bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flexural Behavior of Pultruded GFRP Deck Panels with Snap-Fit Connections
Authors: Sá Mário F. , Gomes Augusto M. , Correia João R. , Silvestre Nuno
Published: May 2017

This paper presents experimental, analytical and numerical investigations about the flexural behavior of glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) pultruded panels for footbridge decks. The analyzed panels, made of isophthalic polyester and E-glass fibers, comprise a multicellular thin-walled cross-section with panel-to-panel vertical snap-fit connections at their lateral edges. As part of a comprehensive study about the mechanical and structural behavior of this type of footbridge decks, the experimental study presented here addresses: (i) the mechanical characterization of the laminated material, and (ii) the quasi-static flexural behavior of the panels for both service and failure conditions. The experimental data obtained is used to validate and assess the accuracy of three-dimensional shell finite element (FE) models and analytical formulae. Particular focus is given to the serviceability and failure performance of the panels, in terms of their deformability and susceptibility to buckling phenomena, respectively. Regarding the serviceability behavior, the results obtained in this study demonstrate the importance of duly specifying the shear coefficient of the multicellular cross-section on Timoshenko beam theory, in order to obtain accurate deflection predictions. In terms of failure performance, both the flexural tests and the analytical formulae indicate that the local buckling of the compressive flanges seems to have triggered the collapse of the tested panels, thus limiting their load carrying capacity. The geometrically nonlinear FE analyses allowed understanding in further depth the ultimate behavior of the panels, providing further insights about their failure mechanisms.
Audience Validation in Online Media Using Limited Behavioral Data and Demographic Mix
Authors: Kar Wreetabrata , Swaminathan Sarath , Swaminathan Viswanathan
Published: May 2017

At the onset of any campaign in an online media, an advertiser usually provides a specific demographic “target” to a content publisher. But limited individual profile information leads to low accuracy in targeting. A third party (like Nielsen, Comscore) validates the percentage success of “in-target” impressions. Low accuracy in targeting is expensive as the publisher gets paid only for the impressions which were on target. However, publishers could get access to the demographic mix information for each show from the third party. In this work, we propose a new approach to incorporate user level latent features developed from the show-wise demographic mix provided by the third party, along with session level features of viewers to improve the demographic predictions. In congruence with current industry practice, we train our model on a small labeled data and establish the effectiveness of our approach over existing approaches through experiments.
Simulating Context in Mobile Learning Games for Testing and Debugging
Authors: Schimanke Florian , Mertens Robert , Hill Leonard , Vornberger Oliver
Published: May 2017

Especially software running on mobile devices does increasingly rely on contextual information such as time and location. And whenever a software product is affected by context, this context has to be replicated for testing and debugging. This paper introduces an external context manipulation interface for a previously developed learning item scheduler. The scheduler determines when to present a learning item in a learning game based on previous interaction in order to maximize learning efficiency and is based on psychological models. As inter-presentation-intervals can be in the range of days to months, system testing cannot be conducted in a conventional manner. Hence, virtual time hops can be used to fast forward to any specific point in virtual time which would make the software act like it was system time. The approach has shown to be a valuable debugging and testing aid and can be extended for other contextual information sources.
Augmenting Field Data for Testing Systems Subject to Incremental Requirements Changes
Authors: Di Nardo Daniel , Pastore Fabrizio , Briand Lionel
Published: May 2017

When testing data processing systems, software engineers often use real-world data to perform system-level testing. However, in the presence of new data requirements, software engineers may no longer benefit from having real-world data with which to perform testing. Typically, new test inputs complying with the new requirements have to be manually written.

We propose an automated model-based approach that combines data modelling and constraint solving to modify existing field data to generate test inputs for testing new data requirements. The approach scales in the presence of complex and structured data, thanks to both the reuse of existing field data and the adoption of an innovative input generation algorithm based on slicing the model into parts.

We validated the scalability and effectiveness of the proposed approach using an industrial case study. The empirical study shows that the approach scales in the presence of large amounts of structured and complex data. The approach can produce, within a reasonable time, test input data that is over ten times larger in size than the data generated with constraint solving only. We also demonstrate that the generated test inputs achieve more code coverage than the test cases implemented by experienced software engineers.
Automatic Analysis and Abstraction for Model Checking HW/SW Co-Designs modeled in SystemC
Authors: Liebrenz Timm , Klös Verena , Herber Paula
Published: May 2017

Embedded systems usually consist of deeply integrated hardware and software components. As a consequence, modular verification is not easily possible. One important step towards modular verification of integrated HW/SW systems is to automatically compute abstractions of components that influence the overall system behavior but are not relevant for a given property. In this paper, we present an automatic abstraction technique for HW/SW co-designs modeled in SystemC. The key idea is to use a variant of classical abstract interpretation that is tailored for the specific semantics of SystemC. Our main contributions are the following: First, we present an analysis that determines data-dependencies between variables and equivalent data values with respect to conditional branches while taking the timing behavior and scheduling policies of SystemC into consideration. Second, we use the results for slicing and variable abstraction to significantly reduce the semantic state space of a given SystemC design and again produce a valid abstract design. Our abstraction technique makes it possible to automatically verify properties for comparatively large designs with the UPPAAL model checker, which cannot be handled without our approach. We demonstrate this with two case studies from the SystemC reference implementation.
Large-Scale Computerized Text Analysis in Political Science: Opportunities and Challenges
Authors: Wilkerson John , Casas Andreu
Published: May 2017

Text has always been an important data source in political science. What has changed in recent years is the feasibility of investigating large amounts of text quantitatively. The internet provides political scientists with more data than their mentors could have imagined, and the research community is providing accessible text analysis software packages, along with training and support. As a result, text-as-data research is becoming mainstream in political science. Scholars are tapping new data sources, they are employing more diverse methods, and they are becoming critical consumers of findings based on those methods. In this article, we first describe the four stages of a typical text-as-data project. We then review recent political science applications and explore one important methodological challenge—topic model instability—in greater detail.
CFTR-mediated anion secretion across intestinal epithelium-like Caco-2 monolayer under PTH stimulation is dependent on intermediate conductance K+ channels
Authors: Jantarajit Walailak , Lertsuwan Kornkamon , Teerapornpuntakit Jarinthorn , Krishnamra Nateetip , Charoenphandhu Narattaphol
Published: May 2017

Parathyroid hormone (PTH), a pleiotropic hormone that maintains mineral homeostasis, is also essential for controlling pH balance and ion transport across renal and intestinal epithelia. Optimization of luminal pH is important for absorption of trace elements, e.g., calcium and phosphorus. We have previously demonstrated that PTH rapidly stimulated electrogenic [Formula: see text] secretion in intestinal epithelial-like Caco-2 monolayers, but the underlying cellular mechanism, contributions of other ions, particularly Cl– and K+, and long-lasting responses are not completely understood. Herein, PTH and forskolin were confirmed to induce anion secretion, which peaked within 1–3 min (early phase), followed by an abrupt decay and plateau that lasted for 60 min (late phase). In both early and late phases, apical membrane capacitance was increased with a decrease in basolateral capacitance after PTH or forskolin exposure. PTH also induced a transient increase in apical conductance with a long-lasting decrease in basolateral conductance. Anion secretion in both phases was reduced under [Formula: see text]-free and/or Cl−-free conditions or after exposure to carbonic anhydrase inhibitor (acetazolamide), CFTR inhibitor (CFTRinh-172), Na+/H+ exchanger (NHE)-3 inhibitor (tenapanor), or K+ channel inhibitors (BaCl2, clotrimazole, and TRAM-34; basolateral side), the latter of which suggested that PTH action was dependent on basolateral K+ recycling. Furthermore, early- and late-phase responses to PTH were diminished by inhibitors of PI3K (wortmannin and LY-294002) and PKA (PKI 14–22). In conclusion, PTH requires NHE3 and basolateral K+ channels to induce [Formula: see text] and Cl− secretion, thus explaining how PTH regulated luminal pH balance and pH-dependent absorption of trace minerals.
Pigeon Pea and Cowpea-Based Cropping Systems Improve Vesicular Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungal Colonisation of Subsequent Maize on the Alfisols in Central Malawi
Authors: Njira Keston O. W. , Semu Ernest , Mrema Jerome P. , Nalivata Patson C.
Published: May 2017

Mycorrhizal associations contribute to the sustainability of crop production systems through their roles in nutrient cycling and other benefits in the soil-plant ecosystems. A two-year study was conducted on the Alfisols of Lilongwe and Dowa districts, Central Malawi, to assess the vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) fungal colonisation levels in pigeon pea, cowpea, and maize grown in sole cropping, legume-cereal, and legume-legume intercropping systems and in the maize grown in short rotation (year 2) as influenced by the previous cropping systems and N fertilizer application. The gridline intersect method was used to assess the VAM fungal colonisation levels. Results showed that all treatments that included legumes whether grown as sole crop, in legume-cereal or in legume-legume cropping systems in the previous year, had significantly higher (P < 0.05) VAM fungal colonisation of the rotational maize crop roots by a range 39% to 50% and 19% to 47% than those in maize supplied and not supplied with N fertilizer, respectively, in a maize-maize short rotation, at the Lilongwe site. A similar trend was reported for the Dowa site. Furthermore, there were positive correlations between VAM fungal colonisation and the plant P content, dry matter yield, and nodule numbers. Further studies may help to assess the diversity of VAM fungal species in Malawi soils and identify more adaptive ones for inoculation studies.
Denosumab Therapy for Giant Cell Tumor of Bone Pulmonary Metastasis
Authors: Egbert Ryan Carlisle , Folsom Ryan , Bell Jeff , Rajani Rajiv
Published: May 2017

Case. A 68-year-old female was diagnosed with giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB) metastatic to her lungs. The patient was treated with IV denosumab for the course of 4.5 years for these metastases. The metastatic tumor burden decreased significantly after only 3 months of therapy. The size of the metastases has been stable for over 4 years. Conclusion. Denosumab therapy has promise in the treatment of GCTB, including pulmonary metastasis. However, the long-term role of denosumab for pulmonary metastases is yet to be determined.
Predictors of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support for Children with Acute Myocarditis
Authors: Wu Han-Ping , Lin Mao-Jen , Yang Wen-Chieh , Wu Kang-Hsi , Chen Chun-Yu
Published: May 2017

The clinical presentation of acute myocarditis in children may range from asymptomatic to sudden cardiac arrest. This study analyzed the clinical spectrum of acute myocarditis in children to identify factors that could aid primary care physicians to predict the need for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) earlier and consult the pediatric cardiologist promptly. Between October 2011 and September 2016, we retrospectively analyzed 60 patients aged 18 years or younger who were admitted to our pediatric emergency department with a definite diagnosis of acute myocarditis. Data on demographics, presentation, laboratory tests, electrocardiogram and echocardiography findings, treatment modalities, complications, and long-term outcomes were obtained. During the study period, 60 patients (32 male, 28 female; mean age, 8.8±6.32 years) were diagnosed with acute myocarditis. Fever, cough, and chest pain were the most common symptoms (68.3%, 56.7%, and 53.3%, resp.). Arrhythmia and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) < 60%, vomiting, weakness, and seizure were more common in the ECMO group than in the non-ECMO group, with statistical significance (P<0.05). Female sex, vomiting, weakness, seizure, arrhythmia, and echocardiography showing LVEF < 60% may predict the need for ECMO. Initial serum troponin-I cutoff values greater than 14.21 ng/mL may also indicate the need for ECMO support for children with acute myocarditis.
Influence of Curing Time on the Drying Shrinkage of Concretes with Different Binders and Water-to-Binder Ratios
Authors: Yang Jun , Wang Qiang , Zhou Yuqi
Published: May 2017

Plain cement concrete, ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) concrete, and fly ash concrete were designed. Three wet curing periods were employed, which were 2, 5, and 8 days. The drying shrinkage values of the concretes were measured within 1 year after wet curing. The results show that the increasing rate of the drying shrinkage of concrete containing a mineral admixture at late age is higher than that of plain cement concrete regardless of the wet curing time. With the reduction of wet curing time, the increment of total drying shrinkage of concrete decreases with the decrease of the W/B ratio. The negative effects on the drying shrinkage of fly ash concrete due to the reduction of the wet curing time are much more obvious than those of GGBS concrete and plain cement concrete. Superfine ground granulated blast furnace slag (SGGBS) can reduce the drying shrinkage of GGBS concrete and fly ash concrete when the wet curing time is insufficient.
The Magnetic Field Produced by the Heart and Its Influence on MRI
Authors: Xu Dan , Roth Bradley J.
Published: May 2017

Background. Action currents in the heart produce a magnetic field, which could provide a way to detect the propagation of electrical activity through cardiac tissue using magnetic resonance imaging. However, the magnetic field produced by current in the heart is small. The key question addressed in this study is are cardiac biomagnetic fields large enough to be detectable by MRI? Results. A spherical model is used to calculate the magnetic field inside the heart, which has a magnitude of about 14 nT. This field implies a phase shift in the MRI signal of about 0.2°. Conclusion. Phase shifts associated with cardiac action currents will be difficult to detect using current MRI technology but may be possible if motion artifacts and other physiological noise can be suppressed.
Enhanced Discrete‐Time Sliding Mode Filter for Removing Noise
Authors: Jin Shanhai , Wang Xiaodan , Jin Yonggao , Xiong Xiaogang
Published: May 2017

This paper presents a new discrete‐time sliding mode filter for effectively removing noise in control of mechatronic systems. The presented filter is an enhanced version of a sliding mode filter by employing an adaptive gain in determining a virtual desired velocity of the output. Owing to the use of backward Euler discretization, the discrete‐time implementation of the filter does not produce chattering, which has been considered as a common problem of sliding mode techniques. Besides that, the state of the filter converges to the desired state in finite time. Numerical example and experimental position control of a mechatronic system are conducted for validating the effectiveness of the filter.
Do Successive Preterm Births Increase the Risk of Postpartum Depressive Symptoms?
Authors: Ihongbe Timothy O. , Masho Saba W.
Published: May 2017

Background. Postpartum depression and preterm birth (PTB) are major problems affecting women’s health. PTB has been associated with increased risk of postpartum depressive symptoms (PDS). However, it is unclear if PTB in women with a prior history of PTB is associated with an incremental risk of PDS. This study aims to determine if PTB in women with a prior history of PTB is associated with an incremental risk of PDS. Methods. Data come from the 2009–2011 national Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System. Study sample included 55,681 multiparous women with singleton live births in the index delivery. Multiple logistic regression was used to examine the association between PTB and PDS. Results. The risk of PDS was 55% higher in women with PTB in both deliveries (aRR = 1.55; 95% CI = 1.28–1.88) and 74% higher in women with PTB in the index delivery only (aRR = 1.74; 95% CI = 1.49–2.05), compared to women with term deliveries. Conclusions. Preterm birth is a risk factor for PDS. PTB in women with a prior history of PTB is not associated with an incremental risk of PDS. Routine screening for PDS should be conducted for all women and closer monitoring should be done for high risk women with PTB.
Associations betweenInterleukin-31Gene Polymorphisms and Dilated Cardiomyopathy in a Chinese Population
Authors: Song Huizi , Peng Ying , Zhou Bin , Chen Nan , Xie Xiaochuan , Dou Qingyu , Zhong Yue , Rao Li
Published: May 2017

To explore the role ofInterkeulin-31 (IL-31)in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), in our study, two SNPs ofIL-31, rs4758680 (C/A) and rs7977932 (C/G), were analyzed in 331 DCM patients and 493 controls in a Chinese Han population. The frequencies of C allele and CC genotype of rs4758680 were significantly increased in DCM patients (P=0.005,P=0.001, resp.). Compared to CC genotype of rs4758680, the A carriers (CA/AA genotypes) were the protect factors in DCM susceptibility while the frequencies of CA/AA genotypes were decreased in the dominant model for DCM group (P<0.001, OR = 0.56, 95%CI = 0.39–0.79). Moreover, IL-31 mRNA expression level of white blood cells was increased in DCM patients (0.072 (0.044–0.144) versus 0.036 (0.020–0.052),P<0.001). In survival analysis of 159 DCM patients, Kaplan-Meier curve revealed the correlation between CC homozygote of rs4758680 and worse prognosis for DCM group (P=0.005). Compared to CC genotype, the CA/AA genotypes were the independent factors in both univariate (HR = 0.530, 95%CI = 0.337–0.834,P=0.006) and multivariate analyses after age, gender, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, and left ventricular ejection fraction adjusted (HR = 0.548, 95%CI = 0.345–0.869,P=0.011). Thus, we concluded thatIL-31gene polymorphisms were tightly associated with DCM susceptibility and contributed to worse prognosis in DCM patients.
Temporary Frontal Paralysis Secondary to Blunt Trauma Frontal Sinus Fracture
Authors: Bastianelli Mark , Hamilton Stefan , Hearn Matthew , Kherani Safeena , Macdonald Kristian I.
Published: May 2017

Frontal sinus fractures (FSF) are relatively uncommon and can be challenging for trauma surgeons to manage. Patients with FSF typically present with facial swelling, pain, and nasofrontal ecchymosis. Here we present a rare case of a patient with FSF and anterior table fracture where the main presenting symptom was bilateral frontal paralysis. We outline our management strategy and review the current literature in regard to management of FSF.
Extraction and Physicochemical Characterization of Mucilage from Opuntia cochenillifera (L.) Miller
Authors: Monrroy Mariel , García Erick , Ríos Katherine , García José Renán
Published: May 2017

The aim of this study was to extract mucilage from O. cochenillifera (L.) cacti and determine its functional and physicochemical properties. The best mucilage yield (31%) was obtained by nonthermal extraction with hydration. The mucilage has appreciable carbohydrate and protein contents. The phytochemical analysis shown the presence of alkaloids and terpenes/steroids. The Fourier transformed infrared (FT-IR) spectrum of the mucilage exhibits typical bands for carbohydrates as O–H, C–H, and –COO−. The mucilage demonstrated water- and oil-holding capacities of 2.78 g water/g dry mucilage and 1.80 g oil/g dry mucilage, respectively, these properties can have a positive effect on the texture of the products when used as a stabilizer. The mildly acidic pH (4.8–5) contributes to its emulsifying capacity. The presence of electrolytes in the mucilage can be of great value in flocculation processes. The mucilage forms low viscosity solutions in the same manner as gum Arabic. Finally, its potential for use as a textile dye remover was evaluated, achieving a 70% removal rate from aqueous solutions. The prepared mucilage exhibits properties that recommend it as a natural material that can be used as an additive in the chemical, food, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics industries, as well as in decontamination processes.
A Review of Innovations in Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment Surgical Techniques
Authors: Nemet Achia , Moshiri Ala , Yiu Glenn , Loewenstein Anat , Moisseiev Elad
Published: May 2017

Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) requires surgical intervention for its repair. There are variable techniques used for this purpose, and they are all being continuously refined. In this review, we detail the recent innovations in surgical management of RRD and proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR).
Resonant Scattering and Energy Relaxation in Quantum Dot Systems
Authors: Larkin I. A. , Vagov A.
Published: May 2017

We propose a new Auger-like mechanism for energy relaxation in quantum dots (QD) driven by resonant scattering of delocalized wetting layer (WL) carriers. It is demonstrated that resonant scattering leads to a considerable increase in the relaxation rate that can explain experimentally obtained relaxation rates. Analytical results for the relaxation rate are obtained for rectangular dots revealing a weak logarithmic dependence on the dot depth and level density. Comparing results for a rectangular and a parabolic QD model we conclude that the relaxation rate is not very sensitive to a chosen model.
Sclerema Neonatorum Treated Successfully with Parenteral Steroids: An Experience from a Resource Poor Country
Authors: Shrestha Sandeep , Chaudhary Nagendra , Koirala Sujit , Gupta Ruchi
Published: May 2017

Sclerema neonatorum is a form of panniculitides characterized by diffuse hardening of subcutaneous tissue with minimal inflammation. It usually affects ill and preterm neonates. Prognosis is usually poor in many cases despite aggressive management. Various treatment modalities (antibiotics, intravenous immunoglobulin, steroids, and exchange transfusion) have been explained in literature. Steroids due to its easy availability and low cost can prove to be lifesaving in such cases, especially in resource poor countries. Here, we report a case of sclerema neonatorum in a one-week preterm baby treated successfully with parenteral steroids and antibiotics.
The Lumbodorsal Fascia as a Potential Source of Low Back Pain: A Narrative Review
Authors: Wilke Jan , Schleip Robert , Klingler Werner , Stecco Carla
Published: May 2017

The lumbodorsal fascia (LF) has been proposed to represent a possible source of idiopathic low back pain. In fact, histological studies have demonstrated the presence of nociceptive free nerve endings within the LF, which, furthermore, appear to exhibit morphological changes in patients with chronic low back pain. However, it is unclear how these characteristics relate to the aetiology of the pain. In vivo elicitation of back pain via experimental stimulation of the LF suggests that dorsal horn neurons react by increasing their excitability. Such sensitization of fascia-related dorsal horn neurons, in turn, could be related to microinjuries and/or inflammation in the LF. Despite available data point towards a significant role of the LF in low back pain, further studies are needed to better understand the involved neurophysiological dynamics.
Parotitis as an Initial Symptom of Kawasaki Disease
Authors: Yokoyama Koji
Published: May 2017

We report the case of a 13-month-old boy who developed right side parotitis as a first symptom of Kawasaki disease (KD). The data presented herein suggest that physicians should be aware that nonsuppurative parotitis is a possible manifestation of KD.
Effect of Color Light Stimulation Using LED on Sleep Induction Time
Authors: Lee Seonjin , Kim Dongwook
Published: May 2017

The effects of color are already being used widely. For this reason, in this study, an attempt was made to use such effects of color to examine the changes in sleep onset through the use of the preferred and nonpreferred color light stimulation. Color light stimulations were randomly presented to the subjects, and based on these colors, the changes in sleep onset were examined through the EEG. Also, to quantify the physiological changes that were caused by each color light stimulation, the changes in the HRV were examined through ECG to determine the level of activation of the autonomous nervous system. The results showed that sleep onset time was changed based on the light stimulation. The result of the EEG analysis showed that sleep onset time was most significantly shortened in preferred color light stimulation. Also, the result of HRV was the fastest change about both the time domain and the frequency domain in the preferred color light stimulation. Therefore, because the preferred color light stimulation activated the parasympathetic nervous system, sleep was induced quickly. Also, by simply using the HRV, the differences in the index of HRV showed changes of sleep onset according to the color light stimulation.
Prebiotics: A Novel Approach to Treat Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Fatima Naz , Akhtar Tasleem , Sheikh Nadeem
Published: May 2017

Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the fatal malignancies and is considered as the third leading cause of death. Mutations, genetic modifications, dietary aflatoxins, or impairments in the regulation of oncogenic pathways may bring about liver cancer. An effective barrier against hepatotoxins is offered by gut-liver axis as a change in gut permeability and expanded translocation of lipopolysaccharides triggers the activation of Toll-like receptors which stimulate the process of hepatocarcinogenesis. Prebiotics, nondigestible oligosaccharides, have a pivotal role to play when it comes to inducing an antitumor effect. A healthy gut flora balance is imperative to downregulation of inflammatory cytokines and reducing lipopolysaccharides induced endotoxemia, thus inducing the antitumor effect.
A Fisher’s Criterion‐Based Linear Discriminant Analysis for Predicting the Critical Values of Coal and Gas Outbursts Using the Initial Gas Flow in a Borehole
Authors: Li Xiaowei , Jiang Chenglin , Tang Jun , Chen Yujia , Yang Dingding , Chen Zixian
Published: May 2017

The risk of coal and gas outbursts can be predicted using a method that is linear and continuous and based on the initial gas flow in the borehole (IGFB); this method is significantly superior to the traditional point prediction method. Acquiring accurate critical values is the key to ensuring accurate predictions. Based on ideal rock cross‐cut coal uncovering model, the IGFB measurement device was developed. The present study measured the data of the initial gas flow over 3 min in a 1 m long borehole with a diameter of 42 mm in the laboratory. A total of 48 sets of data were obtained. These data were fuzzy and chaotic. Fisher’s discrimination method was able to transform these spatial data, which were multidimensional due to the factors influencing the IGFB, into a one‐dimensional function and determine its critical value. Then, by processing the data into a normal distribution, the critical values of the outbursts were analyzed using linear discriminant analysis with Fisher’s criterion. The weak and strong outbursts had critical values of 36.63 L and 80.85 L, respectively, and the accuracy of the back‐discriminant analysis for the weak and strong outbursts was 94.74% and 92.86%, respectively. Eight outburst tests were simulated in the laboratory, the reverse verification accuracy was 100%, and the accuracy of the critical value was verified.
Field Testing and Analysis of Embankment Vibrations Induced by Heavy Haul Trains
Authors: Li Peng , Ling Xianzhang , Zhang Feng , Li Yan , Zhao Yingying
Published: May 2017

This paper presents a field testing of track and ground-borne vibration generated by heavy haul trains. The test sites consisted of three embankments with height of 6.6, 8.1, and 11.9, respectively. The acceleration signals of the rail, sleeper, and embankment surface were recorded, and then the propagation characteristics of ground vibration with distance to track center were contrastively analyzed. The test results show that horizontal vibration was dominant for locations near the track but decreased rapidly and became comparable with the vertical levels as the distance from track center increases. The quasi-static excitation dominated the sleeper response, and the dominant frequency range was found in the low-frequency zone corresponding to the fundamental axle passage frequency. For embankment surface, another pronounced dominant frequency zone was observed between 30 and 80 Hz, which was attributed to the dynamic excitation. Moreover, these higher frequency components were more promptly attenuated than low-frequency ones. The reason that vibration levels generated by locomotive were greater than wagon was attributed to the different bogie suspension mode. The relationship between normalized PPV and distance from track center in doubly logarithmic scales can be expressed with exponential function, and the vibration attenuation rates were restrained with increasing the embankment height.
Statistical Analysis of High-Resolution Coherent Monopulse Radar Sea Clutter
Authors: Zhu Hong , Wang Qingping , Tai Ning , Huang Jingjian , Yuan Naichang
Published: May 2017

A statistical analysis that properly characterizes sea clutter processes is indispensable both for optimum detection algorithm design and for performance prediction problems in maritime surveillance applications. In this paper, we present the statistical analysis of experimental sea clutter data collected by a high-resolution coherent monopulse radar. First, we present the amplitude statistical analyses for these clutter data. The results show that the K, Pareto, and CIG distributions can each provide good fits to the clutter data for three channels of monopulse radar. The analyses on the variations of the K distribution parameters with range suggest that the scale parameter is closely associated with the clutter powers and that the shape parameter is influenced by the sea state. Then, we focus on the correlation properties. The averaged results suggest that the temporal and spatial correlation properties are similar for the clutter of all three channels. Moreover, the clutter between the sum and difference channels is almost completely correlated in elevation and is lowly correlated in azimuth. Finally, we perform a spectral analysis, highlighting the temporal and spatial variabilities of Doppler spectra. It is found that the individual Doppler spectra in all three channels can be represented by Gaussian-shaped power spectral densities, and their centroid and width can be modeled as two separate stage linear functions of spectrum intensity.
Short- and Long-Term, 11–22 Years, Results after Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication in Obese versus Nonobese Patients
Authors: Schietroma Mario , Piccione Federica , Clementi Marco , Cecilia Emanuela Marina , Sista Federico , Pessia Beatrice , Carlei Francesco , Guadagni Stefano , Amicucci Gianfranco
Published: May 2017

Background. Some studies suggest that obesity is associated with a poor outcome after Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication (LNF), whereas others have not replicated these findings. The effect of body mass index (BMI) on the short- and long-term results of LNF is investigated.Methods. Inclusion criteria were only patients who undergone a LNF with at least 11-year follow-up data available, patients with preoperative weight and height data available for calculation of BMI (Kg/m2), and patients with a BMI up to a maximum of 34.9.Results. 201 patients met the inclusion criteria: 43 (21.4%) had a normal BMI, 89 (44.2%) were overweight, and 69 (34.4%) were obese. The operation was significantly longer in obese patients; the use of drains and graft was less in the normal BMI group (p<0.0001). The hospital stay, conversion (6,4%), and intraoperative and early postoperative complications were not influenced by BMI.Conclusions. BMI does not influence short-term outcomes following LNF, but long-term control of reflux in obese patients is worse than in normal weight subjects.
Equilibrium Measurements of the NH3-CO2-H2O System: Speciation Based on Raman Spectroscopy and Multivariate Modeling
Authors: Halstensen Maths , Jilvero Henrik , Jinadasa Wathsala N. , Jens Klaus-J.
Published: May 2017

Liquid speciation is important for reliable process design and optimization of gas-liquid absorption process. Liquid-phase speciation methods are currently available, although they involve tedious and time-consuming laboratory work. Raman spectroscopy is well suited for in situ monitoring of aqueous chemical reactions. Here, we report on the development of a method for speciation of the CO2-NH3-H2O equilibrium using Raman spectroscopy and PLS-R modeling. The quantification methodology presented here offers a novel approach to provide rapid and reliable predictions of the carbon distribution of the CO2-NH3-H2O system, which may be used for process control and optimization. Validation of the reported speciation method which is based on independent, known, NH3-CO2-H2O solutions shows estimated prediction uncertainties for carbonate, bicarbonate, and carbamate of 6.45 mmol/kg H2O, 34.39 mmol/kg H2O, and 100.9 mmol/kg H2O, respectively.
Uncommon Etiology for Seizure: Cerebral Hyperperfusion Syndrome
Authors: Kurukumbi Mohankumar , Truong Ahn , Pirsaharkhiz Naghemeh
Published: May 2017

Cerebral hyperperfusion syndrome (CHS) is a rare life-threatening complication of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid artery stenting (CAS) for carotid artery stenosis. The incidence varies between 0 and 3%, depending on the severity of the stenosis, perioperative hypertension, and contralateral carotid stenosis. This case report reports a 53-year-old female patient presenting with decreased alertness and multiple tonic-clonic seizures, in the background of bilateral CEA. She was found to have bilateral carotid stenosis. Her left CEA was performed three months prior and right CEA was four days prior to her current presentation with seizures. After bilateral CEA, the imaging showed extensive pathologic process involving primarily the subcortical white matter and overlying cortex, more on the right cerebral hemisphere. On follow-up six weeks later, she reported no recurrent seizures and imaging showed decrease in abnormal signal intensity of the grey and white matter. This was indicative of near complete resolution of hyperperfusion damage. CHS is a rare complication due to the loss of autoregulation of the cerebrovascular system and increased blood flow status after bilateral CEA. This case is reported because of a rare and unique presentation of seizures in the background of bilateral CEA.
Attack on Privacy‐Preserving Public Auditing Schemes for Cloud Storage
Authors: Kang Baoyuan , Wang Jiaqiang , Shao Dongyang
Published: May 2017

With the development of Internet, cloud computing has emerged to provide service to data users. But, it is necessary for an auditor on behalf of users to check the integrity of the data stored in the cloud. The cloud server also must ensure the privacy of the data. In a usual public integrity check scheme, the linear combination of data blocks is needed for verification. But, after times of auditing on the same data blocks, based on collected linear combinations, the auditor might derive these blocks. Recently, a number of public auditing schemes with privacy‐preserving are proposed. With blinded linear combinations of data blocks, the authors of these schemes believed that the auditor cannot derive any information about the data blocks and claimed that their schemes are provably secure in the random oracle model. In this paper, with detailed security analysis of these schemes, we show that these schemes are vulnerable to an attack from the malicious cloud server who modifies the data blocks and succeeds in forging proof information for data integrity check.
The LDL Receptor-Related Protein 1: At the Crossroads of Lipoprotein Metabolism and Insulin Signaling
Authors: Au Dianaly T. , Strickland Dudley K. , Muratoglu Selen C.
Published: May 2017

The metabolic syndrome is an escalating worldwide public health concern. Defined by a combination of physiological, metabolic, and biochemical factors, the metabolic syndrome is used as a clinical guideline to identify individuals with a higher risk for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Although risk factors for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease have been known for decades, the molecular mechanisms involved in the pathophysiology of these diseases and their interrelationship remain unclear. The LDL receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1) is a large endocytic and signaling receptor that is widely expressed in several tissues. As a member of the LDL receptor family, LRP1 is involved in the clearance of chylomicron remnants from the circulation and has been demonstrated to be atheroprotective. Recently, studies have shown that LRP1 is involved in insulin receptor trafficking and regulation and glucose metabolism. This review summarizes the role of tissue-specific LRP1 in insulin signaling and its potential role as a link between lipoprotein and glucose metabolism in diabetes.
On the Boundedness of the Fractional Bergman Operators
Authors: Sehba Benoît F.
Published: May 2017

We give a necessary and sufficient condition for the boundedness of the Bergman fractional operators.
Alleviating Promotion of Inflammation and Cancer Induced by Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
Authors: Kyriakopoulos Anthony M. , Nagl Markus , Baliou Stella , Zoumpourlis Vasilleios
Published: May 2017

Clinical Relevance. Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) including aspirin are of intensive use nowadays. These drugs exert their activity via the metabolism of arachidonic acid (AA) by cyclooxygenase inhibition. Though beneficial for health in some instances, both unspecific and specific cyclooxygenase inhibitor activity interfere with AA metabolism producing also proinflammatory lipids that may promote cancer.Materials and Methods. This review is based on available literature on clinical uses, biochemical investigations, molecular medicine, pharmacology, toxicity, and epidemiology-clinical studies on NSAIDs and other drugs that may be used accordingly, which was collected from electronic (SciFinder, Medline, Science Direct, and ACS among others) and library searches of books and journals.Results. Relevant literature supports the notion that NDSAID use may also promote proinflammatory biochemical events that are also related to precancerous predisposition. Several agents are proposed that may be employed in immediate future to supplement and optimize treatment with NSAIDs. In this way serious side effects arising from promotion of inflammation and cancer, especially in chronic NSAID users and high risk groups of patients, could be avoided.
ATOH1 Promotes Leptomeningeal Dissemination and Metastasis of Sonic Hedgehog Subgroup Medulloblastomas
Authors: Grausam Katie B. , Dooyema Samuel D.R. , Bihannic Laure , Premathilake Hasitha , Morrissy A. Sorana , Forget Antoine , Schaefer Amanda M. , Gundelach Justin H. , Macura Slobodan , Maher Diane M. , Wang Xin , Heglin Alex H. , Ge Xijin , Zeng Erliang , Puget Stephanie , Chandrasekar Indra , Surendran Kameswaran , Bram Richard J. , Schüller Ulrich , Talyor Michael D. , Ayrault Olivier , Zhao Haotian
Published: May 2017

Medulloblastoma arising from the cerebellum is the most common pediatric brain malignancy, with leptomeningeal metastases often present at diagnosis and recurrence associated with poor clinical outcome. In this study, we used mouse medulloblastoma models to explore the relationship of tumor pathophysiology and dysregulated expression of the NOTCH pathway transcription factor ATOH1, which is present in aggressive medulloblastoma subtypes driven by aberrant Sonic Hedgehog/Patched (SHH/PTCH) signaling. In experiments with conditional ATOH1 mouse mutants crossed to Ptch1+/− mice, which develop SHH-driven medulloblastoma, animals with Atoh1 transgene expression developed highly penetrant medulloblastoma at a young age with extensive leptomeningeal disease and metastasis to the spinal cord and brain, resembling xenografts of human SHH medulloblastoma. Metastatic tumors retained abnormal SHH signaling like tumor xenografts. Conversely, ATOH1 expression was detected consistently in recurrent and metastatic SHH medulloblastoma. Chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing and gene expression profiling identified candidate ATOH1 targets in tumor cells involved in development and tumorigenesis. Among these targets specific to metastatic tumors, there was an enrichment in those implicated in extracellular matrix remodeling activity, cytoskeletal network and interaction with microenvironment, indicating a shift in transcriptomic and epigenomic landscapes during metastasis. Treatment with bone morphogenetic protein or SHH pathway inhibitors decreased tumor cell proliferation and suppressed metastatic tumor growth, respectively. Our work reveals a dynamic ATOH1-driven molecular cascade underlying medulloblastoma metastasis that offers possible therapeutic opportunities. Cancer Res; 77(14); 3766–77. ©2017 AACR.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy May Sustain Antidepressant Effects of Intravenous Ketamine in Treatment-Resistant Depression
Authors: Wilkinson Samuel T. , Wright DaShaun , Fasula Madonna K. , Fenton Lisa , Griepp Matthew , Ostroff Robert B. , Sanacora Gerard
Published: May 2017

Introduction: Ketamine has shown rapid though short-lived antidepressant effects. The possibility of concerning neurobiological changes following repeated exposure to the drug motivates the development of strategies that obviate or minimize the need for longer-term treatment with ketamine. In this open-label trial, we investigated whether cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can sustain or extend ketamine's antidepressant effects. Methods: Patients who were pursuing ketamine infusion therapy for treatment-resistant depression were invited to participate in the study. If enrolled, the subjects initiated a 12-session, 10-week course of CBT concurrently with a short 4-treatment, 2-week course of intravenous ketamine (0.5 mg/kg infused over 40 min) provided under a standardized clinical protocol. Results: Sixteen participants initiated the protocol, with 8 (50%) attaining a response to the ketamine and 7 (43.8%) achieving remission during the first 2 weeks of protocol. Among ketamine responders, the relapse rate at the end of the CBT course (8 weeks following the last ketamine exposure) was 25% (2/8). On longer-term follow-up, 5 of 8 subjects eventually relapsed, the median time to relapse being 12 weeks following ketamine exposure. Among ketamine remitters, 3 of 7 retained remission until at least 4 weeks following the last ketamine exposure, with 2 retaining remission through 8 weeks following ketamine exposure. Ketamine nonresponders did not appear to benefit from CBT. Conclusions: CBT may sustain the antidepressant effects of ketamine in treatment-resistant depression. Well-powered randomized controlled trials are warranted to further investigate this treatment combination as a way to sustain ketamine's antidepressant effects.
Congenital Salivary Gland Anlage Tumor: An Unusual Anterior Skull Base Mass in the Neonatal Period
Authors: Martin Jonathan E. , Tessema Belachew , Beshai Boulos , Balarezo Fabiola
Published: May 2017

Congenital salivary gland anlage tumor (SGAT) is a benign nasopharyngeal mass that presents with respiratory distress in infancy. Prior case reports have characterized SGAT as a lesion of the nasopharynx without intracranial extension. We report a unique case of SGAT extending through the anterior skull base and discuss the differential diagnosis and management of this unusual entity.
Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Study on the Metabolism Changes of Cerebellum in Patients with Post-Stroke Depression
Authors: Zhang Lei , Sui Ru-Bo
Published: May 2017

Objective: To study the metabolic changes of cerebellum by proton magnetic resonance Spectroscopy (1H-MRS) and discuss the relationships between the cerebellar changes and depression severity in patients with post-stroke depression. Methods and Results: Data of demographic characteristics, individual history and life style of all subjects were collected. 40 patients with stroke and 20 controls were enrolled. All groups received T1WI, T2WI, DWI and 1H-MRS examination. The cerebral infarction volume and the distribution and severity of leukoaraiosis were evaluated. The ratios of NAA/Cr, Cho/Cr and Cho/NAA in the cerebellum were calculated. There were no statistical significant difference in the NAA/Cr, Cho/Cr and Cho/NAA ratios in bilateral cerebellum between CONT group and NORM group. The Cho/Cr and Cho/NAA ratios in the cerebellum contralateral to the stroke region were higher in PSD group than those in NORM and CONT groups, and the Cho/Cr and Cho/NAA ratios in the cerebellum ipsilateral to the stroke region were similar with those in NORM and CONT groups. However, there were no statistical significant difference in the NAA/Cr ratios in bilateral cerebellum among three groups. Conclusion: The result shows preliminarily that the cerebellum involves in the development of post-stroke depression.