bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Acupuncture at LR3 on Cerebral Glucose Metabolism in a Rat Model of Hypertension: A 18F‐FDG‐PET Study
Authors: Li Jing , Wang Yumei , He Kejie , Peng Chong , Wu Peilong , Li Chenyun , Lai Xinsheng
Published: April 2018

Our objective was to investigate the effect of acupuncture at LR3 on cerebral glucose metabolism in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). We used 18F‐2‐fluoro‐deoxy‐D‐glucose positron emission tomography (18F‐FDG‐PET) to examine the effects of acupuncture at LR3 on cerebral glucose metabolism in SHRs. SHRs were randomly allocated to receive no treatment (SHR group), needling at LR3 (SHR + LR3 group), or sham needling (SHR + sham group). Rats received 10 min acupuncture once per day for 7 days and were compared to normotensive Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats. Blood pressure (BP) measurement and PET were performed after the first needling and the 7‐day treatment period. BP was lower in the SHR + LR3 group compared to the other SHR groups between 30 and 60 min after the first needling and at 24 and 48 h after the 7‐day treatment period. Glucose metabolism in the motor, sensory, and visual cortices was decreased in SHR group compared to WKY group. Needling at LR3 was associated with decreased glucose metabolism in the dorsal thalamus, thalamus, and hypothalamus and with increased metabolism in the cerebellar anterior and posterior lobes, medulla oblongata, and sensory cortex compared to the SHR group. These findings suggest that LR3 acupuncture improves hypertension through a mechanism involving altered brain activation in SHRs.
Calculation Method for Load Capacity of Urban Rail Transit Station considering Cascading Failure
Authors: Huang Jiajun , Zhou Feng , Xi Mengru
Published: April 2018

The load capacity of urban rail transit station is of great significance to provide reference in station design and operation management. However, it is difficult to carry out quantitative calculation quickly and accurately due to the complex interaction among passenger behaviors, facility layout, and the limit capacity of single facility. In this paper, the association network of facilities is set up based on the analysis of passenger service chain in station. Then the concept of cascading failure is introduced to the dynamic calculation model of load capacity, which is established on the user-equilibrium allocation model. The solution algorithm is optimized with node attack strategy of complex network to effectively reduce the computational complexity. Finally, a case study of Lujiabang Road Station in Shanghai is carried out and compared with the simulation results of StaPass, verifying the feasibility of this approach. The proposed method can not only search for the bottleneck of capacity, but also help to trace the loading variation of facilities network in different scenarios, providing theoretical supports on passenger flow organization.
Dynamic Resource Allocation for Load Balancing in Fog Environment
Authors: Xu Xiaolong , Fu Shucun , Cai Qing , Tian Wei , Liu Wenjie , Dou Wanchun , Sun Xingming , Liu Alex X.
Published: April 2018

Fog computing is emerging as a powerful and popular computing paradigm to perform IoT (Internet of Things) applications, which is an extension to the cloud computing paradigm to make it possible to execute the IoT applications in the network of edge. The IoT applications could choose fog or cloud computing nodes for responding to the resource requirements, and load balancing is one of the key factors to achieve resource efficiency and avoid bottlenecks, overload, and low load. However, it is still a challenge to realize the load balance for the computing nodes in the fog environment during the execution of IoT applications. In view of this challenge, a dynamic resource allocation method, named DRAM, for load balancing in fog environment is proposed in this paper. Technically, a system framework for fog computing and the load‐balance analysis for various types of computing nodes are presented first. Then, a corresponding resource allocation method in the fog environment is designed through static resource allocation and dynamic service migration to achieve the load balance for the fog computing systems. Experimental evaluation and comparison analysis are conducted to validate the efficiency and effectiveness of DRAM.
Time Course of Cerebrovascular Reactivity in Patients Treated for Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms: A One-Year Transcranial Doppler and Acetazolamide Follow-Up Study
Authors: Bøthun Marianne Lundervik , Haaland Øystein Ariansen , Logallo Nicola , Svendsen Frode , Thomassen Lars , Helland Christian A.
Published: April 2018

Background. Cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) is often impaired in the early phase after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. There is, however, little knowledge about the time course of CVR in patients treated for unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIA). Methods. CVR, assessed by transcranial Doppler and acetazolamide test, was examined within the first postoperative week after treatment for UIA and reexamined one year later. Results. Of 37 patients initially assessed, 34 were reexamined after one year. Bilaterally, baseline and acetazolamide-induced blood flow velocities were higher in the postoperative week compared with one year later (p<0.001). CVR on the ipsilateral side of treatment was lower in the initial examination compared with follow-up (58.9% versus 66.1%, p=0.04). There was no difference in CVR over time on the contralateral side (63.4% versus 65.0%, p=0.65). When mean values of right and left sides were considered there was no difference in CVR between exams. Larger aneurysm size was associated with increased change in CVR (p=0.04), and treatment with clipping was associated with 13.8%-point increased change in CVR compared with coiling (p=0.03). Conclusion. Patients with UIA may have a temporary reduction in CVR on the ipsilateral side after aneurysm treatment. The change in CVR appears more pronounced for larger-sized aneurysms and in patients treated with clipping. We recommend that ipsilateral and contralateral CVR should be assessed separately, as mean values can conceal side-differences.
Survival and Success Rates of Different Shoulder Designs: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Tallarico Marco , Caneva Marco , Meloni Silvio Mario , Xhanari Erta , Omori Yuki , Canullo Luigi
Published: April 2018

Objectives. To identify whether there is a relationship between different implant shoulder positions/orientations/designs and prosthetic and/or implant failures, biological or mechanical complications, radiographic marginal bone loss (MBL), peri-implant buccal recession (RC), aesthetic scores (Papilla Index, PES, and WES), and patient satisfaction after a minimum of 1 year function in the aesthetic zone, compared to the two-piece, conventional implant neck architecture. Materials and Methods. The systematic review was written according to the PRISMA guidelines. The search strategy encompassed the English literature from 1967 to September 2016 and was performed online (in the PubMed database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, Embase, and the Cochrane Library) to identify relevant studies that met the inclusion criteria. The assessment of quality and risk of bias of the selected manuscripts was performed according to the guidelines provided by CONSORT and STROBE statements. Results. A total of 16 articles (7 randomized controlled trials, 4 observational comparative studies, and 5 systematic reviews) were selected to fulfill the inclusion criteria. A trend of higher implant failure and prosthetic complications were experienced in the one-piece group compared to the two-piece group, although no statistically significant differences were found. Higher marginal bone loss was found in the test group (one-piece, scalloped implants) compared to the control group (two-piece, flat implants). No comparative studies reporting data on sloped implants were found that fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria of this systematic review. No differences were experienced between groups regarding aesthetic outcomes and patient satisfaction. Conclusions. There was sufficient evidence that different implant shoulder positions/orientations/designs (scalloped, sloped, and one piece) offer no benefit when compared to two-piece, conventional flat implants. Current evidence is limited due to the quality of available studies.
Dual-Band Reconfigurable Antenna for Polarization Diversity
Authors: Sung Youngje
Published: April 2018

This paper proposes a dual-band reconfigurable square-ring antenna with a polarization diversity property. The proposed antenna consists of a square-ring resonator, two stubs with a shorting via, and two PIN diodes. The stub is positioned symmetrically to the left and right of the square-ring resonator, and the square-ring antenna connected to one of two stubs has a dual-band resonance. In this case, both resonant frequencies exhibit linear polarization (LP), and the two polarized waves are perpendicular to each other. The PIN diode selectively connects only one of the two stubs to the square-ring resonator. Thus, the polarization of the proposed antenna changes electrically at the two resonant frequencies. In addition, the frequency ratio (f2/f1) can be easily controlled by changing the length or width of the stub.
Capacity Impacts and Optimal Geometry of Automated Cars’ Surface Parking Facilities
Authors: Kong You , Le Vine Scott , Liu Xiaobo
Published: April 2018

The impact of Automated Vehicles (AVs) on urban geography has been widely speculated, though there is little quantitative evidence in the literature to establish the magnitude of such effects. To quantify the impact of the greater precision of automated driving on the spatial efficiency of off-street parking facilities, we develop a mixed integer nonlinear model (solved via a branch-and-cut approach) and present comparisons against industry-standard requirements for human-driving operation. We demonstrate that gains on the order of 40–50% in spatial efficiency (parking spaces per unit area) are in principle achievable while ensuring that each parked vehicle is independently accessible. We further show that the large majority of these efficiency gains can be obtained under current automotive engineering practice in which only the front two wheels pivot. There is a need for standardized methods that take the parking supply of a city as an input and calculate both the aggregate (citywide) efficiency impacts of automated driving and the spatial distribution of the effects. This study is intended as an initial step towards this objective.
Identification of Key Indicators for Sustainable Construction Materials
Authors: Danso Humphrey
Published: April 2018

Studies on sustainable construction materials are on the rise with their environmental, social, and economic benefits. This study identifies the key indicators for measuring sustainable construction materials. The design used for the study was that of a survey which relied on a questionnaire with five‐point Likert scale to generate data for the analysis. For this purpose, 25 indicators from the three dimensions (environmental, social, and economic) identified from the literature were presented to the respondents in a structured questionnaire, and responses were collected and analysed using SPSS. The study identified three key environmental indicators for measuring sustainable construction materials, and these indicators are human toxicity, climate change, and solid waste. Furthermore, adaptability, thermal comfort, local resources, and housing for all were identified as the four key social indicators for sustainable construction materials. In addition, maintenance cost, operational cost, initial cost, long‐term savings, and life span were found to be the five key economic indicators for measuring sustainable construction materials. The study therefore suggests that these twelve indicators should be considered in future studies that seek to measure sustainable construction materials.
Effect of Anionic Polyacrylamide on the Structural Stability of Thickened Tailings Slurry in Pipeline Transportation
Authors: Wang Shi , Li Shuai , Qin Jian-chun , Xiao Guang-zhe , Yang Guo-chun , Feng Xiao
Published: April 2018

Taking the superfine tailings slurry (STS), fine tailings slurry (FTS), and unclassified tailings slurry (UTS) of a gold mine as examples, a series of laboratory shear tests were conducted to investigate the effect of anionic polyacrylamide (APAM) on the structural stability of the thickened tailings slurry in pipeline transportation. Experimental results showed that the FTS and UTS had shear‐thinning and shear‐thickening characteristics in the constant shear tests, respectively. After addition of APAM, when the shear rate was 30 s−1, standard deviations of apparent viscosity of FTS, UTS, and STS were 66.67%, 61.40%, and 35.33% lower, respectively. APAM enhances the strength of the flocculent structures, inhibits the hindered settling of the coarse‐particle tailings, improves the structure stability of the solid particles on the structural plane, and assists pipeline transportation of the thickened tailings slurry.
Isoliquiritigenin Ameliorates Acute Pancreatitis in Mice via Inhibition of Oxidative Stress and Modulation of the Nrf2/HO‐1 Pathway
Authors: Liu Xinnong , Zhu Qingtian , Zhang Min , Yin Tao , Xu Rong , Xiao Weiming , Wu Jian , Deng Bin , Gao Xuefeng , Gong Weijuan , Lu Guotao , Ding Yanbing
Published: April 2018

Oxidative stress plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis (AP). Isoliquiritigenin (ISL) is a flavonoid monomer with confirmed antioxidant activity. However, the specific effects of ISL on AP have not been determined. In this study, we aimed to investigate the protective effect of ISL on AP using two mouse models. In the caerulein‐induced mild acute pancreatitis (MAP) model, dynamic changes in oxidative stress injury of the pancreatic tissue were observed after AP onset. We found that ISL administration reduced serum amylase and lipase levels and alleviated the histopathological manifestations of pancreatic tissue in a dose‐dependent manner. Meanwhile, ISL decreased the oxidative stress injury and increased the protein expression of the Nrf2/HO‐1 pathway. In addition, after administering a Nrf2 inhibitor (ML385) or HO‐1 inhibitor (zinc protoporphyrin) to block the Nrf2/HO‐1 pathway, we failed to observe the protective effects of ISL on AP in mice. Furthermore, we found that ISL mitigated the severity of pancreatic tissue injury and pancreatitis‐associated lung injury in a severe acute pancreatitis model induced by L‐arginine. Taken together, our data for the first time confirmed the protective effects of ISL on AP in mice via inhibition of oxidative stress and modulation of the Nrf2/HO‐1 pathway.
L‐Arginine Enhances Protein Synthesis by Phosphorylating mTOR (Thr 2446) in a Nitric Oxide‐Dependent Manner in C2C12 Cells
Authors: Wang Ruxia , Jiao Hongchao , Zhao Jingpeng , Wang Xiaojuan , Lin Hai
Published: April 2018

Muscle atrophy may arise from many factors such as inactivity, malnutrition, and inflammation. In the present study, we investigated the stimulatory effect of nitric oxide (NO) on muscle protein synthesis. Primarily, C2C12 cells were supplied with extra L‐arginine (L‐Arg) in the culture media. L‐Arg supplementation increased the activity of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), the rate of protein synthesis, and the phosphorylation of mTOR (Thr 2446) and p70S6K (Thr 389). L‐NAME, an NOS inhibitor, decreased NO concentrations within cells and abolished the stimulatory effect of L‐Arg on protein synthesis and the phosphorylation of mTOR and p70S6K. In contrast, SNP (sodium nitroprusside), an NO donor, increased NO concentrations, enhanced protein synthesis, and upregulated mTOR and p70S6K phosphorylation, regardless of L‐NAME treatment. Blocking mTOR with rapamycin abolished the stimulatory effect of both L‐Arg and SNP on protein synthesis and p70S6K phosphorylation. These results indicate that L‐Arg stimulates protein synthesis via the activation of the mTOR (Thr 2446)/p70S6K signaling pathway in an NO‐dependent manner.
The Effects of Krill Oil on mTOR Signaling and Resistance Exercise: A Pilot Study
Authors: Georges John , Sharp Matthew H. , Lowery Ryan P. , Wilson Jacob M. , Purpura Martin , Hornberger Troy A. , Harding Flint , Johnson James H. , Peele David M. , Jäger Ralf
Published: April 2018

Introduction. Krill oil supplementation has been shown to improve postexercise immune function; however, its effect on muscle hypertrophy is currently unknown. Therefore, the aim of present study was to investigate the ability of krill oil to stimulate mTOR signaling and its ability to augment resistance training-induced changes in body composition and performance. Methods. C2C12 myoblasts cells were stimulated with krill oil or soy-derived phosphatidylcholine (S-PC), and then, the ratio of P-p70-389 to total p70 was used as readout for mTOR signaling. In double-blind,placebo-controlled study, resistance trained subjects consumed either 3 g krill oil daily or placebo, and each took part in an 8-week periodized resistance training program. Body composition, maximal strength, peak power, and rate of perceived recovery were assessed collectively at the end of weeks 0 and 8. In addition, safety parameters (comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), complete blood count (CBC), and urine analysis (UA)) and cognitive performance were measured pre- and posttesting. Results. Krill oil significantly stimulated mTOR signaling in comparison to S-PC and control. No differences for markers on the CMP, CBC, or UA were observed. Krill oil significantly increased lean body mass from baseline (p=0.021, 1.4 kg, +2.1%); however, there were no statistically significant differences between groups for any measures taken. Conclusion. Krill oil activates mTOR signaling. Krill oil supplementation in athletes is safe, and its effect on resistance exercise deserves further research.
Signal Space Separation Method for a Biomagnetic Sensor Array Arranged on a Flat Plane for Magnetocardiographic Applications: A Computer Simulation Study
Authors: Sekihara Kensuke
Published: April 2018

Although the signal space separation (SSS) method can successfully suppress interference/artifacts overlapped onto magnetoencephalography (MEG) signals, the method is considered inapplicable to data from nonhelmet-type sensor arrays, such as the flat sensor arrays typically used in magnetocardiographic (MCG) applications. This paper shows that the SSS method is still effective for data measured from a (nonhelmet-type) array of sensors arranged on a flat plane. By using computer simulations, it is shown that the optimum location of the origin can be determined by assessing the dependence of signal and noise gains of the SSS extractor on the origin location. The optimum values of the parameters LC and LD, which, respectively, indicate the truncation values of the multipole-order ℓ of the internal and external subspaces, are also determined by evaluating dependences of the signal, noise, and interference gains (i.e., the shield factor) on these parameters. The shield factor exceeds 104 for interferences originating from fairly distant sources. However, the shield factor drops to approximately 100 when calibration errors of 0.1% exist and to 30 when calibration errors of 1% exist. The shielding capability can be significantly improved using vector sensors, which measure the x, y, and z components of the magnetic field. With 1% calibration errors, a vector sensor array still maintains a shield factor of approximately 500. It is found that the SSS application to data from flat sensor arrays causes a distortion in the signal magnetic field, but it is shown that the distortion can be corrected by using an SSS-modified sensor lead field in the voxel space analysis.
Mechanical Analysis of the Circular Tunnel considering the Interaction between the Ground Response Curve and Support Response Curve
Authors: Su Tianming , Peng Hanyu , Liu Hongyan
Published: April 2018

The viewpoint that the ground initial elastic displacement and the interaction between the ground response curve (GRC) and support response curve (SRC) in the surrounding rock should be considered at the same time in the mechanical analysis of the circular tunnel is proposed, and its solution method is also established. Meanwhile, in order to consider the effect of the intermediate principle stress, Drucker-Prager criterion is introduced to describe the yield property of the surrounding rock. The calculation example indicates that the final radial displacement of the tunnel circumference will increase when the ground initial elastic displacement in the surrounding rock is considered before the support structure is applied, which indicates that it is necessary to consider the ground initial elastic displacement in the surrounding rock before the support structure is applied. With increasing the support resistance force and the initial field stress, the plastic zone radius in the surrounding rock and the radial displacement of the tunnel circumference will decrease and increase, respectively, while with increasing the rock internal friction angle and cohesion, the plastic zone radius in the surrounding rock and the radial displacement of the tunnel circumference both decrease. Meanwhile, with the stress Lode parameter increasing from −1 to 1, the plastic zone radius in the surrounding rock and the radial displacement of the tunnel circumference both greatly decrease and then slightly increase. It indicates that the intermediate principle stress has some effect on the calculation results.
Integrated Optimization on Train Control and Timetable to Minimize Net Energy Consumption of Metro Lines
Authors: Zhou Yuhe , Bai Yun , Li Jiajie , Mao Baohua , Li Tang
Published: April 2018

Energy-efficient metro operation has received increasing attention because of the energy cost and environmental concerns. This paper developed an integrated optimization model on train control and timetable to minimize the net energy consumption. The extents of train motoring and braking as well as timetable configurations such as train headway and interstation runtime are optimized to minimize the net energy consumption with consideration of utilizing regenerative energy. An improved model on train control is proposed to reduce traction energy by allowing coasting on downhill slopes as much as possible. Variations of train mass due to the change of onboard passengers are taken into account. The brute force algorithm is applied to attain energy-efficient speed profiles and an NS-GSA algorithm is designed to attain the optimal extents of motoring/braking and timetable configurations. Case studies on Beijing Metro Line 5 illustrate that the improved train control approach can save traction energy consumption by 20% in the sections with steep downhill slopes, in comparison with the commonly adopted train control sequence in timetable optimization. Moreover, the integrated model is able to significantly prolong the overlapping time between motoring and braking trains, and the net energy consumption is accordingly reduced by 4.97%.
A Novel Minimally Invasive Reduction Technique by Balloon and Distractor for Intra-Articular Calcaneal Fractures: A Report of 2 Cases
Authors: Prod’homme M. , Pour Jafar S. , Zogakis P. , Stutz P.
Published: April 2018

Treatment of displaced intra-articular fractures of the calcaneus remains a challenge for the orthopaedic surgeon. Conservative therapy is known to produce functional impairment. Surgical approach is plagued by soft-tissue complications and insufficient fracture reduction. We describe a minimally invasive technique that will hopefully improve these issues. We want to present our first experience through two cases. The first was a 46-year-old man who presented with a Sanders type IIBC calcaneal fracture, and the second was a 86-year-old woman with a type IIIBC calcaneal fracture. We introduced 2 Schanz screws in the talus and the calcaneus. After distraction, we introduced an inflatable balloon inside the calcaneus. By inflating the balloon, the articular surface was reduced by lifting it up. Then bone cement was injected in order to maintain the reduction. Additional screw fixation was used in the young patient. Postoperative imaging showed good congruence of the subtalar joint without leakage of cement, for the two cases. After 2 months, the patients had no pain and were without soft-tissue complications. We advocate this technique to perform a minimally invasive reduction and fixation of intra-articular calcaneal fractures because it preserves soft-tissues and provides good clinical results with early weight-bearing.
Increasing Mean Inactivity Time Ordering: A Quantile Approach
Authors: Kayid M. , Izadkhah S. , Alfifi A.
Published: April 2018

We study further the quantile mean inactivity time order. Relations between the proposed stochastic order and the other transform stochastic orders are obtained. Besides, sufficient conditions for the stochastic order are provided. Then, preservation of the order under monotone transformations, series, and parallel systems and mixtures of a general family of semiparametric distributions is studied. Examples are also given to illustrate the results.
The Electronic Structure of Graphene Nanoislands: A CAS-SCF and NEVPT2 Study
Authors: Cusinato Lucy , Evangelisti Stefano , Leininger Thierry , Monari Antonio
Published: April 2018

This paper presents a tight binding and ab initio study of finite graphene nanostructures. The attention is focused on three types of regular convex polygons: triangles, rhombuses, and hexagons, which are the most simple high-symmetry convex structures that can be ideally cut out of a graphene layer. Three different behaviors are evidenced for these three classes of compounds: closed-shells for hexagons; low-spin open-shells for rhombuses; high-spin open-shells for triangles.
Child Psychiatry Engagement in the Management of Delirium in Critically Ill Children
Authors: Barnes Sean S. , Grados Marco A. , Kudchadkar Sapna R.
Published: April 2018

Objectives. To characterize the engagement of child psychiatry by pediatric intensivists in cases of suspected delirium in a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) prior to implementation of a delirium management algorithm with regards to recommendations, antipsychotic prescribing, andfollow-upafter PICU discharge.Design. Retrospective chart review.Setting.Single-centertertiary PICU.Subjects. Sixteen patients who received child psychiatry consultation for suspected delirium while in the PICU.Measurements and Main Results. Child psychiatry was consulted for 50 patients in the PICU during the 2-year period. Sixteen (32%) of these consultations were for delirium, and 15 (94%) of these patients were diagnosed with hyperactive delirium.Eighty-onepercent of the patients were prescribed an antipsychotic, and over half of these patients had been initiated on the antipsychotic prior to child psychiatry consultation. All patients who transitioned from the PICU to the general floor received child psychiatryfollow-up.Conclusions. Child psychiatry can play an integral role in collaborative management of PICU delirium. Continuity of care with child psychiatry after transfer or discharge is particularly important given the prevalence of antipsychotic use. Furthermore, the results of this retrospective study would suggest that staff education surrounding the delirium screening tool increased awareness of delirium, resulting in an increase in child psychiatry consultations.
Effect of Free Nitrous Acid on Nitrous Oxide Production and Denitrifying Phosphorus Removal by Polyphosphorus-Accumulating Organisms in Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Miao Zhijia , Li Duo , Guo Shan , Zhao Zhirui , Fang Xiaofeng , Wen Xueyou , Wan Jingmin , Li Aiguo
Published: April 2018

The inhibition of free nitrous acid (FNA) on denitrifying phosphorus removal has been widely reported for enhanced biological phosphorus removal; however, few studies focus on the nitrous oxide (N2O) production involved in this process. In this study, the effects of FNA on N2O production and anoxic phosphorus metabolism were investigated using phosphorus-accumulating organisms (PAOs) culture highly enriched (91±4%) inCandidatus Accumulibacter phosphatis. Results show that the FNA concentration notably inhibited anoxic phosphorus metabolism and phosphorus uptake. Poly-β-hydroxyalkanoate (PHA) degradation was completely inhibited when the FNA concentration was approximately 0.0923 mgHNO2-N/L. Higher initial FNA concentrations (0.00035 to 0.0103 mgHNO2-N/L) led to more PHA consumption/TN (0.444 to 0.916 mmol-C/(mmol-N·gVSS)). Moreover, it was found that FNA, rather than nitrite and pH, was likely the true inhibitor of N2O production. The highest proportion of N2O to TN was 78.42% at 0.0031 mgHNO2-N/L (equivalent to 42.44 mgNO2-N/L at pH 7.5), due to the simultaneous effects of FNA on the subsequent conversion of NO2into N2O and then into N2. The traditional nitrite knee point can only indicate the exhaustion of nitrite, instead of the complete removal of TN.
Cardiac Arrest Induces Ischemic Long-Term Potentiation of Hippocampal CA1 Neurons That Occludes Physiological Long-Term Potentiation
Authors: Orfila James E. , McKinnon Nicole , Moreno Myriam , Deng Guiying , Chalmers Nicholas , Dietz Robert M. , Herson Paco S. , Quillinan Nidia
Published: April 2018

Ischemic long-term potentiation (iLTP) is a form of synaptic plasticity that occurs in acute brain slices following oxygen-glucose deprivation. In vitro, iLTP can occlude physiological LTP (pLTP) through saturation of plasticity mechanisms. We used our murine cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CA/CPR) model to produce global brain ischemia and assess whether iLTP is induced in vivo, contributing to the functionally relevant impairment of pLTP. Adult male mice were subjected to CA/CPR, and slice electrophysiology was performed in the hippocampal CA1 region 7 or 30 days later. We observed increased miniature excitatory postsynaptic current amplitudes, suggesting a potentiation of postsynaptic AMPA receptor function after CA/CPR. We also observed increased phosphorylated GluR1 in the postsynaptic density of hippocampi after CA/CPR. These data support the in vivo induction of ischemia-induced plasticity. Application of a low-frequency stimulus (LFS) to CA1 inputs reduced excitatory postsynaptic potentials in slices from mice subjected to CA/CPR, while having no effects in sham controls. These results are consistent with a reversal, or depotentiation, of iLTP. Further, depotentiation with LFS partially restored induction of pLTP with theta burst stimulation. These data provide evidence for iLTP following in vivo ischemia, which occludes pLTP and likely contributes to network disruptions that underlie memory impairments.
Self-Ordered Voids Formation in SiO2 Matrix by Ge Outdiffusion
Authors: Pivac B. , Dubček P. , Dasović J. , Zorc H. , Bernstorff S. , Zavašnik J. , Vlahovic B.
Published: April 2018

The annealing behavior of very thin SiO2/Ge multilayers deposited on Si substrate by e-gun deposition in high vacuum was explored. It is shown that, after annealing at moderate temperatures (800°C) in inert atmosphere, Ge is completely outdiffused from the SiO2 matrix leaving small (about 3 nm) spherical voids embedded in the SiO2 matrix. These voids are very well correlated and formed at distances governed by the preexisting multilayer structure (in vertical direction) and self-organization (in horizontal direction). The formed films produce intensive photoluminescence (PL) with a peak at 500 nm. The explored dynamics of the PL decay show the existence of a very rapid process similar to the one found at Ge/SiO2 defected interface layers.
Development of a Method for Rapid Determination of Morpholine in Juices and Drugs by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Cao Mengsi , Zhang Pingping , Feng Yanru , Zhang Huayin , Zhu Huaijiao , Lian Kaoqi , Kang Weijun
Published: April 2018

A reliable derivatization method has been developed to detect and quantify morpholine in apple juices and ibuprofen with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Morpholine can react with sodium nitrite under acidic condition to produce stable and volatile N-nitrosomorpholine derivative. In this experiment, various factors affecting the derivatization and extraction process were optimized, including volume and concentration of hydrochloric acid, quantity of sodium nitrite, derivatization temperature, derivatization time, extraction reagents, and extraction time. The derivative was extracted with dichloromethane and determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The linearity range of morpholine was 10–500 μg·L−1 with good correlation, and limits of detection (LOD) and limits of quantification (LOQ) were 7.3 μg·L−1 and 24.4 μg·L−1, respectively. Low, medium, and high concentrations of morpholine were added in apple juices and ibuprofen samples to evaluate standard recovery rate and relative standard deviation. The spiked recovery rate ranged from 94.3% to 109.0%, and the intraday repeatability and interday reproducibility were 2.0%–4.4% and 3.3%–7.0%, respectively. The developed method has good accuracy and precision. This quantitative method for morpholine is simple, sensitive, rapid, and low cost and can successfully be applied to analyze the residual morpholine in apple juices and drug samples.
Experimental Investigation on Flexural Behavior of Granite Stone Slabs with Near Surface Mounted CFRP Bars and Screw‐Thread Steels
Authors: Gao Xiaopeng , Chen Zhongfan , Ding Xiaomeng , Dong Erxiang
Published: April 2018

An experimental study that investigates the behavior of stone slabs strengthened in fixure with near surface mounted (NSM) technique using screw‐thread steels and carbon fiber‐reinforced polymer (CFRP) bars is presented. A total of ten full‐scale stone slabs were tested under a four‐point bending loading to investigate the effect of groove dimension, reinforcement ratios, and reinforcement materials on the flexural performance of stone slabs. The test results included failure characteristics, yield and ultimate capacities, deflection of midspan, and cracking behavior of stone slabs. The test results indicate that with the increase of groove height and groove width, cracking load and middeflection decrease by 6.4%–14.18%; however, failure load and middeflection increase by 4.7%–41.2%. Cracking load, failure load, and failure displacement of stone slabs adopting NSM screw‐thread steels increased by 10.9%, 167%, and 617%, respectively, under the maximum reinforcement ratios of 0.629% over the control slab without NSM bars. Meanwhile, with the increase of reinforcement ratios, the failure mode transforms from brittle failure to ductile failure. The calculation results of strength are in agreement with the experimental results. Finally, it can be concluded that NSM CFRP bars are more effective than NSM screw‐thread steels to improve flexural capacity with the same reinforcement ratios.
TK Inhibitor Pazopanib Primes DCs by Downregulation of the β-Catenin Pathway
Authors: Zizzari Ilaria Grazia , Napoletano Chiara , Botticelli Andrea , Caponnetto Salvatore , Calabrò Fabio , Gelibter Alain , Rughetti Aurelia , Ruscito Ilary , Rahimi Hassan , Rossi Ernesto , Schinzari Giovanni , Marchetti Paolo , Nuti Marianna
Published: April 2018

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) target angiogenesis by affecting, for example, the VEGF receptors in tumors and have improved outcomes for patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have also been proposed for treatment of mRCC with encouraging results. A better understanding of the activity of immune cells in mRCC, the immunomodulatory effects of TKIs, and the characteristics defining patients most likely to benefit from various therapies will help optimize immunotherapeutic approaches. In this study, we investigated the influence of the TKI pazopanib on dendritic cell (DC) performance and immune priming. Pazopanib improved DC differentiation and performance by promoting upregulation of the maturation markers HLA-DR, CD40, and CCR7; decreasing IL10 production and endocytosis; and increasing T-cell proliferation. PD-L1 expression was also downregulated. Our results demonstrate that pazopanib inhibits the Erk/β-catenin pathway, suggesting this pathway might be involved in increased DC activation. Similar results were confirmed in DCs differentiated from mRCC patients during pazopanib treatment. In treated patients pazopanib appeared to enhance a circulating CD4+ T-cell population that expresses CD137 (4-1BB). These results suggest that a potentially exploitable immunomodulatory effect induced by pazopanib could improve responses of patients with mRCC in customized protocols combining TKIs with ICI immunotherapy. Cancer Immunol Res; 6(6); 711–22. ©2018 AACR.
Computer-Assisted Quantitative Assessment of Prostatic Calcifications in Patients with Chronic Prostatitis
Authors: Boltri Matteo , Magri Vittorio , Montanari Emanuele , Perletti Gianpaolo , Trinchieri Alberto
Published: April 2018

Background: The aim of this study was the development of quantitative assessment of prostatic calcifications at prostatic ultrasound examination by the use of an image analyzer. Materials and Methods: A group of 82 patients was evaluated by medical history, physical, and transrectal ultrasound examination. Patients had a urethral swab, a 4-specimen study and culture of the seminal fluid. Patients were classified according to National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases/National Institutes of Health. Subjective symptoms were scored by Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (CPSI) questionnaire. Ultrasound images were analyzed by the digital processing software Image J to quantitatively assess the presence of calcifications. Results: Computer-assessed calcified areas were significantly higher in chronic bacterial prostatitis (n = 18; group II; 6.76 ± 8.09%) than in the chronic pelvic pain syndrome group IIIa (n = 26; 2.07 ± 1.01%) and IIIb (n = 38; 2.31 ± 2.18%). The area of calcification of the prostate was significantly related to the CPSI score for domains of micturition (r = 0.278, p = 0.023), Prostatic Specific Antigen values (r = 0341, p = 0.005), postvoiding residual urine (r = 0.262, p = 0.032), total prostate volume (r = 0.592, p = 0.000), and adenoma volume (r = 0.593; p = 0.000). Conclusions: The presence of calcifications is more frequently observed in patients with chronic bacterial prostatitis and is related to urinary symptoms.
Clinicopathological Features and Prognosis of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor Located in the Jejunum and Ileum
Authors: Feng Fan , Wang Fei , Wang Qiao , Zheng Gaozan , Xu Guanghui , Liu Shushang , Liu Zhen , Guo Man , Lian Xiao , Zhang Hongwei
Published: April 2018

Background: Data about the clinicopathological features and prognosis of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) located in jejunum and ileum are lacking. The present study aims to investigate the features and prognosis of jejunal and ileal GISTs based on the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Patients and Methods: Cases of jejunal and ileal GISTs were extracted from SEER database. Clinicopathological characteristics and survival data of patients were recorded. The clinicopathological features and prognosis of patients were analyzed. Results: There were 399 male (56.8%) and 303 female (43.2%). The median age was 60 years (17–96). Four hundred and seventy-two tumors were located in the jejunum (67.2%) and 230 tumors in the ileum (32.8%). The median tumor size was 7.0 cm (0.5–90). The 5-, 10-, and 20-year disease specific survival (DSS) was 84.4, 71.2, and 54.2% respectively. Clinicopathological features were comparable between tumors located in the jejunum and ileum (all p > 0.05) except gender and tumor size (both p < 0.05). Jejunal GISTs, rather than ileal GISTs (p = 0.043), were commonly found in the males. The tumor size of jejunal GISTs was smaller than that of ileal GISTs (p = 0.010). The DSS of jejunal GISTs was comparable to that of ileal GISTs (p = 0.269). Conclusions: Jejunal GISTs were more common than ileal GISTs. The prognosis was comparable between jejunal and ileal GISTs.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Latex Agglutination Turbidimetric Immunoassay in Screening Adolescents for Helicobacter pylori Infection in Japan
Authors: Tsutsumi Koshiro , Kusano Chika , Suzuki Sho , Gotoda Takuji , Murakami Kazunari
Published: April 2018

Background/Aims: Serologic tests are commonly used for screening Helicobacter pylori infection because they not only provide quick results but also are inexpensive. A new latex agglutination serum antibody assay (LZ test) has been developed and it is expected to be as effective as conventional assays. This study aimed to calculate a reliable cutoff value for the LZ test and to estimate the sensitivity and specificity of the cutoff value in screening adolescents for H. pylori infection in Japan. Methods: We screened junior high school students in Akita Prefecture, Japan, for H. pylori infection. We used the data of 213 such students who underwent H. pylori stool antigen (HpSA) tests in 2016. The students who had positive results with HpSA tests were diagnosed with H. pylori infection. Of the 213 students, 209 underwent the LZ test. Results: The prevalence rate of H. pylori infection was 3.8% (8/209). The area under the curve for the LZ test was 0.88. The cutoff value of the LZ test was determined to be 3.1 U/mL. At this value, the sensitivity and specificity were 87.5 and 91.5%, respectively. Conclusion: The accuracy of the LZ test in adolescents was well balanced for sensitivity and specificity as well as for tolerable results.
Usefulness of Fecoflowgram for Assessment of Defecation after Intersphincteric Resection
Authors: Kawahara Hidejiro , Mouri Takashi , Ishida Kota , Matsumoto Nori , Akiba Tadashi , Yanaga Katsuhiko
Published: April 2018

Aim: We have developed an imaging functional assessment of defecation after partial intersphincteric resection (ISR) by fecoflowgram obtained by defecography. Patients and Methods: Between January 2012 and December 2014, 6 patients with temporary ileostomy who underwent partial ISR for lower rectal cancer at our hospital were enrolled in this study. Defecography was performed 2 weeks after closure of the ileostomy. The defecation of all patients was evaluated by defecography and a fecoflowgram calculated from defecography. During the same period, the control group was comprised of 2 male and 2 female healthy volunteers. Results: The descent of the perineum and linearization of the anorectal angle was observed relative to normal defecation in the healthy volunteers. All barium was discharged by a single abdominal pressure within 5 s in the controls. In patients after partial ISR, all barium could not be discharged by a single abdominal pressure. The time course of pressure distribution after ISR was lower than that of healthy volunteers, which could not be evaluated by defecography. Defecation time in patients following ISR was longer than that of healthy volunteers. Conclusion: Fecoflowgrams calculated from defecography seem to be useful for functional assessment of defecation after rectal resection.
Mucosally Expressed Cytokines are Associated with the Esophageal Motility Function
Authors: Fukaura Keita , Ihara Eikichi , Ogino Haruei , Iboshi Yoichiro , Muta Kazumasa , Xiaopeng Bai , Hamada Shohei , Hata Yoshitaka , Iwasa Tsutomu , Aso Akira , Nakamura Kazuhiko , Ogawa Yoshihiro
Published: April 2018

Background and Aim: Although basic research has shown that certain cytokines affect gastrointestinal motility, the clinical evidence is lacking. The objective of this study was to explore the association between mucosally expressed cytokines and the esophageal motility function in humans. Methods: We enrolled a total of 57 patients with suspected esophageal motility disorders (EMDs) who underwent high-resolution manometry. Results: The diagnoses of the patients were as follows: normal esophageal motility (n = 25), ineffective esophageal motility (n = 5), esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction (EGJOO; n = 10), distal esophageal spasm (n = 5), achalasia (n = 10), absent contractility (n = 1), and jackhammer esophagus (n = 1). The expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) was significantly higher in EGJOO (14.6, 14.0–15.8, n = 10) than in normal esophageal motility (13.3, 12.8–14.1, n = 25); however, there was no difference in the expression of TNF-α between achalasia (13.4, 13.0–14.1, n = 10) and normal esophageal motility (13.3, 12.8–14.1, n = 25). EGJOO was discriminated from achalasia/normal by a linear discriminant analysis (AUC = 0.917). A multivariable regression analysis revealed that interleukin (IL)-13 and IL-23A were predictive of the distal contractile integral, whereas TNF-α and IL-6 were predictive of the basal EGJ pressure. Conclusions: The esophageal motility was associated with mucosally expressed cytokines in humans; these cytokines could be useful targets for the diagnosis and treatment of EMDs.
Comparison of Small Bowel Lesions Using Capsule Endoscopy in Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease: A Single-Center Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Ninomiya Kazeo , Hisabe Takashi , Okado Yuki , Takada Yasumichi , Yamaoka Rino , Sato Yuho , Kishi Masahiro , Takatsu Noritaka , Matsui Toshiyuki , Ueki Toshiharu , Yao Kenshi , Hirai Fumihito
Published: April 2018

Background: Capsule endoscopy (CE) has allowed the characterization of small bowel lesions. However, small bowel lesions in ulcerative colitis (UC) have not been elucidated and no studies have compared between UC and Crohn’s disease (CD). Aim: The objective of this study was to investigate the small bowel lesions in UC, and to characterize UC lesions by comparison with CD. Methods: Subjects comprised 54 UC patients and 39 CD patients who underwent CE. We retrospectively investigated characteristics of small bowel lesions in UC. We also compared endoscopic findings and degree of inflammation between UC and CD. Results: The incidence of small bowel lesions in UC was 27.8%. The group with small bowel lesions exhibited higher endoscopic activity in the colon than without small bowel lesions (p = 0.002). Comparing small bowel lesions between UC and CD, significantly more ulcerative lesions, notched appearance, longitudinal tendency of lesions, and cobblestone appearance were seen in CD. The Lewis score was significantly higher in CD than UC in the second and third tertiles (205 ± 379 vs. 73 ± 223, p = 0.01; 358 ± 449 vs. 105 ± 333, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Small bowel lesions in UC were linked to colonic activity. UC and CD differ in terms of the morphology and distribution of small bowel lesions.