The interactive bending wrinkling behaviour of inflated beams

ArticleA model is proposed based on a Fourier series method to analyse the interactive bending wrinkling behaviour of inflated beams. The whole wrinkling evolution is tracked and divided into three stages by identifying the bifurcations of the equilibrium path. The critical wrinkling and failure moments of inflated beam are then able to be predicted. The global-local interactive buckling pattern is elucidated by the proposed theoretical model and also verified by non-contact experimental tests. The effects of geometric parameters, internal pressure and boundary conditions on the buckling of inflated beams are investigated in the end. Results reveal that the interactive buckling characteristics of inflated beam under bending are more sensitive to the dimensions of the structure and boundary conditions. We find that beams which are simply supported at both ends or clamped and simply supported boundary conditions may prevent the wrinkling formation. The results provide significant support for our understanding of the bending-wrinkling behaviour of inflated beams.This work is supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China, 11172079 and 11572099; Program for New Century Excellent Talents in University, NCET-11-0807; Natural Science Foundation of Heilongjiang Province of China, A2015002; the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities, HIT.BRETIII.201209 and HIT.MKSTISP.2016 29

Altered profile of circulating endothelial progenitor cells in obstructive sleep apnea

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Respiratory viral infections in exacerbation of chronic airway inflammatory diseases: novel mechanisms and insights from the upper airway epithelium.

Respiratory virus infection is one of the major sources of exacerbation of chronic airway inflammatory diseases. These exacerbations are associated with high morbidity and even mortality worldwide. The current understanding on viral-induced exacerbations is that viral infection increases airway inflammation which aggravates disease symptoms. Recent advances in in vitro air-liquid interface 3D cultures, organoid cultures and the use of novel human and animal challenge models have evoked new understandings as to the mechanisms of viral exacerbations. In this review, we will focus on recent novel findings that elucidate how respiratory viral infections alter the epithelial barrier in the airways, the upper airway microbial environment, epigenetic modifications including miRNA modulation, and other changes in immune responses throughout the upper and lower airways. First, we reviewed the prevalence of different respiratory viral infections in causing exacerbations in chronic airway inflammatory diseases. Subsequently we also summarized how recent models have expanded our appreciation of the mechanisms of viral-induced exacerbations. Further we highlighted the importance of the virome within the airway microbiome environment and its impact on subsequent bacterial infection. This review consolidates the understanding of viral induced exacerbation in chronic airway inflammatory diseases and indicates pathways that may be targeted for more effective management of chronic inflammatory diseases

Buckling behavior of carbon nanotubes under bending: from ripple to kink

This is the author accepted manuscript. The final version is available from Elsevier via the DOI in this record.This paper elucidates the buckling behavior of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) under bending. CNTs are modeled as continuous thin-wall circular tubes, and their buckling is governed by equations that take into account of the sectional Brazier effect and non-uniform structural deformation. The CNT governing equations (fourth-order ordinary differential nonlinear equations with integral conditions) are solved by introducing a continuation algorithm. In addition, the buckling behavior of CNTs under bending is simulated with objective molecular dynamics (OMD), and is used to verify the continuum results. We show that there exist low- and high-strain phases during the bending process of CNTs, and the transition in between may divide the whole bending process into three stages: low-curvature stage, mixed-curvature stage and high-curvature stage. Ripples are generated on the CNT surfaces before the formation of kinks. Compared to single-walled CNTs (SWCNTs), hydrogen-filled CNTs have a longer mixed-strain stage owing to the presence of internal pressure, and are therefore more inclined to exhibit a ripple morphology. Our results offer better understanding of the buckling behavior of CNTs, and may open up new opportunities for the design and applications of novel CNT-based nanoelectronics.National Natural Science Foundation of ChinaProgram for New Century 24 Excellent Talents in UniversityNatural Science Foundation of Heilongjiang Province of ChinaFundamental Research Funds for the Central Universitie

The antidiabetic effects of a dry powder of dietary vegetable and fruit mixtures in diabetic db/db mice

We evaluated the antidiabetic effects of a mixed vegetable powder-formula I (MVP-FI), which is a dry powder mixture of over 65 kinds of vegetables and fruits, using the db/db type 2 diabetes mouse model. The db/db mice at 8-10 weeks of age were randomly divided into three groups: vehicle treatment, 1.575 g/kg MVP-FI treatment, and 3.15 g/kg MVP-FI treatment. During 12 days of treatment, we measured food intake and body weight changes, fasting blood glucose levels, and plasma lipid levels. Our results showed that the food intake and the body weight of MVP-FI-treated group were decreased gradually. Moreover, the fasting blood glucose level of the treated group was significantly dropped to a normal level comparable to that of the lean mice. Furthermore, we also found that the plasma triglyceride level in the treated group was dropped, whereas the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) level was increased and total cholesterol/HDL-cholesterol ratio was decreased. Taken together, these results suggest that the diabetic conditions of the db/db mice have been improved after 12 days treatment with MVP-FI. The antihyperglycemic and antiobese activities of the MVP-FI, as demonstrated in the present study, may have important clinical implications for improving the management of type 2 diabetic patients. © 2008 Yeung et al, publisher and licensee Dove Medical Press Ltd.published_or_final_versio

Identification, disclosure and education support of domestic violence and sexual abuse (DVSA) victims

Aim: Supporting Domestic violence and sexual abuse (DVSA) victims at education paradigm. Objective: To find practical methods of disclosing, identifying, and supporting DVSA victims in the education paradigm. Methodology: A phenomenological descriptive literature review study explores what is known from different authors about identification, influence, disclosure tools and support of DVSA victims to clarify the phenomenon, approaches of disclosure tools and victims’ support at education paradigm. Conclusion: Improving factual knowledge and awareness among students and teachers. National policies are mandating the teaching of violence prevention in the national curricula, allocation of budgets, and resources. The need for more comprehensive studies on this subject, educating educators about this paradigm, structuring effective practical disclosure aids, and raising funds and professionals for highly flexible individualised methods of victim’s support. Recommendations Tools chosen should consider the target population, screeners’ skills and experience, and the evaluation’s objective and context. Educators and healthcare providers must ensure that adequate referral and follow-up are provided to those identified through screening to ensure the efficacy of DVSA interventions. Teacher’s lack of confidence, conviction, and expertise could jeopardise the intended message; educator’s training is recommended. To establish DVSA forum at educational institutes, starting with the “digital generation” at tertiary education or secondary and lower educational levels. Students can write, discuss, share, and disclose at this forum anonymously. The details are accessed by a specialised individual who can implement policies and communicate with students who disclosed the information or are suspected of DVSA

Rapid quantification of semen hepatitis B virus DNA by real-time polymerase chain reaction

Aim: To examine the sensitivity and accuracy of real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the quantification of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA in semen. Methods: Hepatitis B viral DNA was isolated from HBV carriers' semen and sera using phenol extraction method and QIAamp DNA blood mini kit (Qiagen, Germany). HBV DNA was detected by conventional PCR and quantified by TaqMan technology-based real-time PCR (quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR)). The detection threshold was 200 copies of HBV DNA for conventional PCR and 10 copies of HBV DNA for real time PCR per reaction. Results: Both methods of phenol extraction and QIAamp DNA blood mini kit were suitable for isolating HBV DNA from semen. The value of the detection thresholds was 500 copies of HBV DNA per mL in the semen. The viral loads were 7.5×10 7 and 1.67×10 7 copies of HBV DNA per mL in two HBV infected patients' sera, while 2.14×10 5 and 3.02×10 5 copies of HBV DNA per mL in the semen. Conclusion: Real-time PCR is a more sensitive and accurate method to detect and quantify HBV DNA in the semen. © 2005 The WJG Press and Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.published_or_final_versio

Patients’ impact on the hidden curriculum of medical students a qualitative study on undergraduate medical students

Aim: To explore and understand professional practice development through medical students’ observation of patient’s responses towards the medical students, illness, and hospital staff. Methodology: Semi-structured focused group discussions were conducted between 3rd September 2019 and 3rd May 2020 using non-probability purposive sampling. Three focused groups were conducted with fourth year medical students (n=19) to discuss about their third-year clinical placement experience. The focused group discussions were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis framework to label the concepts, attached code to the data, and the codes were subsequently grouped into similar themes. Themes that emerged from the interpretation of the coded data were identified. Results: Four main themes emerged from the focus groups: (1) Student’s observation on patient’s responses towards students, illness, and staff; (2) Patient’s perspectives towards students; (3) Students were affected by the experience; and (4) Factors influencing patient’s responses to students, illness, and staff. The impact of patient’s behaviour has influenced students’ professional practice in two ways. The first impact is collaboration of students’ observation during clinical placement with what has been learned through the written curriculum. The second impact is through a hidden curriculum. Conclusions: The hidden curriculum has influenced our students’ learning through observation of new aspects and implementation of the learned written curriculum. Students can aspire medical educators, doctors, and medical staff to adopt approaches and attitudes that have a positive impact on students’ professional practice and to acknowledge that they are the role models for the new generation’s learning through the hidden curriculum

Realizing and manipulating space-time inversion symmetric topological semimetal bands with superconducting quantum circuits

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Allelopathic interactions of linoleic acid and nitric oxide increase the competitive ability of Microcystis aeruginosa

The frequency and intensity of cyanobacterial blooms are increasing worldwide with major societal and economic costs. Interactions between toxic cyanobacteria and eukaryotic algal competitors can affect toxic bloom formation, but the exact mechanisms of interspecies interactions remain unknown. Using metabolomic and proteomic profiling of co-cultures of the toxic cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa with a green alga as well as of microorganisms collected in a Microcystis spp. bloom in Lake Taihu (China), we disentangle novel interspecies allelopathic interactions. We describe an interspecies molecular network in which M. aeruginosa inhibits growth of Chlorella vulgaris, a model green algal competitor, via the release of linoleic acid. In addition, we demonstrate how M. aeruginosa takes advantage of the cell signaling compound nitric oxide produced by C. vulgaris, which stimulates a positive feedback mechanism of linoleic acid release by M. aeruginosa and its toxicity. Our high-throughput system-biology approach highlights the importance of previously unrecognized allelopathic interactions between a broadly distributed toxic cyanobacterial bloom former and one of its algal competitors