bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel Method for Online Detection of Faults Affecting Execution-Time in Multicore-Based Systems
Authors: Esposito Stefano , Violante Massimo , Sozzi Marco , Terrone Marco , Traversone Massimo
Published: May 2017

This article proposes a bounded interference method, based on statistical evaluations, for online detection and tolerance of any fault capable of causing a deadline miss. The proposed method requires data that can be gathered during the profiling and worst-case execution time (WCET) analysis phase. This article describes the method, its application, and then it presents an avionic mixed-criticality use case for experimental evaluation, considering both dual-core and quad-core platforms. Results show that faults that can cause a timing violation are correctly identified while other faults that do not introduce a significant temporal interference can be tolerated to avoid high recovery overheads.
Contract-Based Verification of Timing Enforcers
Authors: Chaki Sagar , de Niz Dionisio
Published: May 2017

A timing enforcer not only allocates CPU cycles to threads but also uses timers to enforce time budgets. An approach for verifying safety properties of timing enforcers at the source code level is presented. We assume that the enforcer is implemented as a set of entry functions that are executed atomically on critical system-level events, such as arrival and departure of periodic jobs. The key idea is to express the safety property as an invariant, and prove that it is inductive across all the entry functions. The approach is validated by proving correctness of the enforcement of CPU cycle budgets for tasks by a mixed-criticality scheduler called zsrm that is implemented in C. The inductiveness of the necessary zsrm invariants is proved by expressing them as function contracts using the acsl specification language, and verifying the contracts using the frama-c tool.
Automated Fault Tree Analysis from AADL Models
Authors: Feiler Peter , Delange Julien
Published: May 2017

Cyber-physical systems, used in domains such as avionics or medical devices, perform critical functions where a fault might have catastrophic consequences (mission failure, severe injuries, etc.). Their development is guided by rigorous practice standards that prescribe safety analysis methods in order to verify that failure have been correctly evaluated and/or mitigated. This laborintensive practice typically focuses system safety analysis on system engineering activities.

As reliance on software for system operation grows, embedded software systems have become a major source of hazard contributors. Studies show that late discovery of errors in embedded software system have resulted in costly rework, making up as much as 50% of the total software system cost. Automation of the safety analysis process is key to extending safety analysis to the software system and to accommodate system evolution.

In this paper we discuss three elements that are key to safety analysis automation in the context of fault tree analysis (FTA). First, generation of fault trees from annotated architecture models consistently reflects architecture changes in safety analysis results. Second, use of a taxonomy of failure effects ensures coverage of potential hazard contributors is achieved. Third, common cause failures are identified based on architecture information and reflected appropriately in probabilistic fault tree analysis. The approach utilizes the SAE Architecture Analysis & Design Language (AADL) standard and the recently published revised Error Model Annex V2 (EMV2) standard to represent annotated architecture models of systems and embedded software systems.

The approach takes into account error sources specified with an EMV2 error propagation type taxonomy and occurrence probabilities as well as direct and indirect propagation paths between system components identified in the architecture model to generate a fault graph and apply transformations into a fault tree representation to support common mode analysis, cut set determination and probabilistic analysis.
Design Requirements Iterative Process (DRIP) Tool Demonstration Concurrent Engineering of Design, Requirements and Knowledge
Authors: Müller Josef , Narasimhan Prashanth Lakshmi , Gopalswamy Swaminathan
Published: May 2017

Requirements definition and design decisions are highly coupled for mechatronic systems, and heavily influenced by prior knowledge. Upfront engineering of requirements and design is often addressed by inefficient, ad-hoc iterative methods. We propose a methodology to perform concurrent engineering of high level requirements and design along with prior knowledge by using a "common constraint framework" to describe the requirements, design and knowledge precisely. Then an upfront symbolic simultaneous analysis of all the constraints allows us to identify infeasibilities.

Next we define a design architecture that can be used to extend the above constraint framework to include temporal aspects leading to an ability to define low level requirements and test scenarios under which these requirements can be verified. Importantly the low level requirements and test scenarios can be specified independent of the final implementation. These provide the critical link between upfront requirements engineering process and downstream implementation verification.

Finally we define "mappings" between implementations and the design architecture that allows definitions of executable tests in the implementation environment that in turn can be used to verify the low level requirements.

We demonstrate the above methodologies using the tool DRIP.
Evidence for intraventricular secretion of angiotensinogen and angiotensin by the subfornical organ using transgenic mice
Authors: Agassandian Khristofor , Grobe Justin L. , Liu Xuebo , Agassandian Marianna , Thompson Anthony P. , Sigmund Curt D. , Cassell Martin D.
Published: May 2017

Direct intracerebroventricular injection of angiotensin II (ANG II) causes increases in blood pressure and salt and water intake, presumably mimicking an effect mediated by an endogenous mechanism. The subfornical organ (SFO) is a potential source of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), ANG I, and ANG II, and thus we hypothesized that the SFO has a secretory function. Endogenous levels of angiotensinogen (AGT) and renin are very low in the brain. We therefore examined the immunohistochemical localization of angiotensin peptides and AGT in the SFO, and AGT in the CSF in two transgenic models that overexpress either human AGT (A+mice), or both human AGT (hAGT) and human renin (SRA mice) in the brain. Measurements were made at baseline and following volumetric depletion of CSF. Ultrastructural analysis with immunoelectron microscopy revealed that superficially located ANG I/ANG II and AGT immunoreactive cells in the SFO were vacuolated and opened directly into the ventricle. Withdrawal of CSF produced an increase in AGT in the CSF that was accompanied by a large decline in AGT immunoreactivity within SFO cells. Our data provide support for the hypothesis that the SFO is a secretory organ that releases AGT and possibly ANG I/ANG II into the ventricle at least under conditions when genes that control the renin-angiotensin system are overexpressed in mice.
Podocyte-specific knockout of cyclooxygenase 2 exacerbates diabetic kidney disease
Authors: Wang Liming , Sha Yonggang , Bai Jingyi , Eisner William , Sparks Matthew A. , Buckley Anne F. , Spurney Robert F.
Published: May 2017

Enhanced expression of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2) in podocytes contributes to glomerular injury in diabetic kidney disease, but some basal level of podocyte COX2 expression might be required to promote podocyte attachment and/or survival. To investigate the role of podocyte COX2 expression in diabetic kidney disease, we deleted COX2 specifically in podocytes in a mouse model of Type 1 diabetes mellitus (Akita mice). Podocyte-specific knockout (KO) of COX2 did not affect renal morphology or albuminuria in nondiabetic mice. Albuminuria was significantly increased in wild-type (WT) and KO Akita mice compared with nondiabetic controls, and the increase in albuminuria was significantly greater in KO Akita mice compared with WT Akita mice at both 16 and 20 wk of age. At the 20-wk time point, mesangial expansion was also increased in WT and KO Akita mice compared with nondiabetic animals, and these histologic abnormalities were not improved by KO of COX2. Tubular injury was seen only in diabetic mice, but there were no significant differences between groups. Thus, KO of COX2 enhanced albuminuria and did not improve the histopathologic features of diabetic kidney disease. These data suggest that 1) KO of COX2 in podocytes does not ameliorate diabetic kidney disease in Akita mice, and 2) some basal level of podocyte COX2 expression in podocytes is necessary to attenuate the adverse effects of diabetes on glomerular filtration barrier function.
Fetal alcohol exposure reduces responsiveness of taste nerves and trigeminal chemosensory neurons to ethanol and its flavor components
Authors: Glendinning John I. , Tang Joyce , Morales Allende Ana Paula , Bryant Bruce P. , Youngentob Lisa , Youngentob Steven L.
Published: May 2017

Pregnant mothers are advised to avoid alcohol. This is because even small amounts of alcohol can alter fetal brain development and increase the risk of adolescent alcohol abuse. We asked how fetal alcohol exposure (FAE) produces the latter effect in adolescent rats by measuring responsiveness of taste nerves and trigeminal chemosensory neurons. We found that FAE substantially reduced taste and trigeminal responsiveness to ethanol and its flavor components.
Predicting the response of striatal spiny neurons to sinusoidal input
Authors: Wilson Charles. J.
Published: May 2017

During repetitive firing, the timing of action potentials is determined by the interaction between the input and voltage-sensitive currents throughout the interspike interval. This interaction is encapsulated in the neuron’s phase-resetting curve. The phase-resetting curve predicted spike timing to small sinusoidal currents over a wide range of stimulus frequencies. Firing patterns were most sensitive to oscillatory components near the cell’s own firing rate, even in the presence of noise and other inputs.
Background noise exerts diverse effects on the cortical encoding of foreground sounds
Authors: Malone B. J. , Heiser Marc A. , Beitel Ralph E. , Schreiner Christoph E.
Published: May 2017

The ability to detect and discriminate sounds in background noise is critical for our ability to communicate. The neural basis of robust perceptual performance in noise is not well understood. We identified neuronal populations in core auditory cortex of squirrel monkeys that differ in how they process foreground signals in background noise and that may contribute to robust signal representation and discrimination in acoustic environments with prominent background noise.
A missense mutation in Grm6 reduces but does not eliminate mGluR6 expression or rod depolarizing bipolar cell function
Authors: Peachey Neal S. , Hasan Nazarul , FitzMaurice Bernard , Burrill Samantha , Pangeni Gobinda , Karst Son Yong , Reinholdt Laura , Berry Melissa L. , Strobel Marge , Gregg Ronald G. , McCall Maureen A. , Chang Bo
Published: May 2017

This article describes a mouse model of the human disease complete congenital stationary night blindness in which the mutation reduces but does not eliminate GRM6 expression and bipolar cell function, a phenotype distinct from that seen in other Grm6 mouse models.
Localization of Near-Field Sources Based on Sparse Signal Reconstruction with Regularization Parameter Selection
Authors: Li Shuang , Liu Wei , Zheng Daqing , Hu Shunren , He Wei
Published: May 2017

Source localization using sensor array in the near-field is a two-dimensional nonlinear parameter estimation problem which requires jointly estimating the two parameters: direction-of-arrival and range. In this paper, a new source localization method based on sparse signal reconstruction is proposed in the near-field. We first utilize l1-regularized weighted least-squares to find the bearings of sources. Here, the weight is designed by making use of the probability distribution of spatial correlations among symmetric sensors of the array. Meanwhile, a theoretical guidance for choosing a proper regularization parameter is also presented. Then one well-known l1-norm optimization solver is employed to estimate the ranges. The proposed method has a lower variance and higher resolution compared with other methods. Simulation results are given to demonstrate the superior performance of the proposed method.
Relationship between Flower Opening in Six Cotton Cultivars and Their Progeny to Pollen Dehydration Tolerance
Authors: Burke John J. , Ulloa Mauricio
Published: May 2017

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) production in arid and semiarid environments routinely experiences elevated temperature and low humidity challenges that ultimately determine yield and producer profitability. The present study investigated the diversity of flower petal opening to determine if traditional genetics and breeding approaches could develop a more cupped or closed flower, thereby providing a more humid microenvironment around the dehisced pollen. Six cultivars with reported differences in pollen humidity sensitivity were used to evaluate the genetics of petal opening. Crosses between open flower cultivars generally resulted in F1 offspring with open flowers. Crosses between closed flower cultivars generally resulted in F1 offspring with closed flowers. Crosses between open and closed flower cultivars provided unique phenotypes depending on the cultivars used. The results from the F1 offspring suggested that the male parent influenced the flower shape of the offspring. In addition, analysis of F2 offspring from the bidirectional crosses suggests that a single dominant gene from the male parent ultimately influences flower petal openness. Using traditional breeding techniques, it may be possible to develop cultivars with either open or closed flower phenotypes, linking pollen development stability and mature pollen viability across a range of environments to stabilize and enhance crop yield.
Correlation of Salivary Statherin and Calcium Levels with Dental Calculus Formation: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Pateel Deepak Gowda Sadashivappa , Gunjal Shilpa , Math Swarna Y. , Murugeshappa Devarasa Giriyapura , Nair Sreejith Muraleedharan
Published: May 2017

Background. Salivary constituents have a wide range of functions including oral calcium homeostasis. Salivary proteins such as statherin inhibit crystal growth of calcium phosphate in supersaturated solutions and interact with several oral bacteria to adsorb on hydroxyapatite. Concurrently, saliva, which is supersaturated with respect to calcium phosphates, is the driving force for plaque mineralization and formation of calculus. Thus, the aim of the present study was to estimate and correlate salivary statherin and calcium concentration to the dental calculus formation.Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the relationship between salivary statherin, calcium, and dental calculus among 70 subjects, aged 20–55 years. Subjects were divided into 3 groups based on the calculus scores as interpreted by Calculus Index which was followed by collection of whole saliva using Super•SAL™. Salivary calcium levels were assessed by calorimetric method using Calcium Assay kit (Cayman Chemical, Michigan, USA) and statherin levels by using ELISA Kit (Cusabio Biotech).Results. Statherin levels showed a weak negative correlation with the calcium levels and with calculus formation. The mean salivary statherin and calcium concentration were found to be 0.96 μg/ml and 3.87 mg/ml, respectively. Salivary statherin levels differed significantly among the three groups (p<0.05).Conclusions. Our preliminary data indicates that statherin could possibly play a role in the formation of dental calculus.
Efficacy and Safety of Manual Partial Red Cell Exchange in the Management of Severe Complications of Sickle Cell Disease in a Developing Country
Authors: Faye B. F. , Sow D. , Seck M. , Dieng N. , Toure S. A. , Gadji M. , Senghor A. B. , Gueye Y. B. , Sy D. , Sall A. , Dieye T. N. , Toure A. O. , Diop S.
Published: May 2017

Introduction. The realization of red cell exchange (RCE) in Africa faces the lack of blood, transfusion safety, and equipment. We evaluated its efficacy and safety in severe complications of sickle cell disease. Patients and Method. Manual partial RCE was performed among sickle cell patients who had severe complications. Efficacy was evaluated by clinical evolution, blood count, and electrophoresis of hemoglobin. Safety was evaluated on adverse effects, infections, and alloimmunization. Results. We performed 166 partial RCE among 44 patients including 41 homozygous (SS) and 2 heterozygous composites SC and 1 S/β0-thalassemia. The mean age was 27.9 years. The sex ratio was 1.58. The regression of symptoms was complete in 100% of persistent vasoocclusive crisis and acute chest syndrome, 56.7% of intermittent priapism, and 30% of stroke. It was partial in 100% of leg ulcers and null in acute priapism. The mean variations of hemoglobin and hematocrit rate after one procedure were, respectively, +1.4 g/dL and +4.4%. That of hemoglobin S after 2 consecutive RCE was −60%. Neither alloimmunization nor viral seroconversion was observed. Conclusion. This work shows the feasibility of manual partial RCE in a low-resource setting and its efficacy and safety during complications of SCD outside of acute priapism.
Biphalin, a Dimeric Enkephalin, Alleviates LPS-Induced Activation in Rat Primary Microglial Cultures in Opioid Receptor-Dependent and Receptor-Independent Manners
Authors: Popiolek-Barczyk Katarzyna , Piotrowska Anna , Makuch Wioletta , Mika Joanna
Published: May 2017

Neuropathic pain is relatively less responsive to opioids than other types of pain, which is possibly due to a disrupted opioid system partially caused by the profound microglial cell activation that underlines neuroinflammation. We demonstrated that intrathecally injected biphalin, a dimeric enkephalin analog, diminished symptoms of neuropathy in a preclinical model of neuropathic pain in rats (CCI, chronic constriction injury of the sciatic nerve) at day 12 postinjury. Using primary microglial cell cultures, we revealed that biphalin did not influence cell viability but diminished NO production and expression of Iba1 in LPS-stimulated cells. Biphalin also diminished MOP receptor level, as well as pronociceptive mediators (iNOS, IL-1β, and IL-18) in an opioid receptor-dependent manner, and it was correlated with diminished p-NF-κB, p-IκB, p-p38MAPK, and TRIF levels. Biphalin reduced IL-6, IL-10, TNFα, p-STAT3, and p-ERK1/2 and upregulated SOCS3, TLR4, and MyD88; however, this effect was not reversed by naloxone pretreatment. Our study provides evidence that biphalin diminishes neuropathy symptoms, which might be partially related to reduced pronociceptive mediators released by activated microglia. Biphalin may be a putative drug for future pain therapy, especially for the treatment of neuropathic pain, when the lower analgesic effects of morphine are correlated with profound microglial cell activation.
Novel Method for 5G Systems NLOS Channels Parameter Estimation
Authors: Milenkovic Vladeta , Panic Stefan , Denic Dragan , Radenkovic Dragan
Published: May 2017

For the development of new 5G systems to operate in mm bands, there is a need for accurate radio propagation modelling at these bands. In this paper novel approach for NLOS channels parameter estimation will be presented. Estimation will be performed based on LCR performance measure, which will enable us to estimate propagation parameters in real time and to avoid weaknesses of ML and moment method estimation approaches.
Solitary Plasmacytoma of the Mesentery: A Systematic Clinician’s Diagnosis
Authors: Mitropoulou Georgia , Zizi-Sermpetzoglou Adamantia , Moschouris Hippokrates , Kountourogiannis Athanasios , Myoteri Despoina , Dellaportas Dionysios
Published: May 2017

Introduction. Plasmacytoma is an uncommon plasma cell neoplasm and its localized form is solitary plasmacytoma of the bone and solitary extramedullary plasmacytoma. Solitary plasmacytoma of the mesentery is extremely rare, reported only in a handful of cases. Case Presentation. A 47-year-old man with nonspecific abdominal complains was found to have an ill-defined mass on his mesenteric root. Laparoscopic biopsy and stepwise histopathological examination revealed a mesenteric plasmacytoma, and extensive imaging and laboratory investigations led to the diagnosis of the solitary mesenteric plasmacytoma. The patient underwent definitive radiotherapy and remains under remission one year later. Discussion. Plasma cell dyscrasias include a variant of proliferative disease, characterized by clonal expansion of bone marrow plasma cells, producing a massive quantity of monoclonal immunoglobulin called paraprotein or M-protein. Solitary extramedullary plasmacytoma accounts for only 3–5% of all plasma cell neoplasms. Meticulous adherence to the established diagnostic criteria helps the clinician to set the correct, yet very unusual and unexpected diagnosis.
hTERT-Immortalized Bone Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Expressing Rat Galanin via a Single Tetracycline-Inducible Lentivirus System
Authors: An Ke , Liu Hui-ping , Zhong Xiao-long , Deng David Y. B. , Zhang Jing-jun , Liu Zhi-heng
Published: May 2017

The use of human telomerase reverse transcriptase-immortalized bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (hTERT-BMSCs) as vehicles to deliver antinociceptive galanin (GAL) molecules into pain-processing centers represents a novel cell therapy strategy for pain management. Here, an hTERT-BMSCs/Tet-on/GAL cell line was constructed using a single Tet-on-inducible lentivirus system, and subsequent experiments demonstrated that the secretion of rat GAL from hTERT-BMSCs/Tet-on/GAL was switched on and off under the control of an inducer in a dose-dependent manner. The construction of this cell line is the first promising step in the regulation of GAL secretion from hTERT-immortalized BMSCs, and the potential application of this system may provide a stem cell-based research platform for pain.
Cytokine, Chemokine, and Growth Factor Profile Characterization of Undifferentiated and Osteoinduced Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells
Authors: Mussano F. , Genova T. , Corsalini M. , Schierano G. , Pettini F. , Di Venere D. , Carossa S.
Published: May 2017

Bone is the second most manipulated tissue after blood. Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) may become a convenient source of MSC for bone regenerative protocols. Surprisingly, little is known about the most significant biomolecules these cells produce and release after being osteoinduced. Therefore, the present study aimed at dosing 13 candidates chosen among the most representative cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors within the conditioned media of osteodifferentiated and undifferentiated ASCs. Two acknowledgedosteoblasticcell models, that is, MG-63 and SaOs-2 cells, were compared. Notably, IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1, and VEGF were highly produced and detectable in ASCs. In addition, while IL-6 and IL-8 seemed to be significantly induced by the osteogenic medium, no such effect was seen for MCP-1 and VEGF. Overall SaOS-2 had a poor expression profile, which may be consistent with the more differentiated phenotype of SaOs-2 compared to ASCs and MG-63. Instead, in maintaining medium, MG-63 displayed a very rich production of IL-12, MCP-1, IP-10, and VEGF, which were significantly reduced in osteogenic conditions, with the only exception of MCP-1. The high expression of MCP-1 and VEGF, even after the osteogenic commitment, may support the usage of ASCs in bone regenerative protocols by recruiting both osteoblasts and osteoclasts of the host.
Hybrid Desmoplastic/Follicular Ameloblastoma of the Mandible: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Iwase Masayasu , Fukuoka Airi , Tanaka Yoko , Saida Naoyuki , Onaka Eriko , Bando Sanae , Kondo Gen
Published: May 2017

Desmoplastic ameloblastoma (DA) is one of the 6 histopathological subtypes of ameloblastoma. Hybrid lesions in which histopathologically conventional ameloblastoma coexists with areas of DA are rare. A 40-year-old male was referred to our hospital complaining of a swelling in the right premolar region of the mandible. A panoramic radiograph showed an area of radiolucency with a well-defined corticated border, whereas computed tomography revealed a unilocular radiolucent lesion and buccal expansion together with cortical perforation. The lesion was treated via enucleation and curettage of the marginal bone and fenestration. A histopathological examination showed a hybrid ameloblastoma with a pronounced desmoplastic pattern and follicular changes. The patient’s postoperative course has been favorable up to now, and no marked changes have been observed. We presented a case of hybrid ameloblastoma and reviewed the 36 reported cases of hybrid ameloblastoma that have been reported in the English literature.
Th1/Th2 Balance and Th17/Treg-Mediated Immunity in relation to Murine Resistance to Dextran Sulfate-Induced Colitis
Authors: Yang Fangli , Wang Danan , Li Yan , Sang Lixuan , Zhu Junfeng , Wang Jinyan , Wei Bing , Lu Changlong , Sun Xun
Published: May 2017

Background. The role of the Th17/Treg balance in the development of experimental colitis remains poorly understood. Methods. We exploited the differential response of BALB/c mice and C57BL/6 mice towards drinking water mediated by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) challenge. Results. DSS-resistant BALB/c mice were characterized by low levels of IFN-γ and TNF-α but high levels of IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17A, IL-17F, and colon lamina propria and mesenteric lymph node (MLN) CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ T cells when compared to C57BL/6 mice. Collectively, these data indicate the propensity of BALB/c mice towards a Th2/Th17/Treg-polarized immunity protecting these animals against DSS challenge, whereas Th1-polarization of C57BL/6 mice confers sensitivity to DSS-induced colitis. Conclusions. The intrinsic congenital capacity of mouse strains with respect to T cell proliferation determines sensitivity to experimental colitis.
A Fast SINS Initial Alignment Method Based on RTS Forward and Backward Resolution
Authors: Han Houzeng , Wang Jian , Du Mingyi
Published: May 2017

For the strapdown inertial navigation system (SINS), the procedure of initial alignment is a necessity before the navigation can commence. On the quasi-stationary base, the self-alignment can be fulfilled with the high quality inertial sensors, and the fine alignment is usually executed to improve the alignment performance. Generally, fast estimating of heading misalignment is still a challenge due to the existence of gyro errors. An innovative data processing strategy called forward and backward resolution is proposed for INS initial alignment. The Rauch-Tung-Striebel (RTS) smoothing is applied to obtain the smoothed attitude estimates with the filter information provided by the forward data processing. The obtained attitudes are then treated as aiding measurements to implement the forward resolution with the repeated data set, the converged sensor biases are used as constraints, and the iterative processing is conducted to obtain the updated attitudes. Simulation studies have been conducted to validate the proposed algorithm. The results have shown that the alignment accuracy and convergence rate have been improved with the added RTS aided forward and backward resolution; more stable heading estimates can be obtained by calibrating with estimated gyro bias. A real test with a high quality inertial sensor was also carried out to validate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Stochastic Response Characteristic and Equivalent Damping of Weak Nonlinear Energy Dissipation System under Biaxial Earthquake Action
Authors: Xia Yu , Wu Ze , Kang Zhemin , Li Chuangdi
Published: May 2017

The random response characteristic of weak nonlinear structure under biaxial earthquake excitation is investigated. The structure has a SDOF (single degree of freedom) with supporting braces and viscoelastic dampers. First, it adopts integral constitutive relation and establishes a differential and integral equations of motion. Then, according to the principle of energy balance, the equation is linearized. Finally, based on the stochastic averaging method, the general analytical solution of the variance of the displacement and velocity response and the equivalent damping is deduced and derived. At the same time, the joint probability density function of the amplitude and phase and displacement and velocity of the energy dissipation structure are also given. The dynamic characteristics of a structure with viscoelastic dampers are determined as a solution to the variance of displacement response, so the equivalent damping is taken into consideration as a solution to replace the original nonlinear damping. It means it has established a unified analytical solution of stochastic response analysis and equivalent damping of a SDOF nonlinear dissipation structure with the brace under biaxial earthquake action in this paper.
Multimodal Imaging in an Unusual Cluster of Multiple Evanescent White Dot Syndrome
Authors: Gal-Or Orly , Priel Ethan , Rosenblatt Irit , Shulman Shiri , Kramer Michal
Published: May 2017

Objective. To describe an unusual cluster of multiple evanescent white dot syndrome (MEWDS) encountered within a 3-month period. Methods. This retrospective observation study is comprised of seven patients who presented with MEWDS in a 3-month period in central Israel. Data were collected from patients’ medical records on clinical, multimodal imaging, and viral serology findings. Results. Six women and one man of mean age 31.5 ± 7.2 years. Three reported a precedent viral infection. All had unilateral decreased vision. Funduscopy revealed foveal granularity. Main Imaging Findings. Hyperfluorescent spots on blue autofluorescence (BAF), hypofluorescent spots on indocyanine green angiography, dark lesions on infrared photos, and ellipsoid zone irregularities on spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Resolution of the spots on BAF correlated with anatomic (SD-OCT) and visual recovery. OCT angiography performed following the convalescence stage demonstrated intact retinal and choroidal flow. Serologic findings were inconclusive. Conclusion. We report a unique cluster of MEWDS patients presented in a short period of time. SD-OCT findings of ellipsoid zone disruption in combination with other multimodal imaging modalities are outlined meticulously. Recognizing these imaging features along with high index of clinical suspicion is important for the diagnosis of MEWDS. Serologic testing might be considered in future patients.
A Novel Approach to Improve the Barrier Properties of PET/Clay Nanocomposites
Authors: Majdzadeh-Ardakani Kazem , Zekriardehani Shahab , Coleman Maria R. , Jabarin Saleh A.
Published: May 2017

An investigation of oleic acid-modified clay versus plain clay with regard to the physical and barrier properties of PET/clay nanocomposites was performed. Montmorillonite (MMT) and Cloisite 30B nanoclays were modified by long-chain oleic acid and identified as ol-MMT and ol-30B, respectively. Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) results revealed that the fatty acid was associated with the clay surface and that the gallery spacing of the layered silicates was expanded. In the case of ol-MMT, a disordered structure of layered silicates was achieved. TGA results indicated that ol-MMT showed thermal stability and could survive PET processing temperature. The degradation of ol-30B, however, increased after modification because of the presence of oleic acid. PET/clay nanocomposites were prepared with modified ol-MMT and modified ol-30B by using a twin screw extruder. XRD indicated that there was a significant improvement on the dispersion of nanoclays modified with long-chain oleic acid into the PET matrix, and an exfoliated structure was achieved. DSC data also revealed that crystallization behaviors of nanocomposites prepared with oleic acid-modified clays are similar to that of extruded PET. Significant improvements in the mechanical and barrier properties of stretched PET/clay nanocomposites were also achieved.
Cisplatin-Induced Renal Salt Wasting Requiring over 12 Liters of 3% Saline Replacement
Authors: Pham Phuong-Chi , Reddy Pavani , Qaqish Shaker , Kamath Ashvin , Rodriguez Johana , Bolos David , Zalom Martina , Pham Phuong-Thu
Published: May 2017

Cisplatin is known to induce Fanconi syndrome and renal salt wasting (RSW). RSW typically only requires transient normal saline (NS) support. We report a severe RSW case that required 12 liters of 3% saline. A 57-year-old woman with limited stage small cell cancer was admitted for cisplatin (80 mg/m2) and etoposide (100 mg/m2) therapy. Patient’s serum sodium (SNa) decreased from 138 to 133 and 125 mEq/L within 24 and 48 hours of cisplatin therapy, respectively. A diagnosis of syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) was initially made. Despite free water restriction, patient’s SNa continued to decrease in association with acute onset of headaches, nausea, and dizziness. Three percent saline (3%S) infusion with rates up to 1400 mL/day was required to correct and maintain SNa at 135 mEq/L. Studies to evaluate Fanconi syndrome revealed hypophosphatemia and glucosuria in the absence of serum hyperglycemia. The natriuresis slowed down by 2.5 weeks, but 3%S support was continued for a total volume of 12 liters over 3.5 weeks. Attempts of questionable benefits to slow down glomerular filtration included the administration of ibuprofen and benazepril. To our knowledge, this is the most severe case of RSW ever reported with cisplatin.
Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders and Their Clinical Implications in Cirrhosis
Authors: Theocharidou Eleni , Dhar Ameet , Patch David
Published: May 2017

Gastrointestinal motility is impaired in a substantial proportion of patients with cirrhosis. Cirrhosis-related autonomic neuropathy, increased nitric oxide production, and gut hormonal changes have been implicated. Oesophageal dysmotility has been associated with increased frequency of abnormal gastro-oesophageal reflux. Impaired gastric emptying and accommodation may result in early satiety and may have an impact on the nutritional status of these patients. Small intestinal dysmotility might be implicated in small intestinal bacterial overgrowth and increased bacterial translocation. The latter has been implicated in the pathophysiology of hepatic encephalopathy and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. Enhanced colonic motility is usually associated with the use of lactulose. Pharmacological interventions aiming to alter gastrointestinal motility in cirrhosis could potentially have a beneficial effect reducing the risk of hepatic decompensation and improving prognosis.
Peritumoral EpCAM Is an Independent Prognostic Marker after Curative Resection of HBV-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Dai Xiao-Meng , Huang Tao , Yang Sheng-Li , Zheng Xiu-Mei , Chen George G. , Zhang Tao
Published: May 2017

Accumulating evidence suggests that the tumor microenvironment has a profound influence on tumor initiation and progression, opening a new avenue for studying tumor biology. Nonetheless, the prognostic values of the peritumoral expression of EpCAM and CD13 remain to be elucidated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. In this study, the expression of EpCAM and CD13 was assessed by immunohistochemistry in peritumoral liver hepatocytes from 106 hepatitis B virus- (HBV-) related HCC patients who had undergone curative hepatectomy. The peritumoral EpCAM-positive group had a significantly worse overall survival (OS) (p=0.003) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) (p=0.022) compared to the negative group. Peritumoral CD13-positive patients were also associated with poor OS (p=0.038), while not significantly associated with RFS. The adjusted multivariate COX proportional hazard regression analysis suggested that only the positive expression of peritumoral EpCAM precisely predicted poor OS. Being peritumoral EpCAM positive was also significantly associated with a larger tumor size, liver cirrhosis, and more frequent vascular invasion; however, no statistically significant association was observed between CD13 and any clinicopathological features. Taken together, peritumoral EpCAM and CD13 expression was associated with a poor prognosis, but EpCAM may be a better prognostic marker than CD13 in HBV-related HCC patients. In the future, peritumoral EpCAM could be a good target for adjuvant therapy after curative hepatectomy.
Prevalence of Laboratory Critical Results in Eye Patients from an Eye Hospital in Southern China
Authors: Duan Fang , Liao Jingyu , Lin Liping , Liu Xiuping , Wu Kaili
Published: May 2017

Objectives. To investigate the prevalence of laboratory critical results (CRs) and associated risk factors in patients with eye diseases in a tertiary eye hospital. Methods. Blood samples were collected from both inpatients and outpatients at Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangzhou, China, from June 1, 2012, to May 31, 2014, and samples were sent to the hospital’s clinical laboratory for blood routine, biochemistry, and blood coagulation tests. Laboratory CRs for blood glucose, sodium, potassium, white blood cell count, platelet count, prothrombin time, fibrinogen, international normalized ratio, and activated partial thromboplastin time were included in the current analysis. Results. A total of 60403 subjects were enrolled in the current analysis. CRs were identified in 339 tests from 336 patients with a prevalence of 5.7‰. Age was positively associated with the presence of CRs. Compared to patients with lens diseases, patients with strabismus, oculoplastics, and ocular trauma were less likely to have CRs (P<0.05), while patients with tumors were more likely to have CRs (P<0.001). Conclusions. The prevalence of CRs in eye patients is low but calls for medication attention. It is important for medical personnel, especially ophthalmologists, to increase awareness of the importance, as well as the prevalence and risk factors of CRs.
A Study of Nonstationary Wind Effects on a Full‐Scale Large Cooling Tower Using Empirical Mode Decomposition
Authors: Cheng X. X. , Dong J. , Peng Y. , Zhao L. , Ge Y. J.
Published: May 2017

Wind effects on structures obtained by field measurements are often found to be nonstationary, but related researches shared by the wind‐engineering community are still limited. In this paper, empirical mode decomposition (EMD) is applied to the nonstationary wind pressure time‐history samples measured on an actual 167‐meter high large cooling tower. It is found that the residue and some intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) of low frequencies produced by EMD are responsible for the samples’ nonstationarity. Replacing the residue by the constant mean and subtracting the IMFs of low frequencies can help the nonstationary samples become stationary ones. A further step is taken to compare the loading characteristics extracted from the original nonstationary samples with those extracted from the processed stationary samples. Results indicate that nonstationarity effects on wind loads are notable in most cases. The passive wind tunnel simulation technique based on the assumption of stationarity is also examined, and it is found that the technique is basically conservative for use.
Simultaneous Fluorescein Angiography and Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography Correlate Retinal Thickness Changes to Vascular Abnormalities in an In Vivo Mouse Model of Retinopathy of Prematurity
Authors: Mezu-Ndubuisi Olachi J. , Taylor Lauren K. , Schoephoerster Jamee A.
Published: May 2017

Background. Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a condition of abnormal retinal vascular development (RVD) in premature infants. Fluorescein angiography (FA) has depicted phases (early, mid, late, and mature) of RVD in oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) mice. We sought to establish the relationship between retinal structural and vascular changes using simultaneous FA and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT).Method. 63 mice were exposed to 77% oxygen at postnatal day 7 (P7) for 5 days, while 63 mice remained in room air (RA). Total retinal thickness (TRT), inner retinal thickness (IRT), and outer retinal thickness (ORT) were calculated at early (P19), mid (P24), late (P32), and mature (P47) phases of RVD.Results. TRT was reduced in OIR (162.66 ± 17.75 μm,n=13) compared to RA mice at P19 (197.57 ± 3.49 μm,n=14), P24, P32, and P49 (P<0.0001). ORT was similar in RA and OIR mice at all ages (P>0.05). IRT was reduced in OIR (71.60 ± 17.14 μm) compared to RA (103.07 ± 3.47 μm) mice at P19 and all ages (P<0.0001).Conclusion. We have shown the spatial and temporal relationship between retinal structure and vascular development in OIR. Significant inner retinal thinning in OIR mice persisted despite revascularization of the capillary network; further studies will elucidate its functional implications in ROP.
Skilled Birth Attendance among Women in Tharaka-Nithi County, Kenya
Authors: Gitonga Eliphas
Published: May 2017

Background. The burden of maternal mortality is concentrated in sub-Saharan Africa with an estimation of 500 000 deaths annually. In 2012, about forty million births occurred without a skilled attendant in developing countries. Skilled birth attendance improves maternal and newborn survival. The aim of this study therefore was to establish the level of skilled birth attendance and the associated factors. Methods. A cross-sectional survey was carried out using structured questionnaires as tools of data collection. Systematic sampling was used to select the respondents from the facilities that were stratified. The dependent variable was skilled birth attendance. Descriptive statistics were used to generate proportions and percentages while chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests were used to draw inferences. Association was significant if P<0.05. Results. The level of utilisation of skilled birth attendance was 77%. Skilled birth attendance was noted to be associated with age, level of education, average family income, parity, distance to the health facility, timing of initiation of antenatal care, level of facility attended during pregnancy, and birth preparedness status. Conclusion. The level of skilled birth attendance among women in Tharaka-Nithi County, Kenya, despite being higher than in some counties, requires improvement.
A First-in-Human, Phase I, Dose-Escalation Study of TAK-117, a Selective PI3Kα Isoform Inhibitor, in Patients with Advanced Solid Malignancies
Authors: Juric Dejan , de Bono Johann S. , LoRusso Patricia M. , Nemunaitis John , Heath Elisabeth I. , Kwak Eunice L. , Macarulla Mercadé Teresa , Geuna Elena , Jose de Miguel-Luken Maria , Patel Chirag , Kuida Keisuke , Sankoh Serap , Westin Eric H. , Zohren Fabian , Shou Yaping , Tabernero Josep
Published: May 2017

Purpose: To evaluate the safety, MTD, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and preliminary antitumor activity of TAK-117 (MLN1117/INK1117), an investigational PI3Kα-selective inhibitor, in patients with advanced solid tumors.

Experimental Design: Seventy-one patients received oral TAK-117 once daily [100–300 mg (n = 24)] or 3 days per week [Monday–Wednesday–Friday (MWF), 200–1,200 mg (n = 27); Monday–Tuesday–Wednesday (MTuW), 200–900 mg (n = 20)], in 21-day cycles. Dose escalation proceeded via a 3 + 3 design.

Results: TAK-117 once-daily dosing was associated with dose-limiting grade ≥3 alanine/aspartate aminotransferase (ALT/AST) elevations, resulting in a narrow range of tolerable doses (100–150 mg once daily). With MWF/MTuW dosing, no dose-limiting ALT/AST elevations occurred until the MTD of 900 mg; total weekly dose was 2.6-fold that of 150 mg once daily. Drug-related grade ≥3 adverse events occurred in 25%/22%/35% (including hyperglycemia in 0%/7%/15%) of once-daily/MWF/MTuW patients. TAK-117 (100–1,200 mg) exhibited moderately fast oral absorption, a generally dose proportional increase in exposure, and plasma half-life of approximately 11 hours. Total weekly exposures with 900 mg MWF/MTuW dosing were approximately 4 times greater than with 150 mg once daily. Skin pS6 expression was suppressed at ≥200 mg. There were 3/1/0 partial responses (once daily/MWF/MTuW) and 5/7/5 patients had stable disease lasting ≥3 months (all PIK3CA mutated).

Conclusions: Intermittent dosing of TAK-117 had an acceptable safety profile and enabled higher doses and total weekly exposures versus once-daily dosing. Although the potential for TAK-117 as single-agent therapy appears limited, further evaluation in combination approaches for advanced solid tumors is warranted. Clin Cancer Res; 23(17); 5015–23. ©2017 AACR.
A Novel Approach of Synthesizing and Evaluating the Anticancer Potential of Silver Oxide Nanoparticles in vitro
Authors: Banerjee Kaushik , Das Satyajit , Choudhury Pritha , Ghosh Sarbari , Baral Rathindranath , Choudhuri Soumitra Kumar
Published: May 2017

Background: Development of novel strategies to kill cancer by sparing normal cells is of utmost importance. Apart from their known antimicrobial activity, only limited information has been recorded regarding the antitumor potential of biocompatible silver oxide nanoparticles (AgONPs). There is a need to evaluate the anticancer potential of biocompatible AgONPs in vitro. Methods: A new approach of utilizing the leaf extract of Excoecaria agallocha was used to synthesize AgONPs. This was then characterized by ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry, nanoparticle-tracking analysis, and ζ-potential analysis. Cytotoxicity and apoptotic potential were evaluated with an MTT assay and an annexin V-binding assay against the murine melanoma (B16F10), murine colon cancer (CT26), murine lung adenocarcinoma (3LL), and murine Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cell lines. Cellular localization of AgONPs was evaluated on fluorescence microscopy. Results: UV peaks at 270 and 330 nm indicated the formation of nanoparticles (NPs) and the NP-tracking analyzer revealed them to have a size of 228 nm. AgONPs exerted initial cytotoxicity, specifically against all the experimental malignant cells by sparing the normal cell lines. Moreover, AgONPs exert apoptosis equally on all the malignant cells in vitro and ex vivo. This cytotoxicity possibly occurs via the nuclear translocation of AgONPs as analyzed in B16F10 cells. Conclusions: AgONPs utilizing natural sources would be a new medicinal approach against a broad spectrum of malignancy.