bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Unsupervised Two-Talker Speech Separation System Based on CASA
Authors: Li Hongyan , Wang Yue , Zhao Rongrong , Zhang Xueying
Published: December 2017

On the basis of the theory about blind separation of monaural speech based on computational auditory scene analysis (CASA), a two-talker speech separation system combining CASA and speaker recognition was proposed to separate speech from other speech interferences in this paper. First, a tandem algorithm is used to organize voiced speech, then based on the clustering of gammatone frequency cepstral coefficients (GFCCs), an object function is established to recognize the speaker, and the best group is achieved through exhaustive search or beam search, so that voiced speech is organized sequentially. Second, unvoiced segments are generated by estimating onset/offset, and then unvoiced–voiced (U–V) segments and unvoiced–unvoiced (U–U) segments are separated respectively. The U–V segments are managed via the binary mask of the separated voiced speech, while the U–V segments are separated evenly. So far the unvoiced segments are separated. The simulation and performance evaluation verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Grazing-Sliding Bifurcations Creating Infinitely Many Attractors
Authors: Simpson David J. W.
Published: December 2017

As the parameters of a piecewise-smooth system of ODEs are varied, a periodic orbit undergoes a bifurcation when it collides with a surface where the system is discontinuous. Under certain conditions this is a grazing-sliding bifurcation. Near grazing-sliding bifurcations, structurally stable dynamics are captured by piecewise-linear continuous maps. Recently it was shown that maps of this class can have infinitely many asymptotically stable periodic solutions of a simple type. Here this result is used to show that at a grazing-sliding bifurcation an asymptotically stable periodic orbit can bifurcate into infinitely many asymptotically stable periodic orbits. For an abstract ODE system the periodic orbits are continued numerically revealing subsequent bifurcations at which they are destroyed.
Heteroclinic Cycles in a Competitive Network
Authors: Chialva Ulises , Reartes Walter
Published: December 2017

The competitive threshold linear networks have been recently developed and are typical examples of nonsmooth systems that can be easily constructed. Due to their flexibility for manipulation, they are used in several applications, but their dynamics (both local and global) are not completely understood. In this work, we take some recently developed threshold systems and by a simple modification in the parameter space, we obtain new global dynamic behavior. Heteroclinic cycles and other remarkable scenarios of global bifurcation are reported.
Bifurcation and Chaos in the Logistic Map with Memory
Authors: Alonso-Sanz Ramón , Losada Juan Carlos , Porras Miguel A.
Published: December 2017

We describe the dynamics of the logistic map [Formula: see text] endowed with memory [Formula: see text] of past iterations with geometric decay. We find that most of the relevant properties of the dynamics can be explained by means of a scaling of the standard logistic map without memory. The bifurcation diagram is therefore a scaled version of the standard map, with the extreme values of the logistic parameter [Formula: see text] for confined trajectories following also the scaling law. However, contrary to the ahistoric model, the trajectories may diverge for smaller values of [Formula: see text], depending on the initial condition [Formula: see text]. Simple conditions for divergence with given logistic map and memory are provided.
One parameter binary black hole inverse problem using a sparse training set
Authors: Carrillo M. , Gracia-Linares M. , González J. A. , Guzmán F. S.
Published: December 2017

In this paper, we use Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) to estimate the mass ratio [Formula: see text] in a binary black hole collision out of the gravitational wave (GW) strain. We assume the strain is a time series (TS) that contains a part of the orbital phase and the ring-down of the final black hole. We apply the method to the strain itself in the time domain and also in the frequency domain. We present the accuracy in the prediction of the ANNs trained with various values of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). The core of our results is that the estimate of the mass ratio is obtained with a small sample of training signals and resulting in predictions with errors of the order of 1% for our best ANN configurations.
On ω-Lie superalgebras
Authors: Zhou Jia , Chen Liangyun , Ma Yao , Sun Bing
Published: December 2017

Let [Formula: see text] be a finite-dimensional vector space over a field [Formula: see text] of characteristic zero, [Formula: see text] an anti-commutative product on [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] a bilinear form on [Formula: see text]. The triple [Formula: see text] is called an [Formula: see text]-Lie algebra if [Formula: see text] (graded [Formula: see text]-Jacobi identity) for all [Formula: see text] In this paper, we introduce the notion of an [Formula: see text]-Lie superalgebra. We study elementary properties and representations of [Formula: see text]-Lie superalgebras. We classify all 3- and 4-dimensional [Formula: see text]-Lie superalgebras over the field of complex numbers.
INFLUENCE OF THE LOCAL MEAN CURVATURE ON THE ABDOMINAL AORTIC ANEURYSM STRESS DISTRIBUTION
Authors: RUIZ DE GALARRETA S. , ANTON R. , CAZON A. , PRADERA-MALLABIABARRENA A.
Published: December 2017

An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a permanent focal dilatation of the abdominal aorta of at least 1.5 times its normal diameter. Although the criterion of maximum diameter is still used in clinical practice to decide when to proceed with surgical intervention, numerical studies have demonstrated the importance of other geometric factors. In this work, the influence of the local mean curvature on AAA stress distribution has been analyzed in synthetic AAA geometries via finite element analysis. The results show a significant correlation between this geometric parameter and stress, suggesting that local mean curvature should also be considered along with the diameter criterion when making decisions about surgery.
An Optimized Generalized Integration Rules for Error Reduction of Acoustic Finite Element Model
Authors: Yao Lingyun , Tian Wanyi , Wu Fei
Published: December 2017

In the finite element method (FEM), the accuracy in acoustic problems will deteriorate with the increasing frequency due to the “dispersion effect”. In order to minimize discretization error, a novel optimized generalized integration rules (OGIR) is introduced into FEM for the reduction of discretization error. In the present work, the adaptive genetic algorithm (AGA) is implemented to sight the optimized location of integration points. Firstly, the generalized integration rules (GIR) is used to parameterize the Gauss point location, then the relationship between the location parameterize of the integration points and discretization error is derived in detail, and the optimized location of the integration points is found through the optimization procedure, and then the OGIR–FEM is finally proposed to solve the acoustic problem. It also can be directly used to solve the optional acoustic problem, including the damped problems. Numerical example involving distorted meshes indicates that present OGIR–FEM has a superior error reducing performance in comparison with the other error reducing finite elements. These researches indicate that the proposed method can be more widely applied to solving practical acoustic problems with more accurate solutions.
Kriging-Based Timoshenko Beam Elements with the Discrete Shear Gap Technique
Authors: Wong F. T. , Sulistio Adam , Syamsoeyadi Hidayat
Published: December 2017

Kriging-based finite element method (K-FEM) is an enhancement of the FEM through the use of Kriging interpolation in place of the conventional polynomial interpolation. In this paper, the K-FEM is developed for static, free vibration, and buckling analyses of Timoshenko beams. The discrete shear gap technique is employed to eliminate shear locking. The numerical tests show that a Kriging-Based beam element with cubic basis and three element-layer domain of influencing nodes is free from shear locking. Exceptionally accurate displacements, bending moments, natural frequencies, and buckling loads and reasonably accurate shear force can be achieved using a relatively course mesh.
Universal Constraints on Relaxation Times for d-Level GKLS Master Equations
Authors: Kimura Gen , Ajisaka Shigeru , Watanabe Kyouhei
Published: December 2017

In 1976, Gorini, Kossakowski, Sudarshan and Lindblad independently discovered a general form of master equations for an open quantum Markovian dynamics. In honor of all the authors, the equation is nowadays called the GKLS master equation. In this paper, we show universal constraints on the relaxation times valid for any d-level GKLS master equations, which is a generalization of the well-known constraints for 2-level systems. Specifically, we show that any relaxation rate, the inverse-relaxation time, is not greater than half of the sum of all relaxation rates. Since the relaxation times are measurable in experiments, our constraints provide a direct experimental test for the validity of the GKLS master equations, and hence for the conditions of the complete positivity and Markovianity.
Bounds on 2-point set domination number of a graph
Authors: Gupta Purnima , Jain Deepti
Published: December 2017

A set [Formula: see text] is a [Formula: see text]-point set dominating set (2-psd set) of a graph [Formula: see text] if for any subset [Formula: see text], there exists a nonempty subset [Formula: see text] containing at most two vertices such that the subgraph [Formula: see text] induced by [Formula: see text] is connected. The [Formula: see text]-point set domination number of [Formula: see text], denoted by [Formula: see text], is the minimum cardinality of a 2-psd set of [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we determine the lower bounds and an upper bound on [Formula: see text] of a graph. We also characterize extremal graphs for the lower bounds and identify some well-known classes of both separable and nonseparable graphs attaining the upper bound.
The co-annihilating graph of a commutative ring
Authors: Amjadi J. , Alilou A.
Published: December 2017

Let [Formula: see text] be a commutative ring with identity and [Formula: see text] be the set of all non-zero non-units of [Formula: see text]. The co-annihilating graph of [Formula: see text], denoted by [Formula: see text], is a graph with vertex set [Formula: see text] and two vertices [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are adjacent whenever [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we initiate the study of the co-annihilating graph of a commutative ring and we investigate its properties.
Scalable Parallel Distributed Coprocessor System for Graph Searching Problems with Massive Data
Authors: Huang Wanrong , Yi Xiaodong , Sun Yichun , Liu Yingwen , Ye Shuai , Liu Hengzhu
Published: December 2017

The Internet applications, such as network searching, electronic commerce, and modern medical applications, produce and process massive data. Considerable data parallelism exists in computation processes of data-intensive applications. A traversal algorithm, breadth-first search (BFS), is fundamental in many graph processing applications and metrics when a graph grows in scale. A variety of scientific programming methods have been proposed for accelerating and parallelizing BFS because of the poor temporal and spatial locality caused by inherent irregular memory access patterns. However, new parallel hardware could provide better improvement for scientific methods. To address small-world graph problems, we propose a scalable and novel field-programmable gate array-based heterogeneous multicore system for scientific programming. The core is multithread for streaming processing. And the communication network InfiniBand is adopted for scalability. We design a binary search algorithm to address mapping to unify all processor addresses. Within the limits permitted by the Graph500 test bench after 1D parallel hybrid BFS algorithm testing, our 8-core and 8-thread-per-core system achieved superior performance and efficiency compared with the prior work under the same degree of parallelism. Our system is efficient not as a special acceleration unit but as a processor platform that deals with graph searching applications.
The Unsaturated Hydromechanical Coupling Model of Rock Slope Considering Rainfall Infiltration Using DDA
Authors: Liu Xianshan , Xu Ming
Published: December 2017

Water flow and hydromechanical coupling process in fractured rocks is more different from that in general porous media because of heterogeneous spatial fractures and possible fracture-dominated flow; a saturated-unsaturated hydromechanical coupling model using a discontinuous deformation analysis (DDA) similar to FEM and DEM was employed to analyze water movement in saturated-unsaturated deformed rocks, in which the Van-Genuchten model differently treated the rock and fractures permeable properties to describe the constitutive relationships. The calibrating results for the dam foundation indicated the validation and feasibility of the proposed model and are also in good agreement with the calculations based on DEM still demonstrating its superiority. And then, the rainfall infiltration in a reservoir rock slope was detailedly investigated to describe the water pressure on the fault surface and inside the rocks, displacement, and stress distribution under hydromechanical coupling conditions and uncoupling conditions. It was observed that greater rainfall intensity and longer rainfall time resulted in lower stability of the rock slope, and larger difference was very obvious between the hydromechanical coupling condition and uncoupling condition, demonstrating that rainfall intensity, rainfall time, and hydromechanical coupling effect had great influence on the saturated-unsaturated water flow behavior and mechanical response of the fractured rock slopes.
Possible Estrogen Dependency in the Pathogenesis of Branchial Cleft Cysts
Authors: Raguse Jan D. , Anagnostopoulos Ioannis , Doll Christian , Heiland Max , Jöhrens Korinna
Published: December 2017

Background. Even though branchial cleft cysts are currently accepted as a congenital anomaly, there is often a long delay until clinical presentation; branchial cleft cysts classically appear in the second to fourth decade of life. Our observation of their occurrence in three pregnant women encouraged us to contemplate a possible hormonal influence. Methods. Immunohistological analysis was performed for the evaluation of the estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) in paraffin-embedded tissue specimens of 16 patients with a diagnosis of branchial cleft cyst, with three of them being pregnant. Results. Expression of ERα was detected within epithelial cells only in branchial cleft cysts in pregnant females; moreover, higher growth fractions (Ki-67/Mib1) were found. Conclusion. The fact that the estrogen receptor was expressed only in pregnant women, in contrast to 13 investigated cases, may suggest that the high level of estrogen in pregnancy is a possible explanation for the spontaneous growth of branchial cleft cysts.
Cognitive Security of Wireless Communication Systems in the Physical Layer
Authors: Yılmaz Mustafa Harun , Güvenkaya Ertuğrul , Furqan Haji M. , Köse Selçuk , Arslan Hüseyin
Published: December 2017

While the wireless communication systems provide the means of connectivity nearly everywhere and all the time, communication security requires more attention. Even though current efforts provide solutions to specific problems under given circumstances, these methods are neither adaptive nor flexible enough to provide security under the dynamic conditions which make the security breaches an important concern. In this paper, a cognitive security (CS) concept for wireless communication systems in the physical layer is proposed with the aim of providing a comprehensive solution to wireless security problems. The proposed method will enable the comprehensive security to ensure a robust and reliable communication in the existence of adversaries by providing adaptive security solutions in the communication systems by exploiting the physical layer security from different perspective. The adaptiveness relies on the fact that radio adapts its propagation characteristics to satisfy secure communication based on specific conditions which are given as user density, application specific adaptation, and location within CS concept. Thus, instead of providing any type of new security mechanism, it is proposed that radio can take the necessary precautions based on these conditions before the attacks occur. Various access scenarios are investigated to enable the CS while considering these conditions.
Pipeline Implementation of Polyphase PSO for Adaptive Beamforming Algorithm
Authors: Huang Shaobing , Yu Li , Han Fangjian , Luo Yiwen
Published: December 2017

Adaptive beamforming is a powerful technique for anti-interference, where searching and tracking optimal solutions are a great challenge. In this paper, a partial Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm is proposed to track the optimal solution of an adaptive beamformer due to its great global searching character. Also, due to its naturally parallel searching capabilities, a novel Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA) pipeline architecture using polyphase filter bank structure is designed. In order to perform computations with large dynamic range and high precision, the proposed implementation algorithm uses an efficient user-defined floating-point arithmetic. In addition, a polyphase architecture is proposed to achieve full pipeline implementation. In the case of PSO with large population, the polyphase architecture can significantly save hardware resources while achieving high performance. Finally, the simulation results are presented by cosimulation with ModelSim and SIMULINK.
Cotransplantation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Immature Dendritic Cells Potentiates the Blood Glucose Control of Islet Allografts
Authors: Long Guanghui , Zhang Guangtao , Zhang Fangting , Li Minghua , Ye Dongshuo , Yang Dengke , Yang Yinke
Published: December 2017

Background. Transplantation of islets is a promising alternative to treat type 1 diabetes (T1D), but graft rejection is the major obstacle to its application in clinical practice. We evaluated the effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and immature dendritic cells (imDCs) on islet transplantation in diabetic model. Methods. The streptozotocin T1D model was established in BABL/c mice. Rat islets were isolated and identified with dithizone (DTZ) staining. MSCs and imDCs were isolated from bone marrow of syngenic mice. Islets, alone or along with MSCs and/or imDCs, were transplanted to the left kidney capsule of diabetic mice. The blood glucose levels and glycosylated hemoglobin levels after transplantation were monitored. Results. Cotransplantation significantly decreased blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin levels in the diabetes mice. Transplantation of 200 islets + 2 × 105 MSCs + 2 × 105 imDCs could not only restore normal blood glucose levels, but also significantly prolong graft survival for 12.6±3.48 days. Conclusions. Cotransplantation of allogenic islets with imDCs and/or MSCs can significantly promote graft survival, reverse hyperglycemia, and effectively control the glycosylated hemoglobin levels.
Optimal Configuration Method of Sampling Points Based on Variability of Sea Surface Temperature
Authors: Liu Chang , Lei Yuning , Gao Feng , Zhao Meizhen
Published: December 2017

In situ observation is one of the most direct and efficient ways to understand the ocean, but it is usually limited in terms of spatial and temporal coverage. The determination of optimal sampling strategies that effectively utilize available resources to maximize the information content of the collected ocean data is becoming an open problem. The historical sea surface temperature (SST) dataset contains the spatial variability information of SST, and this prior knowledge can be used to optimize the configuration of sampling points. Here, a configuration method of sampling points based on the variability of SST is studied. Firstly, in order to get the spatial variability of SST in the ocean field to be sampled, the historical SST data of the field is analyzed. Then, K-means algorithm is used to cluster the subsampled fields to make the configuration of sampling points more suitable. Finally, to evaluate the sampling performance of the new configuration method of sampling points, the SST field is reconstructed by the method based on compression sensing algorithm. Results show that the proposed optimal configuration method of sampling points significantly outperforms the traditional random sampling points distribution method in terms of reconstruction accuracy. These results provide a new method for configuring sampling points of ocean in situ observation with limited resources.
A Comparison of Fosaprepitant and Ondansetron for Preventing Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting in Moderate to High Risk Patients: A Retrospective Database Analysis
Authors: Murakami Chiaki , Kakuta Nami , Kume Katsuyoshi , Sakai Yoko , Kasai Asuka , Oyama Takuro , Tanaka Katsuya , Tsutsumi Yasuo M.
Published: December 2017

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) occur in 30–50% of patients undergoing general anesthesia and in 70–80% of high PONV risk patients. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of fosaprepitant, a neurokinin-1 (NK1) receptor antagonist, compared to ondansetron, a selective 5-hydroxytryptamine type 3 (5-HT3) receptor antagonist, in moderate to high PONV risk patients from our previous randomized controlled trials. Patients (171 patients from 4 pooled studies) with the Apfel simplified score ≥ 2 and undergoing general anesthesia were randomly allocated to receive intravenous fosaprepitant 150 mg (NK1 group, n=82) and intravenous ondansetron 4 mg (ONS group, n=89) before induction of anesthesia. Incidence of vomiting was significantly lower in the NK1 group compared to the ONS group 0–2, 0–24, and 0–48 hours after surgery (2 versus 17%, 2 versus 28%, and 2 versus 29%, resp.). However, no significant differences in PONV, complete response, rescue antiemetic use, and nausea score were observed between groups 0–48 hours after surgery. In moderate to high PONV risk patients, fosaprepitant decreased the incidence of vomiting and was superior to ondansetron in preventing postoperative vomiting 0–48 hours after surgery.
Change of the State of the Natural Antioxidant Barrier of a Body and Psychological Parameters in Patients Aged above 60
Authors: Porzych Katarzyna , Augustyńska Beata , Porzych Marcin , Porzych Martyna , Mikołajewska Emilia , Kupczyk Daria , Bilski Rafał , Żyła Magdalena , Szark-Eckardt Mirosława , Kędziora-Kornatowska Kornelia
Published: December 2017

Background. The goal of this study is to assess the natural antioxidant barrier of the organism and selected psychological aspects of the aging process in patients above 60 years old. Methods. The study included a total of 52 patients aged above 60 (mean age 67 ± 3.4) and 32 healthy subjects (mean age 22 ± 3.4) as a control group. All patients underwent psychological assessment using Test of Attentional Performance version 2.3 (TAP 2.3, four subtests: alertness, cross‐modal integration, neglect with central task, and working memory) and biochemical analysis of venous blood concerning values of the selected parameters of oxidative stress (HT, GSH, GPXOS, GPXRBC, GRRBC1, SODRBC1, MDARBC1, NO2−/NO3−, and CP). Results. Disorders of attention were observed mainly in elderly people, but an assumption that elderly people have developed more efficient ways of working memory use than younger people may be true. Results showed the reduced effectiveness of the body’s natural antioxidant barrier in elderly people. Moderate positive and negative correlations among parameters of oxidative stress and psychological parameters were observed in the control group. Discussion. Intensification of the attention deficits and oxidative stress may be observed as one of the pathogenic factors of age‐dependent diseases.
Structural Characterization of an Historical Building by Means of Experimental Tests on Full-Scale Elements
Authors: Bovo Marco , Mazzotti Claudio , Savoia Marco
Published: December 2017

In order to properly design strengthening intervention of existing buildings, careful assessment of the structural behavior is certainly required. This is particularly important when dealing with historical constructions made of heterogeneous materials like masonry or stonework. In this context, this paper presents the results of knowledge process on a large monumental nineteenth century building located in Trieste. The traditional investigation approach considering a wide number of destructive tests for characterization of materials and evaluation of the structural details were not admissible due to the valuable cultural and historical importance of the building. Therefore, an alternative and not conventional investigation approach has been considered. After a wide historical research and a detailed structural survey, it has been possible to identify the main structural systems of the building. Then, to characterize the structural response, a limited number of nondestructive tests but on full-scale typological systems have been preferred to a larger number of destructive tests on specimens of the different materials. The selected experimental load tests have been conducted in order to assess the actual structural response of the main systems that constitute the building, thus allowing for a fine tuning of both the rehabilitation interventions and the numerical finite element models.
Fatal Mesenteric Ischemia Induced by Synthetic Cannabinoids: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Hakimian David , Tomer Orr , Hiller Nurith , Heyman Samuel N. , Israel Sarah
Published: December 2017

Worldwide use of synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) is rapidly increasing, in part due to the generation of numerous new compounds, sidestepping legal restrictions. Their detection using standard toxicology panels is difficult, due to their vast heterogeneity and lack of structural resemblance to cannabinoids. Sympathetic overactivity and arterial spasm play a role in some of the life-threatening reactions to SCs, such as coronary or cerebral vasoconstriction. Here we report a patient with repeated consumption of SCs that led to mesenteric ischemia and death. A 29-year-old man was frequently evaluated in the Emergency Medicine Department for recurrent transient crampy abdominal pain, associated with the use of the SCs colloquially known as “Mr. Nice Guy.” He was finally hospitalized with a protracted attack, associated with diarrhea and leukocytosis. Initial evaluation including computed tomography was unremarkable. Diarrhea and leukocytosis gradually resolved, but bouts of hypertension and abdominal pain occurred in association with repeated consumption of the SCs. On the fifth hospital day, the patient developed abrupt abdominal pain, associated with profound shock and signs of peritoneal irritation and succumbed within an hour. Postmortem CT scan was consistent with intestinal perforation most probably due to a nonobstructive mesenteric infarction. There was no evidence of a single vessel infarction.
Predicting the Efficacy of HER2-Targeted Therapies: A Look at the Host
Authors: Di Modica Martina , Tagliabue Elda , Triulzi Tiziana
Published: December 2017

HER2 is overexpressed in 20% of invasive breast cancers (BCs) and correlates with a more aggressive disease. Until the advent of targeted agents, HER2 was associated with worse outcomes. Rationally designed HER2-targeted agents have been developed and introduced into clinical practice for women with HER2-amplified BC, improving disease-free and overall survival for primary and metastatic tumors. Trastuzumab, a recombinant humanized anti-HER2 monoclonal antibody, combined with chemotherapy, remains the standard of care for patients with HER2-positive BCs. However, many patients do not respond to this agent, whereas newer drugs have proven to be efficacious in clinical trials. The identification of biomarkers that select sensitive tumors and patients who will benefit from these new agents would help the incorporation of these therapies, limiting the risk of side effects and overtreatment and improving the outcomes of all patients with early-stage HER2-positive BC. We review the mechanisms of action of HER2-targeting agents, focusing on the involvement of the immune system and related predictive biomarkers.
Knowledge and Acceptability of Human Papillomavirus Vaccination among Women Attending the Gynaecological Outpatient Clinics of a University Teaching Hospital in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Okunade Kehinde S. , Sunmonu Oyebola , Osanyin Gbemisola E. , Oluwole Ayodeji A.
Published: December 2017

Objectives. This study was aimed at determining the knowledge and acceptability of HPV vaccine among women attending the gynaecology clinics of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH).Methods. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study involving 148 consecutively selected women attending the gynaecology clinic of LUTH. Relevant information was obtained from these women using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. The data was analysed and then presented by simple descriptive statistics using tables and charts. Chi-square statistics were used to test the association between the sociodemographical variables and acceptance of HPV vaccination. All significance values were reported atP<0.05.Results. The mean age of the respondents was35.7±9.7years. The study showed that 36.5% of the respondents had heard about HPV infection while only 18.9% had knowledge about the existence of HPV vaccines. Overall, 81.8% of the respondents accepted that the vaccines could be administered to their teenage girls with the level of education of the mothers being the major determinant of their acceptability (P=0.013).Conclusions. Awareness of HPV infections and existence of HPV vaccines is low. However, the acceptance of HPV vaccines is generally high. Efforts should be made to increase the awareness about cervical cancer, its aetiologies, and prevention via HPV vaccination.
A First Report of Synchronous Intracapsular and Extracapsular Hepatic Adenoma
Authors: Derebey Murat , Karabicak Ilhan , Yuruker Savas , Lap Gokhan , Meydan Bilge Can , Danaci Murat , Karabulut Kagan , Ozen Necati
Published: December 2017

Although the gallbladder is the most common site of ectopic liver, it has been reported in many other organs, such as kidney, adrenal glands, pancreas, omentum, stomach, esophagus, mediastinum, lungs, and heart. Hepatocytes in an ectopic liver behave like normal hepatocytes; furthermore, they can be associated with the same pathological findings as those in the main liver. Ectopic liver in the gallbladder can undergo fatty change, hemosiderosis, cholestasis, cirrhosis, hemangioma, focal nodular hyperplasia, adenoma, and even carcinogenesis. The incidence of extracapsular hepatic adenoma is not known, but only two cases have been reported. Here, we provide the first case report of synchronous multiple intracapsular and extracapsular hepatic adenomas. A 60-year-old woman with multiple hepatic adenomas and one 7 × 5 × 5 cm ectopic hepatic adenoma attached to the gallbladder fundus complicated with abdominal pain is presented.
Differential Alterations of the Mitochondrial Morphology and Respiratory Chain Complexes during Postnatal Development of the Mouse Lung
Authors: El-Merhie Natalia , Baumgart-Vogt Eveline , Pilatz Adrian , Pfreimer Susanne , Pfeiffer Bianca , Pak Oleg , Kosanovic Djuro , Seimetz Michael , Schermuly Ralph Theo , Weissmann Norbert , Karnati Srikanth
Published: December 2017

Mitochondrial biogenesis and adequate energy production in various organs of mammals are necessary for postnatal adaptation to extrauterine life in an environment with high oxygen content. Even though transgenic mice are frequently used as experimental models, to date, no combined detailed molecular and morphological analysis on the mitochondrial compartment in different lung cell types has been performed during postnatal mouse lung development. In our study, we revealed a significant upregulation of most mitochondrial respiratory complexes at protein and mRNA levels in the lungs of P15 and adult animals in comparison to newborns. The majority of adult animal samples showed the strongest increase, except for succinate dehydrogenase protein (SDHD). Likewise, an increase in mRNA expression for mtDNA transcription machinery genes (Polrmt, Tfam, Tfb1m, and Tfb2m), mitochondrially encoded RNA (mt-Rnr1 and mt-Rnr2), and the nuclear‐encoded mitochondrial DNA polymerase (POLG) was observed. The biochemical and molecular results were corroborated by a parallel increase of mitochondrial number, size, cristae number, and complexity, exhibiting heterogeneous patterns in distinct bronchiolar and alveolar epithelial cells. Taken together, our results suggest a specific adaptation and differential maturation of the mitochondrial compartment according to the metabolic needs of individual cell types during postnatal development of the mouse lung.
Optimization of Drying Process for Squid-Laver Snack by a Combined Method of Fuzzy Synthetic and Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Zhao Chang-Cheng , Jiang Gui-Hun , Eun Jong-Bang
Published: December 2017

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of drying temperature (50–70°C) and drying time (3–5 h) on the physical properties and quality of squid-laver snack (SLS) using response surface methodology combined with a synthetic evaluation method to optimize the drying process conditions. Moisture content, water activity, color (L⁎, a⁎, b⁎), shear force, and overall acceptability were evaluated as responses. Increased drying times and higher temperatures significantly reduced the moisture content and water activity of SLS from 9.07% to 4.76% and 0.136 to 0.056, respectively (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in the L⁎ and a⁎ values under different drying conditions. The quadratic effect of temperature and time was observed for the b⁎ value and overall acceptability of SLS. For shear force, a quadratic and interaction term for drying temperature and time on shear force was observed. In conclusion, the recommended optimal hot air-drying conditions for SLS are temperature and time of 70°C and 3 h, respectively.
ConsensusDriver Improves upon Individual Algorithms for Predicting Driver Alterations in Different Cancer Types and Individual Patients
Authors: Bertrand Denis , Drissler Sibyl , Chia Burton K. , Koh Jia Yu , Li Chenhao , Suphavilai Chayaporn , Tan Iain Beehuat , Nagarajan Niranjan
Published: December 2017

Existing cancer driver prediction methods are based on very different assumptions and each of them can detect only a particular subset of driver genes. Here we perform a comprehensive assessment of 18 driver prediction methods on more than 3,400 tumor samples from 15 cancer types, all to determine their suitability in guiding precision medicine efforts. We categorized these methods into five groups: functional impact on proteins in general (FI) or specific to cancer (FIC), cohort-based analysis for recurrent mutations (CBA), mutations with expression correlation (MEC), and methods that use gene interaction network-based analysis (INA). The performance of driver prediction methods varied considerably, with concordance with a gold standard varying from 9% to 68%. FI methods showed relatively poor performance (concordance <22%), while CBA methods provided conservative results but required large sample sizes for high sensitivity. INA methods, through the integration of genomic and transcriptomic data, and FIC methods, by training cancer-specific models, provided the best trade-off between sensitivity and specificity. As the methods were found to predict different subsets of driver genes, we propose a novel consensus-based approach, ConsensusDriver, which significantly improves the quality of predictions (20% increase in sensitivity) in patient subgroups or even individual patients. Consensus-based methods like ConsensusDriver promise to harness the strengths of different driver prediction paradigms.

Significance: These findings assess state-of-the-art cancer driver prediction methods and develop a new and improved consensus-based approach for use in precision oncology. Cancer Res; 78(1); 290–301. ©2017 AACR.
Tenascin-C Promotes Tumor Cell Migration and Metastasis through Integrin α9β1–Mediated YAP Inhibition
Authors: Sun Zhen , Schwenzer Anja , Rupp Tristan , Murdamoothoo Devadarssen , Vegliante Rolando , Lefebvre Olivier , Klein Annick , Hussenet Thomas , Orend Gertraud
Published: December 2017

Tenascin-C is an extracellular matrix molecule that drives progression of many types of human cancer, but the basis for its actions remains obscure. In this study, we describe a cell-autonomous signaling mechanism explaining how tenascin-C promotes cancer cell migration in the tumor microenvironment. In a murine xenograft model of advanced human osteosarcoma, tenascin-C and its receptor integrin α9β1 were determined to be essential for lung metastasis of tumor cells. We determined that activation of this pathway also reduced tumor cell–autonomous expression of target genes for the transcription factor YAP. In clinical specimens, a genetic signature comprising four YAP target genes represents prognostic impact. Taken together, our results illuminate how tumor cell deposition of tenascin-C in the tumor microenvironment promotes invasive migration and metastatic progression.

Significance: These results illuminate how the extracellular matrix glycoprotein tenascin-C in the tumor microenvironment promotes invasive migration and metastatic progression by employing integrin α9β1, abolishing actin stress fiber formation, inhibiting YAP and its target gene expression, with potential implications for cancer prognosis and therapy. Cancer Res; 78(4); 950–61. ©2017 AACR.
Prediagnostic Antibodies to Serum p53 and Subsequent Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Teras Lauren R. , Gapstur Susan M. , Maliniak Maret L. , Jacobs Eric J. , Gansler Ted , Michel Angelika , Pawlita Michael , Waterboer Tim , Campbell Peter T.
Published: December 2017

Background: The presence of circulating antibodies to the p53 tumor suppressor protein is a potential early detection colorectal cancer biomarker. However, studies of prediagnostic measures of p53 seropositivity in relation to colorectal cancer risk are limited.

Methods: We conducted a nested case–control study of serum p53 autoantibodies and risk of colorectal cancer within the Cancer Prevention Study-II Nutrition Cohort. Among cohort participants who were cancer free at the time of blood collection, 392 were subsequently diagnosed with colorectal cancer over 11 years of follow-up. Two controls were matched to each case on birth date, blood draw date, race, and sex. Autoantibodies to p53 were detected in 41 of the 392 cases (10.5%) and 49 of the 774 controls (6.3%).

Results: Participants who were seropositive for p53 antibodies before diagnosis were more likely to be subsequently diagnosed with colorectal cancer [RR = 1.77; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.12–2.78]. This association was strongest within 3 years of diagnosis (RR = 2.26; 95% CI, 1.06–4.83). An association was also suggested when colorectal cancer was diagnosed 4 to <6 years after p53 measurement (RR = 1.84; 95% CI, 0.89–3.79), but not 6 or more years later (RR = 1.15; 95% CI, 0.44–2.99).

Conclusions: If these results are confirmed, serum p53 antibodies may be useful on a panel of early detection markers for colorectal cancer.

Impact: Individuals who were seropositive for p53 antibodies were twice as likely to develop colorectal cancer within the next 3 years compared with those who were seronegative. This marker is a good candidate for inclusion on an early detection marker panel for colorectal cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 27(2); 219–23. ©2017 AACR.
Magnifying Narrow Band Imaging (NBI) for the Diagnosis of Localized Colorectal Lesions Using the Japan NBI Expert Team (JNET) Classification
Authors: Komeda Yoriaki , Kashida Hiroshi , Sakurai Toshiharu , Asakuma Yutaka , Tribonias George , Nagai Tomoyuki , Kono Masashi , Minaga Kosuke , Takenaka Mamoru , Arizumi Tadaaki , Hagiwara Satoru , Matsui Shigenaga , Watanabe Tomohiro , Nishida Naoshi , Chikugo Takaaki , Chiba Yasutaka , Kudo Masatoshi
Published: December 2017

Objective: The Japan NBI Expert Team (JNET) proposed a new narrow band imaging (NBI) classification system for colorectal tumors in June 2014. In this classification system, types 1, 2A, 2B, and 3 correspond to hyperplastic polyps (HPs) including sessile serrated polyps (SSPs), low-grade dysplasia (LGD), high-grade dysplasia (HGD) to shallow submucosal invasive (SM-s) carcinomas, and deep submucosal invasive (SM-d) carcinomas, respectively. Methods: To validate this system, we performed a retrospective image evaluation study, in which 199 colorectal tumors previously assessed by NBI magnifying endoscopy were classified by 3 blinded experienced colonoscopists using the JNET system. The results were compared with the final pathological diagnoses to determine the JNET classification's accuracy. The interobserver agreement was calculated, and the intraobserver agreement was assessed after 6 months. Results: The final pathological diagnoses identified 14 HPs/SSPs, 127 LGDs, 22 HGDs, 19 SM-s carcinomas, and 17 SM-d carcinomas. The respective sensitivities, specificities, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracies were as follows: Type 1, 85.7, 99.5, 92.3, 98.9, and 98.5%; Type 2A, 96.0, 81.9, 90.3, 92.1, and 90.9%; Type 2B, 75.6%, 90.5, 67.3, 93.4, and 87.4%; and Type 3, 29.4%, 100, 100, 93.8, and 94.0%. The interobserver agreement and the intraobserver agreement were moderate (κ value: 0.52) and excellent (κ value: 0.88), respectively. Lesions presenting as Type 2B during NBI comprised a range of colorectal tumors, including HGDs, SM-s, and SM-d. Conclusions: The JNET classification was useful for the diagnosis of HPs/SSPs, LGDs, and SM-d, but not SM-s lesions. For low-confidence cases, magnified chromoendoscopy is recommended to ensure correct diagnoses.
Needle Tract Seeding: An Overlooked Rare Complication of Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Fine-Needle Aspiration
Authors: Minaga Kosuke , Takenaka Mamoru , Katanuma Akio , Kitano Masayuki , Yamashita Yukitaka , Kamata Ken , Yamao Kentaro , Watanabe Tomohiro , Maguchi Hiroyuki , Kudo Masatoshi
Published: December 2017

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) has been widely used for diagnosis of both inflammatory and tumor lesions located in and adjacent to the gastrointestinal tract. EUS-FNA has been considered to be a safe technique with few complications, as shown in recent review articles in which EUS-FNA-related morbidity and mortality rates were reported to be <1%. It should be noted, however, that needle tract seeding, although uncommon, can occur after diagnostic EUS-FNA and that this complication affects the prognosis of patients. Although an accurate value for the frequency of needle tract seeding caused by EUS-FNA has not been reported, the numbers of case reports on needle tract seeding have been rapidly increasing, especially in Japan. These case reports regarding EUS-FNA-related needle tract seeding prompted us to reevaluate the safety of EUS-FNA because this complication may have a significant influence on patients' prognoses. In this review, we summarize the clinical features and outcomes of needle tract seeding after EUS on the basis of the previously reported cases and provide useful information to prevent and reduce this serious complication.
Detection of High-Grade Pancreatic Intraepithelial Neoplasia without Morphological Changes of the Main Pancreatic Duct over a Long Period: Importance for Close Follow-Up for Confirmation
Authors: Yamao Kentaro , Takenaka Mamoru , Nakai Atsushi , Omoto Shunske , Kamata Ken , Minaga Kosuke , Miyata Takeshi , Imai Hajime , Sakurai Toshiharu , Watanabe Tomohiro , Nishida Naoshi , Matsumoto Ippei , Takeyama Yosihumi , Chikugo Takaaki , Kudo Masatoshi
Published: December 2017

Pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) is a microscopic papillary noninvasive lesion arising from the pancreatic ductal epithelium. However, the natural history and time to progression of high-grade PanIN remain unclear. Herein, we report 2 cases of high-grade PanIN without morphological changes of the main pancreatic duct (MPD) over relatively long periods. In the first case, a 63-year-old man was identified with MPD dilation. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography showed localized stenosis in the pancreatic body with distal MPD dilation. Endoscopic retrograde pancreatography (ERP) was attempted because of possible high-grade PanIN but was unsuccessful. At 15-month follow-up, there was no change in the form of the MPD in various images. However, ERP was re-performed because of possible high-grade PanIN, and cytology showed adenocarcinoma. Postoperative pathology indicated diffuse lesions corresponding to high-grade PanINs in the MPD stenosis and surrounding branches. Final diagnosis was high-grade PanIN. In the second case, a 77-year-old man was identified with MPD dilation. Magnetic resonance cholangiography showed localized stenosis in the MPD of the pancreatic head with distal MPD dilation. He was diagnosed with MPD stenosis caused by chronic pancreatitis, and further examination was not recommended. At 25 months, the patient was referred to our hospital because of a mild change in MPD dilation. ERP showed localized irregular stenosis in the MPD, and cytology showed suspected adenocarcinoma. Postoperative pathology indicated a localized lesion with high-grade PanIN in the branch duct around the MPD stenosis. Final diagnosis was high-grade PanIN. In conclusion, we report 2 cases of high-grade PanIN without morphological changes of the MPD over relatively long periods. Even if a definite diagnosis is not obtained at initial examination, a strict follow-up observational study should be performed. Re-examination, including ERP, should also be considered in cases with risk factors of pancreatic cancer, even if there is no change in MPD form.