bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Framework for Evaluating and Optimizing FPGA-Based SoCs for Aerospace Computing
Authors: Wulf Nicholas , George Alan D. , Gordon-Ross Ann
Published: September 2016

On-board processing systems are often deployed in harsh aerospace environments and must therefore adhere to stringent constraints such as low power, small size, and high dependability in the presence of faults. Field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) are often an attractive option for designers seeking low-power, high-performance devices. However, unlike nonreconfigurable devices, radiation effects can alter an FPGA’s functionality instead of just the device’s data, requiring designers to consider fault-tolerant strategies to mitigate these effects. In this article, we present a framework to ease these system design challenges and aid designers in considering a broad range of devices and fault-tolerant strategies for on-board processing, highlighting the most promising options and tradeoffs early in the design process. This article focuses on the power, dependability, and lifetime evaluation metrics, which our framework calculates and leverages to evaluate the effectiveness of varying system-on-chip (SoC) designs. Finally, we use our framework to evaluate SoC designs for a case study on a hyperspectral-imaging (HSI) mission to demonstrate our framework’s ability to identify efficient and effective SoC designs.
Factorized Databases
Authors: Olteanu Dan , Schleich Maximilian
Published: September 2016

This paper overviews factorized databases and their application to machine learning. The key observation underlying this work is that state-of-the-art relational query processing entails a high degree of redundancy in the computation and representation of query results. This redundancy can be avoided and is not necessary for subsequent analytics such as learning regression models.
Database Meets Deep Learning
Authors: Wang Wei , Zhang Meihui , Chen Gang , Jagadish H. V. , Ooi Beng Chin , Tan Kian-Lee
Published: September 2016

Deep learning has recently become very popular on account of its incredible success in many complex datadriven applications, including image classification and speech recognition. The database community has worked on data-driven applications for many years, and therefore should be playing a lead role in supporting this new wave. However, databases and deep learning are different in terms of both techniques and applications. In this paper, we discuss research problems at the intersection of the two fields. In particular, we discuss possible improvements for deep learning systems from a database perspective, and analyze database applications that may benefit from deep learning techniques.
A Time Machine for Information
Authors: Dong Xin Luna , Kementsietsidis Anastasios , Tan Wang-Chiew
Published: September 2016

Historical data (also called long data) holds the key to understanding when facts are true. It is through long data that one can understand the trends that have developed in the past, form the audit trails needed for justification, and make predictions about the future. For searching, there is also increasing interest to develop search capabilities over long data.

In this article, we first motivate the need to develop a time machine for information that will help people "look back" so as to "look forward". We will overview key ideas on three components (extraction, linking, and cleaning) that we believe are central to the development of any time machine for information. Finally, we conclude with our thoughts on what we believe are some interesting open research problems. This article is based on the material presented in a tutorial at VLDB 2015.
Hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells as novel prognostic biomarkers of longevity in a murine model for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Gasco Samanta , Rando Amaya , Zaragoza Pilar , García-Redondo Alberto , Calvo Ana Cristina , Osta Rosario
Published: September 2016

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease with a difficult diagnosis and prognosis. In this regard, new and more reliable biomarkers for the disease are needed. We propose peripheral blood, and, more specifically, the hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) as potential prognostic biomarkers in the SOD1G93A murine model of ALS. We accurately and serially studied three HSPCs—hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), common lymphoid progenitors (CLPs), and common myeloid progenitors (CMPs)—in both control and SOD1G93A mice along the disease's progression by RT-PCR and flow cytometry analysis. We found interesting differences for every HSPC type in the transgenic mice compared with the control mice at every time point selected, as well as differences along the disease course. The results showed a maintained compensatory increase of HSCs along disease progression. However, the downregulated levels of CLPs and CMPs suggested an exit of these cell populations to the peripheral tissues, probably due to their supporting role to the damaged tissues. In addition, a positive correlation of the percentage of CLPs and CMPs with the longevity was found, as well as a positive correlation of HSCs and CMPs with motor function and weight, thus reinforcing the idea that HSPCs play a relevant role in the longevity of the SOD1G93A mice. On the basis of these results, both CLPs and CMPs could be considered prognostic biomarkers of longevity in this animal model, opening the door to future studies in human patients for their potential clinical use.
Effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation of upper airway muscles during sleep in obstructive sleep apnea patients
Authors: Rousseau Eric , Melo-Silva César Augusto , Gakwaya Simon , Sériès Frédéric
Published: September 2016

We tested the hypothesis that stimulating the genioglossus by repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) during the ascendant portion of the inspiratory flow of airflow-limited breaths would sustain the recruitment of upper airway dilator muscles over time and improve airway dynamics without arousing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients. In a cross-sectional design, nine OSA patients underwent a rTMS trial during stable non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. Submental muscle motor threshold (SUB) and motor-evoked potential were evaluated during wakefulness and sleep. During NREM sleep, maximal inspiratory flow, inspiratory volume, inspiratory time, shifts of electroencephalogram frequency, and pulse rate variability were assessed under three different stimulation paradigms completed at 1.2 sleep SUB stimulation output: 1) 5Hz-08 (stimulation frequency: 5 Hz; duration of train stimulation: 0.8 s); 2) 25Hz-02 (stimulation frequency: 25 Hz; duration of train stimulation: 0.2 s); and 3) 25Hz-04 (stimulation frequency: 25 Hz; duration of train stimulation: 0.4 s). SUB increased during NREM sleep (wakefulness: 23.8 ± 6.1%; NREM: 26.8 ± 5.2%; = 0.001). Two distinct airflow patterns were observed in response to rTMS: with and without initial airflow drops, without other airflow variables change regardless the stimulation paradigm applied. Finally, rTMS-induced cortical and/or autonomic arousal were observed in 36, 26, and 35% of all delivered rTMS trains during 5Hz-08, 25Hz-02, and 25Hz-04 stimulation paradigms, respectively. In conclusion, rTMS does not provide any airflow improvement of flow-limited breaths as seen with nonrepetitive TMS of upper airway dilator muscles. However, rTMS trains were free of arousals in the majority of cases.
State-dependent and -independent effects of dialyzing excitatory neuromodulator receptor antagonists into the ventral respiratory column
Authors: Langer Thomas M. , Neumueller Suzanne E. , Crumley Emma , Burgraff Nicholas J. , Talwar Sawan , Hodges Matthew R. , Pan Lawrence , Forster Hubert V.
Published: September 2016

Unilateral dialysis of the broad-spectrum muscarinic receptor antagonist atropine (50 mM) into the ventral respiratory column [(VRC) including the pre-Bötzinger complex region] of awake goats increased pulmonary ventilation (V̇i) and breathing frequency (f), conceivably due to local compensatory increases in serotonin (5-HT) and substance P (SP) measured in effluent mock cerebral spinal fluid (mCSF). In contrast, unilateral dialysis of a triple cocktail of antagonists to muscarinic (atropine; 5 mM), neurokinin-1, and 5-HT receptors does not alter V̇i or f, but increases local SP. Herein, we tested hypotheses that 1) local compensatory 5-HT and SP responses to 50 mM atropine dialyzed into the VRC of goats will not differ between anesthetized and awake states; and 2) bilateral dialysis of the triple cocktail of antagonists into the VRC of awake goats will not alter V̇i or f, but will increase local excitatory neuromodulators. Through microtubules implanted into the VRC of goats, probes were inserted to dialyze mCSF alone (time control), 50 mM atropine, or the triple cocktail of antagonists. We found 1) equivalent increases in local 5-HT and SP with 50 mM atropine dialysis during wakefulness compared with isoflurane anesthesia, but V̇i and f only increased while awake; and 2) dialyses of the triple cocktail of antagonists increased V̇i, f, 5-HT, and SP (<0.05) during both day and night studies. We conclude that the mechanisms governing local neuromodulator levels are state independent, and that bilateral excitatory receptor blockade elicits an increase in breathing, presumably due to a local, (over)compensatory neuromodulator response.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY The two major findings are as follows: 1) during unilateral dialysis of 50 mM atropine into the ventral respiratory column to block excitatory muscarinic receptor activity, a compensatory increase in other neuromodulators was state independent, but the ventilatory response appears to be state dependent; and 2) the hypothesis that absence of decreased V̇i and f during unilateral dialysis of excitatory receptor antagonists was due to compensation by the contralateral VRC was not supported by findings herein.
Effects of high-frequency stimulation of the internal pallidal segment on neuronal activity in the thalamus in parkinsonian monkeys
Authors: Kammermeier Stefan , Pittard Damien , Hamada Ikuma , Wichmann Thomas
Published: September 2016

Deep brain stimulation of the internal globus pallidus (GPi) is a major treatment for advanced Parkinson's disease. The effects of this intervention on electrical activity patterns in targets of GPi output, specifically in the thalamus, are poorly understood. The experiments described here examined these effects using electrophysiological recordings in two Rhesus monkeys rendered moderately parkinsonian through treatment with 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP), after sampling control data in the same animals. Analysis of spontaneous spiking activity of neurons in the basal ganglia-receiving areas of the ventral thalamus showed that MPTP-induced parkinsonism is associated with a reduction of firing rates of segments of the data that contained neither bursts nor decelerations, and with increased burst firing. Spectral analyses revealed an increase of power in the 3- to 13-Hz band and a reduction in the γ-range in the spiking activity of these neurons. Electrical stimulation of the ventrolateral motor territory of GPi with macroelectrodes, mimicking deep brain stimulation in parkinsonian patients (bipolar electrodes, 0.5 mm intercontact distance, biphasic stimuli, 120 Hz, 100 μs/phase, 200 μA), had antiparkinsonian effects. The stimulation markedly reduced oscillations in thalamic firing in the 13- to 30-Hz range and uncoupled the spiking activity of recorded neurons from simultaneously recorded local field potential (LFP) activity. These results confirm that oscillatory and nonoscillatory characteristics of spontaneous activity in the basal ganglia receiving ventral thalamus are altered in MPTP-induced parkinsonism. Electrical stimulation of GPi did not entrain thalamic activity but changed oscillatory activity in the ventral thalamus and altered the relationship between spikes and simultaneously recorded LFPs.
Stock Market Autoregressive Dynamics: A Multinational Comparative Study with Quantile Regression
Authors: Li Lili , Leng Shan , Yang Jun , Yu Mei
Published: September 2016

We study the nonlinear autoregressive dynamics of stock index returns in seven major advanced economies (G7) and China. The quantile autoregression model (QAR) enables us to investigate the autocorrelation across the whole spectrum of return distribution, which provides more insightful conditional information on multinational stock market dynamics than conventional time series models. The relation between index return and contemporaneous trading volume is also investigated. While prior studies have mixed results on stock market autocorrelations, we find that the dynamics is usually state dependent. The results for G7 stock markets exhibit conspicuous similarities, but they are in manifest contrast to the findings on Chinese stock markets.
One Form of Lyapunov Operator for Stochastic Dynamic System with Markov Parameters
Authors: Lukashiv Taras
Published: September 2016

The form of weak infinitesimal operator of Lyapunov type on solutions of stochastic dynamic systems of random structure with constant delay which exist under the action of Markov perturbations is obtained.
The Effect of Bariatric Surgery on the Spectrum of Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Nostedt Jordan J. , Switzer Noah J. , Gill Richdeep S. , Dang Jerry , Birch Daniel W. , de Gara Christopher , Bailey Robert J. , Karmali Shahzeer
Published: September 2016

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is becoming one of the most common causes of liver disease in the western world. The most significant risk factors are obesity and the metabolic syndrome for which bariatric surgery has been shown to be an effective treatment. However, the effects of bariatric surgery on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, specifically liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, are not well established. We review published bariatric surgery outcomes with respect to nonalcoholic liver disease. On the basis of this review we suggest that bariatric surgery may provide a viable treatment option for the treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, including patients with fibrosis and compensated cirrhosis, and that this topic should be a target of future investigation.
Intravitreal Conbercept Injection with and without Grid Laser Photocoagulation in the Treatment of Diffuse Diabetic Macular Edema in Real-Life Clinical Practice
Authors: Xu Yule , Rong Ao , Bi Yanlong , Xu Wei
Published: September 2016

Purpose. To evaluate the efficacy of intravitreal conbercept (IVC) plus modified grid laser photocoagulation (MGP) versus IVC alone for treatment of diffuse diabetic macular edema (DDME).Methods.In this retrospective study, 51 DDME patients were treated with either IVC alone (IVC group) or IVC plus MGP (combined group) with 12 months of follow-up. The clinical records of those patients were reviewed.Results.26 patients (31 eyes) received IVC alone and 25 patients (30 eyes) received combined therapy. At month 12, the mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) letter score improvement was9.1±4.5and7.5±4.2in the IVC group and the combined group and the mean central retinal thickness (CRT) reduction was 145.1 ± 69.9 μm and168.5±53.6 μm, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference of improvement in BCVA (P=0.164) and decrease in CRT (P=0.149) between the two groups. The mean number of injections delivered was significantly higher (P<0.001) in the IVC group (5.6 ± 0.8 per eye) than in the combined group (3.3±1.2per eye).Conclusions. IVC alone or combined with MGP appeared to be effective for treatment of DDME, achieving the similar clinical efficacy. Moreover, MGP helps to reduce the number of injections.
The Maximal Strichartz Family of Gaussian Distributions: Fisher Information, Index of Dispersion, and Stochastic Ordering
Authors: Selvitella Alessandro
Published: September 2016

We define and study several properties of what we callMaximal Strichartz Family of Gaussian Distributions. This is a subfamily of the family of Gaussian Distributions that arises naturally in the context of theLinear Schrödinger Equationand Harmonic Analysis, as the set of maximizers of certain norms introduced by Strichartz. From a statistical perspective, this family carries with itself some extrastructure with respect to the general family of Gaussian Distributions. In this paper, we analyse this extrastructure in several ways. We first compute theFisher Information Matrixof the family, then introduce some measures ofstatistical dispersion, and, finally, introduce aPartial Stochastic Orderon the family. Moreover, we indicate how these tools can be used to distinguish between distributions which belong to the family and distributions which do not. We show also that all our results are in accordance with the dispersive PDE nature of the family.
Training Does Not Alter Muscle Ceramide and Diacylglycerol in Offsprings of Type 2 Diabetic Patients Despite Improved Insulin Sensitivity
Authors: Søgaard Ditte , Østergård Torben , Blachnio-Zabielska Agnieszka U. , Baranowski Marcin , Vigelsø Andreas Hansen , Andersen Jesper Løvind , Dela Flemming , Helge Jørn Wulff
Published: September 2016

Ceramide and diacylglycerol (DAG) may be involved in the early phase of insulin resistance but data are inconsistent in man. We evaluated if an increase in insulin sensitivity after endurance training was accompanied by changes in these lipids in skeletal muscle. Nineteen first-degree type 2 diabetes Offsprings (Offsprings) (age:33.1±1.4 yrs; BMI:26.4±0.4 kg/m2) and sixteen matched Controls (age:31.3±1.5 yrs; BMI:25.3±0.7 kg/m2) performed 10 weeks of endurance training three times a week at 70% of VO2max on a bicycle ergometer. Before and after the intervention a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp and VO2max test were performed and muscle biopsies obtained. Insulin sensitivity was significantly lower in Offsprings compared to control subjects (p<0.01) but improved in both groups after 10 weeks of endurance training (Off:17±6%; Con:12±9%,p<0.01). The content of muscle ceramide, DAG, and their subspecies were similar between groups and did not change in response to the endurance training except for an overall reduction in C22:0-Cer (p<0.05). Finally, the intervention induced an increase in AKT protein expression (Off:27±11%; Con:20±24%,p<0.05). This study showed no relation between insulin sensitivity and ceramide or DAG content suggesting that ceramide and DAG are not major players in the early phase of insulin resistance in human muscle.
Limited Effects of Endurance or Interval Training on Visceral Adipose Tissue and Systemic Inflammation in Sedentary Middle-Aged Men
Authors: Cooper Joshua H. F. , Collins Blake E. G. , Adams David R. , Robergs Robert A. , Donges Cheyne E.
Published: September 2016

Purpose. Limited data exists for the effects of sprint-interval training (SIT) and endurance training (ET) on total body composition, abdominal visceral adipose tissue, and plasma inflammation. Moreover, whether “active” or “passive” recovery in SIT provides a differential effect on these measures remains uncertain.Methods. Sedentary middle-aged men (n=62;49.5±5.8 y;29.7±3.7 kg·m2) underwent abdominal computed tomography, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, venepuncture, and exercise testing before and after the interventions, which included the following: 12 wks 3 d·wk−1 ET (n=15; 50–60 min cycling; 80% HRmax), SIT (4–10 × 30 s sprint efforts) with passive (P-SIT;n=15) or active recovery (A-SIT;n=15); or nonexercise control condition (CON;n=14). Changes in cardiorespiratory fitness, whole-body and visceral fat mass, and plasma systemic inflammation were examined.Results. Compared to CON, significant increases in interpolated power output (P-SIT,P<0.001; ET,P=0.012; A-SIT,P=0.041) and test duration (P-SIT,P=0.001; ET,P=0.012; A-SIT,P=0.046) occurred after training. Final VO2consumption was increased after P-SIT only (P<0.001). Despite >90% exercise compliance, there was no change in whole-body or visceral fat mass or plasma inflammation (P>0.05).Conclusion. In sedentary middle-aged men, SIT was a time-effective alternative to ET in facilitating conditioning responses yet was ineffective in altering body composition and plasma inflammation, and compared to passive recovery, evidenced diminished conditioning responses when employing active recovery.
Fabrication of SiC Composites with Synergistic Toughening of Carbon Whisker andIn Situ3C-SiC Nanowire
Authors: Yunlong Zhang , Yumin Zhang , Ming Hu , Jinping Li
Published: September 2016

The SiC composites with synergistic toughening of carbon whisker andin situ3C-SiC nanowire have been fabricated by hot press sinter technology and annealed treatment technology. Effect of annealed time on the morphology of SiC nanowires and mechanical properties of theCw/SiC composites was surveyed in detail. The appropriate annealed time improved mechanical properties of theCw/SiC composites. The synergistic effect of carbon whisker and SiC nanowire can improve the fracture toughness forCw/SiC composites. The vapor-liquid-solid growth (VLS) mechanism was proposed. TEM photo showed that 3C-SiC nanowire can be obtained with preferential growth plane ({111}), which corresponded to interplanar spacing about 0.25 nm.
Phytochemical Screening and Antinociceptive and Antidiarrheal Activities of Hydromethanol and Petroleum Benzene Extract ofMicrocos paniculataBarks
Authors: Moushome Rafath Ara , Akter Mst. Irin , Aziz Md. Abdullah
Published: September 2016

Introduction.Microcos paniculatais traditionally used for treating diarrhea, wounds, cold, fever, hepatitis, dyspepsia, and heat stroke.Objective. To investigate the qualitative phytochemical constituents of hydromethanol (HMPB) and petroleum benzene extract ofMicrocos paniculatabarks (PBMPB) and to evaluate their antinociceptive and antidiarrheal activities.Methods. Phytochemical constituents and antinociceptive and antidiarrheal activities were determined and evaluated by different tests such as Molisch’s, Fehling’s, Mayer’s, Wagner’s, Dragendorff’s, frothing, FeCl3, alkali, Pew’s, and Salkowski’s test, general test of glycosides, Baljet and NH4OH test, formalin-induced paw licking, acetic acid-induced writhing, tail immersion, and hot plate tests, and castor oil and MgSO4induced diarrheal tests.Results. These extracts revealed the presence of saponins, flavonoids, and triterpenoids and significantly (P⁎<0.05, versus control) reduced paw licking and abdominal writhing of mice. At 30 min after their administration, PBMPB revealed significant increase in latency (P⁎<0.05, versus control) in tail immersion test. In hot plate test, HMPB and PBMPB 200 mg/kg showed significant increase in response latency (P⁎<0.05, versus control) at 30 min after their administration. Moreover, both extracts significantly (P⁎<0.05, versus control) inhibited percentage of diarrhea in antidiarrheal models.Conclusion.Study results indicate thatM.paniculatamay provide a source of plant compounds with antinociceptive and antidiarrheal activities.
Detection of the Dimorphic Phases ofMucor circinelloidesin Blood Cultures from an Immunosuppressed Female
Authors: Arroyo Miguel A. , Schmitt Bryan H. , Davis Thomas E. , Relich Ryan F.
Published: September 2016

Mucormycosisfungemia is rarely documented since blood cultures are nearly always negative. We describe a case ofMucor circinelloidesfungemia in a patient with a history of a sinus infection, sarcoidosis, and IgG deficiency. The identity of the isolate was supported by its microscopic morphology and its ability to convert into yeast forms under anaerobic conditions. The early detection, initiation of liposomal amphotericin B treatment, and reversal of underlying predisposing risk factors resulted in a good outcome.
Features Conduction Neural Response and Its Application in Content-Based Image Retrieval
Authors: Hu Zhengfa , Yue Tian , Xiao Haixia
Published: September 2016

A novel image representation is proposed for content-based image retrieval (CBIR). The core idea of the proposed method is to do deep learning for the local features of image and to melt semantic component into the representation through a hierarchical architecture which is built to simulate human visual perception system, and then a new image descriptor of features conduction neural response (FCNR) is constructed. Compared with the classical neural response (NR), FCNR has lower computational complexity and is more suitable for CBIR tasks. The results of experiments on a commonly used image database demonstrate that, compared with those of NR related methods or some other image descriptors that were originally developed for CBIR, the proposed method has wonderful performance on retrieval efficiency and effectiveness.
The Role of E-Cadherin in Maintaining the Barrier Function of Corneal Epithelium after Treatment with Cultured Autologous Oral Mucosa Epithelial Cell Sheet Grafts for Limbal Stem Deficiency
Authors: Bardag-Gorce Fawzia , Hoft Richard H. , Wood Andrew , Oliva Joan , Niihara Hope , Makalinao Andrew , Thropay Jacquelyn , Pan Derek , Meepe Imara , Tiger Kumar , Garcia Julio , Laporte Amanda , French Samuel W. , Niihara Yutaka
Published: September 2016

The role of E-cadherin in epithelial barrier function of cultured autologous oral mucosa epithelial cell sheet (CAOMECS) grafts was examined. CAOMECS were cultured on a temperature-responsive surface and grafted onto rabbit corneas with Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency (LSCD). E-cadherin levels were significantly higher in CAOMECS compared to normal and LSCD epithelium. Beta-catenin colocalized with E-cadherin in CAOMECS cell membranes while phosphorylated beta-catenin was significantly increased. ZO-1, occludin, and Cnx43 were also strongly expressed in CAOMECS. E-cadherin and beta-catenin localization at the cell membrane was reduced in LSCD corneas, while CAOMECS-grafted corneas showed a restoration of E-cadherin and beta-catenin expression. LSCD corneas did not show continuous staining for ZO-1 or for Cnx43, while CAOMECS-grafted corneas showed a positive expression of ZO-1 and Cnx43. Cascade Blue® hydrazide did not pass through CAOMECS. Because E-cadherin interactions are calcium-dependent, EGTA was used to chelate calcium and disrupt cell adhesion. EGTA-treated CAOMECS completely detached from cell culture surface, and E-cadherin levels were significantly decreased. In conclusion, E cadherin high expression contributed to CAOMECS tight and gap junction protein recruitment at the cell membrane, thus promoting cellular adhesion and a functional barrier to protect the ocular surface.
Laparoscopic Surgery Can Reduce Postoperative Edema Compared with Open Surgery
Authors: Guo Dong , Gong Jianfeng , Cao Lei , Wei Yao , Guo Zhen , Zhu Weiming
Published: September 2016

Aim. The study aimed to investigate the impact of laparoscopic surgery and open surgery on postoperative edema in Crohn’s disease.Methods. Patients who required enterectomy were divided into open group (Group O) and laparoscopic group (Group L). Edema was measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis preoperatively (PRE) and on postoperative day 3 (POD3) and postoperative day 5 (POD5). The postoperative edema was divided intoslight edemaandedemaby an edema index, defined as the ratio of total extracellular water to total body water.Results. Patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery had better clinical outcomes and lower levels of inflammatory and stress markers. A total of 31 patients (26.05%) developedslight edemaand 53 patients (44.54%) developededemaon POD3. More patients developed postoperative edema in Group O than in Group L on POD3 (p=0.006). The value of the edema index of Group O was higher than that of Group L on POD3 and POD5 (0.402±0.010versus0.397±0.008,p=0.001;0.401±0.009versus0.395±0.007,p=0.039, resp.).Conclusions. Compared with open surgery, laparoscopic surgery can reduce postoperative edema, which may contribute to the better outcomes of laparoscopic surgery over open surgery.
The Effect of Natural Convection on Equiaxed Dendritic Growth: Quantitative Phase-Field Simulation and Comparison with Synchrotron X-Ray Radiography Monitoring Data
Authors: Qi Xin Bo , Chen Yun , Kang Xiu Hong , Li Dian Zhong
Published: September 2016

A two-dimensional (2D) quantitative phase-field model solved by adaptive finite element method is employed to investigate the effect of natural convection on equiaxed dendritic growth of Al-4 wt.%Cu alloy under continuous cooling condition. The simulated results are compared with diffusion-limited simulations as well as the experimental data obtained by means of in situ and real-time X-ray imaging technique. The results demonstrate that natural convection induced by solute gradients around the dendritic crystal has an obvious influence on the dendrite morphology and growth dynamics. Since the rejected solute cooper from solid is heavier than aluminum, it sinks down along the interface from the top arm tip to the bottom arm which results in the formation of a circulatory flow vortex on both sides of the dendrite. Hence, the convection promotes the top arm advancing into the melt progressively whereas it suppresses the growth of bottom severely. As the dendrite grows into a large size, the convection becomes more intense and the morphology shows distinguished asymmetric shape. When compared with experimental data, the growth velocity is found to agree substantially better with the simulation incorporating natural convection than the purely diffusive phase-field predictions.
Winter Maintenance Wash-Water Heavy Metal Removal Pilot Scale Evaluation
Authors: Miller Christopher M. , Schneider IV William H. , Tshimanga Mufuta J. , Custer Philip
Published: September 2016

To encourage sustainable engineering practices, departments of transportation are interested in reusing winter maintenance truck wash water as part of their brine production and future road application. Traffic-related metals in the wash water, however, could limit this option. The objective of this work was to conduct a pilot scale evaluation of heavy metal (copper, zinc, iron, and lead) removal in a filtration unit (maximum flow rate of 45 L/minute) containing proprietary (MAR Systems Sorbster®) media. Three different trials were conducted and approximately 10,000 L of wash water collected from a winter maintenance facility in Ohio was treated with the pilot unit. Lab studies were also performed on six wash-water samples from multiple facilities to assess particle size removal and estimate settling time as a potential removal mechanism during wash-water storage. Pilot unit total metal removal efficiencies were 79%, 77%, 63%, and 94% for copper, zinc, iron, and lead, respectively. Particle settling calculation estimates for copper and zinc show that 10 hours in storage can also effectively reduce heavy metal concentrations in winter maintenance wash water in excess of 70%. These pilot scale results show promise for reducing heavy metal concentrations to an acceptable level for reuse.
Expansion of Submucosal Bladder Wall TissueIn VitroandIn Vivo
Authors: Reinfeldt Engberg Gisela , Chamorro Clara Ibel , Nordenskjöld Agneta , Fossum Magdalena
Published: September 2016

In order to develop autologous tissue engineering of the whole wall in the urinary excretory system, we studied the regenerative capacity of the muscular bladder wall. Smooth muscle cell expansion on minced detrusor musclein vitroandin vivowith or without urothelial tissue was studied. Porcine minced detrusor muscle and urothelium were culturedin vitrounder standard culture conditions for evaluation of the explant technique and in collagen for tissue sectioning and histology. Autografts of minced detrusor muscle with or without minced urothelium were expanded on 3D cylinder moulds by grafting into the subcutaneous fat of the pig abdominal wall. Moulds without autografts were used as controls. Tissue harvesting, mincing, and transplantation were performed as a one-step procedure. Cells from minced detrusor muscle specimens migrated and expandedin vitroon culture plastic and in collagen.In vivostudies with minced detrusor autografts demonstrated expansion and regeneration in all specimens. Minced urothelium autografts showed multilayered transitional urothelium when transplanted alone but not in cotransplantation with detrusor muscle; thus, minced bladder mucosa was not favored by cografting with minced detrusor. No regeneration of smooth muscle or epithelium was seen in controls.
Wavelet-Based Feature Extraction in Fault Diagnosis for Biquad High-Pass Filter Circuit
Authors: Wang Yuehai , Yan Yongzheng , Wang Qinyong
Published: September 2016

Fault diagnosis for analog circuit has become a prominent factor in improving the reliability of integrated circuit due to its irreplaceability in modern integrated circuits. In fact fault diagnosis based on intelligent algorithms has become a popular research topic as efficient feature extraction and selection are a critical and intricate task in analog fault diagnosis. Further, it is extremely important to propose some general guidelines for the optimal feature extraction and selection. In this paper, based on wavelet analysis, we will study the problems of mother wavelets selection, number of decomposition levels, and candidate coefficients selection by using a four-op-amp biquad filter circuit. After conducting several comparative experiments, some general guidelines for feature extraction for this type of analog circuits fault diagnosis are derived.
The Role of Obesity in Sepsis Outcome among Critically Ill Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis
Authors: Papadimitriou-Olivgeris Matthaios , Aretha Diamanto , Zotou Anastasia , Koutsileou Kyriaki , Zbouki Aikaterini , Lefkaditi Aikaterini , Sklavou Christina , Marangos Markos , Fligou Fotini
Published: September 2016

Background.The objective of this study was to assess the correlation between sepsis, obesity, and mortality of patients admitted to an Intensive Care Unit (ICU).Subjects and Methods.Data of all patients admitted to the ICU of a tertiary hospital during a 28-month period were retrospectively analyzed and included in the study.Results.Of 834 patients included, 163 (19.5%) were obese, while 25 (3.0%) were morbidly obese. Number of comorbidities (P<0.001), bloodstream infection (P  0.033), and carbapenemase-producingKlebsiella pneumoniaecolonization during ICU stay (P  0.005) were significantly associated with obesity, while nonobese patients suffered more frequently from spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage (P  0.038). Total ICU mortality was 22.5%. Increased mortality among obese ICU patients was observed. Sepsis was the main condition of admission for which obese patients had statistically lower survival than normal weight subjects (76.3% versus 43.7%;P  0.001). Mortality of septic patients upon admission was independently associated with SOFA score upon ICU admission (P  0.003), obesity (P  0.014), pneumonia (P  0.038), and development of septic shock (P  0.015).Conclusions.Our study revealed that sepsis upon ICU admission is adversely influenced by obesity but further studies are needed in order to assess the role of obesity in sepsis outcome.
Targeting Glial Mitochondrial Function for Protection from Cerebral Ischemia: Relevance, Mechanisms, and the Role of MicroRNAs
Authors: Li Le , Stary Creed M.
Published: September 2016

Astrocytes and microglia play crucial roles in the response to cerebral ischemia and are effective targets for stroke therapy in animal models. MicroRNAs (miRs) are important posttranscriptional regulators of gene expression that function by inhibiting the translation of select target genes. In astrocytes, miR expression patterns regulate mitochondrial function in response to oxidative stress via targeting of Bcl2 and heat shock protein 70 family members. Mitochondria play an active role in microglial activation, and miRs regulate the microglial neuroinflammatory response. As endogenous miR expression patterns can be altered with exogenous mimics and inhibitors, miR‐targeted therapies represent a viable intervention to optimize glial mitochondrial function and improve clinical outcome following cerebral ischemia. In the present article, we review the role that astrocytes and microglia play in neuronal function and fate following ischemic stress, discuss the relevance of mitochondria in the glial response to injury, and present current evidence implicating miRs as critical regulators in the glial mitochondrial response to cerebral ischemia.
Design and Optimization of the Power Management Strategy of an Electric Drive Tracked Vehicle
Authors: Tu Qunzhang , Zhang Xiaochen , Pan Ming , Jiang Chengming , Xue Jinhong
Published: September 2016

This article studies the power management control strategy of electric drive system and, in particular, improves the fuel economy for electric drive tracked vehicles. Combined with theoretical analysis and experimental data, real-time control oriented models of electric drive system are established. Taking into account the workloads of engine and the SOC (state of charge) of battery, a fuzzy logic based power management control strategy is proposed. In order to achieve a further improvement in fuel economic, a DEHPSO algorithm (differential evolution based hybrid particle swarm optimization) is adopted to optimize the membership functions of fuzzy controller. Finally, to verify the validity of control strategy, a HILS (hardware-in-the-loop simulation) platform is built based on dSPACE and related experiments are carried out. The results indicate that the proposed strategy obtained good effects on power management, which achieves high working efficiency and power output capacity. Optimized by DEHPSO algorithm, fuel consumption of the system is decreased by 4.88% and the fuel economy is obviously improved, which will offer an effective way to improve integrated performance of electric drive tracked vehicles.
A Case ofDe NovoCD5+ Disseminated Intravascular Large B-Cell Lymphoma Presenting as Multiorgan Failure
Authors: Singh Daulath , Kapuria Devika , Nanua Suparna , Gaur Rakesh
Published: September 2016

Intravascular large B-cell lymphoma is an extremely rare extranodal lymphoma that proliferates in the lumen of the blood vessels while sparing the organ parenchyma. It usually presents with CNS and skin involvement. A 65-year-old Caucasian female presented with fevers and chills of 3-4 months’ duration. Bone marrow biopsy done 3 months prior showed no significant myelodysplasia or lymphoid aggregates. The patient later died due to multiorgan failure. A bone marrow biopsy showed 20–30% CD5+ B cells consistent with infiltrative large B-cell lymphoma. An autopsy performed revealed diffuse intravascular invasion by lymphoma cells. Multiorgan involvement by intravascular B-cell lymphoma is very rare. Based on our literature review and to the best of our knowledge, there are only 5 case reports describing the presentation of this lymphoma with multiorgan failure. The immunophenotypic studies performed revealed that our patient hadde novoCD5+ intravascular large B-cell lymphoma which is known to be aggressive with very poor prognosis. Although it is an extremely rare lymphoma, it should be considered as a potential cause of multiorgan failure when no other cause has been identified. A prompt tissue diagnosis and high-dose chemotherapy followed by ASCT can sometimes achieve remission.
Low Energy Gamma Radiation Induced Effects on Ultrasonic Velocity and Acoustic Parameters in Polyvinylidene Fluoride Solution
Authors: Kulkarni S. S. , Khadke U. V.
Published: September 2016

The modification of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) polymer properties with irradiation is of interest as it possesses unique piezo-, pyro-, and ferroelectric properties. In this paper, we report the results of acoustic parameters of irradiated PVDF mixed with dimethylacetamide (DMAC) solution with low energy γ-source (Cs-137). The polymer solution covered with mica film assures only γ-ray passage and the duration was increased from 18 to 50 hours to achieve the higher dose rate. The dose rate was estimated using the strength of the radioactive source and the duration of the exposure. The ultrasonic velocity (v), density (ρ), and viscosity (η) of 0.2 wt% and 0.5 wt% PVDF dissolved in pure DMAC solution, irradiated with different dose rate were measured using ultrasonic interferometer (Mittal make), Pyknometer, and Oswald’s viscometer, respectively. It is observed that the values of v, ρ, and η change with dose rate. The acoustic parameters such as adiabatic compressibility (β), intermolecular free path length (Lf), acoustic impedance (Z), relative association (RA), ultrasonic attenuation (α/f2), and relaxation time (τ) are calculated using the experimental data. These results are interpreted in terms of the solute-solvent interaction in a polymer solution and scissoring chain damage.
Structural Stability, Transitions, and Interactions within SoxYZCD-Thiosulphate from Sulfurimonas denitrificans: An In Silico Molecular Outlook for Maintaining Environmental Sulphur Cycle
Authors: Ray Sujay , Banerjee Arundhati
Published: September 2016

Thiosulphate oxidation (an essential mechanism) serves to maintain the global sulphur cycle. Earlier experimental and computational studies dealt with environmental thiosulphate oxidation but none dealt with thiosulphate oxidation from deep ocean belts. Wet-laboratory experimental research shows that epsilon-proteobacteria Sulfurimonas denitrificans possess sox (sulphur-oxidizing) operon and perform thiosulphate oxidation efficiently underneath the oceans. From this specific sox operon, SoxCD complex recycles the thiosulphate-bound SoxY from SoxYZ complex to balance the environmental sulphur cycle. So, four chief proteins were variedly modeled and relevant simulated interactive structures were obtained. The final simulated tetraprotein complex (SoxYZCD) from docked SoxYZ and SoxCD complexes was disclosed to be a highly interactive one with predominant ionic residues. Free energy of folding, solvent accessibility, and conformational shifts (coil-like conformation to helices and sheets) were observed in SoxYZ complex after interacting with SoxCD. The stability of the complex (SoxYZCD) after simulation was also observed through the electrostatic surface potential values. These evaluations were rationalized via biostatistics. This aids SoxCD for recycling SoxY along with thiosulphate, which remains interconnected by four H-bonds with SoxY. Therefore, this novel exploration is endowed with the detailed molecular viewpoint for maintaining the sulphur cycle (globally) including the ocean belts.
Visual Impairment among Older Adults in a Rural Community in Eastern China
Authors: Pan Chen-Wei , Qian Deng-Juan , Sun Hong-Peng , Ma Qinghua , Xu Yong , Song E.
Published: September 2016

Purpose. To determine the prevalence, causes, and associations of visual impairment (VI) among participants aged 60 years or older in a rural community in China.Methods. A community-based survey was undertaken in a rural town located in Eastern China and 4579 people aged 60 years or older participated in the study. Presenting visual acuity was assessed using a Snellen chart with tumbling-E optotypes and anterior segment was examined using a slit-lamp. VI was defined as presenting VA <6/18 and it included moderate VI (<6/18 to 6/60) and blindness (<6/60).Results. The prevalence of VI was 5.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] 4.7–6.0). In multivariate analysis, the presence of VI was positively associated with increasing age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.12, 95% CI 1.10–1.16, per year increase), female gender (OR = 2.33, 95% CI 1.53–3.55), the presence of hypertension (OR = 1.31, 95% CI 1.001–1.85), living alone (OR = 1.52, 95% CI 1.08–2.62), and increased sleeping hours (OR = 1.10, 95% CI 1.001–1.22). Drinking 3 or more glasses of green tea per day was inversely associated with VI (OR = 0.79, 95% CI 0.63–0.98).Conclusion. VI was less prevalent in this community compared with previous report in other areas in China.
Preclinical Validation of a Single-Treatment Infusion Modality That Can Eradicate Extremity Melanomas
Authors: Kim Minhyung , Neznanov Nickolay , Wilfong Chandler D. , Fleyshman Daria I. , Purmal Andrei A. , Haderski Gary , Stanhope-Baker Patricia , Burkhart Catherine A. , Gurova Katerina V. , Gudkov Andrei V. , Skitzki Joseph J.
Published: September 2016

Isolated limb perfusion (ILP) with the chemotherapeutic agent melphalan is an effective treatment option for extremity in-transit melanoma but is toxic and technically challenging to deliver locoregionally. CBL0137 is an experimental clinical drug with broad anticancer activity in animal models, owing to its ability to bind DNA in a nongenotoxic manner and inactivate the FACT chromatin modulator essential for tumor cell viability. Here, we report that CBL0137 delivered by ILP in a murine melanoma model is as efficacious as melphalan, displaying antitumor activity at doses corresponding to only a fraction of the systemic MTD of CBL0137. The ability to bind DNA quickly combined with a favorable safety profile made it possible to substitute CBL0137 in the ILP protocol, using an intra-arterial infusion method, to safely achieve effective tumor suppression. Our findings of a preclinical proof of concept for CBL0137 and its administration via intra-arterial infusion as a superior treatment compared with melphalan ILP allows for locoregional treatment anywhere a catheter can be placed. Cancer Res; 76(22); 6620–30. ©2016 AACR.
α3β1 Integrin Suppresses Prostate Cancer Metastasis via Regulation of the Hippo Pathway
Authors: Varzavand Afshin , Hacker Will , Ma Deqin , Gibson-Corley Katherine , Hawayek Maria , Tayh Omar J. , Brown James A. , Henry Michael D. , Stipp Christopher S.
Published: September 2016

Existing anticancer strategies focused on disrupting integrin functions in tumor cells or tumor-involved endothelial cells have met limited success. An alternative strategy is to augment integrin-mediated pathways that suppress tumor progression, but how integrins can signal to restrain malignant behavior remains unclear. To address this issue, we generated an in vivo model of prostate cancer metastasis via depletion of α3β1 integrin, a correlation observed in a significant proportion of prostate cancers. Our data describe a mechanism whereby α3β1 signals through Abl family kinases to restrain Rho GTPase activity, support Hippo pathway suppressor functions, and restrain prostate cancer migration, invasion, and anchorage-independent growth. This α3β1-Abl kinase-Hippo suppressor pathway identified α3 integrin–deficient prostate cancers as potential candidates for Hippo-targeted therapies currently under development, suggesting new strategies for targeting metastatic prostate cancer based on integrin expression. Our data also revealed paradoxical tumor suppressor functions for Abl kinases in prostate cancer that may help to explain the failure of Abl kinase inhibitor imatinib in prostate cancer clinical trials. Cancer Res; 76(22); 6577–87. ©2016 AACR.