bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polymeric Hollow Fibers: State of the Art Review of Their Preparation, Characterization and Applications in Different Research Areas
Authors: Khulbe K.C. , Feng C. , Matsuura T. , Khayet M.
Published: November 2018

In this article an attempt is made to review critically the papers published recently on polymeric hollow fibers and hollow fiber membranes. Hollow fiber membranes emerged in early nineteen sixties at almost the same time as the announcement of the cellulose acetate reverse osmosis membrane for seawater desalination by Loeb and Sourirajan. Since then, the hollow fiber technology has progressed along with the industrial membrane separation processes. Today, hollow fiber membranes are being used in every sector of the manufacturing industry, including gas and vapor separation, seawater desalination and waste water treatment. The fabrication of a hollow fiber membrane with a desirable pore–size distribution and performance is not an easy task. There are many factors controlling fiber morphology during the phase inversion process and, at present, we are not able to say that we fully understand the phenomena involved in the fabrication of hollow fibers. Nevertheless, there has been a large amount of knowledge accumulated during the past fifteen years, which has been supported by an equally large amount of efforts by many researchers. This paper attempts to summarize those works. The authors could however look into only those reports which have appeared in scientific journals and few patents, and they are fully aware that there must be much more information that has not surfaced to the journal publication. It is also the authors’ intention to show the future direction including the research topics that have been studied only little or not at all.
Preparation and Characterization of Various Membrane Morphologies for Lateral Flow Immunoassay Development
Authors: Ahmad A. L. , Low S. C. , Abd Shukor S. R. , Ismail A.
Published: November 2018

Lateral flow in nitrocellulose membrane is widely used as the transport medium in immunological test strips. The immunoassay performance depends greatly on the binding mechanism on membrane surface. If the membrane structures could be controlled precisely, various kinds of immunological analysis could be performed effectively and accurately. This study is aimed at a quantitative understanding on (1) the sensitivity of protein quantification on membrane surface by using densitometer and (2) comparison of the protein binding ability on different membrane surface pore structures. Concentration of immobilised protein on membrane surface was measured as a function of colour intensity, which is initially stained with Ponceau S. The findings showed that membrane morphologies significantly affect the sensitivity of membrane protein binding ability. Depending on the membrane pore structures, different red spot sharpness and intensities were observed from the stained protein dot. Membrane with smaller pore creates higher protein immobilization density and thus, increases the sensitivity level of the assay. However, larger membrane pore structure is necessary to induce rapid migration rate for faster assay.
Solid–liquid Separation of Activated Sludge by Flotation Using Microporous Ceramic Diffuser
Authors: Hong S. W. , Park C. , Chung T. H. , Choi Y. S.
Published: November 2018

Dissolved air flotation (DAF) is the most widely used to separate particles from liquid. However, the main disadvantage of DAF systems is the increased operating cost due to the energy requirements for the high pressure water recycling and air compressing. In this study, alumina–based porous ceramic diffusers which can produce microbubbles at low pressure regions have been developed in order to separate and thicken activated sludge solids. No bubble was generated at lower pressure (< 0.2 bar), whereas too large bubbles were generated at higher than 2.0 bar. At 1.8 bar, more than 70% of the bubbles had a diameter ranged from 20 to 60 μm. According the experimental results, the separation and thickening efficiency was mainly dependant on solid loading rate (SLR) and air to solid (A/S) ratio. When the sludge with a concentration of exceeding 5,000 mg/L was continuously fed into the flotation tank, the thickened concentration was measured to be higher than 20,000 mg/L, while SS concentrations in the clarified effluent were ranged from 5 to 10 mg/L. The experimental results revealed that the use of microporous ceramic diffusers could provide an economical, easy and reliable means of separating suspended solids (e.g., biological flocs) from liquid.
Biocatalytic Synthesis of Angiotensin–converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitor Drug Precursors Using Membrane Bioreactor: A Review
Authors: Ahmad A. L. , Oh P. C. , Abd. Shukor S. R.
Published: November 2018

Over the past decade, the production of angiotensin–converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor drug intermediates has become increasingly important in the pharmaceutical industry. The most significant clinical application of ACE inhibitors is in the management of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases, particularly congestive heart failure (CHF). A number of chemical methods have been reported thus far for the synthesis of ACE inhibitor precursors. However, chemical methods generally suffer from process complexity, high cost, and environmental pollution. On the other hand, enantiomerically pure ACE inhibitor drug precursors can be obtained elegantly and efficiently by employing biocatalytic methods, where it appears to be the most attractive process in terms of potential industrial applications and green chemistry. In the recent past, membranes are expeditiously used in the enzyme–catalyzed synthesis of optically active pharmaceutical compounds on laboratory and industrial scales, being incorporated in membrane bioreactor system. This technique can be applied for the repeated use of the enzymes in the synthesis via retention or immobilization, especially when dealing with costly biocatalysts. Herein we review the enzymatic synthesis of vital ACE inhibitor drug precursors as potentially useful intermediates in the synthesis of pharmaceutical products, in environmentally friendly condition, using membrane bioreactor for biotransformation.
Posttraumatic hip bulging mimicking an abscess in a patient with hip prosthesis: the role of ultrasonography
Authors: Damian Laura Otilia , Simon Siao-pin , Felea Ioana , Coman Mihaela , Fodor Daniela , Voica Cezara Mariana
Published: November 2018

A 48-yr old female patient, with stage 4 rheumatoid arthritis, who had undergone multiple joint prostheses including four arthroplasties of the left hip, presented for a sudden-onset large bulge on the left thigh, after a minor local injury. Orthopedic examination and radiography excluded fractures. Ultrasonography revealed a large mixed hypo- and hyperechoic collection,with no Doppler signal, but with comet tail artifacts. Repeated cultures from the collection were negative. Fluid analysis revealed increased quantities of titanium and cobalt. The sudden-onset deformity and fluid collection were in favor of a shear lesion (Morel-Lavallée). The new collection communicated with a previously asymptomatic periprosthetic aseptic abscess, mimicking an infection. To our knowledge, Morel-Lavallée shear lesions have not been described in patients with hip prostheses. Their presence may add to the difficulties of ruling out silent infections in such patients. Ultrasonography is a very effective method for the diagnosis and follow-up of collections in this setting.
Vote heralds fresh start for science panel
Authors: Mervis Jeffrey
Published: November 2018

Democratic win of House of Representatives will bring new tone to research issues.
Technology Feature | Protein expression, revisited
Authors: Smith Caitlin
Published: November 2018

An integral tool in biological research, protein expression is increasingly important as a pharmaceutical production mechanism for biological therapeutics. The ability to direct the ultimate nature of proteins depends largely on the degree of control researchers have over the final product. The combination of old technologies—such as artificial enzymes—and new next-generation expression systems is revitalizing protein expression protocols.
Mutations in LZTR1 drive human disease by dysregulating RAS ubiquitination
Authors: Steklov M. , Pandolfi S. , Baietti M. F. , Batiuk A. , Carai P. , Najm P. , Zhang M. , Jang H. , Renzi F. , Cai Y. , Abbasi Asbagh L. , Pastor T. , De Troyer M. , Simicek M. , Radaelli E. , Brems H. , Legius E. , Tavernier J. , Gevaert K. , Impens F. , Messiaen L. , Nussinov R. , Heymans S. , Eyckerman S. , Sablina A. A.
Published: November 2018

Regulation of RAS by ubiquitination

The protein LZTR1 is mutated in human cancers and developmental diseases. Work from two groups now converges to implicate the protein in regulating signaling by the small guanosine triphosphatase RAS. Steklov
et al.
showed that mice haploinsufficient for LZTR1 recapitulated aspects of the human disease Noonan syndrome. Their biochemical studies showed that LZTR1 associated with RAS. LZTR1 appears to function as an adaptor that promotes ubiquitination of RAS, thus inhibiting its signaling functions. Bigenzahn
et al.
found LZTR1 in a screen for proteins whose absence led to resistance to the tyrosine kinase inhibitors used to treat cancers caused by the BCR-ABL oncogene product. Their biochemical studies and genetic studies in fruitflies also showed that loss of LZTR1 led to increased activity of RAS and signaling through the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway.

Science
, this issue p.
1177
, p.
1171
Small-molecule inhibitor of OGG1 suppresses proinflammatory gene expression and inflammation
Authors: Visnes Torkild , Cázares-Körner Armando , Hao Wenjing , Wallner Olov , Masuyer Geoffrey , Loseva Olga , Mortusewicz Oliver , Wiita Elisée , Sarno Antonio , Manoilov Aleksandr , Astorga-Wells Juan , Jemth Ann-Sofie , Pan Lang , Sanjiv Kumar , Karsten Stella , Gokturk Camilla , Grube Maurice , Homan Evert J. , Hanna Bishoy M. F. , Paulin Cynthia B. J. , Pham Therese , Rasti Azita , Berglund Ulrika Warpman , von Nicolai Catharina , Benitez-Buelga Carlos , Koolmeister Tobias , Ivanic Dag , Iliev Petar , Scobie Martin , Krokan Hans E. , Baranczewski Pawel , Artursson Per , Altun Mikael , Jensen Annika Jenmalm , Kalderén Christina , Ba Xueqing , Zubarev Roman A. , Stenmark Pål , Boldogh Istvan , Helleday Thomas
Published: November 2018

DNA binding as an anti-inflammatory

Mice that lack the gene encoding 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase 1 (OGG1) show resistance to inflammation. This enzyme binds to sites of oxidative DNA damage and initiates DNA base excision repair. Visnes
et al.
developed a small-molecule drug that acts as a potent and selective active-site inhibitor that stops OGG1 from recognizing its DNA substrate (see the Perspective by Samson). The drug inhibited DNA repair and modified OGG1 chromatin dynamics, which resulted in the inhibition of proinflammatory pathway genes. The drug was well tolerated by mice and suppressed lipopolysaccharide- and tumor necrosis factor–α–mediated neutrophilic inflammation in the lungs.

Science
, this issue p.
834
; see also p.
748
Templated nanofiber synthesis via chemical vapor polymerization into liquid crystalline films
Authors: Cheng Kenneth C. K. , Bedolla-Pantoja Marco A. , Kim Young-Ki , Gregory Jason V. , Xie Fan , de France Alexander , Hussal Christoph , Sun Kai , Abbott Nicholas L. , Lahann Joerg
Published: November 2018

Patterned fiber formation

The ability of liquid crystalline materials to order spontaneously has driven many innovations, from display technologies to extremely tough polymer fibers. Cheng
et al.
exploited this preponderance toward long-range ordering to direct the growth of nonliquid crystalline polymers into sheets of highly ordered fibers. Small changes to the processing conditions could be used to tweak the arrangement of the liquid crystals to generate a wide range of polymer mats or sheets for potential use in sensing or filtration applications.

Science
, this issue p.
804
A time to fast
Authors: Di Francesco Andrea , Di Germanio Clara , Bernier Michel , de Cabo Rafael
Published: November 2018

Nutrient composition and caloric intake have traditionally been used to devise optimized diets for various phases of life. Adjustment of meal size and frequency have emerged as powerful tools to ameliorate and postpone the onset of disease and delay aging, whereas periods of fasting, with or without reduced energy intake, can have profound health benefits. The underlying physiological processes involve periodic shifts of metabolic fuel sources, promotion of repair mechanisms, and the optimization of energy utilization for cellular and organismal health. Future research endeavors should be directed to the integration of a balanced nutritious diet with controlled meal size and patterns and periods of fasting to develop better strategies to prevent, postpone, and treat the socioeconomical burden of chronic diseases associated with aging.
Dietary fat: From foe to friend?
Authors: Ludwig David S. , Willett Walter C. , Volek Jeff S. , Neuhouser Marian L.
Published: November 2018

For decades, dietary advice was based on the premise that high intakes of fat cause obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and possibly cancer. Recently, evidence for the adverse metabolic effects of processed carbohydrate has led to a resurgence in interest in lower-carbohydrate and ketogenic diets with high fat content. However, some argue that the relative quantity of dietary fat and carbohydrate has little relevance to health and that focus should instead be placed on which particular fat or carbohydrate sources are consumed. This review, by nutrition scientists with widely varying perspectives, summarizes existing evidence to identify areas of broad consensus amid ongoing controversy regarding macronutrients and chronic disease.
Structure of human TFIID and mechanism of TBP loading onto promoter DNA
Authors: Patel Avinash B. , Louder Robert K. , Greber Basil J. , Grünberg Sebastian , Luo Jie , Fang Jie , Liu Yutong , Ranish Jeff , Hahn Steve , Nogales Eva
Published: November 2018

Mechanism of promoter recognition

To start transcription, RNA polymerase II is recruited by the general transcription factor IID (TFIID) to the DNA promoter. Patel
et al.
used a combination of experimental approaches to elucidate the full molecular architecture of human TFIID and its complete conformational landscape during promoter recognition. They suggest exactly how TFIID is loaded onto the promoter, which involves defined steps—including promoter recognition and transcription initiation—and leads to regulated gene expression.

Science
, this issue p.
eaau8872
Approaching the singularity
Einstein's Monsters: The Life and Times of Black Holes
Chris Impey
Norton, 2018. 315 pp.
Authors: Schnittman Jeremy
Published: November 2018

New data, old rivalries, and enduring questions fill a welcome overview of black hole research
Cell types behaving in their natural habitat
Authors: Tasic Bosiljka , Nicovich Philip R.
Published: November 2018

Defining cell types in situ connects gene expression, anatomy, and function during certain behaviors
Interference with the lower gut–liver axis induces remission of primary sclerosing cholangitis in a patient with ulcerative colitis
Authors: Ong John , Mebarek Leila , Bath Michael , Swift Carla , Javaid Babur , Patel Jenish , Al-Naeeb Yasseen
Published: November 2018

The gut–liver axis describes the complex interactions between gut microbiota, the small and large bowel, the immune system and the liver. Current evidence associates abnormalities within the gut–liver axis with liver disease such as primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). PSC is believed to be an immune-mediated disease though the exact mechanism of its pathogenesis remains unknown. Here, we report a case of a 66 -year-old woman with treatment-resistant ulcerative colitis and PSC which continued to be active following subtotal colectomy. Interestingly, her PSC achieved full remission after proctectomy for treatment-resistant proctitis in the rectal stump. This case report supports existing hypotheses that PSC is an immune-mediated disease triggered by antigens within the gut. More notably, it suggests the yet unidentified pathogens may be localised to the lower gastrointestinal tract including the rectum.
Tachycardia after acute deceleration injury
Authors: Singh Vickram , Rahman Mesbah , Fraser Alan G
Published: November 2018

A 29-year-old man crashed at high speed into another vehicle at traffic lights. He was able to get out of his van but then collapsed after running a few metres. On arrival in the emergency department he was conscious, with a pulse of 140 beats/min and blood pressure of 110/32 mm Hg. He had collapsing arterial pulses and an early diastolic murmur. He had a chest radiograph (figure 1A) and a skeletal survey which demonstrated multiple fractures, involving his left hand, right femur, right calcaneus, and left first and second ribs. A CT scan of the thorax was performed with a radiological contrast agent but without gated images because of the tachycardia (Figure 1B). The blood pressure and pulse were attributed to blood loss into the right thigh. Urgent cardiology review and bedside echocardiography were requested before he had emergency orthopaedic surgery (figure 1C, D) (online supplementary video 1).
Supplementary file 1

Figure 1

(A–D) Chest radiograph, CT thorax with contrast, parasternal long-axis transthoracic view (grey scale) and with colour flow. The arrow in section C highlights the area of significance (mobile linear structure).

Question

What is the most likely diagnosis?

Traumatic dissection of the aortic root.

Subaortic membrane or diaphragm.

Traumatic transection of the aorta.

Traumatic rupture of the aortic valve.

Myocardial rupture.
Efficacy, safety and immunogenicity of GP2015, an etanercept biosimilar, compared with the reference etanercept in patients with moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis: 24-week results from the comparative phase III, randomised, double-blind EQUIRA study
Authors: Matucci-Cerinic Marco , Allanore Yannick , Kavanaugh Arthur , Buch Maya H , Schulze-Koops Hendrik , Kucharz Eugeniusz J , Woehling Heike , Babic Goran , Poetzl Johann , Davis Adanna , Schwebig Arnd
Published: November 2018

Objectives

To demonstrate the equivalent efficacy and compare the safety and immunogenicity of an etanercept biosimilar, GP2015, with reference etanercept (ETN) in patients with moderate-to-severe, active rheumatoid arthritis (RA), characterised by an inadequate response to synthetic or biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).

Methods

In the EQUIRA study, eligible patients (n=376) were randomised 1: 1 to 50  mg GP2015 or ETN subcutaneously, once weekly, for 24 weeks (treatment period 1). Patients from both groups, with at least moderate European League Against Rheumatism response at week 24, received GP2015 up to week 48 (treatment period 2). All patients continued to receive concomitant methotrexate at a stable dose (10–25  mg/week) until end of the study. The 24-week results are presented here.

Results

Equivalent efficacy between GP2015 and ETN was demonstrated if the 95% CI for the difference in disease activity score 28-joint count C reactive protein (DAS28-CRP) change from baseline to week 24 between treatment arms was contained within the prespecified equivalence margin range of −0.6 to 0.6. The least squares mean difference (GP2015–ETN) in change from baseline in DAS28-CRP up to week 24 was −0.07 (95% CI −0.26 to 0.12 [primary endpoint)]. The incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events was comparable between GP2015 (43.5%) and ETN (49.5%). None of the GP2015-treated patients developed neutralising anti-drug antibodies (NAbs) whereas 1.6% and 0.6% of patients in ETN group were NAb positive at weeks 4 and 12, respectively.

Conclusion

In patients with RA who had an inadequate response to DMARDs, GP2015 demonstrated a similar efficacy and a comparable safety and immunogenicity profile with ETN.

Trial registration

NCT02638259.
Testing evolutionary algorithms for optimization of water distribution networks
Authors: Moosavian Naser , Lence Barbara
Published: November 2018

Water distribution networks (WDNs) are one of the most important elements of urban infrastructure and require large investment for construction. Design of WDNs is classified as a large combinatorial discrete nonlinear optimization problem. The main concerns associated with the optimization of such networks are the nonlinearity of the discharge-head loss relationships for pipes and the discrete nature of pipe sizes. Due to these issues, this problem is widely considered to be a benchmark problem for testing and evaluating the performance of nonlinear and heuristic optimization algorithms. This paper compares different techniques, all based on evolutionary algorithms (EAs), which yield optimal solutions for least-cost design of WDNs. All of these algorithms search for the global optimum starting from populations of solutions, rather than from a single solution, as in Newton-based search methods. They use different operators to improve the performance of many solutions over repeated iterations. Ten EAs, four of them for the first time, are applied to the design of three networks and their performance in terms of the least cost, under different stopping criteria, are evaluated. Statistical information for 20 executions of the ten algorithms is summarized, and Friedman tests are conducted. Results show that, for the two-loop benchmark network, the particle swarm optimization gravitational search and biology and bioinformatics global optimization algorithms efficiently converge to the global optimum, but perform poorly for large networks. In contrast, given a sufficient number of function evaluations, the covariance matrix adaptation evolution strategy and soccer league competition algorithm consistently converge to the global optimum, for large networks.
Estimating spatial–temporal differences in Chinook salmon outmigration survival with habitat- and predation-related covariates
Authors: Henderson Mark J. , Iglesias Ilysa S. , Michel Cyril J. , Ammann Arnold J. , Huff David D.
Published: November 2018

Low survival rates of Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) smolts in California’s Central Valley have been attributed to multiple biological and physical factors, but it is not clear which factors have the largest impact. We used 5 years of acoustic telemetry data for 1709 late-fall Chinook salmon smolts to evaluate the effect of habitat- and predation-related covariates on outmigration survival through the Sacramento River. Using a Cormack–Jolly–Seber mark–recapture model, we estimated survival rates both as a function of covariates (covariate model) and as a function of river location and release year (spatial–temporal model). Our covariate model was overwhelmingly supported as the preferred model based on model selection criteria, suggesting the covariates adequately replicated spatial and temporal patterns in smolt survival. The covariates in the selected model included individual fish covariates, habitat-specific covariates, and temporally variable physical conditions. The most important covariate affecting salmon survival was flow. We describe the importance of these parameters in the context of juvenile salmon predation risk and suggest that additional research on predator distribution and density could improve model estimates.
Quantum symmetries on noncommutative complex spheres with partial commutation relations
Authors: Wang Simeng
Published: November 2018

We introduce the notion of noncommutative complex spheres with partial commutation relations for the coordinates. We compute the corresponding quantum symmetry groups of these spheres, and this yields new quantum unitary groups with partial commutation relations. We also discuss some geometric aspects of the quantum orthogonal groups associated with the mixture of classical and free independence discovered by Speicher and Weber. We show that these quantum groups are quantum symmetry groups on some quantum spaces of spherical vectors with partial commutation relations.
Construction of quantum negacyclic BCH codes
Authors: Kai Xiaoshan , Li Ping , Zhu Shixin
Published: November 2018

Let [Formula: see text] be an odd prime power and [Formula: see text] be a positive integer. Maximum designed distance such that negacyclic BCH codes over [Formula: see text] of length [Formula: see text] are Hermitian dual-containing codes is given. The dimension of such Hermitian dual-containing negacyclic codes is completely determined by analyzing cyclotomic cosets. Quantum negacyclic BCH codes of length [Formula: see text] are obtained by using Hermitian construction. The constructed quantum negacyclic BCH codes produce new quantum codes with parameters better than those obtained from quantum BCH codes.
Growth Factor and Intense Pulse Light in Flexor Tendon Repair: A Biomechanical Study at Strength and Gap Resistance
Authors: Singh Rohit , Alzyoud Jihad , Trickett Ryan , Thomas Peter , Theobald Peter , Khan Ilyas
Published: November 2018

Background: Flexor tendon injuries are extremely common and they are usually the result of incised traumatic glass or knife injury. The process of tendon healing is a complicated and exceptionally-regimented mechanism that is originated and monitored by a vast number of diverse molecules. One of the most pivotal groups of mediators that are crucial to the healing process are growth factors (GF). Intense pulse light (IPL) can lead to evidence of new collagen formation with associated clinical improvement in tissue healing. The biological benefit of Intense pulse light (IPL) relies on judicious photothermolysis, where heat driven radiation is dissipated and focused at the cellular level. The aims of this study is to set out the effect of growth factor and IPL on healing following a tendon repair.

Methods: Bovine common digital extensor tendons (CDET) were used as an ex vivo model. 44 tendon repairs were performed by the lead author using 2.5 × magnification loupes and standard instruments. Clamped tendons were assigned into the following groups; control, IPL, GF, IPL and GF. After culturing, biomechanical testing was carried out using monotonic tensile testing with displacement-controlled uniaxial tension to failure.

Results: The mean values for ultimate tensile stress (UTS) for the control group was 53.51 N, for IPL it was 51.15 N, for growth factor was 70.10 N and for combined growth factor and IPL it was 75.16 N.

Conclusions: This study showed significant improvement in UTS when repaired tendons were cultured with growth factor compared to control and IPL. This would suggest a biomechanical advantage for tendon healing.
Anatomic Pyrocarbon Hemiarthroplasty for Thumb Carpometacarpal Osteoarthritis in Patients under 65 Years: Mid Term Results
Authors: Caudwell Michelle , Bayne Grant , Page Richard S.
Published: November 2018

Background: To assess the midterm outcome of patients under 65 who underwent anatomic pyrocarbon hemiarthroplasty for thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) osteoarthritis.

Methods: A prospective analysis was performed of a consecutive series of active patients, less than 65 years of age, with symptomatic osteoarthritis who had undergone a CMC hemiarthroplasty using a stemmed metacarpal based, anatomic pyrolytic carbon resurfacing with an additional one third flexor carpi radialis (FCR) tendon transfer to maintain stability.

The Wrightington Hand Score, Disability Arm Shoulder and Hand (DASH) Score, and the Patient Rated Wrist Evaluation Score (PRWE) were utilised. Clinical data was obtained for grip strength, pinch strength, and range of motion.

Results: The MEAN age was 57.6 years. MEAN follow up was 6.5 years. All patients had improvement in pain, grip strength and function. There was no significant difference in grip and pinch strengths between the individual’s left and right hand. All patients stated that they would undergo the procedure again. There was one revision following a traumatic trapezium fracture. One patient underwent a neurolysis of a superficial radial nerve neuroma associated with an impinging trapezial osteophyte.

Conclusions: Active patients, under 65 years of age with Eaton-Littler stage III osteoarthritis of the thumb CMC joint who are treated with anatomic pyrolytic carbon resurfacing hemiarthroplasty and stabilisation may achieve sustained improvement in pain and hand function for up to 6.5 years.
Midcarpal Arthrodesis Biomechanics: Memory Staples versus Cannulated Screws
Authors: Ledgard James P. , Siddiqui Javariah , Pelletier Matthew H. , Walsh William R. , Scougall Peter J.
Published: November 2018

Background: Midcarpal arthrodesis is a treatment of choice in patients with midcarpal arthritis. Traditionally a four corner fusion has been favoured, however recent research has shown improved results when the triquetrum and scaphoid are excised. There is no clear evidence as to which remaining bones should be fused or which implants should be used. The purpose of this study is to compare the biomechanics of midcarpal arthrodesis after scaphoid and triquetrum excision, using memory staples or cannulated screws, in recognised construct patterns.

Methods: 36 identical sets of carpal bones were 3D printed from acetyl butyl styrene. Midcarpal arthrodeses were performed in three configurations with shape memory alloy staples or headless compression screws. This gave 6 treatment groups; lunocapitate single staple or screw, lunocapitate with 2 staples or screws, three corner fusion with 2 staples or screws. Peak torque to distraction was measured and analysed.

Results: The peak torque to distraction was significantly greater in almost all constructs utilizing screws compared to staples, with two lunocapitate screws having the highest peak torque at both 1 and 3 mm distraction with 244 Nmm and 749 Nmm respectively (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: Constructs utilizing screws have a peak torque to distraction significantly higher when compared to staples. Our recommendation when performing a midcarpal arthrodesis after scaphoid and trapezium excision is to fuse the midcarpal joint with 2 headless compression screws.
Learning Urban Community Structures
Authors: Wang Pengyang , Fu Yanjie , Zhang Jiawei , Li Xiaolin , Lin Dan
Published: November 2018

Learning urban community structures refers to the efforts of quantifying, summarizing, and representing an urban community’s (i) static structures, e.g., Point-Of-Interests (POIs) buildings and corresponding geographic allocations, and (ii) dynamic structures, e.g., human mobility patterns among POIs. By learning the community structures, we can better quantitatively represent urban communities and understand their evolutions in the development of cities. This can help us boost commercial activities, enhance public security, foster social interactions, and, ultimately, yield livable, sustainable, and viable environments. However, due to the complex nature of urban systems, it is traditionally challenging to learn the structures of urban communities. To address this problem, in this article, we propose a collective embedding framework to learn the community structure from multiple periodic spatial-temporal graphs of human mobility. Specifically, we first exploit a probabilistic propagation-based approach to create a set of mobility graphs from periodic human mobility records. In these mobility graphs, the static POIs are regarded as vertexes, the dynamic mobility connectivities between POI pairs are regarded as edges, and the edge weights periodically evolve over time. A collective deep auto-encoder method is then developed to collaboratively learn the embeddings of POIs from multiple spatial-temporal mobility graphs. In addition, we develop a Unsupervised Graph based Weighted Aggregation method to align and aggregate the POI embeddings into the representation of the community structures. We apply the proposed embedding framework to two applications (i.e., spotting vibrant communities and predicting housing price return rates) to evaluate the performance of our proposed method. Extensive experimental results on real-world urban communities and human mobility data demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed collective embedding framework.
Evaluation of a virtual neurophysiology laboratory as a new pedagogical tool for medical undergraduate students in China
Authors: Wang Rong , Liu Chuanyong , Ma Tian
Published: November 2018

This study compared the effect of a virtual laboratory, a living tissue laboratory, and a blended laboratory on student learning about the generation and conduction of neural action potentials and perceptions about life science. Sixty-three second-year medical students were randomly assigned to one of three groups (living tissue laboratory, virtual laboratory, and blended group). The students conducted the practical activity, and then they were given a postlaboratory quiz and an attitude survey. The blended group euthanized fewer animals and spent less time to finish the animal experiment than the living tissue group did. In the postlaboratory quiz, students who performed the virtual laboratory alone got significantly lower scores than students in the other two groups, and the blended group did not get better scores than the living tissue group. The attitude surveys showed that the virtual laboratory group had a lower perceived value of the science research and activity in which they participated than the other two groups did. Here, 77.8% of all students chose the blended style as the ideal teaching method for experiments. Our findings led us to believe that isolated use of the virtual laboratory in China is not the best practice: the virtual laboratory serves as an effective preparation tool, and the blended laboratories may become the best laboratory teaching practice, provided that the software design for the virtual laboratory is further improved.
Fucoxanthin Exerts Cytoprotective Effects against Hydrogen Peroxide-induced Oxidative Damage in L02 Cells
Authors: Wang Xia , Cui Yan-jun , Qi Jia , Zhu Min-min , Zhang Tian-liang , Cheng Min , Liu Shun-mei , Wang Guang-ce
Published: November 2018

Several previous studies have demonstrated the excellent antioxidant activity of fucoxanthin against oxidative stress which is closely related to the pathogenesis of liver diseases. The present work was to investigate whether fucoxanthin could protect human hepatic L02 cells against hydrogen peroxide- (H2O2-) induced oxidative damage. Its effects on H2O2-induced cell viability, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage, intracellular reduced glutathione, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) contents, along with mRNA and protein relative levels of the cytoprotective genes including Nrf2, HO-1, and NQO1, were investigated. The results showed that fucoxanthin could upregulate the mRNA and protein levels of the cytoprotective genes and promote the nuclear translocation of Nrf2, which could be inhibited by the PI3K inhibitor of LY294002. Pretreatment of fucoxanthin resulted in decreased LDH leakage and intracellular ROS content but enhanced intracellular reduced glutathione. Interestingly, pretreatment using fucoxanthin protected against the oxidative damage in a nonconcentration-dependent manner, with fucoxanthin of 5 μM demonstrating the optimal effects. The results suggest that fucoxanthin exerts cytoprotective effects against H2O2-induced oxidative damage in L02 cells, which may be through the PI3K-dependent activation of Nrf2 signaling.
Dynamic Finite Element Analysis of a New Type Flexible Rock Shed under the Impact of Rock Block and Improving the Design
Authors: Cui Lianming , Wang Min , Yu Tangrong
Published: November 2018

A 1:1 flexible rock shed made of flexible nets and steel‐vaulted structure is manufactured and tested for functional evaluation with impact experiment previously. To further discuss the performance of this structure under the impact of rockfalls and to improve the design, numerical simulation for this structure is carried out in this paper. Firstly, the simplified numerical models for characterizing the mechanical behavior of the ring nets and wire meshes are deduced. Then, a detailed finite element model for the flexible rock shed is developed for impact analysis. By comparing the experimental data, the numerical model for the flexible rock shed is shown to be reliable in predicting the dynamic behavior of the flexible rock shed. Finally, combined with the numerical simulation results and experimental results, an improved design is presented, and the numerical simulation results show that the energy dispersion in the improved design of the rock shed is more equalized, and damages on the steel‐vaulted structure are much improved.
Impulsive Fractional Differential Equations withp-Laplacian Operator in Banach Spaces
Authors: Tan Jingjing , Zhang Kemei , Li Meixia
Published: November 2018

In this paper, we study a class of boundary value problem (BVP) with multiple point boundary conditions of impulsive p-Laplacian operator fractional differential equations. We establish the sufficient conditions for the existence of solutions in Banach spaces. Our analysis relies on the Kuratowski noncompactness measure and the Sadovskii fixed point theorem. An example is given to demonstrate the main results.
Screening for Gastric and Small Intestinal Mucosal Injury with Magnetically Controlled Capsule Endoscopy in Asymptomatic Patients Taking Enteric-Coated Aspirin
Authors: Chen Xue , Gao Feng , Zhang Jie
Published: November 2018

Objective. To investigate gastric and small intestinal mucosal injury in asymptomatic patients taking enteric-coated aspirin using magnetically controlled capsule endoscopy. Methods. Patients taking enteric-coated aspirin (aspirin group) and healthy controls (control group) were recruited from Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, between September 2017 and May 2018, and undertook magnetically controlled capsule endoscopy. Results. Twenty-six subjects were recruited to the aspirin group and twenty-six to the control group; the median Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale scores were 3.50 and 3.00 (P=0.200), the median gastric Lanza scores were 2.50 and 1.00 (P<0.001), the small intestinal Lanza scores were 1.00 and 0.00 (P<0.001), the gastric controlled examination times were 50.0 and 51.0 min (P=0.171), the small intestinal transit times were 240.0 and 238.0 min (P=0.654), and the capsule excretion times were 24.0 and 24.0 hours (P=0.956), respectively. Conclusions. Rates of gastric and small intestinal mucosal injuries were significantly higher in patients without obvious gastrointestinal symptoms taking enteric-coated aspirin compared to healthy controls. Magnetically controlled capsule endoscopy constitutes a safe, real-time screening modality for gastric and small intestinal mucosal injury in patients taking enteric-coated aspirin.
Short-Term Traffic Flow Forecasting Method Based on LSSVM Model Optimized by GA-PSO Hybrid Algorithm
Authors: Bing Qichun , Qu Dayi , Chen Xiufeng , Pan Fuquan , Wei Jinli
Published: November 2018

Short-term traffic flow forecasting is one of the key issues in the field of dynamic traffic control and management. Because of the uncertainty and nonlinearity, short-term traffic flow forecasting remains a challenging task. In order to improve the accuracy of short-term traffic flow forecasting, a short-term traffic flow forecasting method based on LSSVM model optimized by GA-PSO hybrid algorithm is put forward. Firstly, the LSSVM model is constructed with combined kernel function. Then the GA-PSO hybrid optimization algorithm is designed to optimize the kernel function parameters efficiently and effectively. Finally, case validation is carried out using inductive loop data collected from the north-south viaduct in Shanghai. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed GA-PSO-LSSVM model is superior to comparative method.
Analytical Evaluation for Calculation of Two-Center Franck–Condon Factor and Matrix Elements
Authors: Koç Hüseyin
Published: November 2018

The Franck–Condon (FC) factor is defined as squares of the Franck–Condon (FC) overlap integral and represents one of the principle fundamental factors of molecular physics. The FC factor is used to determine the transition probabilities in different vibrational levels of the two electronic states and the spectral line intensities of diatomic and polyatomic molecules. In this study, new analytical formulas were derived to calculate Franck–Condon integral (FCI) of harmonic oscillators and matrix elements (xη, e−2cx, and e−cx2) including simple finite summations of binomial coefficients. These formulas are valid for arbitrary values. The results of formulas are in agreement with the results in the literature.
Human Cellular Models for the Investigation of Lung Inflammation and Mucus Production in Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Castellani Stefano , Di Gioia Sante , di Toma Lorena , Conese Massimo
Published: November 2018

Chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, mucus plugging, airway remodeling, and respiratory infections are the hallmarks of the cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease. The airway epithelium is central in the innate immune responses to pathogens colonizing the airways, since it is involved in mucociliary clearance, senses the presence of pathogens, elicits an inflammatory response, orchestrates adaptive immunity, and activates mesenchymal cells. In this review, we focus on cellular models of the human CF airway epithelium that have been used for studying mucus production, inflammatory response, and airway remodeling, with particular reference to two- and three-dimensional cultures that better recapitulate the native airway epithelium. Cocultures of airway epithelial cells, macrophages, dendritic cells, and fibroblasts are instrumental in disease modeling, drug discovery, and identification of novel therapeutic targets. Nevertheless, they have to be implemented in the CF field yet. Finally, novel systems hijacking on tissue engineering, including three-dimensional cocultures, decellularized lungs, microfluidic devices, and lung organoids formed in bioreactors, will lead the generation of relevant human preclinical respiratory models a step forward.
Diagnosis of Joubert Syndrome 10 in a Fetus with Suspected Dandy-Walker Variant by WES: A Novel Splicing Mutation in OFD1
Authors: Linpeng Siyuan , Liu Jing , Pan Jianyan , Cao Yingxi , Teng Yanling , Liang Desheng , Li Zhuo , Wu Lingqian
Published: November 2018

Joubert syndrome (JBTS) is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of ciliary diseases. To date, 34 subtypes of JBTS have been classified due to different causative genes or extra clinical features. Most of them are autosomal recessive, while only the subtype 10 (JBTS10) is a quite rare X-linked recessive disorder caused by OFD1 mutations with few reports. In this study, by using whole exome sequencing (WES), a novel OFD1 splicing mutation (c.2488+2T>C) was identified in a male fetus with suspected Dandy-Walker variant (DWV) and syndactyly, for whom abnormal karyotype and pathogenic CNV have been excluded. This mutation was inherited from the mother who has experienced two similar pregnancies before. An abnormal skipping of exon 18 in OFD1 mRNA was confirmed by RT-PCR and sequencing. Result from quantitative RT-PCR also showed that total OFD1 mRNA in the index fetus was significantly lower than the control. After a combined analysis of genetic testing results and genotype-phenotype correlations, the novel mutation c.2488+2T>C in OFD1 was considered to be the genetic cause for the affected fetus. Thus the diagnosis should be JBTS10 rather than the primary clinical diagnosis of DWV. We report the first prenatal case of JBTS10 in Chinese population, which not only helps the family to predict recurrence risks for future pregnancies but also provides more information for understanding such a rare disease. The results also present evidence that WES is an effective method in prenatal diagnosis for those fetuses with Joubert syndrome.
Comprehensive Characterization of Extractable Phenolic Compounds by UPLC-PDA-ESI-QqQ of Buddleja scordioides Plants Elicited with Salicylic Acid
Authors: Díaz-Rivas J. O. , González-Laredo R. F. , Chávez-Simental J. A. , Montoya-Ayón J. B. , Moreno-Jiménez M. R. , Gallegos-Infante J. A. , Rocha-Guzmán N. E.
Published: November 2018

Buddleja scordioides has a rich phytochemical composition and reported medicinal properties. An increase in its secondary metabolites production could improve its functional properties. A strategy to enhance its biological potential is to subject the plant to elicitation with phytohormones such as salicylic acid under controlled environmental conditions. The present study explores the effect of exogenous application of three salicylic acid levels as elicitation treatment in B. scordioides plants. Phenolic profile, enzymatic activities, and antioxidant capacity were evaluated. Elicitation with 100 µM of salicylic acid resulted in the biosynthesis of phenolic compounds with recognized biological activity.
A Phase-Based Adaptive Differential Evolution Algorithm for the Economic Load Dispatch Considering Valve-Point Effects and Transmission Losses
Authors: Shen Xin , Zou Dexuan , Zhang Xin , Zhang Qiang , Xiao Peng
Published: November 2018

A phase-based adaptive differential evolution (PADE) algorithm is proposed to solve the economic load dispatch (ELD) considering valve-point effects (VPE) and transmission losses. To a great extent, PADE makes up for the drawbacks of the traditional differential evolution (DE) through three improvements. First, we establish an archive of storing successful individuals to improve the quality of offspring. Second, to balance the exploring and exploiting ability of the algorithm, a phase-based mutation operation is carried out. Third, two control parameters are adaptively adjusted, which is helpful for enhancing the robustness of the algorithm. In addition, two types of repair methods of constraint handling are employed for the ELD without or with transmission losses to help PADE find feasible solutions more efficiently. A performance comparison between PADE and other DE approaches from the literature was carried out on six ELD test cases which consider a set of operating constraints including the VPE and transmission losses. Results show a competitive PADE performance in all test cases regarding the compared DE approaches. Compared to methods from the literature, the costs obtained by PADE are lower in most cases while the corresponding constraint violations reach a lower level.
A Unique Case of Metformin-Associated Lactic Acidosis
Authors: Gershkovich Benjamin , McCudden Christopher , Burns Kevin D.
Published: November 2018

Metformin-associated lactic acidosis [MALA] is a potentially fatal condition characterized by an elevation in serum lactate in patients with metformin exposure. An 82-year-old man with no prior renal history was brought to hospital after being found by his family in a confused state. He had a history of type 2 diabetes mellitus, and his medications included regular metformin. On arrival to our hospital he was conscious but confused and noted recent decreased oral intake. Initial investigations revealed severe acidemia (pH <6.75, undetectable bicarbonate), with elevated serum lactate, urea, creatinine, and hyperkalemia. He was treated with intravenous dextrose, crystalloids, and bicarbonate and underwent urgent hemodialysis. The patient responded well to supportive therapies and achieved full renal recovery one week after admission. He was discharged feeling well, with a new antihyperglycemic medication regimen. This case highlights the potential for life-threatening acidemia in cases of MALA. The case is further unique in that the patient was conscious and responded to questions on arrival, despite the serious metabolic disturbance, and recovered completely. From a safety standpoint, health care providers should advise and educate their patients about discontinuing metformin and other potentially harmful medications in the context of acute illness with volume contraction.