bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acoustic properties of a short-finned pilot whale head with insight into temperature influence on tissues' sound velocity
Authors: Dong Jianchen , Song Zhongchang , Li Songhai , Gong Zining , Li Kuan , Zhang Peijun , Zhang Yu , Zhang Meng
Published: October 2017

Acoustic properties of odontocete head tissues, including sound velocity, density, and acoustic impedance, are important parameters to understand dynamics of its echolocation. In this paper, acoustic properties of head tissues from a freshly dead short-finned pilot whale (Globicephala macrorhynchus) were reconstructed using computed tomography (CT) and ultrasound. The animal's forehead soft tissues were cut into 188 ordered samples. Sound velocity, density, and acoustic impedance of each sample were either directly measured or calculated by formula, and Hounsfield Unit values (HUs) were obtained from CT scanning. According to relationships between HUs and sound velocity, HUs and density, as well as HUs and acoustic impedance, distributions of acoustic properties in the head were reconstructed. The inner core in the melon with low-sound velocity and low-density is an evidence for its potential function of sound focusing. The increase in acoustic impedance of forehead tissues from inner core to outer layer may be important for the acoustic impedance matching between the outer layer tissue and seawater. In addition, temperature dependence of sound velocity in soft tissues was also examined. The results provide a guide to the simulation of the sound emission of the short-finned pilot whale.
Restrictions on wave equations for passive media
Authors: Holm Sverre , Holm Martin Blomhoff
Published: October 2017

Most derivations of acoustic wave equations involve ensuring that causality is satisfied. Here, the consequences of also requiring that the medium should be passive are explored. This is a stricter criterion than causality for a linear system and implies that there are restrictions on the relaxation modulus and its first few derivatives. The viscous and relaxation models of acoustics satisfy passivity and have restrictions on not only a few, but all derivatives of the relaxation modulus. These models are described as a system of springs and dampers with positive parameters and belong to the important class of completely monotone systems. It is shown here that the attenuation as a function of frequency for such media has to increase slower than a linear function. Likewise, the phase velocity has to increase monotonically. This gives criteria on which one may judge whether a proposed wave equation is passive or not, as illustrated by comparing two different versions of the viscous wave equation.
Acoustic signal and noise changes in the Beaufort Sea Pacific Water duct under anticipated future acidification of Arctic Ocean waters
Authors: Duda Timothy F.
Published: October 2017

It is predicted that Arctic Ocean acidity will increase during the next century as a result of carbon dioxide accumulation in the atmosphere and migration into ocean waters. This change has implications for sound transmission because low-pH seawater absorbs less sound than high-pH water. Altered pH will affect sound in the 0.3−10 kHz range if the criterion is met that absorption is the primary cause of attenuation, rather than the alternatives of loss in the ice or seabed. Recent work has exploited sound that meets the criterion, sound trapped in a Beaufort Sea duct composed of Pacific Winter Water underlying Pacific Summer Water. Arctic pH is expected to drop from 8.1 to 7.9 (approximately) over the next 30−50 yr, and effects of this chemical alteration on the intensity levels of this ducted sound, and on noise, are examined here. Sound near 900 Hz is predicted to undergo the greatest change, traveling up to 38% further. At ranges of 100−300 km, sound levels from a source in the duct may increase by 7 dB or more. Noise would also increase, but noise is ducted less efficiently, with the result that 1 kHz noise is predicted to rise approximately 0.5 dB.
Interrupted aortic arch complicated with takotsubo cardiomyopathy mimicking aortic dissection
Authors: Mari Baloch Farhala , Tai Javed Majid , Hameed Khan Aamir , Baqi Abdul
Published: October 2017

A 50-year-old man presented to the emergency department with interscapular pain, diaphoresis and restlessness. Initial examination raised the possibility of aortic dissection; however, the CT scan did not concur with the diagnosis. An ECG showed ST segment elevation in leads V1–V6 and echocardiography showed severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Coronary angiography through the right femoral artery was attempted but the diagnostic catheter could not be advanced to the ascending aorta. Radiocontrast injection showed complete obstruction of the descending aorta. Coronary angiography through right radial approach showed mild left anterior descending disease. The aortogram showed complete interruption of the ascending aorta with extensive collateral network. Left ventricle gram was consistent with stress-induced cardiomyopathy. We noticed intermittent confusion and agitation. MRI of the brain showed areas of deep white matter ischaemia as well as microhaemorrhages, suggesting posterior reversible leucoencephalopathy syndrome. He unfortunately went into cardiac arrest and could not be revived.
Nodular fasciitis of soft tissue over the mandible
Authors: Yeomans Daniel , Qureishi Ali , Shah Ketan , Winter Stuart
Published: October 2017

Nodular fasciitis (NF) is an unusual, benign condition which can mimic more sinister, sarcomatous lesions both clinically and histologically. This case report presents a 35-year-old male, with a rapidly growing mass on the border of his left mandible, referred to a specialist head and neck unit. The initial presentation, radiology and cytology were initially inconclusive and the possibility of a malignant process was considered. Final histology was that of NF, the treatment of which is complete surgical excision. Therefore, NF is an important differential to consider when assessing similar clinical presentations, as highlighted in this case report.
Endoscopic shaving of hair in a gastric bypass patient with a large bezoar
Authors: Amjad Waseem , Upadhya Gautham , Hurairah Abu , Iqbal Shahzad
Published: October 2017

Trichotillomania can be associated with the formation of trichobezoars (hair ball) usually located in the stomach. Trichobezoars may lead to complications including bowel obstruction, and perforation. Patients with a history of diabetes, certain psychiatric disorders, prior gastric surgery and poor mastication ability are at an increased risk of developing bezoars. We are presenting a case of patient who suffered from a large, recurrent trichobezoar, who had a history of gastric bypass surgery as well as trichotillophagia. The endoscopic method used to remove the large bezoar will also be discussed. We have reviewed the cases published, in which patients developed bezoars after undergoing gastric bypass surgery. The purpose of this study is to raise awareness among clinicians that patients with certain psychiatric issues who had prior gastric surgeries, are at eminent risk of bezoar formation. A multidisciplinary approach including cognitive behavioural therapy, dietary education and pharmacotherapy should be taken to prevent complications.
Logarithmic connections on principal bundles over a Riemann surface
Authors: Biswas Indranil , Dan Ananyo , Paul Arjun , Saha Arideep
Published: October 2017

Let [Formula: see text] be a holomorphic principal [Formula: see text]-bundle on a compact connected Riemann surface [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is a connected reductive complex affine algebraic group. Fix a finite subset [Formula: see text], and for each [Formula: see text] fix [Formula: see text]. Let [Formula: see text] be a maximal torus in the group of all holomorphic automorphisms of [Formula: see text]. We give a necessary and sufficient condition for the existence of a [Formula: see text]-invariant logarithmic connection on [Formula: see text] singular over [Formula: see text] such that the residue over each [Formula: see text] is [Formula: see text]. We also give a necessary and sufficient condition for the existence of a logarithmic connection on [Formula: see text] singular over [Formula: see text] such that the residue over each [Formula: see text] is [Formula: see text], under the assumption that each [Formula: see text] is [Formula: see text]-rigid.
Resonant parameters of Y(4390)
Authors: Zhang Jielei , Yuan Limin
Published: October 2017

The cross-sections of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] have been measured by BESIII experiment. A new resonance [Formula: see text] is observed in the two decay modes. A combined fit is performed to the two cross-sections. [Formula: see text]’s parameters are determined to be [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second systematic. The ratio [Formula: see text] is also obtained and it indicates that [Formula: see text]’s main decay modes maybe [Formula: see text]. We determine the lower limit of its leptonic decay width of around 150 eV, which can be compared with the theoretical expectations of different models. These information may help in understanding the nature of this state.
Comments on “Study of J/ψ production in jets”
Authors: Belyaev I. , Berezhnoy A. V. , Likhoded A. K. , Luchinsky A. V.
Published: October 2017

Recent LHCb measurements of the [Formula: see text] meson production in jets are analyzed using fragmentation jet function formalism. It is shown that disagreement with theoretical predictions for distribution over the fraction of [Formula: see text] transverse momentum [Formula: see text] in the cases of prompt production can be explained if one takes into account evolution of the fragmentation function and contributions from double parton scattering (DPS) mechanism or gluon fragmentation.
Exploring fundamental physics with gravitational waves
Authors: Kobakhidze Archil
Published: October 2017

The direct discovery of gravitational waves opens of new avenues for exploring fundamental microscopic physics. In this presentation, a I will illustrate this by obtaining the stringent bounds on the scale of quantum fuzziness of hypothetical noncommutative space–time. I also discuss how future observations of stochastic gravitational wave background can shed light on the nature of the Higgs mechanism of the electroweak symmetry breaking and the related cosmological phase transition.

a Based on a talk presented at the Conference on Cosmology, Gravitational Waves and Particles, NTU, Singapore, 6–10 February 2017.
On Q6 flavor symmetry and the breaking of μ ↔ τ symmetry
Authors: Gómez-Izquierdo Juan Carlos , Gonzalez-Canales F. , Mondragón M.
Published: October 2017

In the simplest version of a [Formula: see text] flavored supersymmetric model, we analyze the leptonic masses and mixings in the framework of a soft breaking of the [Formula: see text] symmetry. This breaking is controlled by the inequality [Formula: see text] in the effective neutrino mass. As a consequence of this breaking, the reactor and atmospheric angles are deviate from [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], respectively. Such deviations can be enhanced or suppressed by the CP parities in the Majorana phases, so an analytic study is carried out to remark their importance to constrain the free parameters that accommodate the mixing angles. The normal hierarchy is completely discarded in this model, the inverted hierarchy is less favored than the degenerate one where the reactor and atmospheric angles are in good agreement with the experimental data. Additionally, the model predicts defined regions for the effective neutrino mass decay, the neutrino mass scale and the sum of the neutrino masses in the inverted and degenerate mass spectra. Thus, this model may be testable by future experiments that focus on neutrinoless double beta decay.
An Evaluation Method of Visualization Using Visual Momentum Based on Eye-Tracking Data
Authors: Zhou Xiaozhou , Xue Chengqi , Zhou Lei , Niu Yafeng
Published: October 2017

A new method based on eye-tracking data — visual momentum (VM) — was introduced to quantitatively evaluate a dynamic interactive visualization interface. We extracted the dimensionless factors from the raw eye-tracking data, including the fixation time factor [Formula: see text], the saccade amplitude factor D and the fixation number factor [Formula: see text]. A predictive regression model of VM was deduced by eye movement factors and the performance response time (RT). In Experiment 1, the experimental visualization materials were designed with six effectiveness levels according to design techniques proposed by Woods to improve VM (total replacement, fixed format data replacement, long shot, perceptual landmark and spatial representation) and were tested in six parallel subject groups. The coefficients of the regression model were calculated from the data of 42 valid subjects in Experiment 1. The mean VM of each group exhibited an increasing trend with an increase in design techniques. The data of the performance and eye tracking among the combined high VM group, middle VM group and low VM group indicated significant differences. The data analysis indicates that the results were consistent with the previous qualitative research of VM. We tested and verified this regression model in Experiment 2 with another dynamic interactive visualization. The results indicated that the VM calculated by the regression model was significantly correlated with the performance data. Therefore, the virtual parameter VM can be a quantitative indicator for evaluating dynamic visualization. It could be a useful evaluation method for the dynamic visualization in general working environments.
Anisotropic regularity principle in sequence spaces and applications
Authors: Albuquerque Nacib , Rezende Lisiane
Published: October 2017

We refine a recent technique introduced by Pellegrino, Santos, Serrano and Teixeira and prove a quite general anisotropic regularity principle in sequence spaces. As applications, we generalize previous results of several authors regarding Hardy–Littlewood inequalities for multilinear forms.
Quantum key distribution without the wavefunction
Authors: Niestegge Gerd
Published: October 2017

A well-known feature of quantum mechanics is the secure exchange of secret bit strings which can then be used as keys to encrypt messages transmitted over any classical communication channel. It is demonstrated that this quantum key distribution allows a much more general and abstract access than commonly thought. The results include some generalizations of the Hilbert space version of quantum key distribution, but are based upon a general nonclassical extension of conditional probability. A special state-independent conditional probability is identified as origin of the superior security of quantum key distribution; this is a purely algebraic property of the quantum logic and represents the transition probability between the outcomes of two consecutive quantum measurements.
Inverse elastographic method for analyzing the ocular lens compression test
Authors: Reilly Matthew A. , Cleaver Andre
Published: October 2017

The ocular lens stiffens dramatically with age, resulting in a loss of function. However, the mechanism of stiffening remains unknown, at least in part due to difficulties in making reliable measurements of the intrinsic mechanical properties of the lens. Recent experiments have employed manual compression testing to evaluate the stiffness of murine lenses which have genotypes pertinent to human lens diseases. These experiments compare the extrinsic stiffness of lenses from the genotype of interest to the wild-type lens in an effort to reach conclusions regarding the cellular or molecular basis of lens stiffening. However, these comparisons are confounded by alterations in lens size and geometry which invariably accompany these genetic manipulations. Here, we utilize manual lens compression to characterize the stiffness of a porcine lens and a murine lens. An inverse elastographic technique was then developed to estimate the intrinsic shear modulus of each lens as well as the elastic modulus of the lens capsule. The results were in good agreement with the previous literature values.
Sex and Gender Differences in the Outcomes of Vaccination over the Life Course
Authors: Flanagan Katie L. , Fink Ashley L. , Plebanski Magdalena , Klein Sabra L.
Published: October 2017

Both sex (i.e., biological differences) and gender (i.e., social or cultural influences) impact vaccine acceptance, responses, and outcomes. Clinical data illustrate that among children, young adults, and aged individuals, males and females differ in vaccine-induced immune responses, adverse events, and protection. Although males are more likely to receive vaccines, following vaccination, females typically develop higher antibody responses and report more adverse effects of vaccination than do males. Human, nonhuman animal, and in vitro studies reveal numerous immunological, genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors that differ between males and females and contribute to sex- and gender-specific vaccine responses and outcomes. Herein, we address the impact of sex and gender variables that should be considered in preclinical and clinical studies of vaccines.
Assessing the Contributions of Motor Enzymes and Microtubule Dynamics to Mitotic Chromosome Motions
Authors: McIntosh J. Richard
Published: October 2017

During my graduate work with Keith Porter, I became fascinated by the mitotic spindle, an interest that has motivated much of my scientific work ever since. I began spindle studies by using electron microscopes, instruments that have made significant contributions to our understanding of spindle organization. Such instruments have helped to elucidate the distributions of spindle microtubules, the interactions among them, their molecular polarity, and their associations with both kinetochores and spindle poles. Our lab has also investigated some processes of spindle physiology: microtubule dynamics, the actions of microtubule-associated proteins (including motor enzymes), the character of forces generated by specific spindle components, and factors that control mitotic progression. Here, I give a personal perspective on some of this intellectual history and on what recent discoveries imply about the mechanisms of chromosome motion.
Mechanisms of Tail-Anchored Membrane Protein Targeting and Insertion
Authors: Chio Un Seng , Cho Hyunju , Shan Shu-ou
Published: October 2017

Proper localization of membrane proteins is essential for the function of biological membranes and for the establishment of organelle identity within a cell. Molecular machineries that mediate membrane protein biogenesis need to not only achieve a high degree of efficiency and accuracy, but also prevent off-pathway aggregation events that can be detrimental to cells. The posttranslational targeting of tail-anchored proteins (TAs) provides tractable model systems to probe these fundamental issues. Recent advances in understanding TA-targeting pathways reveal sophisticated molecular machineries that drive and regulate these processes. These findings also suggest how an interconnected network of targeting factors, cochaperones, and quality control machineries together ensures robust membrane protein biogenesis.
Proteostatic Tactics in the Strategy of Sterol Regulation
Authors: Wangeline Margaret A. , Vashistha Nidhi , Hampton Randolph Y.
Published: October 2017

In eukaryotes, the synthesis and uptake of sterols undergo stringent multivalent regulation. Both individual enzymes and transcriptional networks are controlled to meet changing needs of the many sterol pathway products. Regulation is tailored by evolution to match regulatory constraints, which can be very different in distinct species. Nevertheless, a broadly conserved feature of many aspects of sterol regulation is employment of proteostasis mechanisms to bring about control of individual proteins. Proteostasis is the set of processes that maintain homeostasis of a dynamic proteome. Proteostasis includes protein quality control pathways for the detection, and then the correction or destruction, of the many misfolded proteins that arise as an unavoidable feature of protein-based life. Protein quality control displays not only the remarkable breadth needed to manage the wide variety of client molecules, but also extreme specificity toward the misfolded variants of a given protein. These features are amenable to evolutionary usurpation as a means to regulate proteins, and this approach has been used in sterol regulation. We describe both well-trod and less familiar versions of the interface between proteostasis and sterol regulation and suggest some underlying ideas with broad biological and clinical applicability.
Temporal Patterning in the Drosophila CNS
Authors: Doe Chris Q.
Published: October 2017

A small pool of neural progenitors generates the vast diversity of cell types in the CNS. Spatial patterning specifies progenitor identity, followed by temporal patterning within progenitor lineages to expand neural diversity. Recent work has shown that in Drosophila, all neural progenitors (neuroblasts) sequentially express temporal transcription factors (TTFs) that generate molecular and cellular diversity. Embryonic neuroblasts use a lineage-intrinsic cascade of five TTFs that switch nearly every neuroblast cell division; larval optic lobe neuroblasts also use a rapid cascade of five TTFs, but the factors are completely different. In contrast, larval central brain neuroblasts undergo a major molecular transition midway through larval life, and this transition is regulated by a lineage-extrinsic cue (ecdysone hormone signaling). Overall, every neuroblast lineage uses a TTF cascade to generate diversity, illustrating the widespread importance of temporal patterning.
Functional Hypoxia in Insects: Definition, Assessment, and Consequences for Physiology, Ecology, and Evolution
Authors: Harrison Jon F. , Greenlee Kendra J. , Verberk Wilco C.E.P.
Published: October 2017

Insects can experience functional hypoxia, a situation in which O2 supply is inadequate to meet oxygen demand. Assessing when functional hypoxia occurs is complex, because responses are graded, age and tissue dependent, and compensatory. Here, we compare information gained from metabolomics and transcriptional approaches and by manipulation of the partial pressure of oxygen. Functional hypoxia produces graded damage, including damaged macromolecules and inflammation. Insects respond by compensatory physiological and morphological changes in the tracheal system, metabolic reorganization, and suppression of activity, feeding, and growth. There is evidence for functional hypoxia in eggs, near the end of juvenile instars, and during molting. Functional hypoxia is more likely in species with lower O2 availability or transport capacities and when O2 need is great. Functional hypoxia occurs normally during insect development and is a factor in mediating life-history trade-offs.
Double-Diffusive Convection at Low Prandtl Number
Authors: Garaud Pascale
Published: October 2017

This work reviews present knowledge of double-diffusive convection at low Prandtl number obtained using direct numerical simulations, in both the fingering regime and the oscillatory regime. Particular emphasis is given to modeling the induced turbulent mixing and its impact in various astrophysical applications. The nonlinear saturation of fingering convection at low Prandtl number usually drives small-scale turbulent motions whose transport properties can be predicted reasonably accurately using a simple semi-analytical model. In some instances, large-scale internal gravity waves can be excited by a collective instability and eventually cause layering. The nonlinear saturation of oscillatory double-diffusive convection exhibits much more complex behavior. Weakly stratified systems always spontaneously transition into layered convection associated with very efficient mixing. More strongly stratified systems remain dominated by weak wave turbulence unless they are initialized into a layered state. The effects of rotation, shear, lateral gradients, and magnetic fields are briefly discussed.
The Mystery of the Interstitial Cells in the Urinary Bladder
Authors: Koh Sang Don , Lee Haeyeong , Ward Sean M. , Sanders Kenton M.
Published: October 2017

Intrinsic mechanisms to restrain smooth muscle excitability are present in the bladder, and premature contractions during filling indicate a pathological phenotype. Some investigators have proposed that c-Kit+interstitial cells (ICs) are pacemakers and intermediaries in efferent and afferent neural activity, but recent findings suggest these cells have been misidentified and their functions have been misinterpreted. Cells reported to be c-Kit+cells colabel with vimentin antibodies, but vimentin is not a specific marker for c-Kit+cells. A recent report shows that c-Kit+cells in several species coexpress mast cell tryptase, suggesting that they are likely to be mast cells. In fact, most bladder ICs labeled with vimentin antibodies coexpress platelet-derived growth factor receptor α (PDGFRα). Rather than an excitatory phenotype, PDGFRα+cells convey inhibitory regulation in the detrusor, and inhibitory mechanisms are activated by purines and stretch. PDGFRα+cells restrain premature development of contractions during bladder filling, and overactive behavior develops when the inhibitory pathways in these cells are blocked. PDGFRα+cells are also a prominent cell type in the submucosa and lamina propria, but little is known about their function in these locations. Effective pharmacological manipulation of bladder ICs depends on proper identification and further study of the pathways in these cells that affect bladder functions.
Inflammatory Mediators in Mood Disorders: Therapeutic Opportunities
Authors: Pfau Madeline L. , Ménard Caroline , Russo Scott J.
Published: October 2017

Mood disorders such as depression are among the most prevalent psychiatric disorders in the United States, but they are inadequately treated in a substantial proportion of patients. Accordingly, neuropsychiatric research has pivoted from investigation of monoaminergic mechanisms to exploration of novel mediators, including the role of inflammatory processes. Subsets of mood disorder patients exhibit immune-related abnormalities, including elevated levels of proinflammatory cytokines, monocytes, and neutrophils in the peripheral circulation; dysregulation of neuroglia and blood-brain barrier function; and disruption of gut microbiota. The field of psychoneuroimmunology is one of great therapeutic opportunity, yielding experimental therapeutics for mood disorders, such as peripheral cytokine targeting antibodies, microglia and astrocyte targeting therapies, and probiotic treatments for gut dysbiosis, and producing findings that identify therapeutic targets for future development.
Adverse Effects of Nutraceuticals and Dietary Supplements
Authors: Ronis Martin J.J. , Pedersen Kim B. , Watt James
Published: October 2017

Over 70% of Americans take some form of dietary supplement every day, and the supplement industry is currently big business, with a gross of over $28 billion. However, unlike either foods or drugs, supplements do not need to be registered or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) prior to production or sales. Under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994, the FDA is restricted to adverse report monitoring postmarketing. Despite widespread consumption, there is limited evidence of health benefits related to nutraceutical or supplement use in well-nourished adults. In contrast, a small number of these products have the potential to produce significant toxicity. In addition, patients often do not disclose supplement use to their physicians. Therefore, the risk of adverse drug-supplement interactions is significant. An overview of the major supplement and nutraceutical classes is presented here, together with known toxic effects and the potential for drug interactions.
KCNQ-Encoded Potassium Channels as Therapeutic Targets
Authors: Barrese Vincenzo , Stott Jennifer B. , Greenwood Iain A.
Published: October 2017

Kv7 channels are voltage-gated potassium channels encoded by KCNQ genes that have a considerable physiological impact in many cell types. This reliance upon Kv7 channels for normal cellular function, as well as the existence of hereditary disorders caused by mutations to KCNQ genes, means that pharmacological targeting of these channels has broad appeal. Consequently, a plethora of chemical entities that modulate Kv7 channel activity have been developed. Moreover, Kv7 channels are influenced by many disparate intracellular mediators and trafficking processes, making upstream targeting an appealing prospect for therapeutic development. This review covers the main characteristics of these multifunctional and versatile channels with the aim of providing insight into the therapeutic value of targeting these channels.
Targeting Epigenetics in Cancer
Authors: Bennett Richard L. , Licht Jonathan D.
Published: October 2017

Alterations of genes regulating epigenetic processes are frequently found as cancer drivers and may cause widespread alterations of DNA methylation, histone modification patterns, or chromatin structure that disrupt normal patterns of gene expression. Because of the inherent reversibility of epigenetic changes, inhibitors targeting these processes are promising anticancer strategies. Small molecules targeting epigenetic regulators have been developed recently, and clinical trials of these agents are under way for hematologic malignancies and solid tumors. In this review, we describe how the writers, readers, and erasers of epigenetic marks are dysregulated in cancer and summarize the development of therapies targeting these mechanisms.
Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography of Two Choroidal Nevi Variants
Authors: Villegas Victor M. , Monroig Armando L. , Aguero Lazaro H. , Schwartz Stephen G.
Published: October 2017

Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) is a recently established noninvasive technology for evaluation of the retinal and choroidal vasculature. The literature regarding the findings in choroidal nevi is scarce. We report the OCT-A findings associated with two different variants. Subject one had decreased vascular flow signal in the choroidal, choriocapillaris, deep retinal, and superficial retinal layers. Subject two had decreased vascular flow signal in the choroidal, choriocapillaris, and deep retinal layers with a normal vascular flow signal in the superficial retinal layer. To our knowledge, these patterns of decreased vascular flow signals have not been previously reported using OCT-A. This may be due to blockage from the choroidal nevus, true diminished blood flow (ischemia), or other factors.
STH-CFD Codes Coupled Calculations Applied to HLM Loop and Pool Systems
Authors: Angelucci M. , Martelli D. , Barone G. , Di Piazza I. , Forgione N.
Published: October 2017

This work describes the coupling methodology between a modified version of RELAP5/Mod3.3 and ANSYS Fluent CFD code developed at the University of Pisa. The described coupling procedure can be classified as “two-way,” nonoverlapping, “online” coupling. In this work, a semi-implicit numerical scheme has been implemented, giving greater stability to the simulations. A MATLAB script manages both the codes, oversees the reading and writing of the boundary conditions at the interfaces, and handles the exchange of data. A new tool was used to control the Fluent session, allowing a reduction of the time required for the exchange of data. The coupling tool was used to simulate a loop system (NACIE facility) and a pool system (CIRCE facility), both working with Lead Bismuth Eutectic and located at ENEA Brasimone Research Centre. Some modifications in the coupling procedure turned out to be necessary to apply the methodology in the pool system. In this paper, the comparison between the obtained coupled numerical results and the experimental data is presented. The good agreement between experiments and calculations evinces the capability of the coupled calculation to model correctly the involved phenomena.
Dependence of 18F Production Yield and Radioactive Impurities on Proton Irradiation Dose
Authors: Kambali Imam , Parwanto  , Suryanto Hari , Huda Nur , Listiawadi Ferdi D. , Astarina Herta , Ismuha Ratu R. , Kardinah
Published: October 2017

Radiation safety for patients during positron emission tomography (PET) procedures is affected by the amount of radioactive impurities generated during production of fluorine-18 (18F) radionuclide. In this investigation, the dependence of 18F production yield and radioactive impurities on proton irradiation dose is discussed. Enriched water (H2O18) target was bombarded perpendicularly by 11-MeV proton beams at various proton doses. Experimental results indicated that the 18F radioactivity yield and the amount of 56Co and Ag110m radioactive impurities depend strongly on the proton dose. In the proton dose range between 2 μAhr and 20 μAhr, the radioactive impurities increased with increasing proton dose. There was no significant difference in the radioactivity yield of both 56Co and Ag110m impurities at low proton dose between 2 and 10 μAhr. However a huge difference was recorded when the dose was increased above 10 μAhr. The experimental data can be used to predict the amount of impurities generated during 18F production at proton dose of higher than 20 μAhr.
Expression of Genes and Their Polymorphism Influences the Risk of Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Mishra Abhishek , Srivastava Rajeshwar Nath , Awasthi Sachin , Parmar Devendra , Mishra Priya
Published: October 2017

Introduction. Genetic factors including the level of expression of the fingerprint of genes involved in the development of bones and cartilage such as GDF-5 or ESR-α or CALM-1 are known to be strong determinants of the osteoarthritis (OA) in Caucasian and Oriental populations. Because of high prevalence of OA in Indian population and availability of limited genetic data, we determined whether similar genetic factors are involved in Indians as well. Methods. A case control study was carried out involving 500 patients of knee OA and equal number of healthy controls. Genotyping analyses in whole blood, mRNA, and protein expressions in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) were performed using established protocols. Results. Our results showed a significantly decreased level of mRNA and protein expressions for GDF-5, ESR-α, and CALM-1 genes in PBLs of OA cases when compared to healthy controls. The frequency of variant genotypes of these genes was also increased significantly in cases of OA compared to controls. Conclusion. Our results demonstrated that the decrease in expression of GDF-5, ESR-α, and CALM-1 in PBLs and association of polymorphism in these genes may be important in predicting the severity and thereby the progression of OA in Indian population.
Thermal Sensor Circuit Using Thermography for Temperature-Controlled Laser Hyperthermia
Authors: Nomura Shinsuke , Arake Masashi , Morimoto Yuji , Tsujimoto Hironori , Miyazaki Hiromi , Saitoh Daizoh , Shinomiya Nariyoshi , Hase Kazuo , Yamamoto Junji , Ueno Hideki
Published: October 2017

Laser hyperthermia is a powerful therapeutic modality that suppresses the growth of proliferative lesions. In hyperthermia, the optimal temperature range is dependent on the disease; thus, a temperature-driven laser output control system is desirable. Such a laser output control system, integrated with a thermal sensor circuit based on thermography, has been established. In this study, the feasibility of the developed system was examined by irradiating mouse skin. The system is composed of a thermograph, a thermal sensor circuit (PC and microcontroller), and an infrared laser. Based on the maximum temperature in the laser-irradiated area acquired every 100 ms during irradiation, the laser power was controlled such that the maximum temperature was maintained at a preset value. Temperature-controlled laser hyperthermia using the thermal sensor circuit was shown to suppress temperature fluctuations during irradiation (SD ~ 0.14°C) to less than 1/10 of those seen without the thermal sensor circuit (SD ~ 1.6°C). The thermal sensor circuit was able to satisfactorily stabilize the temperature at the preset value. This system can therefore provide noncontact laser hyperthermia with the ability to maintain a constant temperature in the irradiated area.
Clinical Characteristics, Management, and Outcomes of Suspected Poststroke Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Biso Sylvia Marie , Lu Marvin , De Venecia Toni Anne , Wongrakpanich Supakanya , Rodriguez-Ziccardi Mary , Yadlapati Sujani , Kishlyansky Marina , Rammohan Harish Seetha , Figueredo Vincent M.
Published: October 2017

Background. Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) can complicate acute ischemic stroke, causing significant morbidity and mortality. To date, literatures that describe poststroke acute coronary syndrome and its morbidity and mortality burden are lacking. Methods. This is a single center, retrospective study where clinical characteristics, cardiac evaluation, and management of patients with suspected poststroke ACS were compared and analyzed for their association with inpatient mortality and 1-year all-cause mortality. Results. Of the 82 patients, 32% had chest pain and 88% had ischemic ECG changes; mean peak troponin level was 18, and mean ejection fraction was 40%. The medical management group had older individuals (73 versus 67 years, p<0.05), lower mean peak troponin levels (12 versus 49, p<0.05), and lower mean length of stay (12 versus 25 days, p<0.05) compared to those who underwent stent or CABG. Troponin levels were significantly associated with 1-year all-cause mortality. Conclusion. Age and troponin level appear to play a role in the current clinical decision making for patient with suspected poststroke ACS. Troponin level appears to significantly correlate with 1-year all-cause mortality. In the management of poststroke acute coronary syndrome, optimal medical therapy had similar inpatient and all-cause mortality compared to PCI and/or CABG.
A Case of Peripheral Ulcerative Keratitis Associated with Autoimmune Hepatitis
Authors: Eshraghi Hamoon , Mahtabfar Aria , Dastjerdi Mohammad H.
Published: October 2017

Purpose. To describe a case of peripheral ulcerative keratitis in the setting of autoimmune hepatitis and possible overlap syndrome with primary sclerosing cholangitis. Case Report. A 48-year-old African American female with autoimmune hepatitis with possible overlap syndrome with primary sclerosing cholangitis presented with tearing, irritation, and injection of the left eye that was determined to be peripheral ulcerative keratitis. The patient was treated with topical and systemic steroids, immunosuppressant drugs (azathioprine and mycophenolate mofetil), a biologic (rituximab), and surgery (conjunctival resection), and the peripheral ulcerative keratitis epithelialized but ultimately led to corneal perforation. Conclusion. In this unique case, a patient with peripheral ulcerative keratitis who underwent treatment ultimately had a corneal perforation. This case may suggest a possible relationship between autoimmune hepatitis and peripheral ulcerative keratitis.
Impact Dynamics of a Percussive System Based on Rotary-Percussive Ultrasonic Drill
Authors: Wang Yinchao , Quan Qiquan , Yu Hongying , Li He , Bai Deen , Deng Zongquan
Published: October 2017

This paper presents an impact dynamic analysis of a percussive system based on rotary-percussive ultrasonic drill (RPUD). The RPUD employs vibrations on two sides of one single piezoelectric stack to achieve rotary-percussive motion, which improves drilling efficiency. The RPUD’s percussive system is composed of a percussive horn, a free mass, and a drill tool. The percussive horn enlarges longitudinal vibration from piezoelectric stack and delivers the vibration to the drill tool through the free mass, which forms the percussive motion. Based on the theory of conservation of momentum and Newton’s impact law, collision process of the percussive system under no-load condition is analyzed to establish the collision model between the percussive horn, the free mass, and the drill tool. The collision model shows that free mass transfers high-frequency small-amplitude vibration of percussive horn into low-frequency large-amplitude vibration of drill tool through impact. As an important parameter of free mass, the greater the weight of the free mass, the higher the kinetic energy obtained by drill tool after collision. High-speed camera system and drilling experiments are employed to validate the inference results of collision model by using a prototype of the RPUD.
Cooperative and Adaptive Network Coding for Gradient Based Routing in Wireless Sensor Networks with Multiple Sinks
Authors: Migabo M. E. , Olwal T. O. , Djouani K. , Kurien A. M.
Published: October 2017

Despite its low computational cost, the Gradient Based Routing (GBR) broadcast of interest messages in Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) causes significant packets duplications and unnecessary packets transmissions. This results in energy wastage, traffic load imbalance, high network traffic, and low throughput. Thanks to the emergence of fast and powerful processors, the development of efficient network coding strategies is expected to enable efficient packets aggregations and reduce packets retransmissions. For multiple sinks WSNs, the challenge consists of efficiently selecting a suitable network coding scheme. This article proposes a Cooperative and Adaptive Network Coding for GBR (CoAdNC-GBR) technique which considers the network density as dynamically defined by the average number of neighbouring nodes, to efficiently aggregate interest messages. The aggregation is performed by means of linear combinations of random coefficients of a finite Galois Field of variable size GF(2S) at each node and the decoding is performed by means of Gaussian elimination. The obtained results reveal that, by exploiting the cooperation of the multiple sinks, the CoAdNC-GBR not only improves the transmission reliability of links and lowers the number of transmissions and the propagation latency, but also enhances the energy efficiency of the network when compared to the GBR-network coding (GBR-NC) techniques.
A New Dynamic Model for Sealed Coring Saturation Correction in Hydrocarbon Reservoir
Authors: Tu Bin , Li Jie
Published: October 2017

It is one of the most intuitive methods to analyze the formation of oil and water saturation by sealed coring. But this method is affected by a variety of factors, such as pore volume change, fluid compression, and separation of dissolved gas. In view of the impact of such factors on sealed coring test saturation, there are four kinds of correlation methods currently, namely, comprehensive coefficient correction method, experiment correlation method, mathematical statistics method, and mathematical model correction method, with their own advantages and disadvantages. Based on the analysis of physical change during core lifting process, this paper proposes the mathematical model for dynamic correction of core saturation based on dissolved gas drive filtration theory, multiphase flow fractional flow theory, and corresponding work flow. This method comprehensively considers the impact of relative permeability of three-phase fluid flow, elastic compression nature of fluid and rock, fluid viscosity, volume factor, solution GOR, and other high-pressure PVTs, so it features a wider adaptability, and the accuracy of model correction results satisfies the project requirements. This method provides a reliable basis for the true oil-water saturation of actual reservoir and has an important theoretical and practical significance.
Parameter Optimization of MIMO Fuzzy Optimal Model Predictive Control By APSO
Authors: Taieb Adel , Soltani Moêz , Chaari Abdelkader
Published: October 2017

This paper introduces a new development for designing a Multi-Input Multi-Output (MIMO) Fuzzy Optimal Model Predictive Control (FOMPC) using the Adaptive Particle Swarm Optimization (APSO) algorithm. The aim of this proposed control, called FOMPC-APSO, is to develop an efficient algorithm that is able to have good performance by guaranteeing a minimal control. This is done by determining the optimal weights of the objective function. Our method is considered an optimization problem based on the APSO algorithm. The MIMO system to be controlled is modeled by a Takagi-Sugeno (TS) fuzzy system whose parameters are identified using weighted recursive least squares method. The utility of the proposed controller is demonstrated by applying it to two nonlinear processes, Continuous Stirred Tank Reactor (CSTR) and Tank system, where the proposed approach provides better performances compared with other methods.
Cancer Metabolism and Tumor Heterogeneity: Imaging Perspectives Using MR Imaging and Spectroscopy
Authors: Lin Gigin , Keshari Kayvan R. , Park Jae Mo
Published: October 2017

Cancer cells reprogram their metabolism to maintain viability via genetic mutations and epigenetic alterations, expressing overall dynamic heterogeneity. The complex relaxation mechanisms of nuclear spins provide unique and convertible tissue contrasts, making magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) pertinent imaging tools in both clinics and research. In this review, we summarized MR methods that visualize tumor characteristics and its metabolic phenotypes on an anatomical, microvascular, microstructural, microenvironmental, and metabolomics scale. The review will progress from the utilities of basic spin-relaxation contrasts in cancer imaging to more advanced imaging methods that measure tumor-distinctive parameters such as perfusion, water diffusion, magnetic susceptibility, oxygenation, acidosis, redox state, and cell death. Analytical methods to assess tumor heterogeneity are also reviewed in brief. Although the clinical utility of tumor heterogeneity from imaging is debatable, the quantification of tumor heterogeneity using functional and metabolic MR images with development of robust analytical methods and improved MR methods may offer more critical roles of tumor heterogeneity data in clinics. MRI/MRS can also provide insightful information on pharmacometabolomics, biomarker discovery, disease diagnosis and prognosis, and treatment response. With these future directions in mind, we anticipate the widespread utilization of these MR-based techniques in studying in vivo cancer biology to better address significant clinical needs.
A Case of Probable Amisulpride Induced Mania after Eight Months of Therapy
Authors: Thapa Prakash , Sharma Rajasee
Published: October 2017

Development of manic symptoms during treatment with atypical antipsychotics can be a troublesome side effect that has been described with most atypical antipsychotics. However, reports of amisulpride induced mania have been rare. Here, we report the case of an 18-year-old male patient diagnosed with schizophrenia, who developed manic symptoms while on treatment with amisulpride. While previous reports have described occurrence of mania within days to three months of treatment with amisulpride, we report a case where manic symptoms occurred after around eight months of therapy. We have also attempted to describe the possible risk factors based on the available case studies.