bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of invulnerability of scale-free networks using total information of local sub-graph
Authors: Nie Tingyuan , Guo Xinling , Lin Mengda , Zhao Kun
Published: July 2018

The quantification for the invulnerability of complex network is a fundamental problem in which identifying influential nodes is of theoretical and practical significance. In this paper, we propose a novel definition of centrality named total information (TC) which derives from a local sub-graph being constructed by a node and its neighbors. The centrality is then defined as the sum of the self-information of the node and the mutual information of its neighbor nodes. We use the proposed centrality to identify the importance of nodes through the evaluation of the invulnerability of scale-free networks. It shows both the efficiency and the effectiveness of the proposed centrality are improved, compared with traditional centralities.
A study on the fretting wear characteristic of SCM415 alloy steel
Authors: Kim Jong Seok , Park Yeong Min , Kim Sang Yoon , Bae Mun Ki , Qi Dong , Shin Dong Chul , Kim Tae Gyu
Published: July 2018

Fretting occurs at the contact area between two materials under load and in the presence of minute relative surface motion by vibration or external force. Bearings, clutches, riveted and bolted lap joints are subjected to fretting damage. Friction coefficient, materials of the specimen, contact surface pressure, relative slip amplitudes, temperatures and environment have an effect on the fretting. In this study, fretting wear test is conducted with SCM415 (Cr–Mo alloy steel) which are much used for making gears and shafts because of its excellent machinability, good mechanical properties and low cost, compared with those of the existing machine structural steels. In order to determine the fretting wear type, fretting wear fixture which can be attached to the servo hydraulic fatigue testing machine is made. And then, specimens and fretting pad with a constant curvature are made of SCM415 materials. Different normal forces and displacement amplitudes are applied to the fretting pad and diamond-like carbon (DLC) is coated on the fretting pad for fretting wear test.
Effects of heat-treated HNTs on the mechanical properties of GFRP under moisture absorption
Authors: Kim Y. H. , Park S. J. , Choi J. S. , Moon K. M. , Bae C. W.
Published: July 2018

In this study, halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) were heat-treated at various temperatures in order to minimize particle aggregation, and the mechanical properties in the humid environment was compared and analyzed to prevent the pore formation and achieve an optimal bonding with epoxy resin. As a result, the glass fiber-reinforced plastic (GFRP), with 0.5 wt.% heat-treated HNT at 700[Formula: see text]C, showed the highest moisture absorption resistance, tensile strength and interlaminar shear strength.
Intersection problem for Droms RAAGs
Authors: Delgado Jordi , Ventura Enric , Zakharov Alexander
Published: July 2018

We solve the subgroup intersection problem (SIP) for any RAAG [Formula: see text] of Droms type (i.e. with defining graph not containing induced squares or paths of length [Formula: see text]): there is an algorithm which, given finite sets of generators for two subgroups [Formula: see text], decides whether [Formula: see text] is finitely generated or not, and, in the affirmative case, it computes a set of generators for [Formula: see text]. Taking advantage of the recursive characterization of Droms groups, the proof consists in separately showing that the solvability of SIP passes through free products, and through direct products with free-abelian groups. We note that most of RAAGs are not Howson, and many (e.g. [Formula: see text]) even have unsolvable SIP.
Cross-diffusion models: Analytic and multiscale problems
Authors: Bellomo N. , Tao Y. , Winkler M.
Published: July 2018

A presentation of a special issue on the derivation of cross-diffusion models and on the related analytical problems is proposed in this note. A brief introduction to motivations and recently published literature is presented in the first part. Subsequently, a concise description of the contents of the papers published in the issue follows. Finally, some ideas on possible research perspectives are proposed.
Double dark matter admixed neutron star
Authors: Rezaei Zeinab
Published: July 2018

The dark matter (DM) in neutron stars can exist from the lifetime of the progenitor or when captured by this compact object. The properties of DM that enter the neutron stars through each step could be different from each other. Here, we investigate the structure of neutron stars which are influenced by the DM in two processes. Applying a generalization of two-fluid formalism to three-fluid one and the equation-of-state from the rotational curves of galaxies, we explore the structure of double DM admixed neutron stars. The behavior of the neutron and DM portions for these stars is considered. In addition, the influence of the DM equations of state on the stars with different contributions of visible and DM are studied. The gravitational redshift of these stars in different cases of DM equations of state is investigated.
ANNEALED In2S3 THIN FILMS PREPARED BY SPRAY TECHNIQUE: REPORT ON THE STRUCTURAL, OPTICAL AND DISPERSION ENERGY PARAMETERS
Authors: BCHIRI Y. , BOUGUILA N. , KRAINI M. , ALAYA S.
Published: July 2018

In2S3 thin films with different S/In molar ratios (from 1.5 to 3.5) were deposited via a spray pyrolysis technique on glass substrates at 340∘C. Then, the obtained films were annealed at the same temperature 400∘C for 2[Formula: see text]h. X-ray diffraction study reveals the formation of cubic [Formula: see text]-In2S3 phase with (400) as preferred orientation. The crystallite size varies in the range 64–97[Formula: see text]nm. Optical analysis exhibits that transmittance in visible and near infrared regions is higher than 65% for all films. The optical band gap varied from 2.58[Formula: see text]eV to 2.67[Formula: see text]eV. The optical parameters (refractive index, extinction coefficient, dielectric constants) were calculated through the transmittance ([Formula: see text]) and reflectance ([Formula: see text]). Dispersion parameters ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]), high frequency dielectric constant ([Formula: see text]), refractive index ([Formula: see text]), oscillator length strength ([Formula: see text]), average oscillator wavelength ([Formula: see text]) and optical moments ([Formula: see text]) were determined by Wemple–DiDomenico model. The surface and volume energy losses with photon energy were also calculated. The optical and electrical conductivities were estimated. These properties of In2S3 films are important for photovoltaic applications.
Growth Slowdown Analysis for Indonesia’s Subnational Economies: An Empirical Investigation
Authors: Giap Tan Khee , Gopalan Sasidaran , Ahmad Nursyahida
Published: July 2018

Despite the positive growth performance of Indonesia over the past two decades, concerns have been expressed about whether the country would be caught in a middle-income trap. This paper offers a systematic analysis on growth slowdown for the Indonesian provinces, against the backdrop of other developing Asian economies including the ASEAN economies, Greater China economies and the Indian sub-national economies. Provincial-level analysis for Indonesia is appropriate given the size and great variations in the levels of development of the Indonesian provinces. By employing a logistic regression as well as Bayesian Model Averaging techniques, we ascertain the determinants of growth slowdown in Indonesian sub-national economies. Having identified the underlying drivers of growth slowdown in each income group, we also assess the predictive probability of each sub-national economy in Indonesia experiencing growth slowdown in the near future. Overall, we find that the Indonesian sub-national economies have a 10% chance of experiencing growth slowdown in the 2012–2017 period on average which is lower than the average predictive probabilities for Greater China and India sub-national economies.
A Rosen-type bi-metric universe and its physical properties
Authors: Boskoff Wladimir G. , Crasmareanu Mircea
Published: July 2018

The paper studies a spacetime endowed with two stationary metrics. The first one is a Riemannian one, called the R-Schwarzschild metric. It satisfies Einstein vacuum field equations, describes correctly the slowdown of clocks in the gravitational field, the orbits of the planets and the perihelion drift. The R-Schwarzschild metric can be seen as the basic texture of the spacetime. All objects having mass are ruled by this Riemannian metric. The second metric, the light-adapted one, is deduced both taking into account the Rosen-type bi-metric compatibility condition and by the preservation of the axiom of the speed of the light limit. This second metric offers the texture of the “light-like” objects. The main “normal” surprise is that this metric can be only the classical Schwarzschild metric. So, a Rosen-type bi-metric universe exists and its properties are in accordance with the experimental physical evidences.
Pd-catalyzed Csp 2 −H phosphonation in the meso position of porphyrins
Authors: Mikhalitsyna Elena A. , Podyacheva Eugenia S. , Averin Alexei D. , Beletskaya Irina P.
Published: July 2018

Pd(II)-catalyzed C–H phosphonation with diethyl phosphite in the meso positions of mesityl-substituted porphyrins taken either as free base or Ni(II) and Zn(II) complexes has been investigated and the reaction conditions have been optimized. Ni(II) porphyrinates have been found to be advantageous over free porphyrins and their Zn(II) complexes. The possibility of diphosphonation was shown using 5,15-dimesityl porphyrin.
Additively unique sets of prime numbers
Authors: Lebowitz-Lockard Noah
Published: July 2018

Spiro proved that the identity function is the only multiplicative function with [Formula: see text] for some prime [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] for all prime [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. We determine the sets [Formula: see text] of primes for which restricting our condition to [Formula: see text] for all [Formula: see text] still implies that [Formula: see text] is the identity function. We prove that [Formula: see text] satisfies these conditions if and only if [Formula: see text] contains every prime that is not the larger element of a twin prime pair and [Formula: see text] contains [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text].
The p-adic analysis of Stirling numbers via higher order Bernoulli numbers
Authors: Adelberg Arnold
Published: July 2018

In this paper, we use our previous study of the higher order Bernoulli numbers [Formula: see text] to investigate [Formula: see text]-adic properties of Stirling numbers of the second kind [Formula: see text]. For example we give a new greatly simplified proof of the formula [Formula: see text] if [Formula: see text], and generalize this result to arbitrary primes [Formula: see text]. We also extend these results to a translation invariance property. Finally, we consider the Stirling numbers of the first kind [Formula: see text], with new results analogous to those for the Stirling numbers of the second kind. New mod [Formula: see text] congruences for Stirling numbers of both kinds are also given.
Simplest quartic and simplest sextic Thue equations over imaginary quadratic fields
Authors: Gaál István , Jadrijević Borka , Remete László
Published: July 2018

The families of simplest cubic, simplest quartic and simplest sextic fields and the related Thue equations are well known, see G. Lettl, A. Pethő and P. Voutier, Simple families of Thue inequalities, Trans. Amer. Math. Soc. 351 (1999) 1871–1894, On the arithmetic of simplest sextic fields and related Thue equations, in Number Theory: Diophantine, Computational and Algebraic Aspects, eds. K. Győry et al. (de Gruyter, Berlin, 1998), pp. 331–348. The family of simplest cubic Thue equations was already studied in the relative case, over imaginary quadratic fields. In the present paper, we give a similar extension of simplest quartic and simplest sextic Thue equations over imaginary quadratic fields. We explicitly give the solutions of these infinite parametric families of Thue equations over arbitrary imaginary quadratic fields.
In Situ Growth of FeCo-Selenide on Ni Foam as High-Performance Electrode for Electrochemical Energy Storage Devices
Authors: Ye An , Qi Jiqiu , Sui Yanwei , Yang Fei , Wei Fuxiang , He Yezeng , Meng Qingkun , Sun Zhi
Published: July 2018

A solid-state energy storage device has been fabricated using FeCo-selenide nanosheet arrays as positive electrode and Fe2O3 nanorod as negative electrode. As an electrode material, the ternary FeCo-selenide nanosheet arrays supported by Ni foam show a highest specific capacitance of 978 F/g (specific capacity of 163[Formula: see text]mAh/g) at 1 A/g and a superior cycle behavior of 81.2% are obtained after 5000 cycles at current density of 4 A/g. The asymmetric supercapacitor achieves the maximum energy density of 34.6[Formula: see text]W[Formula: see text]h/kg at the power density of 759.6[Formula: see text]W/kg. Furthermore, the superior cycling stability with 83% retention of initial capacitance after 5000 cycles further verify the practical applications of FeCo-selenide//Fe2O3 asymmetric supercapacitor. Meanwhile, the LED bulb and the light board of “CUMT” are lighted by connecting several capacitors to form a series circuit.
Investigations on the crystal growth mechanism of one-pot-synthesized Al-doped ZnO and its UV-enhanced room temperature NO2 gas sensing characteristics
Authors: Vogel Leah , Wagner Ricarda , Moos Ralf , Schönauer-Kamin Daniela
Published: July 2018

Sol–gel synthesis is a well-known method to synthesize metal oxides such as ZnO in a facile way. Different crystal morphologies of Al-doped ZnO were obtained by tuning the pH for the synthesis. Additionally, the influence of the morphology on the sensing properties of ZnO-based resistive gas sensors was investigated by producing sensor films which were exposed to low NO2 concentrations. The results show a high and fast sensor response with a high aspect ratio of the crystal. Furthermore, a possible crystal forming mechanism was postulated. Thus, it can be assumed that the type of Zn[Formula: see text] influences the crystal form. Ethanol amine can cause a capping of certain crystal planes and enhance the growth along one axis.
Caffeine, gravity, and baroreceptor function: the integration of diet and cardiovascular control
Authors: Hauton David , Ray Clare J.
Published: July 2018

We describe a simple, cost-effective experiment to demonstrate cardiovascular integration of heart rate and blood pressure to accommodate the environmental and dietary factors of gravity and caffeine. Specific learning objectives associated with this include understanding the effects of posture on blood pressure and heart rate, coupled with the role of caffeine in modifying this response. Inclusion of ECG measurements, coupled with heart rate variability analysis, added a demonstration of the contribution made by the autonomic nervous system under these conditions. We clearly demonstrate that the cardiac work, estimated as rate-pressure product, necessary to undertake the transition from supine to standing, is fixed for a given group of subjects. However, the individual contribution of heart rate and systolic pressure to the cardiac workload is subject to the external factors of gravity and caffeine. Such an activity also demonstrates additional benefits, including unstructured teaching opportunities to augment classroom learning associated with integrative physiology and also the discussion of ethical issues with regard to human experimentation.
A Novel Multimean Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm for Nonlinear Continuous Optimization: Application to Feed-Forward Neural Network Training
Authors: Hacibeyoglu Mehmet , Ibrahim Mohammed H.
Published: July 2018

Multilayer feed-forward artificial neural networks are one of the most frequently used data mining methods for classification, recognition, and prediction problems. The classification accuracy of a multilayer feed-forward artificial neural networks is proportional to training. A well-trained multilayer feed-forward artificial neural networks can predict the class value of an unseen sample correctly if provided with the optimum weights. Determining the optimum weights is a nonlinear continuous optimization problem that can be solved with metaheuristic algorithms. In this paper, we propose a novel multimean particle swarm optimization algorithm for multilayer feed-forward artificial neural networks training. The proposed multimean particle swarm optimization algorithm searches the solution space more efficiently with multiple swarms and finds better solutions than particle swarm optimization. To evaluate the performance of the proposed multimean particle swarm optimization algorithm, experiments are conducted on ten benchmark datasets from the UCI repository and the obtained results are compared to the results of particle swarm optimization and other previous research in the literature. The analysis of the results demonstrated that the proposed multimean particle swarm optimization algorithm performed well and it can be adopted as a novel algorithm for multilayer feed-forward artificial neural networks training.
An Electrical Insulator Defects Detection Method Combined Human Receptive Field Model
Authors: Guo Li , Liao Yu , Yao Hongying , Chen Jinhao , Wang Manran
Published: July 2018

Nondestructive inspection of electrical insulators subjected to the high electrical stress and environmental damage is fundamental for reliable operation of a transmission lines. The breakage and defect of the insulator have great influence on the safe of transmission lines, and insulator defect detection with difference types is a complex work. This paper proposed an insulator defect detection method inspired by human receptive field model, which meets the requirements for detecting defect insulator in a simple background. In this method, the defect detection combined human receptive field model of human visual system is constructed and applied on the different insulators, so as to achieve accurate detection of the insulator defected parts. Experimental results show that the method can accurately and robustly detect the defect (such as cracks and damage) of electrical insulator in case of noise affect.
Mutual Coupling Reduction between Patch Antennas Using Meander Line
Authors: Li Qian , Ding Chong , Yang Ruichao , Tan Mingtao , Wu Gangxiong , Lei Xia , Jiang Xuebing , Fang Shuanzhu , Huang Minzhi , Gong Yubin , Wei Yanyu
Published: July 2018

Meander lines (MLs) in two configurations are presented to reduce the mutual coupling (MC) between two microstrip patch antenna elements. Inserting a slot in the ground plane between the antenna elements is a simple method to reduce the MC, while adding the MLs in the slot of the ground can further reduce the MC. In the first configuration, one ML is inserted in the slot of the ground and a maximum MC reduction of 39 dB throughout the −10 dB bandwidth is achieved. What’s more, the radiation patterns are not changed compared with the dual-element microstrip antenna array with a slotted ground. For the second configuration, two MLs are added in the slot of the ground. It is found that a maximum isolation of 53 dB can be obtained. However, the radiation patterns are slightly changed compared with the dual-element microstrip antenna array with a slot in the ground. Meanwhile, the measured peak gain and efficiency of the dual-element microstrip antenna array in the two configurations are given. Along with this paper, several prototypes have been fabricated and measured. The simulated results are in good accordance with the measurements, which are presented to verify that MC reduction can be achieved between microstrip antenna elements by adding the MLs in the slotted ground.
A Risk Assessment Method for Rockburst Based on Geodynamic Environment
Authors: Zhu Zhijie , Zhang Hongwei , Han Jun , Lv Youchang
Published: July 2018

Rockbursts are the sudden release of accumulated energy in surrounding rock of roadway and stope. Current studies on the rockburst mechanism are primarily focused on underground mining space and mining activities, whereas efforts have rarely been focused on regional geological dynamics. Mining activities in areas of energy accumulation under the influence of regional geological dynamics can easily cause mine dynamic disasters such as rockburst. The paper statistically analysed the relationship between geological dynamic environment factors (mining depth, tectonic stress, vertical crust movement, active faults, and the ratio of hard rock on the roof) and rockbursts in China and determined the relationship between various factors and the risk of rockbursts. Using a fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method and an analytic hierarchy process (AHP), a risk assessment method for rockburst based on the geological dynamic environment was established. This method was applied to assess the rockburst risk for the Tongxin coal mine in China, and it was evaluated as a weak rockburst risk. The result was consistent with the actual situation. The method provides a new concept for the evaluation and prediction of rockburst in new coal mines or new mining levels.
Exponentially Fitted and Trigonometrically Fitted Explicit Modified Runge-Kutta Type Methods for Solving y′′′x=fx,y,y′
Authors: Ghawadri N. , Senu N. , Ismail F. , Ibrahim Z. B.
Published: July 2018

Exponentially fitted and trigonometrically fitted explicit modified Runge-Kutta type (MRKT) methods for solving y′′′x=fx,y,y′ are derived in this paper. These methods are constructed which exactly integrate initial value problems whose solutions are linear combinations of the set functions eωx and e-ωx for exponentially fitted and sin⁡ωx and cos⁡ωx for trigonometrically fitted with ω∈R being the principal frequency of the problem and the frequency will be used to raise the accuracy of the methods. The new four-stage fifth-order exponentially fitted and trigonometrically fitted explicit MRKT methods are called EFMRKT5 and TFMRKT5, respectively, for solving initial value problems whose solutions involve exponential or trigonometric functions. The numerical results indicate that the new exponentially fitted and trigonometrically fitted explicit modified Runge-Kutta type methods are more efficient than existing methods in the literature.
Pharmacological Evaluation of Selected Medicinal Plants Used in the Management of Oral and Skin Infections in Ebem-Ohafia District, Abia State, Nigeria
Authors: Oyedemi Blessing O. , Oyedemi Sunday O. , Chibuzor Johnson V. , Ijeh Ifeoma I. , Coopoosamy Roger M. , Aiyegoro Ayobami O.
Published: July 2018

Oral and skin infections contribute significantly to the global health challenges responsible for the current trend of increased morbidity and premature death. The purpose of this study was to document medicinal plants used in the management of oral and skin infections in Ebem-Ohafia Local Government Area (LGA), Abia State, and to characterize the in vitro antioxidant and antibacterial activity. The thin layer chromatography (TLC) profiling of ten of the selected folklore medicine was carried out using a various solvent system of different polarity index. The antioxidant capacity of the plant extracts was evaluated using chemical-based methods, and its antibacterial effect was investigated using disc diffusion and microdilution methods. Sixty-one plant species belonging to 26 families were discovered, and the most frequently cited species are Euphorbiaceae (18.03%), Fabaceae (11.47%), and Asteraceae (11.47%). All the plant extracts showed a promising free radical scavenging activity and efficient ferric reducing antioxidant power in a concentration-dependent manner possibly due to their richness in polyphenol with TLC profiling showing maximum three bands of phytochemicals. Also, the plant extracts exhibited a mild to weak antibacterial activity against our panel of bacterial strains having MIC values ranging from 256 to > 512 μg/ mL reflected in their zone of inhibition at 10 μg/disc. The data obtained for Breynia nivosa (BN), Eleusine indica (EI), Cassia alata (CA), Chromolaena odorata (CO), and Acalypha hispida (AH) extracts substantiate the traditional use of these herbal remedies in the region and open the possibility for the development of cheaper and affordable drugs in the treatment of oral and skin infections. Further studies are needed to identify active ingredient with strong antibacterial and antioxidant capacities along with their molecular mechanisms.
Zonal Disintegration Mechanism of Deep Rock Masses under Coupled High Axial Geostress and Blasting Load
Authors: Yuan Pu , Xu Ying
Published: July 2018

Zonal disintegration phenomenon with alternative distribution of fracture zones and nonfracture zones is a characteristic failure in deep rock masses, especially for deep tunnel excavated by drill and blast method. To investigate the mechanism of zonal disintegration under coupled high axial geostress and blasting load, elastic stress field distribution for a circular tunnel in deep isotropic rock masses is obtained. Furthermore, Hoek‐Brown criterion is amended by considering blast‐induced damage effect. Both radial blasting load and blast‐induced damage effect are assumed to decay in a negative exponential function. Taking the deep tunnel of Dingji coal mine in China as engineering background, the number and width of fracture zones are determined by deduced elastic stress field and modified Hoek‐Brown criterion. Then numerical computation is conducted. Numerical computation results indicate that both the number and width of fracture zones mainly depend on high axial geostress and mechanical parameters of deep rock masses, and peak radial blasting load plays an important role in determining the width of fracture zone near the excavation.
Expression of PD-1 on CD4+Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes in Tumor Microenvironment Associated with Pathological Characteristics of Breast Cancer
Authors: Zhao Yan-Jie , Zhang Jian , Shi Feng , Hu Zhi-Ping , Wu Jiang-Ping , Wu Guang-Jiang , Wang Rui-Bin , Zhou Quan , Chang Hong , Li Ying-Nan , Song Qing-Kun
Published: July 2018

Objective. This study aimed to investigate the correlation of CD4+/PD-1+or CD4+/PD-1−tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes with pathological characteristics in breast cancer patients.Methods. A cross-sectional study consecutively recruited 133 patients with invasive ductal breast cancer. The expression of CD4, programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), CK7, CK20, E-cadherin, or Ki-67 was detected by immunohistochemistry. The associations between CD4+/PD-1+or CD4+/PD-1−tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and pathological characteristics were evaluated.Results. Elderly patients intended to have a lower level of CD4+/PD-1−tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (p<0.05). Patients with positive E-cadherin expression had higher median cell counts of CD4+/PD-1−tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes than patients with negative E-cadherin expression (30/HPF versus 10/HPF,p<0.05). Counts of CD4+/PD-1+tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes had a significant correlation with Ki-67 index that the correlation coefficient was 0.29 (p=0.001). Positive CK20 expression was related to a higher level of CD4+/PD-1−tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes than negative CK20 expression (73/HPF versus 30/HPF,p<0.05).Conclusion. CD4+/PD-1+or CD4+/PD-1−tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes showed diverse association with pathological features of breast cancer. CD4+/PD-1+tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes had a significant relationship with Ki-67 expression whereas CD4+/PD-1−tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes had a significant relationship with E-cadherin expression. Further studies are warranted to explore the immunomodulatory effects of phenotypes of CD4+T cell subsets in breast cancer.
Effects of Fine Particulate Matter onPseudomonas aeruginosaAdhesion and Biofilm FormationIn Vitro
Authors: Woo Seon Hee , Lee Sang Moog , Park Ki Cheol , Park Gyeong Nam , Cho Byeolnimhee , Kim Insoo , Kim Jinwoo , Hong Sungyoup
Published: July 2018

Respiratory infections ofPseudomonas aeruginosaare a major cause of mortality and morbidity for hospitalized patients. Fine particulate matter (FPM) is known to have interactions with some bacterial infection in the respiratory system. In this report, we investigate the effect of different concentration of FPM onP. aeruginosaattachment and biofilm formation usingin vitrocell culture systems.P. aeruginosawere cultured to form mature biofilms on hydroxyapatite-coated peg and the number of bacteria in the biofilms was enumerated. Morphology of biofilm was imaged with scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Bacterial affinity change to the cell membrane was evaluated with attached colony counting and fluorescence microscopy images. Alteration of bacterial surface hydrophobicity and S100A4 protein concentration were explored as mechanisms ofP. aeruginosaadhesion to human cells. There were a concentration-dependent increase of thickness and surface roughness of biofilm mass.P. aeruginosaadherence to respiratory epithelial cells was increased after FPM treatment. Bacterial surface hydrophobicity and S1000A4 protein concentration were increased with proportionally the dose of FPM in media. FPM in the airway could enhance both the adhesion ofP. aeruginosato epithelial cells and biofilm formation. Bacterial surface hydrophobicity and human cell plasma membrane injury are associated with binding ofP. aeruginosaon airway epithelial cells and biofilm formation.
Targeting CD36 as Biomarker for Metastasis Prognostic: How Far from Translation into Clinical Practice?
Authors: Enciu Ana-Maria , Radu Eugen , Popescu Ionela Daniela , Hinescu Mihail Eugen , Ceafalan Laura Cristina
Published: July 2018

Metastasis requires cellular changes related to cell-to-cell and cell-to-matrix adhesion, immune surveillance, activation of growth and survival signalling pathways, and epigenetic modifications. In addition to tumour cells, tumour stroma is also modified in relationship to the primary tumour as well as to distant metastatic sites (forming a metastatic niche). A common denominator of most stromal partners in tumour progression is CD36, a scavenger receptor for fatty acid uptake that modulates cell-to-extracellular matrix attachment, stromal cell fate (for adipocytes, endothelial cells), TGFβactivation, and immune signalling. CD36 has been repeatedly proposed as a prognostic marker in various cancers, mostly of epithelial origin (breast, prostate, ovary, and colon) and also for hepatic carcinoma and gliomas. Data gathered in preclinical models of various cancers have shown that blocking CD36 might prove beneficial in stopping metastasis spread. However, targeting the receptor in clinical trials with thrombospondin mimetic peptides has proven ineffective, and monoclonal antibodies are not yet available for patient use. This review presents data to support CD36 as a potential prognostic biomarker in cancer, its current stage towards achievingbona fidebiomarker status, and knowledge gaps that must be filled before further advancement towards clinical practice.
The Influence of Problem Specific Neighborhood Structures in Metaheuristics Performance
Authors: Santos A. S. , Madureira A. M. , Varela M. L. R.
Published: July 2018

Metaheuristics (MH) aptitude to move past local optimums makes them an attractive technique to approach complex computational problems, such as the Travelling Salesman Problem (TSP), but there is lack of information on the parameterization procedure and the appropriate parameters to improve MHs’ performance. In this paper the parameterization procedure of Simulated Annealing (SA) and Discrete Artificial Bee Colony (DABC) is addressed, with a focus on the Neighborhood Structure (NS). Numerous NS have been proposed for specific problems, which seem to indicate that the NS is a special parameter, whose optimization is independent of other parameters. The performance of eight NS was examined with SA and DABC under two optimization constraints, regarding computational time variation, to determine if there is one appropriate NS for the TSP problem, independent of the rest of the parameters of the optimization procedure. The computational study carried out for comparing the evaluation of the NS, including a statistical analysis, demonstrated a nonproportional increase in the performance of DABC with some NS. For SA the improvement of the solutions appeared to be more uniform with an almost nonexistent variance in improvement.
Continuous Veno-Venous High Cut-Off Hemodialysis Compared to Continuous Veno-Venous Hemodiafiltration in Intensive Care Unit Acute Kidney Injury Patients
Authors: Balgobin Sanjeet , Morena Marion , Brunot Vincent , Besnard Noemie , Daubin Delphine , Platon Laura , Larcher Romaric , Amigues Laurent , Landreau Liliane , Bargnoux Anne-Sophie , Dupuy Anne-Marie , Cristol Jean-Paul , Klouche Kada
Published: July 2018

Aims: High cut-off (HCO) continuous veno-venous hemodialysis (CVVHD) was compared to high-flux membrane (HFM) continuous veno-venous hemodiafiltration (CVVHDF) in intensive care unit (ICU) acute kidney injury (AKI) in terms of efficiency, hemodynamic tolerance, medium-sized molecules removal, albumin loss, and inflammatory system activation. Methods: In a prospective cross-over randomized study, 10 AKI patients underwent successively HCO (Ultraflux EmiC2: β2-microglobulin [β2M] sieving coefficient [SC]: 0.9) CVVHD and HFM (Ultraflux AV1000S: β2M SC: 0.65) ­CVVHDF. Results: Over the 20 sessions, hypotensive and febrile episodes, reduction rates of urea, creatinine, and β2M were similar in both modalities. Though dialysis dose was higher with CVVHDF (36 ± 4 vs. 21 ± 6 mL/Kg/h), urea, creatinine, and β2M instantaneous and plasmatic clearances did not differ except for urea at 12 h. Protein loss, superoxide anion production, cytokines, and growth factors variations were also comparable. Conclusion: HCO CVVHD is well tolerated and is as effective as HFM CVVHDF in clearance of solutes and removal of β2M. It induces neither protein loss nor overproduction of superoxide anion. Video Journal Club “Cappuccino with Claudio Ronco” at http://www.karger.com/?doi=489082.
Differential Impact of Chronic Kidney Disease on Coronary Calcification and Atherosclerosis in Asymptomatic Individuals with or without Diabetes: Analysis from a Coronary Computed Tomographic Angiography Registry
Authors: Choi Ik Jun , Lim Sungmin , Choo Eun-Ho , Kim Jin-Jin , Hwang Byung-Hee , Kim Tae-Hoon , Seo Suk Min , Koh Yoon-Seok , Shin Dong Il , Park Hun-Jun , Kim Pum-Joon , Jeon Doo-Soo , Lee Seung-Hwan , Cho Jae-Hyoung , Jung Jung-Im , Chang Kiyuk , Seung Ki-Bae
Published: July 2018

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the combined effects of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and diabetes on the extent and developmental pattern of coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods: A total of 3,017 self-referred asymptomatic individuals without known CAD who underwent 64-channel dual-source coronary computed tomography angiography between 2006 and 2010 were enrolled. The patients were divided into six groups based on their diabetes status (nondiabetic or diabetic) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (eGFR > 90 mL/min/1.73 m2, normal renal function; eGFR 60–89, mild CKD; or eGFR 30–59, moderate CKD). We compared the coronary artery calcium score (CACS), segment stenosis score (SSS), and ≥50% obstructive CAD among the groups. Results: In nondiabetics, whereas SSS and ≥50% obstructive CAD were not different as renal function deteriorated, after adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors, CACS showed a unique developmental pattern: no CACS increase until mild CKD, but abrupt increase from the stage of moderate CKD (moderate vs. normal renal function, adjusted OR 5.118, 95% CI 1.293–20.262, p = 0.020). In diabetics, patients from the stage of mild CKD were more likely to have ≥50% obstructive CAD (p = 0.004), higher CACS (p = 0.020), and SSS (p = 0.001) in multivariable analysis. Conclusions: The presence of CKD did not have a significant impact on the development of coronary atherosclerosis, but affected the progression of coronary calcification more markedly from the stage of moderate CKD in nondiabetics. However, in diabetics, the deterioration of renal function was significantly associated with the development of coronary atherosclerosis and calcification from the stage of mild CKD.
False-Positive Rate in First-Trimester Screening Based on Ultrasound and Cell-Free DNA versus First-Trimester Combined Screening with Additional Ultrasound Markers
Authors: Kagan Karl Oliver , Maier Vanessa , Sonek Jiri , Abele Harald , Lüthgens Kai , Schmid Maximilian , Wagner Philipp , Hoopmann Markus
Published: July 2018

Objective: To determine whether screening for trisomy 21 based on first-trimester combined screening (FTCS) with assessment of nasal bone (NB), tricuspid flow (TCF), and ductus venosus flow (DVF) results in similar false-positive rates compared to ultrasound and cell-free DNA (cfDNA) screening. Methods: This is a subanalysis of a prospective randomized controlled trial which was performed between October 2015 and December 2016. Pregnant women with a normal first-trimester ultrasound examination at 11 to 13 weeks’ gestation were randomized into two groups: (1) FTCS with assessment of the NB, TCF, and DVF (extended FTCS [eFTCS]), and (2) ultrasound + cfDNA screening. The false-positive rate in screening for trisomy 21 was defined as the primary outcome parameter. Results: The study population consisted of 688 women in each study arm. In the eFTCS group, the median delta fetal nuchal translucency thickness (NT) was 0.0 mm, free beta-hCG and PAPP-A were 0.96 and 1.11 MoM, and NB, TCF, and DVF PIV were abnormal in 0.9, 0.6, and 7.0% cases. In the ultrasound + cfDNA group, the median delta NT was 0.0 mm. In 10 pregnancies the cfDNA analysis was uninformative and the risk of trisomy 21 was based on eFTCS. There were no false-positive cases in the ultrasound + cfDNA group, whereas the false-positive rates were between 0.9 and 2.2% with eFTCS. Conclusion: Screening for trisomy 21 based on ultrasound + cfDNA has a lower false-positive rate than screening based on eFTCS.
Ventilation Parameters under Adaptive Servo Ventilation: A Comparison on Behalf of CSA-Pattern, BNP/NT-pro-BNP, and Ejection Fraction
Authors: Westhoff Michael , Litterst Patric
Published: July 2018

Background: The SERVE-HF study has raised questions concerning the higher mortality under adaptive servoventilation. The ventilatory mode was discussed as a possible aggravating factor. Objectives: We wondered if the data recorded by the adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV)-devices in heart failure patients with CSA-CSR ± OSA are different in terms of respiratory parameters and therapeutic pressures compared to patients with CPAP-resistant/emergent-CSA with normal BNP/NT-pro-BNP. Methods: Patients were included, if ASV had normalized respiratory disturbance index in the first night of application and after at least 6 weeks. ASV-device data were analyzed in terms of respiratory rate (RR), min ventilation (MV), endexpiratory (EEP), peak inspiratory pressure (Ppeak) and median pressure. Results: Compared to CPAP-resistant/emergent-CSA with normal BNP/NT-pro-BNP (n = 25), CSA-CSR- (n = 13) CSA-CSR+OSA-patients (n = 32) with elevated BNP/NT-pro-BNP had higher RR (p < 0.01) in the first night of ASV therapy and during follow-up (15.3 ± 1.3 vs. 17.3 ± 2.4/min) with similar MV (6.5 ± 1.3 vs. 6.6 ± 1.3 L), resulting in significantly lower tidal volumes. EEP (5.6 ± 1.1 vs. 5.5 ± 1.1 hPa), Pmedian and Ppeak (9.8 ± 1.5 vs. 9.7 ± 1.2 hPa) were comparable. Ventilatory parameters were not different between LVEF < 40, 40–49, and ≥50%, neither within the whole group nor the group of CSA-CSR ± OSA and heart failure. Conclusion: Patients with heart failure and CSA-CSR ± OSA have higher RRs but similar MV under ASV-therapy than patients with CSA and normal BNP. This indicates higher dead space ventilation. EF was not found to have an influence on the ventilatory parameters.
Growth Failure in Children with Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis and Prolonged Inflammation despite Treatment with Biologicals: Late Normalization of Height by Combined Hormonal Therapies
Authors: de Zegher Francis , Reynaert Nele , De Somer Lien , Wouters Carine , Roelants Mathieu
Published: July 2018

Background: Biologicals targeting the interleukin (IL)-1β or IL-6 pathway are becoming prime choices for the treatment of children with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA). Up to 1 in 3 sJIA children receiving such treatment continues to have inflammatory activity and to require supra-physiological glucocorticoid doses which may reduce growth velocity for years and may lead to an extremely short stature for age, if not for life. Currently, there is no long-term proposal to normalize the adult height of these children with sJIA. Methods and Results: We present long-term (up to 10 years), proof-of-concept evidence that the adult stature and adipose body composition of short sJIA children can be normalized with a hormonal combination strategy: (i) pubertal onset is postponed with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog (triptorelin) until a minimum height is reached, or until prepubertal growth is exhausted, and (ii) height gain is promoted with growth hormone (≈50 μg/kg/day), once inflammation is under control and high glucocorticoid doses are no longer needed. The latter treatment takes advantage of the window of relative glucocorticoid deficiency, which is known to open after prolonged glucocorticoid administration, and to be uniquely favorable to height gain. Conclusion: A long-term combination of biological and hormonal treatments for short sJIA children can be guided by a simple concept that involves (i) postponement of pubertal development and (ii) growth-promoting therapy after the episodes of major inflammation and high-dose glucocorticoid treatment. Limited long-term experience in short sJIA children suggests that this strategy leads consistently – albeit late – to a normal adult stature.
Association of Plasma Cortisol Levels with Clinical Characteristics of Suicide Attempters
Authors: Papadopoulou Athanasia , Douzenis Athanasios , Christodoulou Christos , Gournellis  Rossetos , Papageorgiou Charalabos , Markianos Manolis
Published: July 2018

Objective: There is evidence that suicidal behavior, among others, is an abnormal response to stress caused by a dysfunction in the activity of hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis, and that cortisol levels are low in a considerable number of people attempting suicide. In this study, we aimed to search for associations of plasma cortisol levels with the clinical characteristics of a group of psychiatric suicide attempters. Method: The cortisol was measured in the morning in 200 psychiatric patients hospitalized after a suicide attempt, with diagnoses of major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, psychosis, and personality/adjustment disorder, and compared to the levels of 138 healthy controls. Comparisons were also made for diagnostic subgroups and across diagnoses, with regard to depressive symptomatology, mode of attempt, suicide intent, number of attempts, and age. Results: Cortisol levels were significantly lower for the whole group of attempters compared to controls. Furthermore, low cortisol levels characterized attempters with personality/adjustment disorder, higher depressive symptomatology, low suicide intent, non-violent attempt mode, repeated attempts, and of younger age. Conclusions: Certain clinical characteristics were identified in attempters with low cortisol levels. In previous studies, low cortisol levels have been associated with impairments in cognitive control, decision-making, and emotional processing that may lead, in the presence of stressors, to suicidal behavior, frequently with non-fatal outcome. Adding plasma cortisol levels to demographic and psychopathological data may help in identifying a subpopulation of attempters with neurocognitive deficits linked to dysfunction of Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal-axis activity, with implications for treatment.
The 72Pro Variant of the Tumor Protein 53 Is Associated with an Increased Breast Cancer Risk in the Moroccan Population
Authors: Ayoubi Salah Eddine , Elkarroumi Mohamed , El Khachibi Meryam , Hassani Idrissi Hind , Ayoubi Hasnaa , Ennachit Simohamed , Arazzakou Mounia , Nadifi Sellama
Published: July 2018

Background: The purpose of our case control study is to explore the potential association of tumor protein 53 (TP53) c.215G>C, p. (Arg72Pro) polymorphism (rs1042522) with the risk of breast cancer (BC) development in the Moroccan population. Methods and Results: The study population consisted of 125 female patients with confirmed BC and 126 healthy controls. DNA samples were genotyped by Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism assay method using BstUI restriction enzyme. We showed that the homozygous genotype of TP53 72Pro variant was significantly associated with increased BC risk (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.07–4.54, p = 0.03). The dominant and additive models of TP53 Pro allele were also correlated to the risk of BC (OR 2.13, 95% CI 1.07–4.23, p = 0.02 and OR 1.49, 95% CI 1.03–2.16, p = 0.03, respectively). Furthermore, the TP53 Arg72 variant was associated with protection against BC, either in the homozygous genotype, the dominant or the additive models (OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.22–0.93, p = 0.03; OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.23–0.92, p = 0.029 and OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.46–0.97, p = 0.03, respectively). Conclusion: Our results suggest that TP53 c.215G>C, p. (Arg72Pro) polymorphism may be considered as a genetic marker for predisposition to BC in Moroccan population.
Astragaloside IV Improves Vasodilatation Function by Regulating the PI3K/Akt/eNOS Signaling Pathway in Rat Aorta Endothelial Cells
Authors: Lin Xiang-Ping , Cui Han-Jin , Yang A-Li , Luo Jie-Kun , Tang Tao
Published: July 2018

Coronary heart disease (CHD) remains a major public health burden. Endothelial-dependent coronary artery vasoreactivity is a significant indicator of vascular function. Endothelial dysfunction is characterized by decreased nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability and predicts late cardiovascular events. Astragaloside IV (AGIV) is the main active component of the herb Astragalus membranaceus. Although it shows a significant protective effect against vascular endothelial dysfunction, the mechanisms of AGIV promoting the vascular dilation have not been elucidated. This study investigated the vasodilator effect of AGIV on rat aortic rings and the underlying effect of AGIV via the PI3K/Akt/eNOS signaling pathway. We measured the relaxation of isolated RARs after different concentrations of AGIV treatment. Rat aorta endothelial cells were cultured with different doses of AGIV, dimethylsulfoxide, and NG-nitro L-arginine methyl ester. The expression of phosphorylated (p)-Akt and -endothelial nitric oxide synthase (p-eNOS) were tested by Western blot analysis. The messenger (m)RNA expression of eNOS was quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction. AGIV exerted a vasodilator effect on the aortic rings and increased the NO content in a concentration-dependent manner. The vasorelaxation was suppressed by an eNOS inhibitor. AGIV regulated the PI3K/Akt/eNOS signaling pathway via phosphorylation of Akt at Ser473 and dephosphorylation of eNOS at Thr495. The mRNA expression of eNOS was remarkably upregulated by AGIV. AGIV significantly induced the dilation of the aortic rings, leading to the vasodilator response by enhancing the eNOS release via the PI3K/Akt/eNOS signaling pathway.