bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quinolin-8-yloxy-substituted zinc(II) phthalocyanines for enhanced in vitro photodynamic therapy
Authors: Chen Juanjuan , Fang Yuting , Liu Hong , Chen Naisheng , Chen Shengping , Xue Jinping
Published: May 2018

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an innovative and promising modality to treat various tumors. In this study, two novel zinc(II) phthalocyanines substituted with quinolin-8-yloxy groups at the [Formula: see text]-position, namely mono(quinolin-8-yloxy) zinc(II) phthalocyanine (ZnPc-Q1) and tetra(quinolin-8-yloxy) zinc(II) phthalocyanine (ZnPc-Q4), have been synthesized and fully characterized. With quinolin-8-yloxy, these two phthalocyanines exhibit less self-aggregation in DMF and culture medium, high singlet oxygen quantum yields, mitochondria localization and high photodynamic activities (IC[Formula: see text] values as low as 2 nM). Compared to ZnPc-Q4, ZnPc-Q1 exhibits higher cellular uptake and lower IC[Formula: see text] values. Benefitting from its higher anticancer efficacy and lack of isomers, ZnPc-Q1 is a highly promising anticancer agent in clinical application.
Effect of Graphene/TiO2 (001) Interface on Threshold Voltage and Nonlinearity
Authors: Dai Yuehua , Gong Shanshan , Zhong Zhisheng , Gao Fengyu , Wang Feifei , Ding Cheng , Yang Jin , Yang Fei
Published: May 2018

In this work, the threshold voltage ([Formula: see text]) and nonlinearity (NL) of Graphene (Gra)/TiO2/Gra heterojunction were studied. First, the density functional tight binding (DFTB[Formula: see text]) and much more dynamics were used to investigate the IV curves and the resistive switching properties of TiO2 slab and Gra/TiO2/Gra heterojunction. The NL of Gra/TiO2/Gra heterojunction is stronger than that of the TiO2 slab. The [Formula: see text] of the resistive transition of the heterojunction is larger than that of the TiO2 slab. The tunneling probabilities and the Mulliken atomic population at the Gra/TiO2 interface under different electric fields were calculated by the Cambridge sequential total energy package (CASTEP). Results showed that both the parameters evidently increased under a certain numerical electric field. Finally, the movement of atom in the electric field and the change in the chemical bond were simulated by DFTB[Formula: see text] module. The effect of the Gra/TiO2 interface on [Formula: see text] and NL was further illustrated. Postponed [Formula: see text] and improved NL were found at the heterojunction relative to the TiO2 slab due to the presence of the interface barrier. This work provides guidance and reference for design and optimization of TiO2-based selectors.
Mass wasting along the NW African continental margin
Authors: Krastel S. , Li W. , Urlaub M. , Georgiopoulou A. , Wynn R. B. , Schwenk T. , Stevenson C. , Feldens P.
Published: May 2018

The NW African continental margin is well known for the occurrence of large-scale but infrequent submarine landslides. The aim of this paper is to synthesize the current knowledge on submarine mass wasting off NW Africa with a special focus on the distribution and timing of large landslides. The described area reaches from southern Senegal to the Agadir Canyon. The largest landslides from south to north are the Dakar Slide, the Mauritania Slide, the Cap Blanc Slide, the Sahara Slide and the Agadir Slide. Volumes of individual slides reach several hundreds of cubic kilometres; run-outs are up to 900 km. In addition, giant volcanic debris avalanches are widespread on the flanks of the Canary Islands. All headwall areas are complex with clear indications of multiple failures. The most prominent similarity between all investigated landsides is the existence of widespread glide planes that follow the stratigraphy, which points to weak layers as most important preconditioning factor for the failures. Landslides with volumes larger than 100 m
3
are close to being evenly distributed over time, contradicting previous suggestions that landslides off NW Africa occur at periods of low or rising sea level. The risk associated with the landslides off NW Africa, however, is relatively low due to their long recurrence rates.
Region of Interest-Based 3D Inpainting of Cultural Heritage Artifacts
Authors: Setty Shankar , Mudenagudi Uma
Published: May 2018

In this article, we address the problem of 3D inpainting using an exemplar-based method for point clouds. 3D inpainting is a process of filling holes or missing regions in the reconstructed 3D models. Typically, inpainting methods addressed in the literature fill missing regions due to occlusions or inaccurate scanning of 3D models. However, we focus on scenarios involving naturally existing damaged models, which are partly broken or incomplete in the artifacts at cultural heritage sites. We propose an exemplar-based inpainting technique using the region of interest (ROI)-based method to inpaint the missing regions of the damaged model. The ROI of a 3D model is represented as a set of Riemannian manifolds, and metric tensor and Christoffel symbols are used as geometric features to capture the inherent geometry. We then decompose the ROI into basic shape regions, namely, spherical, conical, and cylindrical components, and identify the best-fit match for inpainting. Instead of using a single similar exemplar for inpainting, we select the most relevant best-fit region to fill the missing region from the basic shape regions library obtained from
n
similar exemplars. We demonstrate the performance of the proposed inpainting method on artifacts at UNESCO World Heritage site Hampi temples, India with varying complexities and sizes for both synthetically generated holes and real missing regions in 3D objects.
Privacy in decentralized cryptocurrencies
Authors: Genkin Daniel , Papadopoulos Dimitrios , Papamanthou Charalampos
Published: May 2018

When it comes to anonymizing cryptocurrencies, one size most definitely does not fit all.
Integrated High-Speed Optical SerDes over 100GBd Based on Optical Time Division Multiplexing
Authors: Xu Shi , Luo Zhang , Lai Mingche , Pang Zhengbin , Li Renfa
Published: May 2018

An on-chip optical transceiver for transmission system over 100GBd is proposed based on optical time division multiplexing (OTDM) technology, and the performances, such as the insertion loss, the inter-symbol interference (ISI) crosstalk, and the potential symbol rate, are analyzed in detail. Co-designed with the double rail driver, on-chip Mach-Zehnder interferometer switch repeatedly generates extremely narrow sampling pulses of only 12ps full width at half maximum. Based on such narrow optical sampling pulse train, a four-stage cascaded optical switch divides the 25GHz clock cycle into four recurrent 9.5ps time slots and one blank time slot of 2ps. Thus, a 100GBd optical transmission channel is realized based on 4-bit 25Gbps bit-streams at the electrical interface. The ISI extinction ratio at the worst channel is 1.9dB with 10dB depth modulator, and the insertion loss caused by the OTDM mechanism is about 16dB. Further, taking advantages of dark modulation, an OTDM system with 5-bit 25Gbps bit-streams at the electrical interface is proposed to generate a 125GBd transmission utilizing the same optical sampling pulse. The ISI performance is much better and the extinction ratio at the worst channel is enhanced to 3.99dB.
A Survey on Multidimensional Scaling
Authors: Saeed Nasir , Nam Haewoon , Haq Mian Imtiaz Ul , Muhammad Saqib Dost Bhatti
Published: May 2018

This survey presents multidimensional scaling (MDS) methods and their applications in real world. MDS is an exploratory and multivariate data analysis technique becoming more and more popular. MDS is one of the multivariate data analysis techniques, which tries to represent the higher dimensional data into lower space. The input data for MDS analysis is measured by the dissimilarity or similarity of the objects under observation. Once the MDS technique is applied to the measured dissimilarity or similarity, MDS results in a spatial map. In the spatial map, the dissimilar objects are far apart while objects which are similar are placed close to each other. In this survey article, MDS is described in comprehensive fashion by explaining the basic notions of classical MDS and how MDS can be helpful to analyze the multidimensional data. Later on, various special models based on MDS are described in a more mathematical way followed by comparisons of various MDS techniques.
Using Genetic Algorithms in Test Data Generation
Authors: Rodrigues Davi Silva , Delamaro Márcio Eduardo , Corrêa Cléber Gimenez , Nunes Fátima L. S.
Published: May 2018

Software testing activities account for a considerable portion of systems development cost and, for this reason, many studies have sought to automate these activities. Test data generation has a high cost reduction potential (especially for complex domain systems), since it can decrease human effort. Although several studies have been published about this subject, articles of reviews covering this topic usually focus only on specific domains. This article presents a systematic mapping aiming at providing a broad, albeit critical, overview of the literature in the topic of test data generation using genetic algorithms. The selected studies were categorized by software testing technique (structural, functional, or mutation testing) for which test data were generated and according to the most significantly adapted genetic algorithms aspects. The most used evaluation metrics and software testing techniques were identified. The results showed that genetic algorithms have been successfully applied to simple test data generation, but are rarely used to generate complex test data such as images, videos, sounds, and 3D (three-dimensional) models. From these results, we discuss some challenges and opportunities for research in this area.
Quantifying the Utility--Privacy Tradeoff in the Internet of Things
Authors: Dong Roy , Ratliff Lillian J. , Cárdenas Alvaro A. , Ohlsson Henrik , Sastry S. Shankar
Published: May 2018

The Internet of Things (IoT) promises many advantages in the control and monitoring of physical systems from both efficacy and efficiency perspectives. However, in the wrong hands, the data might pose a privacy threat. In this article, we consider the tradeoff between the operational value of data collected in the IoT and the privacy of consumers. We present a general framework for quantifying this tradeoff in the IoT, and focus on a smart grid application for a proof of concept. In particular, we analyze the tradeoff between smart grid operations and how often data are collected by considering a realistic direct-load control example using thermostatically controlled loads, and we give simulation results to show how its performance degrades as the sampling frequency decreases. Additionally, we introduce a new privacy metric, which we call inferential privacy. This privacy metric assumes a strong adversary model and provides an upper bound on the adversary’s ability to infer a private parameter, independent of the algorithm he uses. Combining these two results allows us to directly consider the tradeoff between better operational performance and consumer privacy.
Designing cluster schedulers for internet-scale services
Authors: Choudhury Diptanu Gon , Perrett Timothy
Published: May 2018

Embracing failures for improving availability.
Documentation is automation
Authors: Limoncelli Thomas A.
Published: May 2018

A.B.A. = Always be automating.
Algorithm/Architecture Co-optimisation Technique for Automatic Data Reduction of Wireless Read-Out in High-Density Electrode Arrays
Authors: Yassin Yahya H. , Catthoor Francky , Kloosterman Fabian , Sun Jyh-Jang , Couto JoãO , Kjeldsberg Per Gunnar , Helleputte Nick Van
Published: May 2018

High-density electrode arrays used to read out neural activity will soon surpass the limits of the amount of data that can be transferred within reasonable energy budgets. This is true for wired brain implants when the required bandwidth becomes very high, and even more so for untethered brain implants that require wireless transmission of data. We propose an energy-efficient spike data extraction solution for high-density electrode arrays, capable of reducing the data to be transferred by over 85%. We combine temporal and spatial spike data analysis with low implementation complexity, where amplitude thresholds are used to detect spikes and the spatial location of the electrodes is used to extract potentially useful sub-threshold data on neighboring electrodes. We tested our method against a state-of-the-art spike detection algorithm, with prohibitively high implementation complexity, and found that the majority of spikes are extracted reliably. We obtain further improved quality results when ignoring very small spikes below 30% of the voltage thresholds, resulting in 91% accuracy. Our approach uses digital logic and is therefore scalable with an increasing number of electrodes.
Compact Software Implementation of Public-Key Cryptography on MSP430X
Authors: Seo Hwajeong
Published: May 2018

On the low-end embedded processors, the implementations of Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) are considered to be a challenging task due to the limited computation power and storage of the low-end embedded processors. Particularly, the multi-precision multiplication and squaring operations are the most expensive operations for ECC implementations. In order to enhance the performance, many works presented efficient multiplication and squaring routines on the target devices. Recent works show that 128-bit security level ECC is available within a second and this is practically fast enough for IoT services. However, previous approaches missed the other important storage issues (i.e., program size, ROM). Considering that the embedded processors only have a few KB ROM, we need to pay attention to the compact ROM size with reasonable performance. In this article, we present very compact and generic implementations of multiplication and squaring operations on the 16-bit MSP430X processors for the ECC. The implementations utilize the new 32-bit multiplier and advanced multiplication and squaring routines. Since the proposed routines are generic, the arbitrary length of operand is available with high-speed and small code size. With proposed multiplication and squaring routines, we implemented Curve25519 on the MSP430X processors. The scalar multiplication is performed within 6,666,895 clock cycles and 4,054 bytes. Compared with previous works based on the speed-optimized version, our memory-efficient version reduces the code size by 59.8%, sacrificing the execution timing by 20.5%.
Managing Heterogeneous Datacenters with Tokens
Authors: Zahedi Seyed Majid , Fan Songchun , Lee Benjamin C.
Published: May 2018

Ensuring fairness in a system with scarce, preferred resources requires time sharing. We consider a heterogeneous system with a few “big” and many “small” processors. We allocate heterogeneous processors using a novel token mechanism, which frames the allocation problem as a repeated game. At each round, users request big processors and spend a token if their request is granted. We analyze the game and optimize users’ strategies to produce an equilibrium. In equilibrium, allocations balance performance and fairness. Our mechanism outperforms classical, fair mechanisms by 1.7×, on average, in performance gains, and is competitive with a performance maximizing mechanism.
Programming programming languages, and analyzing Facebook's failure
Authors: Guzdial Mark , Landau Susan
Published: May 2018

The
Communications
Web site, http://cacm.acm.org, features more than a dozen bloggers in the BLOG@CACM community. In each issue of
Communications
, we'll publish selected posts or excerpts.

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Mark Guzdial considers an idea with significant educational implications, while Susan Landau looks into the Cambridge Analytica/Facebook scandal.
Needleless Electrospinning and Electrospraying of Mixture of Polymer and Aerogel Particles on Textile
Authors: Shaid Abu , Wang Lijing , Padhye Rajiv , Jadhav Amit
Published: May 2018

Needleless electrospinning and electrospraying of aerogel particles in comparatively lower electric voltage (9 kV) have been demonstrated in the paper. Aerogel particles were dispersed in polymer solution and then needlelessly electrospun/sprayed by creating high electric charge at the syringe tip using a curved wire. FTIR spectra and SEM images proved that aerogel particles were deposited onto the base textile. In case of electrospinning, a nanofibre web holding the aerogel particles covered the fabric surface, whereas in case of electrospraying, aerogel particles deposited with the microdroplets of the polymer. The electrospraying process showed great potential for fabric surface functionalization due to the high amount of particle deposition on fabric. The new approach can be applicable for transferring other particulate materials on fabric surface through needleless electrospinning and electrospraying processes.
Dynamic O-D Demand Estimation: Application of SPSA AD-PI Method in Conjunction with Different Assignment Strategies
Authors: Nigro Marialisa , Abdelfatah Akmal , Cipriani Ernesto , Colombaroni Chiara , Fusco Gaetano , Gemma Andrea
Published: May 2018

This paper examines the impact of applying dynamic traffic assignment (DTA) and quasi-dynamic traffic assignment (QDTA) models, which apply different route choice approaches (shortest paths based on current travel times, User Equilibrium: UE, and system optimum: SO), on the accuracy of the solution of the offline dynamic demand estimation problem. The evaluation scheme is based on the adoption of a bilevel approach, where the upper level consists of the adjustment of a starting demand using traffic measures and the lower level of the solution of the traffic network assignment problem. The SPSA AD-PI (Simultaneous Perturbation Stochastic Approximation Asymmetric Design Polynomial Interpolation) is adopted as a solution algorithm. A comparative analysis is conducted on a test network and the results highlight the importance of route choice model and information for the stability and the quality of the offline dynamic demand estimations.
A Semistructured Random Identifier Protocol for Anonymous Communication in SDN Network
Authors: Wang Yulong , Yi Junjie , Guo Jun , Qiao Yanbo , Qi Mingyue , Chen Qingyu
Published: May 2018

Traffic analysis is an effective mean for gathering intelligence from within a large enterprise’s local network. Adversaries are able to monitor all traffic traversing a switch by exploiting just one vulnerability in it and obtain valuable information (e.g., online hosts and ongoing sessions) for further attacking, while administrators have to patch all switches as soon as possible in hope of eliminating the vulnerability in time. Moving Target Defense (MTD) is a new paradigm for reobtaining the upper hand in network defense by dynamically changing attack surfaces of the network. In this paper, we propose U-TRI (unlinkability through random identifier) as a moving target technique for changing the information-leaking identifiers within PDUs for SDN network. U-TRI is based on VIRO protocol and implemented with the help of OpenFlow protocol. U-TRI employs an independent, binary tree-structured, periodically and randomly updating identifier to replace the first part of the static MAC address in PDU, and assigns unstructured random values to the remaining part of the MAC address. U-TRI also obfuscates identifiers in the network layer and transport layer in an unstructured manner. Such a semistructured random identifier enables U-TRI to significantly weaken the linkage between identifiers and end-hosts as well as communication sessions, thus providing anonymous communication in SDN network. The result of analysis and experiments indicates that U-TRI dramatically increases the difficulty of traffic analysis with acceptable burdens on network performance.
Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate‐Modified Fe2O3/Molecular Sieves for Removal of Rhodamine B Dyes
Authors: AbdulRazak Adnan A. , Rohani Sohrab
Published: May 2018

Studying the removal of rhodamine B (RB) dye by using zeolite 13X molecular sieves supported by Fe2O3 nanoparticles (denoted as Fe2O3‐13X) is the main objective of this study. Fe2O3‐13X was synthesized and modified by the addition of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). The prepared Fe2O3‐13X was characterized by XRD, TEM, SEM, and zeta potential. The effects of the solution pH, SDS amount, contact time, initial dye concentration, and adsorbent dosage on the removal efficiency of RB were studied. A maximum removal efficiency of 99.3% was achieved. The adsorption equilibrium data of RB were fitted using the Freundlich model, yielding the maximum adsorption capacity of 89.3 mg/g. The findings revealed that the RB adsorption onto Fe2O3‐13X modified with SDS (Fe2O3‐13X‐Ms) was described by a pseudo‐second‐order kinetic equation. The results reported in this paper indicate that a high RB removal percentage was attained by adding SDS to Fe2O3‐13X.
Serum 8‐Oxo‐dG as a Predictor of Sensitivity and Outcome of Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy of Upper Gastrointestinal Tumours
Authors: Pour Khavari Ali , Liu Yongping , He Ellen , Skog Sven , Haghdoost Siamak
Published: May 2018

The level of oxidative stress is important in the initiation and progression of various age‐related diseases, such as cancer. The level of oxidative stress may also play a significant role in cancer patients’ response to treatment. We aimed to investigate whether serum 8‐oxo‐dG as a marker of oxidative stress is a predictor of tumour response. We used modified ELISA with a two‐step filtration to analyse 8‐oxo‐dG in serum. The relationship between 8‐oxo‐dG levels, tumour response, and toxicity was studied in 19 oesophageal cancer patients who received radiotherapy and 16 gastric cancer patients who received chemotherapy. In the radiotherapy and the merged radio‐ and chemotherapy groups, the baseline levels of 8‐oxo‐dG were significantly lower in responder patients than in nonresponder patients and the increments after treatment were greater. In comparison with patients whose serum 8‐oxo‐dG levels decrease after treatment, patients with increasing levels had a longer median “progression‐free survival.” Our results, although preliminary, suggest that serum levels of 8‐oxo‐dG may potentially be used to predict the sensitivity and outcome of radiotherapy and chemotherapy of upper gastrointestinal tumours. Patients with 8‐oxo‐dG levels that are low prior to treatment and subsequently increase after treatment may be more likely to benefit from the therapy.
The Prevalence of Depression among Diabetic Patients in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis, 2018
Authors: Teshome Henok Mulugeta , Ayalew Getenet Dessie , Shiferaw Fasil Wagnew , Leshargie Cheru Tesema , Boneya Dube Jara
Published: May 2018

Background. Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia. Depression is one of the major important public health problems that is often comorbid with diabetes. Despite the huge effect of comorbid depression and diabetes, the overall pooled prevalence of depression among diabetic patients in the country level remains unknown. Therefore, the objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to estimate the pooled prevalence of depression among patients with diabetes mellitus in Ethiopia.Method. Data extraction was designed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Studies were accessed through electronic web-based search from PubMed, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, Embase, and PsycINFO. All statistical analyses were done using STATA version 11 software using random effects model. The pooled prevalence was presented in forest plots.Results. A total of 9 studies with 2944 participants were included in this meta-analysis and the overall pooled estimated prevalence of depression among diabetic patients in Ethiopia was 39.73% (95% CI (28.02%, 51.45%)). According to subgroup analysis the estimated prevalence of depression in Addis Ababa was 52.9% (95% CI: 36.93%, 68.88%) and in Oromia region was 45.49% (95% CI: 41.94, 49.03%).Conclusion. The analysis revealed that the overall prevalence of comorbid depression among diabetic patients in Ethiopia was high. Therefore, Ministry of Health should design multisectorial approach and context specific interventions that address this comorbid depression in this specific group as well as general population.
Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Pathophysiology of Dysglycemia among People Living with HIV in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Njuguna Benson , Kiplagat Jepchirchir , Bloomfield Gerald S. , Pastakia Sonak D. , Vedanthan Rajesh , Koethe John R.
Published: May 2018

Objective. To review available literature on the prevalence, risk factors, pathophysiology, and clinical outcomes of dysglycemia among people living with HIV (PLHIV) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).Methods. Database search on PUBMED for eligible studies describing the prevalence, risk factors, pathophysiology, or clinical outcomes of dysglycemia in SSA PLHIV.Results. Prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) and pre-DM among SSA PLHIV ranged from 1% to 26% and 19% to 47%, respectively, in 15 identified studies. Older age and an elevated body mass index (BMI) were common risk factors for dysglycemia. Risk factors potentially more specific to PLHIV in SSA included exposure to older-generation thymidine analogues or protease inhibitors, malnutrition at ART initiation, a failure to gain fat mass on treatment, and elevated serum lipids. There is evidence of higher nephropathy and neuropathy rates among PLHIV in SSA with comorbid DM compared to HIV-negative individuals with DM.Conclusion. There is a need for longitudinal studies to enhance understanding of the risk factors for dysglycemia among PLHIV in SSA, further research into optimal therapies to reduce pre-DM progression to DM among SSA PLHIV, and studies of the burden and phenotype of diabetic complications and other health outcomes among PLHIV with comorbid DM in SSA.
Staphylococcus aureusMyocarditis with Associated Left Ventricular Apical Thrombus
Authors: McGee Michael , Shiel Emily , Brienesse Stephen , Murch Stuart , Pickles Robert , Leitch James
Published: May 2018

Staphylococcus aureusmyocarditis is a rare diagnosis with a high mortality rate, usually seen in people who are immunocompromised. Here, we report a case of a 44-year-old man on methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis who presented in septic shock and was diagnosed withstaphylococcus aureusmyocarditis. The myocarditis was associated with a left ventricular apical thrombus, with normal systolic function. The myocarditis and associated thrombus were characterised on transthoracic echocardiogram and subsequently on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging showed oedema in the endomyocardium, consistent with acute myocarditis, associated with an apical mural thrombus. Repeat CMR 3 weeks following discharge from hospital showed marked improvement in endomyocardial oedema and complete resolution of the apical mural thrombus. He was treated with a 12-week course of antibiotics and anticoagulated with apixaban. The patient was successfully managed with intravenous antibiotics and anticoagulation with complete recovery.
Interactions in an Acoustic World: Dumb Hole
Authors: Simaciu Ion , Dumitrescu Gheorghe , Borsos Zoltan , Brădac Mariana
Published: May 2018

The present paper aims to complete an earlier paper where the acoustic world was introduced. This is accomplished by analyzing the interactions which occur between the inhomogeneities of the acoustic medium, which are induced by the acoustic vibrations travelling in the medium. When a wave packet travels in a medium, the medium becomes inhomogeneous. The spherical wave packet behaves like an acoustic spherical lens for the acoustic plane waves. According to the principle of causality, there is an interaction between the wave and plane wave packet. In specific conditions, the wave packet behaves as an acoustic black hole.
Translation and Validation of the Sinhalese Version of the Brief Medication Questionnaire in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Ranasinghe P. , Jayawardena R. , Katulanda P. , Constantine G. R. , Ramanayake V. , Galappatthy P.
Published: May 2018

Background. Adherence to long-term therapy for diabetes remains low. Accurately measuring adherence is the primary step in improving adherence. We translated and validated the Sinhalese version of the Brief Medication Questionnaire (BMQ) in patients with diabetes. Methods. The study was conducted at the National Hospital of Sri Lanka between April and December 2017, including 165 patients with diabetes. BMQ was translated into Sinhalese using the translation-back translation method. The translated questionnaire validation included evaluation of internal consistency, temporal stability, and performance in regard to a gold standard (HbA1c). Results. Mean age (±SD) was 60.6 ± 11.1 years, and 46.1% were males. Mean duration of diabetes in the participants was 13.4 ± 7.8 years. Mean HbA1c was 8.3 ± 1.7%, with poor glycaemic control (HbA1c ≥ 8.5%) identified in 41.8%. Medication adherence measured by the BMQ regimen, belief, and recall screens were 39.4%, 75.8%, and 18.8%, respectively. In the analysis of temporal stability, the overall BMQ and the regimen, belief, and recall screens demonstrated good concordance between test and retest with significant gamma correlation coefficients of r=0.85 (p<0.001), r=0.81 (p<0.001), r=0.84 (p<0.001), and r=0.91 (p<0.001), respectively. The overall BMQ had a Cronbach α coefficient of 0.65 (95% CI: 0.61–0.70). The questionnaire performance with regards to the gold standards for the overall BMQ AUC was 0.73 (95% CI 0.65–0.80), while the BMQ regimen screen AUC was 0.61 (95% CI 0.53–0.70). The overall BMQ score with a cutoff value of 2 presented better equilibrium between sensitivity and specificity for the gold standard. Those with low adherence had a significantly higher percentage of poor glycaemic control (HbA1c ≥ 8.5%). Conclusion. The translated questionnaire demonstrated good reliability (internal consistency), temporal stability (test-retest reliability), and validity when assessed using a gold standard for disease control. Using culturally validated tools to evaluate adherence may help clinicians to identify low adherence and institute corrective measures.
Shared Autonomous Vehicles Effect on Vehicle-Km Traveled and Average Trip Duration
Authors: Moreno Ana T. , Michalski Andrzej , Llorca Carlos , Moeckel Rolf
Published: May 2018

Intermediate modes of transport, such as shared vehicles or ride sharing, are starting to increase their market share at the expense of traditional modes of car, public transport, and taxi. In the advent of autonomous vehicles, single occupancy shared vehicles are expected to substitute at least in part private conventional vehicle trips. The objective of this paper is to estimate the impact of shared autonomous vehicles on average trip duration and vehicle-km traveled in a large metropolitan area. A stated preference online survey was designed to gather data on the willingness to use shared autonomous vehicles. Then, commute trips and home-based other trips were generated microscopically for a synthetic population in the greater Munich metropolitan area. Individuals who traveled by auto were selected to switch from a conventional vehicle to a shared autonomous vehicle subject to their willingness to use them. The effect of shared autonomous vehicles on urban mobility was assessed through traffic simulations in MATSim with a varying autonomous taxi fleet size. The results indicated that the total traveled distance increased by up to 8% after autonomous fleets were introduced. Current travel demand can still be satisfied with an acceptable waiting time when 10 conventional vehicles are replaced with 4 shared autonomous vehicles.
Conformational and Functional Properties of Soybean Proteins Produced by Extrusion-Hydrolysis Approach
Authors: Ma Wenjun , Qi Baokun , Sami Rokayya , Jiang Lianzhou , Li Yang , Wang Hui
Published: May 2018

The conformational and functional changes of soybean protein after a hybrid extrusion-hydrolysis method were evaluated. Three extrusion temperatures (60, 80, and 100°C) were used prior to enzymatic hydrolysis. The hydrolysis degrees, molecular weight profiles, solubilities, surface hydrophobicities, sulphydryl contents, disulfide bound, water holding capacity, emulsion, and foam properties of the protein isolated from the enzyme-hydrolyzed extruded soybeans were analyzed. It shows that extrusion caused significant changes in the hydrophobicity, molecular weight distribution, solubility, surface hydrophobicity, emulsification activity, and stability of the protein. The increase of molecular weights could be attributed to the formation of protein aggregates during extrusion. Extrusion and enzymatic hydrolysis led to a sharp increase in the number of disulfide bonds with a decrease of the sulphydryl group. The water holding capacity and the solubility of protein increased with the increase of extrusion temperature and hydrolysis time. Extrusion improved the emulsifying activity but reduced the emulsifying stability of the recovered proteins. Extrusion improved the foam capacity but reduced the foam stability of the proteins. The data demonstrated that the extrusion-hydrolysis treatment significantly altered the conformational and functional properties of soybean protein, which may be further optimized for the development of new soy protein ingredient with desired functional properties.
Matching Inhaler Devices with Patients: The Role of the Primary Care Physician
Authors: Kaplan Alan , Price David
Published: May 2018

Poor inhaler technique and nonadherence impair the efficacy of medications for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A range of factors, including age, dexterity, inspiratory capacity, cognitive ability, health literacy, and ethnicity, can impact a patient’s ability and intention to use their device. Treatment success can also be influenced by patient preferences and perceptions. Therefore, it is important that healthcare professionals effectively match inhaler devices to individual patients’ needs and abilities and empower patients by including them in treatment decisions. Physicians must, therefore, fully understand the characteristics of each device, as well as their patients’ demographic characteristics and comorbidities. Following device selection, patient training and education, including a physical demonstration of the device, are key to eliminate any critical errors that may impact on health outcomes. Inhaler technique should be frequently rechecked. This review will examine the important role of primary care providers in the selection of appropriate inhaler devices and provision of training for patients with COPD and asthma to optimize correct inhaler use and adherence. An overview of the key features of available devices and of the factors to consider when selecting devices will be provided in the context of current asthma and COPD guidelines.
Metabolic and Physiologic Imaging Biomarkers of the Tumor Microenvironment Predict Treatment Outcome with Radiation or a Hypoxia-Activated Prodrug in Mice
Authors: Matsumoto Shingo , Kishimoto Shun , Saito Keita , Takakusagi Yoichi , Munasinghe Jeeva P. , Devasahayam Nallathamby , Hart Charles P. , Gillies Robert J. , Mitchell James B. , Krishna Murali C.
Published: May 2018

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterized by hypoxic niches that lead to treatment resistance. Therefore, studies of tumor oxygenation and metabolic profiling should contribute to improved treatment strategies. Here, we define two imaging biomarkers that predict differences in tumor response to therapy: (i) partial oxygen pressure (pO2), measured by EPR imaging; and (ii) [1-13C] pyruvate metabolism rate, measured by hyperpolarized 13C MRI. Three human PDAC xenografts with varying treatment sensitivity (Hs766t, MiaPaCa2, and Su.86.86) were grown in mice. The median pO2 of the mature Hs766t, MiaPaCa2, and Su.86.86 tumors was 9.1 ± 1.7, 11.1 ± 2.2, and 17.6 ± 2.6 mm Hg, and the rate of pyruvate-to-lactate conversion was 2.72 ± 0.48, 2.28 ± 0.26, and 1.98 ± 0.51 per minute, respectively (n = 6, each). These results are in agreement with steady-state data of matabolites quantified by mass spectroscopy and histologic analysis, indicating glycolytic and hypoxia profile in Hs766t, MiaPaca2, and Su.86.86 tumors. Fractionated radiotherapy (5 Gy × 5) resulted in a tumor growth delay of 16.7 ± 1.6 and 18.0 ± 2.7 days in MiaPaca2 and Su.86.86 tumors, respectively, compared with 6.3 ± 2.7 days in hypoxic Hs766t tumors. Treatment with gemcitabine, a first-line chemotherapeutic agent, or the hypoxia-activated prodrug TH-302 was more effective against Hs766t tumors (20.0 ± 3.5 and 25.0 ± 7.7 days increase in survival time, respectively) than MiaPaCa2 (2.7 ± 0.4 and 6.7 ± 0.7 days) and Su.86.86 (4.7 ± 0.6 and 0.7 ± 0.6 days) tumors. Collectively, these results demonstrate the ability of molecular imaging biomarkers to predict the response of PDAC to treatment with radiotherapy and TH-302.

Significance: pO2 imaging data and clinically available metabolic imaging data provide useful insight into predicting the treatment efficacy of chemotherapy, radiation, and a hypoxia-activated prodrug as monotherapies and combination therapies in PDAC tumor xenograft models. Cancer Res; 78(14); 3783–92. ©2018 AACR.
Evaluation of Central Blood Pressure in an Asian Population: Comparison between Brachial Oscillometry and Radial Tonometry Methods
Authors: Hoshide Satoshi , Komori Takahiro , Ogata Yukiyo , Eguchi Kazuo , Kario Kazuomi
Published: May 2018

Background: New devices have recently been developed using various features of the waveform derived from a brachial cuff for noninvasive estimation of central systolic blood pressure (SBP). Central SBP estimated from brachial oscillometry has never been compared with that estimated from radial tonometry in a Japanese population. Subjects and Methods: We recruited 155 Japanese volunteers (mean age 58 ± 16 years, range 18–99 years; 66.5% women) and estimated their central SBP using brachial oscillometry (Mobil-O-Graph) or radial tonometry (SphygmoCor). Results: The mean (standard deviation) peripheral SBP and central SBP measured with brachial oscillometry was 128 ± 18 mm Hg and 118 ± 16 mm Hg, respectively, while the central SBP estimated using radial tonometry was 119 ± 18 mm Hg. The mean (standard deviation) difference in estimated central SBP between brachial oscillometry and radial tonometry was 0.36 ± 5.9 mm Hg, and the central SBPs estimated using these devices were strongly correlated (r = 0.946, intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.940, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Central SBP estimated using brachial oscillometry was similar to that estimated from radial tonometry in a Japanese population.
Hybrid Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy: Non-Erythemal in vivo Testing of Sun Protection Factor
Authors: Rohr Mathias , Ernst Nikolai , Schrader Andreas
Published: May 2018

Background/Aims: In order to define a label sun protection factor (SPF) of topically applied sunscreens, in vivo test methods like ISO 24444, FDA guideline, or the Australian standard are used worldwide. The basis of all these methods is provoking an erythemal skin reaction by UV irradiation to find the level of unprotected and protected minimal erythemal doses (MED). In vitro methods replacing the human skin by any kind of non-human material are still not available. Thus, offering the new hybrid diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (HDRS) technique that is able to stay on an in vivo level for SPF testing but meanwhile neglecting the UV-dose-related erythemal skin reaction is a perfect combination to take care of sun protection and any ethical concerns in SPF testing nowadays. Methods: HDRS is a combination of in vivo diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) measurements on the skin and in vitro transmission measurements of a sunscreen on a roughened polymethylmethacrylate plate. By this technique, the in vivo behavior of the investigated sunscreen on the skin is measured as well as the UVB absorption, which is still non-visible in the reflectance technique. In order to establish an alternative method for in vivo SPF testing, a huge number of sunscreens (80 samples) was measured by HDRS and compared to the worldwide accepted standard ISO 24444. The variety of sunscreens measured reflects a wide range of different types of formulations as well as a wide range of SPFs (5–120) to validate this new alternative SPF testing procedure. Results: The applied quantity of product as well as skin color dependencies of signal generation are shown to support any basic correlation of DRS signal generation and sun protection expectations. Far-reaching statistical data analyses show an excellent link of the new non-erythemally driven HDRS-SPF technique and ISO 24444 results. In the same way, HDRS-UVA-PF results can be correlated with UVA-PF values calculated from ISO 24443. Conclusion: Due to the elimination of any erythemal relevant UVB and UVA doses, absolutely no skin reaction occurs. Consequently there is no need to define a MED any more. For the first time an alternative way to SPF is shown without any ethical concerns of SPF testing in vivo and/or any restriction of SPF testing in vitro. Regardless of the type of formulation or the level of protection, an excellent correlation of SPFHDRS and SPF24444 for sunscreen labeling could be found. By this new alternative non-erythemal technique, not only SPF values can be measured, but also UVA-PF values can be calculated with an excellent correlation to ISO 24443 from the same set of data. For the first time a robust alternative test method of SPF- and UVA-PF values is described, taking into account the interaction of sunscreen formulation and skin.
The Molecular Pathology of Myelodysplastic Syndrome
Authors: Haferlach Torsten
Published: May 2018

The diagnosis and classification of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are based on cytomorphology and cytogenetics (WHO classification). Prognosis is best defined by the Revised International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS-R). In recent years, an increasing number of molecular aberrations have been discovered. They are already included in the classification (e.g., SF3B1) and, more importantly, have emerged as valuable markers for better classification, particularly for defining risk groups. Mutations in genes such as SF3B1 and IDH1/2 have already had an impact on targeted treatment approaches in MDS.
The cGAS/STING Pathway Is Important for Dendritic Cell Activation but Is Not Essential to Induce Protective Immunity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection
Authors: Marinho Fabio V. , Benmerzoug Sulayman , Rose Stephanie  , Campos Priscila C. , Marques João T. , Báfica André , Barber Glen , Ryffel Bernhard , Oliveira Sergio C. , Quesniaux Valerie F.J.
Published: May 2018

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection remains a major public health concern. The STING (stimulator of interferon genes) pathway contributes to the cytosolic surveillance of host cells. Most studies on the role of STING activation in Mtb infection have focused on macrophages. Moreover, a detailed investigation of the role of STING during Mtb infection in vivo is required. Here, we deciphered the involvement of STING in the activation of dendritic cells (DCs) and the host response to Mtb infection in vivo. In DCs, this adaptor molecule was important for Ifn-β expression and IL-12 production as well as for the surface expression of the activation markers CD40 and CD86. We also documented that Mtb DNA induces STING activation in murine fibroblasts. In vivo Mtb aerogenic infection induced the upregulation of the STING and cGAS (cyclic GMP-AMP synthase) genes, and Ifn-β pulmonary expression was dependent on both sensors. However, mice deficient for STING or cGAS presented a similar outcome to wild-type controls, with no major alterations in body weight gain, bacterial burden, or survival. Lung inflammation, proinflammatory cytokine production, and inflammatory cell recruitment were similar in STING- and cGAS-deficient mice compared to wild-type controls. In summary, although the STING pathway seems to be crucial for DC activation during Mtb infection, it is dispensable for host protection in vivo.
Re-Operative Pancreaticoduodenectomy: Challenges and Outcomes
Authors: Bhandare Manish S. , Mehta Nikhil , Chaudhari Vikram , Kumar Naveena An , Pai Esha , Goel Mahesh , Shrikhande Shailesh V.
Published: May 2018

Background: Tata Memorial Centre (TMC) is a high-volume centre for pancreatic tumour resections. We found a continually increasing referral of pancreatic tumours for re-evaluation for surgery, after an initial unsuccessful attempt at resection. Aim: To evaluate reasons of initial in-operability, the feasibility of re-operative pancreatico-duodenectomy (R-PD) and short- and long-term outcomes after R-PD. Methods: Data was collected from a prospective database of GI and hepato-pancreato-biliary service, TMC, Mumbai from January 2008 to December 2016. Results: Forty patients with periampullary/pancreatic head tumours were referred to us after exploration. Thirty were planned for re-exploration, of whom 25 patients underwent successful R-PD, either upfront (n = 12) or after neo-adjuvant therapy (n = 13). Twenty were adenocarcinomas, 5 had other histologies. Majority of the patients were deemed inoperable in view of suspected vascular involvement at the time of initial surgery (68%). R0 resection was achieved in 90% of adenocarcinoma cases (n = 18). Postoperative major morbidity was 20% and mortality was 4% (n = 1). The estimated 1-, 2- and 5-year survival for those with adenocarcinoma was 83, 71.2, and 29.9% respectively. Conclusion: R-PD is safe and should be performed in experienced centres and can achieve long-term outcomes, comparable to conventional PD. The most common reason for denying resection at initial surgery was suspected or perceived vascular involvement.
Effect of Postprandial Administration of Esomeprazole on Reflux Symptoms in Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: A Randomized, Controlled Trial
Authors: Boltin Doron , Zvidi Ibrahim , Raskin Maria , Kayless Hen , Schmilovitz-Weiss  Hemda  , Gingold-Belfer Rachel , Niv Yaron , Dickman Ram
Published: May 2018

Background: Esomeprazole is commonly administered with food; however, clinical data to support this practice are lacking. We aimed to determine the effect of postprandial ingestion of esomeprazole on reflux symptoms among patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Methods: Consecutive patients with GERD adequately controlled with esomeprazole 40 mg daily, entered a 2-week lead-in period during which esomeprazole was administered 30 min before breakfast. Patients were then randomized to continue preprandial ingestion or to ingest esomeprazole following a standardized meal. Outcomes included GERD frequency and severity indices, GERD-health-related quality of life (GERD-HRQL) questionnaire and Short Form 36 (SF-36). Results: Thirty-two patients (17 [53.1%] men, aged 53.5 ± 17.2 years) were included, and 16 (50%) switched to postprandial ingestion of esomeprazole. GERD frequency and severity decreased in both groups (Δ9.0 ± 7.2 vs. Δ10.0 ± 8.1, p = 0.29; Δ6.6 ± 6.8 vs. Δ10.2 ± 7.4, p = 0.57 in postprandial group vs. controls, for frequency and severity, respectively). GERD-HRQL improved in both study groups to a similar degree (Δ10.7 ± 10.5 vs. Δ10.0 ± 13.8, p = 0.97). All SF-36 subscores increased in both groups to a similar degree. In a mixed linear model, there were no differences between the study groups in the changes observed in GERD frequency (p = 0.49), severity (p = 0.32), and GERD-HRQL (p = 0.98) during the study period. Conclusion: Switching to postprandial administration of esomeprazole is not associated with deterioration in reflux symptoms among patients with GERD. Esomeprazole seems to remain efficacious when administered after meals.