bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MILP model for integrated line balancing and model sequencing problems for Mixed-Model Two-Sided Assembly Line
Authors: Mohd Azmi Nur Intan Liyana , Zainuddin Zaitul Marlizawati , Zainuddin Zaitul Marlizawati , Ahmad Rashidah , Ahmad Rashidah
Published: April 2018

This research explores two interrelated problems in Mixed-Model Two-Sided Assembly Line (MMTSAL), which are line balancing and model sequencing.  These two problems are solved simultaneously using Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) with the objectives of minimizing total utility work and idle time by considering various practical constraints.  The problem is analyzed using small-size to large-sized test cases using General Algebraic Modelling System (GAMS) with the solver CPLEX.  Experimental results indicate that integrating the problems help to minimize the proposed objective function. Also, it is found that the feasible solution for model sequence with the assignment of tasks to assembly line is optimal.
Hyperthermia therapy monitoring with guidance of B-Mode ultrasound: Study on rat breast tumor tissue
Authors: Che Aziz Maizatul Nadwa , Mohamad Salim Maheza Irna , Abd Manaf Noraida , Abd Wahab Asnida , Wee Lai Khin , Chai Hum Yan
Published: April 2018

Local hyperthermia treatment for cáncer therapy has shown increasing interest in conjunction to the other existence treatment as such chemotherapy, clinical surgery and radiation. B-Mode ultrasound have shown great potential for local hyperthermia, as it is nonionizing, convenient, and has relatively simple signal processing and it offers good spatial resolution.The aim of this study is to compare the most optimum B-Mode ultrasound parameters in normal and pathological tissue. The subjects were dissected and exposed to hyperthermia at 37◦C, 40◦C, 45◦C, 50◦C and 55◦C. Result shows, for mean grey scale in normal and pathological tissue, 37◦C and 40◦C was optimum temperature with correspond values of 188.08 and 199.26 meanwhile for pixel deviation analysis, at 45◦C and 55◦C the best temperature is observed in  both tissue with pixel deviation of 57.27 and 57.25. Additionally, it is proven with accuracy of testing to validation data using Artificial Neural Network, ANN, about 88.89% and 81.25% was achieved.
A comparison of degradation rate bone scaffold morphology between computer simulation and experimental approach
Authors: Prakoso Akbar Teguh , Syahrom Ardiyansyah , Sulong Mohd Ayub , Md. Saad Amir Putra , Yani Irsyadi , Nasution Jimmy Deswidawansyah , Basri Hasan
Published: April 2018

The objective of this research is to validate the behavior of degradation rate within porous magnesium scaffolds in terms of morphological which includes weight loss after degradation by means of micro-computed tomography (µCT) based on image processing. The main contribution of this work is finding another method to determine morphology based on computer simulation. In the present study, bone scaffold specimens made of pure magnesium that was prepared with three different percentages of porosities 30%, 41%, and 55%. There were immersed and subjected to the dynamic flow rate of simulated body fluid for periods of 24, 48 and 72 hours. One sample of each specimen was scanned by µCT with a resolution of 17 µm. The cross-sections of raw data were superimposed by using MIMICS software to form a 3D reconstruction of the samples after degradation. The degradation morphology was collected from the simulation and showed good agreement with the experimental results by only less than 2%. Based on the simulation results, it is possible to give a recommendation for the alternative way in the morphological study of orthopedic applications.
Theoretical investigation of the lattice energy of urea: Insight from DFT using systematic cluster method
Authors: Mohd Nabil Nur Najwa Alyani , Ang Lee Sin
Published: April 2018

Lattice energy is the energy needed to form crystals of a compound from the individual molecules. It is related to the stability of a compound in the solid state. In this study, systematic cluster method has been applied to obtain the lattice energy of urea. Using this method, the effect of solid state environment is included in a systematic way. Starting from the small clusters containing a few molecules, the largest cluster we studied contains 84 molecules. In order to improve the results from the cluster method using Gaussian 09 program, correction using the D3BJ program was included. The results show that, when compared to the experimental value, the lattice energies obtained were under-estimated for all the theoretical levels considered. Generally, application of the systematic cluster method shows decrease in calculated lattice energy as more molecules were included in the clusters and becomes closer to the experimental value of urea. Of all the levels considered, B3LYP/DEF2-TZVP with correctional terms provides the closest value to the one from the experiment.
Effectiveness of vibratory stimulation on needle-related procedural pain in children: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Ueki Shingo , Yamagami Yuki , Makimoto Kiyoko
Published: April 2018

Review question/objective:

The objective of this systematic review is to identify, evaluate and synthesize evidence on the effectiveness of vibratory stimulation to reduce needle-related procedural pain in children aged 18 years and under.

The review will address the following question: Is vibratory stimulation effective in reducing needle-related procedural pain in children aged 18 years and under, in comparison with no stimulation for needle-related procedures?
The concept of child-centered care in healthcare: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Ford Karen , Campbell Steven , Carter Bernie , Earwaker Louise
Published: April 2018

Review question/objective:

The objective of this scoping review is to identify and evaluate the concept of child-centered care (CCC) in healthcare in order to achieve greater clarity on the concept and its applicability, benefits and potential to inform the evidence base of children's health care, policy and practice.

The questions of this review are:

What constitutes the concept of CCC in healthcare?

How has the concept developed?

What is the applicability of CCC and what are its limitations?

How does the concept of CCC benefit and inform children's healthcare?
Effectiveness of phosphate binders in adult patients with end stage renal disease receiving hemodialysis: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Gasu Vivian , Ashong Mary , Seferi Arta , Fitzpatrick Aileen
Published: April 2018

Review question:

The question of this review is what is the effectiveness of the use of phosphate binders on mortality and serum levels of phosphorus, calcium and intact parathyroid hormone in adult patients with end stage renal disease receiving hemodialysis?
Lung transplant recipients’ experiences of and attitudes towards self-management: a qualitative systematic review protocol
Authors: Rebafka Anne , Bennett Clare , Jones Jonathan , Carrier Judith , Kugler Christiane , Edwards Deborah
Published: April 2018

Review question:

The question for this review is: what are lung transplant recipients’ experiences of and attitudes towards self-management?
Preventative interventions, protocols or guidelines for trauma patients at risk for cervical collar-related pressure ulcers: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Lacey Lanise , Walker Jean
Published: April 2018

Review objective/question

The objective of this review is to explore the existing literature related to preventative interventions, protocols or guidelines for trauma patients at risk for cervical collar-related pressure ulcers, examine and conceptually map the evidence, and identify any gaps in the literature.

Specifically the review questions are:

What preventative interventions, protocols or guidelines are being utilized in trauma patients at risk for cervical collar-related pressure ulcers?

What outcomes are reported with these preventative interventions, protocols or guidelines?
Cystamine slows but not inverses the progression of monocrotaline-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension in rats
Authors: Wang Han-Ming , Liu Wan-Zhu , Tang Fu-Tian , Sui Hai-Juan , Zhan Xing-Jie , Wang Hong-Xin
Published: April 2018

Tissue transglutaminase (TG2) plays an important role in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Previous research indicate that TG2 and protein serotonylation catalyzed by TG2 are upregulated in PAH. Serotonin transporter inhibitor fluoxetine ameliorates PAH via inhibition of protein serotonylation. It is still unknown whether PAH is inhibited through direct inhibition of TG2. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of TG2 inhibitor cystamine on monocrotaline-induced PAH in rats. Rats were treated with monocrotaline (60 mg·kg−1, i.p.) in combination with or without cystamine (20, 40 mg·kg−1·day−1, p.o.). The results showed that compared with monocrotaline alone, combination of monocrotaline with cystamine (40 mg·kg−1·day−1, p.o.) relieved right ventricle hypertrophy, inhibited pulmonary arteriolar remodeling, and downregulated protein expression of TG2, phosphorylated protein kinase B (Akt), and extracellular regulated protein kinase (ERK) at day 21. However, except for TG2 expression, these changes were not significantly inhibited by cystamine at day 35. In addition, cystamine dose-dependently enhanced the survival rate of rats injected with monocrotaline at day 35. The findings suggest that cystamine slows but not reverses monocrotaline-induced PAH in rats, which was largely associated with the inhibition of TG2 protein expression and Akt and ERK activation.
Imidazolines increase the levels of the autophagosomal marker LC3-II in macrophage-like RAW264.7 cells
Authors: Nakagawa Shiori , Ueno Takayuki , Manabe Takayuki , Kawasaki Kiyoshi
Published: April 2018

This study evaluated whether imidazolines can induce autophagy in the murine macrophage-like cell line RAW264.7. Idazoxan increased the content of LC3-II, an autophagosomal marker, in RAW264.7 cells. To determine whether this effect was due to the induction of its synthesis or inhibition of its degradation, idazoxan treatment was performed in the presence of bafilomycin A1, which blocks autophagosome-lysosome fusion, as well as Pepstatin A and E-64d, both of which block protein degradation in autolysosomes. An increased content of LC3-II was observed in the presence of bafilomycin A1 as well as the protease inhibitors. Furthermore, an increased number of autophagosomes was observed following idazoxan treatment using an autophagosome-specific dye. This indicated that idazoxan induced autophagy. Other imidazolines, such as efaroxan, clonidine, and 2-(2-benzofuranyl)-2-imidazoline, also increased the LC3-II content in RAW264.7 cells in the presence of bafilomycin A1. Taken together, these results indicate that some imidazolines, including idazoxan, can induce autophagy in RAW264.7 cells.
Topological tensor product of bimodules, complete Hopf algebroids and convolution algebras
Authors: El Kaoutit Laiachi , Saracco Paolo
Published: April 2018

Given a finitely generated and projective Lie–Rinehart algebra, we show that there is a continuous homomorphism of complete commutative Hopf algebroids between the completion of the finite dual of its universal enveloping Hopf algebroid and the associated convolution algebra. The topological Hopf algebroid structure of this convolution algebra is here clarified, by providing an explicit description of its topological antipode as well as of its other structure maps. Conditions under which that homomorphism becomes an homeomorphism are also discussed. These results, in particular, apply to the smooth global sections of any Lie algebroid over a smooth (connected) manifold and they lead a new formal groupoid scheme to enter into the picture. In the appendices we develop the necessary machinery behind complete Hopf algebroid constructions, which involves also the topological tensor product of filtered bimodules over filtered rings.
Weighted PBW degenerations and tropical flag varieties
Authors: Fang X. , Feigin E. , Fourier G. , Makhlin I.
Published: April 2018

We study algebraic, combinatorial and geometric aspects of weighted Poincaré–Birkhoff–Witt (PBW)-type degenerations of (partial) flag varieties in type [Formula: see text]. These degenerations are labeled by degree functions lying in an explicitly defined polyhedral cone, which can be identified with a maximal cone in the tropical flag variety. Varying the degree function in the cone, we recover, for example, the classical flag variety, its abelian PBW degeneration, some of its linear degenerations and a particular toric degeneration.
Existence of conformal metrics with constant scalar curvature and constant boundary mean curvature on compact manifolds
Authors: Chen Xuezhang , Sun Liming
Published: April 2018

We study the problem of deforming a Riemannian metric to a conformal one with nonzero constant scalar curvature and nonzero constant boundary mean curvature on a compact manifold of dimension [Formula: see text]. We prove the existence of such conformal metrics in the cases of [Formula: see text] or the manifold is spin and some other remaining ones left by Escobar. Furthermore, in the positive Yamabe constant case, by normalizing the scalar curvature to be [Formula: see text], there exists a sequence of conformal metrics such that their constant boundary mean curvatures go to [Formula: see text].
Extremal functions for the Moser–Trudinger inequality of Adimurthi–Druet type in W1,N(ℝN)
Authors: Nguyen Van Hoang
Published: April 2018

We study the existence and nonexistence of maximizers for variational problem concerning the Moser–Trudinger inequality of Adimurthi–Druet type in [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] both in the subcritical case [Formula: see text] and critical case [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] denotes the surface area of the unit sphere in [Formula: see text]. We will show that MT[Formula: see text] is attained in the subcritical case if [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] being the best constant in a Gagliardo–Nirenberg inequality in [Formula: see text]. We also show that MT[Formula: see text] is not attained for [Formula: see text] small which is different from the context of bounded domains. In the critical case, we prove that MT[Formula: see text] is attained for [Formula: see text] small enough. To prove our results, we first establish a lower bound for MT[Formula: see text] which excludes the concentrating or vanishing behaviors of their maximizer sequences. This implies the attainability of MT[Formula: see text] in the subcritical case. The proof in the critical case is based on the blow-up analysis method. Finally, by using the Moser sequence together with the scaling argument, we show that MT[Formula: see text]. Our results settle the questions left open in [J. M. do Ó and M. de Souza, A sharp inequality of Trudinger–Moser type and extremal functions in [Formula: see text], J. Differential Equations 258 (2015) 4062–4101; Trudinger–Moser inequality on the whole plane and extremal functions, Commun. Contemp. Math. 18 (2016) 32 pp.].
Characterization of some minimal codes for secret sharing
Authors: Makhlouf Sassia , Noui Lemnouar
Published: April 2018

Recently, several authors used linear codes to construct secret sharing schemes. It is known that if each nonzero codeword of a code [Formula: see text] is minimal, then the dual code [Formula: see text] is suitable for secret sharing. To seek such codes Ashikhmin–Barg give a sufficient condition from weights; in [Formula: see text] code [Formula: see text], let [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] be the minimum and maximum nonzero weights, respectively. If [Formula: see text] then all nonzero codewords of [Formula: see text] are minimal. In this paper, a necessary and sufficient condition is given for self-dual codes and for MDS codes to verify the inequality (*). Special codes are examined and applied for secret sharing schemes.
Some inequalities for the multiplier of a pair of n-Lie algebras
Authors: Mousavi Azam K. , Moghaddam Mohammad Reza R. , Eshrati Mehdi
Published: April 2018

Let [Formula: see text] be a pair of [Formula: see text]-Lie algebras. Then, we introduce the concept of Schur multiplier of the pair [Formula: see text], denoted by [Formula: see text], and some inequalities for the dimension of [Formula: see text] are given. We also determine a necessary and sufficient condition, for which the Schur multiplier of a pair of [Formula: see text]-Lie algebras can be embedded into the Schur multipliers of their [Formula: see text]-Lie algebra factors. Moreover, some inequalities for the Schur multiplier of a pair of finite-dimensional nilpotent [Formula: see text]-Lie algebras are acquired.
Descent spectrum equality
Authors: Tajmouati Abdelaziz , Boua Hamid , El Bakkali Abdeslam
Published: April 2018

A bounded operator [Formula: see text] in a Banach space [Formula: see text] is said to satisfy the descent spectrum equality, if the descent spectrum of [Formula: see text] as an operator on [Formula: see text] coincides with the descent spectrum of [Formula: see text] as an element of the algebra [Formula: see text] of all bounded linear operators on [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we give some conditions under which the equality [Formula: see text] holds for a single operator [Formula: see text].
Results of differential subordination for a unified subclass of analytic functions defined using generalized Ruscheweyh derivative operator
Authors: Agarwal Ritu , Paliwal G. S. , Goswami Parany
Published: April 2018

In this paper, we introduce a unified subclass of analytic functions by making use of the principle of subordination, involving generalized Ruscheweyh Derivative operator [Formula: see text]. The properties such as inclusion relationships, distortion theorems, coefficient inequalities and differential sandwich theorem for the above class have been discussed.
Risk Premia in the 8:30 Economy
Authors: Faust Jon , Wright Jonathan H.
Published: April 2018

Financial asset risk premia are widely agreed to vary over time. This paper decomposes these risk premia into expected excess returns earned in short windows around the times of macroeconomic news announcements (which mostly come out at 8:30[Formula: see text]am) and the expected excess returns that are earned at other times. Using intradaily data, we find that some, but not all, of the time-varying expected excess returns accrue right around macroeconomic announcements. In forecasting six-month cumulative bond returns, there is more predictability in announcement windows than at other times.
NAD+-dependent deacetylase SIRT3 in adipocytes is dispensable for maintaining normal adipose tissue mitochondrial function and whole body metabolism
Authors: Porter Lane C. , Franczyk Michael P. , Pietka Terri , Yamaguchi Shintaro , Lin Jonathan B. , Sasaki Yo , Verdin Eric , Apte Rajendra S. , Yoshino Jun
Published: April 2018

Mitochondrial dysfunction in adipose tissue is involved in the pathophysiology of obesity-induced systemic metabolic complications, such as type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia. However, the mechanisms responsible for obesity-induced adipose tissue mitochondrial dysfunction are not clear. The aim of present study was to test the hypothesis that nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+)-dependent deacetylase sirtuin-3 (SIRT3) in adipocytes plays a critical role in adipose tissue mitochondrial biology and obesity. We first measured adipose tissue SIRT3 expression in obese and lean mice. Next, adipocyte-specific mitochondrial Sirt3 knockout (AMiSKO) mice were generated and metabolically characterized. We evaluated glucose and lipid metabolism in adult mice fed either a regular-chow diet or high-fat diet (HFD) and in aged mice. We also determined the effects of Sirt3 deletion on adipose tissue metabolism and mitochondrial biology. Supporting our hypothesis, obese mice had decreased SIRT3 gene and protein expression in adipose tissue. However, despite successful knockout of SIRT3, AMiSKO mice had normal glucose and lipid metabolism and did not change metabolic responses to HFD-feeding and aging. In addition, loss of SIRT3 had no major impact on putative SIRT3 targets, key metabolic pathways, and mitochondrial function in white and brown adipose tissue. Collectively, these findings suggest that adipocyte SIRT3 is dispensable for maintaining normal adipose tissue mitochondrial function and whole body metabolism. Contrary to our hypothesis, loss of SIRT3 function in adipocytes is unlikely to contribute to the pathophysiology of obesity-induced metabolic complications.
Modeling Medical Services with Mobile Health Applications
Authors: Wang Zhenfei , Zhang Liying , Ma Ling , Liu Bing
Published: April 2018

The rapid development of mobile health technology (m-Health) provides unprecedented opportunities for improving health services. As the bridge between doctors and patients, mobile health applications enable patients to communicate with doctors through their smartphones, which is becoming more and more popular among people. To evaluate the influence of m-Health applications on the medical service market, we propose a medical service equilibrium model. The model can balance the supply of doctors and demand of patients and reflect possible options for both doctors and patients with or without m-Health applications in the medical service market. In the meantime, we analyze the behavior of patients and the activities of doctors to minimize patients’ full costs of healthcare and doctors’ futility. Then, we provide a resolution algorithm through mathematical reasoning. Lastly, based on artificially generated dataset, experiments are conducted to evaluate the medical services of m-Health applications.
BP Network Control for Resource Allocation and QoS Ensurance in UAV Cloud
Authors: Gao Ang , Hu Yansu , Li Lixin , Li Xu
Published: April 2018

Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) cloud can greatly enhance the intelligence of unmanned systems by dynamically unloading the compute-intensive applications to cloud. For the uncertain nature of UAV missions and fast-changing environment, different UAV applications may have different quality of service (QoS) requirements. This paper proposes a mixed QoS ensurance and energy-balanced (MQEB) architecture for UAV cloud from a view of control theory, which can support both hard and soft QoS ensurance with the consideration of energy saving. The hard and soft QoS requirements are decoupled by being normalized into a two-level cascaded feedback loop. The former is time slot loop (TS-Loop) to enforce the absolute QoS ensurance for real-time applications, and the latter is contention window loop (CW-Loop) to enforce the plastic QoS ensurance for non-real-time applications. Finally, the back propagating (BP) neuron network is used for parameters’ self-tuning and controller design. The hardware experiments demonstrate the feasibility of MQEB. In heavy load, MQEB has greater throughput and better energy efficiency, and in light load, MQBE has lower total power consumption.
Analysis of Wave-Induced Current Using Digital Image Correlation Techniques
Authors: Shin Bumshick , Kim KyuHan
Published: April 2018

Recently, advancement of digital image techniques and communications technology has enabled the application of existing images for scientific purposes. Furthermore, both quantitative and qualitative analyses of images have become possible through image processing such as transmit/storage of digital image data and image rectification. In this study, a coast having representative characteristics of east coast of Korea was selected with having erosion in winter, and the sedimentation in summer takes place repeatedly. Three-dimensional hydraulic model test was conducted to analyze its outcomes by a digital image correlation technique in order to understand the wave-induced current affecting the sediment transport. For this study, images filmed by the high-sensitive and high-resolution video camera were converted into stopped images of regular intervals and then those converted images were used for the following procedure to analyze flow and velocity into digital coordinates. The outcomes from interpretation of images filmed by the high-sensitive and high-resolution video camera can be utilized as a very useful analysis method for appreciating the generation mechanism and movement route of longshore current and rip current.
GRP78 Promotes Neural Stem Cell Antiapoptosis and Survival in Response to Oxygen‐Glucose Deprivation (OGD)/Reoxygenation through PI3K/Akt, ERK1/2, and NF‐κB/p65 Pathways
Authors: Liu Qian , Li Yun , Zhou Lin , Li Yunzi , Xu Pengfei , Liu Xiaoyun , Lv Qiushi , Li Juanji , Guo Hongquan , Cai Haodi , Sun Rui , Liu Xinfeng
Published: April 2018

When brain injury happens, endogenous neural stem cells (NSCs) located in the adult subventricular zone (SVZ) and subgranular zone (SGZ) are attacked by ischemia/reperfusion to undergo cellular apoptosis and death before being induced to migrate to the lesion point and differentiate into mature neural cells for damaged cell replacement. Although promoting antiapoptosis and NSC survival are critical to neuroregeneration, the mechanism has yet been elucidated clearly. Here in this study, we established an in vitro oxygen‐glucose deprivation (OGD)/reoxygenation model on NSCs and detected glucose‐regulated protein 78 (GRP78) involved in apoptosis, while in the absence of GRP78 by siRNA transfection, OGD/reoxygenation triggered PI3K/Akt, ERK1/2, and NF‐κB/p65 activation, and induced NSC apoptosis was attenuated. Further investigation, respectively, with the inhibitor of PI3K/Akt or ERK1/2 demonstrated a blockage on GRP78 upregulation, while the inhibition of NF‐κB rarely affected GRP78 induction by OGD/reoxygenation. The results indicated the bidirectional regulations of GRP78‐PI3K/Akt and GRP78‐ERK1/2 and the one‐way signalling transduction through GRP78 to NF‐κB/p65 on NSC survival from OGD/reoxygenation. In conclusion, we found that GRP78 mediated the signalling cross talk through PI3K/Akt, ERK1/2, and NF‐κB/p65, which leads to antiapoptosis and NSC survival from ischemic stroke. Our finding gives a new evidence of GRP78 in NSCs as well as a new piece of signalling mechanism elucidation to NSC survival from ischemic stroke.
Tumor Reduction with Pazopanib in a Patient with Recurrent Lumbar Chordoma
Authors: Ribeiro Maurício Fernando Silva Almeida , de Sousa Micelange Carvalho , Hanna Samir Abdallah , Maldaun Marcos Vinicius Calfat , Kurimori Ceci Obara , de Lima Luiz Guilherme Cernaglia Aureliano , Mattedi Romulo Loss , Munhoz Rodrigo Ramella
Published: April 2018

Introduction. Chordomas are rare malignancies of bone origin that occur in the axial skeleton, typically the skull base and lumbar/sacral regions. Although often classified as low-grade neoplasms, its locally infiltrative behavior may result in significant morbidity and mortality. Optimal surgical resection may be curative, but up to 50% of the cases relapse within 5 years, and currently there are no systemic treatments approved in this setting. A large proportion of these tumors express stem-cell factor receptor (c-KIT) and platelet-derived growth factor receptors (PDGFRs), providing a rationale for the use of tyrosine-kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Case report. A 27-year-old male presented with recurrent chordoma of the lumbar spine 4 years after initial diagnosis. Salvage therapies in the interval included repeat resections and radiation therapy. He ultimately developed multifocal recurrence not amenable to complete excision or reirradiation. A comprehensive genomic profiling assay was performed and revealed nondrugable alterations. Decision was made to proceed with systemic treatment with pazopanib 800 mg/day, resulting in tumor reduction (−23.1% reduction in size) and prolonged disease control. Conclusion. For this patient with a multiple recurrent chordoma and limited treatment options, pazopanib resulted in sustained clinical benefit following initial tumor reduction.
AIMING: Resource Allocation with Latency Awareness for Federated‐Cloud Applications
Authors: Wei Jie , Zhou Ao , Yuan Jie , Yang Fangchun
Published: April 2018

Federated‐cloud has been widely deployed due to the growing popularity of real‐time applications, and hence allocating resources among clouds becomes nontrivial to meet the stringent service requirements. The challenges lie in achieving minimized latency constrained by virtual machines rental overhead and resource requirement. This becomes further complicated by the issues of datacenter selection. To this end, we propose AIMING, a novel resource allocation approach which aims to minimize the latency constrained by monetary overhead in the context of federated‐cloud. Specifically, the network resources are deployed and selected according to k‐means clustering. Meanwhile, the total latency among datacenters is optimized based on binary quadratic programming. The evaluation is conducted with real data traces. The results show that AIMING can reduce total datacenter latency effectively compared with other approaches.
Photoactivity of Titanium Dioxide Foams
Authors: Jami Maryam , Dillert Ralf , Suo Yanpeng , Bahnemann Detlef W. , Wark Michael
Published: April 2018

TiO2 foams have been prepared by a simple mechanical stirring method. Short-chain amphiphilic molecules have been used to stabilize colloidal suspensions of TiO2 nanoparticles. TiO2 foams were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The photoassisted oxidation of NO in the gas phase according to ISO 22197-1 has been used to compare the photoactivity of the newly prepared TiO2 foams to that of the original powders. The results showed that the photoactivity is increased up to about 135%. Foam structures seem to be a good means of improving the photoactivity of semiconductor materials and can readily be used for applications such as air purification devices.
To Study the Effect of the Generating Polynomial on the Quality of Nonlinear Components in Block Ciphers
Authors: Mahmood Shahid , Farwa Shabieh , Rafiq Muhammad , Riaz Syed Muhammad Jawwad , Shah Tariq , Jamal Sajjad Shaukat
Published: April 2018

Substitution box (S-box), being the only nonlinear component, contributes to the confusion creating capability of a cryptosystem. Keeping in view the predominant role of S-box, many design algorithms to synthesize cryptographically stronger S-boxes have gained pivotal attention. A quick review of these algorithms shows that all these ideas mainly concentrate on the choice of bijective Boolean functions, with nonobservance to the irreducible polynomial that generates the Galois field. In this paper, we propose that the selection of irreducible polynomial has a deep influence on the highly desirable features of an S-box such as nonlinearity, strict avalanche, bit independence, linear approximation probability, and differential approximation probability. We underpin our claim by investigating a detailed model, which deploys the same algorithm but different polynomials and produces unusual changes in the results regarding the performance parameters of S-box.
Evaluating IL-21 as a Potential Therapeutic Target in Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Holm Thomas Lindebo , Tornehave Ditte , Søndergaard Henrik , Kvist Peter Helding , Sondergaard Bodil-Cecilie , Hansen Lene , Hermit Mette Brunsgaard , Holgersen Kristine , Vergo Sandra , Frederiksen Klaus Stensgaard , Haase Claus , Lundsgaard Dorthe
Published: April 2018

Background and Aim. Interleukin-21 (IL-21) is primarily a T cell-derived cytokine; it is upregulated in patients with Crohn’s Disease (CD) and could be a potential new therapeutic target in CD.Methods. In human material, IL-21 and IL-21R expression was investigated by in situ hybridization (ISH) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) in noninflammatory bowel disease (non-IBD) controls and patients with CD. The pathologic role of IL-21 was examined in murine models of T cell-dependent and T cell-independent colitis, either with a neutralizing monoclonal antibody against IL-21 or with the transfer of CD4+CD45RBhighIL-21R−/−T cells. Colonic pathology was examined by endoscopy, histopathology, IHC, ELISA, and Luminex.Results. In the human intestine, IL-21 and IL-21R mRNA and protein-expressing cells were observed in the mucosa, in lymphoid aggregates of submucosa in non-IBD controls, and in lymphoid aggregates of muscularis externa in patients with CD. IL-21 expression was most abundant in germinal centers (GCs) of the lymphoid aggregates, and IL-21R expression assessed semiquantitatively, was significantly higher in patients with CD compared to non-IBD controls. Following prophylactic and interventive anti-IL-21 mAb treatment in the adoptive transfer (AdTr) model, clinical and pathological parameters were significantly reduced. The most persistent finding was a reduction in colonic infiltrating neutrophils. As well, Rag2−/−mice receiving CD4+CD45RBhighIL-21R−/−T cells developed less severe colitis compared to Rag2−/−mice receiving CD4+CD45RBhighIL-21R+/+T cells. No effect of reduced IL-21 signalling was observed in T cell-independent colitis.Conclusion. Our study shows that patients with CD have significant expression of IL-21 and IL-21R in the gut. As well, we show that neutralization of IL-21 in experimental T cell-driven colitis is associated with a reduction in clinical and pathological findings. This amelioration seems to be associated with a reduction in colon-infiltrating neutrophils.
Self-Expanding Metallic Stent Fracture in the Treatment of Malignant Biliary Obstruction
Authors: Zhou Chuanguo , Wei Baojie , Wang Jianfeng , Huang Qiang , Li Hui , Gao Kun
Published: April 2018

Background. Palliative therapies for malignant biliary obstruction (MBO) include choledochojejunostomy and self-expanding metallic stent (SEMS) insertion. Fractures following SEMS insertion in MBO treatment are scarce. Objective. To assess the clinical features of biliary stent fractures and evaluate associated factors. Methods. One hundred fifty-six consecutive patients who underwent biliary SEMS placement for MBO treatment at Beijing Chaoyang Hospital affiliated to Capital Medical University, in 2010–2015, were evaluated retrospectively. Demographics, clinical features, stent parameters and patency times, and survival times were collected. Across the ampulla of Vater, balloon dilatation, number of stents, stent patency time, and survival time were compared between the stent and nonstent fracture groups. Results. There were 168 biliary metallic stents inserted in 156 patients, including 144 and 12 patients with one and 2-3 stents, respectively. Pre- and/or postballoon dilation was performed in 107 patients. Stents across and above the duodenal papilla were used in 105 and 51 patients, respectively. Six cases (3.8%) with stent occlusion had stent fractures. Single- and multiple-stent fracture rates were 4/144 (2.8%) and 2/12 (16.7%), respectively. Fracture times after stent deployment were 126.8 ± 79.0 (median, 115.5) days. Stent patency times in the stent and nonstent fracture groups were 151.8 ± 67.8 (median, 160.5) days and 159.3 ± 73.6 (median, 165.5) days, respectively. Overall survival times in the stent and nonstent fracture groups were 399.7 ± 147.6 (median, 364.0) days and 283.7 ± 126.1 (median, 289.0) days, respectively. Conclusion. Stent fractures following MBO treatment constitute a relatively rare long-term complication. Though there were no factors found to be significantly associated with SEMSs fracture, a trend could be observed towards more fractures in multistent, transpapillary, and balloon dilation groups.
Endogenous Secretory Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products Protects Endothelial Cells from AGEs Induced Apoptosis
Authors: Yang Guomin , Huang Yinqiong , Wu Xiaohong , Lin Xiahong , Xu Jinting , Chen Xiaoyu , Bai Xuefeng , Li Qiulan
Published: April 2018

Endogenous secretory receptor for advanced glycation end products (esRAGE) binds extracellular RAGE ligands and blocks RAGE activation on the cell surface, protecting endothelial cell function. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Endothelial cells overexpressing the esRAGE gene were generated using a lentiviral vector. Then, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to assess esRAGE mRNA and protein levels, respectively. Hoechst-PI double staining was used to assess apoptosis. Western blot and qRT-PCR were used to assess the expression levels of apoptosis-related factors and the proinflammatory cytokine NF-кB. Compared with the control group, AGEs significantly induced endothelial cell apoptosis, which was significantly reduced by esRAGE overexpression. Incubation with AGEs upregulated the proapoptotic factor Bax and downregulated the antiapoptotic factor Bcl-2. Overexpression of esRAGE reduced Bax expression induced by AGEs and increased Bcl-2 levels. Furthermore, AGEs increased the expression levels of proinflammatory cytokine NF-кB, which were reduced after esRAGE overexpression. esRAGE protects endothelial cells from AGEs associated apoptosis, by downregulating proapoptotic (Bax) and inflammatory (NF-кB) factors and upregulating the antiapoptotic factor Bcl-2.
Pulmonary Catherization Data Correlate Poorly with Renal Function in Heart Failure
Authors: Masha Luke , Stone James , Stone Danielle , Zhang Jun , Sheng Luo
Published: April 2018

Background: The mechanisms of renal dysfunction in heart failure are poorly understood. We chose to explore the relationship of cardiac filling pressures and cardiac index (CI) in relation to renal dysfunction in advanced heart failure. Objectives: To determine the relationship between renal function and cardiac filling pressures using the United Network of Organ Sharing (UNOS) pulmonary artery catherization registry. Methods: Patients over the age of 18 years who were listed for single-organ heart transplantation were included. Exclusion criteria included a history of mechanical circulatory support, previous transplantation, any use of renal replacement therapy, prior history of malignancy, and cardiac surgery, amongst others. Correlations between serum creatinine (SCr) and CI, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP), pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP), and pulmonary artery diastolic pressure (PADP) were assessed by Pearson correlation coefficients and simple linear regression coefficients. Results: Pearson correlation coefficients between SCr and PCWP, PASP, and PADP were near zero with values of 0.1, 0.07, and 0.08, respectively (p < 0.0001). A weak negative correlation coefficient between SCr and CI was found (correlation coefficient, –0.045, p = 0.027). In a subgroup of young patients unlikely to have noncardiac etiologies, no significant correlations between these values were identified. Conclusion: These findings suggest that, as assessed by pulmonary artery catherization, none of the factors – PCWP, PASP, PADP, or CI – play a prominent role in cardiorenal syndromes.
A Preliminary Probe of Personality Predicting Psychotherapy Outcomes: Perspectives from Therapists and Their Clients
Authors: Samuel Douglas B. , Bucher Meredith A. , Suzuki Takakuni
Published: April 2018

Background: It is widely established that personality disorder has as broad negative impact on psychotherapy outcomes. Given the increased emphasis on dimensional traits for personality pathology in the DSM-5 and the proposal for the ICD-11, it is important to understand how traits are linked to treatment outcomes. Building on past research with general traits, we hypothesized that more nuanced and specific relations would be apparent. Furthermore, much of the past research has relied upon self-reports of personality and little is known about how ratings from therapists might be related to outcomes. Sampling and Methods: The present paper examined how dimensional traits from the Five-Factor Model predicted outcomes in a case series of 54 therapist-client dyads within a doctoral training clinic. Importantly, this extends past research as dimensional traits were rated by both therapists and clients at intake as well as sequentially over the course of therapy. Results: Correlations and regression analyses indicated that traits predicted a variety of outcomes including initial engagement in treatment as well as overall symptom reduction across therapy. Specifically, preliminary evidence suggests that therapist-rated conscientiousness at intake was positively related to clients’ early engagement in therapy. In addition, openness to experience after the 4th session – particularly as rated by the client – was predictive of long-term therapy outcomes. Conclusions: Broadly, these results provided preliminary information about the promise of dimensional models for improving the clinical utility of personality disorder diagnoses. More specifically, these results reinforced the relevance of personality assessment during therapy and indicated the potential predictive value of ratings by therapists and their clients.
Endocranial Development in the Coyote (Canis latrans) and Gray Wolf (Canis lupus): A Computed Tomographic Study
Authors: Sakai Sharleen T. , Whitt Blake  , Arsznov Bradley M. , Lundrigan Barbara L.
Published: April 2018

The purpose of this study was to examine the pattern of postnatal brain growth in two wild canid species: the coyote (Canis latrans) and gray wolf (Canis lupus). Adult regional and total brain volume differences were also compared between the two species as well as within each species by sex. Three-dimensional virtual endocasts of endocranial airspace were created from computed tomography scans of 52 coyote skulls (28 female, 24 male; 1 day to 13.4 years) and 46 gray wolf skulls (25 female, 21 male; 1 day to 7.9 years). Age was known in coyotes or estimated from dentition patterns in wolves. The 95% asymptotic growth of the endocranium is completed by 21 weeks in male and 17.5 weeks in female coyotes and by 27 weeks in male and 18.5 weeks in female wolves. These ages are well before age at first reproduction (coyote – 40.4 weeks; wolf – 91.25 weeks). Skull growth as measured by centroid size lags behind endocranial growth but is also completed before sexual maturity. Intra- and interspecific comparisons of brain volumes in the adult wolves and coyotes revealed that relative anterior cerebrum (AC) volume was greater in males than females in both species. Relative brain size was greater in the coyote than in the wolf as was relative cerebrum volume. However, relative AC volume and relative cerebellum and brainstem volume was greater in the wolf than coyote. One explanation for the increased AC volume in males compared to females may be related to the role of social information processing. However, additional data are needed to determine the correspondence between regional volumes and functional differences either between or within these species. Nonetheless, these findings provide important baseline data for further studies on wild canid brain variations and development.
Surgical Treatment of Spinal Deformities in Young Paraplegic Children with Intraspinal Tumors
Authors: Lorenz Heiko M. , Braunschweig Lena , Schiele Steffen , Tsaknakis Konstantinos , Hecker Marina M. , Gantner Andrea S. , Hell Anna-Kathrin
Published: April 2018

Bilateral vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib (VEPTR) treatment using rib-to-pelvis constructs without touching the spine is a safe surgical technique to correct scoliosis while still allowing further MRI or neurosurgical interventions. In this retrospective cohort study, 4 paraplegic children with spinal deformity after intraspinal tumors and 4 children with neuromuscular diseases were compared. VEPTR treatment was able to considerably reduce the main scoliotic curve in both patient groups (41 vs. 40%). However, the tumor group constantly showed more severe curve progression over time and less favorable pelvic obliquity control. In conclusion, bilateral VEPTR can be expected to be less satisfying in children with tumors.
Downregulation and Aberrant Localization of Forkhead Box J1 in Allergic Nasal Mucosa
Authors: Peng Yang , Chen Zhuo , Guan Wei-Jie , Zhu Zhenchao , Tan Kai Sen , Hong Haiyu , Zi Xiaoxue , Zeng Jie , Li Yixuan , Ong Yew Kwang , Thong Mark , Shi Li , Yang Qintai , Qiu Qianhui  , Wang De-Yun
Published: April 2018

Background: Forkhead box J1 (FOXJ1) plays pivotal roles in motile cilia formation. However, it remains unclear whether abnormal expression or localization of FOXJ1 in nasal mucosa tissues is associated with allergic rhinitis (AR), in which impaired mucociliary clearance is implicated. Objective: We sought to investigate the expression and localization of FOXJ1 in inferior turbinate from patients with AR and controls. Methods: We assayed mRNA levels of FOXJ1, DNAI1, DNALI1, and DNAH9 by using whole-genome expression array and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. We elucidated the localization of FOXJ1 by using immunofluorescence assays in paraffin sections and primary single cells. Four patterns of FOXJ1 localization (normal, N; intermediate, I; mislocalization, M; absence, A) were defined. We developed a semiquantitative scoring system to elucidate their localization in 5 areas per paraffin section, with individual sections being assigned a score between 0 and 2. Results: The mRNA levels of FOXJ1, DNAI1, DNALI1, and DNAH9 were significantly reduced in patients with AR compared with controls (all p < 0.05). The median (1st and 3rd quartile) of the FOXJ1 score was 0.4 (0.0 and 0.85) in patients with AR, and 0.2 (0.0 and 0.4) in controls (p < 0.05). For primary cytospin samples, the mean percentages of FOXJ1 localization patterns N, I, M, and A were 46.7, 10.0, 30.0, and 26.7% in patients with AR, and 82.5, 5.0, 5.0, and 7.5% in controls, respectively (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Downregulation and aberrant localization of FOXJ1 may be crucial characteristics of the allergic nasal mucosa.
Alterations in Heterochromatic Knobs in Maize Callus Culture by Breakage-Fusion-Bridge Cycle and Unequal Crossing Over
Authors: Santos-Serejo Janay A. , Gardingo José R. , Mondin Mateus , Aguiar-Perecin Margarida L.R.
Published: April 2018

The meiotic and mitotic behavior of regenerated plants derived from a long-term callus culture, designated 12-F, was analyzed. This culture was heterozygous for an amplification of the heterochromatic knob on the long arm of chromosome 7 (K7L). We aimed to investigate if the amplification resulted from a breakage-fusion-bridge (BFB) cycle or from unequal sister chromatid recombination. Therefore, C-banded mitotic metaphases and pachytene, diakinesis, and anaphase I of regenerated plants were analyzed. Additionally, the occurrence of alterations in K7L was investigated in C-banded metaphases from short-term callus cultures derived from lines related to the donor genotype of the 12-F culture. As a result, plants homozygous and heterozygous for the amplification were detected. Meiosis was normal with few abnormalities, such as a low frequency of univalents at diakinesis. In the callus cultures a chromosome 7 with knobs of different sizes in the sister chromatids was detected and interpreted as a result of unequal crossing over. Other chromosomal alterations were consistent with the occurrence of BFB cycles. The finding of unequal crossing over in the cultures supports the conclusion that the amplification in the culture 12-F would be derived from this mechanism. If the amplification was derived from a BFB cycle, the terminal euchromatic segment between knob and the telomere would be deleted, and possibly, homozygous plants would not be viable.