bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the general relativistic framework of the Sagnac effect
Authors: Benedetto Elmo , Feleppa Fabiano , Licata Ignazio , Moradpour Hooman , Corda Christian
Published: March 2019

The Sagnac effect is usually considered as being a relativistic effect produced in an interferometer when the device is rotating. General relativistic explanations are known and already widely explained in many papers. Such general relativistic approaches are founded on Einstein’s equivalence principle (EEP), which states the equivalence between the gravitational “force” and the pseudo-force experienced by an observer in a non-inertial frame of reference, included a rotating observer. Typically, the authors consider the so-called Langevin-Landau-Lifschitz metric and the path of light is determined by null geodesics. This approach partially hides the physical meaning of the effect. It seems indeed that the light speed varies by

$$c\pm \omega r$$

c
±
ω
r

in one or the other direction around the disk. In this paper, a slightly different general relativistic approach will be used. The different “gravitational field” acting on the beam splitter and on the two rays of light is analyzed. This different approach permits a better understanding of the physical meaning of the Sagnac effect.
Physical and Psychological Health Outcomes of Qigong Exercise in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Chang Pei-Shiun , Knobf Tish , Oh Byeongsang , Funk Marjorie
Published: March 2019

Physical limitations, depression and anxiety are prevalent among older adults. Mild to moderate exercise can promote physical and psychological health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Qigong, a type of Chinese traditional medicine exercise, has demonstrated beneficial effects on physical ability and mental health in adults with chronic conditions. The purpose of this review was to systematically assess the effects of Qigong exercise on physical and psychological health outcomes in older adults. A total of 1282 older adults aged 62 to 83 years with depressive symptoms, frailty or chronic medical illnesses were included in this review. The meta-analysis showed that Qigong exercise resulted in significantly improved physical ability compared with active control or usual care (standardized mean difference [SMD] [Formula: see text] 1.00 and 1.20, respectively). The pooled effects of studies with thrice weekly Qigong sessions had the greatest effect ([Formula: see text]) on physical ability in older adults. Lower quality studies demonstrated larger effect sizes than those of higher quality. Although Qigong exercise showed favorable effects on depression, balance and functioning, the overall effects did not reach statistical significance. No significant adverse events were reported. The findings suggest that the Qigong exercise may be an option for older adults to improve physical ability, functional ability, balance and to lessen depression and anxiety. However, the number of RCTs that enroll older adults is limited. More methodologically sound RCTs are needed to confirm the efficacy of Qigong exercise on physical and psychological health in older adults with chronic illnesses.
A stochastic Gronwall lemma revisited
Authors: Makasu Cloud
Published: March 2019

A stochastic integral inequality of the Gronwall type is established. The result complements a stochastic Gronwall lemma proved by Scheutzow3.
Split Lie algebras of order 3
Authors: Calderón Antonio J. , Navarro Rosa M. , Sánchez José M.
Published: March 2019

We introduce the class of split Lie algebras of order 3 as the natural generalization of split Lie superalgebras and split Lie algebras. By means of connections of roots, we show that such a split Lie algebra of order 3 is of the form [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] a linear subspace of [Formula: see text] and any [Formula: see text] a well-described (split) ideal of [Formula: see text] satisfying [Formula: see text], with [Formula: see text], if [Formula: see text]. Additionally, under certain conditions, the (split) simplicity of the algebra is characterized in terms of the connections of nonzero roots, and a second Wedderburn type theorem for the class of split Lie algebras of order 3 (asserting that [Formula: see text] is the direct sum of the family of its (split) simple ideals) is stated.
Hyperspectral image compression using hybrid transform with different wavelet-based transform coding
Authors: Nagendran R. , Vasuki A.
Published: March 2019

Hyperspectral image resolution offers limited spectral bands within a continual spectral spectrum, creating one of the spectra of most pixels inside the sequence which contains huge volume of data. Data transmission and storage is a challenging task. Compression of hyperspectral images are inevitable. This work proposes a Hyperspectral Image (HSI) compression using Hybrid Transform. First the HSI is decomposed into 1D and it is clustered and tiled. Each cluster is applied with Integer Karhunen–Loeve Transform (IKLT) and as such it is applied for whole image to get IKLT bands in spectral dimension. Then IKLT bands are applied with Integer Wavelet Transform (IDWT) to decorrelate the spatial data in spatial dimension. The combination of IKLT and IDWT is known as Hybrid transform. Second, the decorrelated wavelet coefficients are applied to Spatial-oriention Tree Wavelet (STW), Wavelet Difference Reduction (WDR) and Adaptively Scanned Wavelet Difference Reduction (ASWDR). The experimental result shows STW algorithm using Hybrid Transform gives better PSNR (db) and bits per pixel per band (bpppb) for hyperspectral images. The comparison between STW, WDR and ASWDR with Hybrid Transform for Indian Pines, Salinas, Botswana, Botswana and KSC images is experimented.
FBMC-based dispersion compensation using artificial neural network equalization for long reach-passive optical network
Authors: Julus L. Jerart , Manimegalai D. , Chakkaravarthy S. Sibi
Published: March 2019

This paper presents a Filter Bank Multicarrier (FBMC), a viable waveform candidate for fifth generation (5G) communications using Staggered-Modulated Multitone (SMT). FBMC is preferred in optical communication because of its ability to work without Cyclic Prefix (CP). In any case, the operation of FBMC in optical access systems with Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) has not been broadly explored either downstream or upstream. This work presents an advanced Nonlinear Feed-Forward Equalizer (NFFE) that makes use of multilayer ANN for dispersion compensation. ANN is trained to act as a filter with an extensive equalizer training which has the ability to mitigate dispersion and increase the performance of the system. The simulation work is used to study the performance of intensity modulated FBMC system with direct detection in Long Reach-Passive Optical Networks (LR-PONs).The transmission data rate is varied between 8 and 10[Formula: see text]Gbps with the optical fiber length from 30 to 90[Formula: see text]km of Standard Single Mode Fiber (SSMF). The obtained result suggests that FBMC system with ANN-NFFE equalizer fundamentally builds the resilience to the Chromatic Dispersion (CD) distortion, and a CP-less transmission is possible upto 90[Formula: see text]km.
The Role of Supportive Leader in Influencing Intrapreneurship and Innovation: A Study on the Printing Houses in Topkapi, Istanbul
Authors: Staub Selva , Nart Senem , Dayan Hüsnü
Published: March 2019

Business continuity and competitiveness change according to effective management, innovative behaviors and supportive management style for creating more intrapreneurship. Intrapreneurship, innovation and management are important and interlocking concepts. This study is conducted with the workers of the micro and small-scale printing houses in Topkapi, Istanbul. Data were collected in person via survey of 16 micro- and small-scale businesses with a specific area of screen printers and digital printers. With participation from 136 members of the sector’s workforce, the aim of this study is to identify the factors influencing the innovativeness of intrapreneurs and explore the role of supportive leadership in this process. This study supports that there is a strong relationship between intrapreneurship and innovation and supportive leadership that increases the innovativeness in the printing firms of Topkapi region.
Enhancing Deep Learning with Visual Interactions
Authors: Krokos Eric , Cheng Hsueh-Chen , Chang Jessica , Nebesh Bohdan , Paul Celeste Lyn , Whitley Kirsten , Varshney Amitabh
Published: March 2019

Deep learning has emerged as a powerful tool for feature-driven labeling of datasets. However, for it to be effective, it requires a large and finely labeled training dataset. Precisely labeling a large training dataset is expensive, time-consuming, and error prone. In this article, we present a visually driven deep-learning approach that starts with a coarsely labeled training dataset and iteratively refines the labeling through intuitive interactions that leverage the latent structures of the dataset. Our approach can be used to (a) alleviate the burden of intensive manual labeling that captures the fine nuances in a high-dimensional dataset by simple visual interactions, (b) replace a complicated (and therefore difficult to design) labeling algorithm by a simpler (but coarse) labeling algorithm supplemented by user interaction to refine the labeling, or (c) use low-dimensional features (such as the RGB colors) for coarse labeling and turn to higher-dimensional latent structures that are progressively revealed by deep learning, for fine labeling. We validate our approach through use cases on three high-dimensional datasets and a user study.
Provisioning and Performance Evaluation of Parallel Systems with Output Synchronization
Authors: KhudaBukhsh Wasiur R. , Kar Sounak , Rizk Amr , Koeppl Heinz
Published: March 2019

Parallel server frameworks are widely deployed in modern large-data processing applications. Intuitively, splitting and parallel processing of the workload provides accelerated application response times and scaling flexibility. Examples of such frameworks include MapReduce, Hadoop, and Spark. For many applications, the dynamics of such systems are naturally captured by a Fork-Join (FJ) queuing model, where incoming jobs are split into tasks each of which is mapped to exactly one server. When all the tasks that belong to one job are executed, the job is reassembled and leaves the system. We consider this behavior at the output as a synchronization constraint.

In this article, we study the performance of such parallel systems for different server properties, e.g., work-conservingness, phase-type behavior, and as suggested by recent evidence, for bursty input job arrivals. We establish a Large Deviations Principle for the steady-state job waiting times in an FJ system based on Markov-additive processes. Building on that, we present a performance analysis framework for FJ systems and provide computable bounds on the tail probabilities of the steady-state waiting times. We validate our bounds using estimates obtained through simulations. In addition, we define and analyze provisioning, a flexible division of jobs into tasks, in FJ systems. Finally, we use this framework together with real-world traces to show the benefits of an adaptive provisioning system that adjusts the service within an FJ system based on the arrival intensity.
Managing Response Time Tails by Sharding
Authors: Harrison P. G. , Patel N. M. , Pérez J. F. , Qiu Z.
Published: March 2019

Matrix analytic methods are developed to compute the probability distribution of response times (i.e., data access times) in distributed storage systems protected by erasure coding, which is implemented by sharding a data object into
N
fragments, only
K
<;
N
of which are required to reconstruct the object. This leads to a partial-fork-join model with a choice of canceling policies for the redundant
N
−
K
tasks. The accuracy of the analytical model is supported by tests against simulation in a broad range of setups. At increasing workload intensities, numerical results show the extent to which increasing the redundancy level reduces the mean response time of storage reads and significantly flattens the tail of their distribution; this is demonstrated at medium-high quantiles, up to the 99th. The quantitative reduction in response time achieved by two policies for canceling redundant tasks is also shown: for cancel-at-finish and cancel-at-start, which limits the additional load introduced whilst losing the benefit of selectivity amongst fragment service times.
Bacteriorhodopsin: Structural Insights Revealed Using X-Ray Lasers and Synchrotron Radiation
Authors: Wickstrand Cecilia , Nogly Przemyslaw , Nango Eriko , Iwata So , Standfuss Jörg , Neutze Richard
Published: March 2019

Directional transport of protons across an energy transducing membrane—proton pumping—is ubiquitous in biology. Bacteriorhodopsin (bR) is a light-driven proton pump that is activated by a buried all- trans retinal chromophore being photoisomerized to a 13- cis conformation. The mechanism by which photoisomerization initiates directional proton transport against a proton concentration gradient has been studied by a myriad of biochemical, biophysical, and structural techniques. X-ray free electron lasers (XFELs) have created new opportunities to probe the structural dynamics of bR at room temperature on timescales from femtoseconds to milliseconds using time-resolved serial femtosecond crystallography (TR-SFX). Wereview these recent developments and highlight where XFEL studies reveal new details concerning the structural mechanism of retinal photoisomerization and proton pumping. We also discuss the extent to which these insights were anticipated by earlier intermediate trapping studies using synchrotron radiation. TR-SFX will open up the field for dynamical studies of other proteins that are not naturally light-sensitive.
Integrative Structure Modeling: Overview and Assessment
Authors: Braitbard Merav , Schneidman-Duhovny Dina , Kalisman Nir
Published: March 2019

Integrative structure modeling computationally combines data from multiple sources of information with the aim of obtaining structural insights that are not revealed by any single approach alone. In the first part of this review, we survey the commonly used sources of structural information and the computational aspects of model building. Throughout the past decade, integrative modeling was applied to various biological systems, with a focus on large protein complexes. Recent progress in the field of cryo–electron microscopy (cryo-EM) has resolved many of these complexes to near-atomic resolution. In the second part of this review, we compare a range of published integrative models with their higher-resolution counterparts with the aim of critically assessing their accuracy. This comparison gives a favorable view of integrative modeling and demonstrates its ability to yield accurate and informative results. We discuss possible roles of integrative modeling in the new era of cryo-EM and highlight future challenges and directions.
Hepatopulmonary Fistula in a Colorectal Cancer Patient
Authors: Silva Maria João , Almeida Costa Nuno , Dias Susana , Sousa Maria José , Fragoso Maria
Published: March 2019

Cancer patients with liver metastasis may be candidates for liver surgery and local interventional techniques as part of their treatment. Although rare in this setting, hepatopulmonary fistula has been described as a possible complication. The clinical picture may be atypical, and, without specific treatment, it usually has a dismal prognosis. As locoregional treatments (whether interventional or surgical techniques) in liver neoplasms are being more frequently used we need to include this entity as a possible differential diagnosis of local liver treatment complications.
Forced Air Precooling Enhanced Storage Quality by Activating the Antioxidant System of Mango Fruits
Authors: Li Jian , Fu Yingli , Yan Jiaqi , Song Huanlu , Jiang Weibo
Published: March 2019

Effects of forced air precooling on storage quality and physiological metabolism of mangoes were evaluated in this study. Mango fruits were forced air precooled for 30 min at 0°C and then stored at 13°C. Control fruits were stored at 13°C directly. Results showed that forced air precooling treatment maintained fruit firmness, inhibited fruit peel coloration, retarded hydrolysis of polysaccharide to soluble sugar, and decreased fruit decay during storage. Biochemical studies revealed that precooling treatment could eliminate reactive oxygen species (ROS) effects by enhancing related antioxidant enzyme activities, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), glutathione reductase (GR), and polyphenoloxidase (PPO). They all contributed to the delay of mango fruit ripening and senescence in storage. These results indicate that forced air precooling treatment could maintain mango fruit quality by enhancing antioxidant activity and delaying fruit ripening.
Development of Multiple Myeloma of the IgA Type in a Patient with Cold Agglutinin Disease: Transformation or Coincidence?
Authors: Sefland Øystein , Randen Ulla , Berentsen Sigbjørn
Published: March 2019

Cold agglutinin disease (CAD) is an autoimmune hemolytic anemia and a distinct, clonal bone marrow lymphoproliferative disorder, characterized in most cases by a monoclonal IgMκ serum protein. We describe a CAD patient presenting with a monoclonal immunoglobulin of the IgAλclass. For years, she remained asymptomatic apart from the hemolytic anemia until eventually she developed multiple myeloma (MM) of the IgAλphenotype. Prior to the development of MM, her hemolytic anemia responded to rituximab monotherapy. After she was diagnosed with MM, both conditions responded well to bortezomib-based therapy. We performed further investigations to determine whether her MM represented a progression/transformation of CAD or an independent disease. Flow cytometry and biopsy findings convincingly confirmed two unrelated clonal B-cell disorders. On this background, we also discuss previously published reports on cold agglutinin activity in patients with IgA gammopathy. In conclusion, cold agglutinins of the IgA class do probably not result in CAD. If a monoclonal immunoglobulin other than IgMκ is found in a patient with CAD, the coexistence of two unrelated B-cell clones should be suspected.
Visual Performance after a Unilateral or Bilateral Implantation of Enlarged Depth-of-Focus Intraocular Lens in Patients with Cataract: A Prospective Clinical Trial
Authors: Choi Se Hyun , Lee Hyo kyung , Yoon Chang Ho , Kim Mee Kum
Published: March 2019

Purpose. To investigate visual performances after a unilateral or bilateral implantation of enlarged depth-of-focus intraocular lens in patients with cataract. Methods. In this prospective study, uneventful phacoemulsification and TECNIS® Symfony intraocular lens implantation were performed in 20 eyes of 17 patients. At postoperative 1, 4, and 12 weeks, the logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution visual acuity at far, intermediate, and near distances and the spherical equivalent in manifest refraction and automated refraction were measured. A questionnaire was used to investigate glare, spectacle dependency, and satisfaction at 12 weeks. The mean numerical error and mean absolute error were compared between intraocular lens formulas to assess the best-fit formula. Results. The logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution visual acuity significantly improved to 0.02 at far, 0.02 at intermediate, and 0.27 at near distances at 12 weeks (p<0.05). Spherical equivalent was −0.79 D on automated refraction and was significantly lower than −0.26 D measured on manifest refraction. Patients’ satisfaction score was 9.06, 8.94, and 6.65 for far, intermediate, and near distances, respectively. Near glasses were required in 5 patients and 2 patients complained of photic phenomenon. Visual performances were not significantly different between bilateral and unilateral implanted patients. No patients reported bilateral imbalance due to unilateral surgery. The mean numerical error was closest to 0 D using the Barrett Universal II formula. The mean absolute error was not significantly different between these formulas. Conclusion. Unilateral or bilateral implantation of the enlarged depth-of-focus intraocular lens seems to be equally effective in improving visual performances in patients with cataract.
Parameter Evaluation for a Statistical Mechanical Model for Binary Choice with Social Interaction
Authors: Opoku Alex Akwasi , Osabutey Godwin , Kwofie Charles
Published: March 2019

In this paper we use a statistical mechanical model as a paradigm for educational choices when the reference population is partitioned according to the socioeconomic attributes of gender and residence. We study how educational attainment is influenced by socioeconomic attributes of gender and residence for five selected developing countries. The model has a social and a private incentive part with coefficients measuring the influence individuals have on each other and the external influence on individuals, respectively. The methods of partial least squares and the ordinary least squares are, respectively, used to estimate the parameters of the interacting and the noninteracting models. This work differs from the previous work that motivated this work in the following sense: (a) the reference population is divided into subgroups with unequal subgroup sizes, (b) the proportion of individuals in each of the subgroups may depend on the population size N, and (c) the method of partial least squares is used for estimating the parameters of the model with social interaction as opposed to the least squares method used in the earlier work.
Exploring Boarding Strategies for High-Speed Railway
Authors: Tang Tie-Qiao , Shao Yi-Xiao , Chen Liang , Huang Hai-Jun , Song Ziqi
Published: March 2019

In light of the increasing demand for passenger transportation on high-speed railway (HSR), the pedestrian flow at HSR stations has become quite crowded in many countries, which has attracted researchers to study the HSR boarding behavior. In this paper, we propose three boarding strategies based on the features of the boarding behavior at an origin HSR station; we then use a cellular automaton (CA) model to study the impacts of boarding strategies on each passenger’s motion during the boarding process at HSR station. The simulation results indicate that some of the three strategies can optimize some passengers’ boarding time and relieve the congestion degree, and the positive impacts on the boarding process are the most prominent when the three strategies are used simultaneously. The results can help administrators to effectively organize the boarding process at the origin HSR station.
Medication Adherence and Coping Strategies in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Berner Carolin , Erlacher Ludwig , Fenzl Karl H. , Dorner Thomas E.
Published: March 2019

Objectives. The aim of this study was to determine if strategies for coping with illnesses, demographic factors, and clinical factors were associated with medication adherence among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods. This cross-sectional study was conducted at a Viennese rheumatology outpatient clinic on RA patients. Medication adherence was assessed using the Medication Adherence Report Scale. Strategies for coping with illness were assessed using the Freiburg Questionnaire for Coping with Illness. Results. Half (N=63, 52.5%) of the 120 patients included in the study were considered completely medication adherent. Female sex (odds ratio [OR]: 4.57, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.14 – 18.42), older age (54-65 yr vs. <45 yr OR: 9.2, CI:2.0-40.70; >65 yr vs. <45 yr OR 6.93, CI:1,17 – 40.87), middle average income (middle average income vs. lowest income class OR= 0.06, CI= 0.01-0.43), and shorter disease duration (5-10 yr vs. >10 yr OR= 3.53, CI= 1.04-11.95; 1-4 yr vs. >10 yr OR=3.71, CI= 1.02-13.52) were associated with higher medication adherence. Levels of active coping (15.57 vs. 13.47, p=0.01) or diversion and self-encouragement (16.10 vs. 14.37, p=0.04) were significantly higher among adherent as opposed to less adherent participants. However, in multivariate regression models, coping strategies were not significantly associated with adherence. Conclusions. Age, sex, monthly net income, and disease duration were found to be associated with an increased risk for medication nonadherence among patients with RA. Coping strategies such as active coping, diversion, and self-encouragement were associated with adherence in univariate models, but not when adjusted for demographic and clinical factors.
Successful Treatment of Sjögren’s Syndrome Presenting as a Condition Similar to Chronic Capillary Leak Syndrome Using Combination Therapy with High-Dose Intravenous Immunoglobulin and Glucocorticoid
Authors: Tokura Masami , Niwano Tomoko , Nagasaka Kenji
Published: March 2019

A 70-year-old woman with Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) complained of generalized edema. Computed tomography showed thoracoabdominal fluid, suggesting serositis with SS. 35 mg/day of prednisolone as a monotherapy was ineffective. Moreover, hemoconcentration with hypoalbuminemia without inflammatory signs lead us to consider the systemic capillary leak syndrome (SCLS). Additional treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and prednisolone dramatically decreased the thoracoabdominal fluid. However, when reducing the prednisolone dose, the thoracoabdominal fluid reincreased. Retreatment with IVIG without increasing the prednisolone dose was ineffective. However, additional prednisolone of 35 mg/day was effective, suggesting SCLS with SS might require combination therapy with IVIG and glucocorticoid.
Effects of Different Thickness Combinations of Core and Veneer Ceramics on Optical Properties of CAD-CAM Glass-Ceramics
Authors: Kang Wol , Park Jong-Kyoung , Kim Woong-Chul , Kim Hae-Young , Kim Ji-Hwan
Published: March 2019

The goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of different core and veneer thicknesses on the translucency (T%), average light transmittance (T), translucency parameter (TP), contrast ratio (CR), and spectral reflectance (R) of glass-ceramics using a computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) process. In all, 42 specimens (11mm × 11mm) were prepared and divided into six groups (n = 7 for each group). Core materials (IPS e.max CAD; IPS Empress CAD, LT A2 shade) of different thicknesses (0.8, 1.0, and 1.2mm) were fabricated. Each veneer material (thicknesses of 0.7, 0.5, and 0.3mm) was combined with its compatible core ceramic. Each core material was overlapped with its corresponding veneer material to obtain a 1.5-mm thickness by using three different combinations: (0.8+0.7), (1.0+0.5), and (1.2+0.3) mm. A spectrophotometer and color data software were used to measure the T%, T, TP, CR, and R values of each ceramic. The results were statistically analyzed using two-way analysis of variables (ANOVA) and regression analysis (p<0.05). Two-way ANOVA revealed that T%, T, TP, and CR were significantly influenced by the different thicknesses of the core-veneer combinations (p<0.001). At a certain thickness, as the veneer thickness increased and core thickness decreased, T and T% all increased. Regression analysis of the ceramic materials indicated a reduction in T and T% for certain core-veneer combinations. Analysis also revealed that T% and T were all affected by different core-veneer combinations. The T% value was 74.31 for the EM group and 72.81 for the EP group when the thickness of the core was 1.2 mm and the veneer was 0.3 mm. The R value of EM2 was lower than EM1 and EM3. In conclusion, the optical properties were influenced by different core-veneer combinations.
Juvenile Ovine Ex Vivo Larynges: Phonatory, Histologic, and Micro CT Based Anatomic Analyses
Authors: Döllinger Michael , Wendler Olaf , Gerstenberger Claus , Grossmann Tanja , Semmler Marion , Sadeghi Hossein , Gugatschka Markus
Published: March 2019

It is well known that the phonatory process changes during the life span. However, detailed investigations on potential factors concerned are rare. To deal with this issue, we performed extended biomechanical, macro anatomical, and histological analyses of the contributing laryngeal structures in ex vivo juvenile sheep models. Altogether twelve juvenile sheep larynges were analyzed within the phonatory experiments. Three different elongation levels and 16 different flow levels were applied to achieve a large variety of phonatory conditions. Vocal fold dynamics and acoustical and subglottal signals could be analyzed for 431 experimental runs. Subsequently, for six juvenile larynges microcomputed tomography following virtual 3D reconstruction was performed. The remaining six juvenile larynges as well as six ex vivo larynges from old sheep were histologically and immunohistologically analyzed. Results for juveniles showed more consistent dynamical behavior compared to old sheep larynges due to vocal fold tissue alterations during the life span. The phonatory process in juvenile sheep seems to be more effective going along with a greater dynamic range. These findings are supported by the histologically detected higher amounts of elastin and hyaluronic acid in the lamina propria of the juvenile sheep. The 3D reconstructions of the thyro-arytenoid muscles (TAM) showed a symmetrical shape. Intraindividual volume and surface differences of the TAM were small and comparable to those of aged sheep. However, TAM dimensions were statistically significant smaller for juvenile larynges. Finally, topographical landmarks were introduced for later comparison with other individuals and species. This work resulted in detailed functional, immunohistological, and anatomical information that was not yet reported. This data will also provide reference information for therapeutic strategies regarding aging effects, e.g. laryngeal muscle treatment by functional electrical stimulation.
Fault Diagnosis Method Based on Improved Evidence Reasoning
Authors: Xiong Jianbin , Li Chunlin , Cen Jian , Liang Qiong , Cai Yongda
Published: March 2019

Evidence reasoning (ER) combined with dimensionless index method can be used in rotating machinery fault diagnosis. In ER algorithm, reliability is mainly obtained in two ways: distance‐based method and correlation measure by set theory. In practice, the distance‐based method cannot generate high‐discrimination reliability in high‐coincidence data like dimensionless index data. Therefore, correlation measure by set theory method is used in fault diagnosis more frequently. Because correlation measure by set theory only considers upper bound and lower bound of fault data, we add a regularization term to calculate the relationship between the inner data. Experience result shows that fault diagnosis accuracy had improved, which illustrates that the new reliability can describe data relationship better.
Correlation between Taijin-Kyofu-sho and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder among University Students: A Self-Reported Assessment Study
Authors: Kajitani Kosuke , Tsuchimoto Rikako , Matsushita Tomoko , Fukumori Hideaki
Published: March 2019

Taijin-Kyofu-sho (TK) is regarded as a culture-bound anxiety disorder in East Asian counties. Despite its earlier discovery in Japan, fewer studies have focused on TK than on social anxiety disorder (SAD) and even fewer on TK comorbidity with developmental disorders. Thus, we examined the association between TK and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) among Japanese university students. A total of 673 students (500 male, 173 female) were assessed on the Japanese version of Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS-J), TK scale, and adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS; version 1.1). On the TK scale and LSAS-J, 17.4 and 10.3 percent of students, respectively, exceeded the cut-off value. Furthermore, ASRS scores more strongly correlated with TK scale than LSAS-J scores (TK scale: r = 0.427; LSAS-J: r = 0.330). To evaluate how TK or SAD with ADHD affects those scores, we divided subjects into four groups: healthy subjects, subjects with TK, those with SAD, and those with both disorders. The total ASRS score was significantly higher in TK-only subjects than in healthy subjects (p < 0.0001). However, there was no significant difference between scores of healthy and SAD-only subjects (p = 0.281). Our results indicate a possible link between ADHD and later development of TK in Japan.
Influence of Gold Nanoparticles on the Luminescence of an Acrylated Isocyanonaphthalene Derivative
Authors: Burunkova J. , Keki S. , Veniaminov A. , Nagy M. , Daroczi L. , Kokenyesi S.
Published: March 2019

Dodecanethiol-functionalized gold nanoparticles were incorporated into the polymer matrix of diurethane-methacrylate monomer mixture in the presence of SiO2 nanoparticles (8 wt %) and a new reactive organic luminescent material ACAIN (1-N-(2-acryloyloxy-3-chloroprop-1-yl)-amino-5-isocyanonaphthalene, 1 wt %). This way, a new, probably multifunctional, polymer nanocomposite was obtained. It was shown that the addition of SiO2 nanoparticles enhances the fluorescent intensity of ACAIN by 1.5 times in the 450-550 nm spectral range. Furthermore, an additional fluorescence enhancement up to 4.5 times was observed when Au nanoparticles were added to this nanocomposite in a rather low (0.12 wt %) concentration.
Crack Resistance Properties of HPFRC Beam-Column Joints under Cyclic Load
Authors: Wang Dehong , Ju Yanzhong , Shen Hao
Published: March 2019

To investigate the crack resistance properties of high-performance fiber-reinforced concrete (HPFRC) beam-column joints, quasi-static tests of twenty-four beam-column joint specimens were performed. Test specimen variables included joint types, size effect, axial compression ratio, stirrup ratio in joint, web reinforcement, and noncorner vertical reinforcement across the joint region. The influences of these factors on the crack properties of HPFRC joints were analyzed. Test results showed that the shear strength at the crack of HPFRC exterior joints with shear failure was closer to the ultimate bearing capacity. The average ratio of the cracking shear force to the peak shear force was 0.631 for the exterior joint with shear failure, and the ratio was 0.527 for the interior joint with the same size. The size effect was observed in HPFRC joint specimens, and the average shear stress at the joint crack decreased with the increase of the joint specimen size. The increase of the axial compression ratio can improve the crack resistance properties (cracking strength and crack width) of HPFRC joints. Web reinforcement and noncorner vertical reinforcement across the joint region have no evident influence on the cracking strength of joints, but they significantly affect the distribution and width of cracks in the joint region. The formulas for calculating the cracking strength and crack width of HPFRC joints were proposed based on the test results.
SoftME: A Software-Based Memory Protection Approach for TEE System to Resist Physical Attacks
Authors: Zhang Meiyu , Zhang Qianying , Zhao Shijun , Shi Zhiping , Guan Yong
Published: March 2019

The development of the Internet of Things has made embedded devices widely used. Embedded devices are often used to process sensitive data, making them the target of attackers. ARM TrustZone technology is used to protect embedded device data from compromised operating systems and applications. But as the value of the data stored in embedded devices increases, more and more effective physical attacks have emerged. However, TrustZone cannot resist physical attacks. We propose SoftME, an approach that utilizes the on-chip memory space to provide a trusted execution environment for sensitive applications. We protect the confidentiality and integrity of the data stored on the off-chip memory. In addition, we design task scheduling in the encryption process. We implement a prototype system of our approach on the development board supporting TrustZone and evaluate the overhead of our approach. The experimental results show that our approach improves the security of the system, and there is no significant increase in system overhead.
EF24 Suppresses Cholangiocellular Carcinoma Progression, Inhibits STAT3 Phosphorylation, and Induces Apoptosis via ROS-Mediated Oxidative Stress
Authors: Bisht Savita , Nolting Jens , Wenzel Jörg , Brossart Peter , Feldmann Georg
Published: March 2019

Therapeutic options for advanced stage cholangiocellular carcinoma (CCC) are very limited as of today and patients carry an exceptionally poor overall prognosis. In recent years, increasing evidence has been accumulated to suggest that malignant cells widely show increased intrinsic ROS levels and exhibit altered redox profiles as compared to normal counterparts, opening up potential avenues for therapeutic intervention. This study provides preclinical experimental evidence of therapeutic activity of the curcumin analog EF24 in cholangiocarcinoma models. In CCC cell lines, EF24 inhibited cell viability and induced apoptosis through excessive ROS generation. Moreover, administration of EF24 led to depletion of total intracellular GSH levels, induced mitochondrial depolarization, and abrogated STAT3 phosphorylation. Of interest, these effects were readily averted by treating the cells with exogenous antioxidants such as N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) or glutathione monoethyl ester (GEE). In vivo, EF24, solubilized using a cyclodextrin formulation, significantly suppressed the growth of tumor xenografts without exhibiting any toxic adverse effects. Immunohistochemical analysis of extracted tumor tissues demonstrated reduced nuclear staining for Ki-67 and downregulation of phospho-STAT3 as well as strong staining for oxidative stress biomarker 8-OHdG. Therefore, the data presented here suggest EF24 as potential therapeutic compound against CCC which might act at least to some extent through ROS-induced oxidative damage, subsequently inducing apoptosis. Further evaluation of this approach should be carried out in future follow-up studies.
Impact of Excessive Nitrogen Fertilization on the Biochemical Quality, Phenolic Compounds, and Antioxidant Power ofSesamum indicumL Seeds
Authors: Elhanafi Laila , Houhou Mariame , Rais Chaimae , Mansouri Ismail , Elghadraoui Lahsen , Greche Hassane
Published: March 2019

Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for plants life cycle. However, the excessive use of this element causes serious problems in agriculture. This can disrupt the development of many important plants.Sesamum indicumor sesame represents one of the most economically important and ancient oil crops in the world. In fact, its seeds are used for many biological activities. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effect of high levels of nitrogen on some primary and secondary metabolites and the antioxidant activity under different levels of N supply. Results analysis of our investigation showed that the excessive nitrogen supply had a serious effect on the quality of sesame seeds. In fact, N fertilizer promoted the accumulation of proteins until 57.16%, in detriment of oil and sugars that decreased with 49.43% and 16.27%, respectively. Also, total phenolic, flavonoids content, and antioxidant activity showed a significant decrease.
Baicalein Inhibits Orthotopic Human Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Xenografts via Src/Id1 Pathway
Authors: Zhao Zhengxiao , Liu Baojun , Sun Jing , Lu Linwei , Liu Lumei , Qiu Jian , Li Qiuping , Yan Chen , Jiang Shan , Mohammadtursun Nabijan , Ma Wenjuan , Li Mihui , Dong Jingcheng , Gong Weiyi
Published: March 2019

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the most lethal cancers worldwide. Inhibitor of differentiation 1 (Id1) is the member mostly linked to tumorigenesis in Id family and a potential molecular target in cancer therapy. In the current study, we established an orthotopic lung cancer model by injecting athymic nude mice with A549 cells and evaluated the antitumor effect of baicalein and expression of Id1-related proteins in vivo and in vitro. Micro-CT images showed that tumor volume in baicalein group was significantly reduced. Western blot analysis revealed that baicalein suppressed the expression of Id1 protein, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) related molecules (N-Cadherin, vimentin), and angiogenesis related protein (VEGF-A), accompanied by upregulation of epithelial markers (such as E-cadherin). In addition, phosphorylation of upstream molecular Src was significantly restrained after baicalein treatment. This study firstly demonstrates that baicalein inhibits tumor growth in orthotopic human NSCLC xenografts via targeting Src/Id1 pathway.
Impact of the Built Environment on Physical Activity in Rural Cancer Survivors
Authors: Mama SK , Bhuiyan N , Lengerich EJ , Schmitz KH
Published: March 2019

Cancer survivors (CS) residing in rural areas are less likely to meet physical activity (PA) recommendations and are more likely to report poor health than those residing in urban areas. Ecologic models suggest that the built environment affects PA, thereby influencing cancer survivorship. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of the home and neighborhood environment on PA in rural CS. Methods: CS were recruited to a cross-sectional study to explore factors related to PA in CS in central Pennsylvania. Participants completed questionnaires assessing sociodemographics, the home environment for exercise, perceived neighborhood environment, walkability, and PA. Logistic regression models were used to examine the associations between environmental correlates and the likelihood of meeting PA recommendations (≥150 minutes of moderate-to- vigorous intensity PA). Results: CS (n = 258) completed a brief demographic questionnaire, and 215 (83.3%) participants opted to complete a more in-depth questionnaire assessing the environment and PA. Nearly half of participants were prostate (21.9%) or breast (21.9%) CS, and 21.9% of participants reported multiple cancer diagnoses. Participants were mostly women (59.1%), in their mid-60s (M age = 64.7 ± 12.0 years), overweight (M BMI = 29.7 ± 6.8 kg/m2), and self-rated their health as good or better (84.3%). Over half (62.0%) of CS reported meeting PA recommendations. More equipment in the home for exercise (OR = 1.3, 95% CI: 1.1–1.6) and greater environmental support for PA (OR = 1.3, 95% CI: 1.1–1.6) were associated with a higher likelihood of meeting PA recommendations, after adjusting for age, gender, income, BMI, and cancer type. In the adjusted multivariate model, meeting PA recommendations was associated with lower street connectivity (OR = 0.5, 95% CI: 0.2–1.0), higher neighborhood aesthetics (OR = 2.8, 95% CI: 1.1–7.1), and the home environment (OR = 1.3, 95% CI: 1.1–1.6). Conclusions: Findings suggest that the home and neighborhood environment impact PA in rural CS and point to the need for interventions designed to meet the unique built environmental needs of rural CS in an effort to increase PA, improve cancer survivorship outcomes, and reduce cancer health disparities.
Trends in Breast MRI Use Among Women with BRCA Mutations: A National Claims Analysis 2006–2016
Authors: Wernli KJ , Callaway KA , Henderson LM , Kerlikowske K , Lee JM , Ross-Degnan D , Wallace JK , Wharam JF , Zhang F , Stout NK
Published: March 2019

Women with BRCA mutations are recommended to receive breast MRI as an adjunct to annual mammography for breast cancer screening however adoption of these guidelines is unclear. We estimated breast MRI use from 2006–2016 among insured US women to understand use over time. Methods: Using medical care claims, we conducted a cohort study of breast MRI use in commercially-insured women aged 20–64 years continuously enrolled for ≥1 year in a large national insurer between 2006–2016. Women were identified as BCRA mutation carriers without a personal history of breast cancer using ICD9/10 diagnosis codes. We used CPT codes to identify breast MRIs and developed claims-based algorithms to categorized MRI indication as: screening, diagnostic or other. We calculated annual age-specific and age-adjusted rates of use overall and by indication among BCRA mutation carrier women. We used autoregressive time series models to estimate the yearly trend. Results: We identified 12,457 women with BRCA mutations during the study period. Breast MRI use overall among BRCA+ women aged 20–64 was 47/1000 women in 2006 and increased on average by 11 MRIs per year to a rate of 174/1000 in 2016 (P < 0.001). Across this time period, use for screening accounted for over 80% of breast MRIs and rates mirrored the overall trend with a 4.8-fold increase from 31/1000 in 2006 to 146/1000 women by 2016. Over the same time period, use of breast MRI for diagnostic workup or other indications remained stable. Use of screening breast MRI was highest among older women aged 50–64 compared with women <40 and 40–49 years (in 2016, 189, 95, and 177/1000, respectively) Discussion: Breast MRI screening increased dramatically over the past decade in women with BRCA mutations concordant with clinical guidelines. Additional research is needed to understand use of breast imaging relative to health outcomes for this high-risk population.
Association Between Recent Ultraviolet Radiation Exposure and Cutaneous Beta Human Papillomavirus Infection
Authors: Zhao Y , Fenske N , Cherpelis B , Messina J , Giuliano AR , Mckay-Chopin S , Gheit T , Tommasino M , Rollison DE
Published: March 2019

Keratinocyte carcinoma (KC), comprised of squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma, is the most common cancer in the United States. The effects of ultraviolet radiation (UVR), an established risk factor for KC, on cutaneous human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, a suggested risk factor currently under investigation, are not well established. We assessed cross sectional associations between UVR exposure and cutaneous beta HPV infection, using data obtained from the Viruses in Skin Cancer Study (VIRUSCAN), a prospective cohort study conducted at the Moffitt Cancer Center and the University of South Florida. Methods: Eyebrow hairs (EBH), skin swabs (SSW) and spectrophotometer-based measurements of recent UVR exposure were obtained from 1,179 skin cancer screening patients enrolled in the VIRUSCAN study. Viral DNA was measured using a multiplex PCR assay for 46 beta HPV types in both skin swab samples and eyebrow hair follicles. Logistic regression was used to examine the association between UVR exposure and cutaneous HPV infection in individual sites. Ordinal logistic regression was used to examine the effect of UVR exposure on the trend of having the same HPV infection across two sites, adjusted for age and sex. Results: Patients with higher UVR exposure were more likely to test positive for beta HPV 19, 47, 100 and 145 in EBH. In SSW, beta 38, 49, 76, 100, 124 were positively associated with UVR exposure. When considering viral infection across two sites, we found UVR exposure to be significantly associated with the odds of having infection in both EBH and SSW for beta HPV 19 (OR = 1.12, 95% CI: 1.03–1.23, p-trend = 0.04), 38 (OR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.04–1.13, p-trend < 0.01), 76 (OR = 1.06, 95% CI: 1.00–1.12, p-trend = 0.01), and 100 (OR = 1.10, 95% CI: 1.04–1.17, p-trend = 0.01). Conclusions: UVR exposure is positively associated with beta cutaneous HPV at the type level, in both individual sites and across skin swab and eyebrow hair. Future research is needed to better understand the biological mechanisms mediating the associations between UVR and cutaneous HPV infection.