bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intraoral granulocytic sarcoma as a manifestation of myelofibrosis: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Nunes Laiz Fernandes Mendes , Rocha Amanda Leal , Magalhães, Gustavo Henrique Romani , de Melo, Frederico Henrique Corrêa , Travassos Denise Vieira , Mesquita Ricardo Alves , Silva Tarcília Aparecida
Published: September 2018

Granulocytic sarcoma (GS) is an extramedullary tumor associated with myelodysplastic syndromes or myeloproliferative diseases. Intraoral manifestations are considered uncommon, with a reasonable number of cases, and are mostly related to leukemia. The association of oral GS and myelofibrosis is very rare and only three cases have been published. In this paper, we report the fourth case of oral lesion in a patient with a diagnosis of myelofibrosis. The aim of this study was to present a review of the literature, discussing the current and previous cases of oral GS associated with myelofibrosis or other hematological disorders and the importance of accurate diagnosis through clinical, microscopic, and immunohistochemical features.
Men and infertility: Insights from the sociology of gender
Authors: Halcomb Laura
Published: September 2018

This review explores the framing of men and infertility in recent interdisciplinary social science research. I illustrate how men's diverse institutional roles surrounding medicalized experiences of infertility are critical for understanding inequality in reproduction. Situating research on men and infertility in the theoretical framework of gender as social structure shows how men's secondary position in reproduction can be seen across institutional roles, which include men as patients, men as partners, men as sperm donors, and men as doctors. Men's experiences with reproductive medicine often reinforce men's marginal position in reproductive medicine through institutionalized arrangements; yet, men are intimately and structurally involved in reproductive decisions. I argue that bringing gender to the center of research on infertility could make clear the many structural ways women and women's bodies are controlled, regulated, and treated by reproductive medicine.
Retropolating some relevant series of Mexico's System of National Accounts at constant prices: The case of Mexico City's GDP
Authors: Guerrero Víctor M. , Corona Francisco
Published: September 2018

In Mexico, the System of National Accounts is disaggregated at the State level and expressed at constant prices of the most recent base year, 2008, for the years 2003 to 2015. Another frequently used database related to the National Accounts and disaggregated by State contains a quarterly index of economic activity. Further, a yearly database is also available with State‐level disaggregation and base year 1993, but it only covers the years 1993 to 2006 and employs a different classification system from that of base year 2008. In this work, we are concerned with the problem of retropolating the database of a Mexican State called Mexico City with the maximum level of disaggregation allowed by the publicly available databases. We followed a data‐driven approach and combined the three databases to produce an estimated homogeneous quarterly database with base year 2008, covering the years 1993 to 2015 and disaggregated up to groups of sectors.
Chunk‐Based Memory Constraints on the Cultural Evolution of Language
Authors: Isbilen Erin S. , Christiansen Morten H.
Published: September 2018

In the fields of linguistics and cognitive science, considerable attention has been devoted to the question of how linguistic structure emerged over evolutionary time. Here, we highlight the contribution of a fundamental constraint on processing, the Now‐or‐Never bottleneck. Language takes place in the here and now, with the transience of acoustic speech signals and our exceedingly limited memory for sound sequences requiring immediate processing. To overcome this bottleneck, the cognitive system employs basic chunking mechanisms to rapidly compress and recode incoming linguistic input into increasingly abstract levels of representation, thereby prolonging its retention in memory. Our suggestion is that these chunk‐based memory processes influence linguistic structure across multiple time scales. Chunk‐based memory constraints govern language acquisition and processing on the level of the individual. Through usage, linguistic structures that are more easily chunked will tend to proliferate, thus shaping the cultural evolution of language across generations of language users. This results in a selection of learnable structures, from individual words to multiword sequences that are optimally “chunkable,” so as to better squeeze through the Now‐or‐Never bottleneck. From this perspective, language can be thought of as an adaptive system that culturally evolves to fit learners’ cognitive capabilities, thereby resulting in the structure it bears today.
Spherical expansions of sound radiation from resilient and rigid disks with reduced error
Authors: Poletti Mark Alister
Published: September 2018

This paper derives expressions for the sound pressure due to free-space resilient and rigid disks using a spherical harmonic expansion. A method is derived for improving the convergence and reducing the error of the expansions for radii less than the disk radius. Low-frequency approximations are also derived which simplify calculation at low frequencies. The results are verified by comparison with numerical solutions and the error is compared with existing paraxial solutions.
European funders seek to end reign of paywalled journals
Authors: Enserink Martin
Published: September 2018

Move aims to accelerate full transition to open access.
Should it be saved?
Authors: Cornwall Warren
Published: September 2018

Proposals to focus resources on some endangered species and let others go extinct are stirring fierce debate.
Fast molecular outflow from a dusty star-forming galaxy in the early Universe
Authors: Spilker J. S. , Aravena M. , Béthermin M. , Chapman S. C. , Chen C.-C. , Cunningham D. J. M. , De Breuck C. , Dong C. , Gonzalez A. H. , Hayward C. C. , Hezaveh Y. D. , Litke K. C. , Ma J. , Malkan M. , Marrone D. P. , Miller T. B. , Morningstar W. R. , Narayanan D. , Phadke K. A. , Sreevani J. , Stark A. A. , Vieira J. D. , Weiß A.
Published: September 2018

Molecular gas ejected from a distant galaxy

Galaxies grow by forming stars from cold molecular gas. The rate at which they do so is limited by various feedback processes (such as supernovae or stellar winds) that heat and/or eject gas from the host galaxy. Spilker
et al.
used submillimeter observations to discover an outflow of molecular gas from a galaxy in the early Universe, a period of vigorous star formation. Modeling the outflow revealed that the mass of gas being ejected is similar to that being turned into stars. The results will help determine how quickly galaxies formed after the Big Bang.

Science
, this issue p.
1016
Is ungulate migration culturally transmitted? Evidence of social learning from translocated animals
Authors: Jesmer Brett R. , Merkle Jerod A. , Goheen Jacob R. , Aikens Ellen O. , Beck Jeffrey L. , Courtemanch Alyson B. , Hurley Mark A. , McWhirter Douglas E. , Miyasaki Hollie M. , Monteith Kevin L. , Kauffman Matthew. J.
Published: September 2018

Learning where and when

Large ungulate migrations occur across continents and inspire curiosity about how these animals know when to leave and where to go. Jesmer
et al.
took advantage of regional extinctions and reintroductions of several North American ungulate species to determine the role of learning in migrations (see the Perspective by Festa-Bianchet). Reintroduced populations of bighorn sheep and moose did not migrate as historical herds had. However, after several decades, newly established herds were better able to track the emergence of vegetation in the environment and were increasingly migratory. Thus, newly introduced animals learned about their environment and shared the information through social exchange.

Science
, this issue p.
1023
; see also p.
972
Regulating the femtosecond excited-state lifetime of a single molecule
Authors: Rusimova K. R. , Purkiss R. M. , Howes R. , Lee F. , Crampin S. , Sloan P. A.
Published: September 2018

Selectively exciting desorption

Reactions of molecules adsorbed on surfaces can be induced by injecting electrons from the tip of a scanning tunneling microscope. Rusimova
et al.
show that for the tip-induced desorption of toluene molecules from a silicon surface, two activation channels exist: One is invariant, but the other depends on the height of the tip above the surface. When the tip is very close to the molecule, it can quench the excitation. The decreased lifetime, in turn, decreases the desorption probability.

Science
, this issue p.
1012
Structure of the human voltage-gated sodium channel Na
v
1.4 in complex with β1
Authors: Pan Xiaojing , Li Zhangqiang , Zhou Qiang , Shen Huaizong , Wu Kun , Huang Xiaoshuang , Chen Jiaofeng , Zhang Juanrong , Zhu Xuechen , Lei Jianlin , Xiong Wei , Gong Haipeng , Xiao Bailong , Yan Nieng
Published: September 2018

Structures of voltage-gated sodium channels

In “excitable” cells, like neurons and muscle cells, a difference in electrical potential is used to transmit signals across the cell membrane. This difference is regulated by opening or closing ion channels in the cell membrane. For example, mutations in human voltage-gated sodium (Na
v
) channels are associated with disorders such as chronic pain, epilepsy, and cardiac arrhythmia. Pan
et al.
report the high-resolution structure of a human Na
v
channel, and Shen
et al.
report the structures of an insect Na
v
channel bound to the toxins that cause pufferfish and shellfish poisoning in humans. Together, the structures give insight into the molecular basis of sodium ion permeation and provide a path toward structure-based drug discovery.

Science
, this issue p.
eaau2486
, p.
eaau2596
A brain boost to fight Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Spires-Jones Tara L. , Ritchie Craig W.
Published: September 2018

A mouse model of Alzheimer's disease provides clues about why exercise is good for memory
Chloroquine Analogues as Leads against Pneumocystis Lung Pathogens
Authors: Gomes Ana , Ferraz Ricardo , Ficker Lauren , Collins Margaret S. , Prudêncio Cristina , Cushion Melanie T. , Teixeira Cátia , Gomes Paula
Published: September 2018

The impact of
Pneumocystis
pneumonia (PcP) on morbidity and mortality remains substantial for immunocompromised individuals, including those afflicted by HIV infection, organ transplantation, cancer, autoimmune diseases, or subject to chemotherapy or corticosteroid-based therapies. Previous work from our group has shown that repurposing antimalarial compounds for PcP holds promise for treatment of this opportunistic infection.
Identification of FDA-Approved Drugs as Antivirulence Agents Targeting the
pqs
Quorum-Sensing System of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: D'Angelo Francesca , Baldelli Valerio , Halliday Nigel , Pantalone Paolo , Polticelli Fabio , Fiscarelli Ersilia , Williams Paul , Visca Paolo , Leoni Livia , Rampioni Giordano
Published: September 2018

The long-term use of antibiotics has led to the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria. A promising strategy to combat bacterial infections aims at hampering their adaptability to the host environment without affecting growth.
Histophilus somni Survives in Bovine Macrophages by Interfering with Phagosome-Lysosome Fusion but Requires IbpA for Optimal Serum Resistance
Authors: Pan Yu , Tagawa Yuichi , Champion Anna , Sandal Indra , Inzana Thomas J.
Published: September 2018

Histophilus somni
is capable of intracellular survival within professional phagocytic cells, but the mechanism of survival is not understood. The Fic motif within the direct repeat (DR1)/DR2 domains of the IbpA fibrillary network protein of
H. somni
is cytotoxic to epithelial and phagocytic cells, which may interfere with the bactericidal activity of these cells.
Distribution of preoperative and postoperative astigmatism in a large population of patients undergoing cataract surgery in the UK
Authors: Day Alexander C , Dhariwal Mukesh , Keith Michael S , Ender Frank , Perez Vives Caridad , Miglio Cristiana , Zou Lu , Anderson David F
Published: September 2018

Purpose

To assess the prevalence and severity of preoperative and postoperative astigmatism in patients with cataract in the UK.

Setting

Data from 8 UK National Health Service ophthalmology clinics using MediSoft electronic medical records (EMRs).

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

Eyes from patients aged ≥65 years undergoing cataract surgery were analysed. For all eyes, preoperative (corneal) astigmatism was evaluated using the most recent keratometry measure within 2 years prior to surgery. For eyes receiving standard monofocal intraocular lens (IOLs), postoperative refractive astigmatism was evaluated using the most recent refraction measure within 2–12 months postsurgery. A power vector analysis compared changes in the astigmatic 2-dimensional vector (J0, J45) before and after surgery, for the subgroup of eyes with both preoperative and postoperative astigmatism measurements. Visual acuity was also assessed preoperatively and postoperatively.

Results

Eligible eyes included in the analysis were 110 468. Of these, 78% (n=85 650) had preoperative (corneal) astigmatism ≥0.5 dioptres (D), 42% (n=46 003) ≥1.0 D, 21% (n=22 899) ≥1.5 D and 11% (n=11 651) ≥2.0 D. After surgery, the refraction cylinder was available for 39 744 (36%) eyes receiving standard monofocal IOLs, of which 90% (n=35 907) had postoperative astigmatism ≥0.5 D and 58% (n=22 886) ≥1.0 D. Visual acuity tended to worsen postoperatively with increased astigmatism (ρ=−0.44, P<0.01).

Conclusions

There is a significant burden of preoperative astigmatism in the UK cataract population. The available refraction data indicate that this burden is not reduced after surgery with implantation of standard monofocal IOLs. Measures should be taken to improve visual outcomes of patients with astigmatic cataract by simultaneously correcting astigmatism during cataract surgery.
Lifetime history of sexual and physical abuse among competitive athletics (track and field) athletes: cross sectional study of associations with sports and non-sports injury
Authors: Timpka Toomas , Janson Staffan , Jacobsson Jenny , Dahlström Örjan , Spreco Armin , Kowalski Jan , Bargoria Victor , Mountjoy Margo , Svedin Carl Göran
Published: September 2018

Objective

To examine associations between lifetime sexual and physical abuse, and the likelihood of injury within and outside sport in athletes involved in competitive athletics.

Methods

A cross sectional study was performed among the top 10 Swedish athletics athletes using 1 year prevalence of sports and non-sports injuries as the primary outcome measure. Associations with sociodemographic characteristics, lifetime abuse history and training load were investigated. Data were analysed using simple and multiple logistic regression models.

Results

11% of 197 participating athletes reported lifetime sexual abuse; there was a higher proportion of women (16.2%) than men (4.3%) (P=0.005). 18% reported lifetime physical abuse; there was a higher proportion of men (22.8%) than women (14.3%) (P=0.050). For women, lifetime sexual abuse was associated with an increased likelihood of a non-sports injury (OR 8.78, CI 2.76 to 27.93; P<0.001). Among men, increased likelihood of a non-sports injury was associated with more frequent use of alcoholic beverages (OR 6.47, CI 1.49 to 28.07; P=0.013), while commencing athletics training at >13 years of age was associated with a lower likelihood of non-sports injury (OR 0.09, CI 0.01 to 0.81; P=0.032). Lifetime physical abuse was associated with a higher likelihood of sports injury in women (OR 12.37, CI 1.52 to 100.37; P=0.019). Among men, athletes with each parents with ≤12 years formal education had a lower likelihood of sustaining an injury during their sports practice (OR 0.37, CI 0.14 to 0.96; P=0.040).

Conclusions

Lifetime sexual and physical abuse were associated with an increased likelihood of injury among female athletes. Emotional factors should be included in the comprehension of injuries sustained by athletes.
BET 2: Blood biomarkers as an alternative to imaging in diagnosing acute ischaemic stroke
Authors: Jane Jessica , Lo Ronson , Graham Colin A
Published: September 2018

A short-cut review was carried out to establish the diagnostic accuracy of blood biomarkers as an alternative to imaging for the diagnosis of ischaemic stroke. Nine studies were directly relevant to the question. The author, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes, results and study weaknesses of these papers are tabulated. The clinical bottom line is that that blood biomarkers are currently not suitable for the diagnosis of acute ischaemic stroke.
Is there sufficient evidence to explain the cause of sexually dimorphic behaviour in force steadiness?
Authors: Jakobi Jennifer M. , Haynes Elijah M.K. , Smart Rowan R.
Published: September 2018

Neuromuscular noise is a determining factor in the control of isometric force steadiness (FS), quantified as coefficient of variation (CV) of force around a preestablished target output. In this paper we examine sex-related differences of neural, muscular, and tendon influences on neuromuscular noise to understand FS in females and males. We use evidence from the literature to identify that CV of force is higher in females compared with males in the upper and lower body, with sex-related differences becoming less apparent with increasing age. Evaluation of sex-related physiology in tandem with results from FS studies indicate that differences in fibre type, contractile properties, and number of motor units (MUs) are unlikely contributors to differences in FS between females and males. MU type, behaviour of the population (inclusive of number of active MUs from the population), agonist–antagonist activity, maximal strength, and tendon mechanics are probable contributors to sexually dimorphic behaviour in FS. To clearly determine underlying causes of sex-related differences in FS, further study and reporting between females and males is required. Females and males are included in many studies; however, rich data on sexually dimorphic behaviour is lost when data are collapsed across sex or identified as nonsignificant without supporting values. This poses a challenge to identifying the underlying cause of females having higher CV of force than males. This review provides evidence of sexually dimorphic behaviour in FS and suggests that physiological differences between females and males effect neuromuscular noise, and in-turn contribute to sex-related differences in FS.
Camellia oleifera seed extract attenuated abdominal and hepatic fat accumulation in rats fed a high-fat diet
Authors: Yang Hsin-Yi , Yeh Wan-Ju , Ko Jung , Chen Jiun-Rong
Published: September 2018

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the hot-water extract of defatted Camellia oleifera seeds (CSE) on body and liver fat accumulation in rats. Forty rats were divided into 5 groups and each group was fed either an isocaloric control diet or a high-fat liquid diet with 0% (H), 0.12% (H1), 0.24% (H2), or 0.48% CSE (H3) for 8 weeks. Ingestion of the high-fat liquid diet increased abdominal and liver fat accumulation, although no difference was found in body weights compared with rats fed the control diet. We found that rats fed the H2 and H3 diets had lower plasma alanine aminotransferase activities than the H group in the fourth and eighth weeks. At the end of the study, the H2 and H3 groups also had lower epididymal and retroperitoneal fat masses, and all CSE groups had lower circulatory leptin levels than the H group. CSE consumption decreased hepatic fat accumulation in terms of liver triglycerides and a histopathology analysis, and ameliorated high-fat diet-induced elevation of hepatic tumor necrosis factor-α levels. We also found that CSE groups had lower malondialdehyde and hydroxyproline levels in the liver. Our results suggested that CSE may exert beneficial effects through decreasing body fat accumulation and hepatic steatosis and regulating adipokine levels in diet-induced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
Interview with Dongwon Lee
Authors: Atzenbeck Claus
Published: September 2018

Dongwon Lee is an associate professor in the College of Information Sciences and Technology (a.k.a. iSchool) of the Pennsylvania State University, USA. From 2015 to 2017, in addition, he has served as a rotating program director at National Science Foundation (NSF), managing cybersecurity and data science programs. Since he obtained his Ph.D. in Computer Science from UCLA in 2002, he has worked on problems in the areas of data science, social computing, and human computation, and has (co-)authored over 140+ scholarly articles that appeared in selective publication outlets. Further details of his research can be found at http://pike.psu.edu/dongwon/.
Touchpower
Authors: Zhang Tengxiang , Yi Xin , Yu Chun , Wang Yuntao , Becker Nicholas , Shi Yuanchun
Published: September 2018

The trend toward ubiquitous deployment of electronic devices demands novel low maintenance power schemes to alleviate the burden of maintaining such a large number of devices. In our paper [14], we propose Interaction-based Power Transfer (IPT): a novel power scheme for power-as-needed devices (i.e., devices that only require power during interaction). IPT allows for the removal of built-in batteries on such devices, and enables them to instead be powered up through direct contact interaction with the user (e.g. gripping a mouse, holding a pen). We prove the concept and show the potential of IPT through our TouchPower prototype. TouchPower transfers on-body power to off -body power-as-needed devices through contact between electrodes on a glove worn by the user and those on the target device during the interaction. Evaluation results show that during interaction, TouchPower is able to provide stable power supply to these devices with only a small sacrifi ce with regard to interaction naturalness.
Physical Activity, Fatigue, and Sleep in People with Parkinson’s Disease: A Secondary per Protocol Analysis from an Intervention Trial
Authors: Coe S. , Franssen M. , Collett J. , Boyle D. , Meaney A. , Chantry R. , Esser P. , Izadi H. , Dawes H.
Published: September 2018

Symptoms of Parkinson’s can result in low physical activity and poor sleep patterns which can have a detrimental effect on a person’s quality of life. To date, studies looking into exercise interventions for people with Parkinson’s (PwP) for symptom management are promising but inconclusive. The aim of this study is to estimate the effect of a clearly defined exercise prescription on general physical activity levels, fatigue, sleep, and quality of life in PwP. Method. PwP randomised into either an exercise group (29; 16 males, 13 females; mean age 67 years (7.12)) or a control handwriting group (36; 19 males; 17 females; mean age 67 years (5.88)) as part of a larger trial were included in this substudy if they had completed a 6-month weekly exercise programme (intervention group) and had complete objective physical activity data (intervention and control group). Sleep and fatigue were recorded from self-reported measures, and physical activity levels measured through the use of accelerometers worn 24 hours/day over a seven-day testing period at baseline and following the 24-week intervention. A Wilcoxon’s test followed by a Mann–Whitney post hoc analysis was used, and effect sizes were calculated. Results. Participants showed a significant increase in time spent in sedentary and light activities during the overnight period postintervention in both exercise and handwriting groups (p<0.05) with a moderate effect found for the change in sedentary and light activities in the overnight hours for both groups, over time (0.32 and 0.37-0.38, resp.). There was no impact on self-reported fatigue or sleep. Conclusion. The observed moderate effect on sedentary and light activities overnight could suggest an objective improvement in sleep patterns for individuals participating in both exercise and handwriting interventions. This supports the need for further studies to investigate the role of behavioural interventions for nonmotor symptoms.
A Comparison of the Preservation of Mouse Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Using the University of Wisconsin Solution and Hank’s Balanced Salt Solution
Authors: Nahar Saifun , Nakashima Yoshiki , Miyagi-Shiohira Chika , Kinjo Takao , Kobayashi Naoya , Saitoh Issei , Watanabe Masami , Noguchi Hirofumi , Fujita Jiro
Published: September 2018

Preservation of adipose tissue before the isolation of cells is one of the most important steps in maintaining the cell viability of adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) for clinical use. Hank’s balanced salt solution (HBSS) is one of the main ADSC preservation solutions used clinically. However, this step is known to lead to decreased cell viability. The University of Wisconsin (UW) solution is recognized by transplant physicians as an excellent organ preservation solution. We aimed to investigate the effectiveness of UW solution in preservation of the viability of ADSCs. We collected adipose tissue from the inguinal fat pad of mice and compared preservation in UW solution and HBSS overnight by measuring cell viability after isolation. We found that the number of viable cells harvested per gram of adipose tissue mass was higher in UW solution- than HBSS-preserved tissue.
Well Testing Model of Multiple Fractured Horizontal Well with Consideration of Stress-Sensitivity and Variable Conductivity in Tight Gas Reservoirs
Authors: Wu Zhongwei , Cui Chuanzhi , Wang Zhen , Sui Yingfei , Jia Peifeng , Tang Wenhao
Published: September 2018

Multiple fractured horizontal wells have been widely used to develop unconventional tight gas reservoirs. Currently, many well testing models were established to study the performance of fractured horizontal wells in tight gas reservoirs. However, none of these models thoroughly takes stress-sensitivity of natural fractures and variable conductivity of artificial fractures into consideration. Based on the consideration of stress-sensitivity of natural fractures and variable conductivity of artificial fractures, a novel well testing model for fractured horizontal well in tight gas reservoirs is proposed. And the semianalytical solution of this new model is obtained by dividing the artificial fracture into different segments under the integrative methods of Laplace transformation, point source function, perturbation theory, superposition principle, and Stehfest numerical inversion. After validation, the semianalytical solution is consistent with that of Zerzar’s model (2004). Also, typical pressure and pressure derivative curves are plotted. According to typical curves, seven regimes can be derived, namely, bilinear flow, linear flow, early-time pseudoradial flow, biradial flow, intermediate-time pseudoradial flow, and pseudo-steady state interporosity flow, and late-time pseudoradial flow can be identified. In addition, this paper analyzes the impact on pressure and pressure derivative curves exerted by variable conductivity and stress-sensibility. The results show that variable conductivity mainly affects the early flow regimes, including bilinear flow, linear flow, and early-time radial flow, while the stress-sensitivity mainly affects the later flow regimes, including intermediate-time pseudoradial flow, pseudo-steady state interporosity flow, and late-time pseudoradial flow. The typical curves will ascend with the increasing of stress-sensitivity coefficient. The research provides a method for precise prediction of formation parameters and has a significant impact on the tight gas reservoir development.
Three Solutions for Fourth-Order Impulsive Differential Inclusions via Nonsmooth Critical Point Theory
Authors: Gao Dongdong , Li Jianli
Published: September 2018

An existence of at least three solutions for a fourth-order impulsive differential inclusion will be obtained by applying a nonsmooth version of a three-critical-point theorem. Our results generalize and improve some known results.
Research and Experiment on Optimal Separation Distance of Adjacent Buildings Based on Performance
Authors: Luo Hexian , Wu Qiaoyun , Pan Weijie
Published: September 2018

Firstly, constitutive models of two unequal height adjacent ten-story and six-story reinforced concrete frame structures were established based on OpenSees software in which a series of separation distances are set for incremental dynamic analysis (IDA), respectively. Secondly, the seismic vulnerability curves by postprocessing programming in Matlab software were obtained based on IDA datum, and the optimal separation distances of adjacent buildings with and without connecting dampers were obtained by comparing the seismic vulnerability of adjacent building at different separation distance and the seismic hazard analysis. Finally, a scaled model shaking table test of adjacent steel frame structures was performed. The conclusions are obtained by comparing the measured results of the test with those obtained by the OpenSees analysis, such as acceleration and displacement. The conclusions show that when two adjacent buildings are not connected with a damper, the distance of adjacent structures is suggested to be 0.3 m under moderate and strong earthquakes and the distance of adjacent structures is suggested to be a specified value of 0.24 m under rare earthquakes. When two adjacent buildings are connected with dampers, the separation distance is suggested to be 0.1 m under various performance conditions.
An Efficient Heuristic Algorithm for Solving Connected Vertex Cover Problem
Authors: Zhang Yongfei , Wu Jun , Zhang Liming , Zhao Peng , Zhou Junping , Yin Minghao
Published: September 2018

The connected vertex cover (CVC) problem, which has many important applications, is a variant of the vertex cover problem, such as wireless network design, routing, and wavelength assignment problem. A good algorithm for the problem can help us improve engineering efficiency, cost savings, and resources consumption in industrial applications. In this work, we present an efficient algorithm GRASP-CVC (Greedy Randomized Adaptive Search Procedure for Connected Vertex Cover) for CVC in general graphs. The algorithm has two main phases, i.e., construction phase and local search phase. In the construction phase, to construct a high quality feasible initial solution, we design a greedy function and a restricted candidate list. In the local search phase, the configuration checking strategy is adopted to decrease the cycling problem. The experimental results demonstrate that GRASP-CVC is better than other comparison algorithms in terms of effectivity and efficiency.
Potentialities of Autonomous Vehicles for Online Monitoring of Motorway Traffic Volume
Authors: Chang Hyun-ho , Yoon Byoung-jo
Published: September 2018

The fact that real-time autonomous vehicle (AV) traffic volume can be collected without a field detector by virtue of advanced global positioning system (GPS) and wireless communication technologies can render a promising solution to online monitoring of traffic volume in the upcoming AV era. To demonstrate this opportunity, this paper proposes a new method to monitor real-time motorway traffic volumes for road locations where no detector is installed using AV traffic volume. The modeling concept is based on the obvious fact that AV traffic volume is a direct portion of total traffic volume. The capabilities of the method are demonstrated through an experimental study using real-world GPS-enabled smartphone vehicle navigation data. The results show that online motorway traffic volume can be effectively monitored throughout the day with 5.69% average error at the 14.91% penetration rate of AVs during the daytime. Therefore, it is expected that AVs can at least be used as complementary means for the role of vehicle detectors in the near future due to the fact that the detection range of AVs is not spatially constrained.
Spontaneous Retroperitoneal Bleeding in a Patient with Primary Antiphospholipid Syndrome on Aspirin
Authors: Ioannou Petros , Alexakis George
Published: September 2018

Retroperitoneal bleeding is a rare and difficult to diagnose condition, defined as bleeding in the retroperitoneal space without associated trauma or iatrogenic manipulation. It has been associated with hematologic diseases and malignancies and is more common in patients receiving systemic anticoagulation. A 50-year-old man on aspirin presented with abdominal pain. Physical examination revealed abdominal tenderness and a palpable mass at the left abdominal area. An abdominal CT revealed a spontaneous retroperitoneal hematoma due to bleeding of an intraparenchymal branch of the left renal artery. The patient underwent left nephrectomy in order to control the bleeding. Pathology of the kidney showed evidence of acute and chronic microangiopathy, renal artery stenosis, and renal vein thrombosis. Further work-up led to diagnosis of primary antiphospholipid syndrome. Treatment of spontaneous retroperitoneal bleeding varies from conservative in hemodynamically stable patients to invasive or even surgery in hemodynamically unstable patients. In our case, open surgery was performed due to the rapidly deteriorating patient’s condition and the inability to embolize the bleeding vessel by interventional radiology. Physicians should always think of retroperitoneal bleeding in patients presenting with abdominal pain and signs of hypovolemia, especially if they have a bleeding disorder or receive anticoagulants or antiplatelets.
Minimally Invasive Approach for Improving Anterior Dental Aesthetics: Case Report with 1-Year Follow-Up
Authors: Bahadır H. Sevilay , Karadağ Gökhan , Bayraktar Yusuf
Published: September 2018

Dental aesthetics have become highly important in recent years. Treating aesthetic demands with noninvasive or minimally invasive techniques can preserve the natural tissues. A 20-year-old female patient presented to the clinic with aesthetic concerns. After the clinical and radiographic examinations, hypomineralization was identified in the maxillary anterior teeth except the maxillary right canine. An external discoloration was also identified in the maxillary left canine tooth. Moreover, the right canine tooth was identified as a Turner’s tooth according to the patient’s anamnesis. The resin infiltration technique was applied to the maxillary anterior teeth except the maxillary right canine. The bleaching treatment was applied to the maxillary left canine tooth. Then, a laminate veneer restoration was applied to the upper right canine tooth with Turner’s hypoplasia. Following the treatment, a satisfactory aesthetic restoration was achieved. After 1-year examination, no clinical failures were observed.
Automatic Benchmark Generation Framework for Malware Detection
Authors: Liang Guanghui , Pang Jianmin , Shan Zheng , Yang Runqing , Chen Yihang
Published: September 2018

To address emerging security threats, various malware detection methods have been proposed every year. Therefore, a small but representative set of malware samples are usually needed for detection model, especially for machine-learning-based malware detection models. However, current manual selection of representative samples from large unknown file collection is labor intensive and not scalable. In this paper, we firstly propose a framework that can automatically generate a small data set for malware detection. With this framework, we extract behavior features from a large initial data set and then use a hierarchical clustering technique to identify different types of malware. An improved genetic algorithm based on roulette wheel sampling is implemented to generate final test data set. The final data set is only one-eighteenth the volume of the initial data set, and evaluations show that the data set selected by the proposed framework is much smaller than the original one but does not lose nearly any semantics.
Teens with Type 1 Diabetes: How Does Their Nutrition Measure Up?
Authors: Mackey Eleanor Race , O’Brecht Lyndsay , Holmes Clarissa S. , Jacobs Marni , Streisand Randi
Published: September 2018

Objective. To characterize the intake of macronutrient and fiber in adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and examine their association with health indicators. Methods. Baseline data from an RCT were examined. Adolescent-parent dyads (n=257, mean age 12 ± 1.2 years, 49.4% girls) reported dietary intake via two separate 24-hour recall interviews during a two-week period. Demographic and medical variables were abstracted from questionnaires and medical charts. Results. Controlling for demographic and diet variables, a higher percentage of daily energy intake from fats was associated with poorer HbA1c. In contrast, an association between higher percent of energy intake from proteins and carbohydrates was found with higher systolic and diastolic BP, respectively. Conclusions. Many early adolescents with T1D did not meet diabetes nutritional guidelines. Lower adherence to nutritional guidelines, specifically more than recommended energy intake from fats, was associated with poorer HbA1c. Addressing nutritional guidelines and increasing adherence as part of treatment may improve health outcomes for youth with T1D.
Uniqueness of Successive Positive Solution for Nonlocal Singular Higher-Order Fractional Differential Equations Involving Arbitrary Derivatives
Authors: Zhong Qiuyan , Zhang Xingqiu , Lu Xinyi , Fu Zhengqing
Published: September 2018

In this article, by means of fixed point theorem on mixed monotone operator, we establish the uniqueness of positive solution for some nonlocal singular higher-order fractional differential equations involving arbitrary derivatives. We also give iterative schemes for approximating this unique positive solution.
Absorption Characteristics of Combination Medication of Realgar and Indigo Naturalis: In Vitro Transport across MDCK‐MDR1 Cells and In Vivo Pharmacokinetics in Mice after Oral Administration
Authors: Zhang Miao , Guo Lin , Lin Long-Fei , Qu Chang-Hai , Yin Xing-Bin , Luo Shi-Lin , Zhang Xin , Zhang Hai-Ying , Liang Xiao , Guan Jun , Ni Jian
Published: September 2018

Realgar and indigo naturalis are clinically combined to treat varieties of leukemia. Exploring the drug‐drug interactions might be beneficial to find active substances and develop new targeted drugs. This study aimed at exploring the change of arsenic concentration in mice and across MDCK‐MDR1 cells and the cytotoxicity on K562 cells when realgar and indigo naturalis were combined. In the presence or absence of indigo naturalis, pharmacokinetics and cell‐based permeability assays were used to evaluate the change of arsenic concentration, and K562 cell line was applied to evaluate the change of cytotoxicity. The drug concentration‐time profiles exhibited that the combination medication group generated higher AUC, thalf, and longer MRT for arsenic, compared with the single administration of realgar. The apparent permeability coefficients (Papp) of bidirectional transport in MDCK‐MDR1 cell permeability experiments showed that arsenic permeability obviously went up when indigo naturalis was incubated together. The combination medication significantly decreased the cell viability of K562 cells when both the concentration of realgar and the concentration of indigo naturalis were nontoxic. The pharmacokinetic research, the MDCK‐MDR1 based permeability study, and the K562 cytotoxicity study were united together to verify the combination medication of realgar and indigo naturalis enhanced the absorption and the permeability across cells for arsenic and effectively inhibited the proliferation of K562 cell line. The molecular binding of As4S4 and indirubin was analyzed by computational study. It is predicted that the formation of the complex [As4Indirubin] involves noncovalent interaction that changes the concentration of arsenic.
Assessing the Sustainability of Ski Fields in Southern Japan under Global Warming
Authors: Suzuki-Parker Asuka , Miura Yoshika , Kusaka Hiroyuki , Kureha Masaaki
Published: September 2018

This is the first study in assessing the impact of climate change on Japanese ski fields with ensemble dynamical downscaling simulations. We target three ski fields in Ehime Prefecture, a southern border area for skiing in Japan. Our field survey revealed that a field located above 1200 m altitudes currently operates on natural snow supply, but those located at lower altitudes depend solely or partially on artificial snow supply. Fields are currently open for 82∼105 days. We analyzed ensemble high-resolution (5 km) dynamical downscaling simulations for future ski season durations with natural and artificial snow supplies. The future projection results for the end of the twenty-first century suggested that there would be virtually no natural snow accumulation in the study area for skiing. With artificial snow supply, a field located above 1200 m would be able to retain more than two months of ski season duration. Fields located at lower altitudes would only be able to open for 37∼43 days even with artificial snow supply. While the above projections suggest a severe outlook for the targeted ski fields, it is important to note that there is a strong demand from local skiers at beginner/intermediate levels for these ski fields. Thus, as long as these demands remain in the future, and if a business model to maximize profit during short opening periods is established, it may be possible to offset profit loss due to climate change.
Differences in Pathologic Results of Repeat Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor (TURBT) according to Institution Performing the Initial TURBT: Comparative Analyses between Referred and Nonreferred Group
Authors: Yuk Hyeong Dong , Kim Jung Kwon , Jeong Chang Wook , Kwak Cheol , Kim Hyeon Hoe , Ku Ja Hyeon
Published: September 2018

Objective. Although transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) is a standard treatment and determines staging for nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer, many deficiencies persist. There is a risk of upstaging and residual cancer when repeat TURBT is performed. Authors compared the results of repeat TURBT by institution performing the initial TURBT.Methods. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 289 patients who underwent repeat TURBT within 2-6 weeks after initial TURBT between 1998 and 2013. The patients were divided into the referred group and the nonreferred group by institution performing the initial TURBT. And we analyzed the intergroup differences in residual tumor and upstaging rate and the factors significantly correlated with residual tumor.Results. The mean age was 69.6 ± 11.1 years and the mean follow-up was 49.7 (range: 0–191) months. The referred group included 69 patients, while the nonreferred group included 220 patients. The referred group included 57 (82.6%) patients with residual tumor after repeat TURBT. Overall upstaging occurred in 15 (21.7%), and upstaging to T2 occurred in 11 (15.9%) of the initial Ta and T1 patients. In the nonreferred group, there were 123 (55.9%) patients with residual tumor. Overall upstaging occurred in 10 (4.5%) and upstaging to T2 occurred in 7 (3.2%) patients.Conclusions. Gross hematuria, grade, and tumor quantity and size were significantly associated with residual cancer on multivariate analysis. In the referred group, repeat TURBT and restaging are necessary.
Mechanisms Behind Resistance to PI3K Inhibitor Treatment Induced by the PIM Kinase
Authors: Song Jin H. , Singh Neha , Luevano Libia A. , Padi Sathish K.R. , Okumura Koichi , Olive Virginie , Black Stephen M. , Warfel Noel A. , Goodrich David W. , Kraft Andrew S.
Published: September 2018

Cancer resistance to PI3K inhibitor therapy can be in part mediated by increases in the PIM1 kinase. However, the exact mechanism by which PIM kinase promotes tumor cell resistance is unknown. Our study unveils the pivotal control of redox signaling by PIM kinases as a driver of this resistance mechanism. PIM1 kinase functions to decrease cellular ROS levels by enhancing nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2)/antioxidant response element activity. PIM prevents cell death induced by PI3K-AKT–inhibitory drugs through a noncanonical mechanism of NRF2 ubiquitination and degradation and translational control of NRF2 protein levels through modulation of eIF4B and mTORC1 activity. Importantly, PIM also controls NAD(P)H production by increasing glucose flux through the pentose phosphate shunt decreasing ROS production, and thereby diminishing the cytotoxicity of PI3K-AKT inhibitors. Treatment with PIM kinase inhibitors reverses this resistance phenotype, making tumors increasingly susceptible to small-molecule therapeutics, which block the PI3K-AKT pathway.
Phosphatase 1 Nuclear Targeting Subunit (PNUTS) Regulates Aurora Kinases and Mitotic Progression
Authors: Wang Feifei , Wang Ling , Fisher Laura A. , Li Chunling , Wang Weidong , Peng Aimin
Published: September 2018

Mitotic progression is regulated largely by reversible phosphorylation events that are mediated by mitotic kinases and phosphatases. Protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) has been shown to play a crucial role in regulation of mitotic entry, progression, and exit. We previously observed, in Xenopus egg extracts, that phosphatase 1 nuclear targeting subunit (PPP1R10/PNUTS) acts as a mitotic regulator by negatively modulating PP1. This study investigates the role of PNUTS in mitotic progression in mammalian cells, and demonstrates that PNUTS expression is elevated in mitosis and depletion partially blocks mitotic entry. Cells that enter mitosis after PNUTS knockdown exhibit frequent chromosome mis-segregation. Aurora A/B kinase complexes and several kinetochore components are identified as PNUTS-associated proteins. PNUTS depletion suppresses the activation of Aurora A/B kinases, and disrupts the spatiotemporal regulation of the chromosomal passenger complex (CPC). PNUTS dynamically localizes to kinetochores, and is required for the activation of the spindle assembly checkpoint. Finally, PNUTS depletion sensitizes the tumor cell response to Aurora inhibition, suggesting that PNUTS is a potential drug target in combination anticancer therapy.

Implications:

Delineation of how PNUTS governs the mitotic activation and function of Aurora kinases will improve the understanding of the complex phospho-regulation in mitotic progression, and suggest new options to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of Aurora inhibitors.