bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A New Digital Watermarking Method for Data Integrity Protection in the Perception Layer of IoT
Authors: Zhang Guoyin , Kou Liang , Zhang Liguo , Liu Chao , Da Qingan , Sun Jianguo
Published: October 2017

Since its introduction, IoT (Internet of Things) has enjoyed vigorous support from governments and research institutions around the world, and remarkable achievements have been obtained. The perception layer of IoT plays an important role as a link between the IoT and the real world; the security has become a bottleneck restricting the further development of IoT. The perception layer is a self-organizing network system consisting of various resource-constrained sensor nodes through wireless communication. Accordingly, the costly encryption mechanism cannot be applied to the perception layer. In this paper, a novel lightweight data integrity protection scheme based on fragile watermark is proposed to solve the contradiction between the security and restricted resource of perception layer. To improve the security, we design a position random watermark (PRW) strategy to calculate the embedding position by temporal dynamics of sensing data. The digital watermark is generated by one-way hash function SHA-1 before embedding to the dynamic computed position. In this way, the security vulnerabilities introduced by fixed embedding position can not only be solved effectively, but also achieve zero disturbance to the data. The security analysis and simulation results show that the proposed scheme can effectively ensure the integrity of the data at low cost.
Safety Assessment and Comparison of Sodium Selenite and Bioselenium Obtained from Yeast in Mice
Authors: Wang Xinghua , Yang Yukun , Zhang Hening , Liu Ju
Published: October 2017

Detailed safety assessment of sodium selenite and bioselenium (bio-Se) was conducted and the results were compared and discussed for the purpose of assessing safety of bio-Se for use in food applications. In this work, acute toxicity studies, micronucleus test, and sperm aberration study in mice, 30-day feeding test of mice, were conducted to evaluate the toxicity of bio-Se obtained from yeast with different fermentation time (transformative time: one month, three months, and six months), and the results were compared with that of inorganic Se (sodium selenite). LD50of sodium selenite was calculated to be 21.17 mg/kg. LD50of bio-Se obtained from yeast with different fermentation time was calculated to be 740.2 mg/kg, 915.3 mg/kg, and 1179.0 mg/kg, respectively. In the genotoxicity test, bio-Se did not show cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of mice while sodium selenite at all dose groups was significantly different from the negative group. In the 30-day subchronic oral toxicity study, sodium selenite may slow down the growth of the mice and lead to organic damage to some extent. Bio-Se had facilitated effect towards the body weight of the mice and had no significant effect on the shape and function of the important organs of the mice.
Heat Treatment Effect on Eu3+ Doped TeO2-BaO-Bi2O3 Glass Systems with Ag Nanoparticles
Authors: Lewandowski Tomasz , Dembski Michał , Walas Michalina , Łapiński Marcin , Narajczyk Magdalena , Sadowski Wojciech , Kościelska Barbara
Published: October 2017

Glass systems of 73TeO2-4BaO-3Bi2O3-2Eu2O3-xAg (in molar ratio where x = 0, 1, 2, and 3) compositions have been successfully synthesized. Silver nanoparticles were obtained with the employment of heat treatment (HT) procedure executed at 350°C. Glass transition temperatures of different compositions have been determined through DSC measurements. XRD results presented characteristic amorphous halo indicating lack of long range order in the samples. FTIR structural studies revealed that glass matrix is mainly composed of TeO3 and TeO4 species and is stable after different applied heat treatment times. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements confirmed that in selected samples part of Ag ions changed oxidation state to form Ag0 species. TEM measurements revealed nanoparticles of size in the range of 20–40 nm. UV-vis absorption results demonstrated characteristic transitions of Eu3+ ions. Additionally, UV-vis spectra of samples heat-treated for 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours presented bands related to silver nanoparticles. Photoluminescence (PL) studies have been performed with excitation wavelength of λexc=395 nm. Obtained spectra exhibited peaks due to 5D0-7FJ (where J=2,3,4) and 5D1-7FJ (where J=1,2,3) transitions of Eu3+. Moreover, luminescence measurement indicated enhancement of rare earth ions emissions in several of the annealed samples. Increase of emission intensity of about 35% has been observed.
Antidyskinetic Treatment with MTEP Affects Multiple Molecular Pathways in the Parkinsonian Striatum
Authors: Lin Jing-ya , Liu Zhen-guo , Xie Cheng-long , Song Lu , Yan Ai-juan
Published: October 2017

Parkinson’s disease is characterized by dopaminergic neuron loss and dopamine (DA) depletion in the striatum. Standard treatment is still focused on the restoration of dopamine with exogenous L-Dopa, which however causes L-Dopa-induced dyskinesia (LID). Several studies have shown that antagonism of the metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 alleviates LID, but the underlying mechanisms have remained unclear. We set out to determine where this alleviation may depend on restoring the equilibrium between the two main striatofugal pathways. For this purpose, we examined molecular markers of direct and indirect pathway involvement (prodynorphin and proenkephalin, resp.) in a rat model of LID treated with the mGluR5 antagonist MTEP. Our results show that MTEP cotreatment significantly attenuates the upregulation of prodynorphin mRNA induced by L-Dopa while also decreasing the expression levels of proenkephalin mRNA. We also examined markers of the mGluR5-related PKC/MEK/ERK1/2 signaling pathway, finding that both the expression of PKC epsilon and the phosphorylation of MEK and ERK1/2 had decreased significantly in the MTEP-treated group. Taken together, our results show that pharmacological antagonism of mGluR5 normalizes several abnormal molecular responses in the striatum in this experimental model of LID.
Should Skin Biopsies Be Performed in Patients Suspected of Having Parkinson’s Disease?
Authors: Siepmann Timo , Penzlin Ana Isabel , Illigens Ben Min-Woo , Reichmann Heinz
Published: October 2017

In patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD), the molecularly misfolded form of α-synuclein was recently identified in cutaneous autonomic nerve fibers which displayed increased accumulation even in early disease stages. However, the underlying mechanisms of synucleinopathic nerve damage and its implication for brain pathology in later life remain to be elucidated. To date, specific diagnostic tools to evaluate small fiber pathology and to discriminate neurodegenerative proteinopathies are rare. Recently, research has indicated that deposition of α-synuclein in cutaneous nerve fibers quantified via immunohistochemistry in superficial skin biopsies might be a valid marker of PD which could facilitate early diagnosis and monitoring of disease progression. However, lack of standardization of techniques to quantify neural α-synuclein deposition limits their utility in clinical practice. Additional challenges include the identification of potential distinct morphological patterns of intraneural α-synuclein deposition among synucleinopathies to facilitate diagnostic discrimination and determining the degree to which structural damage relates to dysfunction of nerve fibers targeted by α-synuclein. Answering these questions might improve our understanding of the pathophysiological role of small fiber neuropathy in Parkinson’s disease, help identify new treatment targets, and facilitate assessment of response to neuroprotective treatment.
Thyroid Dysfunction among Greek Patients with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus as a Disregarded Comorbidity
Authors: Barmpari Maria E. , Kokkorou Maria , Micheli Anastasia , Alexiou Irene , Spanou Elefteria , Noutsou Marina , Thanopoulou Anastasia
Published: October 2017

Introduction. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in Greek patients with type 1 (T1DM) and type 2 (T2DM) diabetes mellitus as well as its possible relations to glycaemic control and to diabetic complications. Methods. A total of 1015 patients, consecutively followed in the Outpatient Diabetes Center, were studied. Anthropometric and biochemical measurements, occurrence of diabetes complications, and classical comorbidities were assessed. Average HbA1c of the previous year was calculated. Wellbeing was determined, using a 10-point optimal scale. All the above parameters were compared between subjects with or without thyroid disease. Results. All patients were euthyroid at the time of the study, either on thyroid medications or not. Hypothyroidism occurrence did not differ between T2DM and T1DM patients (37.1% versus 43.5%, p>0.05). Nodular goiter was observed more frequently in T2DM patients (34.1% versus 18.8%, p<0.05). T2DM patients with hypothyroidism compared to those without hypothyroidism had higher HbA1c (7.27% versus 6.98%, p<0.01), TChol (184.97 mg/dl versus 168.17 mg/dl, p<0.001), and higher HDL-Chol (51.28 mg/dl versus 46.77 mg/dl, p<0.01). T2DM patients without hypothyroidism had a better wellness feeling (7.5 versus 5.3 points, p<0.01). Conclusions. Screening for thyroid disease among T2DM patients should be routinely considered, as it is found to be an additional commorbidity. If it remains undiagnosed, it could aggravate the clinical course of the disease.
Low Levels of Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin Constitute an Independent Risk Factor for Arterial Stiffness in Korean Women
Authors: Han Kunhee , Chun Hyejin , Kim Moon-Jong , Cho Doo-Yeoun , Lee Soo-Hyun , Won Bo Youn , Kim Kwang-Min , Joo Nam-Seok , Kim Young-Sang
Published: October 2017

The association between sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and arterial stiffness in women is not conclusive. In addition, obesity might also be involved in the relationship between SHBG and atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between SHBG and arterial stiffness in association with central obesity in women. This cross-sectional study included 381 women who participated in the health checkup programs in one hospital. The brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) was measured as a marker for arterial stiffness. A negative correlation was observed between SHBG levels and baPWV (rho = −0.281). The relationship was significant even after adjusting for potential confounders (beta = −0.087 in fully adjusted model). After considering the interaction between central obesity and SHBG levels, the significant association was evident only in obese women (Pfor interaction = 0.025). Adjustment for a 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk scores, instead of each cardiovascular risk factor individually, did not affect the significance of the relationship between SHBG levels and baPWV. Serum levels of SHBG were negatively associated with arterial stiffness independent of cardiovascular risk factors or 10-year ASCVD risk scores in Korean women. The relationship may be potentiated by central obesity.
Evaluating the Interference of Bicycle Traffic on Vehicle Operation on Urban Streets with Bike Lanes
Authors: Pu Ziyuan , Li Zhibin , Wang Yong , Ye Mao , Fan Wei (David)
Published: October 2017

Many urban streets are designed with on-street bike lanes to provide right-of-way for bicycle traffic. However, when bicycle flow is large, extensive passing maneuvers could occupy vehicle lanes and thus cause interferences to vehicle traffic. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate how bicycle traffic affects vehicle operation on urban streets with bike lanes. Data were collected on six street segments in Nanjing, China. The cumulative curves were constructed to extract traffic flow information including individual bicycle and vehicle speeds and aggregated traffic parameters such as flow and density. The results showed that as bicycle density on bike lanes continuously increases faster bicycles may run into vehicle lanes causing considerable reductions in vehicle speeds. A generalized linear model was estimated to predict the vehicle delay. Results showed that vehicle delay increases as bicycle flow and vehicle flow increase. Number of vehicle lanes and width of bike lane also have significant impact on vehicle delay. Findings of the study are helpful to regions around the world in bike infrastructure design in order to improve operations of both bicycles and vehicles.
Diagnosis of Localized Faults in Multistage Gearboxes: A Vibrational Approach by Means of Automatic EMD-Based Algorithm
Authors: Buzzoni M. , Mucchi E. , D’Elia G. , Dalpiaz G.
Published: October 2017

The gear fault diagnosis on multistage gearboxes by vibration analysis is a challenging task due to the complexity of the vibration signal. The localization of the gear fault occurring in a wheel located in the intermediate shaft can be particularly complex due to the superposition of the vibration signature of the synchronous wheels. Indeed, the gear fault detection is commonly restricted to the identification of the stage containing the faulty gear rather than the faulty gear itself. In this context, the paper advances a methodology which combines the Empirical Mode Decomposition and the Time Synchronous Average in order to separate the vibration signals of the synchronous gears mounted on the same shaft. The physical meaningful modes are selected by means of a criterion based on Pearson’s coefficients and the fault detection is performed by dedicated condition indicators. The proposed method is validated taking into account simulated vibrations signals and real ones.
Identification of Random Dynamic Force Using an Improved Maximum Entropy Regularization Combined with a Novel Conjugate Gradient
Authors: Ren ChunPing , Wang NengJian , Liu ChunSheng
Published: October 2017

We propose a novel mathematical algorithm to offer a solution for the inverse random dynamic force identification in practical engineering. Dealing with the random dynamic force identification problem using the proposed algorithm, an improved maximum entropy (IME) regularization technique is transformed into an unconstrained optimization problem, and a novel conjugate gradient (NCG) method was applied to solve the objective function, which was abbreviated as IME‐NCG algorithm. The result of IME‐NCG algorithm is compared with that of ME, ME‐CG, ME‐NCG, and IME‐CG algorithm; it is found that IME‐NCG algorithm is available for identifying the random dynamic force due to smaller root mean‐square‐error (RMSE), lower restoration time, and fewer iterative steps. Example of engineering application shows that L‐curve method is introduced which is better than Generalized Cross Validation (GCV) method and is applied to select regularization parameter; thus the proposed algorithm can be helpful to alleviate the ill‐conditioned problem in identification of dynamic force and to acquire an optimal solution of inverse problem in practical engineering.
A Novel Method to Investigate the Effect of Social Network “Hook” Images on Purchasing Prospects in E-Commerce
Authors: Smaoui Mohamed R.
Published: October 2017

Background. Social network visual shopping trends are growing e-commerce at unprecedented levels. Images are used as product marketing material; however, image posts are triggering very low consumer behavior and low sales conversion. Objective. To explore how online stores can increase the purchasing prospects of their products using images on social networks. Methods. We introduce a theoretical probabilistic model to estimate consumer behavioral intention and purchasing prospect on social networks, outline parameters that can be exploited to increase click-rate and conversion, and motivate a new strategy to market products online. The model explores increasing online stores’ sales conversion by utilizing a product collection landing page that is marketed to consumers through a single “Hook” image. To implement the model, we developed a novel technological method that enabled online stores to post different “Hook” images on social networks and hyperlink them to the product collection landing pages they created. Results. Stores and marketers developed four types of “Hook” images: themed-collaged product images, single product images, lifestyle images, and model images. Themed-collaged product images accounted for 60% of consumer traffic from social network sites. Moreover, consumer purchasing click rate increased at least twofold (4.94%) with the use of product collection landing pages.
Force Feedback Control Method of Active Tuned Mass Damper
Authors: Wang Xiuli , Yun Di
Published: October 2017

Active tuned mass dampers as vibration-control devices are widely used in many fields for their good stability and effectiveness. To improve the performance of such dampers, a control method based on force feedback is proposed. The method offers several advantages such as high-precision control and low-performance requirements for the actuator, as well as not needing additional compensators. The force feedback control strategy was designed based on direct-velocity feedback. The effectiveness of the method was verified in a single-degree-of-freedom system, and factors such as damping effect, required active force, actuator stroke, and power consumption of the damper were analyzed. Finally, a simulation study was performed by configuring a main complex elastic-vibration-damping system. The results show that the method provides effective control over modal resonances of multiple orders of the system and improves its dynamics performance.
A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Phase II Study of the Efficacy and Safety of Monotherapy Ontuxizumab (MORAb-004) Plus Best Supportive Care in Patients with Chemorefractory Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Grothey Axel , Strosberg Jonathan R. , Renfro Lindsay A. , Hurwitz Herbert I. , Marshall John L. , Safran Howard , Guarino Michael J. , Kim George P. , Hecht J.R. , Weil Susan C. , Heyburn John , Wang Wenquan , Schweizer Charles , O'Shannessy Daniel J. , Diaz Luis Alberto
Published: October 2017

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of ontuxizumab (MORAb-004), a monoclonal antibody that interferes with endosialin (tumor endothelial marker-1) function, in patients with chemorefractory metastatic colorectal cancer and to identify a responsive patient population based on biomarkers.

Experimental Design: This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase II study. Patients were randomly assigned in a 2:1 ratio to receive weekly intravenous ontuxizumab (8 mg/kg) or placebo plus best supportive care until progression or unacceptable toxicity. Tissue and blood biomarkers were evaluated for their ability to identify a patient population that was responsive to ontuxizumab.

Results: A total of 126 patients were enrolled. No significant difference between the ontuxizumab and placebo groups was evident for the primary endpoint of progression-free survival (PFS), with a median PFS of 8.1 weeks in each group (HR, 1.13; 95% confidence interval, 0.76–1.67; P = 0.53). There were no significant differences between groups for overall survival (OS) or overall response rate (ORR). The most common treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) in the ontuxizumab group (vs. the placebo group, respectively) were fatigue (53.7% vs. 47.5%), nausea (39.0% vs. 35.0%), decreased appetite (34.1% vs. 27.5%), and constipation (28.0% vs. 32.5%). The most common grade 3/4 TEAE in the ontuxizumab group versus placebo was back pain (11.0% vs. 0%). No single biomarker clearly identified patients responsive to ontuxizumab.

Conclusions: No benefit with ontuxizumab monotherapy compared with placebo for clinical response parameters of PFS, OS, or ORR was demonstrated. Ontuxizumab was well tolerated. Clin Cancer Res; 24(2); 316–25. ©2017 AACR.
Clinical and Immunologic Biomarkers for Histologic Regression of High-Grade Cervical Dysplasia and Clearance of HPV16 and HPV18 after Immunotherapy
Authors: Morrow Matthew P. , Kraynyak Kimberly A. , Sylvester Albert J. , Dallas Michael , Knoblock Dawson , Boyer Jean D. , Yan Jian , Vang Russell , Khan Amir S. , Humeau Laurent , Sardesai Niranjan Y. , Kim J. Joseph , Plotkin Stanley , Weiner David B. , Trimble Cornelia L. , Bagarazzi Mark L.
Published: October 2017

Purpose: As previously reported, treatment of high-grade cervical dysplasia with VGX-3100 resulted in complete histopathologic regression (CR) concomitant with elimination of HPV16/18 infection in 40.0% of VGX-3100–treated patients compared with only 14.3% in placebo recipients in a randomized phase IIb study. Here, we identify clinical and immunologic characteristics that either predicted or correlated with therapeutic benefit from VGX-3100 to identify parameters that might guide clinical decision-making for this disease.

Experimental Design: We analyzed samples taken from cervical swabs, whole blood, and tissue biopsies/resections to determine correlates and predictors of treatment success.

Results: At study entry, the presence of preexisting immunosuppressive factors such as FoxP3 and PD-L1 in cervical lesions showed no association with treatment outcome. The combination of HPV typing and cervical cytology following dosing was predictive for both histologic regression and elimination of detectable virus at the efficacy assessment 22 weeks later (negative predictive value 94%). Patients treated with VGX-3100 who had lesion regression had a statistically significant >2-fold increase in CD137+perforin+CD8+ T cells specific for the HPV genotype causing disease. Increases in cervical mucosal CD137+ and CD103+ infiltrates were observed only in treated patients. Perforin+ cell infiltrates were significantly increased >2-fold in cervical tissue only in treated patients who had histologic CR.

Conclusions: Quantitative measures associated with an effector immune response to VGX-3100 antigens were associated with lesion regression. Consequently, these analyses indicate that certain immunologic responses associate with successful resolution of HPV-induced premalignancy, with particular emphasis on the upregulation of perforin in the immunotherapy-induced immune response. Clin Cancer Res; 24(2); 276–94. ©2017 AACR.
Intussusception due to an Inverted Meckel’s Diverticulum Diagnosed by Double-Balloon Enteroscopy
Authors: Kawasaki Yuki , Shinozaki Satoshi , Yano Tomonori , Oshiro Kenichi , Morimoto Mitsuaki , Kawarai Lefor Alan , Yamamoto Hironori
Published: October 2017

An 18-year-old man presented after undergoing multiple investigations for abdominal pain. Retrograde double-balloon enteroscopy showed a protruding red lesion in the ileum with small ulcers, approximately 75 cm proximal to the ileocecal valve, resulting in an intussusception. An inverted Meckel’s diverticulum was strongly suspected. Pressure was applied to the protruding lesion using contrast medium injection after wedging the lumen with a balloon. The intussusception partially reduced, avoiding the need for emergent surgery. Endoscopic tattooing was performed to mark the lesion for subsequent resection. Elective laparoscopy-assisted surgery with minimum laparotomy revealed an inverted Meckel’s diverticulum, which was resected.
Cardiac Remodelling in Patients Undergoing in-Centre Nocturnal Haemodialysis: Results from the MIDNIGHT Study, a Non-Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Graham-Brown Matthew P.M. , Churchward Darren R. , Hull Katherine L. , Preston Rob , Pickering Warren P. , Eborall Helen C. , McCann Gerry P. , Burton James O.
Published: October 2017

Evidence suggests extended-hours haemodialysis (HD) may improve cardiovascular, medical and quality-of-life outcomes. In-centre nocturnal haemodialysis (INHD) is an established but underutilized method of providing extended-hours treatment. This 6-month, non-randomized controlled trial (ISRCTN16672784) recruited 13 INHD patients and 12 control patients on conventional HD. The effects of treatment on left ventricular (LV) structure, function and myocardial fibrosis were assessed using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and native T1 mapping. Quality-of-life and clinical measures were also collected. INHD led to significant reductions in LV mass (-14.75 vs. +6.54 g; p = 0.02), global T1 (-30.62 vs. 0.4 ms; p = 0.05) and non-septal native T1 values (-30.93 vs. 8.96 ms; p = 0.02) over time. There were also significant improvements in serum phosphate (-0.39 vs. +0.02 mmol/L; p = 0.03) and reductions in ultrafiltration rates (-2.32 vs. +0.70 mL/h/kg p = 0.05) between INHD and controls. Six-months of INHD was associated with favourable LV remodelling and reduced myocardial fibrosis compared to patients on conventional haemodialysis.
A Silent Asymptomatic Solid Pancreas Tumor in a Nonsmoking Athletic Female: Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Lin Kyawzaw , Lin Aung Naing , Lin Sithu , Lin Thinzar , Liu Ying Xian , Reddy Madhavi
Published: October 2017

A silent solid endocrine tumor of pancreas, intraductal adenocarcinoma of pancreas, is the fourth leading cancer-related death in the US. However, it is expected to become the third leading cause by 2030 owing to delayed diagnosis and slow progress in management. Chronic pancreatitis is at risk for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). PDAC is diagnostic with transabdominal sonogram, blood test such as carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9), and imaging. PDAC has a dismal prognosis. The survival rate in 5 years is barely 6%, while late detection rate is 80–85% with unresectable stage upon diagnosis. Here, we present a 51-year-old asymptomatic female with intermittent constipation and abdominal pain for 1 month with obstructive jaundice with PDAC with liver metastasis.
Hypoxemia Episodes during Day and Night and Their Impact on Oxygen Saturation Targeting in Mechanically Ventilated Preterm Infants
Authors: Jain Deepak , D'Ugard Carmen , Bello Jose , Bancalari Eduardo , Claure Nelson
Published: October 2017

Background: Hypoxemia episodes (HE) occur frequently in ventilated preterm infants and hinder the achievement of arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2) targets. These episodes may increase the risk for retinopathy of prematurity and neurodevelopmental disability. There are no data on the variation in HE and SpO2 targeting between day and night. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the difference between day and night on the frequency and severity of HE and achievement of SpO2 targets. Methods: Twenty-four mechanically ventilated preterm infants with ≥4 episodes of SpO2 <75% over an 8-h period were enrolled. The fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2), SpO2, and ventilator parameters were recorded over 24 h. Data from the day (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) were compared to the night (9 p.m. to 5 a.m.) for the frequency of HE and proportion of time within and outside the target SpO2 range (90-95%). Results: The frequency of severe HE (SpO2 <75, ≥20 s) and prolonged severe HE (SpO2 <75, ≥60 s) was lower during the night compared to the day (1.6 ± 1.0 vs. 2.4 ± 1.3 episodes/h, p = 0.008, and 0.53 ± 0.35 vs. 0.90 ± 0.54 episodes/h, p = 0.018). There was no difference in mean episode duration. The frequency and duration of mild HE (SpO2 <85, ≥20 s) were lower during the night compared to the day (5.9 ± 2.7 vs. 7.1 ± 2.5 episodes/h, p = 0.003, and 72 ± 15 vs. 87 ± 25 s, p = 0.01, respectively). The proportion of time in severe hypoxemia (SpO2 <75%) was smaller, whereas time in hyperoxemia (SpO2 >95%) was greater, during the night compared to the day. The mean FiO2 did not differ between day and night. Conclusion: In this group of infants with frequent HE, nighttime was associated with fewer episodes when compared to daytime. This is likely due to less handling and sensory stimulation during the night. The increase in time spent with hyperoxemia during the night is likely to be due to more tolerance of high SpO2 with less proactive weaning of FiO2.
A Retrospective Study of Cervical Spine MRI Findings in Children with Abusive Head Trauma
Authors: Governale Lance S. , Brink Farah W. , Pluto Charles P. , Schunemann Victoria A. , Weber Rachel , Rusin Jerome , Fischer Beth A. , Letson Megan M.
Published: October 2017

Background/Aims: Increasing attention has been given to the possible association of cervical spine (c-spine) injuries with abusive head trauma (AHT). The aims of this study were to describe c-spine MRI findings in hospitalized AHT patients. Methods: This is a retrospective study of children under the age of 5 years with AHT admitted to hospital in 2004-2013. Those with c-spine MRI were identified, and the images were reviewed. Results: 250 AHT cases were identified, with 34 (14%) undergoing c-spine MRI. Eleven patients (32%) had 25 findings, including hematoma in 2, occiput-C1-C2 edema in 3, prevertebral edema in 6, facet edema in 2, and interspinous and/or muscular edema in 10. No patients had a clinically evident c-spine injury, a clinically unstable c-spine, or required c-spine surgery. Conclusions: C-spine MRI may identify abnormalities not apparent upon physical examination and the procedure should therefore be considered in cases of suspected AHT.
A Comparison of the Safety and Efficacy of HX575 (Epoetin Alfa Proposed Biosimilar) with Epoetin Alfa in Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease
Authors: Weir Matthew R. , Pergola Pablo E. , Agarwal Rajiv  , Fink Jeffrey C. , Kopyt Nelson P. , Singh Ajay K. , Kumar Jayant , Schmitt Susanne , Schaffar Gregor , Rudy Anita , McKay Jim P. , Kanceva Radmila
Published: October 2017

Background: HX575 (biosimilar epoetin alfa) was approved in Europe in 2007 for the treatment of chronic kidney disease (CKD)-related anemia. This study assessed the clinical equivalence of HX575 with the US-licensed reference epoetin alfa (Epogen®/Procrit®, Amgen/Janssen) following subcutaneous (SC) administration in dialysis patients with CKD-related anemia. Methods: This randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, multicenter study (NCT01693029) was conducted at 49 US clinical sites. Eligible patients were aged ≥18 years, had end-stage renal disease, were on hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis for ≥6 months (or ≥12 months in the case of a failed kidney transplant), and were receiving treatment with stable SC doses of epoetin alfa. Eligible patients also had mean hemoglobin (Hb) concentration between 9.0 and 11.5 g/dL during the screening period. The primary endpoint was the mean absolute change in Hb concentration between the screening/baseline period (week-4 to week-1) and the evaluation period (weeks 21 to 28). Results: Hb values at the end of the evaluation period and the Hb change from baseline to evaluation period were similar between treatment groups. The estimated difference between groups in mean absolute change in Hb concentration was –0.093 g/dL, with 90% CI (–0.23 to 0.04) entirely within the pre-specified equivalence limits (–0.5 to 0.5 g/dL). The safety profile of each medicine was similar and as expected in dialysis patients, and neither method of treatment led to the development of neutralizing, clinically relevant antibodies. Conclusions: SC HX575 in dialysis patients with renal anemia was therapeutically equivalent to the reference medicine in terms of maintaining stable Hb levels and safety.
The Efficiency and Safety of Intrarectal Topical Anesthesia for Transrectal Ultrasound-Guided Prostate Biopsy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Yang Yubo , Liu Zhenhua , Wei Qiang , Cao Dehong , Yang Lu , Zhu Yuchun , Wei Xin , Tang Zhuang , Liu Liangren , Han Ping
Published: October 2017

Objective: The study aims to review the current evidence to determine the efficiency and safety of intrarectal topical anesthesia (ITA) for transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive search of the literature was performed using Medline, Embase and Cochrane central register of controlled trials. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the efficacy and safety of periprostatic nerve block (PNB), ITA, and PNB combined with ITA were included. The mean pain scores after the biopsy procedure, the mean pain scores after the probe insertion and adverse events were evaluated. Results: Thirty-2 RCTs were identified in the meta-analysis. ITA could significantly reduce pain during probe insertion compared to control and placebo. The PNB group had less pain after the prostate biopsy than the ITA group. PNB combined with ITA could significantly reduce pain during the biopsy procedure compared to ITA alone. No significant differences were found in adverse events in ITA versus control, ITA versus placebo, and ITA versus PNB. Conclusions: ITA could reduce pain after probe insertion and pain after biopsy although it was inferior to PNB in reducing pain during prostate biopsy. ITA combined with PNB was more effective than ITA alone. In addition, it was safe to perform ITA for prostate biopsy.
Facial Age Estimation Using Spatial Weber Local Descriptor
Authors: Günay Asuman , Nabiyev Vasif V.
Published: October 2017

This paper introduces a novel age estimation method using a new texture descriptor Weber Local Descriptor (WLD). This texture descriptor is analyzed in depth for age estimation problem. In the study, the multi-scale versions of holistic and spatial WLD (SWLD) descriptors are used to extract the age related features from normalized facial images. After finding a lower dimensional feature subspace, age estimation is performed using multiple linear regression. In addition the age estimation accuracy of each of the distinct and intersection block used in spatial texture extraction are investigated. Experiments on FGNET, MORPH and PAL databases have shown that similar age estimation performances can be obtained by using more effective blocks in spatial histogram generation. This also provides us to reduce the number of features and computational cost.
Spectral and Power-Efficiency Trade-off in Fixed-Grid Optical Networks
Authors: Iyer Sridhar , Singh Shree Prakash
Published: October 2017

The improvement of spectral efficiency in the MLR networks can be obtained by the reduction of sub-band spacing, or by minimizing the spacing of the sub-bands that operate at varied data rates. However, due to the presence of physical layer impairments, minimization in sub-band spacing leads to adverse effects on the channel(s) transmission reach. As a result there occurs an increase in the consumed power due to the requirement of increase in regeneration of the signal. In the current work we propose an improved DWDM grating in view of obtaining higher spectral efficiency. For a system, with and without Forward Error Correction capabilities (i) for various SLR solutions, we find and compare power consumption values of the components with respect to the total traffic, and (ii) for different MLR and SLR solutions, for a fixed QoT, we evaluate the minimum values of the sub-band and the channel spacing, and also evaluate and compare the power-efficiency with the distance of transmission.
Subjetividade anônima e cultura aberta no pensamento de Hélio Oiticica
Authors: Rivera Tania
Published: October 2017

Hélio Oiticica constrói, em seus escritos e em suas obras artísticas, um vigoroso pensamento sobre o sujeito e o mundo que articula de forma única a tradição construtivista à contracultura dos anos 1970. Este estudo visa destacar em sua reflexão a “anonimidade” como marcação subjetiva da obra e a noção de cultura como “raiz-aberta”, articulando-as de modo a salientar a dimensão política da reflexão teórico-artística de Oiticica e de sua pertinência atual como proposta de construção incessante de um “comum” não identitário.
Mechanisms, Consequences, and Prevention of Coronary Graft Failure
Authors: Gaudino Mario , Antoniades Charalambos , Benedetto Umberto , Deb Saswata , Di Franco Antonino , Di Giammarco Gabriele , Fremes Stephen , Glineur David , Grau Juan , He Guo-Wei , Marinelli Daniele , Ohmes Lucas B. , Patrono Carlo , Puskas John , Tranbaugh Robert , Girardi Leonard N. , Taggart David P. , Ruel Marc , Bakaeen Faisal G.
Published: October 2017

Graft failure occurs in a sizeable proportion of coronary artery bypass conduits. We herein review relevant current evidence to give an overview of the incidence, pathophysiology, and clinical consequences of this multifactorial phenomenon. Thrombosis, endothelial dysfunction, vasospasm, and oxidative stress are different mechanisms associated with graft failure. Intrinsic morphological and functional features of the bypass conduits play a role in determining failure. Similarly, characteristics of the target coronary vessel, such as the severity of stenosis, the diameter, the extent of atherosclerotic burden, and previous endovascular interventions, are important determinants of graft outcome and must be taken into consideration at the time of surgery. Technical factors, such as the method used to harvest the conduits, the vasodilatory protocol, the storage solution, and the anastomotic technique, also play a major role in determining graft success. Furthermore, systemic atherosclerotic risk factors, such as age, sex, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, have been variably associated with graft failure. The failure of a coronary graft is not always correlated with adverse clinical events, which vary according to the type, location, and reason for failed graft. Intraoperative flow verification and secondary prevention using antiplatelet and lipid-lowering agents can help reducing the incidence of graft failure.
Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 Inhibitor Therapy
Authors: Hess Gregory P. , Natarajan Pradeep , Faridi Kamil F. , Fievitz Anna , Valsdottir Linda , Yeh Robert W.
Published: October 2017

Background:

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors (PCSK9i) are a novel class of medications for patients with familial hypercholesterolemia or clinical atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease requiring additional lipid lowering beyond dietary measures and statin use. Because of the drugs’ high cost, rates of prescription approval by payers may be low. We aimed to identify payer approval and rejection rates for PCSK9i prescriptions and the potential factors influencing these rates.

Methods:

This is a retrospective, descriptive cohort study using nationwide pharmacy claims linked to electronic medical records from a nationwide data warehouse. The data set includes >220 million patients from all 50 states and all payer types with 5140 distinct health plans. PCSK9i prescriptions were submitted for 51 466 patients in the pharmacy data set. The main outcome was approval or rejection of PCSK9i prescription claims. Factors associated with approval and rejection of these medications in the United States were assessed.

Results:

Among patients who were prescribed a PCSK9i, 47.0% were approved for coverage by the payer. Variables that were associated with PCSK9i approval included age >65 years (
P
<0.01), history of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (
P
<0.01), prescription by a cardiologist or nonprimary care provider (
P
<0.01), statin intolerance (
P
=0.03), longer statin duration (
P
=0.01), and noncommercial payers (
P
<0.01). Higher low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were not associated with higher approval rates. Commercial third-party payers had the lowest approval rates (24.4%) and Medicare had the highest (60.9%).

Conclusions:

Rates of approval for PCSK9i therapy are low, even for patients who appear to meet labeled indications. Although a combination of clinical characteristics increases the likelihood of approval, payer type is the most significant factor.
Frequency, Predictors, and Impact of Combined Antiplatelet Therapy on Venous Thromboembolism in Patients With Symptomatic Atherosclerosis
Authors: Cavallari Ilaria , Morrow David A. , Creager Mark A. , Olin Jeffrey , Bhatt Deepak L. , Steg P. Gabriel , Storey Robert F. , Cohen Marc , Scirica Benjamin S. , Piazza Gregory , Goodrich Erica L. , Braunwald Eugene , Sabatine Marc S. , Bonaca Marc P.
Published: October 2017

Background:

Observational studies suggest that symptomatic atherosclerosis may be associated with risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Prior randomized studies have demonstrated a significant reduction in recurrent VTE with aspirin monotherapy. Whether VTE risk is associated with more severe symptomatic atherosclerosis and more intensive antiplatelet therapy reduces VTE risk beyond aspirin monotherapy is unknown.

Methods:

TRA2P-TIMI 50 (Thrombin Receptor Antagonist in Secondary Prevention of Atherothrombotic Ischemic Events–Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction) (vorapaxar) and PEGASUS-TIMI 54 (Prevention of Cardiovascular Events in Patients With Prior Heart Attack Using Ticagrelor Compared to Placebo on a Background of Aspirin–Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction 54) (ticagrelor) were blinded, randomized placebo-controlled trials of antiplatelet therapy for the prevention of ischemic events in stable patients with symptomatic atherosclerosis. Two blinded vascular specialists systematically identified symptomatic venous thromboembolic events in both trials.

Results:

Of 47 611 patients with stable vascular disease followed for 3 years in both studies there were 343 VTE events in 301 patients (Kaplan-Meier rate at 3 years, 0.9% for placebo). The risk of VTE was independently associated with age, body mass index, polyvascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and malignancy. The burden of atherosclerosis manifested as an increasing number of symptomatic vascular territories was associated with a graded increase in the 3-year rates of VTE (0.76% for 1, 1.53% for 2, and 2.45% for 3 territories). More intensive antiplatelet therapy (vorapaxar and ticagrelor pooled) significantly reduced the risk of VTE by 29% compared with background antiplatelet therapy, from 0.93% to 0.64% at 3 years (hazard ratio, 0.71; 95% confidence interval, 0.56–0.89;
P
=0.003).

Conclusions:

The rate of VTE in patients with atherosclerosis is ≈0.3% per year while on treatment with ≥1 antiplatelet agent, with increased risk independently associated with the number of symptomatic vascular territories. More intensive antiplatelet therapy reduces the risk of VTE. These data suggest a relationship between atherosclerosis burden and VTE risk, and they support inclusion of VTE as a prospective end point in long-term secondary prevention trials evaluating the risks and benefits of antiplatelet therapies in patients with atherosclerosis.

Clinical Trial Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01225562.
Placental Growth Factor as a Prognostic Tool in Women With Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy
Authors: Ukah U. Vivian , Hutcheon Jennifer A. , Payne Beth , Haslam Matthew D. , Vatish Manu , Ansermino J. Mark , Brown Helen , Magee Laura A. , von Dadelszen Peter
Published: October 2017

The PlGF (placental growth factor) has been largely demonstrated to be associated with the diagnosis of the hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDPs); however, it is unclear how useful it is for the prognosis of the condition. Our objective was to provide a summary of important findings of its prognostic ability by systematically reviewing studies that examined the ability of the PlGF, either independently or combined with other factors, to predict maternal and fetal complications resulting from the HDPs. We included studies published before January 30, 2017, reporting on the use of the PlGF as a prognostic test for women with confirmed HDPs or suspected preeclampsia. Of the 220 abstracts identified through MEDLINE, Embase, and CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), 17 studies were eligible for our review. Prognostic performance was evaluated by sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratios, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. PlGF showed moderate-to-high evidence (likelihood ratios of ≥5 or ≤0.2 or area under the receiver operating characteristic curves ≥0.70) for identifying women at the highest risk of preterm delivery or neonatal outcomes (10/12 studies) but showed no clinically useful performance for the prediction of adverse maternal outcomes. PlGF may aid in the management of women with HDPs to avert fetal complications. Future studies should determine an optimum threshold for the marker to guide delivery and should examine whether its use for predicting adverse maternal outcomes in women with HDPs can be improved.
Cutting and Blending Trees of Life (African Cultural Context and the Bible)
Authors: Ramantswana Hulisani
Published: October 2017

This paper is a critical engagement with Dorothy Bea Akoto-Abutiate’s book Proverbs and the African Tree of Life: Grafting Biblical Proverbs onto Ghanaian Eve Folk Proverbs (Leiden: Brill 2014). In the book, Akoto-Abutiate grafts together the African Ghanaian folk proverbs and the proverbial sayings in Proverbs 25:1-29:27 in order to appropriate the Biblical message in the Ghanaian context. For Akoto-Abutiate the Biblical book of Proverbs or the Bible in general is a ‘tree of life’ and so is/are the African cultural context(s). She, therefore, suggests the ‘hermeneutic of grafting’ as the most appropriate model through which engagement between African cultural context(s) and the Biblical text can productively happen without undermining the former. The African cultural context in this model is regarded as the dominant and pre-existing tree of life onto which the Biblical shoot(s) are grafted. This paper engages ‘hermeneutic of grafting’ from a decolonial perspective thereby highlighting the pros and cons of Akoto-Abutiate’s approach.
On What Does Rationality Hinge?
Authors: Avnur Yuval
Published: October 2017

The two main components of Coliva’s view are Moderatism and Extended Rationality. According to Moderatism, a belief about specific material objects is perceptually justified iff, absent defeaters, one has the appropriate course of experience and it is assumed that there is an external world. I grant Moderatism and instead focus on Extended Rationality, according to which it is epistemically rational to believe evidentially warranted propositions and to accept those unwarrantable assumptions that make the acquisition of perceptual warrants possible and are therefore constitutive of ordinary evidential warrants. I suggest that, even though Extended Rationality might be true, it cannot do the work that Coliva wants it to do. Although my objections do not show that it is false, they can serve to clarify what sorts of problem a theory of justification or rationality could possibly address. This provides an alternative to Coliva’s view of the skeptical problem and the question, on what does rationality hinge?
A new species of Charissa Curtis, 1826 from Europe (Lepidoptera: Geometridae)
Authors: ERLACHER SVEN , ERLACHER JOSEPHA
Published: October 2017

Charissa is a species-rich genus within the geometrid subfamily Ennominae, and is widely distributed in the Palaearctic and the Oriental regions; one species also occurs in the Nearctic. Their perfect adaptation to rocks on which they rest during daytime makes them sometimes difficult to tell apart on habitus. For that it is often necessary to analyze their genitalia. Since Sauter (1990), about 30 species, almost all European ones, have been newly combined from Gnophos Treitschke, 1825 to Charissa (Parsons et al. 1999). Currently, the genus is under revision by the authors of the present paper, and the genus name is under protection according to § 23.9.3. ICZN (Erlacher & Erlacher 2017).