bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preventing damage to miniature-loudspeaker by means of dynamic detection of excessive diaphragm displacement
Authors: Tsai Yu-Ting , Pawar S. J. , Wang Chi-Chang , Huang Jin H.
Published: March 2017

The rapid development of consumer electronics and the extensive use of mobile devices require the ample use of miniature-loudspeakers for audio applications. The demand for better sound pushes manufacturers to design digital signal processing (DSP) chips (smart amplifiers), which in turn could cause unpleasant sound due to distortion and parameter nonlinearity or transducer damage caused by large diaphragm excursion or voice-coil (VC) burn. This article presents a methodology for nonlinear parameter estimation using an inverse method and displacement limiter for large VC displacement-dependent transducer damage prevention. A set of transduction equations is employed to inversely determine parameters using a polynomial expression. The appropriate selection of an objective function incorporating the unknown vector of nonlinear parameters leads to the adjoint problem that requires a gradient solution. A numerical solver is provided to obtain the VC displacement, current, and derivatives using a robust hybrid spline differential method. The dynamic limiter is proposed to control the peak values of the VC velocity so as to limit an excessive displacement which prevents impulsive damage to the receiver and further application of the DSP board. Numerical and experimental results indicate that the proposed method has high efficiency and can be widely used in transducer applications.
Tidal heat pulses on a reef trigger a fine-tuned transcriptional response in corals to maintain homeostasis
Authors: Ruiz-Jones Lupita J. , Palumbi Stephen R.
Published: March 2017

Genes involved in an ancient cellular stress response may have a protective role against heat stress on the reef.
Characterization of MicroRNA Expression Profiles and Identification of Potential Biomarkers in Leprosy
Authors: Jorge Karina T. O. S. , Souza Renan P. , Assis Marieta T. A. , Araújo Marcelo G. , Locati Massimo , Jesus Amélia M. R. , Dias Baptista Ida M. F. , Lima Cristiano X. , Teixeira Antônio L. , Teixeira Mauro M. , Soriani Frederico M.
Published: March 2017

Leprosy is an important cause of disability in the developing world. Early diagnosis is essential to allow for cure and to interrupt transmission of this infection. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important factors for host-pathogen interaction and they have been identified as biomarkers for various infectious diseases. The expression profile of 377 microRNAs were analyzed by TaqMan low-density array (TLDA) in skin lesions of tuberculoid and lepromatous leprosy patients as well as skin specimens from healthy controls. In a second step, 16 microRNAs were selected for validation experiments with reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) in skin samples from new individuals. Principal-component analysis followed by logistic regression model and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were performed to evaluate the diagnostic potential of selected miRNAs. Four patterns of differential expression were identified in the TLDA experiment, suggesting a diagnostic potential of miRNAs in leprosy. After validation experiments, a combination of four miRNAs (miR-101, miR-196b, miR-27b, and miR-29c) was revealed as able to discriminate between healthy control and leprosy patients with 80% sensitivity and 91% specificity. This set of miRNAs was also able to discriminate between lepromatous and tuberculoid patients with a sensitivity of 83% and 80% specificity. In this work, it was possible to identify a set of miRNAs with good diagnostic potential for leprosy.
Quantitative Evaluation of Protein Heterogeneity within Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Particles
Authors: El Bilali Nabil , Duron Johanne , Gingras Diane , Lippé Roger
Published: March 2017

Several virulence genes have been identified thus far in the herpes simplex virus 1 genome. It is also generally accepted that protein heterogeneity among virions further impacts viral fitness. However, linking this variability directly with infectivity has been challenging at the individual viral particle level. To address this issue, we resorted to flow cytometry (flow virometry), a powerful approach we recently employed to analyze individual viral particles, to identify which tegument proteins vary and directly address if such variability is biologically relevant. We found that the stoichiometry of the U
L
37, ICP0, and VP11/12 tegument proteins in virions is more stable than the VP16 and VP22 tegument proteins, which varied significantly among viral particles. Most interestingly, viruses sorted for their high VP16 or VP22 content yielded modest but reproducible increases in infectivity compared to their corresponding counterparts containing low VP16 or VP22 content. These findings were corroborated for VP16 in short interfering RNA experiments but proved intriguingly more complex for VP22. An analysis by quantitative Western blotting revealed substantial alterations of virion composition upon manipulation of individual tegument proteins and suggests that VP22 protein levels acted indirectly on viral fitness. These findings reaffirm the interdependence of the virion components and corroborate that viral fitness is influenced not only by the genome of viruses but also by the stoichiometry of proteins within each virion.

IMPORTANCE
The ability of viruses to spread in animals has been mapped to several viral genes, but other factors are clearly involved, including virion heterogeneity. To directly probe whether the latter influences viral fitness, we analyzed the protein content of individual herpes simplex virus 1 particles using an innovative flow cytometry approach. The data confirm that some viral proteins are incorporated in more controlled amounts, while others vary substantially. Interestingly, this correlates with the VP16
trans
-activating viral protein and indirectly with VP22, a second virion component whose modulation profoundly alters virion composition. This reaffirms that not only the presence but also the amount of specific tegument proteins is an important determinant of viral fitness.
Myxoedema in a patient with achondroplasia in rural area of Guatemala
Authors: Juarez Michel , Rohloff Peter
Published: March 2017

A 43-year-old indigenous Guatemalan woman with achondroplasia presented to our clinic with chronic fatigue and generalised oedema. She had limited contact with the formal healthcare system. However, 1 year prior, she had sought medical evaluation from a private physician. Her symptoms had been attributed to a combination of heart failure and physical disability due to the musculoskeletal complications of her achondroplasia. She was lost to follow-up due to inability to pay for further testing or treatment. On initial laboratory evaluation in our clinic, she was found to have a thyrotropin level greater than assay. With initiation of oral levothyroxine supplementation, her dyspnoea and oedema completely resolved. The case illustrates how indigenous patients in rural Guatemala experience many barriers to accessing high-quality medical care. As a result, presentations of common illnesses are often very advanced and definitive diagnoses and treatments are frequently delayed.
Bumpy road to the diagnosis of polycythaemia vera
Authors: Gameiro Rita de Sousa , Rodrigues Ana , Gonçalves Fernando Martos , Graça José Pimenta da
Published: March 2017

Polycythaemia vera (PV) is the most common myeloproliferative neoplasm, characterised by increased red cell mass that can present as an unspecified symptom or a thrombohaemorrhagic event. Its diagnosis is based on the presence of erythrocytosis, the identification of the Janus kinase 2 mutation and bone marrow aspirate or biopsy alterations. The challenge of this disease lies on the treatment approach. Its cornerstone is phlebotomy, but depending on the vascular risk, it can include cytoreductive agents, low-dose aspirin or even anticoagulation. We present the case of a 75-year-old woman, whose inaugural presentation of PV was an arterial peripheral occlusion followed by three recurrent events in the same arterial region and a pulmonary embolism. A phlebotomy was initially performed and, after the diagnosis was made, the patient was initiated on low-dose aspirin and anticoagulation with favourable outcome.
MRI-based comparative study of different mild cognitive impairment subtypes: protocol for an observational case–control study
Authors: Yu Yang , Zhao Weina , Li Siou , Yin Changhao
Published: March 2017

Introduction

Amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) and vascular mild cognitive impairment (VaMCI) comprise the 2 main types of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The first condition generally progresses to Alzheimer's disease, whereas the second is likely to develop into vascular dementia (VD). The brain structure and function of patients with MCI differ from those of normal elderly individuals. However, whether brain structures or functions differ between these 2 MCI subtypes has not been studied. This study is designed to analyse neuroimages of brain in patients with VaMCI and aMCI using multimodality MRI (structural MRI (sMRI), functional MRI and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)).

Methods and analysis

In this study, 80 participants diagnosed with aMCI, 80 participants diagnosed with VaMCI, and 80 age-matched, gender-matched and education-matched normal controls (NCs) will be recruited to the Hongqi Hospital of Mudanjiang Medical University, Heilongjiang, China. All participants will undergo neuroimaging and neuropsychological evaluations. The primary outcome measures will be (1) microstructural alterations revealed by multimodal MRIs, including sMRI, resting-state functional MRI and DTI; and (2) a neuropsychological evaluation, including the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Auditory Verbal Learning Test (AVLT), Memory and Executive Screening (MES), trail making test, Stroop colour naming condition and Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) scale, to evaluate global cognition, memory function, attention, visuospatial skills, processing speed, executive function and emotion, respectively.

Trial registration number

NCT02706210; Pre-results.
12 days of altitude exposure at 1800 m does not increase resting metabolic rate in elite rowers
Authors: Woods Amy L. , Garvican-Lewis Laura A. , Rice Anthony , Thompson Kevin G.
Published: March 2017

Four elite rowers completed a 12-day altitude training camp living at 1800 m, and training at 1800 m and 915 m, to assess changes in resting metabolic rate (RMR). RMR and body composition were assessed pre- and postcamp. Downward trends in RMR and body composition were observed postaltitude: absolute RMR (percent change: –5.2%), relative RMR (–4.6%), body mass (–1.2%), and fat mass (–4.1%). These variations are likely related to the hypoxic stimulus and an imbalance between training load and energy intake.
Automated Generation of BSP Automata
Authors: Tachon Thibaut , Li Chong , Hains Gaétan , Loulergue Frédéric
Published: March 2017

Bulk-Synchronous Parallel (BSP) is a bridging model between abstract execution and concrete parallel architectures that retains enough information to model performance scalability. In order to model BSP program executions, Hains adapted the theory of finite automata to the BSP paradigm by introducing BSP automata [12].

In the initial description of the theory, BSP automata had to be explicitly defined as structured sets of states and transitions. The lack of a clean and efficient algorithm for generating them from regular expressions would have prevented this theory from being used in practice. To alleviate this problem we introduce in this paper an algorithm that generates a BSP automaton recognizing a BSP language defined by a BSP regular expression. The main practical use of BSP automata developed in this paper is the parallelization of finite state automata with an explicit distribution and a performance model, that enable parallel matching of regular expressions. Secondarily, BSP regular expressions provide a convenient structure for automatic code generation of imperative BSP programs that is also developed in this paper.
A Power-Aware, Self-Adaptive Macro Data Flow Framework
Authors: Danelutto Marco , De Sensi Daniele , Torquati Massimo
Published: March 2017

The dataflow programming model has been extensively used as an effective solution to implement efficient parallel programming frameworks. However, the amount of resources allocated to the runtime support is usually fixed once by the programmer or the runtime, and kept static during the entire execution. While there are cases where such a static choice may be appropriate, other scenarios may require to dynamically change the parallelism degree during the application execution. In this paper we propose an algorithm for multicore shared memory platforms, that dynamically selects the optimal number of cores to be used as well as their clock frequency according to either the workload pressure or to explicit user requirements. We implement the algorithm for both structured and unstructured parallel applications and we validate our proposal over three real applications, showing that it is able to save a significant amount of power, while not impairing the performance and not requiring additional effort from the application programmer.
A Modified Parallel Learning Vector Quantization Algorithm for Real-Time Hardware Applications
Authors: Alkım Erdem , Akleylek Sedat , Kılıç Erdal
Published: March 2017

In this study a modified learning vector quantization (LVQ) algorithm is proposed. For this purpose, relevance LVQ (RLVQ) algorithm is efficiently combined with a reinforcement mechanism. In this mechanism, it is shown that the proposed algorithm is not affected constantly by both relevance–irrelevance input dimensions and the winning of the same neuron. Hardware design of the proposed scheme is also given to illustrate the performance of the algorithm. The proposed algorithm is compared to the corresponding ones with regard to success rate and running time.
INCREASE IN THE REFLECTED INTENSITY OF X-RAY FILMS USING PHOTONIC CRYSTALS
Authors: ALY ARAFA H. , EISSA M. F.
Published: March 2017

Photographic film is the familiar image of recording X-ray method. Examinations performed with radiographic intensifying screens reduce the patient’s exposure to radiation of X-rays compared with those without radiographic intensifying screens, where it directs less than half of the light emitted from the X-ray film with a screen interaction. A reflective layer made of magnesium oxide or titanium dioxide is located between the screen and the base of the film; this layer can help regain the control of the header light in other directions and is forwarded to the film. One-dimensional array of photonic crystals (PCs) consists of MgO with Al and TiO2 with Al used as reflectors. This array may increase the reflected intensity by an amount of 10.88% if MgO–Al PCs with periodicity [Formula: see text] are used as reflectors.
Alpha-Modification of Cubic B-Spline Direct Time Integration Method
Authors: Rostami Sobhan , Shojaee Saeed
Published: March 2017

Recently, a conditionally stable explicit time integration scheme using the cubic B-spline function was proposed for solving the structural dynamic problems. This paper presents a new unconditionally stable version of the previous algorithm, based on the uniform cubic B-spline piecewise polynomial approximations and collocation method. First, the method is implemented to solve the differential equation of motion for the single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) systems. Then, it is generalized for the multi-degree-of-freedom (MDOF) systems. In this paper, a simple step-by-step algorithm is presented for the proposed method, with the stability and accuracy analyses carried out. The unconditional stability of the method is achieved through use of an adjustable collocation parameter [Formula: see text]. The computational accuracy and efficiency of the proposed method are demonstrated in three numerical examples.
Nonvolatile Bistable Resistive Switching in Polyimide Bearing Trifluoromethyl Film
Authors: Zhao Enming , Li Hui , Miao Fengjuan , Sun Yanmei
Published: March 2017

A functional polyimide (CF3 PI) was used as the active layer in our present work for electrical resistive memory device applications. Current–voltage ([Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text]) characteristics analysis on the polyimide memory devices indicates that the polyimide possesses a nonvolatile rewritable flash characteristic with an ON/OFF current ratio of about 104 at the threshold voltage of around [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]V and 3.8[Formula: see text]V. In addition, the device using the CF3 PI as the active layer reveals excellent long-term operation stability with the endurance of reading cycles up to 108 under a voltage pulse and retention times for at least 106[Formula: see text]s under constant voltage stress (1[Formula: see text]V). The conduction mechanisms are elucidated on the basis of the thermionic emission theory and filament conduction.
Prebiotic milk oligosaccharides prevent development of obese phenotype, impairment of gut permeability, and microbial dysbiosis in high fat-fed mice
Authors: Hamilton M. Kristina , Ronveaux Charlotte C. , Rust Bret M. , Newman John W. , Hawley Melissa , Barile Daniela , Mills David A. , Raybould Helen E.
Published: March 2017

Microbial dysbiosis and increased intestinal permeability are targets for prevention or reversal of weight gain in high-fat (HF) diet-induced obesity (DIO). Prebiotic milk oligosaccharides (MO) have been shown to benefit the host intestine but have not been used in DIO. We hypothesized that supplementation with bovine MO would prevent the deleterious effect of HF diet on the gut microbiota and intestinal permeability and attenuate development of the obese phenotype. C57BL/6 mice were fed a control diet, HF (40% fat/kcal), or HF + prebiotic [6%/kg bovine milk oligosaccharides (BMO) or inulin] for 1, 3, or 6 wk. Gut microbiota and intestinal permeability were assessed in the ileum, cecum, and colon. Addition of BMO to the HF diet significantly attenuated weight gain, decreased adiposity, and decreased caloric intake; inulin supplementation also lowered weight gain and adiposity, but this did not reach significance. BMO and inulin completely abolished the HF diet-induced increase in paracellular and transcellular permeability in the small and large intestine. Both BMO and inulin increased abundance of beneficial microbes Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus in the ileum. However, inulin supplementation altered phylogenetic diversity and decreased species richness. We conclude that addition of BMO to the HF diet completely prevented increases in intestinal permeability and microbial dysbiosis and was partially effective to prevent weight gain in DIO.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study provides the first report of the effects of prebiotic bovine milk oligosaccharides on the host phenotype of high-fat diet-induced obesity in mice.
Hydrochlorothiazide treatment increases the abundance of the NaCl cotransporter in urinary extracellular vesicles of essential hypertensive patients
Authors: Pathare Ganesh , Tutakhel Omar A. Z. , van der Wel Mark C. , Shelton Luke M. , Deinum Jaap , Lenders Jacques W. M. , Hoenderop Joost G. J. , Bindels René J. M.
Published: March 2017

The thiazide-sensitive NaCl cotransporter (NCC), located apically in distal convoluted tubule epithelia, regulates the fine-tuning of renal sodium excretion. Three isoforms of NCC are generated through alternative splicing of the transcript, of which the third isoform has been the most extensively investigated in pathophysiological conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different anti-hypertensive treatments on the abundance and phosphorylation of all three NCC isoforms in urinary extracellular vesicles (uEVs) of essential hypertensive patients. In uEVs isolated from patients ( n = 23) before and after hydrochlorothiazide or valsartan treatment, the abundance and phosphorylation of the NCC isoforms was determined. Additionally, clinical biochemistry and blood pressure of the patients was assessed. Our results show that NCC detected in human uEVs has a glycosylated and oligomeric structure, comparable to NCC present in human kidney membrane fractions. Despite the inhibitory action of hydrochlorothiazide on NCC activity, immunoblot analysis of uEVs showed significantly increased abundance of NCC isoforms 1 and 2 (NCC1/2), total NCC (NCC1–3), and the phosphorylated form of total NCC (pNCC1–3-T55/T60) in essential hypertensive patients treated with hydrochlorothiazide but not with valsartan. This study highlights that NCC1/2, NCC1–3, and pNCC1–3-T55/T60 are upregulated by hydrochlorothiazide, and the increase in NCC abundance in uEVs of essential hypertensive patients correlates with the blood pressure response to hydrochlorothiazide.
Ventilation heterogeneity measured by multiple breath inert gas testing is not affected by inspired oxygen concentration in healthy humans
Authors: Hopkins Susan R. , Elliott Ann R. , Prisk G. Kim , Darquenne Chantal
Published: March 2017

Multiple breath washout (MBW) and oxygen-enhanced MRI techniques use acute exposure to 100% oxygen to measure ventilation heterogeneity. Implicit is the assumption that breathing 100% oxygen does not induce changes in ventilation heterogeneity; however, this is untested. We hypothesized that ventilation heterogeneity decreases with increasing inspired oxygen concentration in healthy subjects. We performed MBW in 8 healthy subjects (4 women, 4 men; age = 43 ± 15 yr) with normal pulmonary function (FEV1 = 98 ± 6% predicted) using 10% argon as a tracer gas and oxygen concentrations of 12.5%, 21%, or 90%. MBW was performed in accordance with ERS-ATS guidelines. Subjects initially inspired air followed by a wash-in of test gas. Tests were performed in balanced order in triplicate. Gas concentrations were measured at the mouth, and argon signals rescaled to mimic a N2 washout, and analyzed to determine the distribution of specific ventilation (SV). Heterogeneity was characterized by the width of a log-Gaussian fit of the SV distribution and from Sacin and Scond indexes derived from the phase III slope. There were no significant differences in the ventilation heterogeneity due to altered inspired oxygen: histogram width (hypoxia 0.57 ± 0.11, normoxia 0.60 ± 0.08, hyperoxia 0.59 ± 0.09, P = 0.51), Scond (hypoxia 0.014 ± 0.011, normoxia 0.012 ± 0.015, hyperoxia 0.010 ± 0.011, P = 0.34), or Sacin (hypoxia 0.11 ± 0.04, normoxia 0.10 ± 0.03, hyperoxia 0.12 ± 0.03, P = 0.23). Functional residual capacity was increased in hypoxia ( P = 0.04) and dead space increased in hyperoxia ( P = 0.0001) compared with the other conditions. The acute use of 100% oxygen in MBW or MRI is unlikely to affect ventilation heterogeneity.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Hyperoxia is used to measure the distribution of ventilation in imaging and MBW but may alter the underlying ventilation distribution. We used MBW to evaluate the effect of inspired oxygen concentration on the ventilation distribution using 10% argon as a tracer. Short-duration exposure to hypoxia (12.5% oxygen) and hyperoxia (90% oxygen) during MBW had no significant effect on ventilation heterogeneity, suggesting that hyperoxia can be used to assess the ventilation distribution.
EEG oscillations: how are they modulated during different phases of repetitive movements?
Authors: Macerollo Antonella , Brown Matt J. N.
Published: March 2017

Voluntary movements are planned through the relative timing between submovements of movement sequences as part of the motor program. Different movement phases are characterized by specific amplitude modulation of cortical oscillations. The latter represent neurophysiological correlates of specific synchronization or desynchronization of different neuronal groups. In this Neuro Forum, we review recent evidence regarding the temporal relation between neurophysiological correlates of different phases of a repetitive motor task using electroencephalography and source localization using individualized MRI.
The New Biology and Pharmacology of Glucagon
Authors: Müller T. D. , Finan B. , Clemmensen C. , DiMarchi R. D. , Tschöp M. H.
Published: March 2017

In the last two decades we have witnessed sizable progress in defining the role of gastrointestinal signals in the control of glucose and energy homeostasis. Specifically, the molecular basis of the huge metabolic benefits in bariatric surgery is emerging while novel incretin-based medicines based on endogenous hormones such as glucagon-like peptide 1 and pancreas-derived amylin are improving diabetes management. These and related developments have fostered the discovery of novel insights into endocrine control of systemic metabolism, and in particular a deeper understanding of the importance of communication across vital organs, and specifically the gut-brain-pancreas-liver network. Paradoxically, the pancreatic peptide glucagon has reemerged in this period among a plethora of newly identified metabolic macromolecules, and new data complement and challenge its historical position as a gut hormone involved in metabolic control. The synthesis of glucagon analogs that are biophysically stable and soluble in aqueous solutions has promoted biological study that has enriched our understanding of glucagon biology and ironically recruited glucagon agonism as a central element to lower body weight in the treatment of metabolic disease. This review summarizes the extensive historical record and the more recent provocative direction that integrates the prominent role of glucagon in glucose elevation with its under-acknowledged effects on lipids, body weight, and vascular health that have implications for the pathophysiology of metabolic diseases, and the emergence of precision medicines to treat metabolic diseases.
Antioxidant, Cytotoxic, and Toxic Activities of Propolis from Two Native Bees in Brazil: Scaptotrigona depilis and Melipona quadrifasciata anthidioides
Authors: Bonamigo Thaliny , Campos Jaqueline Ferreira , Alfredo Tamaeh Monteiro , Balestieri José Benedito Perrella , Cardoso Claudia Andrea Lima , Paredes-Gamero Edgar Julian , de Picoli Souza Kely , dos Santos Edson Lucas
Published: March 2017

Propolis is a natural mixture of compounds produced by various bee species, including stingless bees. This compound has been shown to exhibit antioxidant, antiproliferative, and antitumor activities. The present study aimed to determine the chemical constituents as well as the antioxidant, cytotoxic, and toxic activities of ethanol extracts of propolis obtained from the stingless bees Scaptotrigona depilis and Melipona quadrifasciata anthidioides, which are found in Brazil. Phytosterols, terpenes, phenolic compounds, and tocopherol were identified in the ethanol extracts of propolis (EEPs) in different concentrations. The compounds stigmasterol, taraxasterol, vanilic acid, caffeic acid, quercetin, luteolin, and apigenin were found only in EEP‐M. The EEPs were able to scavenge the free radicals 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl and 2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) and protected human erythrocytes against lipid peroxidation, with the latter effect being demonstrated by their antihemolytic activity and inhibition of malondialdehyde formation. The EEPs showed cytotoxic activity against erythroleukemic cells and necrosis was the main mechanism of death observed. In addition, the concentrations at which the EEPs were cytotoxic were not toxic against Caenorhabditis elegans. In this context, it is concluded that EEP‐S and EEP‐M show antioxidant and cytotoxic activities and are promising bioactive mixtures for the control of diseases associated with oxidative stress and tumor cell proliferation.
Prostate Cancer Presenting with Parietal Bone Metastasis
Authors: Kirakoya Brahima , Pare Abdoul Karim , Abubakar Babagana Mustapha , Kabore Moussa
Published: March 2017

Bone metastases from prostate cancer are very common. They are usually located on the axial skeleton. However, cranial bone metastases especially to the parietal bone are rare. We report a case of metastatic prostate cancer presenting with left parietal bone metastasis in a patient with no urological symptoms or signs. We should consider prostate cancer in any man above 60 years presenting unusual bone lesions.
Paravertebral Well-Differentiated Liposarcoma with Low-Grade Osteosarcomatous Component: Case Report with 11-Year Follow-Up, Radiological, Pathological, and Genetic Data, and Literature Review
Authors: Macagno Nicolas , Fuentes Stéphane , Pinieux Gonzague de , Maues de Paula André , Salas Sébastien , Mattéi Jean-Camille , Dupuis Charlotte , Appay Romain , Aurias Alain , Dufour Henry , Figarella-Branger Dominique , Bouvier Corinne
Published: March 2017

Despite being one of the most frequent soft-tissue sarcomas, well-differentiated liposarcoma has never been reported near the spine. The authors present the case of a 67-year-old man with progressive history of back pain. Physical examination revealed a mass located within the right paravertebral muscles. MR and CT imaging showed a heavily ossified central mass surrounded by a peripheral fatty component. No connection with the underlying bone was detected on imagery and during surgery. After surgical resection, histopathological examination revealed a tumor harboring combined features of well-differentiated liposarcoma and low-grade osteosarcoma. Tumor cells displayed overexpression of MDM2, CDK4, and P16 by immunohistochemistry and CGH revealed amplification of 12q13-15 as the only genetic imbalance. MDM2 FISH analysis was performed but was inconclusive. The pathological, immunohistochemical, and genetic features, the differential diagnoses, and the therapeutic management of this unusual tumor are discussed. No complementary treatment was performed initially. Following first treatment, two recurrences occurred 6 and 9 years later, both displaying histological features similar to the first occurrence. Radiotherapy was started after the second recurrence. Follow-up shows no evidence of disease 11 years after initial diagnosis. This case was unusual due to the paravertebral location of the tumor and its divergent differentiation.
Goldenhar Syndrome with Dextrocardia and Right Pulmonary Hypoplasia: An Unusual Association
Authors: Chaudhary Nagendra , Shrestha Sandeep , Halwai Hemant Kumar
Published: March 2017

Goldenhar syndrome (GS), a rare condition, occurring due to defect in development of first and second branchial arches, is characterized by a combination of various anomalies involving face, eyes, ears, vertebrae, heart, and lungs. The etiology of GS is not fully known, although various hypotheses have been proposed along with its genetic association and many other causes. Facial asymmetry and hypoplasia of the mandible are characteristic features of GS along with microtia and preauricular appendages and pits. Dextrocardia or pulmonary hypoplasia in GS has previously been reported separately. We report a 7-year-old female child of GS with combination of anomalies, dextrocardia, and pulmonary hypoplasia, which is a rare association.
Redox Regulating Enzymes and Connected MicroRNA Regulators Have Prognostic Value in Classical Hodgkin Lymphomas
Authors: Karihtala Peeter , Porvari Katja , Soini Ylermi , Haapasaari Kirsi-Maria
Published: March 2017

There are no previous studies assessing the microRNAs that regulate antioxidant enzymes in Hodgkin lymphomas (HLs). We determined the mRNA levels of redox regulating enzymes peroxiredoxins (PRDXs) I–III, manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), nuclear factor erythroid‐derived 2‐like 2 (Nrf2), and Kelch‐like ECH‐associated protein 1 (Keap1) from a carefully collected set of 41 classical HL patients before receiving any treatments. The levels of redoxmiRs, miRNAs known to regulate the above‐mentioned enzymes, were also assessed, along with CD3, CD20, and CD30 protein expression. RNAs were isolated from freshly frozen lymph node samples and the expression levels were analyzed by qPCR. mir23b correlated inversely with CD3 and CD20 expressions (p = 0.00076; r = −0.523 and p = 0.0012; r = −0.507) and miR144 with CD3, CD20, and CD30 (p = 0.030; r = −0.352, p = 0.041; r = −0.333 and p = 0.0032; r = −0.47, resp.). High MnSOD mRNA levels associated with poor HL‐specific outcome in the patients with advanced disease (p = 0.045) and high miR‐122 levels associated with worse HL‐specific survival in the whole patient population (p = 0.015). When standardized according to the CD30 expression, high miR212 and miR510 predicted worse relapse‐free survival (p = 0.049 and p = 0.0058, resp.). In conclusion, several redoxmiRs and redox regulating enzyme mRNA levels associate with aggressive disease outcome and may also produce prognostic information in classical HL.
Methods to Reduce Forest Residue Volume after Timber Harvesting and Produce Black Carbon
Authors: Page-Dumroese Deborah S. , Busse Matt D. , Archuleta James G. , McAvoy Darren , Roussel Eric
Published: March 2017

Forest restoration often includes thinning to reduce tree density and improve ecosystem processes and function while also reducing the risk of wildfire or insect and disease outbreaks. However, one drawback of these restoration treatments is that slash is often burned in piles that may damage the soil and require further restoration activities. Pile burning is currently used on many forest sites as the preferred method for residue disposal because piles can be burned at various times of the year and are usually more controlled than broadcast burns. In many cases, fire can be beneficial to site conditions and soil properties, but slash piles, with a large concentration of wood, needles, forest floor, and sometimes mineral soil, can cause long-term damage. We describe several alternative methods for reducing nonmerchantable forest residues that will help remove excess woody biomass, minimize detrimental soil impacts, and create charcoal for improving soil organic matter and carbon sequestration.
Isolation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Human Deciduous Teeth Pulp
Authors: Tsai Aileen I. , Hong Hsiang-Hsi , Lin Wey-Ran , Fu Jen-Fen , Chang Chih-Chun , Wang I-Kuan , Huang Wen-Hung , Weng Cheng-Hao , Hsu Ching-Wei , Yen Tzung-Hai
Published: March 2017

This study aimed to identify predictors of success rate of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) isolation from human deciduous teeth pulp. A total of 161 deciduous teeth were extracted at the dental clinic of Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. The MSCs were isolated from dental pulps using a standard protocol. In total, 128 colonies of MSCs were obtained and the success rate was 79.5%. Compared to teeth not yielding MSCs successfully, those successfully yielding MSCs were found to have less severe dental caries (no/mild-to-moderate/severe: 63.3/24.2/12.5% versus 12.5/42.4/42.4%,P<0.001) and less frequent pulpitis (no/yes: 95.3/4.7% versus 51.5/48.5%,P<0.001). In a multivariate regression model, it was confirmed that the absence of dental caries (OR = 4.741, 95% CI = 1.564–14.371,P=0.006) and pulpitis (OR = 9.111, 95% CI = 2.921–28.420,P<0.001) was significant determinants of the successful procurement of MSCs. MSCs derived from pulps with pulpitis expressed longer colony doubling time than pulps without pulpitis. Furthermore, there were higher expressions of proinflammatory cytokines, interleukin- (IL-) 6 and monocyte chemoattractant protein- (MCP-) 1,P<0.01, and innate immune response [toll-like receptor 1 (TLR1) and TLR8,P<0.05; TLR2, TLR3, and TLR6,P<0.01] in the inflamed than noninflamed pulps. Therefore, a carious deciduous tooth or tooth with pulpitis was relatively unsuitable for MSC processing and isolation.
Platinum-Based Drugs Differentially Affect the Ultrastructure of Breast Cancer Cell Types
Authors: Al-Bahlani Shadia , Al-Dhahli Buthaina , Al-Adawi Kawther , Al-Nabhani Abdurahman , Al-Kindi Mohamed
Published: March 2017

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Although platinum-based drugs (PBDs) are effective anticancer agents, responsive patients eventually become resistant. While resistance of some cancers to PBDs has been explored, the cellular responses of BC cells are not studied yet. Therefore, we aim to assess the differential effects of PBDs on BC ultrastructure. Three representative cells were treated with different concentrations and timing of Cisplatin, Carboplatin, and Oxaliplatin. Changes on cell surface and ultrastructure were detected by scanning (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). In SEM, control cells were semiflattened containing microvilli with extending lamellipodia while treated ones were round with irregular surface and several pores, indicating drug entry. Prolonged treatment resembled distinct apoptotic features such as shrinkage, membrane blebs, and narrowing of lamellipodia with blunt microvilli. TEM detected PBDs’ deposits that scattered among cellular organelles inducing structural distortion, lumen swelling, chromatin condensation, and nuclear fragmentation. Deposits were attracted to fat droplets, explained by drug hydrophobic properties, while later they were located close to cell membrane, suggesting drug efflux. Phagosomes with destructed organelles and deposits were detected as defending mechanism. Understanding BC cells response to PBDs might provide new insight for an effective treatment.
Path Planning for a Space-Based Manipulator System Based on Quantum Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Chen Zhengcang , Zhou Weijia
Published: March 2017

In this study, by considering a space-based, n-joint manipulator system as research object, a kinematic and a dynamic model are constructed and the system’s nonholonomic property is discussed. In light of the nonholonomic property unique to space-based systems, a path planning method is introduced to ensure that when an end-effector moves to the desired position, a floating base achieves the expected pose. The trajectories of the joints are first parameterized using sinusoidal polynomial functions, and cost functions are defined by the pose deviation of the base and the positional error of the end-effector. At this stage, the path planning problem is converted into a target optimization problem, where the target is a function of the joints. We then adopt a quantum genetic algorithm (QGA) to solve this objective optimization problem to attain the optimized trajectories of the joints and then execute nonholonomic path planning. To test the proposed method, we carried out a simulation on a six-degree-of-freedom (DOF) space-based manipulator system (SBMS). The results showed that, compared to traditional genetic optimization algorithms, the QGA converges more rapidly and has a more accurate output.
When Do Skeletal Class III Patients Wear Their Reverse Pull Headgears?
Authors: Ozkalayci Nurhat , Cicek Orhan
Published: March 2017

Objective. The aim of this study is to evaluate the factors that affect wearing time and patient behavior during reverse pull headgear therapy with a newly designed reverse pull headgear.Methods. In clinical practice, new reverse pull headgears were applied to fifteen patients. The patients were monitored during reverse pull headgear therapy and the data were evaluated. Statistical analysis was made.Results. During the study, patients were monitored successfully and the evaluations showed that patients wear the new reverse pull headgears mostly at night. There are differences between days of week and hours of day. Weekends are more popular than weekdays for wearing reverse pull headgear.Conclusions. This new type of reverse pull headgears can be used successfully in clinical practice and can help the clinician. Study showed that the most important factor that affects the cooperation of reverse pull headgear patient is aesthetic appearance.
Differential Privacy for Edge Weights in Social Networks
Authors: Li Xiaoye , Yang Jing , Sun Zhenlong , Zhang Jianpei
Published: March 2017

Social networks can be analyzed to discover important social issues; however, it will cause privacy disclosure in the process. The edge weights play an important role in social graphs, which are associated with sensitive information (e.g., the price of commercial trade). In the paper, we propose the MB-CI (Merging Barrels and Consistency Inference) strategy to protect weighted social graphs. By viewing the edge-weight sequence as an unattributed histogram, differential privacy for edge weights can be implemented based on the histogram. Considering that some edges have the same weight in a social network, we merge the barrels with the same count into one group to reduce the noise required. Moreover,k-indistinguishability between groups is proposed to fulfill differential privacy not to be violated, because simple merging operation may disclose some information by the magnitude of noise itself. For keeping most of the shortest paths unchanged, we do consistency inference according to original order of the sequence as an important postprocessing step. Experimental results show that the proposed approach effectively improved the accuracy and utility of the released data.
A Microstrip Second-Iteration Square Koch Dipole Antenna for TT&C Downlink Applications in Small Satellites
Authors: Simón Jorge , Alvarez-Flores José Luis , Villanueva-Maldonado Juvenal , Castillo-Topete Víctor Hugo , Soriano-Equigua Leonel , Flores-Troncoso Jorge
Published: March 2017

A microstrip second-iteration square Koch dipole fractal antenna is presented. This meandered antenna has a total length of 56.56 cm including its feed gap and was printed on the diagonal of a 100 mm × 100 mm PCB card that acts as CubeSat face. The antenna that was designed to optimize space shows acceptable performance at its resonance frequency of 455 MHz within the 70-centimeter band, a band that is commonly used for TTC CubeSat subsystems. The designed fractal antenna shows a reflection coefficient below −20 dB, a VSWR below 1.2, a −10 dB bandwidth of 50 MHz, and impedance magnitude of 56 Ω, while the average maximum gain around its resonance frequency is 2.14 dBi. All these parameters make this designed antenna suitable for small satellite applications at a band where a linear λ/2 dipolar antenna working at 455 MHz would be about 32.97 cm long, which does not fit within the largest dimension of a CubeSat face corresponding to 14.14 cm.
Plant Poisoning among Children in Rural Sri Lanka
Authors: Dayasiri M. B. Kavinda Chandimal , Jayamanne Shaluka F. , Jayasinghe Chamilka Y.
Published: March 2017

Plant poisoning is a common presentation in paediatric practice and an important cause of preventable mortality and morbidity in Sri Lanka. The burden of plant poisoning is largely underexplored. The current multicenter study based in rural Sri Lanka assessed clinical profiles, poison related factors, clinical management, complications, outcomes, and risk factors associated with plant poisoning in the paediatric age group. Among 325 children, 57% were male with 64% being below five years of age. 99.4% had ingested the poison. Transfer rate was 66.4%. Most had unintentional poisoning. Commonest poison plant was Jatropha circus and poisoning event happened mostly in home garden. 29% of parents practiced harmful first-aid practices. 32% of children had delayed presentations to which the commonest reason was lack of parental concern regarding urgency of seeking medical care. Presence of poisonous plants in home garden was the strongest risk factor for plant poisoning. Mortality rate was 1.2% and all cases had Oleander poisoning. The study revealed the value of community awareness regarding risk factors and awareness among healthcare workers regarding the mostly benign nature of plant poisoning in children in view of limiting incidence of plant poisoning and reducing expenditure on patient management.
Kinematics, Dynamics, and Optimal Control of Pneumatic Hexapod Robot
Authors: Bai Long , Ma Lu-han , Dong Zhifeng , Ge Xinsheng
Published: March 2017

Pneumatic hexapod robot is driven by inert gas carried by itself, which has board application prospect in rescue operation of disaster conditions containing flammable gas. Cruising ability is main constraint for practical engineering application which is influenced by kinematics and dynamics character. The matrix operators and pseudospectral method are used to solve dynamics modeling and numerical calculation problem of robot under straight line walking. Kinematics model is numerically solved and relationship of body, joints, and drive cylinders is obtained. With dynamics model and kinematics boundary conditions, the optimal input gas pressure of leg swing and body moving in one step is obtained by pseudospectral method. According to action character of magnetic valve, calculation results of control inputs satisfy engineering design requirements, and cruising ability under finite gas is obtained.
Microhardness, Structure, and Morphology of Primary Enamel after Phosphoric Acid, Self-Etching Adhesive, and Er:YAG Laser Etching
Authors: Alcantara-Galeana María del Carmen Zoila , Contreras-Bulnes Rosalía , Rodríguez-Vilchis Laura Emma , Espinosa-Pesqueira Manuel Eduardo , Barrera-Ortega Cecilia Carlota , López-Hurtado Itzel Monserrat , Fernández-Bobadilla Adriana
Published: March 2017

Background. Phosphoric acid is the traditional etching agent; self-etching adhesives and Er:YAG laser are alternative methods. Knowledge of deciduous enamel etching is required.Aim. To evaluate primary enamel microhardness, structure, and morphology after phosphoric acid, self-etching, and Er:YAG laser etching.Design. Seventy primary incisors were assigned to five groups (n=14): I (control), II (35% phosphoric acid), III (self-etching adhesive), IV (Er:YAG laser at 15 J/cm2), and V (Er:YAG laser at 19.1 J/cm2). Microhardness was evaluated by Vickers indentation. Chemical composition was analyzed by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and morphological changes by scanning electron microscopy. One-way ANOVA, Kruskal–Wallis, Mann–WhitneyU, and Pearson bivariate correlation were employed (α=0.05).Results. Vickers microhardness showed differences and no correlation with Ca/P ratio. Group II showed differences in carbon, oxygen, and phosphorus atomic percent and group V in Ca/P ratio. Morphological changes included exposed prisms, fractures, craters, and fusion.Conclusions. Enamel treated with phosphoric acid showed different chemical characterization among groups. Self-etching and Er:YAG laser irradiation at 19.1 J/cm2showed similar microhardness and chemical characterization. Er:YAG laser irradiation at 15 J/cm2maintained microhardness as untreated enamel. Er:YAG laser irradiation at 19.1 J/cm2enhanced mineral content. Morphological retentive changes were specific to each type of etching protocol.
Preparation and Property Research of Strain Sensor Based on PDMS and Silver Nanomaterials
Authors: Liu Lihua , Zhang Qiang , Zhao Dong , Jian Aoqun , Ji Jianlong , Duan Qianqian , Zhang Wendong , Sang Shengbo
Published: March 2017

Based on the advantages and broad applications of stretchable strain sensors, this study reports a simple method to fabricate a highly sensitive strain sensor with Ag nanomaterials-polydimethylsiloxane (AgNMs-PDMS) to create a synergic conductive network and a sandwich-structure. Three Ag nanomaterial samples were synthesized by controlling the concentrations of the FeCl3 solution and reaction time via the heat polyols thermal method. The AgNMs network’s elastomer nanocomposite-based strain sensors show strong piezoresistivity with a high gauge factor of 547.8 and stretchability from 0.81% to 7.26%. The application of our high-performance strain sensors was demonstrated by the inducting finger of the motion detection. These highly sensitive sensors conform to the current trends of flexible electronics and have prospects for broad application.