bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Global dynamics of an age-structured viral infection model with general incidence function and absorption
Authors: Hattaf Khalid , Yang Yu
Published: May 2018

In this paper, we propose an age-structured viral infection model with general incidence function that takes account of the loss of viral particles due to their absorption into susceptible cells. The proposed model is described by partial differential and ordinary differential equations. We first show that the model is mathematically and biologically well-posed. Furthermore, the uniform persistence and the global behavior of the model are investigated. Moreover, the age-structured models and results presented in many previous studies are improved and generalized.
Dynamics of the impact of Twitter with time delay on the spread of infectious diseases
Authors: Liu Maoxing , Chang Yuting , Wang Haiyan , Li Benxing
Published: May 2018

In this paper, a mathematical model to study the impact of Twitter in controlling infectious disease is proposed. The model includes the dynamics of “tweets” which may enhance awareness of the disease and cause behavioral changes among the public, thus reducing the transmission of the disease. Furthermore, the model is improved by introducing a time delay between the outbreak of disease and the release of Twitter messages. The basic reproduction number and the conditions for the stability of the equilibria are derived. It is shown that the system undergoes Hopf bifurcation when time delay is increased. Finally, numerical simulations are given to verify the analytical results.
A photoacoustic imaging system with variable gain at different depths
Authors: Guan Tian , Li Yao , Yang Muqun , Jiang Yong , He Yonghong
Published: May 2018

We established a photoacoustic imaging (PAI) system that can provide variable gain at different depths. The PAI system consists of a pulsed laser with an optical parametric oscillator working at a 728[Formula: see text]nm wavelength and an imaging-acquisition-and-processing unit with an ultrasound transducer. A voltage-controlled attenuator was used to realize variable gain at different depths when acquiring PAI signals. The proof-of-concept imaging results for variable gain at different depths were achieved using specific phantoms. Both resolution and optical contrast obtained through the results of variable gain for a targeted depth range are better than those of constant gain for all depths. To further testify the function, we imaged the sagittal section of the body of in vivo nude mice. In addition, we imaged an absorption sample embedded in a chicken breast tissue, reaching a maximum imaging depth of [Formula: see text]4.6[Formula: see text]cm. The results obtained using the proposed method showed better resolution and contrast than when using 50[Formula: see text]dB gain for all depths. The depth range resolution was [Formula: see text]1[Formula: see text]mm, and the maximum imaging depth of our system reached [Formula: see text]4.6[Formula: see text]cm. Furthermore, blood vessels can be revealed and targeted depth range can be selected in nude mice imaging.
The Observation of the Vein Distribution of a Partial Toe-Transfer Flaps with a Short Vascular Pedicle
Authors: Kobayashi Koichi , Fukasawa Katsuyasu , Masuyama Naoko
Published: May 2018

Background: When performing partial toe-transfer flaps with a short vascular pedicle, as the flap becomes smaller, the likelihood of securing veins in the flap decreases. The purpose of this study was to clarify how frequently the partial toe-transfer flap with a short pedicle (free vascularized half-big toenail flap) contains veins and elucidate how frequently we can secure the veins with an artery via the first web space approach alone, using the Genial Viewer (a near-infrared light transmission imaging device).

Methods: We observed the dorsal vein images of the bilateral big toes of 250 volunteers (male, n = 125; female, n = 125) using the device. We counted the total number of dorsal veins in the big toe, the veins that crossed the margin of the region equivalent to the half-big toenail flap, and the veins that branched off from the fibular side of the flap area. An unpaired Student’s t-test was used for the statistical analyses.

Results: All of the dorsal big toes contained veins. The mean number of the veins was 2.3 (range, 1–4). Branched-off veins were observed in the area equivalent to the half-big toenail flap in 496 (99.2%) of the big toes, and the mean number of veins was 1.9 (range, 0–4). In four cases, the region contained no veins (unilaterally). Branched-off veins were observed in the first web space in 440 (88.0%) of the big toes, and the mean number of veins was 0.9 (range, 0–2).

Conclusions: The present study indicated high consistency of the veins in partial toe-transfer flaps with a short vascular pedicle and the high possibility of harvesting a flap with only exposing the first web space. In addition, in most cases, the flap will include one or, at most, two veins in the first web space.
A Large Size Lipoma at Spinoglenoid Notch Mimicked Traumatic Rotator Cuff Tear
Authors: Kim Joon Yub , Choe Jung Soo , Cho Jae Ho
Published: May 2018

Herein, we report a large lipoma at the spinoglenoid notch that mimicked a rotator cuff tear, which occurred in a 61-year-old male farmer. Weakness and pain in the shoulder started abruptly after hard labor, and our first impression was a traumatic rotator cuff tear; however, there was no tear on MRI, and complete marginal excision of a large lipoma at the spinoglenoid notch relieved the symptoms completely at a postoperative three-month follow-up visit. We believe that certain activities such as forceful shoulder abduction may have caused the sudden onset of suprascapular neuropathy in the loosely compressed suprascapular nerve by the lipoma.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Aberrant Muscle Syndrome: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Steele Jessica , Coombs Christopher
Published: May 2018

Aberrant Muscle Syndrome (AMS) is a rare congenital hand difference that is characterised by unilateral non-progressive muscular hyperplasia. The aetiology of aberrant muscle syndrome is not known, but a recently published case has shown a somatic PIK3CA activating mutation in a patient with AMS. Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) in children is rare. The most common causes are the mucopolysaccaridoses but space-occupying lesions have also been reported to cause CTS in children. We report the first case of CTS in a child with AMS successfully treated with open carpal tunnel release and excision of aberrant muscles.
Shock Wave Attenuation Characteristics of Aluminum Foam Sandwich Panels Subjected to Blast Loading
Authors: Xu Jinglin , Liu Jianqing , Gu Wenbin , Liu Xin , Cao Tao
Published: May 2018

Comparative experiments were conducted with two different structures to study the mechanism of aluminum foam sandwich attenuating blast shock wave. The sandwich structure is composed of “steel–aluminum foam–steel,” and the mild steel structure is composed of “steel–steel.” In the experiment, the polyvinylidene fluoride transducers were used to directly test the load of stress wave between different interfaces of sandwich and mild steel structures. The strain of back sheet was simultaneously measured using high‐precision strain gauge. The accuracy of the test results was verified by Henrych’s formula. Experimental results show that the wave attenuation rate on the mild steel structure is only 11.3%, whereas the wave attenuation rate on the sandwich structure can exceed 90%. The interface effect is clearly a more crucial factor in the wave attenuation. The peak value of back sheet strain in the mild steel structure is much higher than the sandwich structure. The apparent overall “X” crushing band is produced in the aluminum foam core, and scanning electron microscope (SEM) observation clearly shows the collapse of the cell wall. Experiments on the sandwich structure with different aluminum foam densities indicate that increasing the relative density results in increased attenuation capability of the aluminum foam and decreased attenuation capability of the sandwich structure. Experiments on the sandwich structure with different aluminum foam thickness indicate that increasing the thickness results in increased attenuation capability of the aluminum foam and the sandwich structure.
A Maximum Entropy Multisource Information Fusion Method to Evaluate the MTBF of Low-Voltage Switchgear
Authors: Wang Jing-Qin , Zhang Zhi-Gang , Wang Ching-Hsin , Wang Li
Published: May 2018

When analyzing the reliability of low-voltage switchgear by Bayesian method, the maximum entropy multisource information fusion method was proposed to obtain the prior information of low-voltage switchgear and then evaluate the reliability. The historical data of low-voltage switchgear was collected and organized from a manufacturer. According to the expert experience and the data, the creditability analysis and the compatibility test were presented by the Smirnov test method. Based on the high creditability and compatibility, the result of the maximum entropy multisource information fusion method is the determination of prior information. Therefore, the distribution type of the prior information was confirmed by using the maximum entropy method, and the parameter of the prior information was received by bootstrap method with MATLAB. Then the posterior distribution was obtained to evaluate the MTBF of low-voltage switchgear. Finally, the historical data of years from 2007 to 2010 was taken as prior information to illustrate the maximum entropy multisource information fusion method and to get the MTBF of low-voltage switchgear. The evaluation result reduces the experimental period and test cost, which is an improvement for the reliability evaluation and management of low-voltage switchgear and also an improvement for other systems with simple sample data. Compared with traditional Bayesian networks, the proposed method can fuse experts experience and historical data and has advantages for the use of prior information effectively.
Characterization of a Small Supernumerary Marker Chromosome Derived from Xq28 and 14q11.2 Detected Prenatally
Authors: Hasegawa Akihiro , Samura Osamu , Sato Taisuke , Matsuoka Tomona , Ito Yuki , Kajiwara Kazuhiro , Aoki Hiroaki , Inage Yuka , Kobayashi Masahisa , Okamoto Aikou
Published: May 2018

We present the characterization of a case with a small supernumerary marker chromosome (sSMC) detected prenatally derived from Xq28 and 14q11.2 maternal translocation. A 33-year-old Japanese woman, primigravida, underwent amniocentesis because of fetal growth restriction and fetal structural abnormality at 30 weeks of gestation. The fetal karyotype was identified as 47,XY,+mar. Additionally, the single nucleotide polymorphism array analysis revealed copy number gains at Xq28 and 14q11.2. A male infant, weighing 1,391 g, was delivered at term by cesarean section. Maternal and paternal karyotypes were 46,X,t(X; 14)(q28; q11) and 46,XY, respectively. These findings indicated that the sSMC might have originated from chromosome disjunction at a ratio of three to one. Here we describe a case with an sSMC derived from Xq28 and 14q11.2. Our findings suggest that this sSMC is most likely pathogenic. The collection of additional cases may be required.
Investigation on the Sulfuric Acid Corrosion Mechanism for Concrete in Soaking Environment
Authors: Min Hongguang , Song Zhigang
Published: May 2018

This paper chooses the apparent diffusion coefficient for OH− (hydroxyl ion) for concrete as an index to evaluate the corrosion degree of concrete subjected to sulfuric acid. Based on the reaction boundary layer theory, a sulfuric acid corrosion model for concrete was established and verified through experiments. The experiment design and data processing of sulfuric acid corrosion tests for concrete were carried out using uniform test design and nonparametric regression. Effects of water‐cement ratio and pH value are presented on the sulfuric acid corrosion mechanism for concrete. Test results show that when the pH value was 2.50, the sulfuric acid corrosion degree of concrete was the most serious. The boundary layer effect always existed in the sulfuric acid corrosion for concrete, and the corrosion process included rapid and stable corrosion stages. The apparent diffusion coefficient for OH− for concrete increased with the decrease of pH value and the increase of water‐cement ratio and cement proportion.
Capecitabine and Temozolomide in Neuroendocrine Tumor of Unknown Primary
Authors: Chauhan Aman , Farooqui Zainab , Murray Le Aundra , Weiss Heidi L. , War Myint Zin , Raajasekar Arun Kumar A. , Evers B. Mark , Arnold Susanne , Anthony Lowell
Published: May 2018

Incidence of low grade well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors (NET) is on the rise. The North American Neuroendocrine Tumor Society estimates that the United States has more than 150,000 gastroenteropancreatic NET patients. About 10% of metastatic NETs can be unknown primary, and due to their rarity, dedicated treatment algorithms and regimens are not defined. Combination of capecitabine and temozolomide (CAPTEM) is one of the systemic treatments used in gastroenteropancreatic NETs. We explored clinical activity of CAPTEM in NET of unknown primary. Methods. Retrospective review of NET of unknown primary managed at the University of Kentucky over the past five years (2012–2016). Result. 56 patients with NET of unknown primary were identified; 12 patients were treated with CAPTEM. Median progression-free survival on CAPTEM in grade II and grade III NET of unknown primary was 10.8 and 7 months, respectively. Six patients showed reduction in metastatic tumor volume at three-month CT scan. Three patients had stable disease and three patients showed disease progression at the first surveillance scan. Common side-effects were as follows: four patients developed grade II thrombocytopenia, three patients developed grade I lymphocytopenia, and two patients developed hand foot syndrome (grades I and III). Six patients developed grade I fatigue. Conclusion. CAPTEM should be considered for grades I and II NET of unknown primary, especially in the case of visceral crisis or bulky disease.
MRA Mapping and Selective Embolization of a Large Uterine Cavity Pseudoaneurysm at 20 Weeks of Gestation
Authors: Storey Jean V. , Dinh Timothy B. , McCullough Deirdre M. , Craig Steven H. , Carlson Christian L.
Published: May 2018

Antepartum uterine cavity pseudoaneurysm rupture can cause massive hemorrhage with high maternal and fetal mortality risk. Invasive placentation can predispose to vascular malformations. We present a novel use of macrocyclic intravenous contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography for preprocedure planning followed by selective low radiation embolization of a uterine cavity pseudoaneurysm in the setting of invasive placentation at 20 weeks of gestation. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of uterine cavity pseudoaneurysm successfully mapped with MRA and treated with embolization at 20 weeks of gestation.
Comprehensive Evaluation of Offshore Oilfield Development Plans Based on Grey Clustering Analysis with Cloud Model
Authors: Min Chao , Wen Guoquan , Li Binrui , Zhao Xiaochan
Published: May 2018

Taking the development plans of an offshore oilfield as an example, a new comprehensive evaluation method, the improved Grey Clustering Analysis based on the cloud model (GCAC), is presented in this paper, which takes the ambiguity, randomness, and uncertainty of data into account and overcomes the limits of the general methods, such as subjective prejudice and objective randomness. GCAC converts the data of the oilfield development plans into a cloud, which considers the data of fuzziness, randomness, and the relationship between them. The grey membership degree of each development plan is calculated by this cloud model and an improved grey whitened function is presented in this paper. Then the plans are reordered by their grey membership degrees. In order to make more reasonable consideration of the artificial or unartificial uncertainties, GCAC combines the Grey Entropy Weighting method, Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), and Expert Assessment method to determine the weights of each level of indexes, which makes the weights more reasonable and reduces the randomness and the fuzziness of data. GCAC can help obtain a better comparison between the development plans. The reliability of this method is verified by the calculation results.
NUMA-Aware Thread Scheduling for Big Data Transfers over Terabits Network Infrastructure
Authors: Kim Taeuk , Khan Awais , Kim Youngjae , Kasu Preethika , Atchley Scott
Published: May 2018

The evergrowing trend of big data has led scientists to share and transfer the simulation and analytical data across the geodistributed research and computing facilities. However, the existing data transfer frameworks used for data sharing lack the capability to adopt the attributes of the underlying parallel file systems (PFS). LADS (Layout-Aware Data Scheduling) is an end-to-end data transfer tool optimized for terabit network using a layout-aware data scheduling via PFS. However, it does not consider the NUMA (Nonuniform Memory Access) architecture. In this paper, we propose a NUMA-aware thread and resource scheduling for optimized data transfer in terabit network. First, we propose distributed RMA buffers to reduce memory controller contention in CPU sockets and then schedule the threads based on CPU socket and NUMA nodes inside CPU socket to reduce memory access latency. We design and implement the proposed resource and thread scheduling in the existing LADS framework. Experimental results showed from 21.7% to 44% improvement with memory-level optimizations in the LADS framework as compared to the baseline without any optimization.
Free In‐Plane Vibration Analysis of Circular, Annular, and Sector Plates Using Isogeometric Approach
Authors: Qin Xiaohui , Jin Guoyong , Chen Mingfei , Yin Shaoping
Published: May 2018

The in‐plane free vibration of sector, annular, and circular plates is investigated by isogeometric finite element approach on the basis of nonuniform rational B‐spline (NURBS) basis functions. Under the current framework, both the displacement field and geometry of the sector, annular, and circular plates are modeled by NURBS basis functions to bridge the gap between the design of geometry and the analysis of variable field. The NURBS basic functions can not only preserve the exact geometry of sector, annular, and circular plates, but also provide higher continuity of basis function and its derivatives. The governing equations can be derived by employing the principle of virtual work and the desired solutions are obtained by using the Arnoldi Method. Several numerical examples of sector, annular, and circular plates are performed, and three refinement schemes (the h‐, p‐, and k‐refinement strategies) are applied to demonstrate the convergence. Then the effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed approach are validated through comparisons with results obtained from the finite element analysis as well as open available literature. On this basis, some new numerical results of frequency parameters with mode shapes are shown and may be used as benchmark results for the vibration investigation in the future. In addition, the effects of sector angles and ratio of inside to outside radii on the in‐plane vibration of sector, annular, and circular plates under different boundary conditions are fully demonstrated.
The Preparation and Characterization of Tourmaline-Containing Functional Copolymer p (VST/MMA/BA)
Authors: Hu Yingmo , Li Yunhua , Li Mengcan , Lv Guocheng , Liu Quan , Hou Chunyan
Published: May 2018

Tourmaline was modified with vinyl triethoxysilane containing double bond to prepare the polymerizable organic vinylsiliconoxyl tourmaline (VST) and then copolymerized with methyl methacrylate (MMA) and butyl acrylate (BA) to produce the tourmaline-containing functional copolymer p (VST/MMA/BA). The structures and morphologies of VST and p (VST/MMA/BA) copolymer were characterized by IR, SEM, and EDX. The experimental results indicated that tourmaline was introduced into the copolymer via surface modification and the tourmaline-containing functional copolymer was obtained by a copolymerization process with MMA and BA. The prepared p (VST/MMA/BA) copolymer displayed excellent storage stabilities, high far-infrared radiation and negative ion releasing performances, and good mechanical properties.
Pavement Analysis and Design by Multiphysics Reconstructing Algorithm for the Virtual Asphalt Mixture Based on the Discrete‐Element Method
Authors: Wang Danhua , Ding Xunhao , Ma Tao , Zhang Weiguang , Zhang Deyu
Published: May 2018

Based on the Particle Flow Code in Two dimensions (PFC2D), an algorithm for modeling the two‐dimensional virtual asphalt mixture was proposed in this study. By combining the AIMS scanning technology (Aggregate Imaging Measurement System) with the designed stochastic algorithm, the virtual coarse aggregates could be generated rapidly and precisely. Different from the conventional methods, the contour shapes of the coarse aggregates were rebuilt only to balance the shape modeling precision and simulation efficiency. Then by distributing the coarse particles within container, virtual skeletons were formed firstly. An innovate algorithm was proposed afterwards to distinguish the external and internal area of the coarse aggregates and then model the mastic part by filling the irregular hollow shape with uniformly arranged balls. By deleting the mastic balls randomly, the voids were reconstructed consistent with the actual ratio. In the end, the virtual uniaxial compressive tests of AC‐16 were simulated within PFC2D and the dynamic modulus at different load frequencies was predicted. The results indicated that the proposed algorithm could not only model the asphalt mixture precisely but also characterized its mechanical behavior as well.
Knitted 3D Scaffolds of Polybutylene Succinate Support Human Mesenchymal Stem Cell Growth and Osteogenesis
Authors: Ojansivu Miina , Johansson Laura , Vanhatupa Sari , Tamminen Ilmari , Hannula Markus , Hyttinen Jari , Kellomäki Minna , Miettinen Susanna
Published: May 2018

Polybutylene succinate (PBS) is a biodegradable polyester with better processability and different mechanical properties compared to polylactides (PLAs), the most commonly used synthetic polymers in tissue engineering (TE). Since only few studies have evaluated PBS-containing materials for bone TE, we prepared PLA-PBS blends and analyzed material properties as well as cell attachment, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) on scaffolds. In addition to PLA, PBS, and PLA-PBS blends, PLA-polycaprolactone and PLA-poly(trimethylene carbonate) blends were evaluated. Polymer fibers were prepared using melt spinning. Pure PBS was observed to have the highest crystallinity and strain at break compared to the tougher PLA and PLA blends. No degradation occurred during the 4-week hydrolysis in either of the materials. Knitted and rolled scaffolds were manufactured, seeded with hMSCs, and cultured for 27 days. Human MSC viability was good on all the materials, but cell spreading along the fibers was only detected in PBS-containing scaffolds. They also induced the strongest proliferative response and osteogenic differentiation, which diminished with decreasing PBS content. Based on these results, PBS is superior to PLA with respect to hMSC attachment, proliferation, and osteogenesis. This encourages utilizing PBS-based biomaterials more widely in bone TE applications.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects of an Extract of Polygonum hydropiper Stalks on 2,4,6-Trinitrobenzenesulphonic Acid-Induced Intestinal Inflammation in Rats by Inhibiting the NF-κB Pathway
Authors: Zhang Wei , Pan Yingni , Qu Shouhe , Wang Dongmei , Cheng Song , Liu Xiaoqiu
Published: May 2018

The stalks of Polygonum hydropiper L. (PHL) have been traditionally used in clinical practice for thousands of years in China to treat various inflammatory diseases. However, little research has been conducted to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of PHL on TNBS-induced intestinal inflammation in rats. The aim of the present study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects and to explain the underlying mechanism of PHL on TNBS-induced intestinal inflammation in rats. PHL (125, 250, and 500 mg/kg) was given for 7 consecutive days to rats with intestinal inflammation induced by TNBS. Oral administration of an aqueous extract of a high dose of PHL (H-PHL) significantly improved TNBS-induced symptoms such as the macroscopic score and histological examination. H-PHL treatment significantly ameliorated the activity of MPO and improved the GSH content. In addition, there was a downregulation of the TNBS-induced increase in the activity of iNOS and levels of Cox-2, TNF-α, and IL-1β while the protein expression of NF-κB was significantly unregulated after administration of H-PHL. The present findings suggested that H-PHL has a protective effect on experimental intestinal inflammation in rats and its anti-inflammatory effects are closely related to inhibition of NF-κB signal pathways.
The Location-Routing Problem with Full Truckloads in Low-Carbon Supply Chain Network Designing
Authors: Chen Cheng , Qiu Rongzu , Hu Xisheng
Published: May 2018

In recent years, low-carbon supply chain network design has been the focus of studies as the development of low-carbon economy. The location-routing problem with full truckloads (LRPFT) is investigated in this paper, which extends the existing studies on the LRP to full truckloads problem within the regional many-to-many raw material supply network. A mathematical model with dual objectives of minimizing total cost and environmental effects simultaneously is developed to determine the number and locations of facilities and optimize the flows among different kinds of nodes and routes of trucks as well. A novel multiobjective hybrid approach named NSGA-II-TS is proposed by combining a known multiobjective algorithm, NSGA-II, and a known heuristics, Tabu Search (TS). A chromosome presentation based on natural number and modified partially mapping crossover operator for the LRPFT are designed. Finally, the computational effectiveness of the hybrid approach is validated by the numerical results and a practical case study is applied to demonstrate the tradeoff between total cost and CO2 emission in the LRPFT.
Long‐Zhi Decoction Medicated Serum Promotes Angiogenesis in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells Based on Autophagy
Authors: He Quan , Liu Qihua , Chen Yongbin , Meng Jiaquan , Zou Ling
Published: May 2018

Ischemic stroke (IS) is a fatal subtype of stroke that lacks effective treatments. Angiogenesis following IS is an effective response that mediates brain recovery and repair. Our previous study demonstrated that long‐zhi decoction (LZD), a Chinese herbal formula, promoted angiogenesis in rats of IS model. To further investigate the association between the proangiogenic mechanism of an LZD‐medicated serum and cellular autophagy, we evaluated its promotional effect on angiogenesis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in vitro. We used HUVECs subjected to H2O2 to induce injury and observed the effects of the LZD‐medicated serum treatment. Cell‐based assays included proliferation, migration, and tube formation. To assess the extent of autophagy, transmission electron microscopy was used to measure the number of autophagosomes. Immunofluorescence and Western blotting were performed to evaluate the autophagy‐related protein of LC3‐II and Beclin‐1. The LZD‐medicated serum promoted proliferation, migration, and tube formation in HUVECs. The LZD‐medicated serum also increased the autophagosomes and the autophagic protein expressions of LC3‐II and Beclin‐1. The proangiogenic and autophagic activity of LZD provides new cogitations to its clinical application and may lead to potential drug development for treating various vascular diseases, especially in the elderly, in the future.
Mycotic Renal Artery Aneurysm Presenting as Critical Limb Ischemia in Culture-Negative Endocarditis
Authors: Ho Vy Thuy , Itoga Nathan K. , Wu Tiffany , Sorial Ehab , Garcia-Toca Manuel
Published: May 2018

Mycotic renal artery aneurysms are rare and can be difficult to diagnose. Classic symptoms such as hematuria, hypertension, or abdominal pain can be vague or nonexistent. We report a case of a 53-year-old woman with a history of intravenous drug abuse presenting with critical limb ischemia, in which CT angiography identified a mycotic renal aneurysm. This aneurysm tripled in size from 0.46 cm to 1.65 cm in a 3-week interval. Echocardiography demonstrated aortic valve vegetations leading to a diagnosis of culture-negative endocarditis. The patient underwent primary resection and repair of the aneurysm, aortic valve replacement, and left below-knee amputation after bilateral common iliac and left superficial femoral artery stenting. At 1-year follow-up, her serum creatinine is stable and repaired artery remains patent.
Vibration of Antisymmetric Angle-Ply Laminated Plates of Higher-Order Theory with Variable Thickness
Authors: Hafizah A. K. Nor , Lee J. H. , Aziz Z. A. , Viswanathan K. K.
Published: May 2018

Free vibration of antisymmetric angle-ply laminated plates with variable thickness is studied. Higher-order shear deformation plate theory (HSDT) is introduced in the present method to remove the shear correction factors and improve the accuracy of transverse shear stresses. The thickness variations are assumed to be linear, exponential, and sinusoidal. The coupled differential equations are obtained in terms of displacement and rotational functions and approximated using cubic and quantic spline. A generalized eigenvalue problem is obtained and solved numerically by employing the eigensolution techniques with eigenvectors as spline coefficients to obtain the required frequencies. The results of numerical calculations are presented for laminated plates with simply supported boundary conditions. Comparisons of the current solutions and those reported in literature are provided to verify the accuracy of the proposed method. The effects of aspect ratio, number of layers, ply-angles, side-to-thickness ratio, and materials on the free vibration of cylindrical plates are discussed in detail.
Tissue Engineering of Large Full-Size Meniscus Defects by a Polyurethane Scaffold: Accelerated Regeneration by Mesenchymal Stromal Cells
Authors: Koch Matthias , Achatz Felix P. , Lang Siegmund , Pfeifer Christian G. , Pattappa Girish , Kujat Richard , Nerlich Michael , Angele Peter , Zellner Johannes
Published: May 2018

The endogenous healing potential of avascular meniscal lesions is poor. Up to now, partial meniscectomy is still the treatment of choice for meniscal lesions within the avascular area. However, the large loss of meniscus substance predisposes the knee for osteoarthritic changes. Tissue engineering techniques for the replacement of such lesions could be a promising alternative treatment option. Thus, a polyurethane scaffold, which is already in clinical use, loaded with mesenchymal stromal cells, was analyzed for the repair of critical meniscus defects in the avascular zone. Large, approximately 7 mm broad meniscus lesions affecting both the avascular and vascular area of the lateral rabbit meniscus were treated with polyurethane scaffolds either loaded or unloaded with mesenchymal stromal cells. Menisci were harvested at 6 and 12 weeks after initial surgery. Both cell-free and cell-loaded approaches led to well-integrated and stable meniscus-like repair tissue. However, an accelerated healing was achieved by the application of mesenchymal stromal cells. Dense vascularization was detected throughout the repair tissue of both treatment groups. Overall, the polyurethane scaffold seems to promote the vessel ingrowth. The application of mesenchymal stromal cells has the potential to speed up the healing process.
Some Properties of Solutions for Someq-Difference Equations Containing Painlevé Equation
Authors: Zhao Peng Jun , Xu Hong Yan
Published: May 2018

The existence and growth of meromorphic solutionsf(z)for someq-difference equations are studied, and some estimates for the exponent of convergence of poles ofΔqf,Δq2f,Δqf/f, andΔq2f/fare also obtained. Our theorems are improvements and extensions of the previous results.
Recombinant Enolase of Trypanosoma cruzi as a Novel Vaccine Candidate against Chagas Disease in a Mouse Model of Acute Infection
Authors: Arce-Fonseca Minerva , González-Vázquez María Cristina , Rodríguez-Morales Olivia , Graullera-Rivera Verónica , Aranda-Fraustro Alberto , Reyes Pedro A. , Carabarin-Lima Alejandro , Rosales-Encina José Luis
Published: May 2018

Trypanosoma cruzi is the protozoan parasite that causes Chagas disease, which is considered by the World Health Organization to be a neglected tropical disease. Two drugs exist for the treatment of Chagas disease, nifurtimox and benznidazole; they are only effective in the acute phase, and a vaccine is currently not available. In this study, we used the recombinant enolase from T. cruzi H8 strain (MHOM/MX/1992/H8 Yucatán) (rTcENO) and its encoding DNA (pBKTcENO) to immunize mice and evaluate their protective effects in an experimental murine model of acute phase infection. Our results showed that mice vaccinated with rTcENO or its encoding DNA were able to generate typical specific antibodies (IgG1, IgG2a, and IgG2b), suggesting that a mixed Th1/Th2 immune response was induced. The parasite burden in the blood was reduced to 69.8% and 71% in mice vaccinated with rTcENO and pBKTcENO, respectively. The group vaccinated with rTcENO achieved 75% survival, in contrast to the group vaccinated with pBKTcENO that showed no survival in comparison to the control groups. Moreover, rTcENO immunization elevated the production of IFN-γ and IL-2 after the parasite challenge, suggesting that the Th1-type immune response was polarized. These results indicated that rTcENO could be used as a vaccine against Chagas disease.
Analytical Approach to Circulating Current Mitigation in Hexagram Converter-Based Grid-Connected Photovoltaic Systems Using Multiwinding Coupled Inductors
Authors: Al-Shamma’a Abdullrahman A. , Noman Abdullah M. , Addoweesh Khaled E. , Alabduljabbar Ayman A. , Alolah A. I.
Published: May 2018

The hexagram multilevel converter (HMC) is composed of six conventional two-level voltage source converters (VSCs), where each VSC module is connected to a string of PV arrays. The VSC modules are connected through inductors, which are essential to minimize the circulating current. Selecting inductors with suitable inductance is no simple process, where the inductance value should be large to minimize the circulating current as well as small to reduce an extra voltage drop. This paper analyzes the utilization of a multiwinding (e.g., two, three, and six windings) coupled inductor to interconnect the six VSC modules instead of six single inductors, to minimize the circulating current inside the HMC. Then, a theoretical relationship between the total impedance to the circulating current, the number of coupled inductor windings, and the magnetizing inductance is derived. Owing to the coupled inductors, the impedance on the circulating current path is a multiple of six times the magnetizing inductance, whereas the terminal voltage is slightly affected by the leakage inductance. The HMC is controlled to work under variable solar radiation, providing active power to the grid. Additional functions such as DSTATCOM, during daytime, are also demonstrated. The controller performance is found to be satisfactory for both active and reactive power supplies.
Multimodality Molecular Imaging-Guided Tumor Border Delineation and Photothermal Therapy Analysis Based on Graphene Oxide-Conjugated Gold Nanoparticles Chelated with Gd
Authors: Ma Xibo , Jin Yushen , Wang Yi , Zhang Shuai , Peng Dong , Yang Xin , Wei Shoushui , Chai Wei , Li Xuejun , Tian Jie
Published: May 2018

Tumor cell complete extinction is a crucial measure to evaluate antitumor efficacy. The difficulties in defining tumor margins and finding satellite metastases are the reason for tumor recurrence. A synergistic method based on multimodality molecular imaging needs to be developed so as to achieve the complete extinction of the tumor cells. In this study, graphene oxide conjugated with gold nanostars and chelated with Gd through 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-N,N′,N,N′-tetraacetic acid (DOTA) (GO-AuNS-DOTA-Gd) were prepared to target HCC-LM3-fLuc cells and used for therapy. For subcutaneous tumor, multimodality molecular imaging including photoacoustic imaging (PAI) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and the related processing techniques were used to monitor the pharmacokinetics process of GO-AuNS-DOTA-Gd in order to determine the optimal time for treatment. For orthotopic tumor, MRI was used to delineate the tumor location and margin in vivo before treatment. Then handheld photoacoustic imaging system was used to determine the tumor location during the surgery and guided the photothermal therapy. The experiment result based on orthotopic tumor demonstrated that this synergistic method could effectively reduce tumor residual and satellite metastases by 85.71% compared with the routine photothermal method without handheld PAI guidance. These results indicate that this multimodality molecular imaging-guided photothermal therapy method is promising with a good prospect in clinical application.
PML Recruits TET2 to Regulate DNA Modification and Cell Proliferation in Response to Chemotherapeutic Agent
Authors: Song Chengli , Wang Lina , Wu Xiaoyan , Wang Kai , Xie Dan , Xiao Qi , Li Songyu , Jiang Kui , Liao Lujian , Yates John R. , Lee Jiing-Dwan , Yang Qingkai
Published: May 2018

Aberrant DNA methylation plays a critical role in the development and progression of cancer. Failure to demethylate and to consequently reactivate methylation-silenced genes in cancer contributes to chemotherapeutic resistance, yet the regulatory mechanisms of DNA demethylation in response to chemotherapeutic agents remain unclear. Here, we show that promyelocytic leukemia (PML) recruits ten–eleven translocation dioxygenase 2 (TET2) to regulate DNA modification and cell proliferation in response to chemotherapeutic agents. TET2 was required by multiple chemotherapeutic agents (such as doxorubicin) to prmote 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) formation. Stable isotope labeling with amino acids in cell culture, followed by immunoprecipitation–mass spectrometry, identified potential binding partners of TET2, of which PML mostly enhanced 5hmC formation. PML physically bound to TET2 via the PML C-terminal domain and recruited TET2 to PML-positive nuclear bodies. This interaction was disrupted by the PML-RARA t(15;17) mutation, which stems from chromosomal translocation between DNA encoding the C-terminal domain of PML and the retinoic acid receptor alpha (RARA) gene. In response to chemotherapeutic drugs, PML recruited TET2, regulated DNA modification, reactivated methylation-silenced genes, and impaired cell proliferation. Knockout of PML abolished doxorubicin-promoted DNA modification. In addition, PML and TET2 levels positively correlated with improved overall survival in patients with head and neck cancer. These findings shed insight into the regulatory mechanisms of DNA modification in response to chemotherapeutic agents.

Significance: Promyeloctic leukemia protein recruits TET2, regulating DNA modification and cell proliferation in response to chemotherapeutic agents. Cancer Res; 78(10); 2475–89. ©2018 AACR.
miRNA Profiling of Magnetic Nanopore–Isolated Extracellular Vesicles for the Diagnosis of Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Ko Jina , Bhagwat Neha , Black Taylor , Yee Stephanie S. , Na Young-Ji , Fisher Stephen , Kim Junhyong , Carpenter Erica L. , Stanger Ben Z. , Issadore David
Published: May 2018

Improved diagnostics for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) to detect the disease at earlier, curative stages and to guide treatments is crucial to progress against this disease. The development of a liquid biopsy for PDAC has proven challenging due to the sparsity and variable phenotypic expression of circulating biomarkers. Here we report methods we developed for isolating specific subsets of extracellular vesicles (EV) from plasma using a novel magnetic nanopore capture technique. In addition, we present a workflow for identifying EV miRNA biomarkers using RNA sequencing and machine-learning algorithms, which we used in combination to classify distinct cancer states. Applying this approach to a mouse model of PDAC, we identified a biomarker panel of 11 EV miRNAs that could distinguish mice with PDAC from either healthy mice or those with precancerous lesions in a training set of n = 27 mice and a user-blinded validation set of n = 57 mice (88% accuracy in a three-way classification). These results provide strong proof-of-concept support for the feasibility of using EV miRNA profiling and machine learning for liquid biopsy.

Significance: These findings present a panel of extracellular vesicle miRNA blood-based biomarkers that can detect pancreatic cancer at a precancerous stage in a transgenic mouse model. Cancer Res; 78(13); 3688–97. ©2018 AACR.
miR-339 Promotes Development of Stem Cell Leukemia/Lymphoma Syndrome via Downregulation of the BCL2L11 and BAX Proapoptotic Genes
Authors: Hu Tianxiang , Chong Yating , Lu Sumin , Wang Rebecca , Qin Haiyan , Silva Jeane , Kitamura Eiko , Chang Chang-Sheng , Hawthorn LesleyAnn , Cowell John K.
Published: May 2018

The development of myeloid and lymphoid neoplasms related to overexpression of FGFR1 kinases as a result of chromosome translocations depends on the promotion of a stem cell phenotype, suppression of terminal differentiation, and resistance to apoptosis. These phenotypes are related to the stem cell leukemia/lymphoma syndrome (SCLL), which arises through the effects of the activated FGFR1 kinase on gene transcription, which includes miRNA dysregulation. In a screen for miRNAs that are directly regulated by FGFR1, and which stimulate cell proliferation and survival, we identified miR-339-5p, which is highly upregulated in cells carrying various different chimeric kinases. Overexpression of miR-339-5p in SCLL cell types enhances cell survival and inhibition of its function leads to reduced cell viability. miR-339-5p overexpression protects cells from the consequences of FGFR1 inactivation, promoting cell-cycle progression and reduced apoptosis. Transient luciferase reporter assays and qRT-PCR detection of endogenous miR-339-5p expression in stably transduced cell lines demonstrated that BCR-FGFR1 can directly regulate miR-339-5p expression. This correlation between miR-339-5p and FGFR1 expression is also seen in primary human B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia. In a screen to identify targets of miR-339-5p, we identified and verified the BCL2L11 and BAX genes, which can promote apoptosis. In vivo, SCLL cells forced to overexpress miR-339-5p show a more rapid onset of disease and poorer survival compared with parental cells expressing endogenous levels of miR-339-5p. Analysis of human primary B-cell precursor ALL shows a significant higher expression of miR339-5p compared with the two cohorts of CLL patient samples, suggesting direct roles in disease progression and supporting the evidence generated in mouse models of SCLL.

Significance: Proapoptiotic genes that are direct targets of miR-339-5p significantly influence promotion and aggressive development of leukemia/lymphomas associated with FGFR1 overexpression. Cancer Res; 78(13); 3522–31. ©2018 AACR.
Loss of MED12 Induces Tumor Dormancy in Human Epithelial Ovarian Cancer via Downregulation of EGFR
Authors: Luo Xiao-Lin , Deng Cheng-Cheng , Su Xiao-Dong , Wang Fang , Chen Zhen , Wu Xing-Ping , Liang Shao-Bo , Liu Ji-Hong , Fu Li-Wu
Published: May 2018

A high rate of disease relapse makes epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) the leading cause of death among all gynecologic malignancies. These relapses are often due to tumor dormancy. Here we identify the RNA polymerase II transcriptional mediator subunit 12 (MED12) as an important molecular regulator of tumor dormancy. MED12 knockout (KO) induced dormancy of EOC cells in vitro and in vivo, and microarray analysis showed that MED12 KO decreased expression of EGFR. Restoration of EGFR expression in MED12 KO cells restored proliferation. Additionally, MED12 bound to the promoter of EGFR, and correlation studies showed that MED12 expression positively correlated with EGFR expression in EOC patient samples. Clinical data demonstrated that chemotherapy-resistant patients expressed lower levels of MED12 compared with responsive patients. Overall, our data show that MED12 plays an important role in regulating dormancy of EOC through regulation of EGFR.

Significance: MED12 is identified as a novel, important regulator of tumor dormancy in human ovarian cancer. Cancer Res; 78(13); 3532–43. ©2018 AACR.
«Hilfe aus dem App-Store?»: Eine systematische Übersichtsarbeit und Evaluation von Apps zur Anwendung bei Depressionen
Authors: Terhorst Yannik , Rathner Eva-Maria , Baumeister Harald , Sander Lasse
Published: May 2018

Hintergrund: In Deutschland sind etwa 4,9 Millionen Menschen an Depressionen erkrankt. Depressionen sind für die Betroffenen und die Gesellschaft mit enormen Belastungen verbunden. Gesundheits-Apps haben hier das Potenzial, die Versorgungslage zu verbessern. Das Ziel dieser systematischen Übersichtsarbeit ist es, die Qualität, Inhalte und Praxisrelevanz von deutschsprachigen Apps für die Anwendung bei Depressionen zu untersuchen. Methode: Die deutschen Google-Play- und iTunes-Stores wurden systematisch nach Apps durchsucht, die explizit mit der Thematik «Depression/Depressivität» warben. Die so ermittelten Apps wurden mithilfe einer Skala zur Einschätzung der Qualität (Mobile Application Rating Scale) von 2 unabhängigen Gutachtern bewertet. Apps mit überdurchschnittlichem Rating wurden von 2 praktisch tätigen Verhaltenstherapeuten im Hinblick auf ihren Nutzen für die klinische Praxis beurteilt. Ergebnisse: Von 1156 identifizierten Apps wurden 38 eingeschlossen. Inhaltlich reichten diese von Informations- bis zu Interventions-Apps. Die Apps wiesen eine mittlere Gesamtqualität auf (M = 3,01; Standardabweichung = 0,56). Vier Apps zeigten überdurchschnittliche Werte. Sie wurden durch 2 Psychotherapeuten getestet und als bedingt empfehlenswert für die klinische Praxis beurteilt. Zu keiner der eingeschlossenen Apps konnte eine Wirksamkeitsstudie gefunden werden. Schlussfolgerungen: Deutschsprachige Depressions-Apps weisen qualitative Mängel auf. Zusätzlich fehlt es an klinischen Studien zum Nutzen und zu Risiken, weshalb der Einsatz in der klinischen Praxis nur bedingt empfohlen werden kann. Ein Gütesiegel für qualitativ hochwertige und praxisrelevante Gesundheits-Apps könnte Nutzer vor Fehlinformationen und Missbrauch schützen und Leistungserbringern den Einsatz digitaler Medien substanziell erleichtern.