bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using the Theory of Planned Behavior to Explain Expecting Couples Birth Preparedness Intentions in a Rural Setting: A Cross-Sectional Study from Rukwa, Southern Tanzania
Authors: Moshi Fabiola V. , Kibusi Stephen M. , Fabian Flora
Published: October 2018

Background. According to the Theory of Planned Behavior, an intention to carry out a certain behavior facilitates action. In the context of planning for birth, certain preparations and planning may better ensure maternal and neonatal survival. Little is known on the predictors of birth preparedness intention among expecting couples. The aim of this study was to determine the predictors of birth preparedness intentions among expecting couples. Methods. A community based cross-sectional study targeting pregnant women and their partners was performed from June until October 2017. A three-stage probability sampling technique was employed to obtain a sample of 546 couples A structured questionnaire based upon the Theory of Planned Behavior was used. The questionnaire explored three main domains of birth preparedness intentions. These three domains included (1) attitudes towards birth preparedness, (2) perceived subjective norms towards birth preparedness, and (3) perceived behavior control towards birth preparedness. Results. The vast majority of study participants had birth preparedness intentions. This included 521 (95.4%) pregnant women and 543 (99.5%) of their male partners. After adjusting for the confounders, the predictors of birth preparedness intentions among pregnant women were attitude (AOR=70.134, 95% CI=12.536-392.360, p<0.001) and perceived behavior control (AOR=7.327, 95% CI=1.545-34.761, p<0.05) which were significant. Among male partners, only attitudes (AOR=31.315, 95% CI=1.497-655.149, p<0.05) influenced the birth preparedness intention. Conclusion. Birth preparedness intention among male partners was higher compared to their female partners. The reason for the difference could be the concern each group puts on the issue of birth preparedness. Among the three domains of intention, attitude and perceived behavior control were statistically significant predictors of birth preparedness intention among pregnant women. Attitude was the only domain which influenced birth preparedness intention among male partners. Therefore, interventional studies are recommended targeting attitudes and perceived behavior control in order to boost birth preparedness intention.
GPRC5A: An Emerging Biomarker in Human Cancer
Authors: Jiang Xiaoxia , Xu Xin , Wu Mengjie , Guan Zhonghai , Su Xingyun , Chen Shitu , Wang Haiyong , Teng Lisong
Published: October 2018

Aberrant expression of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) is frequently associated with tumorigenesis. G Protein-coupled receptor class C group 5 member A (GPRC5A) is a member of the GPCR superfamily, is expressed preferentially in lung tissues, and is regulated by various entities at multiple levels. GPRC5A exerts a tumor suppressive role in lung cancer and GPRC5A deletion promotes lung tumor initiation and progression. Recent advances have highlighted that GPRC5A dysregulation is found in various human cancers and is related to many tumor-associated signaling pathways, including the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), nuclear factor (NF)-κB, signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 3, and focal adhesion kinase (FAK)/Src signaling. This review aimed to summarize our updated view on the biology and regulation of GPRC5A, its expression in human cancers, and the linked signaling pathways. A better comprehension of the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms of GPRC5A will provide novel insights into its potential diagnostic and therapeutic value.
Deformation and Stress Distribution of the Effective Water‐Resisting Rock Beam under Water‐Rock Coupling Action inside the Panel Floor
Authors: Fu Baojie , Zhang Hualei , Tu Min , Zhang Xiangyang
Published: October 2018

The stability of panel floor, which is above confined water, is the key to determine the water inrush from the panel floor. Based on the characteristics of “lower three zones” of the panel floor, the mechanics analysis model of a floor water‐resisting rock beam is established. Then, by the principle of virtual work and energy functional variational conditions, the trends of deflection and internal stress are researched in the effective water‐resisting rock beam under the combined action of mining stress and water pressure. And how to determine its stability is acquired. According to the geological and mining conditions of A3 coal seam in Panxie mining area of Huainan Mining Group, three factors influencing on the stability of the floor rock beam are analyzed, such as elastic modulus, coefficient of viscosity, and water pressure. It is shown that the elastic modulus plays the most important role on the deformation of the rock beam. So, for improving the mechanical properties of the rock beam, the reinforcing floor technique has been proposed. On the one hand, it is contributed to improve the ability for resisting floor deformation. On the other hand, it can increase the coefficient of rock viscosity in water damage zones and reduce the speeds of loading and deformation in the whole rock beam. Hydrophobic decompression can effectively reduce the stress on the boundary of the rock beam, and the stability is enhanced. The research results have a guiding significance for determining whether there are water inrush risks in the panel above the confined aquifer.
Through the Looking Glass: Parental Group Experiences Observing Sensory Motor Therapy
Authors: Vertes Joan , Robinson Chrystelle , Gershenzon Veronica , Ho Emily S. , Vennettilli Ashlee
Published: October 2018

Objective. The benefits of group therapy in pediatric rehabilitation have been identified. However, a unique small group occupational therapy model with a large emphasis on parental group education and observation of their children has not been extensively studied. In this model, parents observe their child’s sensory motor group therapy through a one-way mirror and work with the occupational therapist together after each session, to receive education and develop strategies. In other models, parents sit in the waiting room or observe without working with an occupational therapist as a group afterwards. Method. A descriptive qualitative study was conducted to explore the parental experiences of observing and receiving information as a group regarding their child’s participation in sensory motor group therapy. Individual in-depth interviews were conducted with ten parents who observed their children together through a one-way mirror during their children’s therapy. Conventional thematic content analysis was used to analyze the interview transcripts to determine themes. Ten parents were interviewed. Results. There were three major themes that surfaced: parent support, the value of observation, and knowledge. Parents enjoyed and perceived benefits for themselves and their children from the opportunity to observe sessions and receive information as a group during therapy. Conclusion. The experiences of parents in this group model suggest that knowledge translation and provision of support to parents and their children regarding their sensory motor needs are beneficial. Administrators may appreciate additional gains of reducing costs and improving access to service.
The Formation Mechanism and Precision Control of Corruption in Poverty Alleviation from the Perspective of System Dynamics
Authors: Zheng Yan , Liao Xiaoming
Published: October 2018

The corruption in the field of poverty alleviation not only hinders the performance of the government but also damages the vital interests of the poor, harms the image of the party and the country, and makes the poor people further impoverished. Based on the method of system dynamics, this paper analyzes the interaction of elements which influence village officials’ corruption, studies the formation mechanism of the corruption in poverty alleviation, and constructs an effective model to prevent the corruption. Based on the survey data of typical cases, the model was simulated and validated by the software of Vensim PLE. The study found that compared with other variables, the willingness of village officials to corrupt has the greatest impact on the amount of their corruption. Furthermore, it is found that the important factors that affect village officials’ corruption willingness are as in the following order: official culture, village officials’ thought, and prevention system.
Role of 25 MHz Ultrasound Biomicroscopy in the Detection of Subluxated Lenses
Authors: Shi Mingyu , Ma Liwei , Zhang Jinsong , Yan Qichang
Published: October 2018

Background. The purpose of this observational case series study was to investigate the role of 25 MHz ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) in detecting subluxated lenses and compare it with 50 MHz UBM. Methods. 45 patients (49 eyes) with suspected subluxation of the lens and 20 normal volunteers (40 eyes) were included. Different cross-sectional images of the lens position were captured in axial and longitudinal scanning modes using 25 and 50 MHz UBM. The main outcome measurements included the linear distance between the lens equator and ciliary process, the difference value (D-value) between the same cross section of the above bilateral linear distance in the normal and the subluxated subjects, the diagnostic accuracy, and the testing times obtained with 25 and 50 MHz UBM. Results. The position of the lens on axial sections could be clearly shown by using 25 MHz UBM. The D-value of the subluxated eyes was 1-2 mm longer than that of the normal ones. There was a statistically significant difference between 25 and 50 MHz UBM in showing subluxation of the lens, the testing time was significantly faster (2.0 min versus 7.5 min), and the diagnostic accuracy was much higher (98.0% versus 71.4%) with 25 versus 50 MHz UBM. Fifteen eyes with slightly subluxated lens were detected by 25 MHz UBM, and only one eye with slight lens subluxation was detected by 50 MHz UBM. Conclusions. The results indicated that 25 MHz UBM has a greater diagnostic value than 50 MHz UBM in verifying the status of the lens subluxation and can provide reliable and quantitative imaging evidence for clinical use. This trial is registered with ChiCTR–DOD –15007603.
Simulation of Bending Fracture Process of Asphalt Mixture Semicircular Specimen with Extended Finite Element Method
Authors: Xiaoge Tian , Zhang Ren , Yang Zhen , Chu Yantian , Zhen Shaohua , Xv Yichao
Published: October 2018

In order to numerically simulate the whole fracture process including the initiation and propagation of crack in asphalt concrete semicircular specimens under external force, the extended finite element method (XFEM) was adopted considering the shortcomings of the conventional finite element method (FEM). The fracture processes of the semicircular specimens under 5 kinds of loading modes, Me, were analyzed, and the simulation results were compared to the actual fracture paths in the actual specimens. The results indicated that the critical effective stress intensity factor will decrease first and then increase with the increase of Me, and the XFEM simulation results are similar to that of the actual specimens in crack initiation angle and propagation path in the 5 different loading modes. It is proved that the XFEM is very effective in simulating the fracture process and has obvious advantages compared with the FEM. According to the stress state at the crack tip, the initiation angle and its propagation paths were analyzed, and it was pointed out that the increase of the shear stress component caused the crack initial angle to increase with the increase of Me.
Hepatoprotective Activity of the Ethanolic Extract of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. against Oxidative Stress‐Induced Liver Injury
Authors: Lin En-Yuan , Chagnaadorj Amarzaya , Huang Shyh-Jer , Wang Ching-Chiung , Chiang Yung-Hsiao , Cheng Chao-Wen
Published: October 2018

Oxidative stress is an important pathological mechanism in various liver diseases. Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. (PM) can be used for the treatment of diseases associated with aging, hyperlipidemia, and oxidative stress in traditional Chinese medicine. In this study, we examined the hepatoprotective effects of the ethanolic extract of PM (PME) in in vitro and in vivo models. The PME induced expression of antioxidant‐response‐element‐ (ARE‐) related genes in HepG2 cells showed a dose‐dependent manner. Pretreatment of HepG2 cell with PME suppressed H2O2‐ and acetaminophen‐ (APAP‐) induced cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and cytotoxicity. In APAP‐induced mouse liver injury, pretreatment with PME also showed ability to increase the survival rate and reduce the severity of liver injury. Treatment with PME attenuated bile duct ligation‐induced extrahepatic cholestatic liver injury and further increased multidrug resistance protein 4 (MRP4) and reduced organic anion‐transporting polypeptide (OATP) expression. Furthermore, increased nuclear translocation of the nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) was observed after treatment with PME in both in vivo models. In conclusion, the current study showed the hepatoprotective activity of PME by regulating the redox state in liver injury through Nrf2 activation and controlling hepatic bile acid homeostasis in obstructive cholestasis, through bile acid transporter expression modulation.
Understanding Topological and Spatial Attributes of Bus Transportation Networks in Cities of Chongqing and Chengdu
Authors: Wan Dan , Huang Yong , Feng Jie , Shi Yaling , Guo Kairui , Zhang Ran
Published: October 2018

It is critical to understand the characteristics of public transportation networks (PTNs). Existing studies have mainly focused on the topological structure of PTNs and have revealed the commonalities of the topological structures of PTNs. However, few studies have examined the differences regarding topological structure characteristics between the PTNs of different cities. In addition, the nature and extent of the influence of specific urban geographic conditions and morphology on PTNs are unclear. This paper focuses on the influence of urban spatial and geographic environments on bus transportation networks (BTNs) by comparatively studying the topological and spatial attributes of two typical BTNs, respectively, from a mountainous city and a plain city in China, from the perspectives of basic statistical properties, types, connection properties, and spatial attributes, by using the complex networks theory and spatial analysis method. The results reveal that the two BTNs have similar statistical properties and they both have scale-free features as well as small-world features. However, these two BTNs are significantly different in the connection properties and spatial attributes. The difference is found closely related to the city’s geographic conditions and spatial morphology. The implications of this study regarding urban traffic planning and land planning are discussed.
Palmitic Acid Downregulates Thyroglobulin (Tg), Sodium Iodide Symporter (NIS), and Thyroperoxidase (TPO) in Human Primary Thyrocytes: A Potential Mechanism by Which Lipotoxicity Affects Thyroid?
Authors: Zhao Meng , Zhang Xiaohan , Gao Ling , Song Yongfeng , Xu Chao , Yu Chunxiao , Shao Shanshan , Zhao Jiajun
Published: October 2018

Our previous studies suggested that the thyroid might be a target organ affected by lipotoxicity, which might be partially related to the increasing prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism. However, the underlying molecular mechanism is not yet clearly established. This study aimed to assess the effect of palmitic acid stimulation on thyrocyte function. Upon palmitic acid stimulation, intracellular contents of lipids, as well as the expression and activity of three key molecules in thyroid hormone synthesis (i.e., thyroglobulin, sodium iodide symporter, and thyroperoxidase), were determined in human primary thyrocytes. The contents of BODIPY® FL C16 (the fluorescently labeled palmitic acid analogue) entering into the thyrocytes were gradually increased with time extending. Accordingly, the intracellular accumulation of both triglyceride and free fatty acids increased in dose- and time-dependent manners. The effect of palmitic acid stimulation on thyroid hormone synthesis was then determined. Both the mRNA and protein levels of thyroglobulin, sodium iodide symporter, and thyroperoxidase were decreased following palmitic acid stimulation. Consistently, upon palmitic acid stimulation, the secreted thyroglobulin levels in supernatants, 131I uptake, and extracellular thyroperoxidase activity were all decreased in a dose-dependent manner. Our results demonstrated that upon palmitic acid stimulation, the expressions of the key molecules (thyroglobulin, sodium iodide symporter, and thyroperoxidase) were reduced and their activities were suppressed, which might lead to impaired thyroid hormone synthesis.
The Rollover Risk in Delta Tricycles: A New Rollover Index and Its Robust Mitigation by Rear Differential Braking
Authors: Rodríguez Licea Martín Antonio , Vazquez Rodríguez Edgar Armando , Perez Pinal Francisco Javier , Prado Olivares Juan
Published: October 2018

Although there are efforts to electrify and diversify small vehicles, active safety on motorcycles and tricycles (also known as auto rickshaw, tuk-tuk, mototaxi, etc.) has been relegated until a few years ago. For instance, the electric tricycles (even the combustion ones) marketed today do not have an active safety system that prevents or mitigates the risk of rollover, despite how prone they are to such a situation. The concern for the increase in its marketing is latent and, unfortunately, there are very few related studies. In this article, we present the obtaining and validation of a new rollover index for tricycles demonstrating its effectiveness in predicting and detecting the risk, even statically, by means of a simple quantity. In addition, a controller for the mitigation of the risk of rollover is presented which, by means of a Lyapunov type analysis, it is shown to be robust to changes in parameters, such as the center of gravity height, using a polytopic representation of the system and a differential braking strategy on the rear wheels. Numerical simulations, including video simulation captures, of the operation of the rollover mitigation system using widely recognized commercial software, are also presented. This work can be extended to vehicles with a suspension system or for trikes without autocamber.
Aspects of Improvement in Exploitation Process of Passenger Means of Transport
Authors: Brzeziński Marian , Kijek Magdalena , Owczarek Paulina , Głodowska Katarzyna , Zelkowski Jarosław , Bartosiak Piotr
Published: October 2018

Effective exploitation of means of transport in transport companies is one of the most important ways of achieving competitive advantage. Mentioned problem is particularly important in the market of passenger transport services in large agglomerations, because it has a social aspect in addition to the economic dimension. In addition, most often the studies concern single objects of exploitation, while the subject of research are groups of objects of passenger transport means. The main objective of the study is to analyze and evaluate the system of exploitation of passenger transport means and to propose solutions for its improvement. On the basis of the theory of exploitation systems, quantitative utilitarian models have been built, which have been verified by applications using data obtained from Municipal Communication Company (MPK) in Wroclaw. Originality and innovation in the recognition of the research problem consist in applying to the analysis and evaluation of the Ishikawa diagram exploitation system, Pareto-Lorenzo analysis, and FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) methods. On the other hand, a QFD (Quality Function Deployment) diagram was used to build a model of improvement of the exploitation system, with the use of which the target values of parameters for the operation of MPK passenger transport in Wroclaw were determined. The applied methods, techniques, and research tools are rarely used in the field of testing of vehicle operation systems. The work has a very practical character and built models can be used in other urban agglomerations in order to improve the operation of passenger transport means.
An Indoor Location-Based Positioning System Using Stereo Vision with the Drone Camera
Authors: Jin Young-Hoon , Ko Kwang-Woo , Lee Won-Hyung
Published: October 2018

Stereo vision is used to reconstruct 3D information of the space by estimating the depth value from the simulation of human eyes. Spatial restoration can be used as a means of location estimation in an indoor area, which is impossible to accomplish using the relative location estimation technology, GPS. By mapping the real world in virtual space, it is feasible to clear the boundary between real space and virtual space. This paper presents a method to control the drone indoors through a positioning system using Structure from Motion algorithm (SfM). SfM calculates the relative relationship between cameras based on images to be acquired from various locations and obtains disparity to enable restoration of 3D space. First, the 3D virtual space is reconstructed using several photographs taken from an indoor environment. Second, the real-time drone position is determined by comparing the 3D virtual space camera with the image displayed on the drone camera. In this case, if the direction of the virtual camera used for 3D virtual space construction is the same as the amount of yaw rotation of the drone, it is possible to quickly find the same position as the image seen in the real drone camera in the virtual space. As a result, if the scale of the actual camera image and the virtual camera image is 1 : 1 matched, then it is possible to know that the drone is in the position of the virtual camera. The proposed indoor location-based drone controlling method can be applied to various drone applications such as group flight in an indoor environment because of its ability to fly the drone without the use of the traditional remote-control and flight trajectory programming.
A Higher Fructose Intake Is Associated with Greater Albuminuria in Subjects with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Gómez-Sámano Miguel Ángel , Almeda-Valdes Paloma , Cuevas-Ramos Daniel , Navarro-Flores María Fernanda , Espinosa-Salazar Héctor Donaldo , Martínez-Saavedra Mayela , León-Domínguez Jefsi Argelia , Enríquez-Estrada Víctor Manuel , López-González Ana Laura , Sarmiento-Moreno Ana Laura , Rivera-González Lucero Alejandra , Juárez-León Óscar Alfredo , Pérez-González Bernardo , Ávila-Palacios Yessica , Sigala-Pedroza Lineth , Huerta-Ávila Eira , Vargas-Álvarez María Angelina , Sánchez-Jaimes Carlos , Cárdenas-Vera Mariana , Mehta Roopa , López-Flores A La Torre Manuel Alejandro , Manjarrez-Martínez Iliana , Brito-Córdova Griselda Xochitl , Zuarth-Vázquez Julia M. , Vega-Beyhart Arturo , López-Carrasco Guadalupe , Johnson Richard J. , Gómez-Pérez Francisco Javier
Published: October 2018

The aim of this single center cross-sectional study was to investigate the association between fructose intake and albuminuria in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This is a single center cross-sectional study. One hundred and forty-three subjects with T2DM were recruited from the Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Medicas y Nutricion Salvador Zubiran. The median daily fructose intake was estimated with a prospective food registry during 3 days (2 week-days and one weekend day) and they were divided into low fructose intake (<25 g/day) and high fructose intake (≥ 25 g/day). Complete clinical and biochemical evaluations were performed, including anthropometric variables and a 24-hour urine collection for albuminuria determination. One hundred and thirty-six subjects were analyzed in this study. We found a positive significant association between daily fructose intake and albuminuria (ρ= 0.178, p=0.038) in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Other variables significantly associated with albuminuria were body mass index (BMI) (ρ= 0.170, p=0.048), mean arterial pressure (MAP) (ρ= 0.280, p=0.001), glycated hemoglobin (A1c) (ρ= 0.197, p=0.022), and triglycerides (ρ= 0.219, p=0.010). After adjustment for confounding variables we found a significant and independent association between fructose intake and albuminuria (β= 13.96, p=0.006). We found a statistically significant higher albuminuria (60.8 [12.8-228.5] versus 232.2 [27.2-1273.0] mg/day, p 0.002), glycated hemoglobin (8.6±1.61 versus 9.6±2.1 %), p= 0.003, and uric acid (6.27±1.8 versus 7.2±1.5 mg/dL), p=0.012, in the group of high fructose intake versus the group with low fructose intake, and a statistically significant lower creatinine clearance (76.5±30.98 mL/min versus 94.9±36.8, p=0.014) in the group with high fructose intake versus the group with low fructose intake. In summary we found that a higher fructose intake is associated with greater albuminuria in subjects with T2DM.
Ghanaians Might Be at Risk of Excess Dietary Intake of Potassium Based on Food Supply Data
Authors: Yawson David Oscar , Adu Michael Osei , Ason Benjamin , Armah Frederick Ato , Boateng Emmanuel , Quansah Reggie
Published: October 2018

The World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted the beneficial role of adequate intake of potassium (K) in combating the global burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), mainly hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. Diets are the main source of K supply to humans and can contribute to both K deficiency (hypokalemia) and excess (hyperkalemia). While global attention is currently devoted to K deficiency, K excess can be even more dangerous and deserves equal attention. The objectives of this paper were to (i) estimate the K intake of Ghanaian population using food supply and food composition data and (ii) compare this estimate with the WHO-recommended requirement for K in order to assess if there is a risk of inadequate or excess K intake. Food supply data (1961–2011) were obtained from the Food Balance Sheet (FBS) of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations to derive trends in food and K supply. The average food supply in the FBS for 2010 and 2011 was used in assessing the risk of inadequate or excess dietary intake of K. The K content of the food items was obtained from food composition databases. Based on 2010-2011 average data, the K supply per capita per day was approximately 9,086 mg, about 2.6-fold larger than the WHO-recommended level (3,510 mg). The assessment suggests a potentially large risk of excess dietary K supply at both individual and population levels. The results suggest the need for assessing options for managing K excess as part of food security and public health strategies. The results further underscore a need for assessment of the K status of staple food crops and mixed diets, as well as K management in food crop production systems in Ghana.
Exponential Synchronization Control of Discontinuous Nonautonomous Networks and Autonomous Coupled Networks
Authors: Yang Chao , Huang Lihong , Li Fangmin
Published: October 2018

This paper concerns complex delayed neural networks with discontinuous activations. Based on the framework of differential inclusion theory, we design two novel controllers by regulating a parameter σ (0 ≤ σ < 1) which covers both discontinuous and continuous controllers. Then, we investigate a nonautonomous cellular neural network system and autonomous neural network with linear coupling, respectively. By choosing a time‐dependent Lyapunov‐Krasovskii functional candidate and suitable controllers, some criteria are studied to guarantee the exponential synchronization of the complex delayed dynamical network. Finally, two numerical examples are given to illustrate our theoretical analysis.
Information-Based Boundary Equilibrium Generative Adversarial Networks with Interpretable Representation Learning
Authors: Hah Junghoon , Lee Woojin , Lee Jaewook , Park Saerom
Published: October 2018

This paper describes a new image generation algorithm based on generative adversarial network. With an information-theoretic extension to the autoencoder-based discriminator, this new algorithm is able to learn interpretable representations from the input images. Our model not only adversarially minimizes the Wasserstein distance-based losses of the discriminator and generator but also maximizes the mutual information between small subset of the latent variables and the observation. We also train our model with proportional control theory to keep the equilibrium between the discriminator and the generator balanced, and as a result, our generative adversarial network can mitigate the convergence problem. Through the experiments on real images, we validate our proposed method, which can manipulate the generated images as desired by controlling the latent codes of input variables. In addition, the visual qualities of produced images are effectively maintained, and the model can stably converge to the equilibrium. However, our model has a difficulty in learning disentangling factors because our model does not regularize the independence between the interpretable factors. Therefore, in the future, we will develop a generative model that can learn disentangling factors.
Parallel MapReduce: Maximizing Cloud Resource Utilization and Performance Improvement Using Parallel Execution Strategies
Authors: Al-Absi Ahmed Abdulhakim , Al-Sammarraie Najeeb Abbas , Shaher Yafooz Wael Mohamed , Kang Dae-Ki
Published: October 2018

MapReduce is the preferred cloud computing framework used in large data analysis and application processing. MapReduce frameworks currently in place suffer performance degradation due to the adoption of sequential processing approaches with little modification and thus exhibit underutilization of cloud resources. To overcome this drawback and reduce costs, we introduce a Parallel MapReduce (PMR) framework in this paper. We design a novel parallel execution strategy of Map and Reduce worker nodes. Our strategy enables further performance improvement and efficient utilization of cloud resources execution of Map and Reduce functions to utilize multicore environments available with computing nodes. We explain in detail makespan modeling and working principle of the PMR framework in the paper. Performance of PMR is compared with Hadoop through experiments considering three biomedical applications. Experiments conducted for BLAST, CAP3, and DeepBind biomedical applications report makespan time reduction of 38.92%, 18.00%, and 34.62% considering the PMR framework against Hadoop framework. Experiments' results prove that the PMR cloud computing platform proposed is robust, cost-effective, and scalable, which sufficiently supports diverse applications on public and private cloud platforms. Consequently, overall presentation and results indicate that there is good matching between theoretical makespan modeling presented and experimental values investigated.
Established Numerical Techniques for the Structural Analysis of a Regional Aircraft Landing Gear
Authors: Caputo F. , De Luca A. , Greco A. , Marro A. , Apicella A. , Sepe R. , Armentani E.
Published: October 2018

Usually during the design of landing gear, simplified Finite Element (FE) models, based on one‐dimensional finite elements (stick model), are used to investigate the in‐service reaction forces involving each subcomponent. After that, the design of such subcomponent is carried out through detailed Global/Local FE analyses where, once at time, each component, modelled with three‐dimensional finite elements, is assembled into a one‐dimensional finite elements based FE model, representing the whole landing gear under the investigated loading conditions. Moreover, the landing gears are usually investigated also under a kinematic point of view, through the multibody (MB) methods, which allow achieving the reaction forces involving each subcomponent in a very short time. However, simplified stick (FE) and MB models introduce several approximations, providing results far from the real behaviour of the landing gear. Therefore, the first goal of this paper consists of assessing the effectiveness of such approaches against a 3D full‐FE model. Three numerical models of the main landing gear of a regional airliner have been developed, according to MB, “stick,” and 3D full‐FE methods, respectively. The former has been developed by means of ADAMS® software, the other two by means of NASTRAN® software. Once this assessment phase has been carried out, also the Global/Local technique has verified with regard to the results achieved by the 3D full‐FE model. Finally, the dynamic behaviour of the landing gear has been investigated both numerically and experimentally. In particular, Magnaghi Aeronautica S.p.A. Company performed the experimental test, consisting of a drop test according to EASA CS 25 regulations. Concerning the 3D full‐FE investigation, the analysis has been simulated by means of Ls‐Dyna® software. A good level of accuracy has been achieved by all the developed numerical methods.
Understanding Deep Brain Stimulation: In Vivo Metabolic Consequences of the Electrode Insertional Effect
Authors: Casquero-Veiga Marta , García-García David , Desco Manuel , Soto-Montenegro María Luisa
Published: October 2018

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a neurosurgery technique widely used in movement disorders, although its mechanism of action remains unclear. In fact, apart from the stimulation itself, the mechanical insertion of the electrode may play a crucial role. Here we aimed to distinguish between the insertional and the DBS effects on brain glucose metabolism. To this end, electrodes were implanted targeting the medial prefrontal cortex in five adult male Wistar rats. Positron Emission Tomography (PET) studies were performed before surgery (D0) and seven (D7) and nine days (D9) after that. DBS was applied during the 18FDG uptake of the D9 study. PET data were analysed with statistical parametric mapping. We found an electrode insertional effect in cortical areas, while DBS resulted in a more widespread metabolic pattern. The consequences of simultaneous electrode and DBS factors revealed a combination of both effects. Therefore, the insertion metabolic effects differed from the stimulation ones, which should be considered when assessing DBS protocols.
Tumor Segmentation in Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: Deep Learning with Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Li Qiaoliang , Xu Yuzhen , Chen Zhewei , Liu Dexiang , Feng Shi-Ting , Law Martin , Ye Yufeng , Huang Bingsheng
Published: October 2018

Objectives. To evaluate the application of a deep learning architecture, based on the convolutional neural network (CNN) technique, to perform automatic tumor segmentation of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Materials and Methods. In this prospective study, 87 MRI containing tumor regions were acquired from newly diagnosed NPC patients. These 87 MRI were augmented to >60,000 images. The proposed CNN network is composed of two phases: feature representation and scores map reconstruction. We designed a stepwise scheme to train our CNN network. To evaluate the performance of our method, we used case-by-case leave-one-out cross-validation (LOOCV). The ground truth of tumor contouring was acquired by the consensus of two experienced radiologists. Results. The mean values of dice similarity coefficient, percent match, and their corresponding ratio with our method were 0.89±0.05, 0.90±0.04, and 0.84±0.06, respectively, all of which were better than reported values in the similar studies. Conclusions. We successfully established a segmentation method for NPC based on deep learning in contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging. Further clinical trials with dedicated algorithms are warranted.
Bicriterion Optimization for Flow Shop with a Learning Effect Subject to Release Dates
Authors: Wang Ji-Bo , Xu Jian , Yang Jing
Published: October 2018

This paper investigates a two‐machine flow shop problem with release dates in which the job processing times are variable according to a learning effect. The bicriterion is to minimize the weighted sum of makespan and total completion time subject to release dates. We develop a branch‐and‐bound (B&B) algorithm to solve the problem by using a dominance property, several lower bounds, and an upper bound to speed up the elimination process of the search tree. We further propose a multiobjective memetic algorithm (MOMA), enhanced by an initialization strategy and a global search strategy, to obtain the Pareto front of the problem. Computational experiments are also carried out to examine the effectiveness and the efficiency of the B&B algorithm and the MOMA algorithm.
Comparative Clinical Analysis of Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Carcinomas with Liver Metastasis and Primary Hepatic Neuroendocrine Carcinomas
Authors: Qiu Meng-jun , Chen Yao-bing , Bi Ning-rui , Yang Sheng-li , He Xiao-xiao , Xiong Zhi-fan
Published: October 2018

Purpose. The objective of this study was to analyze the clinical features and prognosis of gastroenteropancreatic (GEP) neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs) with liver metastasis and primary hepatic neuroendocrine carcinomas (PHNECs), as these rare hepatic neuroendocrine carcinomas have not been exhaustively studied.Methods. The clinical data of 47 patients with hepatic NECs were retrospectively reviewed and categorized to analyze features and prognosis.Results. The 47 studied cases comprised 13 cases of primary hepatic NECs (primary group) and 34 cases of metastatic hepatic NECs (metastatic group). Male patients were slightly dominant in both groups, while no age predilection was present. PHNECs were mostly single nodules located in the right lobe of the liver. Metastatic hepatic NECs originated mostly from the pancreas and stomach without distinction of the lobes of the liver. Univariate analysis showed that the treatment protocol (radical operation or others) was correlated with the overall survival (OS;p<0.05) in the primary group, while treatment protocol and cytokeratin 7 (CK7) were associated with OS (p<0.05) in the metastatic group. Cox proportional hazard regression showed that radical operation was an independent prognostic factor (p<0.05) for OS in the metastatic group.Conclusions. No significant differences in the clinicopathological features between PHNECs and metastatic hepatic GEP NECs were found, but radical operation was significantly correlated with OS for both carcinomas. Radical operation is the first choice for patients who are eligible for operation.
On Solving the Poisson Equation with Discontinuities on Irregular Interfaces: GFM and VIM
Authors: Helgadóttir Ásdís , Guittet Arthur , Gibou Frédéric
Published: October 2018

We analyze the accuracy of two numerical methods for the variable coefficient Poisson equation with discontinuities at an irregular interface. Solving the Poisson equation with discontinuities at an irregular interface is an essential part of solving many physical phenomena such as multiphase flows with and without phase change, in heat transfer, in electrokinetics, and in the modeling of biomolecules’ electrostatics. The first method, considered for the problem, is the widely known Ghost-Fluid Method (GFM) and the second method is the recently introduced Voronoi Interface Method (VIM). The VIM method uses Voronoi partitions near the interface to construct local configurations that enable the use of the Ghost-Fluid philosophy in one dimension. Both methods lead to symmetric positive definite linear systems. The Ghost-Fluid Method is generally first-order accurate, except in the case of both a constant discontinuity in the solution and a constant diffusion coefficient, while the Voronoi Interface Method is second-order accurate in the L∞-norm. Therefore, the Voronoi Interface Method generally outweighs the Ghost-Fluid Method except in special case of both a constant discontinuity in the solution and a constant diffusion coefficient, where the Ghost-Fluid Method performs better than the Voronoi Interface Method. The paper includes numerical examples displaying this fact clearly and its findings can be used to determine which approach to choose based on the properties of the real life problem in hand.
An Efficient Contact Model for the Simulation of Cargo Airdrop Extraction Phase
Authors: Ning Leiming , Chen Jichang , Tong Mingbo
Published: October 2018

A high-fidelity cargo airdrop simulation requires the accurate modeling of the contact dynamics between an aircraft and its cargo. This paper presents a general and efficient contact-friction model for the simulation of aircraft-cargo coupling dynamics during an airdrop extraction phase. The proposed approach has the same essence as the finite element node-to-segment contact formulation, which leads to a flexible, straightforward, and efficient code implementation. The formulation is developed under an arbitrary moving frame with both aircraft and cargo treated as general six degrees-of-freedom rigid bodies, thus eliminating the restrictions of lateral symmetric assumptions in most existing methods. Moreover, the aircraft-cargo coupling algorithm is discussed in detail, and some practical implementation details are presented. The accuracy and capability of the present method are demonstrated through four numerical examples with increasing complexity and fidelity.
Reactive Oxygen and Nitrogen Species–Induced Protein Modifications: Implication in Carcinogenesis and Anticancer Therapy
Authors: Moldogazieva Nurbubu T. , Lutsenko Sergey V. , Terentiev Alexander A.
Published: October 2018

Cancer is a complex disorder extremely dependent on its microenvironment and highly regulated by multiple intracellular and extracellular stimuli. Studies show that reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) play key roles in cancer initiation and progression. Accumulation of RONS caused by imbalance between RONS generation and activity of antioxidant system (AOS) has been observed in many cancer types. This leads to alterations in gene expression levels, signal transduction pathways, and protein quality control machinery, that is, processes that regulate cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis. This review focuses on the latest advancements evidencing that RONS-induced modifications of key redox-sensitive residues in regulatory proteins, that is, cysteine oxidation/S-sulfenylation/S-glutathionylation/S-nitrosylation and tyrosine nitration, represent important molecular mechanisms underlying carcinogenesis. The oxidative/nitrosative modifications cause alterations in activities of intracellular effectors of MAPK- and PI3K/Akt-mediated signaling pathways, transcription factors (Nrf2, AP-1, NFκB, STAT3, and p53), components of ubiquitin/proteasomal and autophagy/lysosomal protein degradation systems, molecular chaperones, and cytoskeletal proteins. Redox-sensitive proteins, RONS-generating enzymes, and AOS components can serve as targets for relevant anticancer drugs. Chemotherapeutic agents exert their action via RONS generation and induction of cancer cell apoptosis, while drug resistance associates with RONS-induced cancer cell survival; this is exploited in selective anticancer therapy strategies. Cancer Res; 78(21); 6040–7. ©2018 AACR.
Diffusion Tensor Imaging in a Case of Pontine Bleeding Showing Hypertrophic Olivary Degeneration and Cerebellar Ataxia
Authors: Yoshii Fumihito , Tomori Yuichi , Mori Teruo
Published: October 2018

We present diffusion tensor tractography (DTT) findings in a case of hypertrophic olivary degeneration (HOD) and cerebellar ataxia. A 56-year-old man presented with abnormal ataxic gait and dysarthria. MRI 5 months after onset showed chronic pontine hematoma and enlarged bilateral inferior olivary nuclei. DTT showed decreased volume of the bilateral central tegmental tract, in accordance with the conventional hypothesis that HOD is associated with neurologic insult to the Guillain-Mollaret triangle. The patient’s cerebellar ataxia was speculated to be due to decreased decussating fibers of the superior cerebellar peduncle, and this was confirmed by DTT.
Role of Gut Microbiota in the Development and Treatment of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Lin Caizhao , Cai Xiaolu , Zhang Jing , Wang Weibing , Sheng Qinsong , Hua Hanju , Zhou Xile
Published: October 2018

Human guts harbor abundant microbes that regulate many aspects of host physiology. However, bacterial imbalance or dysbiosis in the gut due to the dietary or environmental changes may cause colorectal cancer (CRC). Increasing studies show that gut microbiota plays an important role in the occurrence and development of CRC, as a result of virulence factors, bacterial metabolites, or inflammatory pathways. In the future, probiotics or targeting the microbiota will probably be a powerful weapon in the battle against CRC. This review seeks to outline the relationship between gut microbiota and the development of CRC as well as the potential mechanisms of microbiota involved in treatment of CRC, so as to provide some references for research on the development, prevention, and treatment of this disease.
Epididymal Dirofilariasis in a Child: First Case Report from Bulgaria
Authors: Velev Valeri , Pelov Teofil , Garev Tzvetomir , Peev Stoyan , Kaftandjiev Iskren , Harizanov Rumen
Published: October 2018

Objective: To present case of a child with epididymal dirofil­ariasis. Clinical Presentation and Intervention: An 11-year-old boy was admitted to the Clinic of Pediatric Urology for elective surgery treatment of epididymal cyst on the left side. After removal, the cyst was sent for histological examination. Microscopic examination of the histological slides revealed cross-sections of a nematode belonging to Dirofilaria spp., differentiated morphologically as D. repens. After surgery, the patient recovered completely. Conclusions: In most parts around the world, dirofilariasis is a rare and neglected infection. Nevertheless, the clinicians and pathologists must be informed about it.