bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparing retrieval of systematic review searches in health sciences areas using two major databases
Authors: Abdulla Arian , Krishnamurthy Mangala
Published: October 2016

Purpose

Effective literature searches are critical to researchers and health care professionals. To conduct literature searches, clinicians, researchers and nurses rely primarily on a few major databases (PubMed, Cochrane, CINAHL, etc.) to retrieve information. However, there is a lack of literature on the comparative efficiencies of major databases for systematic review results on a clinically related topic. This paper aims to fill that gap in the literature.

Design/methodology/approach

Cochrane Handbook (2011) defines systematic review as a review of a clearly formulated question that uses systematic and explicit methods to identify, select and critically appraise relevant research and to collect and analyze data from the studies that are included in the review. In this paper, search results of systematic reviews on a clinical topic between two major databases – PubMed and Cochrane Library – are compared.

Findings

Searching within PubMed for key terms in the titles and abstracts of articles is important to include in any systematic review, in addition to searching Medical Subject Heading terms. After applying filters, PubMed retrieved 130 systematic reviews that matched the criteria. In Cochrane Library, the searches were performed on the chosen topic using Boolean and phrase searching: text field searches resulted in 251 reviews. The search was further narrowed by subject, which yielded 20 reviews. It is strongly recommended to use multiple health-care specialty databases, check for duplicate reviews in the results and not limit results to English-only publications.

Practical implications

This paper can be used to introduce new researchers and/or students to methods for conducting systematic reviews using two or more databases on a chosen topic.

Originality/value

This paper fills a gap in the literature regarding comparative efficiencies of major databases for systematic review results on clinically related topics.
Through the looking glass: early non-invasive imaging in TBI predicts the need for interventions
Authors: Glaser Jacob , Vasquez Matthew , Cardarelli Cassandra , Galvagno Samuel , Stein Deborah , Murthi Sarah , Scalea Thomas
Published: October 2016

Background

Early diagnosis and treatment of traumatic brain injury (TBI) lead to better outcomes. It is difficult to predict which patients benefit from specialised centres, leading to over triage or delay in definitive care. We propose that a non-invasive test comprising optic nerve sheath ultrasound, transcranial Doppler and quantitative papillary reactivity is feasible, correlates with CT findings and may allow for accurate early identification of TBI.

Methods

A 1-year, prospective observation study evaluated a low-risk, non-invasive method of assessing brain injury. Patients underwent a non-invasive neurological examination for trauma, including the above assessments. Data from the three examinations were collected within 6 hours of injury and at 24 hours, and were analysed. Demographics, haemodynamic data, imaging results and short-term outcomes/interventions were recorded.

Results

Trauma patients over the age of 18 years, with a Glascow coma scale (GCS) of <12 or CT evidence of TBI, and intubated were included (N=100). These were divided into +CT (n=49) and −CT groups (n=51) according to the Marshall CT classification of TBI. The +CT group was older, with worse GCS and higher lactate (p=0.008, p=0.001 and p=0.01) but were otherwise well matched. The +CT group included all TBI types, with 96% of the patients having more than one type of TBI. Pulsatility index and neurologic pupillary index were predictive of a +CT (p=0.04, p=0.02). Area under the receiver-operating curve for the logistic regression model for the prediction of positive radiographic findings was r=0.718. Finally, we suggest a preliminary scoring heuristic for predicting a positive radiological finding in a patient with TBI.

Conclusions

The proposed examination is a feasible, non-invasive tool that may have clinical utility in the early prediction of TBI. If validated, it may improve trauma triage for the brain-injured patient. Further studies are warranted to validate this model.
Physiological responses to alternative flooding and drought stress episodes in two willow (Salixspp.) clones
Authors: Doffo Guillermo N. , Monteoliva Silvia E. , Rodríguez María E. , Luquez Virginia M.C.
Published: October 2016

Climate change will increase the occurrence of flash floods as a consequence of extreme rain events, creating alternate periods of drought and flooding during the growing season. We analyzed the responses of two willow clones with contrasting responses to flooding (clone B, Salix matsudana × Salix alba hybrid; clone Y, Salix alba) to different combinations of stress treatments: continuous flooding or drought for six weeks, or cyclic treatments of two weeks of stress separated by two weeks of watering at field capacity. Drought reduced growth, stomatal conductance, and total leaf area in both clones, but flooding did not. Flooding reduced the root to shoot ratio in both clones. The hydraulic conductivity of the main stem was significantly reduced by drought only in clone Y. The area of the vessels was decreased by both drought and flooding, but the number was increased only by drought. The occurrence of drought before flooding reduced the vessel area, but the opposite treatment did not. An episode of drought after one of flooding is more stressful than the opposite situation, especially for clone Y, which could not adjust its water transport capacity during the drought period.
Woodchip biochar with or without synthetic fertilizers affects soil properties and available phosphorus in two alkaline, chernozemic soils
Authors: Chathurika J.A. Surani , Kumaragamage Darshani , Zvomuya Francis , Akinremi Olalekan O. , Flaten Donald N. , Indraratne Srimathie P. , Dandeniya Warshi S.
Published: October 2016

Fertility enhancement with biochar application is well documented for tropical acidic soils; however, benefits of biochar coapplied with synthetic fertilizers (SFs) on soil fertility are not well documented, particularly for alkaline chernozems. We examined the short-term interactive effects of woodchip biochar amendment with fertilizers on selected soil properties, available phosphorus (P), and P fractions of two alkaline Chernozems from Manitoba. Treatments were (1) urea and monoammonium phosphate fertilizers, (2) biochar at 10 g kg−1, (3) biochar at 20 g kg−1, (4) biochar at 10 g kg−1with fertilizers, (5) biochar at 20 g kg−1with fertilizers, and (6) a control. Treated soils were analysed for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and Olsen P concentration biweekly, and for P fractions, cation exchange capacity (CEC), organic carbon (OC), and wet aggregate stability after 70 d of incubation. Biochar amendment without fertilizers significantly increased soil pH and CEC but had no effect on EC, while coapplication with fertilizers significantly increased Olsen P and labile P concentrations. When coapplied with fertilizers, biochar did not significantly increase soil pH relative to the control. Results suggest that biochar improved soil properties and available P in alkaline Chernozems, and the beneficial effects were enhanced when coapplied with SFs.
Experimental study on oblique water entry of projectiles
Authors: Zhao Chenggong , Wang Cong , Wei Yingjie , Zhang Xiaoshi , Sun Tiezhi
Published: October 2016

An experimental study of oblique water entry of projectiles with different noses has been conducted using high-speed photography technology. The images of the initial water entry impact, cavity evolution, and the closure and shedding of vortices of cavity are presented in the paper. The results reveal that for high-speed oblique water entry (the initial impact velocity [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]50 m/s), the cavity attached to the projectile is symmetrical and free from the influence of gravity. The shedding of the water–vapor–air mixture in the tail of the cavity produces vortices which disappear in the rear of the projectile trajectory. Particular attention is given to the velocity attenuation of the projectile after water entry. The results show that there is a transition point at the time corresponding to the surface seal of the cavity during the velocity attenuation after oblique water entry, and the rates of velocity attenuation are different before and after this transition point. Additionally, the chronophotography of the cavity evolution shows that the time when the surface seal of the cavity occurs decreases with the increase of the initial impact velocity of the projectile.
Adaptive PI Control Strategy for a Self-Excited Induction Generator Driven by a Variable Speed Wind Turbine
Authors: Kenne Godpromesse , Sanjong Clotaire Thierry , Nfah Eustace Mbaka
Published: October 2016

In this paper, an adaptive proportional-integral (API) control strategy is developed to extract the maximum power from a variable wind speed turbine and to regulate the DC-link voltage, rotor flux and AC load voltage in a three-phase grid-connected self-excited induction generator (SEIG) system. The resulting controller associated to the flux-oriented control technique can be easily implemented in practice since finite time estimators for the unknown time-varying rotor resistance, rotor flux (nonmeasurable signal) and stator electrical angular position required for the online implementation of the proposed algorithm are provided. Comparative results with a conventional nonadaptive proportional-integral regulator have shown the superiority of the proposed strategy in terms of robustness with respect to online variation of the rotor resistance (up to 100%) and large varying load condition. The computing results are obtained using relatively low wind speed profile. Thus, the generating system with the proposed control strategy is suitable for variable wind speed turbine installation for grid-connected and remote-area power supply where the wind speed profile is relatively low.
The parametrization of Coulomb barrier heights and positions using a new universal function in the proximity potential
Authors: Zhang G. L. , Pan M.
Published: October 2016

The Coulomb barrier heights are calculated by using the proximity potential with a new universal function in comparison with the results of proximity potentials Prox77, AW95, Bass73, BW91, CW76, DP and Ng80. It is found that the new results of Coulomb barrier heights are better than those of most proximity potentials. Then this proximity potential with the new universal function was used to calculate the Coulomb barrier positions and heights from light fusion systems to heavy fusion systems. The parametrized formulas are obtained for Coulomb barrier height and position, and can reproduce most of calculated barrier heights and positions within the accuracy of [Formula: see text].
Elastic total cross-sections in an RSIIp scenario
Authors: Arceo R. , Pedraza Omar , López L. A. , Valencia-Palomo L. , González-Espinosa E. , Leon-Soto G. , Kurtz Stan
Published: October 2016

The total elastic nucleon–nucleus cross-section is calculated at energies up to 600 MeV for the elements [Formula: see text]C, [Formula: see text]Pb, [Formula: see text]O, 9Be, 4He, 2H, [Formula: see text]U and [Formula: see text]Al using a finite electromagnetic potential, which is obtained considering a Randall–Sundrum II scenario modified by the inclusion of [Formula: see text] compact extra dimensions. The length scale bound is set in the potential to compare with known experimental data.
Tensors for Data Mining and Data Fusion
Authors: Papalexakis Evangelos E. , Faloutsos Christos , Sidiropoulos Nicholas D.
Published: October 2016

Tensors and tensor decompositions are very powerful and versatile tools that can model a wide variety of heterogeneous, multiaspect data. As a result, tensor decompositions, which extract useful latent information out of multiaspect data tensors, have witnessed increasing popularity and adoption by the data mining community. In this survey, we present some of the most widely used tensor decompositions, providing the key insights behind them, and summarizing them from a practitioner’s point of view. We then provide an overview of a very broad spectrum of applications where tensors have been instrumental in achieving state-of-the-art performance, ranging from social network analysis to brain data analysis, and from web mining to healthcare. Subsequently, we present recent algorithmic advances in scaling tensor decompositions up to today’s big data, outlining the existing systems and summarizing the key ideas behind them. Finally, we conclude with a list of challenges and open problems that outline exciting future research directions.
Estimation of the traffic intensity in a piecewise-stationary Mt/Gt/1 queue with probing
Authors: Antunes Nelson , Jacinto Gonçalo , Pacheco António , Wichelhaus Cornelia
Published: October 2016

We use a probing strategy to estimate the time dependent traffic intensity in an Mt/Gt/1 queue, where the arrival rate and the general service-time distribution change from one time interval to another, and derive statistical properties of the proposed estimator. We present a method to detect a switch from a stationary interval to another using a sequence of probes to improve the estimation. At the end, we compare our results with two estimators proposed in the literature for the M/G/1 queue.
Generalization of Information Spreading Forensics via Sequential Dependent Snapshots
Authors: Cai Kechao , Xie Hong , Lui John C.S.
Published: October 2016

Learning the characteristics of information spreading in networks is crucial in communication studies, social network sentiment analysis and epidemic investigation. Previous work on information spreading has been focused on the information source detection using either a single observation, or multiple but
"independent"
observations of the underlying network while assuming information spreads at a
"uniform spreading rate"
. In this paper, we conduct the first theoretical and experimental study on information spreading forensics, and propose a framework for estimating information spreading rates, information source start time and location of information source by utilizing
"multiple sequential and dependent snapshots"
where information can spread at different rates. We prove that our estimation framework generalizes the rumor centrality [1], and we allow heterogeneous information spreading rates on different branches in
d
-regular tree networks. We further show that our framework can provide highly accurate estimates for the information spreading rates on different branches, the source start time, and more accurate estimate for the location of information source than rumor centrality and Jordan center in both synthetic networks and real-world networks (i.e., Twitter).
Structure of Optimal Solutions to Periodic-Review Total-Cost Stochastic Inventory Control Problems
Authors: Feinberg Eugene A. , Liang Yan
Published: October 2016

This paper describes the structure of optimal policies for discounted periodic-review single-commodity total-cost inventory control problems with fixed ordering costs for finite and infinite horizons. There are known conditions in the literature for optimality of (st, St) policies for finite-horizon problems and the optimality of (s, S) policies for infinitehorizon problems. The results of this paper cover the situation, when such assumptions may not hold. This paper describes a parameter, which, together with the value of the discount factor and the horizon length, defines the structure of an optimal policy. For the infinite horizon, depending on the values of this parameter and the discount factor, an optimal policy either is an (s, S) policy or never orders inventory. For a finite horizon, depending on the values of this parameter, the discount factor, and the horizon length, there are three possible structures of an optimal policy: (i) it is an (st, St) policy, (ii) it is an (st, St) policy at earlier stages and then does not order inventory, or (iii) it never orders inventory. The paper also establishes continuity of the optimal value function and describes the optimal actions at states st and s.
Universality of Power-of-d Load Balancing Schemes
Authors: Mukherjee Debankur , Borst Sem , van Leeuwaarden Johan , Whiting Phil
Published: October 2016

We consider a system of
N
parallel queues with unit exponential service rates and a single dispatcher where tasks arrive as a Poisson process of rate λ(
N
). When a task arrives, the dispatcher assigns it to a server with the shortest queue among
d
(
N
) ≤
N
randomly selected servers. This load balancing policy is referred to as a power-of-
d
(
N
) or JSQ(
d
(
N
)) scheme, and subsumes the Join-the-Shortest Queue (JSQ) policy as a crucial special case for
d
(
N
) =
N
.

We construct a coupling to bound the difference in the queue length processes between the JSQ policy and an arbitrary value of
d
(
N
). We use the coupling to derive the fluid limit in the regime where λ(
N
)/
N
→ λ < 1 and
d
(
N
)→ ∞ as
N
→ ∞, along with the corresponding fixed point. The fluid limit turns out not to depend on the exact growth rate of
d
(
N
), and in particular coincides with that for the JSQ policy. We further leverage the coupling to establish that the diffusion limit in the regime where (
N
--λ(
N
))/ √
N
→ β > 0 and
d
(
N
)/ √
N
log
N
→ ∞ as
N
→ ∞ corresponds to that for the JSQ policy. These results indicate that the stochastic optimality of the JSQ policy can be preserved at the fluid-level and diffusion-level while reducing the overhead by nearly a factor O(
N
) and O(√
N
), respectively.
Opportunities for Price Manipulation by Aggregators in Electricity Markets
Authors: Ruhi Navid Azizan , Chen Niangjun , Dvijotham Krishnamurthy , Wierman Adam
Published: October 2016

Aggregators are playing an increasingly crucial role for integrating renewable generation into power systems. However, the intermittent nature of renewable generation makes market interactions of aggregators di cult to monitor and regulate, raising concerns about potential market manipulations. In this paper, we address this issue by quantifying the profit an aggregator can obtain through strategic curtailment of generation in an electricity market. We show that, while the problem of maximizing the benefit from curtailment is hard in general, e cient algorithms exist when the topology of the network is radial (acyclic). Further, we highlight that significant increases in profit can be obtained through strategic curtailment in practical settings.
Optimizing the Level of Commitment in Demand Response
Authors: Comden Joshua , Liu Zhenhua , Zhao Yue
Published: October 2016

Demand response (DR) is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly approach for mitigating the uncertainties in renewable energy integration by taking advantage of the flexibility of the customers' demand. Existing DR programs, however, suffer from the inflexibility of commitment levels. In particular, these programs can be split into two classes depending on whether customers are fully committed or fully voluntary to provide demand response. Full commitment makes customers reluctant to participate, while the load serving entity (LSE) cannot rely on voluntary participation for reliability and dispatchability considerations. This paper proposes a generalized DR framework called Flexible Commitment Demand Response (FCDR) to allow for explicit choices of the level of commitment. We perform numerical simulations to demonstrate that the optimal level of commitment in FCDR brings in significant (around 50%) social cost reductions, consistently under various settings. This benefits both the LSE and customers simultaneously. Further, lower cost and higher levels of commitment can be simultaneously achieved with the optimal level of DR commitment.
Boosting Service Availability for Base Stations of Cellular Networks by Event-driven Battery Profiling
Authors: Fan Xiaoyi , Wang Feng , Liu Jiangchuan
Published: October 2016

The 3G/4G cellular networks as well as the emerging 5G have led to an explosive growth on mobile services across the global markets. Massive base stations have been deployed to satisfy the demands on service quality and coverage, and their quantity is only growing in the foreseeable future. Given the many more base stations deployed in remote rural areas, maintenance for high service availability becomes quite challenging. In particular, they can suffer from frequent power outages. After such disasters as hurricanes or snow storms, power recovery can often take several days or even weeks, during which a backup battery becomes the only power source. Although power outage is rare in metropolitan areas, backup batteries are still necessary for base stations as any service interruption there can cause unafforable losses. Given that the backup battery group installed on a base station is usually the only power source during power outages, the working condition of the battery group therefore has a critical impact on the service availability of a base station. In this paper, we conduct a systematical analysis on a real world dataset collected from the battery groups installed on the base stations of China Mobile Ltd co., and we propose an event-driven battery profiling approach to precisely extract the features that cause the working condition degradation of the battery group. We formulate the prediction models for both battery voltage and lifetime and propose a series of solutions to yield accurate outputs. By real world trace-driven evaluations, we demonstrate that our approach can boost the cellular network service availability with an improvement of up to 18.09%.
Toward Power-Efficient Backbone Routers
Authors: Lu Jianyuan , Liu Liang , X Jun "Jim" , Liu Bin
Published: October 2016

Recently, a new design framework, called GreenRouter, has been proposed to reduce the power consumption of backbone routers. In a GreenRouter, a line card is partitioned into two functional parts, namely, an InTerFace (ITF) part that is relatively much lighter and a Processing Engine (PE) part that is relatively much heavier, in power consumption. This partitioning allows ITFs to share the collective processing capability of PEs, which in turn allows a significant percentage of PEs to be put into sleep mode (to save energy) during periods of light link utilizations. In this paper, we study how ITFs can distribute traffic flows to the PEs so that the offered loads on all active PEs are near-perfectly balanced over time, and kept close to a target load (say 90%), so that the number of active PEs can be minimized. Since Green- Router's original solution to this problem is quite crude,we propose a principled solution that has much lower system overheads and achieves better load-balance. Throughboth simulation studies and rigorous analyses, we show our solution can, with high probability, rapidly restore the nearperfect load balance among active PEs, after each PE overload event.
Efficient Lattice Method for Valuing of Options with Barrier in a Regime Switching Model
Authors: Han Youngchul , Kim Geonwoo
Published: October 2016

We propose an efficient lattice method for valuation of options with barrier in a regime switching model. Specifically, we extend the trinomial tree method of Yuen and Yang (2010) by calculating the local average of prices near a node of the lattice. The proposed method reduces oscillations of the lattice method for pricing barrier options and improves the convergence speed. Finally, computational results for the valuation of options with barrier show that the proposed method with interpolation is more efficient than the other tree methods.
Qualitative Analysis of a Leslie-Gower Predator-Prey System with Nonlinear Harvesting in Predator
Authors: Singh Manoj Kumar , Bhadauria B. S. , Singh Brajesh Kumar
Published: October 2016

This paper deals with the study of the stability and the bifurcation analysis of a Leslie-Gower predator-prey model with Michaelis-Menten type predator harvesting. It is shown that the proposed model exhibits the bistability for certain parametric conditions. Dulac’s criterion has been adopted to obtain the sufficient conditions for the global stability of the model. Moreover, the model exhibits different kinds of bifurcations (e.g., the saddle-node bifurcation, the subcritical and supercritical Hopf bifurcations, Bogdanov-Takens bifurcation, and the homoclinic bifurcation) whenever the values of parameters of the model vary. The analytical findings and numerical simulations reveal far richer and complex dynamics in comparison to the models with no harvesting and with constant-yield predator harvesting.
Protective Effect of Yinhua Miyanling Tablet on Lipopolysaccharide‐Induced Inflammation through Suppression of NLRP3/Caspase‐1 Inflammasome in Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells
Authors: Sai Jingying , Xiong Lingxin , Zheng Jingtong , Liu Chuangui , Lu Yanjiao , Wang Guoqiang , Wang Yawei , Wang Ting , Guan Xuewa , Chen Fang , Fang Keyong , Zhang Chao , Lu Junying , Zhang Xiaotian , Zhu Hailin , Wang Fang
Published: October 2016

Yinhua Miyanling Tablet (YMT), the Chinese formula, has long been administrated in clinical practice for the treatment of acute pyelonephritis and acute urocystitis. In the current study, we aimed to investigate the anti‐inflammatory effect of YMT in vitro and to evaluate the association between anti‐inflammation and innate immune response. Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated using Ficoll density gradient centrifugation and then were stimulated by Lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The differential gene expression of inflammation‐related genes after drug administration was assessed using PCR array, and the protein levels of differential genes were measured by ELISA and Western blot. The result showed that YMT significantly inhibited the expression of NLRP3, Caspase‐1, and the downstream cytokine IL‐1β and suppressed the production of inflammatory mediators TNF‐α, IL‐6, IL‐10, and MCP‐1 in a dose‐dependent manner compared to the LPS group (P < 0.01). The finding indicated that YMT exhibited anti‐inflammatory effect in vitro by suppressing the NLRP3/Caspase‐1 inflammasome, and that may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.
Peroxidase-Like Activity of Ferrihydrite and Hematite Nanoparticles for the Degradation of Methylene Blue
Authors: Pariona Nicolaza , Herrera-Trejo M. , Oliva J. , Martinez A. I.
Published: October 2016

The peroxidase-like catalytic properties of 2-line ferrihydrite (2LFh) and hematite nanoparticles (NPs) for the degradation of methylene blue (MB) were studied. It is highlighted that the hematite NPs were prepared from the transformation of the metastable 2LFh NPs. It was found that the 2LFh NPs exhibited poor crystallinity with an average size of 5 nm, while the hematite NPs exhibited high crystallinity with an average size ofca. 100 nm. It was found that the total degradation of MB occurred for hematite NPs, while only a maximum degradation of 69% was possible for the 2LFh NPs. The Michaelis–Menten parameters indicated that the hematite NPs present higher catalytic activity than the 2LFh NPs at basic pH. It was found that the ordered surface of the hematite NPs has a stronger effect for the degradation of MB than its low surface area. It was concluded that the crystal planes of the hematite NPs affect the catalytic process more significantly than the high surface area of 2LFh NPs.
Removal of Separated Endodontic K-File with the Aid of Hypodermic Needle and Cyanoacrylate
Authors: Frota Luciana Maria Arcanjo , Aguiar Bernardo Almeida , Aragão Maria Gerusa Brito , de Vasconcelos Bruno Carvalho
Published: October 2016

A wide range of accidents might happen during the treatment of the root canal system, where the instrument separation is one of the most unpleasant occurrences. Several techniques have been developed to facilitate the removal of the fragments; however, they generally require specific devices that not always are available to the clinician. The aim of this case report is to present a simple alternative technique to remove from the root canals manual instruments fractured during the treatment. The case has its outline based on a 31-year-old patient who sought the clinic to have her maxillary first left premolar rehabilitated. The clinic and radiographic examinations revealed the need of endodontic retreatment and the presence of a fragment of a K-file instrument localized at the apical third of the palatine canal. The retreatment was initiated by the removal of the obturation materials followed by several unsuccessful attempts to take out the fractured instrument. Hence, it was chosen to perform the fragment removal using a hypodermic needle and cyanoacrylate adhesive. The fragment easily came out, which reinforces the technique adopted as a safe, simple, and low cost mean to solve the problem of fractured instruments using only items already present in the endodontic arsenal.
Cystic Lung Disease in Down Syndrome: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: George Mathew , Amodio John , Lee Haesoon
Published: October 2016

Subpleural lung cysts (SPC) are seen in children with Down syndrome (DS). The incidence and the long term course of these lesions are not known. It is important for pediatricians and pediatric radiologists to be aware of these lung lesions since the DS patients’ longevity has increased and they have greater frequency to encounter the clinicians. Autopsy and the radiology series have shown that these lesions are often found in association with congenital heart disease, particularly the endocardial cushion defect and prematurity.
Efficient Actor-Critic Algorithm with Hierarchical Model Learning and Planning
Authors: Zhong Shan , Liu Quan , Fu QiMing
Published: October 2016

To improve the convergence rate and the sample efficiency, two efficient learning methods AC-HMLP and RAC-HMLP (AC-HMLP withl2-regularization) are proposed by combining actor-critic algorithm with hierarchical model learning and planning. The hierarchical models consisting of the local and the global models, which are learned at the same time during learning of the value function and the policy, are approximated by local linear regression (LLR) and linear function approximation (LFA), respectively. Both the local model and the global model are applied to generate samples for planning; the former is used only if the state-prediction error does not surpass the threshold at each time step, while the latter is utilized at the end of each episode. The purpose of taking both models is to improve the sample efficiency and accelerate the convergence rate of the whole algorithm through fully utilizing the local and global information. Experimentally, AC-HMLP and RAC-HMLP are compared with three representative algorithms on two Reinforcement Learning (RL) benchmark problems. The results demonstrate that they perform best in terms of convergence rate and sample efficiency.
A Stochastic Analysis of the Transient Current Induced along the Thin Wire Scatterer Buried in a Lossy Medium
Authors: Šesnić Silvestar , Lalléchère Sébastien , Poljak Dragan , Bonnet Pierre , Drissi Khalil El Khamlichi
Published: October 2016

The paper deals with the stochastic collocation analysis of a time domain response of a straight thin wire scatterer buried in a lossy half-space. The wire is excited either by a plane wave transmitted through the air-ground interface or by an equivalent current source representing direct lightning strike pulse. Transient current induced at the center of the wire, governed by corresponding Pocklington integrodifferential equation, is determined analytically. This antenna configuration suffers from uncertainties in various parameters, such as ground properties, wire dimensions, and position. The statistical processing of the results yields additional information, thus enabling more accurate and efficient analysis of buried wire configurations.
A Review of the Synthesis and Photoluminescence Properties of Hybrid ZnO and Carbon Nanomaterials
Authors: Rauwel Protima , Salumaa Martin , Aasna Andres , Galeckas Augustinas , Rauwel Erwan
Published: October 2016

Photoluminescent ZnO carbon nanomaterials are an emerging class of nanomaterials with unique optical properties. They each, ZnO and carbon nanomaterials, have an advantage of being nontoxic and environmentally friendly. Their cost-effective production methods along with simple synthesis routes are also of interest. Moreover, ZnO presents photoluminescence emission in the UV and visible region depending on the synthesis routes, shape, size, deep level, and surface defects. When combined with carbon nanomaterials, modification of surface defects in ZnO allows tuning of these photoluminescence properties to produce, for example, white light. Moreover, efficient energy transfer from the ZnO to carbon nanostructures makes them suitable candidates not only in energy harvesting applications but also in biosensors, photodetectors, and low temperature thermal imaging. This work reviews the synthesis and photoluminescence properties of 3 carbon allotropes: carbon quantum or nanodots, graphene, and carbon nanotubes when hybridized with ZnO nanostructures. Various synthesis routes for the hybrid materials with different morphologies of ZnO are presented. Moreover, differences in photoluminescence emission when combining ZnO with each of the three different allotropes are analysed.
A Multiband Proximity-Coupled-Fed Flexible Microstrip Antenna for Wireless Systems
Authors: Casula Giovanni Andrea , Maxia Paolo , Montisci Giorgio , Valente Giuseppe , Mazzarella Giuseppe , Pisanu Tonino
Published: October 2016

A multiband printed microstrip antenna for wireless communications is presented. The antenna is fed by a proximity-coupled microstrip line, and it is printed on a flexible substrate. The antenna has been designed using a general-purpose 3D computer-aided design software (CAD), CST Microwave Studio, and then realized. The comparison between simulated and measured results shows that the proposed antenna can be used for wireless communications for WLAN systems, covering both the WLAN S-band (2.45 GHz) and C-band (5.2 GHz), and the Wi-Max 3.5 GHz band, with satisfactory input matching and broadside radiation pattern. Moreover, it has a compact size, is very easy to realize, and presents a discrete out-of-band rejection, without requiring the use of stop-band filters. The proposed structure can be used also as a conformal antenna, and its frequency response and radiated field are satisfactory for curvatures up to 65°.
Single Jejunum Metastasis from Breast Cancer Arising Twelve Years after the Initial Treatment
Authors: Paiva Cláudia , Garcia José , Silva Cristina , Araújo Alexandra , Araújo António , Santos Marisa D.
Published: October 2016

Metastatic involvement of gastrointestinal tract from breast cancer is a rare event. We report the case of a 61-year-old woman presenting with bowel obstruction, related to metastasis of a primary breast cancer she had 12 years earlier (a triple-negative invasive ductal carcinoma treated with surgery and chemotherapy). Bowel obstruction was caused by a 20-centimeter tumor in the jejunum, involving also the transverse colon. The patient underwent en bloc resection of tumor with jejunum and transverse bowel segment and received adjuvant chemotherapy with carboplatin and paclitaxel. Twenty months later, she was alive without disease recurrence.
Identification of a New Antibacterial Sulfur Compound from Raphanus sativus Seeds
Authors: Jadoun Jeries , Yazbak Ahmad , Rushrush Salwa , Rudy Amira , Azaizeh Hassan
Published: October 2016

Raphanus sativus L. (radish), a member of Brassicaceae, is widely used in traditional medicine in various cultures for treatment of several diseases and disorders associated with microbial infections. The antibacterial activity of the different plant parts has been mainly attributed to several isothiocyanate (ITC) compounds. However, the low correlation between the ITC content and antibacterial activity suggests the involvement of other unknown compounds. The objective of this study was to investigate the antibacterial potential of red radish seeds and identify the active compounds. A crude ethanol seed extract was prepared and its antibacterial activity was tested against five medically important bacteria. The ethanol extract significantly inhibited the growth of all tested strains. However, the inhibitory effect was more pronounced against Streptococcus pyogenes and Escherichia coli. Bioassay‐guided fractionation of the ethanol extract followed by HPLC, 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, 15N‐NMR, and HMBC analysis revealed that the active fraction consisted of a single new compound identified as [5‐methylsulfinyl‐1‐(4‐methylsulfinyl‐but‐3‐enyl)‐pent‐4‐enylidene]‐sulfamic acid, which consisted of two identical sulfur side chains similar to those found in ITCs. The minimal inhibitory concentration values of the isolated compound were in the range of 0.5–1 mg/mL. These results further highlight the role of radish as a rich source of antibacterial compounds.
Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Protein GRP78 Modulates Lipid Metabolism to Control Drug Sensitivity and Antitumor Immunity in Breast Cancer
Authors: Cook Katherine L. , Soto-Pantoja David R. , Clarke Pamela A.G. , Cruz M. Idalia , Zwart Alan , Wärri Anni , Hilakivi-Clarke Leena , Roberts David D. , Clarke Robert
Published: October 2016

The unfolded protein response is an endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway mediated by the protein chaperone glucose regulated-protein 78 (GRP78). Metabolic analysis of breast cancer cells shows that GRP78 silencing increases the intracellular concentrations of essential polyunsaturated fats, including linoleic acid. Accumulation of fatty acids is due to an inhibition of mitochondrial fatty acid transport, resulting in a reduction of fatty acid oxidation. These data suggest a novel role of GRP78-mediating cellular metabolism. We validated the effect of GRP78-regulated metabolite changes by treating tumor-bearing mice with tamoxifen and/or linoleic acid. Tumors treated with linoleic acid plus tamoxifen exhibited reduced tumor area and tumor weight. Inhibition of either GRP78 or linoleic acid treatment increased MCP-1 serum levels, decreased CD47 expression, and increased macrophage infiltration, suggesting a novel role for GRP78 in regulating innate immunity. GRP78 control of fatty acid oxidation may represent a new homeostatic function for GRP78. Cancer Res; 76(19); 5657–70. ©2016 AACR.
miR-1298 Inhibits Mutant KRAS-Driven Tumor Growth by Repressing FAK and LAMB3
Authors: Zhou Ying , Dang Jason , Chang Kung-Yen , Yau Edwin , Aza-Blanc Pedro , Moscat Jorge , Rana Tariq M.
Published: October 2016

Global miRNA functional screens can offer a strategy to identify synthetic lethal interactions in cancer cells that might be exploited therapeutically. In this study, we applied this strategy to identify novel gene interactions in KRAS-mutant cancer cells. In this manner, we discovered miR-1298, a novel miRNA that inhibited the growth of KRAS-driven cells both in vitro and in vivo. Using miR-TRAP affinity purification technology, we identified the tyrosine kinase FAK and the laminin subunit LAMB3 as functional targets of miR-1298. Silencing of FAK or LAMB3 recapitulated the synthetic lethal effects of miR-1298 expression in KRAS-driven cancer cells, whereas coexpression of both proteins was critical to rescue miR-1298–induced cell death. Expression of LAMB3 but not FAK was upregulated by mutant KRAS. In clinical specimens, elevated LAMB3 expression correlated with poorer survival in lung cancer patients with an oncogenic KRAS gene signature, suggesting a novel candidate biomarker in this disease setting. Our results define a novel regulatory pathway in KRAS-driven cancers, which offers a potential therapeutic target for their eradication. Cancer Res; 76(19); 5777–87. ©2016 AACR.
Dual Characteristics of Novel HER2 Kinase Domain Mutations in Response to HER2-Targeted Therapies in Human Breast Cancer
Authors: Zuo Wen-Jia , Jiang Yi-Zhou , Wang Yu-Jie , Xu Xiao-En , Hu Xin , Liu Guang-Yu , Wu Jiong , Di Gen-Hong , Yu Ke-Da , Shao Zhi-Ming
Published: October 2016

Purpose: Somatic mutations in the tyrosine kinase domain of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) may be an alternative mechanism to HER2 activation and can affect the sensitivity toward HER2-targeted therapies. We aimed to investigate the prevalence, clinicopathologic characteristics, and functional relevance of novel HER2 mutations in breast cancer.

Experimental Design: We performed Sanger sequencing of all exons of the HER2 gene in 1,248 primary tumors and 18 paired metastatic samples. Novel HER2 mutations were functionally characterized.

Results: The total HER2 somatic mutation rate was 2.24% (28/1,248). Of the seven novel HER2 mutations, L768S and V773L were only detected in HER2-negative tumors, whereas K753E was found in HER2-positive disease. L768S and V773L mutations exhibited a significant increase in tyrosine kinase–specific activity and strongly increased the phosphorylation of signaling proteins in various cell lines. Xenograft experiments showed that NIH3T3 cells bearing the L768S and V773L mutations displayed more rapid growth. MCF10A, BT474, and MDA-MB-231 cells bearing the K753E mutation were resistant to lapatinib, but could be inhibited by neratinib. Finally, comparison of HER2 mutations in 18 pairs of primary and metastatic lesions revealed that the drug-resistant HER2 mutations (K753E and L755S) were enriched in metastatic lesions.

Conclusions: HER2-negative breast cancer with activating mutations can benefit from HER2-targeted therapies. Meanwhile, mutations in the HER2 kinase domain might be a key mechanism of resistance to HER2-targeted therapy, and irreversible tyrosine kinase inhibitors such as neratinib may offer alternative treatment options. Clin Cancer Res; 22(19); 4859–69. ©2016 AACR.
BCL2 Inhibition by Venetoclax: Targeting the Achilles' Heel of the Acute Myeloid Leukemia Stem Cell?
Authors: Pullarkat Vinod A. , Newman Edward M.
Published: October 2016

Summary: Venetoclax is an oral drug with an excellent side-effect profile that has the potential to revolutionize acute myeloid leukemia (AML) therapy in two areas. Venetoclax-based combination therapies could be a bridge to hematopoietic cell transplant with curative intent for patients with refractory/relapsed AML, and venetoclax-based therapy could provide meaningful survival prolongation for older patients with AML who are not candidates for more aggressive therapies. Cancer Discov; 6(10); 1082–3. ©2016 AACR.

See related article by Konopleva and colleagues, p. 1106.
Efficacy of Dapsone in the Treatment of Pemphigus Vulgaris: A Single-Center Case Study
Authors: Baum Sharon , Debby Assaf , Gilboa Sarit , Trau Henri , Barzilai Aviv
Published: October 2016

Background: Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a chronic autoimmune blistering disease. Most patients require long-term therapy with systemic steroids, and a steroid-sparing agent is usually also utilized. Dapsone is a chemotherapeutic agent with anti-inflammatory properties that is used as a steroid-sparing agent in PV. Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of dapsone as an adjuvant therapy in patients with PV. Methods: A retrospective analysis of patients' files was performed. All 26 patients included in the study group were treated with dapsone as an adjuvant to systemic steroids for at least 3 consecutive months and were followed up during their dapsone treatment period. Results: After 3 months of treatment with dapsone, 13 patients were in the consolidation phase, 4 patients demonstrated partial remission on minimal therapy, 7 patients demonstrated complete remission on minimal therapy, and 2 patients were defined as treatment failures. The trend of clinical improvement continued after 6 months of treatment and at the study end point. Conclusion: This retrospective case series, one of the largest reported, indicates that dapsone is efficacious and safe for patients with PV in whom it is well tolerated soon after the initiation of treatment.
On-Pump versus Off-Pump Complete Arterial Revascularization Using Bilateral Internal Mammary Arteries and the T-Graft Technique: Clinical and Angiographic Results for 3,445 Patients in 13 Years of Follow-Up
Authors: Riess Friedrich-Christian , Heller Stefan , Cramer Eva , Awwad Nizar , Amin Wagma , Hansen Lorenz , Lehmann Claas , Schofer Joachim , Stripling Jan , Winkel Stephan , Kremer Peter
Published: October 2016

Background: This is an investigation of complete arterial coronary artery bypass grafting (CACABG) using bilateral internal mammary arteries (IMA) and the T-graft technique either on- or off-pump as a routine approach to treat coronary artery disease. Methods: Between January 2000 and December 2012, 3,445 patients underwent on-pump (n = 2,216) or off-pump (n = 1,229) CACABG. A 30-day follow-up was performed prospectively, a long-term follow-up by a questionnaire, and coronary angiography in selected patients. Results: End points at 30 days were death, myocardial infarction, stroke, repeat revascularization, renal replacement, reoperation, sternal wound infection and atrial fibrillation. FitzGibbon A patency rates were 89.8 vs. 91.4% (p = 0.464) with consecutive percutaneous coronary intervention in the grafted area of 1.8 vs. 1.1% (p = 0.693) on- vs. off-pump, and no reoperation in the grafted area in both groups. Conclusion: CACABG by use of skeletonized bilateral IMA with the T-graft technique performed either on- or off-pump is a safe and effective approach.
Contemporâneo de si mesmo: duas residências de Artigas em Curitiba
Authors: Dudeque Irã Taborda
Published: October 2016

Este artigo pretende comparar duas residências projetadas por João Batista Vilanova Artigas em Curitiba: Residência Bettega-Portela (1949-1952) e Residência Niclevicz-Bertoldi (1975-1978), a partir de critérios formais e contextuais, a fim de entender eventuais mudanças e permanências na obra do arquiteto. Os critérios formais se baseiam nos métodos de autores como Peter Eisenman, Charles Jencks e Anthony Viedler. A contextualização apela à historiografia da vida privada, a fim de relativizar o entendimento de fatores como a higiene, o conforto, a praticidade e a própria ideia de residência.
Entre o eu e o outro, a paisagem
Authors: Gonçalves Fábio Christiano Cavalcanti , Leitão Lúcia
Published: October 2016

O artigo aborda a inter-relação entre paisagem, corpo e cidade, a partir do eu e do Outro, na acepção psicanalítica desses termos, associada a uma interpretação de base fenomenológica. Objetiva-se refletir sobre as condições intersubjetivas de construção da paisagem pela relação entre o sujeito e a cidade, utilizando-se das metáforas a paisagem como espelho, o corpo como janela e a cidade como desejo. Conclui-se que a paisagem espelha a psique humana e que o corpo atua enquanto elemento mediador, produtor de paisagens e corporeidade.
O papel da casa Mario Taques Bittencourt na definição da obra de Vilanova Artigas
Authors: Cotrim Marcio
Published: October 2016

Este artigo traça um paralelo entre os projetos elaborados por Vilanova Artigas e Carlos Cascaldi para a família Taques Bittencourt, destacando as diferenças entre o estudo inicial e o projeto definitivo da segunda casa, construída em 1959 e 1960. A comparação não busca desvelar o que levou Artigas e Cascaldi a alterarem de maneira drástica a direção projetual, mas perceber quais estratégias de projeto caracterizava esta movimentação. O argumento central é que entre um projeto e outro se situa com precisão os rumos tomados pela obra do arquiteto a partir dos anos 1960 delimitando, portanto, sua importância na formulação de uma corrente no quadro da arquitetura moderna brasileira.