bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection of Cracks in Rotating Shafts by Using the Combination Resonances Approach and the Approximated Entropy Algorithm
Authors: Nicoletti Rodrigo , Cavalini Aldemir A. , Steffen Valder
Published: May 2018

Shaft crack detection is a very serious matter and machines suspected of having a crack must be treated carefully. The importance attributed to this problem is addressed due to the serious consequences when cracks are not early detected in rotating systems. Various crack detection techniques were proposed in the last years, in which the vibration based techniques have demonstrated being efficient. However, these techniques fail for the cases in which incipient cracks are concerned. Recently, a nonlinear approach to detect cracks in rotating shafts was presented. The idea is to excite the shaft by using a harmonic force to induce combination resonances in the system. If the combination resonances appear in the vibration responses of the rotating system, the presence of cracks is confirmed. However, this methodology demonstrated being effective in detecting only deep cracks. In this context, the uniqueness of this paper relies on the possibility of detecting incipient transverse cracks in rotating shafts by associating the combination resonances approach with the so‐called Approximated Entropy algorithm (ApEn algorithm). ApEn is a statistical value used to quantify irregularities in data series. Patterns and correspondences between samples of the same series are searched to detect anomalies. Considering that the combination resonances change the pattern of the shaft vibration responses, the ApEn algorithm can be used to highlight the presence of such resonances and, consequently, the detection of incipient cracks. The proposed approach was numerically evaluated by considering a horizontal rotating machine. A preliminary experimental investigation is also presented. The results demonstrated the efficiency of the conveyed methodology.
Tuning, Impedance Matching, and Temperature Regulation during High‐Temperature Microwave Sintering of Ceramics
Authors: Marinel Sylvain , Renaut Nicolas , Savary Etienne , Macaigne Rodolphe , Riquet Guillaume , Coureau Christophe , Gadeyne Thibault , Guillet David
Published: May 2018

Over the years, microwave radiation has emerged as an efficient source of energy for material processing. This technology provides a rapid and a volumetric heating of material. However, the main issues that prevent microwave technology from being widespread in material processing are temperature control regulation and heating distribution within the sample. Most of the experimental works are usually manually monitored, and their reproducibility is rarely evaluated and discussed. In this work, an originally designed 915 MHz microwave single‐mode applicator for high‐temperature processing is presented. The overall microwave system is described in terms of an equivalent electrical circuit. This circuit has allowed to point out the different parameters which need to be adjusted to get a fully controlled heating process. The basic principle of regulation is then depicted in terms of a block function diagram. From it, the process has been developed and tested to sinter zirconia‐ and spinel‐based ceramics. It is clearly shown that the process can be successfully used to program multistep temperature cycles up to ∼1550°C, improving significantly the reproducibility and the ease of use of this emerging high‐temperature process technology.
Hydrogen-Rich Saline Activated Autophagy via HIF-1α Pathways in Neuropathic Pain Model
Authors: Wang Huixing , Huo Xiaodong , Chen Hongguang , Li Bo , Liu Jingzhi , Ma Wenting , Wang Xiaojuan , Xie Keliang , Yu Yonghao , Shi Kemei
Published: May 2018

Background. Neuropathic pain is a chronic and intractable pain, with very few effective analgesics. It involves an impaired cell autophagy process. Hydrogen-rich saline (HRS) reportedly reduces allodynia and hyperalgesia in a neuropathic pain model; however, it is unknown whether these effects involve autophagy induction. Methods. We investigated the relationship between HRS and cell autophagy in a neuropathic pain model generated by chronic constriction injury (CCI) in Sprague–Dawley rats. Rats received an intraperitoneal injection of HRS (10 mL/kg daily, from 1 day before until 14 days after CCI), 3MA (autophagy inhibitor), 2ME2 (HIF-1α inhibitor), or EDHB (HIF-1α agonist). The mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) and thermal withdrawal latency (TWL) were tested 1 day before and 1, 3, 7, 10, and 14 days after the operation. HIF-1α and cell autophagy markers in the spinal cord were evaluated by western blotting and real-time PCR assays at 14 days after CCI. Autophagosomes with double membranes were identified by transmission electron microscopy. Results. CCI caused behavioral hypersensitivity to mechanical and thermal stimulation in the hind-paw of the injured side. HRS improved MWT and TWL, activated autophagy, and increased autophagosomes and autolysosomes in CCI rats. 3-MA aggravated hyperalgesia and allodynia and suppressed autophagy, while EDHB attenuated hyperalgesia and activated the autophagy procedure and the HIF-1α downstream target gene BNIP3. HIF-1α inhibitors reversed the regulatory effects of HRS on autophagy in CCI rats at 14 days after spinal cord injury. Conclusion. HRS reduced mechanical hyperalgesia and activation of cell autophagy in neuropathic pain through a HIF1-dependent pathway.
Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients on Hemodialysis following Drug-Eluting versus Bare-Metal Coronary Stents
Authors: Mohani Amir F. , Penumetsa Srikanth , Daoulah Amin , Giugliano Gregory , Lotfi Amir
Published: May 2018

Aim. This study sought to compare short- and long-term outcomes of drug-eluting stents (DESs) versus bare-metal stents (BMSs) implantation in patients with end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis (ESRD-HD) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods. Adult patients with ESRD-HD who underwent PCI at all nonfederal hospitals in Massachusetts between July 1, 2003, and September 30, 2007, were stratified based on the stent type placed at index hospitalization: DES or BMS. The primary outcome compared was a composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction (MI), congestive heart failure (CHF), target vessel revascularization (TVR), and stroke at 30 days and one year. Results. HD patients had a high mortality (31%) and were more likely to receive a DES than a BMS (77% versus 23%). Propensity score analysis of 2 : 1 matched DES (268) versus BMS (134) patients demonstrated the DES group to more likely have proximal LAD disease and a history of prior PCI. Conditional logistic regression analysis demonstrated no significant difference in the composite cardiovascular endpoint measured at 30 days (hazard ratio (HR) 1.09; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.61–1.94) and one year (HR 1.03; 95% CI 0.68–1.57). Conclusions. There were no significant differences in 30-day or 1-year major cardiovascular outcomes in HD patients undergoing PCI using the DES compared to the BMS in this high-mortality patient cohort.
Coexistence of Two Cubic‐Lattice Co Matrices at High Temperatures in Co‐Re‐Cr‐Ni Alloy Studied by Neutron Diffraction
Authors: Beran Přemysl , Mukherji Debashis , Strunz Pavel , Gilles Ralph , Hölzel Markus , Rösler Joachim
Published: May 2018

In situ neutron diffraction measurements were performed during heating to high temperature and cooling for a Co‐17Re‐23Cr‐25Ni alloy. The allotropic transformation of the Co matrix and the evolution of the low‐temperature hexagonal and high‐temperature cubic Co phases were studied. A surprising observation was the splitting of the face‐centred cubic (fcc) Co phase peaks at high temperature during heating as well as cooling. The phase evolution was monitored, and an appearance of the secondary fcc phase could be linked to the formation of σ phase (Cr2Re3 type) associated with a compositional change in the matrix due to diffusion processes at high temperature.
Social‐Aware Device‐to‐Device Offloading Based on Experimental Mobility and Content Similarity Models
Authors: Aoude Lynn , Dawy Zaher , Sharafeddine Sanaa , Frenn Karim , Jahed Karim
Published: May 2018

Device‐to‐device (D2D) offloading has been shown to be a highly effective technique to enhance the performance of wireless networks. Yet, for any two mobile users to share data efficiently and reliably via D2D links, they should be in close proximity for long enough period of time, share similar content interests, and have some level of incentive and trust to cooperate. In this work, we focus on the practical implementation aspects of D2D data sharing taking into account realistic operational conditions. To this end, we design and conduct an experimental study to collect location and neighbor discovery data from 38 mobile users in a university campus over several weeks using our own customized crowdsourcing Android mobile application. The collected data is then processed and utilized to empirically model mobility‐related parameters that include contact frequency, contact duration, and inter‐contact duration. The participating users did also fill a user interest survey in order to correlate mobility and connectivity patterns with content interests and social network relations. The obtained insights are then used to develop a practical implementation framework for designing effective D2D data sharing strategies. To test the proposed ideas under realistic operational constraints, we design and implement a social‐aware D2D data sharing Android mobile application and demonstrate its functionality and effectiveness using an example case study scenario.
Velocity Control Based on Active Disturbance Rejection for Air‐Breathing Supersonic Vehicles
Authors: Ming Chao , Sun Ruisheng , Wang Xiaoming
Published: May 2018

This paper investigates a velocity tracking control approach for air‐breathing supersonic vehicles with uncertainties and external disturbances. Considering angle of attack is difficult to be precisely measured in practice, extended state observer technique is introduced into the state reconstruction design. In order to avoid possible oscillations in the design of the traditional extended state observer (TESO), a modified extended state observer (MESO) is developed, where a new smooth function is proposed to replace nonsmooth function of TESO. On the basis of it, an active disturbance rejection controller (ADRC) is designed for velocity control systems. Simultaneously, the closed‐loop stability is rigorously proved by using Lyapunov theory. Finally, numeric simulations are conducted to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
The Role of TLR4 on PGC‐1α‐Mediated Oxidative Stress in Tubular Cell in Diabetic Kidney Disease
Authors: Yuan Shuguang , Liu Xuemei , Zhu Xuejing , Qu Zhong , Gong Zailiang , Li Jun , Xiao Li , Yang Yuan , Liu Hong , Sun Lin , Liu Fuyou
Published: May 2018

The role and precise mechanism of TLR4 in mitochondria‐related oxidative damage and apoptosis of renal tubules in diabetic kidney disease (DKD) remain unclear. We examined the expression of TLR4 in renal biopsy tissues. Db/db diabetic mice and HK‐2 cells cultured under high glucose (HG) were used as in vivo and vitro models. Real‐time RT‐PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry were performed to examine the mRNA and protein levels of TLR4, NF‐κΒ, PGC‐1α, cytochrome C, and cleaved caspase‐3. ATP level, activity of electron transport chain complex III, and antioxidant enzymes were investigated for mitochondrial function. Electron microscopy (EM) and MitoTracker Red CMXRos were used for mitochondrial morphology alteration. DHE staining and TUNEL assay were detected for ROS accumulation and apoptosis. PGC‐1α plasmids were used for the overexpression of PGC‐1α in HK‐2. TAK242 and parthenolide were used as TLR4 and NF‐κB blockers, respectively. Results showed that TLR4 was extensively expressed in the renal tubules of DKD patients and db/db diabetic mice, which was positively related to the tubular interstitial damage score and urinary β‐NAG levels. In diabetic mice, inhibition of TLR4 could reverse the decreased expression of PGC‐1α, increased expression of cytochrome C and cleaved caspase‐3, mitochondrial dysfunction and deformation, increased accumulation of ROS, and activation of tubular cell apoptosis. In vitro, inhibition of TLR4 or NF‐κB showed consistent results. PGC‐1α overexpression could reverse the mitochondrial dysfunction, increased cleaved caspase‐3, and apoptosis in HK‐2 cells treated with HG. Data indicated that the TLR4/NF‐κB signaling pathway might be the upstream pathway of PGC‐1α and promote the tubular damage of DKD by modulating the mitochondria‐related oxidative damage and apoptosis.
Spontaneous Slowing and Regressing of Tumor Growth in Childhood/Adolescent Papillary Thyroid Carcinomas Suggested by the Postoperative Thyroglobulin-Doubling Time
Authors: Kasahara Toshihiko , Miyauchi Akira , Kudo Takumi , Nishihara Eijun , Ito Mitsuru , Ito Yasuhiro , Kihara Minoru , Miya Akihiro
Published: May 2018

Background. Children and adolescents with papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs) have generally excellent prognoses despite their frequent extended disease. The tumor growth of young patients’ PTCs might show spontaneous slowing postoperatively. We compared young PTC patients’ postoperative thyroglobulin-doubling time (Tg-DT) with their preoperative hypothetical tumor volume-doubling time (hTV-DT).Methods. Fourteen PTC patients aged ≤18 years who underwent total thyroidectomy at Kuma Hospital in 1998–2016 had biochemically persistent disease postoperatively. We calculated their Tg-DTs and estimated their preoperative TV-DTs with the tumor size and the patient’s age at surgery, presuming that a single cancer cell was present at the patient’s birth.Results. Twelve patients had positive Tg-DTs ranging from 2.0 to 147 years, and the remaining two had negative Tg-DTs, indicating slow growth or even regression. The hTV-DTs were 0.3–0.6 years (median 0.5 years), which were significantly shorter than the Tg-DTs (p<0.001), indicating much faster growth preoperatively. The analyses of the nine patients without radioactive iodine administration (RAI) gave similar results (p<0.01).Conclusions. Irrespective of RAI, the patients’ postoperative Tg-DTs were significantly longer than their preoperative hTV-DTs and were negative values in two patients, indicating that the growth of these young patients’ PTCs had spontaneously slowed or even regressed postoperatively.
Effectiveness and Safety of Peritoneal Dialysis Treatment in Patients with Refractory Congestive Heart Failure due to Chronic Cardiorenal Syndrome
Authors: Shao Qiuyuan , Xia Yangyang , Zhao Min , Liu Jing , Zhang Qingyan , Jin Bo , Xie Jun , Xu Biao , Gong Rujun , Jiang Chunming
Published: May 2018

Aims. To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of peritoneal dialysis (PD) in treating refractory congestive heart failure (RCHF) with cardiorenal syndrome (CRS).Methods. A total of 36 patients with RCHF were divided into type 2 CRS group (group A) and non-type 2 CRS group (group B) according to the patients’ clinical presentations and the ratio of serum urea to creatinine and urinary analyses in this prospective study. All patients were followed up till death or discontinuation of PD. Data were collected for analysis, including patient survival time on PD, technique failure, changes of heart function, and complications associated with PD treatment and hospitalization.Results. There were 27 deaths and 9 patients quitting PD program after a follow-up for 73 months with an average PD time of22.8±18.2months. A significant longer PD time was found in group B as compared with that in group A (29.0±19.4versus13.1±10.6months,p=0.003). Kaplan–Meier curves showed a higher survival probability in group B than that in group A (p<0.001). Multivariate regression demonstrated that type 2 CRS was an independent risk factor for short survival time on PD. The benefit of PD on the improvement of survival and LVEF was limited to group B patients, but absent from group A patients. The impairment of exercise tolerance indicated by NYHA classification was markedly improved by PD for both groups. The technique survival was high, and the hospital readmission was evidently decreased for both group A and group B patients.Conclusions. Our data suggest that PD is a safe and feasible palliative treatment for RCHF with type 2 CRS, though the long-term survival could not be expected for patients with the type 2 CRS. Registration ID Number isChiCTR1800015910.
An Improved FastICA Method for Fetal ECG Extraction
Authors: Yuan Li , Zhou Zhuhuang , Yuan Yanchao , Wu Shuicai
Published: May 2018

Objective. The fast fixed-point algorithm for independent component analysis (FastICA) has been widely used in fetal electrocardiogram (ECG) extraction. However, the FastICA algorithm is sensitive to the initial weight vector, which affects the convergence of the algorithm. In order to solve this problem, an improved FastICA method was proposed to extract fetal ECG. Methods. First, the maternal abdominal mixed signal was centralized and whitened, and the overrelaxation factor was incorporated into Newton’s iterative algorithm to process the initial weight vector randomly generated. The improved FastICA algorithm was used to separate the source components, selected the best maternal ECG from the separated source components, and detected the R-wave location of the maternal ECG. Finally, the maternal ECG component in each channel was removed by the singular value decomposition (SVD) method to obtain a clean fetal ECG signal. Results. An annotated clinical fetal ECG database was used to evaluate the improved algorithm and the conventional FastICA algorithm. The average number of iterations of the algorithm was reduced from 35 before the improvement to 13. Correspondingly, the average running time was reduced from 1.25 s to 1.04 s when using the improved algorithm. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) based on eigenvalues of the improved algorithm was 1.55, as compared to 0.99 of the conventional FastICA algorithm. The SNR based on cross-correlation coefficients of the conventional algorithm was also improved from 0.59 to 2.02. The sensitivity, positive predictive accuracy, and harmonic mean (F1) of the improved method were 99.37%, 99.00%, and 99.19%, respectively, while these metrics of the conventional FastICA method were 99.03%, 98.53%, and 98.78%, respectively. Conclusions. The proposed improved FastICA algorithm based on the overrelaxation factor, while maintaining the rate of convergence, relaxes the requirement of initial weight vector, avoids the unbalanced convergence, reduces the number of iterations, and improves the convergence performance.
Improvement of the Acoustic Attenuation of Plaster Composites by the Addition of Short‐Fibre Reinforcement
Authors: Kulhavý P. , Samková A. , Petru M. , Pechociakova M.
Published: May 2018

Noise attenuation is a key contemporary issue associated with the protection of human health. In this study, the possibilities of affecting acoustic properties of plaster composites by the addition of short‐fibre reinforcement are described. The improvement of attenuation abilities was first verified using a simple numerical model with a pure plaster followed by using a reinforced plaster. The model results revealed a mutual correlation between the fibre ratio and dissipated acoustic energy. Hence, typical plasters used in the building industry (e.g., plaster, lime cement, and cement) are used as the base materials of the tested composites. The reinforcing dispersion in the form of short fibres (basalt and glass) with a defined length was selected after evidence from previously reported studies and after the comparison of some other fibres with respect to the trade‐off between the rendered mechanical properties and cost. Transfer functions of the tested samples were measured using an impedance tube with two microphones, followed by the calculation of the total acoustic absorption. On the other hand, cement and plaster materials exhibited a low damping ability, and the absorption could be considerably increased by the addition of fibres, especially in the area around 1 kHz. In contrast, the UM plaster exhibited good damping properties even without the dispersion, and the addition of improper fibres such as glass ones possibly worsened the properties. The acoustic attenuation of the plaster composites can be improved by the appropriate combination of the base material and fibre dispersion. However, it is not possible to generalise this improvement for all possible combinations.
Assessment of Steady and Unsteady Full Annulus Simulations Predictivity for a Low-Speed Axial Fan at Load-Controlled Windmill
Authors: Ortolan Aurélie , Courty-Audren Suk-Kee , Binder Nicolas , Carbonneau Xavier , Bousquet Yannick , Challas Florent
Published: May 2018

A steady mixing plane approach is compared with the time-averaged solution of an unsteady full annulus calculation for a conventional fan operating at load-controlled windmill. The objective is to assess the added value of a complete unsteady calculation compared with a more classical approach, especially concerning the effect of the spatial and temporal periodicity release in such an unusual operation as windmill. Experiment with global steady measurements and rotor radial characterizations was conducted. Numerical analysis demonstrates that windmilling global performances obtained with the time-averaged solution of the unsteady simulation are not far different from the steady case, especially in the rotor. Some differences arise in the stator, particularly regarding the velocity field. Temporal periodicity release in this row has clearly a significant effect on the flow unsteady response. A detailed analysis highlights that generic patterns of windmilling flows recorded on a steady approach are also reported on the unsteady case.
Application of Wavelet and EEMD Joint Denoising in Nonlinear Ultrasonic Testing of Concrete
Authors: Nie Zhichao , Wang Kui , Zhao Mingjie
Published: May 2018

The health state of concrete is deteriorating during its service. Nonlinear ultrasonic detection based on the amplitude of the fundamental and the second harmonic is considered to be a powerful tool for the discovery of the microcrack in concrete. However, the research on processing the nonlinear ultrasonic signal is still insufficient. In order to highlight the real frequency domain components in the nonlinear ultrasonic signal, wavelet and ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD) were joined to denoise the numerical and measured signal. The optimal wavelet base and the decomposition level were determined by the signal‐to‐noise ratios (SNRs). Then, the wavelet threshold denoising signal was decomposed by EEMD, omitting the high‐frequency components and ultimately achieving the desired denoising effect. The denoising result of the test signals demonstrates that this method is effective in denoising the details of the ultrasonic signal and improving the reliability and adaptability of the nonlinear ultrasonic testing. In this experiment, the concrete with the microcrack was tested by linear and nonlinear ultrasonic methods. Based on the variation regularity of the nonlinear ultrasonic coefficient β and velocity v, we can conclude that the nonlinear ultrasonic parameter β is more sensitive to the microcrack in concrete than the traditional wave velocity v. The nonlinear ultrasonic testing can be an important supplement to the current nondestructive testing technique of the concrete.
Racial/Ethnic, Nativity, and Sociodemographic Disparities in Maternal Hypertension in the United States, 2014-2015
Authors: Singh Gopal K. , Siahpush Mohammad , Liu Lihua , Allender Michelle
Published: May 2018

This study examines racial/ethnic, nativity, and sociodemographic variations in the prevalence of maternal hypertension in the United States. The 2014-2015 national birth cohort data (N = 7,966,573) were modeled by logistic regression to derive unadjusted and adjusted differentials in maternal hypertension consisting of both pregnancy-related hypertension and chronic hypertension. Substantial racial/ethnic differences existed, with prevalence of maternal hypertension ranging from 2.2% for Chinese and 2.9% for Vietnamese women to 8.9% for American Indians/Alaska Natives (AIANs) and 9.8% for non-Hispanic blacks. Compared with Chinese women, women in all other ethnic groups had significantly higher risks of maternal hypertension, with Filipinos, non-Hispanic blacks, and AIANs showing 2.0 to 2.9 times higher adjusted odds. Immigrant women in most racial/ethnic groups had lower rates of maternal hypertension than the US-born, with prevalence ranging from 1.9% for Chinese immigrants to 10.3% for US-born blacks. Increasing maternal age, lower education, US-born status, nonmetropolitan residence, prepregnancy obesity, excess weight gain during pregnancy, and gestational diabetes were other important risk factors. AIANs, non-Hispanic whites, blacks, Puerto Ricans, and some Asian/Pacific Islander subgroups were at substantially higher risk of maternal hypertension. Ethnicity, nativity status, older maternal age, and prepregnancy obesity and excess weight gain should be included among the criteria used for screening for gestational hypertension.
Quantitative T2-Mapping and T2⁎-Mapping Evaluation of Changes in Cartilage Matrix after Acute Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture and the Correlation between the Results of Both Methods
Authors: Tao Hongyue , Qiao Yang , Hu Yiwen , Xie Yuxue , Lu Rong , Yan Xu , Chen Shuang
Published: May 2018

Objectives. To quantitatively assess changes in cartilage matrix after acute anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture using T2- and T2⁎-mapping and analyze the correlation between the results of both methods. Methods. Twenty-three patients and 23 healthy controls were enrolled and underwent quantitative MRI examination. The knee cartilage was segmented into six compartments, including lateral femur (LF), lateral tibia (LT), medial femur (MF), medial tibia (MT), trochlea (Tr), and patella (Pa). T2 and T2⁎ values were measured in full-thickness as well as superficial and deep layers of each cartilage compartment. Differences of T2 and T2⁎ values between patients and controls were compared using unpaired Student’s t-test, and the correlation between their reciprocals was analyzed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Results. ACL-ruptured patients showed higher T2 and T2⁎ values in full-thickness and superficial layers of medial and lateral tibiofemoral joint. Meanwhile, patients exhibited higher T2⁎ values in deep layers of lateral tibiofemoral joint. The elevated percentages of T2 and T2⁎ value in superficial LT were most significant (20.738%, 17.525%). The reciprocal of T2⁎ value was correlated with that of T2 value (r=0.886, P<0.001). Conclusion. The early degeneration could occur in various knee cartilage compartments after acute ACL rupture, especially in the superficial layer of LT. T2⁎-mapping might be more sensitive in detecting deep layer of cartilage than T2-mapping.
Analytic Solutions of the Forces and Displacements for Multicentre Circular Arc Tunnels
Authors: Han Xingbo , Xia Yongxu
Published: May 2018

A complex variable method for solving the forces and displacements for multicentre circular arc (MCA) tunnels by using analytical solutions is presented. The governing equations for the stresses and displacements are expressed in terms of series expression. Combined with the boundary conditions at lining inner region, lining-surrounding rock-mass interface, and infinity area, the undetermined coefficients of the analytic functions are obtained by solving a linear equation set. Forces solutions for linings are also presented according to the tangential stress at the two boundaries. Conformal mapping function for the MCA tunnel is given from the optimization method. Calculation results show that solutions with high accuracy can be obtained when the number of terms of power series is greater than 30. The effects of the degrees from the tunnel crown to the invert, coefficient of the lateral earth pressure, and distance from the rock-mass to the interface on regulations of the lining forces and rock-mass stresses are also thoroughly investigated.
Practical Consideration Factors to Design Array Configuration of Direction Finding System for Airborne Signal Intelligence
Authors: Lee Jong-Hwan , Joo Jeung-Min , Kim Kichul , Lee Jung-Hoon , Park Young-Ju
Published: May 2018

Airborne signal intelligence (SIGINT) systems must be capable of locating radio signal sources. Direction finding (DF) to support this capability is an important factor. There are some practical considerations to be taken when designing the array configuration of a DF system for airborne SIGINT systems. This paper summarizes the practical factors when designing the array configuration of the DF system for airborne SIGINT. In particular, it focuses on four areas: antenna consideration factors when installing the DF system for airborne SIGINT from a practical point of view, array configuration methods for airborne communications intelligence and electronic intelligence, and a numerical analysis to select the optimum antenna position for airborne SIGINT.
Effects of 5-Hydroxymethylcytosine Epigenetic Modification on the Stability and Molecular Recognition of VEGF i-Motif and G-Quadruplex Structures
Authors: Morgan Rhianna K. , Molnar Michael M. , Batra Harshul , Summerford Bethany , Wadkins Randy M. , Brooks Tracy A.
Published: May 2018

Promoters often contain asymmetric G- and C-rich strands, in which the cytosines are prone to epigenetic modification via methylation (5-mC) and 5-hydroxymethylation (5-hmC). These sequences can also form four-stranded G-quadruplex (G4) or i-motif (iM) secondary structures. Although the requisite sequences for epigenetic modulation and iM/G4 formation are similar and can overlap, they are unlikely to coexist. Despite 5-hmC being an oxidization product of 5-mC, the two modified bases cluster at distinct loci. This study focuses on the intersection of G4/iM formation and 5-hmC modification using the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene promoter’s CpG sites and examines whether incorporation of 5-hmC into iM/G4 structures had any physicochemical effect on formation, stability, or recognition by nucleolin or the cationic porphyrin, TMPyP4. No marked changes were found in the formation or stability of iM and G4 structures; however, changes in recognition by nucleolin or TMPyP4 occurred with 5-hmC modification wherein protein and compound binding to 5-hmC modified G4s was notably reduced. G4/iM structures in the VEGF promoter are promising therapeutic targets for antiangiogenic therapy, and this work contributes to a comprehensive understanding of their governing principles related to potential transcriptional control and targeting.
The Feasibility of Using Laser Doppler Vibrometer Measurements from a Passing Vehicle for Bridge Damage Detection
Authors: Malekjafarian Abdollah , Martinez Daniel , OBrien Eugene J.
Published: May 2018

This paper investigates the feasibility of detecting local damage in a bridge using Laser Doppler Vibrometer (LDV) measurements taken from a vehicle as it passes over the bridge. Six LDVs are simulated numerically on a moving vehicle, collecting relative velocity data between the vehicle and the bridge. It is shown that Instantaneous Curvature (IC) at a moving reference, which is the curvature of the bridge at an instant in time, is sensitive to local damage. The vehicle measures Rate of Instantaneous Curvature (RIC), defined as the first derivative of IC with respect to time. A moving average filter is found to reduce the effects of noise on the RIC data. A comparison of filtered RIC measurements in healthy and damaged bridges shows that local damage can be detected well with noise‐free measurements and can still be detected in the presence of noise.
Improved Patient Outcomes by Normalizing Sympathovagal Balance: Differentiating Syncope—Precise Subtype Differentiation Leads to Improved Outcomes
Authors: DePace Nicholas L. , Bateman Julie A. , Yayac Michael , Oh John , Siddique Mushfiqur , Acosta Cesar , Pinales Jeysel M. , Vinik Aaron I. , Bloom Heather L.
Published: May 2018

Syncope is difficult to definitively diagnose, even with tilt-table testing and beat-to-beat blood pressure measurements, the gold-standard. Both are qualitative, subjective assessments. There are subtypes of syncope associated with autonomic conditions for which tilt-table testing is not useful. Heart rate variability analyses also include too much ambiguity. Three subtypes of syncope are differentiated: vasovagal syncope (VVS) due to parasympathetic excess (VVS-PE), VVS with abnormal heart rate response (VVS-HR), and VVS without PE (VVS-PN). P&S monitoring (ANSAR, Inc., Philadelphia, PA) differentiates subtypes in 2727 cardiology patients (50.5% female; average age: 57 years; age range: 12–100 years), serially tested over four years (3.3 tests per patient, average). P&S monitoring noninvasively, independently, and simultaneously measures parasympathetic and sympathetic (P&S) activity, including the normal P-decrease followed by an S-increase with head-up postural change (standing). Syncope, as an S-excess (SE) with stand, is differentiated from orthostatic dysfunction (e.g., POTS) as S-withdrawal with stand. Upon standing, VVS-PE is further differentiated as SE with PE, VVS-HR as SE with abnormal HR, and VVS-PN as SE with normal P- and HR-responses. Improved understanding of the underlying pathophysiology by more accurate subtyping leads to more precise therapy and improved outcomes.
Efficient Compression and Encryption for Digital Data Transmission
Authors: Carpentieri Bruno
Published: May 2018

We live in a digital era in which communication is largely based on the exchange of digital information on data networks. Communication is often pictured as a sender that transmits a digital file to a receiver. This file travels from a source to a destination and, to have a quick and immediate communication, we need an encoding strategy that should be efficient and easy yet secure. This communication could be based on a layout articulated in two operations that are heterogeneous and in some case conflicting but that are needed to be applied to the original file to have efficiency and security. These two operations are data compression and encryption. The aim of this work is to study the combination of compression and encryption techniques in digital documents. In this paper we will test the combinations of some of the state-of-the-art compression and cryptography techniques in various kinds of digital data.
Clinicopathologic Significance of CXCL12 and CXCR4 Expressions in Patients with Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Yoshuantari Naomi , Heriyanto Didik Setyo , Hutajulu Susanna Hilda , Kurnianda Johan , Ghozali Ahmad
Published: May 2018

Background. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is both a global and national burden, being the third most common malignancy in men and the second in women, worldwide. The prognosis of CRC is affected by various factors like the histological grade, angiolymphatic invasion, and distant metastases. Metastasis is an intricate process; one of the possible mechanisms is through the interaction of the chemokines CXCL12 and CXCR4. This study aims to reveal the expression patterns of CXCL12 and CXCR4 in CRC.Methods. The quantitative expressions of CXCL12 and CXCR4 messenger RNA (mRNA) were evaluated in 32 patients with adenocarcinoma-type CRC. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was performed on formalin-fixed tissues. CXCL12 and CXCR4’s expressions, clinicopathologic features, and the treatment response to the CRC were analysed.Results. All tumour tissues showed higher levels of both chemokines compared to normal colonic tissue. The expression of CXCL12 mRNA was higher in rectal location (p=0.04) with a tendency to be higher in later stages (p=0.15), while the expression of CXCR4 was lower in tumours with a lymphatic invasion (p=0.02), compared to their counterparts. There was no difference in the expression of CXCL12 and CXCR4 according to the patients’ ages, gender, tumour differentiation, or response to chemotherapy.Conclusion. Our study demonstrated that the mRNA expression of CXCL12 was significantly correlated with rectal location. CXCR4 mRNA expression was inversely correlated in tumours with a lymphatic invasion.
Heat Transfer Dynamic Analyses for Recycled‐Concrete Wall Combined with Expanded Polystyrene Template
Authors: Li Jianhua , Chen Wenjing
Published: May 2018

Due to the benefits of pollution reduction, energy saving, and recycling of resources associated with the recycled concrete, together with the apparent thermal storage thermal insulation yield of expandable polystyrene (EPS) template, the heat transfer dynamics of their combination has become a contemporary study topic. In this research work, an investigation of the heat transfer coefficient (U) of EPS template recycled‐concrete shear wall has been carried out. Four different concrete mixtures shear wall samples having different insulation types were developed for the purpose of quantifying their thermal outputs. Both temperature (T) and humidity (H) affection to thermal conductivity coefficient (λ) of reinforced concrete and the EPS template were investigated, correspondingly. The λ0°C (relative variation for a 0°C of temperature variation in T) of cement mortar, recycled‐concrete shear wall, and ordinary concrete shear wall were measured being 0.7526, 1.2463, and 1.3750 W·m−1·K−1, respectively. And the λ calculation of EPS was carried out being 0.0396 W·m−1·K−1. A corrected calculation method was put forward to application in practical work that could reflect the real U value in a more precise manner. These results brought to light the fact that the heat preservation output of recycled‐concrete shear wall posed to be comparatively more improved than that of ordinary concrete shear wall. We put forth the suggestion for the use of corrected calculation method in the calculation and analysis of U of EPS template recycled‐concrete composite shear wall in the climatic conditions of Beijing. The results revealed the fact that the U of EPS template recycled‐concrete shear wall was dominantly controlled by the change of thermal conductivity changes of EPS template. The monthly mean U increased with increasing Tout and decreased with decreasing Tout. The smaller the U of the enclosure wall was, the better the thermal stability of the wall was experienced.
A Computational Method of Active Earth Pressure from Finite Soil Body
Authors: Tang Yi , Chen Jiangong
Published: May 2018

Nowadays, Coulomb and Rankine earth pressure theories have been widely applied to solve the earth pressure on a retaining structure. However, both of the theories established on the basis of the semi-infinite space assumption are not suitable for calculating the earth pressure from finite soil body. Therefore, this paper focuses on a theoretical study about the active earth pressure from finite soil body. Firstly, a common calculation model of finite soil body is established according to the results of previous studies. And then, based on Coulomb’s theory and the wedge element method, an analytical solution of the unit active earth pressure from finite soil body is deduced without an assumption of its linear distribution in advance. Meanwhile, formulas of the active earth pressure strength coefficient and the application point of the resultant force are also deduced. Finally, the influence of parameters such as the frictional angle between the retaining wall back and backfill, slope angle of backfill, dip angle of the retaining wall back, the frictional angle between backfill and rock slope, and uniformly applied load on the backfill surface on the distribution of the unit active earth pressure and the application point of the resultant force is analyzed in detail.
STK11/LKB1 Mutations and PD-1 Inhibitor Resistance in KRAS-Mutant Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Skoulidis Ferdinandos , Goldberg Michael E. , Greenawalt Danielle M. , Hellmann Matthew D. , Awad Mark M. , Gainor Justin F. , Schrock Alexa B. , Hartmaier Ryan J. , Trabucco Sally E. , Gay Laurie , Ali Siraj M. , Elvin Julia A. , Singal Gaurav , Ross Jeffrey S. , Fabrizio David , Szabo Peter M. , Chang Han , Sasson Ariella , Srinivasan Sujaya , Kirov Stefan , Szustakowski Joseph , Vitazka Patrik , Edwards Robin , Bufill Jose A. , Sharma Neelesh , Ou Sai-Hong I. , Peled Nir , Spigel David R. , Rizvi Hira , Aguilar Elizabeth Jimenez , Carter Brett W. , Erasmus Jeremy , Halpenny Darragh F. , Plodkowski Andrew J. , Long Niamh M. , Nishino Mizuki , Denning Warren L. , Galan-Cobo Ana , Hamdi Haifa , Hirz Taghreed , Tong Pan , Wang Jing , Rodriguez-Canales Jaime , Villalobos Pamela A. , Parra Edwin R. , Kalhor Neda , Sholl Lynette M. , Sauter Jennifer L. , Jungbluth Achim A. , Mino-Kenudson Mari , Azimi Roxana , Elamin Yasir Y. , Zhang Jianjun , Leonardi Giulia C. , Jiang Fei , Wong Kwok-Kin , Lee J. Jack , Papadimitrakopoulou Vassiliki A. , Wistuba Ignacio I. , Miller Vincent A. , Frampton Garrett M. , Wolchok Jedd D. , Shaw Alice T. , Jänne Pasi A. , Stephens Philip J. , Rudin Charles M. , Geese William J. , Albacker Lee A. , Heymach John V.
Published: May 2018

KRAS is the most common oncogenic driver in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAC). We previously reported that STK11/LKB1 (KL) or TP53 (KP) comutations define distinct subgroups of KRAS-mutant LUAC. Here, we examine the efficacy of PD-1 inhibitors in these subgroups. Objective response rates to PD-1 blockade differed significantly among KL (7.4%), KP (35.7%), and K-only (28.6%) subgroups (P < 0.001) in the Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C) cohort (174 patients) with KRAS-mutant LUAC and in patients treated with nivolumab in the CheckMate-057 phase III trial (0% vs. 57.1% vs. 18.2%; P = 0.047). In the SU2C cohort, KL LUAC exhibited shorter progression-free (P < 0.001) and overall (P = 0.0015) survival compared with KRASMUT;STK11/LKB1WT LUAC. Among 924 LUACs, STK11/LKB1 alterations were the only marker significantly associated with PD-L1 negativity in TMBIntermediate/High LUAC. The impact of STK11/LKB1 alterations on clinical outcomes with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors extended to PD-L1–positive non–small cell lung cancer. In Kras-mutant murine LUAC models, Stk11/Lkb1 loss promoted PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor resistance, suggesting a causal role. Our results identify STK11/LKB1 alterations as a major driver of primary resistance to PD-1 blockade in KRAS-mutant LUAC.

Significance: This work identifies STK11/LKB1 alterations as the most prevalent genomic driver of primary resistance to PD-1 axis inhibitors in KRAS-mutant lung adenocarcinoma. Genomic profiling may enhance the predictive utility of PD-L1 expression and tumor mutation burden and facilitate establishment of personalized combination immunotherapy approaches for genomically defined LUAC subsets. Cancer Discov; 8(7); 822–35. ©2018 AACR.

See related commentary by Etxeberria et al., p. 794.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 781
Complete Response for More than 4 Years following Neoadjuvant FOLFOX and Cytoreductive Surgery with Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy for a Patient with Advanced Gastric Cancer with Extensive Peritoneal Carcinomatosis
Authors: Peixoto Renata D’Alpino , de Sousa Tercia Tarciane , Silva Pedro Alexandre Ismael Amaral , de Meirelles Luciana Rodrigues , Teixeira Carlos Henrique Andrade
Published: May 2018

Background: Peritoneal carcinomatosis is usually a terminal disease with short median survival in patients with gastric cancer. Systemic FOLFOX is one of the most used regimens in the first-line treatment of metastatic gastric cancer. However, there is scarce evidence that cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and intraperitoneal heated chemotherapy (HIPEC) improves oncological outcomes of patients with advanced gastric cancer. Methods: Herein we present a case of a young woman with advanced gastric cancer with omental and peritoneal metastases who achieved an excellent response after 6 months of FOLFOX followed by CRS and HIPEC. Results: A 53-year-old woman was diagnosed with advanced gastric carcinoma, with extensive omental caking and several peritoneal implants measuring 2 cm at the largest diameter. The patient received mFOLFOX6 for 6 months with excellent clinical and radiographic response. She was then submitted to a D2 total gastrectomy followed by CRS and HIPEC with mitomycin. The final pathology report showed a focal adenocarcinoma in the stomach measuring 0.4 mm with no residual tumor in the peritoneum (ypT1ypN0). The patient has been well and disease free for more than 4 years. Conclusion: While still controversial, CRS followed by HIPEC may be a curative therapeutic option for highly selected patients.
Integrated Diagnostic Model That Incorporates Epstein-Barr Virus DNA, Imaging, and Nasal Endoscopy to Stratify Primary Tumor and Lymph Nodes in a Patient with N1 Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: Multidisciplinary Management
Authors: Gamba Paolo , Rota Luigina , Abeni C. , Huscher Alessandra , Saldi Gabriele , Soregaroli Alberto , Padolecchia Elena , Zorzi Fausto , Bignardi Mario , Zaniboni Alberto
Published: May 2018

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is an epithelial malignancy, with a high metastatic potential. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection plays a fundamental role, even if it is not well understood. The diagnosis of the disease in its early stage is infrequent. Imaging studies, positron emission tomography scans in addition to clinical examination, endoscopic examination, and biopsy provide information on the extent of the disease. The application of neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by concomitant chemoradiation can improve the control of NPC. In March 2016, a 54-year-old male with NPC cT1 cN2 cM0, stage III (8th edition of American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system) underwent to a two-step treatment: induction chemotherapy by TPF regimen (docetaxel, cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil), followed by concomitant chemoradiotherapy (weekly cisplatin). The quantity of free plasma EBV-DNA can be related to the disease stage, and the detection of EBV-DNA during follow-up can be predictive of distant metastases. Especially, either plasma or serum EBV-DNA titer is estimated to reflect tumor volume. Biologically, such EBV-DNA reflects reproduced or released DNA from dead or dying tumor cells. On the other hand, EBV-specific DNA released as exosome may reflect the biological feature of the alive NPC tumor cell. The follow-up is ongoing after 21 months from a complete response.
Malignant Transformation of Nodular Hidradenoma in the Lower Leg
Authors: Ngo Nhuan , Susa Michiro , Nakagawa Takahiro , Kawahara Yo , Sato Chiaki , Horiuchi Keisuke , Kumazawa Fumihisa , Shimazaki Hideyuki , Anazawa Ukei , Chiba Kazuhiro
Published: May 2018

Nodular hidradenoma (NH) is a benign adnexal tumor that arises from either eccrine or apocrine sweat glands. NH can originate from any cutaneous site, but the most common sites are the head and anterior surface of the trunk, with very rare cases in the extremities. Long-standing NH has been reported to undergo malignant transformation to malignant NH (MNH); however, its occurrence in the lower leg is extremely rare with only one other case reported to date. In this report, we present a rare case of MNH occurring in the lower leg which was resected with the intent to make a diagnosis. At the final follow-up after 11 months, no local recurrence or metastasis has been observed.