bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feasibility of Autologous Fibrin Glue and Polyglycolic Acid Sheets to Prevent Delayed Bleeding after Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection of Gastric Neoplasms in Patients Receiving Antithrombotic Therapy
Authors: Kikuchi Daisuke , Iizuka Toshiro , Nomura Kosuke , Kuribayashi Yasutaka , Tanaka Masami , Yamashita Satoshi , Furuhata Tsukasa , Matsui Akira , Mitani Toshifumi , Makino Shigeyoshi , Hoteya Shu
Published: March 2018

Background/Aims. Delayed bleeding is one of the most serious complications following gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) under antithrombotic therapy. As a safety measure, for patients receiving antithrombotic therapy, we covered the ESD ulcer with autologous fibrin glue (prepared using autologous blood) alone or with polyglycolic acid (PGA) sheets. Methods. From July 2014 to November 2015, 20 patients with gastric neoplasms who were receiving antithrombotic therapy were enrolled in this study. After ESD, the ESD ulcers were covered with autologous fibrin glue alone or with PGA sheets. We prospectively evaluated the feasibility of this safety measure. Results. In total, 22 lesions in 20 patients were resected en bloc by ESD. The mean specimen size and tumor size were 31.5 ± 9.5 mm and 14.0 ± 8.8 mm, respectively. There were no cases of delayed bleeding or adverse events in this study. Attachment of autologous fibrin glue was observed in 81.8% (18/22) and 68.2% (15/22) of lesions at endoscopy performed 1 day and 7 days after ESD, respectively. Conclusion. No patient in this study had delayed bleeding or adverse events. This suggests that this measure may facilitate the safety of gastric ESD in patients receiving antithrombotic therapy. This trial is registered with UMIN000019386.
Raman Spectroscopy Characterization of Dissolved Polysilicon Byproduct SiCl4 in Ionic Liquids
Authors: Cheng Cheng , Zhang Chenglong , Jiang Jiachao , Ma En , Bai Jianfeng , Wang Jingwei
Published: March 2018

Silicon tetrachloride (SiCl4) is the main byproducts of the polysilicon industries. The dissolution behaviors of SiCl4 in imidazolium ionic liquid, including [Bmim]OTf, [Bmim]NTf2, [Hmim]NTf2, and [Omim]NTf2, were investigated for recycling Si from SiCl4. Raman spectroscopy was used to understand the combination between the ionic liquid and SiCl4, and the conductivity of ionic liquids in different conditions was determined. The results indicated that [Bmim]NTf2 exhibited a better SiCl4 dissolving capacity compared to [Bmim]OTf, longer alkyl chain lengths in the imidazolium cations of the ionic liquids exhibited a better performance in dissolving SiCl4, and [Bmim]NTf2 : PC = 1 : 2 exhibited the best conductivity. In addition, molecular bondings between C-Cl, Si-O-Si, and C-Si were formed between the ionic liquids and SiCl4.
Graphene Foam Chemical Sensor System Based on Principal Component Analysis and Backpropagation Neural Network
Authors: Hua Hongling , Xie Xiaohui , Sun Jinjin , Qin Ge , Tang Caiyan , Zhang Zhen , Ding Zhaoqiang , Yue Weiwei
Published: March 2018

A kind of graphene foam chemical sensor (GFCS) system based on the principal component analysis (PCA) and backpropagation neural network (BPNN) was presented in this paper. Compared with conventional chemical sensors, the GFCS could discriminate various chemical molecules with selectivity without surface modification. The GFCS system consisted of an unmodified graphene foam chemical sensor, an electrical resistance time domain detection system (ERTDS), and a pattern recognition module. The GFCS has been validated via several chemical molecules discrimination including chloroform, acetone, and ether. The experimental results showed that the discrimination accuracy for each molecule exceeded 97% and a single measurement can be achieved in ten minutes. This work may have presented a new strategy for research and application for graphene chemical sensors.
Analysis of the Effect of 60Co-γ Irradiation Sterilization Technology on the Chemical Composition of Saffron Using UPLC and UPLC/Q-TOF-MS
Authors: Luo Ding-qiang , Zhao Shan-shan , Tang Yu-rong , Wang Qing-jun , Liu Hai-jing , Ma Shuang-cheng
Published: March 2018

To evaluate the effect of 60Co-γ irradiation sterilization technology on the chemical composition of saffron, we collected 10 batches of saffron samples and treated them with different irradiation doses. UPLC characteristic chromatogram showed that there was no significant effect of irradiation on 13 common peak areas. The results of cluster analysis and principal component analysis showed that there were no differences in the chemical composition in nonirradiated and irradiated samples. UPLC/Q-TOF-MS identified 40 characteristic components of saffron, and the results showed that all of these were detected in the saffron samples both with and without irradiation. Irradiation doses at or below 10 kGy had no significant effect on the chemical components of saffron. This provides a sound basis for the use of 60Co-γ ray irradiation sterilization technology during the preparation of original powder saffron as a medicinal herb, for the effective destruction of mycotoxin contamination.
Endolumenal Vacuum Therapy and Fistulojejunostomy in the Management of Sleeve Gastrectomy Staple Line Leaks
Authors: Szymanski Kyle , Ontiveros Estrellita , Burdick James S. , Davis Daniel , Leeds Steven G.
Published: March 2018

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is the most common bariatric surgery performed for morbid obesity. Leaks of the vertical staple line can occur in up to 7% of cases and are difficult to manage. Endolumenal vacuum (EVAC) therapy and fistulojejunostomy (FJ) have separate documented uses to heal these complicated leaks. We aim to show the benefit of using EVAC with FJ in the treatment of LSG staple line leaks. The patient presented with an LSG chronic leak. EVAC therapy was initiated but failed to close the fistula after 101 days. EVAC therapy was abandoned, and FJ was performed to resolve the leak. Postoperatively, no leak was encountered requiring any additional procedures. Based on our findings, we conclude that EVAC therapy facilitates in resolving leaks that restore gastrointestinal continuity and maintain source control. It promotes healing and causes reperfusion of ischemic tissue and fistula cavity debridement.
Quality Risk Evaluation of the Food Supply Chain Using a Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation Model and Failure Mode, Effects, and Criticality Analysis
Authors: Bai Libiao , Shi Chunming , Guo Yuntao , Du Qiang , Huang Youdan
Published: March 2018

Evaluating the quality risk level in the food supply chain can reduce quality information asymmetry and food quality incidents and promote nationally integrated regulations for food quality. In order to evaluate it, a quality risk evaluation indicator system for the food supply chain is constructed based on an extensive literature review in this paper. Furthermore, a mathematical model based on the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation model (FCEM) and failure mode, effects, and criticality analysis (FMECA) for evaluating the quality risk level in the food supply chain is developed. A computational experiment aimed at verifying the effectiveness and feasibility of this proposed model is conducted on the basis of a questionnaire survey. The results suggest that this model can be used as a general guideline to assess the quality risk level in the food supply chain and achieve the most important objective of providing a reference for the public and private sectors when making decisions on food quality management.
Hazardous Gas Emission Monitoring Based on High-Resolution Images
Authors: Chen Wenjian , Wang Yi , Li Xuan , Gao Wei , Ma Shiwei , Duan Yuanyuan , Shao Xiaopeng
Published: March 2018

Air pollution presents unprecedentedly severe challenges to humans today. Various measures have been taken to monitor pollution from gas emissions and the changing atmosphere, of which imaging is of crucial importance. By images of target scenes, intuitional judgments and in-depth data are achievable. However, due to the limitations of imaging devices, effective and efficient monitoring work is often hindered by low-resolution target images. To deal with this problem, a superresolution reconstruction method was proposed in this study for high-resolution monitoring images. It was based on the idea of sparse representation. Particularly, multiple dictionary pairs were trained according to the gradient features of samples, and one optimal pair of dictionaries was chosen to reconstruct by judging the weighting of the information in different directions. Furthermore, the K-means singular value decomposition algorithm was used to train the dictionaries and the orthogonal matching pursuit algorithm was employed to calculate the sparse coding coefficients. Finally, the experiment’s results demonstrated its advantages in both visual fidelity and numerical measures.
Experimental Investigation of Pressure Fluctuation, Vibration, and Noise in a Multistage Pump
Authors: Wang Kai , Zhang Zixu , Xia Chen , Liu Zhongchun
Published: March 2018

In order to measure the pressure pulsation, vibration, and noise characteristics of multistage centrifugal pump in different flow rates, a five‐stage centrifugal pump was chosen as research object. The results show that the main frequency of pressure pulsation was BPF1, 9APF, BPF2, BPF2, and 9APF. According to the order of monitoring points, the intensity of the pressure fluctuation increased and then decreased, with the strongest fluctuation at monitoring point P2. The peak value of pressure fluctuation in monitoring point P2 was obviously higher than the other monitoring points. The main characteristic frequency of vibration is 4APF, BPF2, 9APF, 2BPF2, 3BPF1, 4BPF1, and 4BPF2. The number of characteristic frequencies at the outlet flange was significantly more than the number of characteristic frequencies at the inlet flange. As the flow rate increased, the vibration of motor gradually increased and the vibration of pump increased at first and then decreased. It reached the minimum vibration level in the design flow rate. Motor contributed the largest amount of noise caused by the pump unit. The noise level of measure point which is close to motor is higher than that of other measure points. As the flow rate increased, the noise incrementally increased, and the difference in noise level between measure points decreased gradationally. When the flow rate was 120 m3/h, the maximum difference value of different noise monitoring points was only 1.7 dB.
Study on the Rectification of Forebay in Pumping Station
Authors: Song Weiwei , Pang Yong , Shi Xiaohuan , Xu Qing
Published: March 2018

The forebay of pumping stations is an important hydraulic structure that connects the channel with the inlet channel. Actual test observations and theoretical studies have shown that poor precursors produce backflow, vortex, and water flow disturbances in the forebay water. In this paper, taking a lateral inlet pump station as an example, we study the nonmeasures and five rectification measures—“Y” type diversion pier, “T” shaped diversion pier, narrow bottom hole, high and wide bottom, and diversion wall—through adopting the method of numerical simulation and model test. For the numerical simulation, the corresponding three-dimensional model is established by UG solid modeling software, and then the computational fluid is simulated numerically with CFX. Based on the analysis and comparison of the results during the test of numerical simulation and model test, the stability of the rectification measures is considered after taking into consideration the results of the uniformity test of the velocity distribution of the surface layer, the bottom layer, and the front section of each scheme. The proposed scheme 3 (“T” diversion pier) is regarded as the pumping station flow control measures.
Notch1 Signaling Regulates the Th17/Treg Immune Imbalance in Patients with Psoriasis Vulgaris
Authors: Ma Lei , Xue HaiBo , Gao Tianqin , Gao MeiLan , Zhang YuJie
Published: March 2018

Purpose. To evaluate the regulating effect of Notch1 signaling on Th17/Treg immune imbalance in psoriasis vulgaris (PV). Materials and Methods. Notch1, Hes-1, RORγt, Foxp3, IL-17, and IL-10 mRNA expression, as well as Th17 and Treg cell percentages in peripheral CD4+ T cells, were detected by real-time quantitative RT-PCR and flow cytometry, and serum concentrations of IL-17 and IL-10 were detected by ELISA in 36 PV patients and 32 healthy controls. Additionally, CD4+ T cells from 12 PV patients were treated with γ-secretase inhibitor DAPT, and the above indexes were measured. Results. PV patients presented distinct Th17/Treg immune imbalance and highly expressed Notch1 and Hes-1 mRNA levels, which were positively correlated with psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) and the ratios of Th17/Treg and RORγt/Foxp3. DAPT treatment resulted in the obvious downregulation of Th17 cell percentage in cocultured CD4+ T cells, RORγt and IL-17 mRNA levels, and IL-17 concentration in cell-free supernatant from cocultured CD4+ T cells of PV patients in a dose-dependent manner, while there was no significant influence on Treg cell percentage, Foxp3, and IL-10 expression, therefore leading to the recovery of Th17/Treg immune imbalance. Conclusion. Notch1 signaling may contribute to the pathogenesis of PV by regulating Th17/Treg immune imbalance.
Nontyphoidal Salmonella Gastroenteritis in a Tertiary Children’s Hospital in Southern China: Characteristics and Dietary Considerations
Authors: Ren Lu , Yang Min , Geng Lanlan , Chen Peiyu , Chen Huan , Gong Sitang , Li Ding-You
Published: March 2018

Background. Nontyphoidal Salmonella infection is a common cause for acute bacterial gastroenteritis in children in China. There have been no reports of the prevalence of lactose intolerance or food allergies in children with nontyphoidal Salmonella infection. The aim of this study was to characterize nontyphoidal Salmonella gastroenteritis in a tertiary children’s hospital and evaluate clinical presentation, lactose intolerance, and food allergies in children with prolonged nontyphoidal Salmonella gastroenteritis. Methods. A retrospective case-series analysis was carried out in a tertiary children’s hospital in Guangzhou, China. We included all infants and children who were diagnosed with nontyphoidal Salmonella gastroenteritis between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2016. Patients’ clinical features, feeding patterns, laboratory tests, and treatment outcomes were reviewed. Results. A total of 142 infants and children were diagnosed with nontyphoidal Salmonella gastroenteritis. 52.1% of cases occurred in infants ≤ 12 months of age and the majority (89.4%) in children younger than 3 years old. The most common symptoms were diarrhea (100%), fever (62%), and vomiting (18.3%). Salmonella Typhimurium was the predominant serotype, accounting for 82.4%. 91.5% of patients were treated with antibiotics. Forty-one (28.9%) and 9 (6.3%) children improved with a lactose-free diet and hypoallergenic formula, respectively, when diarrhea persisted for more than a week. Conclusions. Salmonella Typhimurium was the predominant serotype. Most patients with nontyphoidal Salmonella gastroenteritis were younger than 3 years old. Lactose intolerance occurred frequently in children with nontyphoidal Salmonella gastroenteritis and dietary modification should be considered when diarrhea is persistent and prolonged.
Flexural Properties of ECC‐Concrete Composite Beam
Authors: Guan Yanhua , Yuan Huaqiang , Ge Zhi , Huang Yongjie , Li Shuai , Sun Renjuan
Published: March 2018

Rebar corrosion‐induced durability issue is a major concern for bridges. The ECC cover was employed to prevent the intrusion of the corrosive agent. This paper studied the flexural behavior of ECC‐concrete composite beam. The effects of bonding at the interface and fiber mesh reinforcement on the flexural properties and cracking pattern were investigated. The strain distribution and midspan deflection were evaluated. Test results show that the bonded composite beam had a higher loading capacity. But the unbonded composite beam showed better postcrack energy absorption capacity with higher midspan deflection. The fiber mesh reinforcement could further improve the flexural properties regardless of the bonding condition. The strain at the bottom of the unbonded beam was much smaller than that of the bonded beam. The penetrated cracks were observed at the ECC layer of the bonded composited beam.
Effect of Organizational Cultural Differences and Mutual Trust on Contract Management of Nonequity Construction Project Alliances
Authors: Zhao Yanling , Feng Yingbin , Li Chenggang
Published: March 2018

This study aims to examine the impact of organizational cultural difference and mutual trust on the contract management of nonequity project alliances in the construction industry. A questionnaire survey was conducted to collect the quantitative data for this study. The relationships between the variables were analyzed using hierarchical regression analysis. It was found that the contractual complexity of nonequity project alliances was impacted by the differences in management style, differences in organizational responsiveness, mutual goodwill trust, and mutual competence trust. It was also found that the relationship between differences in organizational responsiveness and contractual complexity was moderated by mutual goodwill trust. The research may provide theoretical basis for the management when making decisions on the selection of project alliance partners and contracts. The findings imply that when the firms seek to form project alliances, they need to recognize the level of organizational cultural differences and then determine the proper contractual complexity of the project alliance. In addition, the establishment of mutual goodwill trust between alliance partners will not only reduce the costs of making contracts but also the costs of implementing the contracts.
A Compact Dual-Band Circularly Polarized Antenna with Wide HPBWs for CNSS Applications
Authors: Li Chao , Zhang Fu-Shun , Zhang Fan , Yang Kaiwen
Published: March 2018

A compact dual-band circularly polarized antenna with wide half-power beamwidths (HPBWs) for compass navigation satellite system applications is proposed in this paper. The CP radiation is realized by arranging four compact dual-band inverted-F monopoles symmetrically to the center point, where the four monopoles are excited with a 90° phase offset through a compact sequential-phase feeding network. The compactness of the dual-band inverted-F monopole is realized by inserting two chip inductors in the horizontal portion of the monopole. The overall dimension of the antenna is only 0.211λ0 × 0.211λ0 × 0.057λ0, where λ0 is the corresponding free-space wavelength at 1.268 GHz. Experimental results show that the proposed antenna exhibits two overlapped impedance and axial ratio bandwidths of 50 MHz (1.236–1.286 GHz) and 40 MHz (1.532–1.572 GHz). Wide HPBWs of about 120°/125° and 121°/116° (XOZ/YOZ planes) at center frequencies (1.268, 1.561 GHz) of the CNSS-2 B3 and B1 bands are obtained, respectively. With these good performances, the antenna can be a good candidate for CNSS applications.
Field Coupling-Based Image Filter for Sand Painting Stylization
Authors: Wu Tao , Chen Xia , Lu Liqiong
Published: March 2018

Sand painting is a very new and popular performance art technique, and it has important meaning for the artistic creation. Computer-aided sand painting is now in the ascendant, whose fully automated mechanism is still an attractive challenge. Image data field, inspired from short-range nuclear force in physics, is introduced into sand painting stylization. With preserving edges and features, a fully automatic image filter pipeline based on image field coupling is proposed, which consists of three main steps, including image data field generating, multiscale field coupling, and additional details optimizing. The visual comparisons indicate that the proposed pipeline and image filter are feasible and effective, and sand painting-like artistic images can be produced by using multiscale field coupling. The qualities of various rendering images are also investigated from the perspective of feature similarity measures. The quantitative and qualitative results suggest that the field coupling-based filter is appropriate for sand painting stylization, and the time cost is satisfied for practice applications. Generally, the proposed method provides a reference for automatic creation of computer-aided sand painting art.
Enhanced 2D-DOA Estimation for Large Spacing Three-Parallel Uniform Linear Arrays
Authors: Zhang Dong , Zhang Yongshun , Feng Cunqian
Published: March 2018

An enhanced two-dimensional direction of arrival (2D-DOA) estimation algorithm for large spacing three-parallel uniform linear arrays (ULAs) is proposed in this paper. Firstly, we use the propagator method (PM) to get the highly accurate but ambiguous estimation of directional cosine. Then, we use the relationship between the directional cosine to eliminate the ambiguity. This algorithm not only can make use of the elements of the three-parallel ULAs but also can utilize the connection between directional cosine to improve the estimation accuracy. Besides, it has satisfied estimation performance when the elevation angle is between 70° and 90° and it can automatically pair the estimated azimuth and elevation angles. Furthermore, it has low complexity without using any eigen value decomposition (EVD) or singular value decompostion (SVD) to the covariance matrix. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed algorithm.
A Controllable Constant Power Generator in 0.35 μm CMOS Technology for Thermal-Based Sensor Applications
Authors: Erceg Milena Zogović
Published: March 2018

A CMOS controllable constant power generator based on multiplier/divider circuit is presented. It generates constant power for a wide range of the resistive loads. For the generated power of 5 mW, and the resistance range from 0.5 kΩ to 1.5 kΩ, the relative error of dissipated power is less than 0.6%. For single supply voltage of 5 V, presented controllable constant power generator generates power from 0.5 mW to 7.8 mW, for the load resistance dynamic range from 3 up to 15, while the relative error of generated power is less than 2%. The frequency bandwidth of the proposed design is up to 5 MHz. Through the detailed analysis of the loop gain, it is shown that the circuit has no stability problems.
The Vocal Extent Measure: Development of a Novel Parameter in Voice Diagnostics and Initial Clinical Experience
Authors: Caffier Philipp P. , Möller Andreas , Forbes Eleanor , Müller Constanze , Freymann Marie-Louise , Nawka Tadeus
Published: March 2018

Voice range profile (VRP) and evaluation using the dysphonia severity index (DSI) represent essentials of instrument-based objective voice diagnostics and are implemented in different standardized registration programs. The respective measurement results, however, show differences. The aim of the study was to prove these differences statistically and to develop a new parameter, the Vocal Extent Measure (VEM), which is not influenced by the measurement program. VRPs of 97 subjects were recorded by two examiners using the established registration programs DiVAS (XION medical) and LingWAVES (WEVOSYS) simultaneously. The VEM was developed on the basis of VRP area and perimeter. All 194 VRP files were analyzed for various parameters and gender independence. The registration programs exhibited significant differences in several vocal parameters. A significant gender influence for DSI was found with DiVAS (p<0.01), but not with LingWAVES. The VEM quantified the dynamic performance and frequency range by a unidimensional, interval-scaled value without unit, mostly between 0 and 120. This novel parameter represents an intelligible and user-friendly positive measure of vocal function, allows simple and stable VRP description, and seems to be suitable for quantification of vocal capacity. In contrast to DSI, the VEM proved to be less susceptible to registration program and gender.
Total Plasma Exchange in Hypertriglyceridemia-Induced Pancreatitis: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Dehal Harleen , Adashek Michael
Published: March 2018

Objective. To emphasize the role of apheresis in management of pancreatitis. Methods. The clinical course of a patient admitted for hypertriglyceridemia-induced pancreatitis (HTGP) complicated by multiorgan dysfunction is described, who demonstrated dramatic improvement in his clinical status after total plasma exchange (TPE). In addition, the current guidelines for TPE and the alternative treatment options for HTGP are also presented. Results. A patient presenting with pancreatitis associated with severe systemic inflammatory response was admitted to our hospital with an initial triglyceride level of 1181 mg/dL. Given the patient’s worsening clinical condition, he was started on TPE with a rapid fall in his serum TG levels, in turn leading to early clinical recovery. Conclusion. Though various therapeutic options for the treatment of HTGP are described in literature, there are no set guidelines available to tackle this difficult clinical situation. TPE, albeit not very well known in this context, is one of the many therapies available. Though it leads to a rapid, precipitous fall in the TG levels and early symptom resolution, the data about the long-term morbidity as well as the effectiveness of this therapy is still lacking.
Head and Neck Schwannomas: A Surgical Challenge—A Series of 5 Cases
Authors: Ansari Ishtyaque , Ansari Ashfaque , Graison Arjun Antony , Patil Anuradha J. , Joshi Hitendra
Published: March 2018

Background. Schwannomas, also known as neurilemmomas, are benign peripheral nerve sheath tumors. They originate from any nerve covered with schwann cell sheath. Schwannomas constitute 25–45% of tumors of the head and neck. About 4% of head and neck schwannomas present as a sinonasal schwannoma. Brachial plexus schwannoma constitute only about 5% of schwannomas. Cervical vagal schwannomas constitute about 2–5% of neurogenic tumors. Methods. We present a case series of 5 patients of schwannomas, one arising from the maxillary branch of trigeminal nerve in the maxillary sinus, second arising from the brachial plexus, third arising from the cervical vagus, and two arising from cervical spinal nerves. Result. Complete extracapsular excision of the tumors was achieved by microneurosurgical technique with preservation of nerve of origin in all except one. Conclusion. Head and neck schwannoma though rare should be considered as a differential diagnosis of a unilateral slow growing mass in the head and neck region, particularly in an adult. Schwannomas are always a diagnostic dilemma as they are asymptomatic for long time, and histopathology is the gold standard for diagnosis. As a rule, treatment is surgical and dictated by the location of the tumor and nerve of origin. Due to its rarity, complex anatomical location and morbidity risk postexcision, they can pose a formidable challenge to surgeons. This study aims to describe the presentation, workup, surgical technique, and outcome.
Online Self-Organizing Network Control with Time Averaged Weighted Throughput Objective
Authors: Zhang Zhicong , Li Shuai , Yan Xiaohui
Published: March 2018

We study an online multisource multisink queueing network control problem characterized with self-organizing network structure and self-organizing job routing. We decompose the self-organizing queueing network control problem into a series of interrelated Markov Decision Processes and construct a control decision model for them based on the coupled reinforcement learning (RL) architecture. To maximize the mean time averaged weighted throughput of the jobs through the network, we propose a reinforcement learning algorithm with time averaged reward to deal with the control decision model and obtain a control policy integrating the jobs routing selection strategy and the jobs sequencing strategy. Computational experiments verify the learning ability and the effectiveness of the proposed reinforcement learning algorithm applied in the investigated self-organizing network control problem.
Endobronchial Ultrasound Transbronchial Needle Aspiration in Thoracic Diseases: Much More than Mediastinal Staging
Authors: Guarize Juliana , Casiraghi Monica , Donghi Stefano , Diotti Cristina , Vanoni Nicolo , Romano Rosalia , Casadio Chiara , Brambilla Daniela , Maisonneuve Patrick , Petrella Francesco , Spaggiari Lorenzo
Published: March 2018

Background and Objective. EBUS-TBNA has revolutionized the diagnostic approach to thoracic diseases from a surgical to minimally invasive procedure. In non small-cell lung cancer (NCSLC) patients, EBUS-TBNA is able to dictate the consecutive therapy both for early and advanced stages, providing pathological diagnosis, mediastinal staging, and even adequate specimens for molecular analysis. This study reports on the ability of EBUS-TBNA to make different diagnoses and dictates the consecutive therapy in a large cohort of patients presenting different thoracic diseases. Methods. All procedures performed from January 2012 to September 2016 were reviewed. Five groups of patients were created according to the main indications for the procedure. Group 1: lung cancer staging; Group 2: pathological diagnosis in advanced stage lung cancer; Group 3: lymphadenopathy in previous malignancies; Group 4: pulmonary lesions; Group 5: unknown origin lymphadenopathy. In each group, the diagnostic yield of the procedure was analysed. Non malignant diagnosis at EBUS-TBNA was confirmed by a surgical procedure or clinical and radiological follow-up. Results. 1891 patients were included in the analysis. Sensitivity, negative predictive value, and diagnostic accuracy in each group were 90.7%, 79.4%, and 93.1% in Group 1; 98.5%, 50%, and 98.5% in Group 2; 92.4%, 85.1%, and 94.7% in Group 3; 90.9%, 51.0%, and 91.7% in Group 4; and 25%, 83.3%, and 84.2% in Group 5. Overall sensitivity, negative predictive value, and accuracy were 91.7%, 78.5%, and 93.6%, respectively. Conclusions. EBUS-TBNA is the best approach for invasive mediastinal investigation, confirming its strategic role and high accuracy in thoracic oncology.
A Robust Static Headspace GC-FID Method to Detect and Quantify Formaldehyde Impurity in Pharmaceutical Excipients
Authors: Daoud Agha Dit Daoudy Bashir , Al-Khayat Mohammad Ammar , Karabet Francois , Al-Mardini Mohammad Amer
Published: March 2018

Formaldehyde is a highly reactive impurity that can be found in many pharmaceutical excipients. Trace levels of this impurity may affect drug product stability, safety, efficacy, and performance. A static headspace gas chromatographic method was developed and validated to determine formaldehyde in pharmaceutical excipients after an effective derivatization procedure using acidified ethanol. Diethoxymethane, the derivative of formaldehyde, was then directly analyzed by GC-FID. Despite the simplicity of the developed method, however, it is characterized by its specificity, accuracy, and precision. The limits of detection and quantification of formaldehyde in the samples were of 2.44 and 8.12 µg/g, respectively. This method is characterized by using simple and economic GC-FID technique instead of MS detection, and it is successfully used to analyze formaldehyde in commonly used pharmaceutical excipients.
Vesicle-Associated Membrane Protein-Associated Protein A Is Involved in Androgen Receptor Trafficking in Mouse Sertoli Cells
Authors: Deng Qiong , Zhang Jianwen , Wang Zhu , Zhang Shengping , Zhi Fan , Liang Hui
Published: March 2018

Androgen and its receptor (AR) play an important role in maintaining spermatogenesis and male fertility. The nonclassical androgen signaling pathway is proposed to be mediated by an AR in plasma membrane in Sertoli cells. Our previous studies showed that testosterone induces cytoplasmic AR translocation to plasma membrane by binding with caveolin-1. This study was conducted to the underlying molecular mechanism mediating AR trafficking. Data from mass spectrometry using membrane coimmunoprecipitation sample by anti-AR antibody indicated VAPA is a candidate protein. Knockdown of VAPA by shRNA decreased the amount of AR localized to membrane and nuclear fraction and prevented AR trafficking after being exposed to testosterone. Further studies indicated AR trafficking in Sertoli cells might be mediated by VAPA via association with vesicle transport protein OSBP. This study can enrich the mechanism of the androgen actions and will be helpful for further clarifying the nonclassical signaling pathway of androgens in Sertoli cells.
Effect of Low‐Stress Fatigue on the Off‐Crack‐Plane Fracture Energy in Engineered Cementitious Composites
Authors: Liu Longlong , Gao Shuling , Xin Jianda , Huang Dahai
Published: March 2018

This paper presented an experimental study on the flexural properties of engineered cementitious composites (ECCs). The bending fatigue damage, residual deformation, and damage characteristics were investigated after a certain number of low stress levels in fatigue load. The composite fracture energy and fiber‐bridging fracture energy were calculated by the J integral. It is observed that the number of cracks increased with the increment of stress levels, and most of the cracks were formed during the earlier stage of the dynamic test. The deformation capability decreased with the increment of stress levels while the reduction of the ultimate load was minor after the dynamic load. Furthermore, the strain‐hardening phenomenon of the specimen enhanced initially and then weakened with the increment of stress levels. The residual equivalent yield strength became smaller with the increase of stress levels. Meanwhile, the trend was mild at low stress levels and then became steep at high stress levels.
Surface Performance Multiobjective Decision of a Cold Roll-Beating Spline with the Entropy Weight Ideal Point Method
Authors: Cui F. K. , Liu F. , Su Y. X. , Ruan X. L. , Xu S. K. , Liu L. B.
Published: March 2018

Surface performance is an important indicator of the performance of cold roll-beating spline processing. To obtain the best cold roll spline surface performance (surface roughness, residual stress, and surface hardening degree), multiobjective optimal process parameters must be determined. To this end, this paper takes the cold roll-beating spline as the object of study and carries out a cold roll-beating spline surface performance test study. An ideal algorithm for entropy weight is constructed, and the multiobjective decision of the cold roll-beating spline surface performance is determined by using the entropy weight ideal point algorithm, providing a decision on the cold roll-beating spline processing parameters. The grey correlation algorithm is used for verification, and the results show that the multiobjective decision of the cold roll-beating spline surface performance is feasible by using the constructed entropy weight ideal point algorithm.
Infective Endocarditis in a Young Adult due to Lactococcus lactis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Georgountzos G. , Michopoulos C. , Grivokostopoulos C. , Kolosaka M. , Vlassopoulou N. , Lekkou A.
Published: March 2018

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a condition mainly associated with valvular disease or prosthetic valve and intravenous drug use as a risk factor. Here, we describe a rare case of a previously healthy patient with endocarditis due to Lactococcus lactis associated with cattle contact, where antibiotic treatment resulted in full recovery.
Machine Learning in Ultrasound Computer-Aided Diagnostic Systems: A Survey
Authors: Huang Qinghua , Zhang Fan , Li Xuelong
Published: March 2018

The ultrasound imaging is one of the most common schemes to detect diseases in the clinical practice. There are many advantages of ultrasound imaging such as safety, convenience, and low cost. However, reading ultrasound imaging is not easy. To support the diagnosis of clinicians and reduce the load of doctors, many ultrasound computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) systems are proposed. In recent years, the success of deep learning in the image classification and segmentation led to more and more scholars realizing the potential of performance improvement brought by utilizing the deep learning in the ultrasound CAD system. This paper summarized the research which focuses on the ultrasound CAD system utilizing machine learning technology in recent years. This study divided the ultrasound CAD system into two categories. One is the traditional ultrasound CAD system which employed the manmade feature and the other is the deep learning ultrasound CAD system. The major feature and the classifier employed by the traditional ultrasound CAD system are introduced. As for the deep learning ultrasound CAD, newest applications are summarized. This paper will be useful for researchers who focus on the ultrasound CAD system.
Comparison between Two Radiological Methods for Assessment of Tooth Root Resorption: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Saccomanno Sabina , Passarelli Pier Carmine , Oliva Bruno , Grippaudo Cristina
Published: March 2018

Purpose. This study aims to verify the validity of the radiographic image and the most effective radiological techniques for the diagnosis of root resorption to prevent, cure, and reduce it and to verify if radiological images can be helpful in medical and legal situations. Methods. 19 dental elements without root resorption extracted from several patients were examined: endooral and panoramic radiographs were performed, with traditional and digital methods. Then the root of each tooth was dipped into 3-4 mm of 10% nitric acid for 24 hours to simulate the resorption of the root and later submitted again to radiological examinations and measurements using the same criteria and methods. Results. For teeth with root resorption the real measurements and the values obtained with endooral techniques and digital sensors are almost the same, while image values obtained by panoramic radiographs are more distorted than the real ones. Conclusions. Panoramic radiographs are not useful for the diagnosis of root resorption. The endooral examination is, in medical and legal fields, the most valid and objective instrument to detect root resorption. Although the literature suggests that CBCT is a reliable tool in detecting root resorption defects, the increased radiation dosage and expense and the limited availability of CBCT in most clinical settings accentuate the outcome of this study.
Behavior of Lung Health Parameters among Smokers and Secondhand Smokers
Authors: Ghanem Esther , Hage Re-Mi
Published: March 2018

A cross-sectional study on a pool of undergraduate smokers and nonsmokers (n=200) was randomly selected from Notre Dame University, Lebanon. The study design is based on a questionnaire about the students’ smoking record exposure, cotinine saliva levels, and ventilatory lung function parameters. Despite the nonsmoking policies that have been recently established by universities, diffused smoking stations in proximity to classes and offices still exist, at least in the MENA region. Such an environment still imposes a remarkable effect on certain lung health parameters of nonsmokers exhibiting similar exhaled air per second (FEV1) to smokers with aPvalue = 0.558 and normal flow of air (TV) with aPvalue = 0.153. However, the maximum amount of air held in the lungs remained different with respect to sex and smoking status. These results imply a poor performance of nonsmokers mimicking partially the lung health parameters of smokers. It remains a pressing issue to increase awareness concerning the debilitating effects of secondhand smoking.
Phytoceuticals in Acute Pancreatitis: Targeting the Balance between Apoptosis and Necrosis
Authors: Gaman Laura , Dragos Dorin , Vlad Adelina , Robu Georgiana Catalina , Radoi Mugurel Petrinel , Stroica Laura , Badea Mihaela , Gilca Marilena
Published: March 2018

Despite recent advances in understanding the complex pathogenesis of pancreatitis, the management of the disease remains suboptimal. The use of phytoceuticals (plant‐derived pleiotropic multitarget molecules) represents a new research trend in pancreatology. The purpose of this review is to discuss the phytoceuticals with pancreatoprotective potential in acute pancreatitis and whose efficacy is based, at least in part, on their capacity to modulate the acinar cell death. The phytochemicals selected, belonging to such diverse classes as polyphenols, flavonoids, lignans, anthraquinones, sesquiterpene lactones, nitriles, and alkaloids, target the balance between apoptosis and necrosis. Activation of apoptosis via various mechanisms (e.g., inhibition of X‐linked inhibitor of apoptosis proteins by embelin, upregulation of FasL gene expression by resveratrol) and/or inhibition of necrosis seem to represent the essential key for decreasing the severity of the disease. Apart from targeting the apoptosis/necrosis balance, the phytochemicals displayed other specific protective activities: inhibition of inflammasome (e.g., rutin), suppression of neutrophil infiltration (e.g., ligustrazine, resveratrol), and antioxidant activity. Even though many of the selected phytoceuticals represent a promising therapeutic alternative, there is a shortage of human evidence, and further studies are required to provide solid basis to justify their use in the treatment of pancreatitis.
Equivalent and Efficient Optimization Models for an Industrial Discrete Event System with Alternative Structural Configurations
Authors: Latorre-Biel Juan-Ignacio , Jiménez-Macías Emilio , Pérez de la Parte Mercedes
Published: March 2018

Discrete event systems in applications, such as industry and supply chain, may show a very complex behavior. For this reason, their design and operation may be carried out by the application of optimization techniques for decision making in order to obtain their highest performance. In a general approach, it is possible to implement these optimization techniques by means of the simulation of a Petri net model, which may require an intensive use of computational resources. One key factor in the computational cost of simulation‐based optimization is the size of the model of the system; hence, it may be useful to apply techniques to reduce it. This paper analyzes the relationship between two Petri net formalisms, currently used in the design of discrete event systems, where it is usual to count on a set of alternative structural configurations. These formalisms are a particular type of parametric Petri nets, called compound Petri nets, and a set of alternative Petri nets. The development of equivalent models under these formalisms and the formal proof of this equivalence are the main topics of the paper. The basis for this formal approach is the graph of reachable markings, a powerful tool able to represent the behavior of a discrete event system and, hence, to show the equivalence between two different Petri net models. One immediate application of this equivalence is the substitution of a large model of a system by a more compact one, whose simulation may be less demanding in the use of computational resources.
Design and Development of a Low-Cost, Portable Monitoring Device for Indoor Environment Quality
Authors: Tiele Akira , Esfahani Siavash , Covington James
Published: March 2018

This article describes the design and development of a low-cost, portable monitoring system for indoor environment quality (IEQ). IEQ is a holistic concept that encompasses elements of indoor air quality (IAQ), indoor lighting quality (ILQ), acoustic comfort, and thermal comfort (temperature and relative humidity). The unit is intended for the monitoring of temperature, humidity, PM2.5, PM10, total VOCs (×3), CO2, CO, illuminance, and sound levels. Experiments were conducted in various environments, including a typical indoor working environment and outdoor pollution, to evaluate the unit’s potential to monitor IEQ parameters. The developed system was successfully able to monitor parameter variations, based on specific events. A custom IEQ index was devised to rate the parameter readings with a simple scoring system to calculate an overall IEQ percentage. The advantages of the proposed system, with respect to commercial units, is associated with better customisation and flexibility to implement a variety of low-cost sensors. Moreover, low-cost sensor modules reduce the overall cost to provide a comprehensive, portable, and real-time monitoring solution. This development facilities researchers and interested enthusiasts to become engaged and proactive in participating in the study, management, and improvement of IEQ.
Efficacy of Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy for Recurrent or Residual Hepatocellular Carcinoma after Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization
Authors: Yao Erhua , Chen Jinghong , Zhao Xiaofang , Zheng Yinyan , Wu Xianheng , Han Fei , Huang Hecheng , Liang Ping , Liu Jianmin , Wu Fasheng , Lin Lianxing
Published: March 2018

Aim. To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of hypofractionated stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for patients with recurrent or residual hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE). Methods. Between June 2008 and July 2015, thirty-three patients with HCC were treated by SBRT. There were 63 lesions in 33 patients. A total dose of 39–45 Gy/3–5 fractions was delivered to the 70–80% isodose line. Results. Objective response rate (CR + PR) was 84.8% at 6 months. The overall survival rate was 87.9%, 75.8%, 57.6%, and 45.5% at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months, respectively. Median overall survival was 19 months. At 3 months, AFP decreased by more than 75% in 51.5% of patients (17/33). Overall survival was significantly different (P<0.001) between the group of patients for whom AFP decreased more than 75% and the group for whom AFP decreased by less than 75%. The AFP-negative rate was 48.5% (16/33) after 6 months. Eight patients (24.2%) had grade 1-2 transient fatigue, and 11 patients (33.3%) had grade 1-2 gastrointestinal reactions within 1 month. Conclusion. SBRT is a promising noninvasive and palliative treatment with acceptable toxicity for recurrent or residual HCC after TACE.
Experiment and Prediction of Ablation Depth in Excimer Laser Micromachining of Optical Polymer Waveguides
Authors: Tamrin K. F. , Zakariyah S. S. , Hossain K. M. A. , Sheikh N. A.
Published: March 2018

Extending the data transfer rates through dense interconnections at inter‐ and intraboard levels is a well‐established technique especially in consumer electronics at the expense of more cross talk, electromagnetic interference (EMI), and power dissipation. Optical transmission using optical fibre is practically immune to the aforementioned factors. Among the manufacturing methods, UV laser ablation using an excimer laser has been repeatedly demonstrated as a suitable technique to fabricate multimode polymer waveguides. However, the main challenge is to precisely control and predict the topology of the waveguides without the need for extensive characterisation which is both time consuming and costly. In this paper, the authors present experimental results of investigation to relate the fluence, scanning speed, number of shots, and passes at varying pulse repetition rate with the depth of ablation of an acrylate‐based photopolymer. The depth of ablation essentially affects total internal reflection and insertion loss, and these must be kept at minimum for a successful optical interconnection on printed circuit boards. The results are then used to predict depth of ablation for this material by means of adaptive neurofuzzy inference system (ANFIS) modelling. The predicted results, with a correlation of 0.9993, show good agreement with the experimental values. This finding will be useful in better predictions along with resource optimisation and ultimately helps in reducing cost of polymer waveguide fabrication.