bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systemic Sclerosis Pathogenesis and Emerging Therapies, beyond the Fibroblast
Authors: Sierra-Sepúlveda Andrea , Esquinca-González Alexia , Benavides-Suárez Sergio A. , Sordo-Lima Diego E. , Caballero-Islas Adrián E. , Cabral-Castañeda Antonio R. , Rodríguez-Reyna Tatiana S.
Published: January 2019

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complex rheumatologic autoimmune disease in which inflammation, fibrosis, and vasculopathy share several pathogenic pathways that lead to skin and internal organ damage. Recent findings regarding the participation and interaction of the innate and acquired immune system have led to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of the disease and to the identification of new therapeutic targets, many of which have been tested in preclinical and clinical trials with varying results. In this manuscript, we review the state of the art of the pathogenesis of this disease and discuss the main therapeutic targets related to each pathogenic mechanism that have been discovered so far.
Dissociation of Quarkonium in Hot and Dense Media in an Anisotropic Plasma in the Nonrelativistic Quark Model
Authors: Abu-Shady M. , Mansour H. M. , Ahmadov A. I.
Published: January 2019

In this paper, quarkonium dissociation is investigated in an anisotropic plasma in the hot and dense media. For that purpose, the multidimensional Schrödinger equation is solved analytically by Nikiforov-Uvarov (NU) method for the real part of the potential in an anisotropic medium. The binding energy and dissociation temperature are calculated. In comparison with an isotropic medium, the binding energy of quarkonium is enhanced in the presence of an anisotropic medium. The present results show that the dissociation temperature increases with increasing anisotropic parameter for 1S state of the charmonium and bottomonium. We observe that the lower baryonic chemical potential has small effect in both isotropic and anisotropic media. A comparison is presented with other pervious theoretical works.
Idiopathic Isolated Acquired Steroid Dependent SO Palsy: A Rare Case Report
Authors: Agarwal Isha , Naik Mayuresh , Sethi HarinderSingh
Published: January 2019

15-year-old boy presented with sudden onset, stable, nonprogressive painless diplopia (greatest in right gaze and inferior field of view) and hyperdeviation of left eye for a year. On ophthalmic examination, the patient had uncrossed diplopia with tilt and separation maximum in dextrodepression. On Park’s three step test, left eye hypertropia increased on right gaze and left tilt suggestive of left superior oblique (SO) palsy. On prism bar cover test (PBCT), deviation was more than 25 PD base-down over the left eye for both distance and near in all gazes. MRI head and orbit revealed a normal study while the myasthenia and inflammatory work-up was unremarkable. A provisional diagnosis of “Idiopathic Acquired Left Superior Oblique Palsy” was made and the patient was given trial of oral steroids at 1 mg/kg body weight. At 6 weeks, patient’s diplopia resolved and PBCT neutralised at 6PD. Oral steroids were gradually tapered off by 10 mg per week with weekly follow-up. Upon decreasing the dose of prednisolone to 5 mg, intermittent diplopia and 18 PD left hypertropia reappeared. When patient was again restarted on oral steroids at 1 mg/kg body weight, diplopia-hypertropia disappeared at 10 mg OD prednisolone only to reappear at 5 mg OD dosage, leading to the final diagnosis of a “Steroid Dependent Isolated Superior Oblique Palsy”. Presently, the patient is maintained on a daily dose of 10 mg oral prednisolone.
Diffuse Alveolar Hemorrhage Caused by Warfarin after Rifampicin Discontinuation
Authors: Kiyota Takashige , Shiota Seiji , Hamanaka Ryosuke , Tsutsumi Daisuke , Takakura Takeshi , Miyazaki Eishi
Published: January 2019

An 83-year-old man under warfarin therapy presented for assessment of prolonged prothrombin time and cough. High-resolution computed tomography findings of the chest showed diffuse alveolar hemorrhage. His international normalized ratio (INR) was 11.89. He had been treated with rifampicin for a persistent infection, but this had been discontinued about two months before admission. Rifampicin suppresses the anticoagulant activity of warfarin, which can lead to a need for increased doses of warfarin to achieve and maintain a therapeutic INR. More frequent INR monitoring is needed even after discontinuing rifampicin.
A Multiobjective Brain Storm Optimization Algorithm Based on Decomposition
Authors: Dai Cai , Lei Xiujuan
Published: January 2019

Brain storm optimization (BSO) algorithm is a simple and effective evolutionary algorithm. Some multiobjective brain storm optimization algorithms have low search efficiency. This paper combines the decomposition technology and multiobjective brain storm optimization algorithm (MBSO/D) to improve the search efficiency. Given weight vectors transform a multiobjective optimization problem into a series of subproblems. The decomposition technology determines the neighboring clusters of each cluster. Solutions of adjacent clusters generate new solutions to update population. An adaptive selection strategy is used to balance exploration and exploitation. Besides, MBSO/D compares with three efficient state‐of‐the‐art algorithms, e.g., NSGAII and MOEA/D, on twenty‐two test problems. The experimental results show that MBSO/D is more efficient than compared algorithms and can improve the search efficiency for most test problems.
Higher Mortality in Men Compared with Women following Distal Radius Fracture in Population Aged 50 Years or Above: Are Common Distal Radius Fracture Classifications Useful in Predicting Mortality?
Authors: Marchewka Jakub , Głodzik Jacek , Marchewka Wojciech , Golec Edward
Published: January 2019

Introduction. Distal radius fractures (DRF) are one of the most common fractures with growing incidence in developed countries and are a reliable predictor of another osteoporotic fracture. Data concerning DRF mortality are conflicting and vague. Usefulness of common DRF classification systems in predicting mortality is unexplored. Methods. We identified all patients hospitalized between January 1st 2008 and May 30th 2015 with isolated distal radius fracture, aged 50 y/o or above, in a 1st level trauma center in Poland. Fractures were evaluated according to AO, Frykman, and Fernandez classifications. Mortality ratios and long-term survival analysis with Kaplan-Meier estimator and log-rank tests with univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards model were used. Results. We enrolled 1308 consecutive patients. The average age of the entire cohort was 72.5 ± 12 years. The study group consisted of 256 men (19.6%) with mean age 66 ± 12 y/o and 1052 women (80.4%) with mean age 74 ± 12 y/o. Men were statistically younger at the time of the fracture than women (p<0.0001). After 1-year follow-up the overall study group mortality ratio was 4.5%, being 2.2-fold higher in men compared to women. In long-term survival analysis, excess men mortality remained significant. Factors associated with higher mortality at any point of the study were age (HR: 1.08, 95%CI: 1.07-1.10, p<0.000001), male sex (HR: 1.92, 95%CI: 1.34-2.77; p<0.001), AO type A (HR: 1.64 95%CI 1.19-2.25, p<0.01), and Frykman type I (HR: 2.12 95%CI: 1.36-3.29, p<0.001). Conclusion. Distal radius fractures are connected with premature mortality. Men have higher mortality compared with women following distal radius fracture in population aged 50 years or above. Simple extra articular fractures classified as AO type A or Frykman type I may be predictors of higher mortality in DRF cohort.
Effects of Chemical Admixtures on the Working and Mechanical Properties of Ordinary Dry-Mixed Mortar
Authors: Zhou Shu-Chun , Lv Heng-Lin , Li Ning , Zhang Jie
Published: January 2019

The effects of hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose ether, starch ether, bentonite, and redispersion emulsoid powder on the working and mechanical properties of fresh dry-mixed mortar were studied. The results show that hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose ether has the greatest impact on the consistency and water retention of ordinary dry-mixed mortar and that redispersion emulsoid powder reduces the water action and starch ether has essentially no effect on water retention. It also shows that the time of mortar condensation when mixed with hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose ether is the longest, followed by redispersion emulsoid powder and bentonite. Starch ether can slightly, but not obviously, extend the setting time of cement mortar. Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose ether has the greatest impact on the mechanical properties of ordinary dry-mixed mortar, followed by redispersion emulsoid powder, starch ether, and bentonite. As the water retention increases, the setting time of the mortar also increases. The use of water as a thickening material has a retarding effect on the mortar, increases the water-retention rate, and increases the retarding effect. Moreover, increasing the content of the chemical admixtures decreases the strength of cement mortar.
Exploring the Performance of Tagging for the Classical and the Modern Standard Arabic
Authors: AbuZeina Dia , Abdalbaset Taqieddin Mostafa
Published: January 2019

The part of speech (PoS) tagging is a core component in many natural language processing (NLP) applications. In fact, the PoS taggers contribute as a preprocessing step in various NLP tasks, such as syntactic parsing, information extraction, machine translation, and speech synthesis. In this paper, we examine the performance of a modern standard Arabic (MSA) based tagger for the classical (i.e., traditional or historical) Arabic. In this work, we employed the Stanford Arabic model tagger to evaluate the imperative verbs in the Holy Quran. In fact, the Stanford tagger contains 29 tags; however, this work experimentally evaluates just one that is the VB ≡ imperative verb. The testing set contains 741 imperative verbs, which appear in 1,848 positions in the Holy Quran. Despite the previously reported accuracy of the Arabic model of the Stanford tagger, which is 96.26% for all tags and 80.14% for unknown words, the experimental results show that this accuracy is only 7.28% for the imperative verbs. This result promotes the need for further research to expose why the tagging is severely inaccurate for classical Arabic. The performance decline might be an indication of the necessity to distinguish between training data for both classical and MSA Arabic for NLP tasks.
Optimal Utilization of Adhesion Force for Heavy-Haul Electric Locomotive Based on Extremum Seeking with Sliding Mode and Asymmetric Barrier Lyapunov Function
Authors: Zhao Kaihui , Li Peng , Zhang Changfan , He Jing , Li Xiangfei , Liu Jianhua
Published: January 2019

An optimal utilization of adhesion force based on extremum seeking with sliding mode (SMES) and asymmetric barrier Lyapunov function (ABLF) is proposed for heavy-haul electric locomotives (HHELs), which can eliminate the wheel skidding at optimal adhesion point and achieves maximum traction for HHELs. First, the state equation of wheel-rail adhesion control system is described. The optimal utilization of adhesion force and anti-slip control are analyzed considering the condition changes at the wheel-rail surface. Then, the nonsingular terminal sliding mode observer (NTSMO) is designed to achieve the accurate adhesion coefficient of the wheel-rail. Finally, the SMES method for HHEL is developed to obtain the optimal slip speed and the maximum adhesion coefficient of the uncertain wheel-rail surface. Meanwhile, the ABLF controller is designed to achieve anti-slip control for HHELs in the optimal adhesion state. Comparing with the conventional differential acceleration control (DAC) method, the simulations and experiments verify that the proposed method can achieve optimal adhesion anti-slip control with quick dynamic response, and the HHEL achieves maximum traction.
Optimal Content Caching in Content-Centric Networks
Authors: Qazi Faiza , Khalid Osman , Rais Rao Naveed Bin , Khan Imran Ali , Khan Atta ur Rehman
Published: January 2019

Content-Centric Networking (CCN) is a novel architecture that is shifting host-centric communication to a content-centric infrastructure. In recent years, in-network caching in CCNs has received significant attention from research community. To improve the cache hit ratio, most of the existing schemes store the content at maximum number of routers along the downloading path of content from source. While this helps in increased cache hits and reduction in delay and server load, the unnecessary caching significantly increases the network cost, bandwidth utilization, and storage consumption. To address the limitations in existing schemes, we propose an optimization based in-network caching policy, named as opt-Cache, which makes more efficient use of available cache resources, in order to reduce overall network utilization with reduced latency. Unlike existing schemes that mostly focus on a single factor to improve the cache performance, we intend to optimize the caching process by simultaneously considering various factors, e.g., content popularity, bandwidth, and latency, under a given set of constraints, e.g., available cache space, content availability, and careful eviction of existing contents in the cache. Our scheme determines optimized set of content to be cached at each node towards the edge based on content popularity and content distance from the content source. The contents that have less frequent requests have their popularity decreased with time. The optimal placement of contents across the CCN routers allows the overall reduction in bandwidth and latency. The proposed scheme is compared with the existing schemes and depicts better performance in terms of bandwidth consumption and latency while using less network resources.
Dynamic Compressive and Tensile Characteristics of a New Type of Ultra‐High‐Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) and Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) Fibers Reinforced Concrete
Authors: Osman Bashir H. , Sun Xiao , Tian Zhenghong , Lu Hao , Jiang Guilin
Published: January 2019

The dynamic mechanical properties of concrete materials are important parameters for evaluating the safety performance of concrete structures under dynamic loads. Fiber cement‐based materials have been widely used in the construction projects due to their strength, toughening, and cracking resistance. In this study, we conducted experimental and theoretical studies on dynamic compression and tensile mechanical properties of different proportions of new‐type fiber concrete. A Split‐Hopkinson pressure bar equipment was used to determine the concrete behavior at different strain rates. The effects of strain rate and fiber content on the strength of the specimen, dynamic increase factor, and ultimate strain were analyzed. Based on the macrodamage factor, the traditional nonlinear viscoelastic constitutive model was simplified and improved. The four‐parameter constitutive model was obtained, and the influence of these parameters on the performance of fiber concrete was analyzed. The experimental results were compared with those predicted from the available equations, and results were in accordance. Finally, an analytical equation for predicting the dynamic compression and tensile properties of these new‐type fibers was proposed.
A Comparative Analysis of Self‐Rectifying Turbines for the Mutriku Oscillating Water Column Energy Plant
Authors: Otaola Erlantz , Garrido Aitor J. , Lekube Jon , Garrido Izaskun
Published: January 2019

Oscillating Water Column (OWC) based devices are arising as one of the most promising technologies for wave energy harnessing. However, the most widely used turbine comprising its power take‐off (PTO) module, the Wells turbine, presents some drawbacks that require special attention. Notwithstanding different control strategies are being followed to overcome these issues; the use of other self‐rectifying turbines could directly achieve this goal at the expense of some extra construction, maintenance, and operation costs. However, these newly developed turbines in turn show diverse behaviours that should be compared for each case. This paper aims to analyse this comparison for the Mutriku wave energy power plant.
A Simple Method for the Screening and Measurement of Phenols in Dendrobium chrysotoxum by a Miniature Mass Detector Using a Matrix Solid-Phase Dispersion Method
Authors: Liu Hongcheng , Mu Duo , Lin Tao , Li Qiwan
Published: January 2019

The present study aims at building a miniature mass method for the simultaneous determination of 12 phenols including the subtypes of bibenzyl, phenanthrene, and fluorenone, which was used to evaluate the quality of Dendrobium chrysotoxum. Through the full scan mode, new compounds were elucidated. The new compounds were quantified by carrying out the analysis of the ratio of the standard solution areas to new compound areas versus analyte concentration. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) for phenols were 0.5 µg/mL–1 µg/mL and 1 µg/mL–2 µg/mL, respectively. Average recoveries of phenols were ranged from 83.2% to 97.5%. Reproducibility represented by the RSD percentage was from 2.3% to 8.7%. The average content of the four analytes, erianin, chrysotobibenzyl, confusarin, and moscatilin, were more than 200 mg/kg, and the content of bibenzyl compounds was found to be the highest in Dendrobium chrysotoxum. Among these bibenzyl compounds, erianin was determined as the typical chemical marker from Dendrobium chrysotoxum. The newly established UPLC with a miniature mass detector method was found to be an appropriate tool for the quality assessment of Dendrobium chrysotoxum.
Microbial Food Safety Risk to Humans Associated with Poultry Feed: The Role of Irradiation
Authors: Mahami Tahiru , Togby-Tetteh Wellington , Kottoh Delali Isaac , Amoakoah-Twum Leticia , Gasu Emmanuel , Annan Sylvester Nana Yao , Larbi Daniel , Adjei Isaac , Adu-Gyamfi Abraham
Published: January 2019

Animal feed has been linked to human illness through the food chain as a result of food borne bacteria and more recently the risk of foodborne antibiotic resistance. This study investigated the extent to which radiation can be used as an intervention to improve the safety and quality of poultry feed in terms of food borne pathogens and antibiotic resistant microbes. Mean counts of control feed samples were Log10 5.98 for total viable count (TVC), Log10 4.76 for coliform count (CC), Log10 2.89 for Staphylococcus aureus count (STC), and Log10 4.57 for yeast and mold count (YMC) and Salmonella spp. (SC) was not detected (ND). All counts were within permissible levels except for CC (Log10 4.76) which was above the permissible limit of ≤ log10 4.0. Identified bacteria isolates were Enterobacter cloacae (54.5%), Bacillus cereus (27.3%), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (18.2%). All (100%) isolates exhibited multidrug Resistance (MDR) with Bacillus cereus being the most resistant (to 9 out of 11 antibiotics) followed by Enterobacter cloacae/Klebsiella pneumoniae (4 out of 11 antibiotics). Several resistance patterns were observed with PEN/AMP/FLX being the commonest (100%), followed by ERY (90.9%), TET (72.7%), CRX (66.6%), CTX (45.4%), CHL/CTR (36.4%), GEN (27.3%), and COT (18.2%). Klebsiella pneumoniae showed zero resistance to GEN/CHL/CTR/CTX/CRX while Enterobacter cloacae and Bacillus cereus exhibited zero resistance to GEN and COT, respectively. The most effective antibiotic against Gram negative bacteria (Enterobacter cloacae and Klebsiella pneumoniae) was gentamicin while cotrimoxazole was the most effective against Bacillus cereus (Gram positive). Radiation processing of 5kGy totally eliminated all microbes including MDR food borne pathogens. In view of this, we recommend low dose radiation decontamination as a measure to mitigate against the possible food safety and public health risks to humans associated with poultry feed.
Prostatic Acid Phosphatase (PAP) Predicts Prostate Cancer Progress in a Population-Based Study: The Renewal of PAP?
Authors: Xu Huan , Wang Fubo , Li Huizhen , Ji Jin , Cao Zhi , Lyu Ji , Shi Xiaolei , Zhu Yasheng , Zhang Chao , Guo Fei , Fang Ziyu , Yang Bo , Sun Yinghao
Published: January 2019

Objective. To characterize the disease progression and median survival of patients with prostate cancer (PCa) according to the prostatic-specific acid phosphatase (PAP) analysis in a population-based study from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database.Materials and Methods. Prostate cancer patients with completed PAP results were identified using the SEER database of the National Cancer Institute. The Mann-Whitney Sum test was utilized to compare the statistical significance for measurement data and ranked data. Data were stratified by ages, races, TNM Classification of Malignant Tumors (TNM), pathological grades, number of tumors, PAP, and survival duration. Multivariable logistic analysis was performed to identify predictors of the presence of invasion and metastases. Cox regression was analyzed for the factors associated with all-cause mortality and prostate cancer-specific mortality. Moreover, survival curve was used to detect the survival months. The unknown data were excluded from these tests.Results. In total, there are 5184 PAP+ patients and 3161 PAP- patients involved. The Mann-Whitney Sum test showed that slightly greater tumor size (P=0.03), elevated lymphatic (P=0.005) and distant (P<0.001) metastasis rate, higher pathological grade (P<0.001), localized tumor number (P<0.001), and shortened survival months (P<0.001) were observed in the PAP+ group compared with the PAP- group. In the multivariable logistic regression, invasion and metastasis Hazard Ratio (HR) were elevated significantly (P<0.001) in the PAP+ individuals. In the survival analysis, PAP- patients experienced the prolonged median survival. In the postsurgical patients, the survival months were still longer in PAP+ patients compared with the negative ones (P<0.001), though surgery prolonged the survival months of both groups. Survival months stratified by localized, invasion, and metastasis situations were analyzed. In the three stratified subgroups, the survival duration is significantly decreased in the PAP+ individuals in the localized PCa group (P<0.001) and the metastasis group (P=0.013).Conclusions. The findings of this study provide population-based estimates of the PCa progress and prognosis for patients with different PAP results, which may suggest a renewed period for the PAP.
A Novel Resource Deployment Approach to Mobile Microlearning: From Energy-Saving Perspective
Authors: Zheng Ruijuan , Zhu Junlong , Zhang Mingchuan , Liu Ruoshui , Wu Qingtao , Yang Li
Published: January 2019

Mobile Microlearning, a novel fusion form of the mobile Internet, cloud computing, and microlearning, becomes more prevalent in recent years. However, its high deployment and operational costs make energy saving in cloud become a concerning issue. In this paper, to save energy consumption, a resource deployment approach to cloud service provision for Mobile Microlearning is proposed. Chinese Lexical Analysis System and Dynamic Term Frequency-Inverse Document Frequency (D-TF-IDF) are adopted to implement resource classification. Resources are deployed to the 2-tier cloud architecture according to the classification results. Grey Wolf Optimization (GWO) algorithm is used to forecast real-time energy consumption per byte. The simulation results show that, compared to traditional algorithm, the classification accuracy of small sample categories was significantly improved; the forecast energy consumption value and the standard values are 7.67% in private cloud and 2.93% in public cloud; the energy saving reaches 2.22% to 16.23% in 3G and 7.35% to 20.74% in Wi-Fi.
Use of Lumen-Apposing Stents for the Treatment of Postsurgical Fluid Collections: A Case Series and a Review of Literature
Authors: Priyanka Priyanka , Hsueh William , Nasr John
Published: January 2019

Lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS) use in gastrointestinal endoscopy has been on the rise for various indications for the last few years. Currently, LAMS is a well-established treatment for post-pancreatitis peri-pancreatic fluid collections and walled-off necrosis (WON), but it is still not a standard of care in the treatment of post-surgical fluid collections (PSFC). Most of the earlier studies for treatment of PSFC utilized double pigtail plastic stents (DPS). We present a series of 3 cases where LAMS was successfully used for PSFC drainage. The cases include a patient with perigastric abscess after Whipple’s procedure, a case of peri-pancreatic collection after distal pancreatectomy, and a patient with peri-pancreatic fluid collection after right partial hepatectomy and splenectomy due to lacerations from a motor vehicle accident.
Excision and Primary Anastomosis for Bulbar Urethral Strictures Improves Functional Outcomes and Quality of Life: A Prospective Analysis from a Single Centre
Authors: D’hulst Pieter , Floyd Michael S. , Castiglione Fabio , Vander Eeckt Kathy , Joniau Steven , Van der Aa Frank
Published: January 2019

Background. Excision and primary anastomotic (EPA) urethroplasty remains the gold standard definitive treatment for short urethral stricture disease. For patients, postoperative erectile function and quality of life are the main goals of the surgery. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are therefore of major importance. Objective. The objective of this study was to prospectively analyse functional outcomes and patient satisfaction. Design, Settings, and Participants. We prospectively evaluated 47 patients before and after EPA from August 2009 until February 2017. The first follow-up visit occurred after a median of 2.2 months (n = 47/47), with the second and third follow-ups occurring at a median of 8.5 months (n = 38/47) and 20.2 months (n = 31/47). Before surgery and at each follow-up visit, the patients received five questionnaires: the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), the International Prostate Symptom Score with the Quality of Life (IPSS-QOL) score, the Urogenital Distress Inventory Short Form (UDI-6) score, the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) score, and the ICIQ-Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Quality of Life (ICIQ-LUTS-QOL) score. Surgical Procedure. Surgery was performed in all cases using the same standardized EPA technique. Outcome Measurements and Statistical Analysis. Voiding symptoms, erectile dysfunction, and quality of life were analysed using paired sample t-tests, with a multiple-testing Bonferroni correction. Any requirement for instrumentation after surgery was considered treatment failure. Results and Limitations. Patients with mild or no baseline erectile dysfunction showed significant decline in erectile function at first follow-up (mean IIEF-5 of 23.27 [standard deviation; SD: 2.60] vs. 13.91 [SD: 7.50]; p=0.002), but this had recovered completely at the third follow-up (IIEF-5: 23.25 [SD: 1.91]; p=0.659). Clinically significant improvements were noted in IPSS, IPSS-QOL-score, UDI-6-score, and ICIQ-LUTS-QOL-score at the first follow-up (p<0.0001). These improvements remained significant at the second and third follow-ups (p<0.0001) for all PROMs. Three of the patients experienced stricture recurrence. The main limitations of this study were incomplete questionnaires, loss to follow-up, and low number of patients. Conclusions. EPA results in an initial decline in erectile function, but full recovery occurred at a median of 20 months. Voiding improved significantly, and a major improvement in quality of life was noted, which persisted for up to 20 months after surgery. Patient Summary. This study showed the importance of patient-reported outcome measures in indicating the actual outcome of urethral stricture disease surgery.
Impact of Alkaline Pretreatment to Enhance Volatile Fatty Acids (VFAs) Production from Rice Husk
Authors: Fang Qian , Ji Sinmin , Huang Dingwu , Huang Zhouyue , Huang Zilong , Zeng Yunyi , Liu Yu
Published: January 2019

This study explores the use of alkaline pretreatments to improve the hydrolyzation of rice husks to produce volatile fatty acids (VFAs). The study investigated the effects of reagent concentration and pretreatment time on protein, carbohydrates, and dissolved chemical oxygen demand (SCOD) dissolution after the pretreatment. The optimum alkaline pretreatment conditions were 0.30 g NaOH (g VS)−1, with a reaction time of 48 h. The experimental results show that when comparing the total VFA (TVFA) yields from the alkaline-pretreated risk husk with those from the untreated rice husk, over 14 d and 2 d, the maximum value reached 1237.7 and 716.0 mg·L−1 with acetic acid and propionic acid and with acetic acid and butyric acid, respectively. After the alkaline pretreatment, TVFAs increased by 72.9%; VFA accumulation grew over time. The study found that alkaline pretreatment can improve VFA yields from rice husks and transform butyric acid fermentation into propionic acid fermentation. The study results can provide guidelines to support the comprehensive utilization of rice husk and waste treatment.
Dynamic Surface Subsidence Characteristics due to Super‐Large Working Face in Fragile‐Ecological Mining Areas: A Case Study in Shendong Coalfield, China
Authors: Chen Chao , Hu Zhenqi , Wang Jin , Jia Jitang
Published: January 2019

The dynamic subsidence characteristics due to super‐large working face (SLWF) are the basis for further understanding of land ecology damage in fragile‐ecological mining areas. In order to acquire the evolution characteristics of dynamic subsidence parameters and surface cracks, a series of field monitoring and comparisons with previous studies were conducted. The results indicate that (1) the subsidence trough is characterized with self‐healing characteristics, including rapid formation of subsidence trough, the convergence of deformation, a steep trough edge, the smaller range of surface cracks; (2) the dynamic curves of dynamic subsidence parameters conformed to the exponential function curve with an inflection point when the SLWF advanced ca. critical dimension, which is the commonality of the dynamic subsidence characteristics; and (3) the optimized monitoring strategy for land ecology damage is recommended, and more attention should be paid to the quantitative prediction of root damage due to coal mining. The research results would benefit mining damage control and civil engineering protection in fragile‐ecological mining areas.
Effects of Exercise and Enzyme Therapy in Early Occupational Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Žídková Věra , Nakládalová Marie , Štěpánek Ladislav
Published: January 2019

Objectives. Occupational carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) due to upper extremity overuse has in recent years been the most commonly recognized occupational disease in the Czech Republic and its prevalence has steadily increased. This pilot observation aimed to assess the effects of exercise techniques and oral enzyme therapy in automotive plant workers with early CTS. Patients and Methods. The observation comprised automotive plant assembly line workers in whom nerve conduction study revealed incipient CTS. The subjects were divided into three groups: a group practicing exercise techniques (exercising; N=15), a group receiving oral enzyme therapy (N=16), and a group of controls (N=14). Subjects in the control group were only observed without any specific intervention, which is a common procedure in incipient CTS. Throughout 9-week observation, the workers did their jobs. Prior to and after that period, the workers’ CTS-related symptoms were ascertained through structured interviews with a physician and the following median nerve parameters were measured: sensory conduction velocity (SCV) and distal motor latency (DML). Results. In both the exercise and enzyme therapy groups, statistically significant decreases in the total score for symptoms were achieved (p<0.0001), unlike controls. On final examination, both treated groups demonstrated significantly increased SCV as compared with the initial values (p=0.00013 and p<0.0001, respectively); in controls, the mean SCV did not significantly change. Similarly, a statistically significant shortening of DML was noted in the enzyme therapy group (p=0.008). Conclusion. The results showed the efficiency of both exercise and oral enzyme therapy in incipient CTS. These methods may be recommended for preventing more severe forms of CTS.
N-Heterocyclic Germylenes: Structural Characterisation of Some Heavy Analogues of the Ubiquitous N-Heterocyclic Carbenes
Authors: Dodds Christopher A. , Kennedy Alan R. , Spicer Mark D.
Published: January 2019

The X-ray crystal structures of three N-heterocyclic germylenes (NHGes) have been elucidated including the previously unknown 1,3-bis(2,6-dimethylphenyl)diazagermol-2-ylidene (1). In addition, the X-ray crystal structures of the previously synthesised 1,3-bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)diazagermol-2-ylidene (2) and 1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)diazagermol-2-ylidene (3) are also reported. The discrete molecular structures of compounds 1 to 3 are comparable, with Ge-N bond lengths in the range 1.835-1.875 Å, while the N-Ge-N bond angles range between 83.6 and 85.2°. Compound 2 was compared to the analogous N-heterocyclic carbene species, 1,3-bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene (IMes). The major geometrical difference observed, as expected, was the bond angle around the divalent group 14 atom. The N-Ge-N bond angle was 83.6° for compound 2 versus the N-C-N bond angle of 101.4° for IMes. The Sn equivalent of (1), 1,3-bis(2,6-dimethylphenyl)diazastannol-2-ylidene (4), has also been synthesised and its crystal structure is reported here. In order to test their suitability as ligands, compounds 1 to 3 were reacted with a wide range of transition metal complexes. No NHGes containing metal complexes were observed. In all cases the NHGe either degraded or gave no reaction.
Canadian Occupational Performance Measure Supported by Talking Mats: An Evaluation of the Clinical Utility
Authors: Hagelskjær Vita , Krohn Mette , Christensen Pia Susanne , Christensen Jeanette Reffstrup
Published: January 2019

Background. Some clients with cognitive and communicative impairments after a brain injury are unable to participate in the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) without support. The study originates from an assumption that some of these clients are able to participate independently in the COPM interview by using a visual material.Aim. The aim was to investigate the clinical utility of COPM supported by Talking Mats (TM) for community-based clients with cognitive and communicative impairments.Methods. Six clients (51–60 years) were included. After matching the visual material of TM to COPM, the COPM interview was administered twice with an interval of 10 days, once using TM and once without. Interviews were videotaped and studied by six evaluators.Results. The most obvious benefits of using TM as a supportive tool in the COPM interview were related to the first two steps of the COPM interview.Conclusion. Using TM in the COPM interview with clients with cognitive and communicative impairments after a brain injury is recommended as the basis for goal setting. The present study demonstrates a possibility to include a COPM interview to clients who had not been able to complete a COPM interview and thus start a rehabilitation process in a client-centered manner.
A Rare Case of Fibrous Hamartoma of Infancy: A Clinicopathological Diagnosis at a Tertiary Hospital, Eastern Nepal
Authors: Lama G. , Upadhyaya P. , Adhikari B. , Adhikari M. , Dhakal S.
Published: January 2019

Background. Fibrous hamartoma of infancy is a rare soft tissue lesion of infants and young children with characteristic triphasic morphology. Case Description. An 18-month-old female child was presented with complaints of swelling over right leg shin since birth. On examination, a lump of size 7x3 cm was identified which was mobile and nontender. Local excision was performed and tissue sent for histopathological examination. On gross examination, a globular, capsulated, firm to hard tissue had cut section revealing solid grey-white to grey-brown lesion with myxoid areas identified. Microscopic examination revealed a poorly circumscribed lesion comprising intersecting trabeculae of fibrous tissue, areas of immature oval and stellate cell within myxoid matrix, and varying amounts of interspersed mature fat cells. Conclusion. Even though fibrous hamartoma of infancy is a rare benign entity with limited clinical knowledge, proper diagnosis is mandatory as its prognosis is excellent.
Large-Scale Channel Modeling and Measurements for 10 GHz in Indoor Environments
Authors: Batalha Iury S. , Lopes Andréia V. R. , Araújo Jasmine P. L. , Barros Fabrício J. B. , Castro Bruno L. S. , Cavalcante Gervásio P. S. , Pelaes Evaldo G.
Published: January 2019

With the advent of 5G mobile communication and researches into the propagation of large-scale channel modeling for frequencies above 6 GHz, measurement investigation was performed at 10 GHz with horn-type directional antennas in a corridor and a computer room within the Electrical and Computer Engineering Laboratories’ first floor, at Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Brazil. This paper presents data obtained through experimental work, channel modeling with co-polarization V-V and H-H and cross-polarization V-H in line-of-sight (LOS) or non-line-of-sight (NLOS) conditions. The large-scale close-in reference is sustained by a comprehensive analysis, considering propagation mechanisms such as reflection and diffraction. Results demonstrate that the established model had inferior standard deviation in relation to measured data, proving itself more significant to propagation in indoor environments.
Crack Initiation, Propagation, and Coalescence Experiments in Sandstone Brazilian Disks Containing Pre‐Existing Flaws
Authors: Zhao Shijun , Zhang Qing , Liu Limin
Published: January 2019

This study aims to investigate the fracture behaviors of cracks and crack systems in Brazilian disk (BD) sandstone specimens under compressive line loading. We conduct a series of rock fracture experiments to investigate crack initiation, propagation, and coalescence in samples with one or more pre‐existing flaws under radial compressive stress. The displacements and failure loads of the tested specimens are measured. Experimental results show that there are two main types of cracks growing from the pre‐existing flaws: wing cracks and secondary cracks. Both initiate mostly from the tips of the pre‐existing flaws and propagate in a stable manner. The results reveal that wing cracks appear first and propagate toward the loading direction. Secondary cracks can form in some multiple pre‐cracked cases after wing cracks are already present. We also provide a characterization of the observed crack propagation paths and patterns and discuss the influence of pre‐existing crack or crack systems. The results help in investigating the failure mechanisms and mechanical properties of rock or rock‐like materials.
An ARC-Regulated IL1β/Cox-2/PGE2/β-Catenin/ARC Circuit Controls Leukemia–Microenvironment Interactions and Confers Drug Resistance in AML
Authors: Carter Bing Z. , Mak Po Yee , Wang Xiangmeng , Tao Wenjing , Ruvolo Vivian , Mak Duncan , Mu Hong , Burks Jared K. , Andreeff Michael
Published: January 2019

The apoptosis repressor with caspase recruitment domain (ARC) protein is a strong independent adverse prognostic marker in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We previously reported that ARC regulates leukemia–microenvironment interactions through the NFκB/IL1β signaling network. Malignant cells have been reported to release IL1β, which induces PGE2 synthesis in mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC), in turn activating β-catenin signaling and inducing the cancer stem cell phenotype. Although Cox-2 and its enzymatic product PGE2 play major roles in inflammation and cancer, the regulation and role of PGE2 in AML are largely unknown. Here, we report that AML–MSC cocultures greatly increase Cox-2 expression in MSC and PGE2 production in an ARC/IL1β–dependent manner. PGE2 induced the expression of β-catenin, which regulated ARC and augmented chemoresistance in AML cells; inhibition of β-catenin decreased ARC and sensitized AML cells to chemotherapy. NOD/SCIDIL2RγNull-3/GM/SF mice transplanted with ARC-knockdown AML cells had significantly lower leukemia burden, lower serum levels of IL1β/PGE2, and lower tissue human ARC and β-catenin levels, prolonged survival, and increased sensitivity to chemotherapy than controls. Collectively, we present a new mechanism of action of antiapoptotic ARC by which ARC regulates PGE2 production in the tumor microenvironment and microenvironment-mediated chemoresistance in AML.

Significance: The antiapoptotic protein ARC promotes AML aggressiveness by enabling detrimental cross-talk with bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells.
Loss of E-Cadherin Inhibits CD103 Antitumor Activity and Reduces Checkpoint Blockade Responsiveness in Melanoma
Authors: Shields Bradley D. , Koss Brian , Taylor Erin M. , Storey Aaron J. , West Kirk L. , Byrum Stephanie D. , Mackintosh Samuel G. , Edmondson Rick , Mahmoud Fade , Shalin Sara C. , Tackett Alan J.
Published: January 2019

Identifying controlling features of responsiveness to checkpoint blockade therapies is an urgent goal in oncology research. Our group and others have previously shown melanoma tumors resistant to checkpoint blockade display features of mesenchymal transition, including E-cadherin loss. Here, we present the first in vivo evidence that E-cadherin from tumor cells facilitate immune attack, using a B16F10 melanoma mouse model in which E-cadherin is exogenously expressed (B16.Ecad). We find, compared with vector control, B16.Ecad exhibits delayed tumor growth, reduced metastatic potential, and increased overall survival in vivo. Transplantation of B16.Ecad into Rag1−/− and CD103−/− mice abrogated the tumor growth delay. This indicates the anti-melanoma response against B16.Ecad is both immune and CD103+ mediated. Moreover, B16.Ecad showed increased responsiveness to combination immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) compared with vector control. This work establishes a rationale for ICB responses observed in high E-cadherin–expressing tumors and suggests therapeutic advancement through amplifying CD103+ immune cell subsets.

Significance: These findings identify the mechanism behind checkpoint blockade resistance observed in melanoma that has undergone mesenchymal transition and suggest activation of CD103+ immune cells as a therapeutic strategy against other E-cadherin–expressing malignancies.
BET Inhibitors Potentiate Chemotherapy and Killing of SPOP-Mutant Colon Cancer Cells via Induction of DR5
Authors: Tan Xiao , Tong Jingshan , Wang Yi-Jun , Fletcher Rochelle , Schoen Robert E. , Yu Jian , Shen Liangfang , Zhang Lin
Published: January 2019

Bromodomain and extraterminal domain (BET) family proteins such as BRD4 are epigenetic readers that control expression of a number of oncogenic proteins. Targeting this family of proteins has recently emerged as a promising anticancer approach. BET inhibitors (BETi), either alone or in combination with other anticancer agents, have exhibited efficacy in a variety of tumors. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying differential response to BETi are not well understood. In this study, we report that death receptor 5 (DR5), a key component of the extrinsic apoptotic pathway, is markedly induced in response to BRD4 depletion and BETi treatment in colorectal cancer cells. Induction of DR5, following BET inhibition, was mediated by endoplasmic reticulum stress and CHOP-dependent transcriptional activation. Enhanced DR5 induction was necessary for the chemosensitization and apoptotic effects of BETi and was responsible for increased BETi sensitivity in colorectal cancer cells containing a mutation in speckle-type POZ protein (SPOP), a subunit of BRD4 E3 ubiquitin ligase. In a colorectal cancer xenograft model, BETi combined with chemotherapy suppressed the tumor growth in a DR5-dependent manner and potently inhibited patient-derived xenograft tumor growth with enhanced DR5 induction and apoptosis. These findings suggest that BETi alone or in combination with chemotherapy is effective against colorectal cancer due to enhanced DR5 induction and apoptosis. DR5 induction may also serve as a useful marker for designing personalized treatment and improved colorectal cancer combination therapies.

Significance: These findings reveal how BET inhibition sensitizes chemotherapy and kills a subset of colon cancer cells with specific genetic alterations and may provide a new molecular marker for improving colon cancer therapies.
Capmatinib (INC280) Is Active Against Models of Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer and Other Cancer Types with Defined Mechanisms of MET Activation
Authors: Baltschukat Sabrina , Engstler Barbara Schacher , Huang Alan , Hao Huai-Xiang , Tam Angela , Wang Hui Qin , Liang Jinsheng , DiMare Matthew T. , Bhang Hyo-Eun Carrie , Wang Youzhen , Furet Pascal , Sellers William R. , Hofmann Francesco , Schoepfer Joseph , Tiedt Ralph
Published: January 2019

Purpose:

The selective MET inhibitor capmatinib is being investigated in multiple clinical trials, both as a single agent and in combination. Here, we describe the preclinical data of capmatinib, which supported the clinical biomarker strategy for rational patient selection.

Experimental Design:

The selectivity and cellular activity of capmatinib were assessed in large cellular screening panels. Antitumor efficacy was quantified in a large set of cell line– or patient-derived xenograft models, testing single-agent or combination treatment depending on the genomic profile of the respective models.

Results:

Capmatinib was found to be highly selective for MET over other kinases. It was active against cancer models that are characterized by MET amplification, marked MET overexpression, MET exon 14 skipping mutations, or MET activation via expression of the ligand hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). In cancer models where MET is the dominant oncogenic driver, anticancer activity could be further enhanced by combination treatments, for example, by the addition of apoptosis-inducing BH3 mimetics. The combinations of capmatinib and other kinase inhibitors resulted in enhanced anticancer activity against models where MET activation co-occurred with other oncogenic drivers, for example EGFR activating mutations.

Conclusions:

Activity of capmatinib in preclinical models is associated with a small number of plausible genomic features. The low fraction of cancer models that respond to capmatinib as a single agent suggests that the implementation of patient selection strategies based on these biomarkers is critical for clinical development. Capmatinib is also a rational combination partner for other kinase inhibitors to combat MET-driven resistance.