structures completely characterized by FTIR, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR techniques. The thermal analyses (DSC and TGA) showed that all naphthoxazines exhibit exothermic typical polymerization events, making these compounds suitable for obtention of poly(naphthoxazines) resins, but suffer significant mass losses at temperatures below the onset polymerization temperature. In this way, a catalyst (1 mol% MgCl2) was used in order to allow the polymerization of the compounds before the mass loss events. The FTIR analysis showed strong evidences of the formation of poly(naphthoxazines), and TGA analyses showed that the resins have high thermal stability, with high flame resistance and self-extinguishing properties (LOI > 28), which makes these compounds attractive in the development of biobased and high-performance materials.
The Impact of Epigenetic Signatures on Amniotic Fluid Stem Cell Fate
Authors: Di Tizio Daniela , Di Serafino Alessandra , Upadhyaya Prabin , Sorino Luca , Stuppia Liborio , Antonucci Ivana
Published: November 2018

Epigenetic modifications play a significant role in determining the fate of stem cells and in directing the differentiation into multiple lineages. Current evidence indicates that mechanisms involved in chromatin regulation are essential for maintaining stable cell identities. There is a tight correlation among DNA methylation, histone modifications, and small noncoding RNAs during the epigenetic control of stem cells’ differentiation; however, to date, the precise mechanism is still not clear. In this context, amniotic fluid stem cells (AFSCs) represent an interesting model due to their unique features and the possible advantages of their use in regenerative medicine. Recent studies have elucidated epigenetic profiles involved in AFSCs’ lineage commitment and differentiation. In order to use these cells effectively for therapeutic purposes, it is necessary to understand the basis of multiple-lineage potential and elaborate in detail how cell fate decisions are made and memorized. The present review summarizes the most recent findings on epigenetic mechanisms of AFSCs with a focus on DNA methylation, histone modifications, and microRNAs (miRNAs) and addresses how their unique signatures contribute to lineage-specific differentiation.
Limit Cycles and Invariant Curves in a Class of Switching Systems with Degree Four
Authors: Li Xinli , Yang Huijie , Wang Binghong
Published: November 2018

In this paper, a class of switching systems which have an invariant conicx2+cy2=1,c∈R, is investigated. Half attracting invariant conicx2+cy2=1,c∈R, is found in switching systems. The coexistence of small-amplitude limit cycles, large amplitude limit cycles, and invariant algebraic curves under perturbations of the coefficients of the systems is proved.
Costus aferProtects Cardio-, Hepato-, and Reno-Antioxidant Status in Streptozotocin-Intoxicated Wistar Rats
Authors: Tchamgoue Armelle D. , Tchokouaha Lauve R. Y. , Tsabang Nole , Tarkang Protus A. , Kuiate Jules-Roger , Agbor Gabriel A.
Published: November 2018

Medicinal plants are efficient modulators of oxidative stress associated with diabetes mellitus. This study evaluated the cardio-, reno-, and hepato-antioxidant status of hydroethanolic extract ofCostus aferon streptozotocin-intoxicated diabetic rats. Experimental animals were daily administered with hydroethanolic extract ofC. aferby oral intubation for eight weeks (60 days), after which the levels of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), and lipid peroxidation marker (MDA) were evaluated in the heart, liver, and kidney homogenates. Plasma biochemical parameters such as aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), total protein, creatinine, and urea were determined. Meanwhile, parts of the heart, kidneys, and liver were histopathologically examined. Streptozotocin administration induced toxicity in the cardiac, hepatic, and renal tissues by stimulating significant increases (p<0.05) in the levels of CAT and SOD, GSH, and MDA. Similarly, significant increases (P<0.05) in the levels of ALT, AST, urea, and total protein were observed in streptozotocin treated rats, whereas decreases were observed in the levels of ALP, LDH, and creatinine. Following the treatments withC. aferhydroethanolic extract prevented the effect of streptozotocin by maintaining the tissue antioxidant status (CAT, SOD, GSH, and MDA) and the plasma biochemical parameters (AST, ALT, ALP, LDH, creatinine, and urea) towards the normal ranges. The histopathological examination revealed hepatovascular congestion and leucocyte infiltration as well as renovascular congestion, glomerulosclerosis, and tubular clarification in the untreated diabetic control and their absence in the group of animals treated with a high dose ofC. aferextract. The findings of the present investigation suggest thatC. aferpossesses antioxidant activities capable of regulating drug induced tissue damage.
Proteomic Analysis of Liver from Human Lipoprotein(a) Transgenic Mice Shows an Oxidative Stress and Lipid Export Response
Authors: Rodger Euan J. , Porteous Carolyn M. , Jones Gregory T. , Legge Michael , Kleffmann Torsten , McCormick Sally P. A.
Published: November 2018

Background. Mouse models of hypercholesterolaemia have been used to identify arterial proteins involved in atherosclerosis. As the liver is extremely sensitive to dyslipidemia, one might expect major changes in the abundance of liver proteins in these models even before atherosclerosis develops. Methods. Lipid levels were measured and a proteomic approach was used to quantify proteins in the livers of mice with an elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and the presence of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] but no atherosclerosis. Results. The livers of Lp(a) mice showed an increased triglyceride but reduced phospholipid and oxidised lipid content. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry analysis identified 24 liver proteins with significantly increased abundance in Lp(a) mice (P<0.05). A bioinformatic analysis of the 24 proteins showed the major effect was that of an enhanced antioxidant and lipid efflux response with significant increases in antioxidant (Park7, Gpx1, Prdx6, and Sod1) and lipid metabolism proteins (Fabp4, Acaa2, apoA4, and ApoA1). Interestingly, human liver cells treated with Lp(a) showed significant increases in Gpx1 and Prdx6 but not Sod1 or Park7. Conclusions. The presence of human LDL and Lp(a) in mice promotes an enhanced flux of lipids into the liver which elicits an antioxidant and lipid export response before the onset of atherosclerosis. The antioxidant response can be reproduced in human liver cells treated with Lp(a).
Electromagnetic-Power-Based Modal Classification, Modal Expansion, and Modal Decomposition for Perfect Electric Conductors
Authors: Lian Renzun , Pan Jin
Published: November 2018

Traditionally, all working modes of a perfect electric conductor are classified into capacitive modes, resonant modes, and inductive modes, and the resonant modes are further classified into internal resonant modes and external resonant modes. In this paper, the capacitive modes are further classified into intrinsically capacitive modes and nonintrinsically capacitive modes; the resonant modes are alternatively classified into intrinsically resonant modes, which are further classified into nonradiative intrinsically resonant modes and radiative intrinsically resonant modes, and nonintrinsically resonant modes; the inductive modes are further classified into intrinsically inductive modes and nonintrinsically inductive modes. Based on the modal expansion corresponding to these new modal classifications, an alternative modal decomposition method is proposed. In addition, it is also proved that all intrinsically resonant modes and all nonradiative intrinsically resonant modes constitute linear spaces, respectively, but other kinds of resonant modes cannot constitute linear spaces; by including the mode 0 into the intrinsically capacitive mode set and the intrinsically inductive mode set, these two modal sets become linear spaces, respectively, but other kinds of capacitive modes and inductive modes cannot constitute linear spaces.
Current Progress in the Structural and Biochemical Characterization of Proteins Involved in the Assembly of Lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Bohl Heather O. , Aihara Hideki
Published: November 2018

The lipid component of the outer leaflet of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria is primarily composed of the glycolipid lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which serves to form a protective barrier against hydrophobic toxins and many antibiotics. LPS is comprised of three regions: the lipid A membrane anchor, the nonrepeating core oligosaccharide, and the repeating O-antigen polysaccharide. The lipid A portion is also referred to as endotoxin as its overstimulation of the toll-like receptor 4 during systemic infection precipitates potentially fatal septic shock. Because of the importance of LPS for the viability and virulence of human pathogens, understanding how LPS is synthesized and transported to the outer leaflet of the outer membrane is important for developing novel antibiotics to combat resistant Gram-negative strains. The following review describes the current state of our understanding of the proteins responsible for the synthesis and transport of LPS with an emphasis on the contribution of protein structures to our understanding of their functions. Because the lipid A portion of LPS is relatively well conserved, a detailed description of the biosynthetic enzymes in the Raetz pathway of lipid A synthesis is provided. Conversely, less well-conserved biosynthetic enzymes later in LPS synthesis are described primarily to demonstrate conserved principles of LPS synthesis. Finally, the conserved LPS transport systems are described in detail.
Cluster Analysis of Automobile Innovative Users Based on Interactive Innovation Value
Authors: Lin Haowen , Chen Yaping , Yang Yushu
Published: November 2018

As a new model of product creation, “interactive innovation” can effectively improve the success rate of enterprise product innovation. Because of the wide application of the Internet and the pervasiveness of social media such as forums and blogs, there is a rapid growth of product reviews online. These social media platforms provide an effective channel for interactive innovation between enterprises and users. This paper is based on the innovation application of automobile products. The purpose of this paper is to identify and classify the innovative users in automobile forums and analyze the characteristics of different user groups. First, we summarize six typical characteristics of innovative users and quantify these six characteristics. Second, we make a cluster analysis of user data and divide innovative users into three classes according to the innovation value. And then, based on the different characteristics of three types of users, we present different interactive innovation methods for three types of users. Finally, we construct a pyramid model of innovative user to show the distribution status of various users.
Effects of Variety, Season, and Region on Theaflavins Content of Fermented Chinese Congou Black Tea
Authors: Jiang Yongwen , Hua Jinjie , Wang Bei , Yuan Haibo , Ma Haile
Published: November 2018

The effects of variety, region, and season on the theaflavins content of fermented Congou black tea were determined. Fresh tea leaves from 5 varieties, 3 tea-growing regions, and 3 harvesting seasons were treated by withering, rolling, fermenting, and drying. Contents of theaflavins, polyphenol oxidase (PPO), peroxidase (POD), and individual catechins in each treatment process were determined. The results showed that the varieties of Yinghong 9 and Hongyan 12 produced high concentrations of theaflavin, as much as 0.5% and 0.6%, respectively. The production capacity of theaflavin in different regions had the trend of Yingde > Changsha > Hangzhou. Fresh leaves plucked in spring season produced the strongest theaflavins. In tea leaves, high ratio of PPO to POD activity and high contents of certain individual catechins lead to high yield of theaflavin production during the whole process.
Effects of Diet-Induced Obesity and Deficient in Vitamin D on Spermatozoa Function and DNA Integrity in Sprague-Dawley Rats
Authors: Merino O. , Sánchez R. , Gregorio B. M. , Sampaio F. J. , Risopatrón J.
Published: November 2018

Obesity has adverse effects on male fertility and usually is diagnosed with a prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (VD-). Discussion on the impact of obesity/VD- on sperm function has been limited. This study analyzed the effects of diet-induced obesity/VD- on viability and plasma membrane integrity (PMI), superoxide anion (O2-) level, and DNA fragmentation (DNAfrag) in sperm Sprague-Dawley rats. The males were randomized into four groups and fed for a period of 12 weeks: G1: control diet with vitamin D (C/VD+), G2: control diet without vitamin D (C/VD-), G3: high-fat diet with vitamin D (HF/VD+), and G4: high-fat diet without vitamin D (HF/VD-). Sperm function parameters were analyzed by flow cytometry. PMI percentages and O2- levels were not affected by any of the diets. DNA fragmentation was increasing significantly (p<0.05) in the spermatozoa of animals with diets vitamin D deficient (G2) and diet-induced obesity (G4). Our results allow us to point out that diet-induced obesity and VD- produce greater damage in DNA sperm of rats. The use of nutraceuticals containing vitamin D could be reducing the risk of fragmentation of DNA in spermatozoa.
Role of Zinc Signaling in the Regulation of Mast Cell-, Basophil-, and T Cell-Mediated Allergic Responses
Authors: Nishida Keigo , Uchida Ryota
Published: November 2018

Zinc is essential for maintaining normal structure and physiological function of cells. Its deficiency causes growth retardation, immunodeficiency, and neuronal degeneration. Zinc homeostasis is tightly regulated by zinc transporters and metallothioneins that control zinc concentration and its distribution in individual cells and contributes to zinc signaling. The intracellular zinc signaling regulates immune reactions. Although many molecules involved in these processes have zinc-binding motifs, the molecular mechanisms and the role of zinc in immune responses have not been elucidated. We and others have demonstrated that zinc signaling plays diverse and specific rolesin vivoandin vitroin studies using knockout mice lacking zinc transporter function and metallothionein function. In this review, we discuss the impact of zinc signaling focusing particularly on mast cell-, basophil-, and T cell-mediated inflammatory and allergic responses. We also describe zinc signaling dysregulation as a leading health problem in inflammatory disease and allergy.
Toxicological and Biochemical Analyses of an Autopsy Case Involving Oral Overdose of Multiple Antidiabetic and Antihypertensive Drugs
Authors: Ikeda Tomoya , Tani Naoto , Oritani Shigeki , Shida Alissa , Aoki Yayoi , Morioka Fumiya , Ishikawa Takaki
Published: November 2018

Oral antidiabetics can cause fatal hypoglycemia; although they can be chemically identified and quantified, biochemical investigations are important for assessing the biological consequences of an overdose. Such cases of overdose involving oral antidiabetics may involve other drugs for treating lifestyle-related diseases, particularly antihypertensives. Here, we report a toxicological and biochemical investigation of drugs and biochemical profiles in a fatal overdose involving multiple oral antidiabetics and antihypertensives. A 55-year-old woman died about 2 days after the ingestion of around 110 tablets of antidiabetics and antihypertensives that had been prescribed for her husband. A forensic autopsy and histological analysis demonstrated no evident pathology as the cause of death. A toxicological analysis suggested hypoglycemia and an overdose of antihypertensives as well as the retention of antidiabetics and diuretics in the pericardial fluid. A relatively low pericardial amlodipine concentration was observed, which may have been the result of its long half-life (slower distribution and reduction rate) and/or possible affinity with the myocardium. In addition, a biochemical analysis indicated hypoglycemia, without increased serum insulin and C-peptide, but with increased glucagon levels, as the possible influence of glibenclamide overdose. These observations suggest the usefulness of a combination of toxicological and biochemical analyses in postmortem investigations involving a fatal overdose of such drugs.
A Fortified Method to Screen and Detect Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Asymptomatic Hypertensive Adults: A Korean Retrospective, Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Park Hyo Eun , Chon Sung-Bin , Na Sang Hoon , Lee Heesun , Choi Su-Yeon
Published: November 2018

Purpose. Left ventricular (LV) mass is determined by the wall thickness and diameter. LV hypertrophy (LVH), the increase in LV mass, is usually screened with electrocardiography but is often insensitive. We tried to fortify the rule to detect LVH using cardiothoracic ratio (CTR) in chest X-ray and well-known risk factors besides electrocardiography. Materials and Methods. This retrospective cross-sectional study included asymptomatic hypertensive individuals aged ≥40 y who underwent voluntary checkups including echocardiography. Independent variables to explain LVH (LV mass index>115 g/m2 for men and >95 g/m2 for women calculated on echocardiography) were chosen among Sokolow-Lyon voltage amplitude (SLVA), CTR and cardiovascular risk factors by multiple logistic regression analysis. The diagnostic rule to detect LVH was made by summing up the rounded-off odds ratio of each independent variable and was validated using bootstrapping method. Results. Among the 789 cases enrolled (202 females (25.6%), mean age 59.6±8.8 y), 168 (21.3%) had LVH. The diagnostic rule summed female, age≥65 y, BMI≥25 kg/m2, SLVA≥35 mm, and CTR≥0.50 (scoring 1 per each). Its c-statistics was 0.700 (95% CI: 0.653, 0.747), significantly higher (p<0.001) than that of SLVA≥35 mm, 0.522 (95% CI: 0.472, 0.572). The sensitivity and specificity of the model were 61.9% and 72.1% for score≥2 and 30.4% and 92.9% for score≥3. The SLVA≥35 mm criteria showed sensitivity of 12.5% and specificity of 91.9%. Conclusions. The rule to sum up the number of the risk factors of female, age≥65 y, BMI≥25 kg/m2, SLVA≥35 mm, and CTR≥0.50 may be a better diagnostic tool for screening LVH, than the electrocardiography-only criteria, at the score≥2.
Change of Circulating and Tissue-Based miR-20a in Human Cancers and Associated Prognostic Implication: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zhang Qingyu , Wang Qiwei , Sun Wei , Gao Fuqiang , Liu Lihua , Cheng Liming , Li Zirong
Published: November 2018

Background. Previous literatures have investigated the change of miR-20a expression level in the progression of multiple cancers and its influence on patients’ survival outcome, but results of now-available evidence are inconsistent.Objective. To elucidate the prognostic value of circulating and tissue-based miR-20a for patients with various cancers.Methods. A systematic search and review of eligible publications were carried out in three electronic databases including the Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Embase, and the methodological quality of included studies was assessed according to Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Hazard ratios (HRs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for overall survival (OS), recurrence-free survival (RFS), disease-free survival (DFS), and progressive-free survival (PFS) of each study were pooled using a random effect model.Results. In total, 24 studies involving 4186 samples of multiple cancers published in 20 articles were included in the statistical analysis. As for circulating miR-20a, five kinds of cancers containing gastric cancer, lymphoma, glioblastoma, prostate cancer, and non-small-cell lung cancer reported upregulated level in patients compared with normal healthy control, and overexpressed circulating miR-20a could confer an unfavorable factor for OS (HR = 1.71, 95% CIs: 1.43 -2.04,p< 0.01) and DFS (HR = 1.90, 95% CIs: 1.45-2.49,p< 0.01). As for tissue-based samples, 6 kinds of malignancies including colorectal cancer, salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma, gallbladder carcinoma, colon cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, and alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma revealed upregulated miR-20a expression level compared with paired nontumorous tissue, of which high expression of miR-20a was significantly associated with poor OS (HR = 2.74, 95% CIs: 1.38-5.42,p< 0.01) and DFS (HR = 2.68, 95% CIs: 1.32-5.45,p< 0.01); meanwhile, other 5 tumors containing breast cancer, cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, oral squamous cell carcinoma, and epithelial ovarian cancer demonstrated downregulated miR-20a expression level compared with benign tissue, of which low miR-20a expression was significantly related to shorter OS (HR = 3.48, 95% CIs: 2.00-6.06,p< 0.01) and PFS/RFS (HR = 4.05, 95% CIs: 2.89-5.66,p< 0.01).Conclusion. Change of circulating and tissue-based miR-20a expression possesses vital prognostic implication for human cancers. Augmented expression of circulating miR-20a predicts poor survival outcome for patients with cancers. Tissue-based miR-20a level may be upregulated or downregulated depending on cancer types; in the former condition, high expression of tissue miR-20a is a risk factor for unfavorable prognosis and in the latter condition low expression of tissue miR-20a is associated with shorter survival.
The Effect of Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality on Inducing Anxiety for Exposure Therapy: A Comparison Using Heart Rate Variability
Authors: Tsai Chai-Fen , Yeh Shih-Ching , Huang Yanyan , Wu Zhengyu , Cui Jianjun , Zheng Lirong
Published: November 2018

Claustrophobia is an anxiety disorder characterized by the fear of enclosed spaces. Although medication treatment can effectively control symptoms, the effects quickly disappear once medication is discontinued. Many studies have shown that combining psychotherapy and medication is more efficacious than solely using medication. However, the weaknesses of the traditional psychotherapy are that it is time-consuming and expensive. Alternatively, vivo exposure therapy is proposed in which anxiety is gradually triggered with stimuli. Targeting claustrophobia is diagnosed using the traditional method, and this study established virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) environments consistent with claustrophobic characteristics, comparing the two using an experimental process to examine whether VR and AR environments are equally capable of triggering anxiety in participants. This study further analysed the efficacies of VR and AR by measuring changes in participant’s heart rates variability (HRV) and examining data from survey questionnaires. HRV results indicated that the proposed VR system and AR system were both able to trigger anxiety. Furthermore, the AR environment produced a stronger experience for the participants and caused physiological reactions more evident than those caused by the VR environment. Regarding the anxiety questionnaire, the participants suggested that their anxiety was significantly higher in the VR environment than in the AR environment.
Diagnosis of Water-Influx Locations of Horizontal Well Subject to Bottom-Water Drive through Well-Testing Analysis
Authors: Qin Jiazheng , Cheng Shiqing , He Youwei , Li Dingyi , Luo Le , Shen Xinzhe , Yu Haiyang
Published: November 2018

Horizontal well (HW) has been widely applied to enhance well productivity and prevent water coning in the anisotropic reservoir subject to bottom-water drive. However, the water-cut increases quickly after only one or two years’ production in China while oil recovery still keeps at a very low level. It becomes a major challenge to effectively estimate production distribution and diagnose water-influx locations. Ignoring the effect of nonuniform production distribution along wellbore on pressure response may cause erroneous results especially for water-influx location determination. This paper developed an analytical method to determine nonuniform production distribution and estimate water-influx sections through well-testing analysis. Each HW is divided into multiple producing segments (PS) with variable parameters (e.g., location, production, length, and skin factor) in this model. By using Green’s functions and the Newman-product method, the novel transient pressure solutions of an HW can be obtained in the anisotropic reservoir with bottom-water drive. Secondly, the influences of nonuniform production-distribution on type curves are investigated by comparing the multisegment model (MSM) with the whole-segment model (WSM). Results indicate that the method proposed in this paper enables petroleum operators to interpret parameters of reservoir and HW more accurately by using well-testing interpretation on the basis of bottom-hole pressure data and further estimate water-influx sections and nonproducing segments. Additionally, relevant measures can be conducted to enhance oil production, such as water controlling for water-breakthrough segments and stimulation treatments for nonproducing locations.
Deep Learning Approach for Estimating Workability of Self‐Compacting Concrete from Mixing Image Sequences
Authors: Ding Zhongcong , An Xuehui
Published: November 2018

We propose a deep learning approach to better utilize the spatial and temporal information obtained from image sequences of the self‐compacting concrete‐ (SCC‐) mixing process to recover SCC characteristics in terms of the predicted slump flow value (SF) and V‐funnel flow time (VF). The proposed model integrates features of the convolutional neural network and long short‐term memory and is trained to extract features and compute an estimate. The performance of the method is evaluated using the testing set. The results indicate that the proposed method could potentially be used to automatically estimate SCC workability.
Autonomous Transmission Power Decision Strategy for Energy Efficient Operation of a Dense Small Cell Network
Authors: Park Jaesung , Byun Heejung
Published: November 2018

Smart interference management methods are required to enhance the throughput, coverage, and energy efficiency of a dense small cell network. In this paper, we propose a transmit power control for energy efficient operation of a dense small cell network. We cast the power control problem as a noncooperative game to satisfy the design requirement that small cells do not need any information exchange among them. We analyze the sufficient condition for the existence of a Nash equilibrium (NE) state of the proposed game. We also analyze that the NE state is unique by transforming the original nonlinear fractional programming problem into a nonlinear parametric programming problem. Through simulation studies, we verify our analysis results. In addition, we show that the proposed method achieves higher energy efficiency of a network and balances the energy efficiency among cells more evenly than the methods based on the AIMD (additive increase and multiplicative decrease) algorithm.
A Systematic Review of Pediatric and Adult In-Flight Medical Emergencies
Authors: Sul Christina , Badawy Sherif M.
Published: November 2018

In-flight medical emergencies (IMEs) are acute onboard events of illnesses or injuries with potential immediate risk to a passenger’s short- or long-term health, or life. IMEs are significant events that are related to public safety concerns. With the increasing amount of annual air travel every year, it is expected that the number of encountered IMEs will continue to grow. Thus, it will be critical to develop and implement appropriate measures to manage IMEs with the best possible outcome. Despite the fact that most IMEs are self-limited with no serious adverse events, serious IME can lead to death, disability, or other unfavorable health outcomes, particularly as a result of suboptimal medical care. In this article, we systematically reviewed the published up-to-date evidence on the subject of in-flight emergencies with a specific focus on pediatric population.