bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pilot Study on the Occurrence of Multiple Cancers following Cancer-Related Therapy at the University of Florida, Jacksonville (2011–2016)
Authors: Seegobin Karan , Staggs Estela , Khawaja Robina , Maharaj Satish , Gautam Shiva , Smotherman Carmen , Rana Fauzia
Published: June 2018

New primary cancers can occur in patients with a previous cancer. Among the risk factors, therapies such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and hormonal therapy have been associated with the development of neoplasms. Second cancers most commonly develop 5–10 years after the initial tumor. We observe the implications of cancer-related therapy in the development of a new tumor. We looked at 602 patients who had their first cancer diagnosed in 2011 and calculated the number of different primary cancers between 2011 and 2016 for each patient. Twenty-four patients had a second cancer within 5 years from the first diagnosis and there were no patients with a third cancer. There was no statically significant difference in the rates of second cancers after exposure to chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormonal therapy, or any combination of these (p=0.738). Of the second cancers reported after 2011, renal, uterine, cervical, and lung cancers were the most frequently reported. Additionally, there was no statically significant difference among the rates of second cancers in men versus women (p=0.467), as well as among whites versus blacks (p=0.318). We conclude that while new primaries can occur after one cancer, there was no increased risk after exposure to different cancer-related therapies. With increased focus on the primary disease, there is a higher likelihood of missing another primary lesion. This is important as the practical implications of managing multiple primaries are rarely discussed.
B vitamins for stroke prevention
Authors: Hankey Graeme J
Published: June 2018

Supplementation with B vitamins (vitamin B9(folic acid), vitamin B12and vitamin B6) lowers blood total homocysteine (tHcy) concentrations by about 25% and reduces the relative risk of stroke overall by about 10% (risk ratio (RR) 0.90, 95% CI 0.82 to 0.99) compared with placebo. Homocysteine-lowering interventions have no significant effect on myocardial infarction, death from any cause or adverse outcomes. Factors that appear to modify the effect of B vitamins on stroke risk include low folic acid status, high tHcy, high cyanocobalamin dose in patients with impaired renal function and concurrent antiplatelet therapy. In regions with increasing levels or established policies of population folate supplementation, evidence from observational genetic epidemiological studies and randomised controlled clinical trials is concordant in suggesting an absence of benefit from lowering of homocysteine with folic acid for prevention of stroke. Clinical trials indicate that in countries which mandate folic acid fortification of food, folic acid supplementation has no significant effect on reducing stroke risk (RR 1.05, 95% CI 0.90 to 1.23). However, in countries without mandatory folic acid food fortification, folic acid supplementation reduces the risk of stroke by about 15% (RR 0.85, 95% CI 0.77 to 0.94). Folic acid alone or in combination with minimal cyanocobalamin (≤0.05 mg/day) is associated with an even greater reduction in risk of future stroke by 25% (RR 0.75, 95% CI 0.66 to 0.86), whereas the combination of folic acid and a higher dose of cyanocobalamin (≥0.4 mg/day) is not associated with a reduced risk of future stroke (RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.86 to 1.05). The lack of benefit of folic acid plus higher doses of cyanocobalamin (≥0.4 mg/day) was observed in trials which all included participants with chronic kidney disease. Because metabolic B12deficiency is very common and usually not diagnosed, future randomised trials of homocysteine-lowering interventions for stroke prevention should probably test a combination of folic acid and methylcobalamin or hydroxocobalamin instead of cyanocobalamin, and perhaps vitamin B6.
Poisson Sigma Model and Semiclassical Quantization of Integrable Systems
Authors: Cattaneo Alberto S. , Mnev Pavel , Reshetikhin Nicolai
Published: June 2018

In this paper, we outline the construction of semiclassical eigenfunctions of integrable models in terms of the semiclassical path integral for the Poisson sigma model with the target space being the phase space of the integrable system. The semiclassical path integral is defined as a formal power series with coefficients being Feynman diagrams. We also argue that in a similar way one can obtain irreducible semiclassical representations of Kontsevich’s star product.

Dedicated to the memory of L. D. Faddeev
A Bäcklund Transformation for Elliptic Four-Point Conformal Blocks
Authors: Neveu André
Published: June 2018

We apply an integral transformation to solutions of a partial differential equation for the five-point correlation functions in Liouville theory on a sphere with one degenerate field [Formula: see text]. By repeating this transformation, we can reach a whole lattice of values for the conformal dimensions of the four other operators. Factorizing out the degenerate field leads to integral representations of the corresponding four-point conformal blocks. We illustrate this procedure on the elliptic conformal blocks discovered in a previous publication.
Wilson Loops in Antisymmetric Representations from Localization in Supersymmetric Gauge Theories
Authors: Russo Jorge G. , Zarembo Konstantin
Published: June 2018

Large-[Formula: see text] phase transitions occurring in massive [Formula: see text] theories can be probed by Wilson loops in large antisymmetric representations. The logarithm of the Wilson loop is effectively described by the free energy of a Fermi distribution and exhibits second-order phase transitions (discontinuities in the second derivatives) as the size of representation varies. We illustrate the general features of antisymmetric Wilson loops on a number of examples where the phase transitions are known to occur: [Formula: see text] SQCD with various mass arrangements and [Formula: see text] theory. As a byproduct, we solve planar [Formula: see text] SQCD with three independent mass parameters. This model has two effective mass scales and undergoes two phase transitions.

In memory of Ludvig Dmitrievich Faddeev
Static vacuum solutions on curved space–times with torsion
Authors: Shabani Hamid , Ziaie Amir Hadi
Published: June 2018

The Einstein–Cartan–Kibble–Sciama ( ECKS ) theory of gravity naturally extends Einstein’s general relativity ( GR ) to include intrinsic angular momentum (spin) of matter. The main feature of this theory consists of an algebraic relation between space–time torsion and spin of matter, which indeed deprives the torsion of its dynamical content. The Lagrangian of ECKS gravity is proportional to the Ricci curvature scalar constructed out of a general affine connection so that owing to the influence of matter energy–momentum and spin, curvature and torsion are produced and interact only through the space–time metric. In the absence of spin, the space–time torsion vanishes and the theory reduces to GR . It is however possible to have torsion propagation in vacuum by resorting to a model endowed with a nonminimal coupling between curvature and torsion. In the present work we try to investigate possible effects of the higher order terms that can be constructed from space–time curvature and torsion, as the two basic constituents of Riemann–Cartan geometry. We consider Lagrangians that include fourth-order scalar invariants from curvature and torsion and then investigate the resulting field equations. The solutions that we find show that there could exist, even in vacuum, nontrivial static space–times that admit both black holes and naked singularities.
Study of mode performances of graphene-coated nanowire integrated with triangle wedge substrate
Authors: Wu Di , Tian Jinping , Yang Rongcao
Published: June 2018

A novel type of plasmonic waveguide, consisting of graphene-coated nanowire integrated with triangle wedge substrate and the low-index dielectric gap, is introduced for nanoscale field confinement. Numerical simulations indicate that extremely compact light confinement and low propagation loss can be obtained owing to the strong coupling between the graphene-coated nanowire and the tip of the triangle wedge substrate. Meanwhile, the proposed waveguide is quite tolerant to practical fabrication error for other geometry parameters. The graphene-based waveguide in this study is a natural extension of dielectric waveguide, and may be helpful to the studies and applications of nanoscale optical devices such as photonic integrated circuits and biosensors.
Near-infrared third-order optical nonlinearity in CaCu3Ti4O12 thin films
Authors: Ding Baoyong , Lu Heng , Zhou Yueliang , Man Baoyuan , Ning Tingyin
Published: June 2018

We investigate the optical nonlinearity of CaCu3Ti4O[Formula: see text] (CCTO) thin films on MgO substrates using Z-scan technique at a near-infrared wavelength of 1064[Formula: see text]nm with 25[Formula: see text]ps duration pulses. The near-infrared nonlinear saturable absorption coefficient [Formula: see text] and the nonlinear refraction coefficient [Formula: see text] of the values [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]cm/GW and 0.66[Formula: see text]cm2/GW, respectively, were deduced from the study of the nonlinear response at different excitation intensities. The three-level model is proposed to interpret the large optical nonlinearity in CCTO films in near-infrared spectrum, by considering the intermediate energy levels due to the defects or grain boundaries. The large optical nonlinearity and fast response at picosecond time-domain indicate that CaCu3Ti4O[Formula: see text] thin films are promising candidates for applications in near-infrared nonlinear photonics devices.
Stem Cells Controlling, Imaging and Labeling by Functional Nanomaterials
Authors: Wei Yitong , Zhou Lulu , Yang Danjing , Yao Tianming , Shi Shuo
Published: June 2018

Stem cells possess great potential for tissue regeneration due to their infrequent capability to differentiate into specialized some other cell lines. The progress of nanomaterials has been remarkable in recent years. Nanomaterials control cellular response by endocytosis, acting as scaffolding roles or nanocarriers and regulating extracellular matrix (ECM). Furthermore, some nanomaterials have outstanding optical and magnetic properties, so can be used for stem cells labeling and imaging which plays an essential role in defining the mechanisms governing stem-cells therapeutics. In this review, focus is put on recent developments in controlling the fate of stem cells and stem cells labeling and imaging by nanomaterials. The effect of nanomaterials based inorganic nanomaterials (e.g., carbon nanotubes, mesoporous silica nanoparticles, gold nanoparticles, etc.), organic materials (nanoscale topography), on the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells, embryonic stem cells and cancer stem cells will be discussed. Optical imaging (fluorescence and up-conversion luminescence), magnetic resonance imaging and multimodal imaging by nanomaterials of stem cells will also be introduced.
Experimental and Numerical Simulation of Solar Still for the Production of Drinking Water in Desert Areas of Southern Algeria
Authors: Zerouali Mekki , Khaldi Fouad , Belkhiri Zina
Published: June 2018

Solar distillation is a simple method used for the production of drinking water from saline or brackish water. This method proposes a solution for the production of fresh water in arid and desert areas, where a large solar field is available and also the existence of underground sources of saline water. A solar distiller with a single basin and double slopes is theoretically examined. The theoretical model is based on the resolution of equations of heat and mass transfer dependent on time for glazing cover, water film and absorber basin. For validating the results of the theoretical model, a comparison with the experimental results was carried out. A series of experimental tests on a solar distiller with double slopes in the climatic conditions of Ouargla in Algeria were performed. The tests were carried out on 19th February 2009. The amount of water distilled was 2.7 liters, after a day’s work. The results show that the cooling of the glazing cover leads to increase in the amount of distilled water of about 17% in comparison with the reference case. In addition, we found a good agreement between the results of the theoretical model and the experimental data.
Device microagent for IoT home gateway
Authors: Chattopadhyay Dhiman , Samantaray Abinash , Datta Anupam
Published: June 2018

Smart home implementation in IoT involves practical challenges of management and scalability of connecting various non IP end-devices i.e. sensors and actuators behind the connnected home gateway. While there are separate standards for interaction between IoT service to home gateway and gateway to variety of end-devices there remains disconnect regarding how this two ends meet in an adaptable and scalable way. In this paper we present an light-weight, loosly coupled architecture for IoT smart home gateway whereby end-devices can be added dynamically on the gateway without disrupting long haul communication between IoT cloud service and gateway. The gateway agent exchanges data through sensor-block or actuator-block with end-devices via device microagents and the protocol specific read-write task is offloaded to individual device microagent. This hybrid approach to integrate MQTT pub/sub flexibility with LWM2M RESTful adaptability results in a design of plug-n-play modular agent architecture for home gateway management in IoT applications.
A brief overview of machine learning methods for short-term traffic forecasting and future directions
Authors: Li Yaguang , Shahabi Cyrus
Published: June 2018

Short-term traffic forecasting is a vital part of intelligent transportation systems. Recently, the combination of unprecedented data availability and the repaid development of machine learning techniques have brought on immense advancement in this field. In this paper, we aim to provide a brief overview of machine learning approaches for short-term traffic forecasting to facilitate research in related fields. We first introduce traffic forecasting and the challenges, and then introduce different approaches for modeling the temporal and/or spatial dependencies. Finally, we discuss several important directions for the future research.
Engineering the Mucus Barrier
Authors: Carlson T.L. , Lock J.Y. , Carrier R.L.
Published: June 2018

Mucus selectively controls the transport of molecules, particulate matter, and microorganisms to the underlying epithelial layer. It may be desirable to weaken the mucus barrier to enable effective delivery of drug carriers. Alternatively, the mucus barrier can be strengthened to prevent epithelial interaction with pathogenic microbes or other exogenous materials. The dynamic mucus layer can undergo changes in structure (e.g., pore size) and/or composition (e.g., protein concentrations, mucin glycosylation) in response to stimuli that occur naturally or are purposely administered, thus altering its barrier function. This review outlines mechanisms by which mucus provides a selective barrier and methods to engineer the mucus layer from the perspective of strengthening or weakening its barrier properties. In addition, we discuss strategic design of drug carriers and dosing formulation properties for efficient delivery across the mucus barrier.
Molecular Modelling for Reactor Design
Authors: Keil Frerich J.
Published: June 2018

Chemical reactor modelling based on insights and data on a molecular level has become reality over the last few years. Multiscale models describing elementary reaction steps and full microkinetic schemes, pore structures, multicomponent adsorption and diffusion inside pores, and entire reactors have been presented. Quantum mechanical (QM) approaches, molecular simulations (Monte Carlo and molecular dynamics), and continuum equations have been employed for this purpose. Some recent developments in these approaches are presented, in particular time-dependent QM methods, calculation of van der Waals forces, new approaches for force field generation, automatic setup of reaction schemes, and pore modelling. Multiscale simulations are discussed. Applications of these approaches to heterogeneous catalysis are demonstrated for examples that have found growing interest over the last few years, such as metal-support interactions, influence of pore geometry on reactions, noncovalent bonding, reaction dynamics, dynamic changes in catalyst nanoparticle structure, electrocatalysis, solvent effects in catalysis, and multiscale modelling.
The Energy Future
Authors: Newman John , Bonino Christopher A. , Trainham James A.
Published: June 2018

The foreseeable energy future will be driven by economics of known technologies and the desire to reduce CO2 emissions to the atmosphere. Renewable energy options are compared with each other and with the use of fossil fuels with carbon capture and sequestration (CCS). Economic analysis is used to determine the best of several alternatives. One can disagree on the detailed costs, including externalities such as climate change and air and water pollution. But the differences in capital and operating costs between known technologies are so significant that one can draw clear conclusions. Results show that renewable energy cannot compete with fossil fuels on a cost basis alone because energy is intrinsic to the molecule, except for hydroelectricity. However, fossil fuels are implicated in climate change. Using renewable energy exclusively, including transportation and electricity needs, could reduce the standard of living in the United States by 43% to 62%, which would correspond to the level in about 1970. If capture and sequester of CO2 are implemented, the cost of using fossil fuels will increase, but they beat renewable energy handily as an economic way to produce clean energy.
Lifestyle intervention for morbid obesity: effects on liver steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis
Authors: Hohenester Simon , Christiansen Simon , Nagel Jutta , Wimmer Ralf , Artmann Renate , Denk Gerald , Bischoff Monika , Bischoff Gert , Rust Christian
Published: June 2018

The prevalence of obesity-related nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is rising. NAFLD may result in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), progressing to liver cirrhosis. Weight loss is recommended to treat obesity-related NASH. Lifestyle intervention may improve NASH; however, pertinent trials have so far focused on overweight patients, whereas patients with obesity are at highest risk of developing NAFLD. Furthermore, reports of effects on liver fibrosis are scarce. We evaluated the effect of lifestyle intervention on NAFLD in a real-life cohort of morbidly obese patients. In our observational study, 152 patients underwent lifestyle intervention, with a follow-up of 52 weeks. Noninvasive measures of obesity, metabolic syndrome, liver steatosis, liver damage, and liver fibrosis were analyzed. Treatment response in terms of weight loss was achieved in 85.1% of patients. Dysglycemia and dyslipidemia improved. The proportion of patients with fatty liver dropped from 98.1 to 54.3% ( P < 0.001). Weight loss >10% was associated with better treatment response ( P = 0.0009). Prevalence of abnormal serum transaminases fell from 81.0 to 50.5% ( P < 0.001). The proportion fibrotic patients, as determined by the NAFLD fibrosis score, dropped from 11.8 to 0% ( P < 0.05). Low serum levels of adiponectin correlated with degree of liver damage, i.e., serum liver transaminases ( r = −0,32, P < 0.05). Serum levels of adiponectin improved with intervention. In conclusion, lifestyle intervention effectively targeted obesity and the metabolic syndrome. Liver steatosis, damage and fibrosis were ameliorated in this real-life cohort of morbidly obese patients, mediated in part by changes in the adipokine profile. Patients with weight loss of >10% seemed to benefit most.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We demonstrate new evidence that lifestyle intervention is effective in treating NAFLD in the important group of patients with (morbid) obesity. Although current guidelines on the therapy of NASH recommend weight loss of 5–7%, weight reduction >10% may be favorable in morbid obesity. Serum levels of adipokines correlate with liver damage, which is indicative of their pathogenetic importance in human NASH. Our study adds to the limited body of evidence that NAFLD-associated liver fibrosis may resolve with lifestyle intervention.
A pro-con debate: current controversies in PAH pathogenesis at the American Thoracic Society International Conference in 2017
Authors: Kuebler Wolfgang M. , Nicolls Mark R. , Olschewski Andrea , Abe Kohtaro , Rabinovitch Marlene , Stewart Duncan , Chan Stephen Y. , Morrell Nicholas W. , Archer Stephen L. , Spiekerkoetter Edda
Published: June 2018

The following review summarizes the pro-con debate about current controversies regarding the pathogenesis of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) that took place at the American Thoracic Society Conference in May 2017. Leaders in the field of PAH research discussed the importance of the immune system, the role of hemodynamic stress and endothelial apoptosis, as well as bone morphogenetic protein receptor-2 signaling in PAH pathogenesis. Whereas this summary does not intend to resolve obvious conflicts in opinion, we hope that the presented arguments entice further discussions and draw a new generation of enthusiastic researchers into this vibrant field of science to bridge existing gaps for a better understanding and therapy of this fatal disease.
Effect of healthy aging on cerebral blood flow, CO2 reactivity, and neurovascular coupling during exercise
Authors: Nowak-Flück Daniela , Ainslie Philip N. , Bain Anthony R. , Ahmed Amar , Wildfong Kevin W. , Morris Laura E. , Phillips Aaron A. , Fisher James P.
Published: June 2018

We sought to make the first comparisons of duplex Doppler ultrasonography-derived measures of cerebral blood flow during exercise in young and older individuals and to assess whether healthy aging influences the effect of exercise on neurovascular coupling (NVC) and cerebral vascular reactivity to changes in carbon dioxide (CVRco2). In 10 healthy young (23 ± 2 yr; mean ± SD) and 9 healthy older (66 ± 3 yr) individuals, internal carotid artery (ICA) and vertebral artery (VA) blood flows were concurrently measured, along with middle and posterior cerebral artery mean blood velocity (MCAvmean and PCAvmean). Measures were made at rest and during leg cycling (75 W and 35% maximum aerobic workload). ICA and VA blood flow during dynamic exercise, undertaken at matched absolute (ICA: young 336 ± 95, older 352 ± 155; VA: young 95 ± 43, older 100 ± 30 ml/min) and relative (ICA: young 355 ± 125, older 323 ± 153; VA: young 115 ± 48, older 110 ± 32 ml/min) intensities, were not different between groups ( P > 0.670). The PCAvmean responses to visual stimulation (NVC) were blunted in older versus younger group at rest (16 ± 6% vs. 23 ± 7%, P < 0.026) and exercise; however, these responses were not changed from rest to exercise in either group. The ICA and VA CVRco2 were comparable in both groups and unaltered during exercise. Collectively, our findings suggest that 1) ICA and VA blood flow responses to dynamic exercise are similar in healthy young and older individuals, 2) NVC is blunted in healthy older individuals at rest and exercise but is not different between rest to exercise in either group, and 3) CVRco2 is similar during exercise in healthy young and older groups.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Internal carotid artery and vertebral artery blood flow responses to dynamic exercise are similar in healthy young and older individuals. Neurovascular coupling and cerebrovascular carbon dioxide reactivity, two key mechanisms mediating the cerebral blood flow responses to exercise, are generally unaffected by exercise in both healthy young and older individuals.
Critical power is positively related to skeletal muscle capillarity and type I muscle fibers in endurance-trained individuals
Authors: Mitchell Emma A. , Martin Neil R. W. , Bailey Stephen J. , Ferguson Richard A.
Published: June 2018

The asymptote [critical power (CP)] and curvature constant ( W′) of the hyperbolic power-duration relationship can predict performance within the severe-intensity exercise domain. However, the extent to which these parameters relate to skeletal muscle morphology is less clear, particularly in endurance-trained individuals, who, relative to their lesser-trained counterparts, possess skeletal muscles that can support high levels of oxygen transport and oxidative capacity, i.e., elevated type I fiber proportion and cross-sectional area (CSA) and capillarity. Fourteen endurance-trained men performed a maximal incremental test to determine peak oxygen uptake (V̇o2peak; 63.2 ± 4.1 ml·min−1·kg−1, mean ± SD) and maximal aerobic power (406 ± 63 W) and three to five constant-load tests to task failure for the determination of CP (303 ± 52 W) and W′ (17.0 ± 3.0 kJ). Skeletal muscle biopsies were obtained from the vastus lateralis and analyzed for percent proportion of fiber types, CSA, and indexes of capillarity. CP was positively correlated with the percent proportion ( r = 0.79; P = 0.001) and CSA ( r = 0.73; P = 0.003) of type I fibers, capillary-to-fiber ratio ( r = 0.88; P < 0.001), and capillary contacts around type I fibers ( r = 0.94; P < 0.001) and type II fibers ( r = 0.68; P = 0.008). W′ was not correlated with any morphological variables. These data reveal a strong positive association between CP and skeletal muscle capillarity. Our findings support the assertion that CP is an important parameter of aerobic function and offer novel insights into the physiological bases of CP.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This investigation demonstrated very strong positive correlations between critical power and skeletal muscle capillarity, particularly around type I fibers, and type I fiber composition. These correlations were demonstrated in endurance-trained individuals expected to possess well-adapted skeletal muscles, such as high levels of oxygen transport structures and high oxidative capacities, supporting the view that critical power is an important parameter of aerobic function. In contrast, the curvature constant W′ was not associated with fiber type composition or capillarity.
Immunological Compatibility of Bone Tissues from Alpha-1,3-galactosyltransferase Knockout Pig for Xenotransplantation
Authors: Kim Se Eun , Kang Kyung Won , Gu Suna , Hwang Seongsoo , Ock Sun A , Shim Kyung Mi , Jang Kwangsik , Choi Seok Hwa , Lee Sang-Myeong , Kang Seong Soo
Published: June 2018

We investigated whether the lack of galactosyltransferase (α-Gal) expression in bone tissue is associated with reduced immune response of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) against pig bone tissue. When human PBMC obtained from heparinized blood of healthy volunteers was stimulated with bone extracts of pigs withα-1,3-galactosyltransferase knock out (α-Gal KO), the proliferation of human PBMCs and production of proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-αand IL-1βwere significantly reduced compared to those stimulated with bone extracts of wild type (WT) pigs. In addition, activation of CD4+helper T cells and production of IL-2, IFN-γ, and IL-17 were reduced upon stimulation with bone tissue extracts fromα-Gal KO pigs. This is possibly due to the lowered activities of the NF-κB, p38, ERK, and JNK signaling pathways. Our findings can be used to evaluate the compatibility of bone tissues fromα-Gal KO pigs with human bone grafting as novel natural biomaterials, thereby increasing the feasibility of future clinical applications.
Ocean Wave Information Retrieval Using Simulated Compact Polarized SAR from Radarsat-2
Authors: Wang Xiaochen , Shao Yun , She Lu , Tian Wei , Li Kun , Liu Long
Published: June 2018

The main objective of this paper is to demonstrate the capability of compact polarized (CP) synthetic aperture radar (SAR) to retrieve ocean wave field parameters. Souyris’ and Nord’s algorithms are used to carry out the reconstruction of CP SAR pseudo quad-polarized data for the ocean surface under both the circular transmit linear receive (CTLR) and π/4 mode. The results show that, for the CP reconstruction, Nord’s algorithm has a better convergence ability than Souyris’. In addition, the investigation of the reconstruction accuracy shows that the CTLR mode is superior to the π/4 mode, in terms of ocean surface reconstruction. It is, therefore, concluded that the reconstructed parameters of CP CTLR mode data by Nord’s algorithm adapt to retrieve ocean wave information. The ocean wave slope spectrum and other main wave parameters are also calculated from reconstructed CP data and compared with measurements from in situ National Data Buoy Center (NDBC) matched-up buoys. Comparison of CP SAR-based wave field information with buoy outputs also shows good agreement in the case of dominate wave height, wave direction, and wave period, with biases of 0.36 m, 17.96°, and 0.88 s, respectively.
A Hybrid Proximal Algorithm for the Sum of Monotone Operators with Multivalued Mappings
Authors: Kaewyong N. , Kittiratanawasin L. , Pukdeboon C. , Sitthithakerngkiet K.
Published: June 2018

We modify a hybrid method and a proximal point algorithm to iteratively find a zero point of the sum of two monotone operators and fixed point of nonspreading multivalued mappings in a Hilbert space by using the technique of forward-backward splitting method. The strong convergence theorem is established and the illustrative numerical example is presented on this work. The results of this paper extend and improve some well-known results in the literature.
Analytical Solution for Bending Analysis of Axially Functionally Graded Angle-Ply Flat Panels
Authors: Singh Agyapal , Kumari Poonam , Hazarika Rupam
Published: June 2018

In this paper, the analytical solution is presented for axially functionally graded (AFG) angle-ply flat panels subjected to arbitrary boundary condition. Material properties of AFG panels are assumed to vary linearly along x-direction. Reissner-type variation principle is used to derive the governing equations in mixed form. By employing extended Kantorovich method (EKM), a set of nonhomogeneous ordinary differential equations (ODEs) are obtained along the in-plane (x) and thickness (z) direction. The system of ODEs along the z-direction has constant coefficients, solved analytically. However, the system of ODEs along x-direction has variable coefficients, solved using modified power series method. The influence of property variation on the deflection and stresses is studied and discussed comprehensively for different sets of boundary conditions. Numerical results are validated through comparison with 3D FE. The presented analytical solution can serve as a benchmark for assessing the accuracy of the two-dimensional solution or 3D numerical solutions.
Simultaneous Subconjunctival Triamcinolone and Bevacizumab Injections for Management of Blepharokeratoconjunctivitis in Children
Authors: Nguyen Chu Luan , Chen Tony S. , Tran Khoi , Smith James E. H. , Lewis Noni
Published: June 2018

Purpose. To report the efficacy of subconjunctival triamcinolone (Kenalog A-40, Alcon) and bevacizumab (Avastin, Genentech) injections in fraternal twins with blepharokeratoconjunctivitis (BKC) causing progressive, bilateral corneal neovascularization and scarring. Methods. In this retrospective observational case series, two three-year-old male twins with BKC had presented with bilateral red eyes, photophobia, and frequent blinking. Examination of each child showed bilateral deep stromal and superficial corneal neovascularization, corneal infiltrates, multiple follicles on the palpebral conjunctiva bilaterally with blepharitis, and thick turbid sebum expressed from the Meibomian glands. Their disease progressed despite conventional treatment. Both twins were managed with subconjunctival triamcinolone injection and subconjunctival bevacizumab injection of each eye. Results. The treatment resulted in improvement of symptoms, and examination over an 8-10-month period postinjections showed fading stromal corneal infiltrates, partially regressed corneal neovascularization, and reduced conjunctival injection without complications. Conclusion. This case series highlights the potential vision threatening complications of BKC. In addition to conventional management options, this report is the first published use of subconjunctival triamcinolone and bevacizumab injections for BKC in children in an attempt to minimize and improve corneal neovascularization and scarring and subsequently to retain useful vision.
An Improved Method for Cross-Project Defect Prediction by Simplifying Training Data
Authors: He Peng , He Yao , Yu Lvjun , Li Bing
Published: June 2018

Cross-project defect prediction (CPDP) on projects with limited historical data has attracted much attention. To the best of our knowledge, however, the performance of existing approaches is usually poor, because of low quality cross-project training data. The objective of this study is to propose an improved method for CPDP by simplifying training data, labeled as TDSelector, which considers both the similarity and the number of defects that each training instance has (denoted by defects), and to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. Our work consists of three main steps. First, we constructed TDSelector in terms of a linear weighted function of instances’ similarity and defects. Second, the basic defect predictor used in our experiments was built by using the Logistic Regression classification algorithm. Third, we analyzed the impacts of different combinations of similarity and the normalization of defects on prediction performance and then compared with two existing methods. We evaluated our method on 14 projects collected from two public repositories. The results suggest that the proposed TDSelector method performs, on average, better than both baseline methods, and the AUC values are increased by up to 10.6% and 4.3%, respectively. That is, the inclusion of defects is indeed helpful to select high quality training instances for CPDP. On the other hand, the combination of Euclidean distance and linear normalization is the preferred way for TDSelector. An additional experiment also shows that selecting those instances with more bugs directly as training data can further improve the performance of the bug predictor trained by our method.
Cycling Induced Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection in a Healthy Male
Authors: Jafri Farrukh Nadeem , Solarz David , Hjemdahl-Monsen Craig
Published: June 2018

Introduction. Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a rare but important cause of acute coronary syndrome with a spectrum of disease that can include unstable angina, acute myocardial infarction, or sudden cardiac death. It has also been found in case reports to be caused by shear stress from physical exertion. We present a rare cycling induced SCAD that occurred in our institution in an otherwise healthy male with no cardiac risk factors. Case Presentation. A 36-year-old male presented to the emergency department with complaints of lightheadedness and diaphoresis after a bicycle fall. In the emergency department, he complained of feeling lightheaded and diaphoretic and having mid back pain. Patient had an ECG performed which showed lateral ST segment elevation and troponin I that was positive. A coronary angiography was subsequently performed demonstrating a spontaneous coronary artery dissection of left anterior descending coronary artery. Conclusion. SCAD is a rare cause of myocardial infarction, occurring in healthy individuals, which is rarely reported in the literature. Nearly 70% are diagnosed in postmortem studies after sudden cardiac death. Only 12 cases have been reported from activities involving physical exertion and no studies to our knowledge demonstrate this.
Model-Based Optimization of Velocity Strategy for Lightweight Electric Racing Cars
Authors: Targosz Mirosław , Skarka Wojciech , Przystałka Piotr
Published: June 2018

The article presents a method for optimizing driving strategies aimed at minimizing energy consumption while driving. The method was developed for the needs of an electric powered racing vehicle built for the purposes of the Shell Eco-marathon (SEM), the most famous and largest race of energy efficient vehicles. Model-based optimization was used to determine the driving strategy. The numerical model was elaborated in Simulink environment, which includes both the electric vehicle model and the environment, i.e., the race track as well as the vehicle environment and the atmospheric conditions. The vehicle model itself includes vehicle dynamic model, numerical model describing issues concerning resistance of rolling tire, resistance of the propulsion system, aerodynamic phenomena, model of the electric motor, and control system. For the purpose of identifying design and functional features of individual subassemblies and components, numerical and stand tests were carried out. The model itself was tested on the research tracks to tune the model and determine the calculation parameters. The evolutionary algorithms, which are available in the MATLAB Global Optimization Toolbox, were used for optimization. In the race conditions, the model was verified during SEM races in Rotterdam where the race vehicle scored the result consistent with the results of simulation calculations. In the following years, the experience gathered by the team gave us the vice Championship in the SEM 2016 in London.
No Association of CALCA Polymorphisms and Aseptic Loosening after Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Aydin-Yüce Tünay , Kurscheid Gina , Bachmann Hagen Sjard , Gehrke Thorsten , Dudda Marcel , Jäger Markus , Wedemeyer Christian , Kauther Max Daniel
Published: June 2018

Studies of aseptic loosening showed an influence of calcitonin andα-CGRP, both encoded from the calcitonin/α-CGRP (CALCA) gene by alternative splicing. The aim of this study was to detect a possible association of the CALCA polymorphisms P1(rs1553005), P2(rs35815751), P3(rs5240), and P4(rs2956) with the time to aseptic loosening after THA. 320 patients suffering from aseptic loosening after primary total hip arthroplasty were genotyped for CALCA-P1 polymorphism and 161 patients for CALCA-P2 and CALCA-P3 polymorphisms and 160 patients for CALCA-P4 polymorphism. CALCA genotypes were determined by polymerase chain reaction and restriction-fragment length polymorphism. The genotype distribution of CALCA-P1 was CC 10%, CT 43%, and 46% TT. CALCA-P2 showed a distribution of 90.7%II, 8.7% ID, and 0.6% DD. The CALCA-P3 genotype distribution was 97.5% TT and 2.5% TC. The CALCA-P4 genotype distribution was 48.1% AA, 40% AT, and 11.9% TT. Significant differences between the CALCA genotypes were not found concerning age at implantation and replantation, BMI, gender, and cementation technique. No associations of the time for aseptic loosening were found. In conclusion, we did not find a significant association of CALCA polymorphisms and the time to aseptic loosening after primary THA in a Western European group.
Aspirated Almond Masquerading as an Obstructing Endobronchial Mass Suspicious for Lung Cancer
Authors: Biswas Roy Sreeja , Ross Mitchell D. , Madan Nikhil , Abdelrazek Hesham , Edwards Rebekah , Collum Earle S. , Bremner Ross M. , Patel Vipul J. , Panchabhai Tanmay S.
Published: June 2018

Foreign body aspiration is relatively rare in adults compared to children. In adults with delayed presentation, a history of choking is often absent, resulting in delayed diagnosis and significant morbidity. Common presenting features in adults include nonresolving cough with or without fever, hemoptysis, or wheezing and may mimic infectious, inflammatory, or neoplastic disorders. We present a case of a 64-year-old man with 80-pack-year smoking history who had a nonresolving left lower lobe infiltrate on chest radiograph after treatment for community-acquired pneumonia. His insidious-onset symptoms included cough, decreased exercise tolerance, and localized wheezing. Computed tomography of the chest showed a left lower lobe consolidation, with narrowing of the bronchus. Flexible bronchoscopy revealed a fleshy endobronchial mass, prompting endobronchial needle aspiration and biopsies, all of which revealed acute inflammation on rapid onsite evaluation. After multiple biopsies, a white pearly object with a detached brown cover was revealed; the object was found to be an aspirated almond. The almond and its peel were retrieved. The patient acknowledged that he had frequently eaten almonds in the supine position while recovering from a previous injury. His symptoms completely resolved at 3-month follow up, and he has ceased smoking and no longer consumes food while supine.
Fractal Analysis of Microscale and Nanoscale Pore Structures in Carbonates Using High-Pressure Mercury Intrusion
Authors: Wang Fuyong , Lian Peiqing , Jiao Liang , Liu Zhichao , Zhao Jiuyu , Gao Jian
Published: June 2018

This paper investigated fractal characteristics of microscale and nanoscale pore structures in carbonates using High-Pressure Mercury Intrusion (HPMI). Firstly, four different fractal models, i.e., 2D capillary tube model, 3D capillary tube model, geometry model, and thermodynamic model, were used to calculate fractal dimensions of carbonate core samples from HPMI curves. Afterwards, the relationships between the calculated fractal dimensions and carbonate petrophysical properties were analysed. Finally, fractal permeability model was used to predict carbonate permeability and then compared with Winland permeability model. The research results demonstrate that the calculated fractal dimensions strongly depend on the fractal models used. Compared with the other three fractal models, 3D capillary tube model can effectively reflect the fractal characteristics of carbonate microscale and nanoscale pores. Fractal dimensions of microscale pores positively correlate with fractal dimensions of the entire carbonate pores, yet negatively correlate with fractal dimensions of nanoscale pores. Although nanoscale pores widely develop in carbonates, microscale pores have greater impact on the fractal characteristics of the entire pores. Fractal permeability model is applicable in predicting carbonate permeability, and compared with the Winland permeability model, its calculation errors are acceptable.
Precise Detection of Wrist Pulse Using Digital Speckle Pattern Interferometry
Authors: Zhang Hengfei , Wu Sijin , Li Weixian , Wang Yonghong , Dong Mingli , Yang Lianxiang
Published: June 2018

Pulse diagnosis is one of the four diagnostic methods of traditional Chinese medicine. However it suffers from the lack of objective and efficient detection method. We propose a noncontact optical method to detect human wrist pulse, aiming at the precise determination of the temporal and spatial distributions of pulse. The method uses the spatial‐carrier digital speckle pattern interferometry (DSPI) to measure the micro/nanoscale skin displacement dynamically. Significant improvements in DSPI measurement have been made to allow the DSPI to detect the comprehensive information of the arterial pulsation at locations of Cun, Guan, and Chi. The experimental results prove that the spatiotemporal distributions of pulse can be obtained by the proposed method. The obtained data can be further used to describe most of the pulse parameters such as rate, rhythm, depth, length, width, and contour.
Noninvasive Assessment of Portal Hypertension in Advanced Chronic Liver Disease: An Update
Authors: Ravaioli Federico , Montagnani Marco , Lisotti Andrea , Festi Davide , Mazzella Giuseppe , Azzaroli Francesco
Published: June 2018

The assessment of portal hypertension is a relevant step in the evaluation of newly diagnosed advanced chronic liver disease (ACLD). The current gold standard includes the invasive evaluation of hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) and endoscopy. However, noninvasive or minimally invasive techniques to assess portal hypertension have been proposed and well established. In the present manuscript, we review clinical studies on the use of noninvasive or minimally invasive techniques to assess portal hypertension in ACLD patients.
Epidemic Model of Algorithm-Enhanced Dedicated Virus through Networks
Authors: Du Yi-Hong , Liu Shi-Hua
Published: June 2018

Wi-Fi networks almost cover all active areas around us and, especially in some densely populated regions, Wi-Fi signals are strongly overlapped. The broad and overlapped coverage brings much convenience at the cost of great security risks. Conventionally, a worm virus can infect a router and then attack other routers within its signal coverage. Nowadays, artificial intelligence enables us to solve problems efficiently from available data via computer algorithm. In this paper, we endow the virus with some abilities and present a dedicated worm virus which can pick susceptible routers with kernel density estimation (KDE) algorithm as the attacking tasks automatically. This virus can also attack lower-encryption-level routers first and acquire fast-growing numbers of infected routers on the initial stage. We simulate an epidemic behavior in the collected spatial coordinate of routers in a typical area in Beijing City, where 56.0% routers are infected in 18 hours. This dramatical defeat benefits from the correct infection seed selection and a low-encryption-level priority. This work provides a framework for a computer-algorithm-enhanced virus exploration and gives some insights on offence and defence to both hackers and computer users.
Expression of miR-652-3p and Effect on Apoptosis and Drug Sensitivity in Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Jiang Qian , Lu Xiaojing , Huang Pengli , Gao Chao , Zhao Xiaoxi , Xing Tianyu , Li Gang , Bao Shilai , Zheng Huyong
Published: June 2018

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) expression profiles were screened in plasma samples from pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and healthy controls, using qRT-PCR-based TaqMan low-density miRNA arrays. MiR-652-3p (a circulating miRNA) was downregulated in new diagnosis (ND) patients compared with healthy controls. The levels of miR652-3p were restored in complete remission (CR) but were downregulated again in disease relapse (RE). The expression pattern of miR-652-3p was validated in bone marrow (BM) samples from other pediatric ALL patients. MiR-652-3p was significantly upregulated in BM when the patients (n=86) achieved CR, as compared with the matched ND samples (p<0.001). Moreover, the miR-652-3p levels in BM decreased again in two patients at RE. In addition, the lymphoblastic leukemia cell lines Reh and RS4:11 were found to have lower levels of miR-625-3p than the normal B-cell line. Overexpression of miR-652-3p using agomir increased the sensitivity to vincristine and cytarabine (all p<0.05) and promoted apoptosis (both p<0.05) in Reh and RS4:11 cells. In conclusion, the results suggested that a low level of miR-652-3p might be involved in the pathogenesis of pediatric ALL. Overexpression of miR-652-3p might suppress lymphoblastic leukemia cells, promoting apoptosis and increasing sensitivity to chemotherapeutic drugs.