bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hierarchical Modeling and Dynamic Analysis of Hoist System in Electric Mining Shovel
Authors: Sun Wei , Du Jianan , Wang Lintao , Luan Penglong , li Jie
Published: September 2018

The hoist system of electric mining shovel (EMS) always encounters excessive vibration in present work. However, the shortage of suitable dynamic model has been the bottleneck of reducing vibration. In order to analyze the vibration of the EMS hoist system, a coupled dynamic model is proposed using the hierarchical modeling method, which contains couplings of bolt, bear, coupling, rope, and gear mesh. The components were equivalent to mass elements with several nodes corresponding to their structure. Considered helical gears and motors, a dynamic gear transmission model with couplings of bending, torsion, and axes was developed. Based on the dynamic model, the modal characteristics were calculated, and the vibration modes were classified to five types. Under the ripple drive torque simulated by Simulink, the dynamic characteristics of the hoist system in time domain and frequency domain were obtained using numerical integration with the Runge–Kutta method in Matlab. At last, the model validity was verified by contrasting the responses under actual test and the model. The dynamic model and study results can provide support for dynamic characteristic evaluation and dynamic optimization of the EMS hoist system.
Stochastic Resonance Training Improves Balance and Musculoskeletal Well-Being in Office Workers: A Controlled Preventive Intervention Study
Authors: Faes Yannik , Maguire Clare , Notari Michele , Elfering Achim
Published: September 2018

Sixty-two office workers in a Swiss federal department were randomly assigned to a training and a control group. While the training group was instructed to complete 3 stochastic resonance whole-body vibration (SR-WBV) exercises every week for 4 weeks, the control group received no treatment. During this time all participants answered a daily questionnaire concerning their surefootedness, sense of balance, musculoskeletal well-being, and muscle relaxation. Before and after the 4-week SR-WBV intervention, balance was tested with a single-leg stance on a foam mat of the Balance Error Scoring System (BESS) using a SwayStar™-System measuring Total Angle Area (TotAngArea) and Total Velocity Area (TotVelArea). Multilevel results highlighted a significant increase over time for surefootedness and sense of balance (t = 2.491, p = .016), as well as for musculoskeletal well-being and muscle relaxation (t = 2.538, p = .014) in the training group but not in the control group. Balance tests showed improvement of balance in the training group (TotAngArea: Z = 2.550, p = .011; TotVelArea: Z = 3.334, p = .001) but not in the control group. SR-WBV exercise indicated a high compliance during this study (3.87±0.45 trainings per week) underlining its benefits for the working context. Especially office workers who spend most of their time in sitting position could profit from SR-WBV exercise to improve balance and reduce the risk of falls.
Carbamazepine-Mediated Adverse Drug Reactions: CBZ-10,11-epoxide but Not Carbamazepine Induces the Alteration of Peptides Presented by HLA-B∗15:02
Authors: Simper Gwendolin S. , Hò Gia-Gia T. , Celik Alexander A. , Huyton Trevor , Kuhn Joachim , Kunze-Schumacher Heike , Blasczyk Rainer , Bade-Döding Christina
Published: September 2018

Among patients treated with the anticonvulsive and psychotropic drug carbamazepine (CBZ), approximately 10% develop severe and life-threatening adverse drug reactions. These immunological conditions are resolved upon withdrawal of the medicament, suggesting that the drug does not manifest in the body in long term. The HLA allele B∗15:02 has been described to be a genomic biomarker for CBZ-mediated immune reactions. It is not well understood if the immune reactions are triggered by the original drug or by its metabolite carbamazepine-10,11-epoxide (EPX) and how the interaction between the drug and the distinct HLA molecule occurs. Genetically engineered human B-lymphoblastoid cells expressing soluble HLA-B∗15:02 molecules were treated with the drug or its metabolite. Functional pHLA complexes were purified; peptides were eluted and sequenced. Applying mass spectrometric analysis, CBZ and EPX were monitored by analyzing the heavy chain and peptide fractions separately for the presence of the drug. This method enabled the detection of the drug in a biological situation post-pHLA assembly. Both drugs were bound to the HLA-B∗15:02 heavy chain; however, solely EPX altered the peptide-binding motif of B∗15:02-restricted peptides. This observation could be explained through structural insight; EPX binds to the peptide-binding region and alters the biochemical features of the F pocket and thus the peptide motif. Understanding the nature of immunogenic interactions between CBZ and EPX with the HLA immune complex will guide towards effective and safe medications.
A Case of Intrathoracic Gastric Duplication Cyst Detected on Prenatal Ultrasound Examination
Authors: Yagi Hisako , Kinjyo Yoshino , Chinen Yukiko , Nitta Hayase , Kinjo Tadatsugu , Mekaru Keiko , Masamoto Hitoshi , Goya Hideki , Yoshida Tomohide , Sanabe Naoya , Aoki Yoichi
Published: September 2018

A 37-year-old (G4P3) woman was referred to our hospital at 32 weeks of gestation for the evaluation of a fetus with an intrathoracic cystic lesion. Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed that a fetal cystic lesion without a mucosal layer was located in the posterior mediastinum. These findings were consistent with a bronchogenic cyst. At 38 3/7 weeks of gestation, an elective cesarean section was performed because of her previous cesarean section. A female neonate without any external anomalies, weighing 2,442 g, with Apgar scores of 8 and 9, and requiring no resuscitation was born. Four weeks after delivery, the neonate was admitted because of respiratory distress due to mass effect. At right lateral thoracotomy, a 105 × 65 mm of solitary smooth-walled cyst containing serosanguineous fluid was found in the posterior mediastinum, which was excised completely. Histologic examination revealed the diagnosis of the mediastinal gastric duplication cyst. The neonate made an uneventful recovery. Accurate diagnosis is not necessary, but detection and continuous observation are logical. Although gastric duplication, particularly intrathoracic, is a rare pathology, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any intrathoracic cyst.
Molecular Mechanisms of Transdifferentiation of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells into Neural Cells: Current Status and Perspectives
Authors: Luo Liang , Hu Da-Hai , Yin James Q. , Xu Ru-Xiang
Published: September 2018

Neurological diseases can severely compromise both physical and psychological health. Recently, adult mesenchymal stem cell- (MSC-) based cell transplantation has become a potential therapeutic strategy. However, most studies related to the transdifferentiation of MSCs into neural cells have had disappointing outcomes. Better understanding of the mechanisms underlying MSC transdifferentiation is necessary to make adult stem cells more applicable to treating neurological diseases. Several studies have focused on adipose-derived stromal/stem cell (ADSC) transdifferentiation. The purpose of this review is to outline the molecular characterization of ADSCs, to describe the methods for inducing ADSC transdifferentiation, and to examine factors influencing transdifferentiation, including transcription factors, epigenetics, and signaling pathways. Exploring and understanding the mechanisms are a precondition for developing and applying novel cell therapies.
Evidence for the Formation of Ozone (or Ozone-Like Oxidants) by the Reaction of Singlet Oxygen with Amino Acids
Authors: Wanjala George W. , Onyango Arnold N. , Abuga David , Onyango Calvin , Makayoto Moses
Published: September 2018

Antibodies or some amino acids, namely, cysteine, methionine, histidine, and tryptophan, were previously reported to catalyse the conversion of singlet oxygen (1O2) to ozone (O3). The originally proposed mechanism for such biological ozone formation was that antibodies or amino acids catalyse the oxidation of water molecules by singlet oxygen to yield dihydrogen trioxide (HOOOH) as a precursor of ozone and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). However, because HOOOH readily decomposes to form water and singlet oxygen rather than ozone and hydrogen peroxide, an alternative hypothesis has been proposed; ozone is formed due to the reaction of singlet oxygen with amino acids to form polyoxidic amino acid derivatives as ozone precursors. Evidence in support of the latter hypothesis is presented in this article, in that in the presence of singlet oxygen, methionine sulfoxide (RS(O)CH3), an oxidation product of methionine (RSCH3), was found to promote reactions that can best be attributed to the trioxidic anionic derivative RS+(OOO−)CH3or ozone.
Simulation of Coal and Biomass Cofiring with Different Particle Density and Diameter in Bubbling Fluidized Bed under O2/CO2 Atmospheres
Authors: Chen Chao , Wu Xuan , Zhao Lingling
Published: September 2018

A 2D dynamic model for a bubbling fluidized bed (BFB) combustor has been developed for simulating the coal and biomass cofiring process under 21% O2/79% CO2 atmosphere in a 6 kWth bubbling fluidized bed, coupled with the Euler-Euler two-phase flow model. The kinetic theory of binary granular mixtures is employed for the solid phase in order to map the effect of particle size and density. The distribution of temperature, volume fraction, velocity, gas species concentration, and reaction rates are studied with numerical calculations. The simulated temperature distribution along the height of the combustor and outlet gas concentrations show good agreement with experimental data, validating the accuracy and reliability of the developed cofiring simulation model. As indicated in the results, there are two high temperature zones in the combustor, which separately exist at the fuel inlet and dilute phase. The reaction rates are related to the species concentration and temperature. The higher concentration and temperature lead to the larger reaction rates. It can be seen that all of the homogeneous reaction rates are larger at the fuel inlet region because of rich O2 and volatiles. High mass fraction of volatile gas is found at the fuel inlet, and the main reburning gas at the dilute phase is CH4. The mass fraction distribution of CO is related to the volume fraction of fuel which is due to the fact that the source of CO is not only from the devolatilization but also from the gasification. On the basis of this theoretical study, a better understanding of flow and combustion characteristics in biomass and coal cofiring under oxy-fuel atmospheres could be achieved.
Development and Validation of an HPLC-MS/MS Method for Rapid Simultaneous Determination of Cefprozil Diastereomers in Human Plasma
Authors: He Guodong , Mai Liping , Wang Xipei
Published: September 2018

Background. Both cis- and trans-cefprozil have antimicrobial activity, but their potencies are quite different. It is therefore necessary to develop a sensitive method to simultaneously determine both isomers for pharmacokinetic and bioequivalence studies. Methods. An LC-MS/MS method, using stable isotope-labeled cefprozil as the internal standard, was developed and validated. The analytes were extracted from plasma by protein precipitation and separated on a reverse-phase C18 column using a gradient program consisting of 0.5% formic acid and acetonitrile within 4 min. The mass spectrometry acquisition was performed with multiple reaction monitoring in positive ion mode using the respective [M+H]+ ions, m/z 391.2→114.0 for cefprozil and 395.0→114.5 for cefprozil-D4. Results. The calibration curves were linear over the ranges of 0.025–15 μg/mL for cis-cefprozil and 0.014–1.67 μg/mL for trans-cefprozil. The accuracies for the cis and trans isomers of cefprozil were 93.1% and 103.0%, respectively. The intra- and interassay precisions for the QC samples of the isomers were < 14.3%. The intra- and interassay precisions at the LLOQ were < 16.5%. Conclusions. The method was sensitive and reproducible and was applied in a pilot pharmacokinetic study of healthy volunteers.
Outage Analysis and Power Allocation Optimization for Multiple Energy-Harvesting Relay System Using SWIPT
Authors: Liu Kang , Zhu Qi , Wang Ying
Published: September 2018

Energy harvesting (EH) combined with cooperative relying plays a promising role in future wireless communication systems. We consider a wireless multiple EH relay system. All relays are assumed to be EH nodes with simultaneous wireless and information transfer (SWIPT) capabilities, which means the relays are wirelessly powered by harvesting energy from the received signal. Each EH node separates the input RF signal into two parts which are, respectively, for EH and information transmission using the power splitting (PS) protocol. In this paper, a closed-form outage probability expression is derived for the cooperative relaying system based on the characteristic function of the system’s probability density function (PDF) with only one relay. With the approximation of the outage probability expression, three optimization problems are built to minimize the outage probability under different constraints. We use the Lagrange method and Karush–Kuhn–Tucker (KKT) condition to solve the optimization problems to jointly optimize the relay’s PS factors and the transmit power. Numerical results show that our derived expression of the outage probability is accuracy and gives insights into the effect of various system parameters on the performance of protocols. Meanwhile, compared with the no optimal condition, our proposed optimization algorithms can all offer superior performance under different system constraints.
Intensity and Wavelength Division Multiplexing FBG Sensor System Using a Raman Amplifier and Extreme Learning Machine
Authors: Manie Yibeltal Chanie , Shiu Run-Kai , Peng Peng-Chun , Guo Bao-Yi , Bitew Mekuanint Agegnehu , Tang Wei-Chieh , Lu Hung-Kai
Published: September 2018

A fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensor is a favorable sensor in measuring strain, pressure, vibration, and temperature in different applications, such as in smart structures, wind turbines, aerospace, industry, military, medical centers, and civil engineering. FBG sensors have the following advantages: immune to electromagnetic interference, light weight, small size, flexible, stretchable, highly accurate, longer stability, and capable in measuring ultra-high-speed events. In this paper, we propose and demonstrate an intensity and wavelength division multiplexing (IWDM) FBG sensor system using a Raman amplifier and extreme learning machine (ELM). We use an IWDM technique to increase the number of FBG sensors. As the number of FBG sensors increases and the spectra of two or more FBGs are overlapped, a conventional peak detection (CPD) method is unappropriate to detect the central Bragg wavelength of each FBG sensor. To solve this problem, we use ELM techniques. An ELM is used to accurately detect the central Bragg wavelength of each FBG sensor even when the spectra of FBGs are partially or fully overlapped. Moreover, a Raman amplifier is added to a fiber span to generate a gain medium within the transmission fiber, which amplifies the signal and compensates for the signal losses. The transmission distance and the sensing signal quality increase when the Raman pump power increases. The experimental results revealed that a Raman amplifier compensates for the signal losses and provides a stable sensing output even beyond a 45 km transmission distance. We achieve a remote sensing of strain measurement using a 45 km single-mode fiber (SMF). Furthermore, the well-trained ELM wavelength detection methods accurately detect the central Bragg wavelengths of FBG sensors when the two FBG spectra are fully overlapped.
Efficacy of an Anthocyanin and Prebiotic Blend on Intestinal Environment in Obese Male and Female Subjects
Authors: Hester Shelly N. , Mastaloudis Angela , Gray Russell , Antony Joseph M. , Evans Mal , Wood Steven M.
Published: September 2018

Background. Anthocyanins and prebiotics impact overall health and wellness, likely through modulation of the microbiota and the intestinal ecosystem. Objectives. An 8-week open-label study in male and female volunteers with uncomplicated obesity was designed to study the efficacy of an anthocyanin and prebiotic blend in modulating intestinal microbiota and intestinal inflammation. Results. After 8 weeks of daily supplementation, participants had a significant decrease in Firmicutes (p<0.001) and Actinobacteria (p<0.001) and a significant increase in Bacteroidetes (p<0.001). Bowel habits were improved as evidenced by reductions in the severity of bloating (p<0.05), gas (p=0.035), and abdominal pain (p=0.015) as well as significant improvements in stool consistency (p<0.05). Finally, a nonsignificant decrease in the inflammatory marker fecal calprotectin was seen (p=0.107). The supplement was safe and well tolerated. Conclusions. The results suggest that regular consumption of the anthocyanin-prebiotic blend positively modulated the intestinal ecosystem and provided insights into the mechanisms of action and its impact on health benefits.
Prediction of Crushing Response for Metal Hexagonal Honeycomb under Quasi‐Static Loading
Authors: Geng Xinyu , Liu Yufei , Zheng Wei , Wang Yongbin , Li Meng
Published: September 2018

To provide a theoretical basis for metal honeycombs used for buffering and crashworthy structures, this study investigated the out‐of‐plane crushing of metal hexagonal honeycombs with various cell specifications. The mathematical models of mean crushing stress and peak crushing stress for metal hexagonal honeycombs were predicted on the basis of simplified super element theory. The experimental study was carried out to check the accuracy of mathematical models and verify the effectiveness of the proposed approach. The presented theoretical models were compared with the results obtained from experiments on nine types of honeycombs under quasi‐static compression loading in the out‐of‐plane direction. Excellent correlation has been observed between the theoretical and experimental results.
Bike-Sharing Static Rebalancing by Considering the Collection of Bicycles in Need of Repair
Authors: Zhang Sheng , Xiang Guanhua , Huang Zhongxiang
Published: September 2018

Bike-sharing systems, which are used in many cities worldwide, need to maintain a balance between the availability of bicycles and the availability of unoccupied bicycle slots. This paper presents an investigation of the net flow of each bike-sharing station in Jersey City. The data was recorded at 1-minute intervals. The sum of the initial bicycle number and the minimum net flow value was determined to be the demand for static rebalancing, and this led to the proposal of a bike-sharing demand prediction method based on autoregressive integrated moving average models. Considering that the existence of bicycles in a state of disrepair may adversely affect demand prediction and routine planning, we present an integer linear programming formulation to model bike-sharing static rebalancing. The proposed formulation takes into account the problem introduced by the need to collect bicycles in need of repair. A hybrid Discrete Particle Swarm Optimization (DPSO) algorithm was proposed to solve the model, which incorporates a reduced variable neighborhood search (RVNS) functionality together with DPSO to improve the global optimization performance. The effectiveness of the algorithms was verified by a detailed numerical example.
Semisupervised SVM Based on Cuckoo Search Algorithm and Its Application
Authors: He Ziping , Xia Kewen , Niu Wenjia , Aslam Nelofar , Hou Jingzhong
Published: September 2018

Semisupervised support vector machine (S3VM) algorithm mainly depends on the predicted accuracy of unlabeled samples, if lots of misclassified unlabeled samples are added to the training will make the training model performance degrade. Thus, the cuckoo search algorithm (CS) is used to optimize the S3VM which also enhances the model performance of S3VM. Considering that the cuckoo search algorithm is limited to the local optimum problem, a new cuckoo search algorithm based on chaotic catfish effect optimization is proposed. First, use the chaotic mechanism with high randomness to initialize the nest for range expansion. Second, chaotic catfish nest is introduced into the effective competition coordination mechanism after falling into the local optimum, so that the candidate’s nest can jump out of the local optimal solution and accelerate the convergence ability. In the experiment, results show that the improved cuckoo search algorithm is effective and better than the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm and the cuckoo search algorithm on the benchmark functions. In the end, the improved cuckoo search algorithm is used to optimize semisupervised SVM which is applied into oil layer recognition. Results show that this optimization model is superior to the semisupervised SVM in terms of recognition rate and time.
A Numerical Approach Based on Taylor Polynomials for Solving a Class of Nonlinear Differential Equations
Authors: Guler C. , Kaya S. O.
Published: September 2018

In this study, a matrix method based on Taylor polynomials and collocation points is presented for the approximate solution of a class of nonlinear differential equations, which have many applications in mathematics, physics and engineering. By means of matrix forms of the Taylor polynomials and their derivatives, the technique we have used reduces the solution of the nonlinear equation with mixed conditions to the solution of a matrix equation which corresponds to a system of nonlinear algebraic equations with the unknown Taylor coefficients. On the other hand, to illustrate the validity and applicability of the method, some numerical examples together with residual error analysis are performed and the obtained results are compared with the existing results in literature.
Ammonia-Oxidizing Archaea (AOA) Play with Ammonia-Oxidizing Bacteria (AOB) in Nitrogen Removal from Wastewater
Authors: Yin Zhixuan , Bi Xuejun , Xu Chenlu
Published: September 2018

An increase in the number of publications in recent years indicates that besides ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB), ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) may play an important role in nitrogen removal from wastewater, gaining wide attention in the wastewater engineering field. This paper reviews the current knowledge on AOA and AOB involved in wastewater treatment systems and summarises the environmental factors affecting AOA and AOB. Current findings reveal that AOA have stronger environmental adaptability compared with AOB under extreme environmental conditions (such as low temperature and low oxygen level). However, there is still little information on the cooperation and competition relationship between AOA and AOB, and other microbes related to nitrogen removal, which needs further exploration. Furthermore, future studies are proposed to develop novel nitrogen removal processes dominated by AOA by parameter optimization.
Multimodal Affective Computing to Enhance the User Experience of Educational Software Applications
Authors: Garcia-Garcia Jose Maria , Penichet Víctor M. R. , Lozano María Dolores , Garrido Juan Enrique , Law Effie Lai-Chong
Published: September 2018

Affective computing is becoming more and more important as it enables to extend the possibilities of computing technologies by incorporating emotions. In fact, the detection of users’ emotions has become one of the most important aspects regarding Affective Computing. In this paper, we present an educational software application that incorporates affective computing by detecting the users’ emotional states to adapt its behaviour to the emotions sensed. This way, we aim at increasing users’ engagement to keep them motivated for longer periods of time, thus improving their learning progress. To prove this, the application has been assessed with real users. The performance of a set of users using the proposed system has been compared with a control group that used the same system without implementing emotion detection. The outcomes of this evaluation have shown that our proposed system, incorporating affective computing, produced better results than the one used by the control group.
Current Innovations in Peripheral Nerve Stimulation
Authors: Nayak Raghavendra , Banik Ratan K.
Published: September 2018

Peripheral nerve stimulation has been used in the treatment of several chronic pain conditions including pain due to peripheral nerve dysfunctions, complex regional pain syndrome, and cranial neuralgias. It has been shown to be effective for chronic, intractable pain that is refractory to conventional therapies such as physical therapy, medications, transcutaneous electrical stimulations, and nerve blocks. Recently, a new generation of peripheral nerve stimulation devices has been developed; these allow external pulse generators to transmit impulses wirelessly to the implanted electrode, and their implantation is significantly less invasive. In this review, we discuss the history, pathophysiology, indications, implantation process, and outcomes of employing peripheral nerve stimulation to treat chronic pain conditions.
Event‐Triggered Control for the Stabilization of Probabilistic Boolean Control Networks
Authors: Zhu Shiyong , Lou Jungang , Liu Yang , Li Yuanyuan , Wang Zhen
Published: September 2018

This paper realizes global stabilization for probabilistic Boolean control networks (PBCNs) with event‐triggered state feedback control (ETSFC). Via the semitensor product (STP) of matrices, PBCNs with ETSFC are converted into discrete‐time algebraic systems, based on which a necessary and sufficient condition is derived for global stabilization of PBCNs. Furthermore, an algorithm is presented to design a class of feasible event‐triggered state feedback controllers for global stabilization. Finally, an illustrative example shows the effectiveness of the obtained result.
Assessment and Retrieval of Aspirated Tracheoesophageal Prosthesis in the Ambulatory Setting
Authors: Dewan Karuna , Erman Andrew , Long Jennifer L. , Chhetri Dinesh K.
Published: September 2018

Tracheoesophageal prosthesis (TEP) is the most common voice restoration method following total laryngectomy. Prosthesis extrusion and aspiration occurs in 3.9% to 6.7% and causes dyspnea. Emergency centers are unfamiliar with management of the aspirated TEP. Prior studies report removal of aspirated TEP prostheses under general anesthesia. Laryngectomees commonly have poor pulmonary function, posing increased risks for complications of general anesthesia. We present a straightforward approach to three cases of aspirated TEP prosthesis removed in the ambulatory setting. In each case, aspirated TEP was diagnosed with flexible bronchoscopy under local anesthesia at the time of consultation, and all prostheses were retrieved atraumatically using a biopsy grasper forceps inserted via the side channel of the bronchoscope. The aspirated TEP prosthesis can be safely and efficiently removed via bedside bronchoscopy.
Bioprocessing of Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Their Derivatives: Toward Cell-Free Therapeutics
Authors: Phelps Jolene , Sanati-Nezhad Amir , Ungrin Mark , Duncan Neil A. , Sen Arindom
Published: September 2018

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have attracted tremendous research interest due to their ability to repair tissues and reduce inflammation when implanted into a damaged or diseased site. These therapeutic effects have been largely attributed to the collection of biomolecules they secrete (i.e., their secretome). Recent studies have provided evidence that similar effects may be produced by utilizing only the secretome fraction containing extracellular vesicles (EVs). EVs are cell-derived, membrane-bound vesicles that contain various biomolecules. Due to their small size and relative mobility, they provide a stable mechanism to deliver biomolecules (i.e., biological signals) throughout an organism. The use of the MSC secretome, or its components, has advantages over the implantation of the MSCs themselves: (i) signals can be bioengineered and scaled to specific dosages, and (ii) the nonliving nature of the secretome enables it to be efficiently stored and transported. However, since the composition and therapeutic benefit of the secretome can be influenced by cell source, culture conditions, isolation methods, and storage conditions, there is a need for standardization of bioprocessing parameters. This review focuses on key parameters within the MSC culture environment that affect the nature and functionality of the secretome. This information is pertinent to the development of bioprocesses aimed at scaling up the production of secretome-derived products for their use as therapeutics.
Crystallography and Its Impact on Carbonic Anhydrase Research
Authors: Lomelino Carrie L. , Andring Jacob T. , McKenna Robert
Published: September 2018

X-ray and neutron crystallography are powerful techniques utilized to study the structures of biomolecules. Visualization of enzymes in complex with substrate/product and the capture of intermediate states can be related to activity to facilitate understanding of the catalytic mechanism. Subsequent analysis of small molecule binding within the enzyme active site provides insight into mechanisms of inhibition, supporting the design of novel inhibitors using a structure-guided approach. The first X-ray crystal structures were determined for small, ubiquitous enzymes such as carbonic anhydrase (CA). CAs are a family of zinc metalloenzymes that catalyze the hydration of CO2, producingHCO3-and a proton. The CA structure and ping-pong mechanism have been extensively studied and are well understood. Though the function of CA plays an important role in a variety of physiological functions, CA has also been associated with diseases such as glaucoma, edema, epilepsy, obesity, and cancer and is therefore recognized as a drug target. In this review, a brief history of crystallography and its impact on CA research is discussed.
Development of Pyroshock Simulator for Shock Propagation Test
Authors: Lee So-Jeong , Hwang Dae-Hyun , Han Jae-Hung
Published: September 2018

Satellites are subjected to pyrotechnic shocks caused by actuating the pyrotechnic separation devices during various missions such as separation from the launch vehicle and deployment of the solar panel. Pyroshock rarely damages structural members, but it may cause damage to mounted electronic equipment, which can lead to mission failures. In order to protect electronic equipment from pyroshock, shock propagation characteristics need to be identified. This paper proposes a compact pyroshock simulator that can be used to identify the pyroshock propagation characteristics at various locations of a structure. A small resonant fixture and high air pressure are used to make the simulator compact in size. A diaphragm breech design is also introduced to achieve high‐bursting pressure and increase the repeatability of the simulator. The developed simulator can produce the pyroshock environment with repeatability in the shock propagation path, and also the pyroshock environment can be changed by using different resonant fixtures. The developed simulator can be used for the experimental characterization of the pyroshock propagation over various structures.
Modification of Fish Swarm Algorithm Based on Lévy Flight and Firefly Behavior
Authors: Peng Zhenrui , Dong Kangli , Yin Hong , Bai Yu
Published: September 2018

Artificial fish swarm algorithm easily converges to local optimum, especially in solving the global optimization problem of multidimensional and multiextreme value functions. To overcome this drawback, a novel fish swarm algorithm (LFFSA) based on Lévy flight and firefly behavior is proposed. LFFSA incorporates the moving strategy of firefly algorithm into two behavior patterns of fish swarm, i.e., chasing behavior and preying behavior. Furthermore, Lévy flight is introduced into the searching strategy. To limit the search band, nonlinear view and step size based on dynamic parameter are considered. Finally, the proposed algorithm LFFSA is validated with several benchmark problems. Numerical results demonstrate that LFFSA has a better performance in convergence speed and optimization accuracy than the other test algorithms.
Portable Implementation of Postquantum Encryption Schemes and Key Exchange Protocols on JavaScript-Enabled Platforms
Authors: Yuan Ye , Xiao Junting , Fukushima Kazuhide , Kiyomoto Shinsaku , Takagi Tsuyoshi
Published: September 2018

Quantum computers have the potential to solve some difficult mathematical problems efficiently and thus will inevitably exert a more significant impact on the traditional asymmetric cryptography. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has opened a formal call for the submission of proposals of quantum-resistant public-key cryptographic algorithms to set the next-generation cryptography standards. Compared to powerful machines with ample amount of hardware resources such as racks of servers and IoT devices, including the massive number of microcontrollers, smart terminals, and sensor nodes with limited computing capacity, should also have some postquantum cryptography features for security and privacy. To ensure the correct execution of encryption algorithms on any platforms, the portability of implementation becomes more important. As distinguished from C/C++, JavaScript is a popular cross-platform language that can be used for the web applications and some hardware platforms directly, and it could be one of the solutions of portability. Therefore, we investigate and implement several recent lattice-based encryption schemes and public-key exchange protocols including Lizard, ring-Lizard, Kyber, Frodo, and NewHope in JavaScript, which are the active candidates of postquantum cryptography due to their applicabilities and efficiencies. We show and compare the performance of our JavaScript implementation on web browsers, embedded device Tessel2, Android phone, and several JavaScript-enabled platforms on PC and Mac. Our work shows that implementing lattice-based cryptography on JavaScript-enabled platforms is achievable and results in desirable portability.
Frailty and Exercise Training: How to Provide Best Care after Cardiac Surgery or Intervention for Elder Patients with Valvular Heart Disease
Authors: Tamuleviciute-Prasciene Egle , Drulyte Kristina , Jurenaite Greta , Kubilius Raimondas , Bjarnason-Wehrens Birna
Published: September 2018

The aim of this literature review was to evaluate existing evidence on exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (CR) as a treatment option for elderly frail patients with valvular heart disease (VHD). Pubmed database was searched for articles between 1980 and January 2018. From 2623 articles screened, 61 on frailty and VHD and 12 on exercise-based training for patients with VHD were included in the analysis. We studied and described frailty assessment in this patient population. Studies reporting results of exercise training in patients after surgical/interventional VHD treatment were analyzed regarding contents and outcomes. The tools for frailty assessment included fried phenotype frailty index and its modifications, multidimensional geriatric assessment, clinical frailty scale, 5-meter walking test, serum albumin levels, and Katz index of activities of daily living. Frailty assessment in CR settings should be based on functional, objective tests and should have similar components as tools for risk assessment (mobility, muscle mass and strength, independence in daily living, cognitive functions, nutrition, and anxiety and depression evaluation). Participating in comprehensive exercise-based CR could improve short- and long-term outcomes (better quality of life, physical and functional capacity) in frail VHD patients. Such CR program should be led by cardiologist, and its content should include (1) exercise training (endurance and strength training to improve muscle mass, strength, balance, and coordination), (2) nutrition counseling, (3) occupational therapy (to improve independency and cognitive function), (4) psychological counseling to ensure psychosocial health, and (5) social worker counseling (to improve independency). Comprehensive CR could help to prevent, restore, and reduce the severity of frailty as well as to improve outcomes for frail VHD patients after surgery or intervention.
TP53 Outperforms Other Androgen Receptor Biomarkers to Predict Abiraterone or Enzalutamide Outcome in Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
Authors: De Laere Bram , Oeyen Steffi , Mayrhofer Markus , Whitington Tom , van Dam Pieter-Jan , Van Oyen Peter , Ghysel Christophe , Ampe Jozef , Ost Piet , Demey Wim , Hoekx Lucien , Schrijvers Dirk , Brouwers Barbara , Lybaert Willem , Everaert Els G. , De Maeseneer Daan , Strijbos Michiel , Bols Alain , Fransis Karen , Beije Nick , de Kruijff Inge E. , van Dam Valerie , Brouwer Anja , Goossens Dirk , Heyrman Lien , Van den Eynden Gert G. , Rutten Annemie , Del Favero Jurgen , Rantalainen Mattias , Rajan Prabhakar , Sleijfer Stefan , Ullén Anders , Yachnin Jeffrey , Grönberg Henrik , Van Laere Steven J. , Lindberg Johan , Dirix Luc Y.
Published: September 2018

Purpose:

To infer the prognostic value of simultaneous androgen receptor (AR) and TP53 profiling in liquid biopsies from patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) starting a new line of AR signaling inhibitors (ARSi).

Experimental Design: Between March 2014 and April 2017, we recruited patients with mCRPC (n = 168) prior to ARSi in a cohort study encompassing 10 European centers. Blood samples were collected for comprehensive profiling of CellSearch-enriched circulating tumor cells (CTC) and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). Targeted CTC RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) allowed the detection of eight AR splice variants (ARV). Low-pass whole-genome and targeted gene-body sequencing of AR and TP53 was applied to identify amplifications, loss of heterozygosity, mutations, and structural rearrangements in ctDNA. Clinical or radiologic progression-free survival (PFS) was estimated by Kaplan–Meier analysis, and independent associations were determined using multivariable Cox regression models.

Results:

Overall, no single AR perturbation remained associated with adverse prognosis after multivariable analysis. Instead, tumor burden estimates (CTC counts, ctDNA fraction, and visceral metastases) were significantly associated with PFS. TP53 inactivation harbored independent prognostic value [HR 1.88; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.18–3.00; P = 0.008], and outperformed ARV expression and detection of genomic AR alterations. Using Cox coefficient analysis of clinical parameters and TP53 status, we identified three prognostic groups with differing PFS estimates (median, 14.7 vs. 7.51 vs. 2.62 months; P < 0.0001), which was validated in an independent mCRPC cohort (n = 202) starting first-line ARSi (median, 14.3 vs. 6.39 vs. 2.23 months; P < 0.0001).

Conclusions:

In an all-comer cohort, tumor burden estimates and TP53 outperform any AR perturbation to infer prognosis.

See related commentary by Rebello et al., p. 1699
Methylation and Expression of Nonclustered Protocadherins Encoding Genes and Risk of Precancerous Gastric Lesions in a High-Risk Population
Authors: Wu Si , Zhang Yang , Zhang Lian , Ma Jun-Ling , Zhou Tong , Li Zhe-Xuan , Liu Wei-Dong , Li Wen-Qing , You Wei-Cheng , Pan Kai-Feng
Published: September 2018

Nonclustered protocadherins (PCDH) family is a group of cell–cell adhesion molecules. We have found differentially methylated genes in the nonclustered PCDHs family associated with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection in prior genome-wide methylation analysis. To further investigate the methylation and expression of nonclustered PCDHs encoding genes in H. pylori--related gastric carcinogenesis process, four candidate genes including PCDH7, PCDH10, PCDH17, and PCDH20 were selected, which were reported to be tumor suppressors for digestive cancers. A total of 747 participants with a spectrum of gastric lesions were enrolled from a high-risk population of gastric cancer. Promoter methylation levels of four genes were significantly higher in H. pylori–positive subjects than the negative group (all P < 0.001). Elevated methylation levels of PCDH10 and PCDH17 were observed with the increasing severity of gastric lesions (both Ptrend < 0.001). In the protein expression analysis, PCDH17 expression was inversely associated with gastric lesions; the OR [95% confidence interval (CI)] was 0.49 (0.26–0.95) for chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG), 0.31 (0.15–0.63) for intestinal metaplasia, and 0.38 (0.19–0.75) for indefinite dysplasia and dysplasia, compared with superficial gastritis. In addition, PCDH10 expression was significantly lower in CAG (OR, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.24–0.68). The inverse association between methylation and protein expression of PCDH10 and PCDH17 was further supported when we explored the methylation and mRNA expression in The Cancer Genome Atlas database (all P < 0.001). Our study found elevated promoter methylation and decreased expression of PCDH10 and PCDH17 in advanced gastric lesions, suggesting that elevated PCDH10 and PCDH17 methylation may be an early event in gastric carcinogenesis. Cancer Prev Res; 11(11); 717–26. ©2018 AACR.
Application of 3D Printing for Patient-Specific Silicone Stents: 1-Year Follow-Up on 2 Patients
Authors: Gildea Thomas R. , Young Benjamin P. , Machuzak Michael S.
Published: September 2018

Managing complex benign airway disease is a major challenge in interventional pulmonology. Airway stent placement can result in complications due to a variety of factors, including poor fit of the stent in the airway. We report the 1-year outcome of 2 patients with airway disease caused by granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener’s) affecting the left main bronchus and secondary carina. These patients had not responded to systemic therapy or standard bronchoscopic techniques and had complications with commercially available airway stents. We describe a first-in-human, clinical experience to address these issues. Using computed tomography (CT) imaging and 3D printing technology, we generated and implanted patient-specific silicone airway stents to address airway disease. 3D patient-specific stent prescription was created using a CT scan of the patient’s chest and a proprietary software package originally developed for orthopedic surgical planning. Silicone stents were manufactured and implanted. Observation for > 1 year after implantation compared to the 6 months prior to patient-specific stent implant were compared for the number, clinically required stent changes, procedure time, and general clinical improvement per usual standard of care after airway stenting. Patients showed improved durability, a shorter procedure time, and improvement of patient-reported symptoms leading to a reduced need for stent changes and modifications. The use of 3D printing technology to make patient-specific silicone stents is feasible with early clinical proof of concept noting a durable improvement over 1 year of follow-up.
Observations of Bacterial Biofilm on Ureteral Stent and Studies on the Distribution of Pathogenic Bacteria and Drug Resistance
Authors: Zhang Jia-Mo , Liu Juan , Wang Ke , Zhang Xuan , Zhao Tao , Luo Hua-Ming
Published: September 2018

Objective: This study aims to observe the morphological characteristics of bacterial biofilm on the surface of ureteral stents and analyze distribution characteristics of pathogens on the bacterial biofilm and drug resistance. Methods: Ureteral stents were sampled from 129 patients. A scanning electron microscope was used to observe the morphological characteristics of bacterial biofilms, and the Congo red medium was applied to screen bacterial biofilm strains on the renal pelvis section, ureter section, and bladder section respectively. Urine culture was performed, and the drug sensitive test analysis was carried out for the pathogenic bacteria detected. Results: Bacterial biofilms can be observed on the surface of ureteral stents, and these bacteria are embraced by large amounts of fiber membranes. A total of 107 patients were found to be positive for biofilms with a positive rate of 82.9%. The positive rates of the bladder section, ureter section, renal pelvis section, and urine culture were 85.0, 42.9, 67.3, and 24.3% respectively. Pathogenic bacteria mainly concentrated on Escherichia coli, and the drug resistance rate of the bacterial biofilm strains on the ureteral stent was relatively higher. Conclusion: The bacterial biofilm on the ureteral stent is an important factor that induces catheter-associated urinary tract infections.
Role of Albumin Assay on Calcium Levels and Prescription of Phosphate Binders in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: de Roij van Zuijdewijn Camiel L.M. , de Haseth Dinky E. , van Dam Bastiaan , Bax Willem A. , Grooteman Muriel P.C. , Bots Michiel L. , Blankestijn Peter J. , Nubé Menso J. , van den Dorpel Marinus A. , ter Wee Pieter M. , Penne Erik L.
Published: September 2018

Background/aims: In hemodialysis (HD) patients, the bromcresol green (BCG) assay overestimates, whereas the bromcresol purple (BCP) assay underestimates albumin concentration. Since corrected calcium concentrations depend on albumin, the albumin assay may have implications for the management of bone mineral disorders. Methods: A subset of patients from CONTRAST, a cohort of prevalent HD patients, was analyzed. Bone mineral parameters and prescription of medication were compared between patients in whom albumin was assessed by BCP versus BCG. Results: Albumin was assessed by BCP in 331 patients (9 of 25 centers) and by BCG in 175 patients (16 of 25 centers). Albumin was the lowest in the BCP group (34.5 ± 4.2 vs. 40.3 ± 3.1 g/L; p < 0.0005). Measured calcium levels and the prescription of calcium-based phosphate binders were similar in both groups. Corrected calcium levels, however, were markedly higher in the BCP group (2.45 ± 0.18 vs. 2.33 ± 0.18 mmol/L; p < 0.0005). Conclusion: These findings suggest that calcium levels are not corrected for albumin in clinical practice when considering the prescription of calcium-free or calcium-based phosphate-binders in dialysis patients.