bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Examination of Intramuscular and Skin Temperature Decreases Produced by the PowerPlay Intermittent Compression Cryotherapy
Authors: Ostrowski Jennifer , Purchio Angelina , Beck Maria , Leisinger JoLynn , Tucker Mackenzie , Hurst Sarah
Published: April 2017

Context: Previous research has found ice bags are more effective at lowering intramuscular temperature than gel packs. Recent studies have evaluated intramuscular temperature cooling decreases with ice bag versus Game Ready and with the PowerPlay system wetted ice bag inserts; however, intramuscular temperature decreases elicited by PowerPlay with the standard frozen gel pack inserts have not been examined. Objective: Evaluate the rate and magnitude of cooling using PowerPlay with frozen gel pack (PP-gel) option, PowerPlay with wetted ice bag (PP-ice) option, and control (no treatment) on skin and intramuscular temperature (2 cm subadipose). Design: Repeated-measures counterbalanced study. Setting: University research laboratory. Patients or Other Participants: Twelve healthy college-aged participants (4 men and 8 women; age = 23.08 (1.93) y, height = 171.66 (9.47) cm, mass = 73.67 (13.46) kg, and subcutaneous thickness = 0.90 (0.35) cm). Intervention(s): PowerPlay (70 mm Hg) with either wetted ice bag or frozen gel pack was applied to posterior aspect of nondominant calf for 30 minutes; control lay prone for 30 minutes. Participants underwent each treatment in counterbalanced order (minimum 4 d, maximum 10 d between). Main Outcome Measure(s): Muscle temperature was measured via 21-gauge catheter thermocouple (IT-21; Physitemp Instruments, Inc). Skin temperature was measured via surface thermocouple (SST-1; Physitemp Instruments, Inc). Results: Significant treatment-by-time interaction for muscle cooling (F10,80 = 11.262, P = .01, , observed β = 0.905) was observed. PP-ice cooled faster than both PP-gel and control from minutes 12 to 30 (all Ps < .05); PP-gel cooled faster than control from minutes 18 to 30 (all Ps < .05). Mean decreases from baseline: PP-ice = 4.8°C (2.8°C), PP-gel = 2.3°C (0.8°C), and control = 1.1°C (0.4°C). Significant treatment-by-time interaction for skin cooling (F10,80 = 23.920, P = .001, , observed β = 0.998) was observed. PP-ice cooled faster than both PP-gel and control from minutes 6 to 30 (all Ps < .05); PP-gel cooled faster than control from minutes 12 to 30 (all Ps < .05). Mean decreases from baseline: PP-ice = 14.6°C (4.8°C), PP-gel = 4.0°C (0.9°C), and control = 1.0°C (1.0°C). Conclusions: PP-ice produces clinically and statistically greater muscle and skin cooling compared with PP-gel and control.
RIG-I/MAVS and STING signaling promote gut integrity during irradiation- and immune-mediated tissue injury
Authors: Fischer Julius C. , Bscheider Michael , Eisenkolb Gabriel , Lin Chia-Ching , Wintges Alexander , Otten Vera , Lindemans Caroline A. , Heidegger Simon , Rudelius Martina , Monette Sébastien , Porosnicu Rodriguez Kori A. , Calafiore Marco , Liebermann Sophie , Liu Chen , Lienenklaus Stefan , Weiss Siegfried , Kalinke Ulrich , Ruland Jürgen , Peschel Christian , Shono Yusuke , Docampo Melissa , Velardi Enrico , Jenq Robert R. , Hanash Alan M. , Dudakov Jarrod A. , Haas Tobias , van den Brink Marcel R. M. , Poeck Hendrik
Published: April 2017

Activation of the RIG-I or STING pathways results in a type I interferon response that protects gut integrity after irradiation- or immune-induced tissue injury.
Improving genetic diagnosis in Mendelian disease with transcriptome sequencing
Authors: Cummings Beryl B. , Marshall Jamie L. , Tukiainen Taru , Lek Monkol , Donkervoort Sandra , Foley A. Reghan , Bolduc Veronique , Waddell Leigh B. , Sandaradura Sarah A. , O’Grady Gina L. , Estrella Elicia , Reddy Hemakumar M. , Zhao Fengmei , Weisburd Ben , Karczewski Konrad J. , O’Donnell-Luria Anne H. , Birnbaum Daniel , Sarkozy Anna , Hu Ying , Gonorazky Hernan , Claeys Kristl , Joshi Himanshu , Bournazos Adam , Oates Emily C. , Ghaoui Roula , Davis Mark R. , Laing Nigel G. , Topf Ana ,   Genotype-Tissue Expression Consortium, Kang Peter B. , Beggs Alan H. , North Kathryn N. , Straub Volker , Dowling James J. , Muntoni Francesco , Clarke Nigel F. , Cooper Sandra T. , Bönnemann Carsten G. , MacArthur Daniel G.
Published: April 2017

Transcriptome sequencing improves the diagnostic rate for Mendelian disease in patients for whom genetic analysis has not returned a diagnosis.
Combination of an oncolytic virus with PD-L1 blockade keeps cancer in check
Authors: Jonas Brian A.
Published: April 2017

An oncolytic vaccinia virus expressing CXCL11 combined with PD-L1 blockade significantly reduces tumor burden and improves survival in murine cancer models.
Filtering more than light in the developing retina
Authors: Lehtinen Maria K.
Published: April 2017

Restricting transcytosis is essential for blood-retinal barrier formation.
Effects of economic downturns on child mortality: a global economic analysis, 1981–2010
Authors: Maruthappu Mahiben , Watson Robert A , Watkins Johnathan , Zeltner Thomas , Raine Rosalind , Atun Rifat
Published: April 2017

Objectives

To analyse how economic downturns affect child mortality both globally and among subgroups of countries of variable income levels.

Design

Retrospective observational study using economic data from the World Bank's Development Indicators and Global Development Finance (2013 edition). Child mortality data were sourced from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation.

Setting

Global.

Participants

204 countries between 1981 and 2010.

Main outcome measures

Child mortality, controlling for country-specific differences in political, healthcare, cultural, structural, educational and economic factors.

Results

197 countries experienced at least 1 economic downturn between 1981 and 2010, with a mean of 7.97 downturns per country (range 0–21; SD 0.45). At the global level, downturns were associated with significant (p<0.0001) deteriorations in each child mortality measure, in comparison with non-downturn years: neonatal (coefficient: 1.11, 95% CI 0.855 to 1.37), postneonatal (2.00, 95% CI 1.61 to 2.38), child (2.93, 95% CI 2.26 to 3.60) and under 5 years of age (5.44, 95% CI 4.31 to 6.58) mortality rates. Stronger (larger falls in the growth rate of gross domestic product/capita) and longer (lasting 2 years rather than 1) downturns were associated with larger significant deteriorations (p<0.001). During economic downturns, countries in the poorest quartile experienced ∼1½ times greater deterioration in neonatal mortality, compared with their own baseline; a 3-fold deterioration in postneonatal mortality; a 9-fold deterioration in child mortality and a 3-fold deterioration in under-5 mortality, than countries in the wealthiest quartile (p<0.0005). For 1–5 years after downturns ended, each mortality measure continued to display significant deteriorations (p<0.0001).

Conclusions

Economic downturns occur frequently and are associated with significant deteriorations in child mortality, with worse declines in lower income countries.
Person-centred transition programme to empower adolescents with congenital heart disease in the transition to adulthood: a study protocol for a hybrid randomised controlled trial (STEPSTONES project)
Authors: Acuña Mora Mariela , Sparud-Lundin Carina , Bratt Ewa-Lena , Moons Philip
Published: April 2017

Introduction

When a young person grows up, they evolve from an independent child to an empowered adult. If an individual has a chronic condition, this additional burden may hamper adequate development and independence. Transition programmes for young persons with chronic disorders aim to provide the necessary skills for self-management and participation in care. However, strong evidence on the effects of these interventions is lacking. Therefore, as part of the STEPSTONES project (Swedish Transition Effects Project Supporting Teenagers with chrONic mEdical conditionS), we propose a trial to assess the effectiveness of a structured, person-centred transition programme to empower adolescents with congenital heart disease in the transition to adulthood.

Methods/design

STEPSTONES will use a hybrid experimental design in which a randomised controlled trial is embedded in a longitudinal, observational study. It will be conducted in 4 paediatric cardiology centres in Sweden. 2 centres will be allocated to the randomised controlled trial group, assigning patients randomly to the intervention group (n=63) or the comparison group (n=63). The other 2 centres will form the intervention-naïve control group (n=63). The primary outcome is the level of patient empowerment, as measured by the Gothenburg Young Persons Empowerment Scale (GYPES).

Ethics and dissemination

The study has been approved by the Regional Ethical Board of Gothenburg, Sweden. Findings will be reported following the CONSORT statement and disseminated at international conferences and as published papers in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

NCT02675361; pre-results.
Optimal body fat percentage cut-off values for identifying cardiovascular risk factors in Mongolian and Han adults: a population-based cross-sectional study in Inner Mongolia, China
Authors: Li Yanlong , Wang Hailing , Wang Ke , Wang Wenrui , Dong Fen , Qian Yonggang , Gong Haiying , Xu Guodong , Li Guoju , Pan Li , Zhu Guangjin , Shan Guangliang
Published: April 2017

Objective

The present study was designed to determine the optimal cut-off values of body fat percentage (BF%) for the detection of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in Mongolian and Han adults.

Method

This cross-sectional study involving 3221 Chinese adults (2308 Han and 913 Mongolian) aged 20–80 years was conducted in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China, in 2014. Data from a standardised questionnaire, physical examination and blood sample were obtained. The BF% was estimated using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Optimal BF% cut-offs were analysed by receiver operating characteristic curves to predict the risk of diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidaemia. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the OR of each CVD risk factor according to obesity defined by BF%.

Results

Mean BF% levels were lower in men than in women (22.54±5.77 vs 32.95±6.18 in Han, 23.86±5.72 vs 33.98±6.40 in Mongolian population, respectively; p<0.001). In Han population, the area under curve (AUC) values for BF% ranged from 0.589 to 0.699 for men and from 0.711 to 0.763 for women. Compared with men, AUCs for diabetes and clustering of ≥2 risk factors in women were significantly higher (p<0.05). The AUCs for BF% in women (0.685–0.783) were similar with those in men (0.686–0.736) for CVD risk factors in Mongolian population. In Han adults, the optimal BF% cut-off values to detect CVD risk factors varied from 18.7% to 24.2% in men and 32.7% to 35.4% in women. In Mongolian population, the optimal cut-off values of BF% for men and women ranged from 21.0% to 24.6% and from 35.7% to 40.0%, respectively. Subjects with high BF% (≥24% in men, ≥34% in women) had higher risk of CVD risk factors in Han (age-adjusted ORs from 1.479 to 3.680, 2.660 to 4.016, respectively). In Mongolia, adults with high BF% (≥25% in men, ≥35% in women) had higher risk of CVD risk factors (age-adjusted ORs from 2.587 to 3.772, 2.061 to 4.882, respectively).

Conclusions

The optimal BF% cut-offs for obesity for the prediction of CVD risk factors in Chinese men and women were approximately 24% and 34% for Han adults and 25% and 35% for Mongolian population of Inner Mongolia, China, respectively.
The UK Cardiac and Vascular Surgery Interventional Anaemia Response (CAVIAR) Study: protocol for an observational cohort study to determine the impact and effect of preoperative anaemia management in cardiac and vascular surgical patients
Authors: Chau Marisa , Richards Toby , Evans Caroline , Butcher Anna , Collier Timothy , Klein Andrew
Published: April 2017

Introduction

Preoperative anaemia is linked to poor postsurgical outcome, longer hospital stays, greater risk of complications and mortality. Currently in the UK, some sites have developed anaemia clinics or pathways that use intravenous iron to correct iron deficiency anaemia prior to surgery as their standard of care. Although intravenous iron has been observed to be effective in a variety of patient settings, there is insufficient evidence in its use in cardiac and vascular patients. The aim of this study is to observe the impact and effect of anaemia and its management in patients undergoing cardiac and vascular surgery. In addition, the UK Cardiac and Vascular Surgery Interventional Anaemia Response (CAVIAR) Study is also a feasibility study with the aim to establish anaemia management pathways in the preoperative setting to inform the design of future randomised controlled trials.

Methods and analysis

The UK CAVIAR Study is a multicentre, stepped, observational study, in patients awaiting major cardiac or vascular surgery. We will be examining different haematological variables (especially hepcidin), functional capacity and patient outcome. Patients will be compared based on their anaemia status, whether they received intravenous iron in accordance to their hospital’s preoperative pathway, and their disease group. The primary outcomes are the change in haemoglobin levels from baseline (before treatment) to before surgery; and the number of successful patients recruited and consented (feasibility). The secondary outcomes will include changes in biomarkers of iron deficiency, length of stay, quality of life and postoperative recovery.

Ethics and dissemination

The study protocol was approved by the London-Westminster Research Ethics Committee (15/LO/1569, 27 November 2015). NHS approval was also obtained with each hospital trust. The findings of the study will be published in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

Clinical Trials registry (NCT02637102) and the ISRCTN registry (ISRCTN55032357).
Can a partnership between general practitioners and ambulance services reduce conveyance to emergency care?
Authors: Villarreal Manuel , Leach Jonathan , Ngianga-Bakwin Kandala , Dale Jeremy
Published: April 2017

Background

Emergency services are facing increasing workload pressures, and new models of care are needed. We evaluate the impact of a service development involving a partnership between emergency ambulance crews and general practitioners (GPs) on reducing conveyance rates to the Hospital Emergency Department(ED) .

Methods

The service model was implemented in the West Midlands of England. Call handlers identified patients with needs that could be addressed by a GP using locally agreed criteria. GPs supported the assessment of such patients either at scene or by telephone. Routine data were collected from October 2012 to November 2013, from the ambulance service computer-aided dispatch system. Logistic regression models were used to determine the likelihood for patients being transported to ED.

Results

Of 23 395 emergency contacts during the evaluation period, 1903 (8.1 %) patients were triaged to GP supported assessment. Mean age (SD) was 61.8 (27.9) years; 42.9 % were aged 75 years and over. 1221 (64.2%) had face-to-face GP assessment and 682 (35.8%) via telephone. 1500 (78%) of those who received GP support were not transported to hospital. After controlling for confounders, those aged greater than 75 years (OR 0.67; 95% CI 0.52 to 0.86), and females (OR 0.64; 95% CI 0.51 to 0.82) were less likely to be transported, while those who received GP telephone input rather than face-to-face assessment were more likely to be transferred to an ED (OR 2.14; 95% CI 1.69 to 2.72).

Conclusion

Support of the paramedic service by GPs enabled patients to avoid transfer to an ED, potentially avoiding subsequent hospital admission, reducing costs and improving quality of care for patients that are not in need of hospital services. However, use of services in the days following the call was not assessed, and hence the overall impact and safety requires further evaluation.
‘The year of first aid’: effectiveness of a 3-day first aid programme for 7-14-year-old primary school children
Authors: Banfai Balint , Pek Emese , Pandur Attila , Csonka Henrietta , Betlehem Jozsef
Published: April 2017

Aim of the study

Bystanders can play an important role in the event of sudden injury or illness. Our aim was to evaluate the effects of a 3-day first aid course for all primary school age groups (7–14 years old).

Methods

582 school children were involved in the study. Training consisted of three sessions with transfer of theoretical knowledge and practical skills about first aid. The following most urgent situations were addressed in our study: adult basic life support (BLS), using an automated external defibrillator (AED), handling an unconscious patient, managing bleeding and calling the ambulance. Data collection was made with a questionnaire developed for the study and observation. Students were tested before, immediately after and 4 months after training. Results were considered significant in case of p<0.05.

Results

Prior to training there was a low level of knowledge and skills on BLS, management of the unconscious patient, use of an AED and management of bleeding. Knowledge and skills improved significantly in all of these categories (p<0.01) and remained significantly higher than the pre-test level at 4 months after training (p<0.01). Younger children overall performed less well than older children, but significantly improved over the pre-test level both immediately and 4 months after training (p<0.01). Prior first aid training was associated with knowledge of the correct ambulance number (p=0.015) and management of bleeding (p=0.041). Prior to training, age was associated with pre-test knowledge and skills of all topics (p<0.01); after training, it was only associated with AED use (p<0.001). There was a significant correlation between the depth of chest compression and children’s age, weight, height and body mass index (p<0.001). Ventilation depended on the same factors (p<0.001).

Conclusion

Children aged 7–14 years are able to perform basic life-saving skills. Knowledge retention after 4 months is good for skills, but thinking in algorithms is difficult for these children.
A note on the relations between thermodynamics, energy definitions and Friedmann equations
Authors: Moradpour H. , Nunes Rafael C. , Abreu Everton M. C. , Neto Jorge Ananias
Published: April 2017

We investigate the relation between the Friedmann and thermodynamic pressure equations, through solving the Friedmann and thermodynamic pressure equations simultaneously. Our investigation shows that a perfect fluid, as a suitable solution for the Friedmann equations leading to the standard modeling of the universe expansion history, cannot simultaneously satisfy the thermodynamic pressure equation and those of Friedmann. Moreover, we consider various energy definitions, such as the Komar mass, and solve the Friedmann and thermodynamic pressure equations simultaneously to get some models for dark energy fluids. The cosmological consequences of obtained solutions are also addressed. Our results indicate that some of obtained solutions may unify the dominated fluid in both the primary inflationary and current accelerating eras into one model. In addition, by taking into account a cosmic fluid of a known equation of state (EoS), and combining it with the Friedmann and thermodynamic pressure equations, we obtain the corresponding energy of these cosmic fluids and face their limitations. Finally, we point out the cosmological features of this cosmic fluid and also study its observational constraints.
Study of 2219 aluminum alloy using direct current A-TIG welding
Authors: Li Hui , Zou Jiasheng
Published: April 2017

Direct current A-TIG (DCEN A-TIG) welding using special active agent had eliminated the pores and the oxidation of 2219 high-strength aluminum alloy in welding. Addition of AlF3–25% LiF active agent to DCEN A-TIG welding and arc morphology showed a trailing phenomenon. However, the change in arc morphology was not remarkable when AlF3–75% LiF active agent was added. Addition of AlF3–75% LiF active agent can refine the grain size of DCEN A-TIG joint. The mechanical properties of the weld were optimal at 10% AlF3–75% LiF active agent. Compared with AC TIG and AC A-TIG welding, DCEN A-TIG welding yielded better results for 2219 Al alloy.
Bandgaps characteristics of the periodical slit metal tubes with backstraps
Authors: Bao Kai , Chen Tianning , Wang Xiaopeng , Song Ailing , Wan Lele
Published: April 2017

In this paper, a new two-dimensional (2D) phononic crystal structure composed of periodic slit metal tubes, in which the unit cell consists of straight or curved backstraps, is proposed, and the propagation characteristics of acoustic waves in this structure are theoretically investigated. Using the finite-element method, we calculate the dispersion relations and transmission coefficients of this structure. The results show that, in contrast to the only slit metal tubes, the periodic slit metal tubes with straight or curved backstraps are proved to display band gaps (BGs) at much lower frequency range. Meanwhile, the effect of the slit width of the backstraps on the BGs is investigated. The results show that the positions and widths of the BGs can be effectively modulated by the backstraps without changing the mass density or lattice constant of the material. The lowest frequency falls by about 200 Hz. Moreover, we investigated how the BGs are affected by the location parameter of the backstraps, finding that the acoustic BGs are sensitive to the location parameter of the backstraps. Numerical results show that BGs are significantly dependent upon the slit width and location parameters of the backstraps. The BGs are optimized because, the effect of the Helmholtz resonators of the slit tube is strengthened and changed when the location and slit width of the backstraps change. These results provide a good reference for optimizing BGs, generating filters and designing devices.
Towards an Optimized Architecture for Unified Binary Huff Curves
Authors: Jafri Atif Raza , ul Islam Muhammad Najam , Imran Malik , Rashid Muhammad
Published: April 2017

Applying unified formula while computing point addition and doubling provides immunity to Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) against power analysis attacks (a type of side channel attack). One of the popular techniques providing this unifiedness is the Binary Huff Curves (BHC) which got attention in 2011. In this paper we are presenting highly optimized architectures to implement point multiplication (PM) on the standard NIST curves over [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] using BHC. To achieve a high throughput over area ratio, first of all, we have used a simplified arithmetic and logic unit. Secondly, we have reduced the time to compute PM through Double and Add algorithm. This is achieved by increasing the frequency of operation through a 2-stage pipelined architecture. The increase in clock cycles caused by consequent pipeline hazards is controlled through optimal scheduling of computations involved in PM. The synthesis results show that our designs can work up to a frequency of 377[Formula: see text]MHz on Xilinx Virtex 7 FPGA. Moreover, the overall throughput/area ratio achieved through the adopted approach is up to 20% higher while comparing with available state-of-the-art solutions.
Discrete and Continuous Consecutive 2-Out-of-n:F System Reliability with Correlated Components
Authors: Jafary Bentolhoda , Fiondella Lance , Xing Liudong
Published: April 2017

A linear consecutive [Formula: see text]-out-of-[Formula: see text]:failed system, henceforth written consecutive [Formula: see text]-out-of-[Formula: see text]:F, is an [Formula: see text]-component system that fails if [Formula: see text] or more consecutive components in positions [Formula: see text] fail, where [Formula: see text]. The consecutive [Formula: see text]-out-of-[Formula: see text]:F system model is particularly valuable for characterizing critical infrastructures such as telecommunications that provide essential services to society. However, events that impact critical infrastructures such as natural disasters often produce geospatially correlated failures, necessitating reliability models that can accommodate these scenarios where component failures may be correlated.

This paper presents a method to explicitly model the correlation between component failures of a consecutive [Formula: see text]-out-of-[Formula: see text]:F system. The approach produces analytical expressions for the reliability of discrete and continuous systems in terms of component reliabilities and correlation between the component failures. The explicit correlation parameter simplifies sensitivity analysis for a variety of measures of interest, including reliability, density function, hazard rate, mean time to failure (MTTF), availability, and mean residual life (MRL). It is illustrated through examples where correlated failures can negatively influence system reliability. Thus, the approach can quantify improvements to system reliability that could be achieved by lowering the correlation between failures of system components.
Determination of Overhead Power Line Cables Configuration by FEM and Meshless FDM
Authors: Cecot W. , Milewski S. , Orkisz J.
Published: April 2017

The paper addresses numerical modeling of overhead power line cables subjected to static loads. Cable extensibility, their large 3D displacements as well as an interaction with strings of insulators and elastic towers are considered. A 2D exact closed solution available for certain type of loading was generalized by us to a 3D displacement case and applied as one of the benchmarks, that were used in convergence, efficiency and accuracy studies of numerical methods to select the most reliable one.

Various formulations of the problem (strong and weak in both the Bubnov and local Petrov–Galerkin MLPG-5 versions) as well as various solution approximation approaches were examined, namely the finite element method (FEM) with the higher order shape functions as well as for the first time the meshless finite difference method (MFDM).

Validation done by comparison of the numerical results with in situ measurements confirmed that the assumed models are reliable.
BUSINESS MODELS FOR CORPORATE INNOVATION MANAGEMENT: INTRODUCTION OF A BUSINESS MODEL INNOVATION TOOL FOR ESTABLISHED FIRMS
Authors: TRAPP MARTIN , VOIGT KAI-INGO , BREM ALEXANDER
Published: April 2017

Business model innovation (BMI) is the process of integrating a new logic of doing business into an established firm to improve profitability or to capitalise on new business opportunities. However, existing research offers only limited clarity on BMI compared to business model upgrades or a specific product innovation. From a body of extant literature, we develop a BMI identification tool which is then tested by senior managers from four large European corporations to assess whether innovation efforts represent BMI. The tool operationalises BMI and offers straightforward criteria and indicators to assist researchers but especially practitioners at accelerating BMI in established firms. This paper closes with recommendations for future research and limitations.
Voronoi Polygonal Hybrid Finite Elements with Boundary Integrals for Plane Isotropic Elastic Problems
Authors: Wang Hui , Qin Qing-Hua
Published: April 2017

Polygonal finite elements with high level of geometric isotropy provide greater flexibility in mesh generation and material science involving topology change in material phase. In this study, a hybrid finite element model based on polygonal mesh is constructed by centroidal Voronoi tessellation for two-dimensional isotropic elastic problems and then is formulated with element boundary integrals only. For the present [Formula: see text]-sided polygonal finite element, two independent fields are introduced: (i) displacement and stress fields inside the element; (ii) frame displacement field along the element boundary. The interior fields are approximated by fundamental solutions so that they exactly satisfy the governing equations to convert element domain integral in the two-field functional into element boundary integrals to reduce integration dimension. While the frame displacement field is approximated by the conventional shape functions to satisfy the conformity requirement between adjacent elements. The two independent fields are coupled by the weak functional to form the stiffness equation. This hybrid formulation enables the construction of [Formula: see text]-sided polygons and extends the potential applications of finite elements to convex polygons of arbitrary order. Finally, five examples including patch tests in square domain, thick cylinder under internal pressure, beam bending and composite with clustered holes are provided to illustrate convergence, accuracy and capability of the present Voronoi polygonal finite elements.
On Elastic-Plastic Fracture Behavior of a Half-Space Under Prescribed Loading
Authors: Yang Jing , Zhou Kun
Published: April 2017

The plastic zones at crack tips play a significant role in fracture behaviors of materials. In this paper, a semi-analytic solution is proposed for the plastic zone size of cracks in an elastic-perfectly plastic half-space under prescribed loading. This solution also considers the subsurface stress distribution influenced by the plastic zones at crack tips. The cracks can be treated as a distribution of edge dislocations with unknown densities by using the distributed dislocation technique. In order to calculate the plastic zone sizes of crack tips, two stripes ahead of crack tips are introduced as plastic zones based on the Dugdale model of small scale yielding. The numerical values can be determined by canceling the stress intensity factor due to the closure stress and that due to the applied load. It is noted that the plastic zone sizes are affected by the crack length and depth, yield strength of substrates and loading conditions.
Interpretations of Receptor–Ligand Dissociation Kinetics from Single-Molecule Pulling Experiments
Authors: Feng Yuan , Lin Ji , Qian Jin
Published: April 2017

The kinetic response of receptor–ligand bonds to externally imposed force is of essential importance for adhesion-mediated behaviors of cells. Two prevailing experimental approaches, so-called dynamic force spectroscopy and force clamp assay, have been commonly adopted to probe the force dependence of bond dissociation rate at single-molecule level. This study focuses on the outstanding theoretical issue concerning the distinct loading paths and different procedures to extract the kinetic information in the two types of experiments. To address the issue, Monte Carlo simulations have been performed to simulate bond dissociation as a well-to-barrier escape process under dynamically imposed force as well as thermal fluctuations, and the consistency of quantitative interpretations on force-dependent bond lifetimes from the different approaches is examined. Our numerical results show that all the interpretations from different methods collapse into a single master curve of lifetime–force relation for receptor–ligand bonds with slip behavior. However, for bonds with biphasic catch–slip behavior, a procedure based on a Gaussian approximation of rupture force distributions, proposed by Dudko for dynamic force spectroscopy, tends to underestimate bond lifetime for certain force range.
Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity by Cu2O Nanoparticles Integrated H2Ti3O7 Nanotubes for Removal of Mercaptan
Authors: Guo Chunli , Xu Lei , He Jie , Hu Lifang , Wang Bin , Da Liangguo
Published: April 2017

The Cu2O@H2Ti3O7 nanocomposite was prepared through a facile hydrothermal method. The as-prepared samples were investigated by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), laser Raman spectroscopy (LRS), N2 adsorption-desorption measurements and UV-Vis diffuse reflection spectroscopy (UV-Vis–DRS). The photocatalytic performance of the as-prepared Cu2O@H2Ti3O7 nanocomposite is evaluated by the oxidation of ethyl mercaptan (EM) under sunlight irradiation. The results indicate that the Cu2O nanoparticles are integrated uniformly on H2Ti3O7 nanotubes, and the absorption edge of the nanocomposite has obviously shifted to visible light region compared to H2Ti3O7 nanotubes. There is an obvious synergistic effect existing between the dispersed Cu2O nanoparticles and H2Ti3O7 nanotubes, and the Cu2O@H2Ti3O7 composite shows stronger visible spectral response and wider absorbance. Then, an enchanced photodegradation activity is obtained for the removal of EM under sunlight irradiation compared to its precursors.
Amorphous Co3O4-Decorated Pd as an Efficient Electrocatalyst for Methanol Oxidation
Authors: Lei Haikuo , Sun Wei , Sun Zhenfan
Published: April 2017

In this study, amorphous Co3O4-decorated Pd (carbon supported, denoted as Pd-Co3O4/C) was synthesized with a three-step approach. The as-obtained Pd-Co3O4/C consists of amorphous Co3O4and Pd. Amorphous Co3O4nanoparticle acts as the “catalytic promoter” and ultra-low Pd is the active component. Compared to Pd/C, as-prepared Pd-Co3O4/C catalyst offers high mass activity and stability. This high catalytic performance arises from good synergetic effects between Pd and amorphous Co3O4, which makes the Pd-Co3O4/C promising for direct methanol fuel cells.
Performance of a Two-Phase Injection Heat Pump with the Variation of Injection Quality and Pressure
Authors: Kim Bo Gyeom , Kim Dongwoo , Lee Dongchan , Kim Yongchan
Published: April 2017

Heat pumps are becoming more commonly and widely used due to their advantages in efficiency and versatile applications in both cooling and heating. However, the reliability of its compressor is being compromised due to high discharge temperatures caused by harsh operating conditions. Among the numerous studies conducted in improving the discharge temperature and performance of the heat pump, two-phase injection is receiving great interest. In this study, the performance of the two-phase injection heat pump was measured with a variation of operating parameters. The experiment results were used to study the performance change according to the operating parameter such as injection quality and pressure. It was found that the performance of the heat pump using the two-phase injection was better in terms of COP by up to 5.8% compared to that using the vapor injection. Furthermore, the two-phase injection was effective in reducing the discharge temperature to improve the compressor reliability. Two types of optimum injection qualities were suggested through this study: discharge temperature optimum injection quality (TIQ), and performance optimum injection quality (PIQ). It was found that in most conditions PIQ was sufficient in satisfying the compressor reliability, but in harsh operating conditions, where the compression ratio was high, TIQ was required in order to maintain the compressor reliability.
The Effect of Dopaminergic Medication on Joint Kinematics during Haptic Movements in Individuals with Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Li Kuan-yi , Chu Pei-yi , Pickett Kristen A.
Published: April 2017

This study examined whether altered joint angular motion during haptic exploration could account for a decline in haptic sensitivity in individuals with PD by analyzing joint position data during haptic exploration of a curved contour. Each participant’s hand was passively moved by a robotic arm along the edges of a virtual box (5 cm × 15 cm) with a curved left wall. After each trial, participants indicated whether the contour was curved or straight. Visual, auditory, and tactile cues were occluded, and an electrogoniometer recorded shoulder and elbow joint angles during each trial. The PD group in the OFF state had a higher mean detection threshold (4.67 m−1) than the control group (3.06 m−1). Individuals with PD in the OFF state also had a significantly greater magnitude of shoulder abduction than those in the ON state (p=0.003) and a smaller magnitude of elbow flexion than those in the ON state or compared to the control group (bothp<0.001). These findings suggest that individuals with PD employ joint configurations that may contribute to haptic insensitivity. Dopamine replacement therapy improved joint configurations during haptic exploration in patients with PD, suggesting a role for dopaminergic dysfunction in PD-related haptic insensitivity.
Sirtuin 2 Regulates Microvascular Inflammation during Sepsis
Authors: Buechler Nancy , Wang Xianfeng , Yoza Barbara K. , McCall Charles E. , Vachharajani Vidula
Published: April 2017

Objective. Sepsis and septic shock, the leading causes of death in noncoronary intensive care units, kill more than 200,000/year in the US alone. Circulating cell-endothelial cell interactions are the rate determining factor in sepsis inflammation. Sirtuin, a seven-member family of proteins (SIRT1–7), epigenetically controls inflammation. We have studied the roles of SIRTs 1, 3, and 6 in sepsis previously. In this project, we studied the role of SIRT2 on sepsis-related inflammation.Methods. Sepsis was induced in C57Bl/6 (WT), SIRT2 knockout (SIRT2KO), and SIRT2 overexpressing (SIRT2KI) mice by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). We studied leukocyte/platelet adhesion using intravital microscopy and E-selectin/ICAM-1 adhesion molecule expression in the small intestine with immunohistochemistry (IHC) six hours post-CLP/sham surgery. We also studied 7-day survival rates in WT, SIRT2KO, and SIRT2KI sepsis mice.Results. Compared to WT mice, SIRT2KO mice show exaggeration while SIRT2KI mice show attenuation of cellular adhesion with sepsis in the small intestine. We also show that the small intestinal E-selectin and ICAM-1 expressions increased in SIRT2KO and decreased in SIRT2KI mice versus those in WT sepsis mice. We show that the 7-day survival rate is decreased in SIRT2KO and increased in SIRT2KI sepsis mice.Conclusion. SIRT2 modulates microvascular inflammation in sepsis and affects survival.
Cognitive Impairment in Chronic Kidney Disease: Vascular Milieu and the Potential Therapeutic Role of Exercise
Authors: Bronas Ulf G. , Puzantian Houry , Hannan Mary
Published: April 2017

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is considered a model of accelerated aging. More specifically, CKD leads to reduced physical functioning and increased frailty, increased vascular dysfunction, vascular calcification and arterial stiffness, high levels of systemic inflammation, and oxidative stress, as well as increased cognitive impairment. Increasing evidence suggests that the cognitive impairment associated with CKD may be related to cerebral small vessel disease and overall impairment in white matter integrity. The triad of poor physical function, vascular dysfunction, and cognitive impairment places patients living with CKD at an increased risk for loss of independence, poor health-related quality of life, morbidity, and mortality. The purpose of this review is to discuss the available evidence of cerebrovascular-renal axis and its interconnection with early and accelerated cognitive impairment in patients with CKD and the plausible role of exercise as a therapeutic modality. Understanding the cerebrovascular-renal axis pathophysiological link and its interconnection with physical function is important for clinicians in order to minimize the risk of loss of independence and improve quality of life in patients with CKD.
Febuxostat Attenuates Renal Damage besides Exerting Hypouricemic Effect in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Ran Jianmin , Xu Gang , Ma Huixuan , Xu Hailing , Liu Yan , Tan Rongshao , Zhu Ping , Song Jun , Lao Gancheng
Published: April 2017

Aim. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of febuxostat, a novel inhibitor of xanthine oxidase (XO), on renal damage in streptozotocin- (STZ-) induced diabetic rats. Methods. Diabetes was induced by the intraperitoneal injection of STZ in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Sham-injected rats served as controls. The control and diabetic rats were treated with and without febuxostat for 8 weeks, respectively. Fasting blood and 24-h urine samples were collected every 4 weeks. Rat livers were extracted for detecting gene expression, content, and bioactivity of XO. Results. Diabetic rats showed significantly increased serum uric acid (SUA), serum creatinine (SCr), and urea nitrogen (BUN) levels. Daily urinary albumin (UAE), uric acid (UUA), and creatinine (UCr) excretion were also significantly increased in these rats. In diabetic rats, at week 8, febuxostat decreased SUA by 18.9%, while UAA was increased by 52.0%. However, UCr and urinary urea nitrogen (UUN) levels remained unchanged, while SCr and BUN levels decreased by >30% in these rats. Although hepatic gene expression, content, and activity of XO increased significantly in diabetic rats, febuxostat only slightly decreased its content. Conclusions. Febuxostat significantly attenuated renal damage in STZ-induced diabetic rats in addition to exerting hypouricemic effect.
Exercise Modality Is Differentially Associated with Neurocognition in Older Adults
Authors: Chang Yu-Kai , Chu I-Hua , Liu Jen-Hao , Wu Chih-Han , Chu Chien-Heng , Yang Kao-Teng , Chen Ai-Guo
Published: April 2017

This study explored the effects of exercise modality and type of fitness index on cognitive function in the older adults as assessed via behavioral and neuroelectrical approaches. Sixty older adults were assigned to an aerobic exercise, a coordination exercise, or a control group based on their previous exercise experience. The participants completed congruent and incongruent trials of a modified Stroop Test, during which, event-related potentials were recorded. The participants also completed multiple physical tests that assessed health- and skill-related fitness. Our findings suggest that, in general, both aerobic and coordination exercise, as well as higher scores on health- and skill-related fitness indices, are positively associated with better performance of various cognitive functions in the elderly population. The mechanisms underlying these relationships may be differentially related to specific neuroelectrical processes involved in neurocognitive control.
15-Deoxy-Δ12,14-prostaglandin J2Exerts Antioxidant Effects While Exacerbating Inflammation in Mice Subjected to Ureteral Obstruction
Authors: Nilsson Line , Palm Fredrik , Nørregaard Rikke
Published: April 2017

Urinary obstruction is associated with inflammation and oxidative stress, leading to renal dysfunction. Previous studies have shown that 15-deoxy-Δ12,14-prostaglandin J2(15d-PGJ2) has both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Using a unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) mouse model, we examined the effects of 15d-PGJ2on oxidative stress and inflammation in the kidney. Mice were subjected to UUO for 3 days and treated with 15d-PGJ2. Protein and RNA expression were examined using immunoblotting and qPCR. 15d-PGJ2increased NF-E2-related nuclear factor erythroid-2 (Nrf2) protein expression in response to UUO, and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), a downstream target of Nrf2, was induced by 15d-PGJ2. Additionally, 15d-PGJ2prevented protein carbonylation, a UUO-induced oxidative stress marker. Inflammation, measured by nuclear NF-κB, F4/80, and MCP-1, was increased in response to UUO and further increased by 15d-PGJ2. Renal injury was aggravated by 15d-PGJ2treatment as measured by kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) and cortical caspase 3 content. No effect of 15d-PGJ2was observed on renal function in mice subjected to UUO. This study illustrates differentiated functioning of 15d-PGJ2on inflammation and oxidative stress in response to obstructive nephropathy. High concentrations of 15d-PGJ2protects against oxidative stress during 3-day UUO in mice; however, it aggravates the associated inflammation.
A Novel -72 (T→A)β-Promoter Mutation Causing Slightly Elevated HbA2in a Vietnamese Heterozygote
Authors: Pirastru Monica , Mereu Paolo , Nguyen Chau Quynh , Nguyen Nhan Viet , Nguyen Thang Duy , Manca Laura
Published: April 2017

We report a novelβ+-thalassemia mutation found in a Vietnamese family. The molecular defect T→A lies at -72 of theβ-globin gene promoter, within the conserved CCAAT box. The index case was a 5-year-old child having red blood cells indices close to normal and slightly increased level of HbA2(3.96%). The expression of the mutatedβallele was inferred by luciferase reporter assay in K562 cells. Theβ-72 determinant is the eighthβ-thalassemic mutation identified in Vietnam and it was not previously reported in any population. The absence of homozygous or compound heterozygous states did not allow us to precisely predict either its clinical impact or its relevance in management programs. Our results further underline the importance of identifying and characterizing new or rareβ+-thalassemic alleles in carrier screening and prenatal diagnosis.
Plasmacytoma as a Mimicker of Colonic Carcinoma in an Elderly Man
Authors: George Sara Mathew , Aljufairi Eman Ali , Chandran Nisha , Almahari Sayed Ali Isa
Published: April 2017

Multiple myeloma is a neoplastic proliferation of monoclonal plasma cells. Although it is usually restricted to the bone marrow, extraskeletal spread in the form of localised extramedullary collections of malignant plasma cells (plasmacytomas) can occur. However, gastrointestinal tract involvement in multiple myeloma is rare and overt gastrointestinal bleeding from plasmacytoma is uncommon. We report a case of colonic plasmacytoma which presented with bleeding per rectum and was initially misdiagnosed as colonic neuroendocrine carcinoma. Later the patient presented with recurrence of the colonic mass along with multiple lytic bone lesions. The diagnosis of colonic plasmacytoma with progression into multiple myeloma was given. We also discuss here the diagnostic difficulty of plasma cell neoplasms in small biopsies of the colon.
Study of SAW Based on a Micro Force Sensor in Wireless Sensor Network
Authors: Wang Jun , Li Yuanyuan , Chen Ke , Lu Wenke , Liu Qinghong , Zhang Haoxin , Yan Huashan
Published: April 2017

Wireless sensor network (WSN) technology has increasingly assumed an active role in detection, identification, location, and tracking applications after more than ten years of development. However, its application still suffers from technology bottlenecks, which must be solved and perfected to eliminate the key problems of the technology. This article investigates WSN acquisition nodes and analyzes the relationship between the frequency and actual pressure values of sensor nodes. The sensitive mechanism of the surface acoustic wave (SAW) based on a micro force sensor is researched, and the principle of least squares method is used to establish a transformation model of frequency and pressure for the SAW sensor. According to the model, polyfit function and matrix calculation are selected to solve and calculate the estimate of the polynomial coefficients, which simulate the data acquisition of WSN nodes and draw a polynomial curve fitting. The actual SAW sensor is tested to demonstrate the reasonableness of the device stability in WSNs.