bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temperature Effects on Rheological Properties of Fresh Thickened Copper Tailings that Contain Cement
Authors: Wang Yong , Wu Aixiang , Ruan Zhuen , Wang Hongjiang , Wang Yiming , Jin Fei
Published: May 2018

Cemented paste backfill (CPB) is an economic and environmental friendly technique applied in underground mining for supporting surrounding rock and replacing the pillar. However, little is known about the temperature effects on CPB in mines having a large temperature fluctuation. The main purpose of this research was to investigate the effect of temperature change on the rheological properties (e.g., shear stress and apparent viscosity) of CPB with copper mine tailings. Specifically, a series of rheological tests were conducted on 6 CPB samples using a Brookfield R/S+ Rheometer under various temperatures (2°C, 10°C, 20°C, 30°C, 40°C, and 60°C). Our results showed that both shear stress and apparent viscosity of these tailing samples increased with temperature rising from 2 to 60°C. Likewise, temperature has a significant impact on the Bingham yield stress of thickened tailings. The yield stress decreased from 122 Pa (2°C) to 112 Pa (20°C) and then increased to 152 Pa (60°C). Moreover, the pipeline transport pressure drop of CPB at various temperatures was calculated, illustrating an obvious effect on the paste pipeline transport. Compared with 20°C, the pressure drop under 2°C and 60°C increased by 11% and 22%, respectively. The results of this study indicate that the temperature plays an essential role in determining rheological properties of CPB and its engineering application in mines particularly with naturally fluctuating temperatures.
Analysis of Discontinuous Dynamical Behaviors of a Friction-Induced Oscillator with an Elliptic Control Law
Authors: Fan Jinjun , Liu Ping , Liu Tianyi , Xue Shan , Yang Zhaoxia
Published: May 2018

This paper develops the passability conditions of flow to the discontinuous boundary and the sticking or sliding and grazing conditions to the separation boundary in the discontinuous dynamical system of a friction-induced oscillator with an elliptic control law and the friction force acting on the mass M through the analysis of the corresponding vector fields and G-functions. The periodic motions of such a discontinuous system are predicted analytically through the mapping structure. Finally, the numerical simulations are given to illustrate the analytical results of motion for a better understanding of physics of motion in the mass-spring-damper oscillator.
Advances in Materials Science and Engineering Assessment of Gamma Radiation Hazards Related to Geologic Materials: Comparison of Results by Field Gamma Spectrometry and Laboratory Methods
Authors: Couto Miguel , Sanjurjo-Sánchez Jorge , Alves Carlos
Published: May 2018

Geologic materials are a potential source of external gamma radiation in buildings due to the presence of radioisotopes (40K and isotopes from U and Th decay families). The contents of these radioisotopes can be evaluated by laboratory analyses that require the extraction of samples, with associated financial and time constraints, and it is also difficult to perform on materials already applied in existing structures. In this work, portable gamma spectrometry results are compared with laboratory analyses in terms of radioisotopes estimations, and the activity concentration index is calculated from them (which assess the conjoint contribution of the different radioisotopes to the external gamma radiation). The studied objects are rocks and their “in situ” weathering products. The results obtained indicate that despite several problems posed by field measurements with portable gamma spectrometry, namely, in terms of the geometric characteristics of the objects measured, this technique has the potential to identify materials with different hazard levels related to external gamma radiation.
Metastatic Gallbladder Melanoma Presenting as Acute Emphysematous Cholecystitis
Authors: Hall Natalie , Grenier Nicole L. , Shah Samir A. , Gold Richard , Feller Edward
Published: May 2018

Malignant melanoma is an aggressive tumor with a high potential for distant metastases, including spread to the gallbladder where it represents more than half of all metastases detected at autopsy. Yet, it is rarely symptomatic in life and is a rare cause of acute cholecystitis. Emphysematous cholecystitis is a rare, potentially fatal variant of acute cholecystitis characterized by the presence of gas in the gallbladder lumen or wall. We report a 77-year-old woman with acute emphysematous cholecystitis as the initial feature of recurrent melanoma metastatic to the gallbladder. This exceptional association highlights the need to consider a relapse of malignancy when assessing unexplained abdominal symptoms in any patient with a prior history of melanoma.
Risk Factors Associated with Overweight and Obesity in Japanese-Brazilians
Authors: Back Ivi R. , Oliveira Rosana R. , Silva Eraldo S. , Marcon Sonia S.
Published: May 2018

Objective. To estimate which risk factors (sociodemographic, lifestyle, and health conditions) are associated with overweight and obesity in Japanese-Brazilians.Methods. This was a cross-sectional study carried out with Japanese-Brazilians living in the southern region of Brazil. Data were collected between March and December of 2016 through a household survey addressing sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle, and health conditions. Data were analyzed by means of logistic regression considering 95% level of significance.Results. A total of 542 Japanese-Brazilians with a mean age of 47.75 years were evaluated; 52.8% were eutrophic, 36.9% were overweight, and 10.3% were people with obesity. The following variables remained associated with overweight after adjustments; male gender (ORaj = 1.85, CI = 1.24–2.76), age range of 40–49 years (ORaj = 2.27, CI = 1.10–4.68), and 50 to 59 years (ORaj = 2.17, CI = 1.004–4.72), alcohol consumption (ORaj = 2.11, CI = 1.07–4.16), and presence of chronic disease (ORaj = 1.59, CI = 1.02–2.46). The following were independent factors associated with obesity: male gender (ORaj = 3.63, CI = 1.78–7.40), the presence of chronic disease (ORaj = 4.13, CI = 1.96–8.71), the age range of 30 to 39 years (ORaj = 4.74, CI = 1.65–13.64) and 40 to 49 years (ORaj = 2.89, CI = 1.05–7.95), and irregularly active lifestyle (ORaj = 2.73, CI = 1.12–6.69).Conclusion. The results of this study show that being a male in the age range of 30–49 years old, alcohol consumption, and presence of chronic disease are associated with overweight and obesity in Japanese-Brazilians.
A Two-Step Resume Information Extraction Algorithm
Authors: Chen Jie , Zhang Chunxia , Niu Zhendong
Published: May 2018

With the rapid growth of Internet-based recruiting, there are a great number of personal resumes among recruiting systems. To gain more attention from the recruiters, most resumes are written in diverse formats, including varying font size, font colour, and table cells. However, the diversity of format is harmful to data mining, such as resume information extraction, automatic job matching, and candidates ranking. Supervised methods and rule-based methods have been proposed to extract facts from resumes, but they strongly rely on hierarchical structure information and large amounts of labelled data, which are hard to collect in reality. In this paper, we propose a two-step resume information extraction approach. In the first step, raw text of resume is identified as different resume blocks. To achieve the goal, we design a novel feature, Writing Style, to model sentence syntax information. Besides word index and punctuation index, word lexical attribute and prediction results of classifiers are included in Writing Style. In the second step, multiple classifiers are employed to identify different attributes of fact information in resumes. Experimental results on a real-world dataset show that the algorithm is feasible and effective.
Framework for Designing Project Delivery and Contract Strategy in Chinese Construction Industry Based on Value‐Added Analysis
Authors: Ding Jiyong , Wang Na , Hu Leichuang
Published: May 2018

A project delivery method (PDM) and project contract strategy (PCS) are two critical factors for project success in construction industry. Currently, there are several options available for them in the construction industry, with several innovative PDMs and PCSs emerging along with the development of the industry. This paper maintains that the PDM should be designed in combination with the PCS given their close relationship. This paper focuses on the design of project delivery and contract strategy (PDCS), with the aim of developing a conceptual framework for the PDCS design. The design process is divided into two stages: preliminary design and detailed design, taking engineering design as a frame of reference. In the design process, the value‐added analysis of project objectives is adopted as a tool to make decisions at different stages. The framework proposed in this paper is intended to provide a more distinct and direct path to improving PDCS selection or design, as well as enhancing the reliability of decision‐making.
Frequency Diverse Array Antennas: From Their Origin to Their Application in Wireless Communication Systems
Authors: Nusenu Shaddrack Yaw , Basit Abdul
Published: May 2018

Wireless communication systems have gained considerable growth rate nowadays, with the anticipation that communications will be available everywhere and anywhere in the near future. Phased array antenna whose beam steering is fixed in an angle for all range cells has been utilized for wireless communications. To mitigate this problem, a new array concept, namely, frequency diverse array (FDA), was proposed. This paper presents how FDA technology could be useful in today’s wireless communication technology. FDA is distinct from phased array in a sense that it employs frequency increment across array elements. The use of a frequency increment creates a beam steering that is a function of angle, time, and range which allows the FDA antenna to transmit the energy along the prespecified range and angle direction. In addition, we consider the time-variant beampattern aspect of an FDA, which has normally been ignored in the literature. In this study, we present the mathematical fundamentals of FDA antenna and why it could be exploited for wireless communication systems. Furthermore, FDA using Butler matrix for communication has been discussed. Performance analysis in terms of transmit beampattern, signal-to-interference-and-noise ratio (SINR), and direction of arrival has been presented and compared with that of phased array antenna.
A Retrospective Study of Cytology, High-Risk HPV, and Colposcopy Results of Vaginal Intraepithelial Neoplasia Patients
Authors: Cong Qing , Song Yu , Wang Qing , Zhang Hongwei , Gao Shujun , Sui Long
Published: May 2018

There is currently no large sample data of cytology, high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV), and colposcopy results of vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia (VaIN) in women who underwent hysterectomy and those who did not. We aim to explore the values of cytology, hrHPV, and colposcopy reports in detecting VaIN. A retrospective study of women diagnosed with VaIN by colposcopy-directed biopsy was performed at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, China, between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2014. A total of 529 cases of VaIN were diagnosed, including 16.1% VaIN2/3 and 83.9% VaIN1. The ratio of VaIN2/3 in VaIN among patients after hysterectomy and with an intact uterus was 35.1% and 12.0%, respectively. The sensitivity of cytology for VaIN2/3 in only, concomitant, and posthysterectomy VaIN was 42.1%, 80.0%, and 80.8%, respectively. The sensitivity of hrHPV and cytology/hrHPV cotesting for VaIN2/3 in patients with an intact uterus versus those after hysterectomy was 93.5% versus 92.3% and 92.0% versus 100.0%, respectively. Notably, 13.3% of the patients with VaIN and 9.7% of the patients with VaIN2/3 underwent hysterectomy for noncervical diseases. The sensitivity of cytology and hrHPV for VaIN is noninferior to that of CIN2+, and thus these methods can help in the early detection of VaIN effectively.
Subcutaneous Lobular Capillary Hemangioma Presenting as a Facial Mass
Authors: Saadeh Charles , Ulualp Seckin O. , Rakheja Dinesh
Published: May 2018

Lobular capillary hemangioma is a benign lesion of the skin and mucous membranes. Subcutaneous lobular capillary hemangioma presents as a deeper nodule. Lack of the characteristic surface changes of this subtype of lobular capillary hemangioma makes the clinical diagnosis challenging. We describe clinical, radiologic, and histological features of a subcutaneous lobular capillary hemangioma tissue presenting as a facial mass in a 12-year-old male. The mass was a firm, nontender, immobile, subcutaneous nodule, with no color change of the overlying skin. CT imaging documented a hyperdense and nonlipomatous mass involving soft tissue of the left lateral nasal wall. An excisional biopsy was performed. Histologic evaluation showed subcutaneous lobular capillary hemangioma. Subcutaneous lobular capillary hemangioma, although uncommon, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of lateral nasal wall mass in children.
Closed-Form Solution of a Peripherally Fixed Circular Membrane under Uniformly Distributed Transverse Loads and Deflection Restrictions
Authors: Wang Teng-fei , He Xiao-ting , Li Yang-hui
Published: May 2018

The problem of axisymmetric deformation of a peripherally fixed and uniformly loaded circular membrane under deflection restrictions (by a frictionless horizontal rigid plate) was analytically solved, where the assumption of constant membrane stress adopted in the existing work was given up, and a closed-form solution of this problem was presented for the first time. The numerical analysis shows that the closed-form solution presented here has higher calculation accuracy than the existing approximate solution.
Effects of Oral Stimulation Intervention in Newborn Babies with Cri du Chat Syndrome: Single-Subject Research Design
Authors: Kim Mi Kyung , Kim Deok Ju
Published: May 2018

The purpose of this study is to treat dysphagia in a newborn baby with cri du chat syndrome using an oral stimulation intervention and to examine its effects. The subject of this study was a baby born 2 weeks prematurely. Since birth, his oxygen saturation (SaO2) decreased while feeding, and he had difficulty with mouth feeding. Thus, an NG feeding tube was inserted, and dysphagia treatment was initiated on the sixth day after birth. A baseline phase and an intervention phase were performed using an AB design. The oral stimulation intervention was not performed in the baseline phase, as only nonnutritive sucking training using a rubber pacifier was used during the baseline phase. During the intervention phase, nonnutritive sucking training and oral stimulation intervention were simultaneously conducted. After the intervention period, daily oral milk intake and intake per feeding of the subject noticeably increased. The oxygen saturation while feeding rose over 90% on average, and the baby did not present with hypoxia. The oral stimulation intervention provided prior to feeding resulted in highly positive effects, including induced normal development of the baby, stimulation of his transition from the NG feeding tube to bottle feeding, increased oxygen saturation, and a shortened hospital stay.
Sclerosing Angiomatoid Nodular Transformation: Laparoscopic Splenectomy as Therapeutic and Diagnostic Approach at the Same Time
Authors: Cipolla Calogero , Florena Ada Maria , Ferrara Gabriella , Di Gregorio Riccardo , Unti Elettra , Giannone Antonino G. , Lazzaro Luigi A. , Graceffa Giuseppa , Pantuso Gianni
Published: May 2018

Introduction. Sclerosing angiomatoid nodular transformation (SANT) of the spleen is a rare benign vascular lesion with unknown etiopathogenesis and with definite features of imaging, histopathology, and immunohistochemistry. It was first described by Martel et al. in 2004, and to date, only 151 cases have been reported.Case Description. We report a case of SANT of the spleen detected in a 66-year-old Caucasian, without comorbidities, presented to our department with epigastric pain. We, also, presented a review of the literature.Conclusions. SANT is a benign incidentally vascular condition in the majority of cases. The wide age and gender distribution in our review is in accordance with that in previous studies in English literature. In our opinion, splenectomy is the choice treatment because it is at the same time diagnostic and therapeutic in a definitive way.
Performance Analysis of CRC Codes for Systematic and Nonsystematic Polar Codes with List Decoding
Authors: Murata Takumi , Ochiai Hideki
Published: May 2018

Successive cancellation list (SCL) decoding of polar codes is an effective approach that can significantly outperform the original successive cancellation (SC) decoding, provided that proper cyclic redundancy‐check (CRC) codes are employed at the stage of candidate selection. Previous studies on CRC‐assisted polar codes mostly focus on improvement of the decoding algorithms as well as their implementation, and little attention has been paid to the CRC code structure itself. For the CRC‐concatenated polar codes with CRC code as their outer code, the use of longer CRC code leads to reduction of information rate, whereas the use of shorter CRC code may reduce the error detection probability, thus degrading the frame error rate (FER) performance. Therefore, CRC codes of proper length should be employed in order to optimize the FER performance for a given signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) per information bit. In this paper, we investigate the effect of CRC codes on the FER performance of polar codes with list decoding in terms of the CRC code length as well as its generator polynomials. Both the original nonsystematic and systematic polar codes are considered, and we also demonstrate that different behaviors of CRC codes should be observed depending on whether the inner polar code is systematic or not.
Positron Emission Tomography Imaging Reveals an Importance of Saturable Liver Uptake Transport for the Pharmacokinetics of Metoclopramide
Authors: Caillé Fabien , Goutal Sébastien , Marie Solène , Auvity Sylvain , Cisternino Salvatore , Kuhnast Bertrand , Pottier Géraldine , Tournier Nicolas
Published: May 2018

Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging using [11C]metoclopramide, a P-glycoprotein (P-gp) substrate, was used to investigate the contribution of transport processes to metoclopramide liver clearance. The liver kinetics obtained after injection of [11C]metoclopramide were measured using PET in rats (n=4‐5) in the absence (tracer dose) and the presence of a pharmacologic dose of metoclopramide (3 mg/kg), with or without P-gp inhibition using i.v. tariquidar (8 mg/kg). Corresponding [11C]metoclopramide kinetics and metabolism in plasma (n=3) were measured using radio-HPLC analysis. [11C]metoclopramide exposure to the liver and plasma was described by the area under the time-activity curve (AUC) of the radioactivity kinetics in the liver and parent [11C]metoclopramide kinetics in plasma, respectively. The pharmacologic dose of metoclopramide resulted in a ∼2.2-fold increase in [11C]metoclopramide AUCplasma, while P-gp inhibition did not. AUCliver was lower using the pharmacologic dose (42.9 ± 13.8 SUV·min) compared with the tracer dose (210.0 ± 32.4 SUV·min). P-gp inhibition enhanced the liver exposure in the pharmacologic condition only (81.0 ± 3.1 SUV·min). [11C]metoclopramide PET imaging suggests an unpredicted role for hepatocyte uptake transporter(s) in controlling metoclopramide pharmacokinetics in addition to the known contribution of the metabolic enzymes and the P-gp.
Area of Residence and Socioeconomic Factors Reduce Access to Biologics for Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients in Romania
Authors: Codreanu Cătălin , Popescu Claudiu C. , Mogoşan Corina
Published: May 2018

Introduction. The study aimed to evaluate the influence of socioeconomic factors on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients’ access to biologics in Romania.Method. Cross-sectional data were collected in January 2014 from the Romanian Registry of Rheumatic Diseases (RRRD) comprising all RA patients on biologics from 42 Romanian counties. “Territorial” access to biologics was defined by patients receiving biologics in their home county. A county was “equitable” if <25% of RA patients received biologics outside it.Results. The RRRD included 4507 RA patients aged56.7±12.1years, with a disease duration of12.1±8.3years. Urban dwellers (67.8%) had a significantly higher prevalence of territorial biologic access than rural dwellers (83.1% compared to 74.1%;p<0.001). Gross domestic product (GDP) in 1000 €/capita/county (odds ratio (OR) = 1.224) and number of physicians/1000 inhabitants/county (OR = 2.198) predict territorial access to biologics and also predict the number of territorially treated RA patients. Inequitable counties exhibited significantly lower socioeconomic indicators than equitable counties.Conclusion. In Romania, RA patients’ access to biologics varies significantly between counties. Urban dwellers and patients living in counties/regions with high living standards are more likely to receive biologics locally than those living in more deprived areas.
Modeling a Driver’s Directional and Longitudinal Speed Control Based on Racing Track Features
Authors: Wang Jianfeng , Li Weihua , Li Jun , Liu Yiqun , Song Baoyu , Gao Haibo
Published: May 2018

This study firstly analyses the driver’s manipulation behaviour and relates the different components of the driver model. Then, a model controlling the driver directions is built according to the prediction‐follower theory with the aim of improving the point search algorithm. A model of the driving system of an electric vehicle is used to establish the longitudinal speed control model of the driver by using a feedforward‐PID feedback control strategy. Our approach is to release the coupling between direction and speed control and build an integrated model that includes the direction and speed for an arbitrary path. Finally, the characteristics of an actual racing track are considered to establish the fastest driver control model. We simulated the typical operating conditions of our driver operation model. The simulation confirmed the effectiveness of the improved predictive point search algorithm and the integrated driver model to control the direction and speed for an arbitrary path.
Physicochemical Properties and Sensory Evaluation of Wheat-Purple Rice Biscuits Enriched with Green-Lipped Mussel Powder (Perna canaliculus) and Spices
Authors: Klunklin Warinporn , Savage Geoffrey
Published: May 2018

Biscuits are one of the most consumed bakery products eaten by everyone. Purple rice contains much higher levels of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals such as iron and zinc compared to wheat. The aim of this work was to produce a protein-rich biscuit made from purple rice flour and defatted green-lipped mussel powder (Perna canaliculus) (0–20%) blended with ginger and galangal spices at 4% for each spice. The objective was to produce an inexpensive, balanced, healthy snack product containing increased levels of protein and antioxidants from the mussel powder and to investigate the consumer preferences of these biscuits using the four different ethnic groups (Thai, Chinese, Caucasian, and Pacific Islanders) living in New Zealand. The addition of the mussel powder increased the crude protein content by 43% and the protein digestibility by 21% at the highest level of inclusion. The addition of mussel powder significantly (p<0.05) increased the hardness of biscuits while making small increases in the browning index of the cooked biscuit. The phenolic contents and antioxidant activities (DPPH and ABTS) were significantly (p<0.05) increased as additional amounts of mussel powder were incorporated into the biscuit mix, resulting in a reduction in the total starch contents. The addition of 10% mussel powder to the control biscuit mix was accepted by all the ethnic groups. Overall, the Pacific Islanders showed a higher appreciation for all the attributes tested.
Medicinal Plants of the Family Lamiaceae in Pain Therapy: A Review
Authors: Uritu Cristina M. , Mihai Cosmin T. , Stanciu Gabriela-Dumitrita , Dodi Gianina , Alexa-Stratulat Teodora , Luca Andrei , Leon-Constantin Maria-Magdalena , Stefanescu Raluca , Bild Veronica , Melnic Silvia , Tamba Bogdan I.
Published: May 2018

Recently, numerous side effects of synthetic drugs have lead to using medicinal plants as a reliable source of new therapy. Pain is a global public health problem with a high impact on life quality and a huge economic implication, becoming one of the most important enemies in modern medicine. The medicinal use of plants as analgesic or antinociceptive drugs in traditional therapy is estimated to be about 80% of the world population. The Lamiaceae family, one of the most important herbal families, incorporates a wide variety of plants with biological and medical applications. In this study, the analgesic activity, possible active compounds of Lamiaceae genus, and also the possible mechanism of actions of these plants are presented. The data highlighted in this review paper provide valuable scientific information for the specific implications of Lamiaceae plants in pain modulation that might be used for isolation of potentially active compounds from some of these medicinal plants in future and formulation of commercial therapeutic agents.
Improving Baking Quality of Weak Gluten Semolina Using Ovine Whey Powder
Authors: Secchi Nicola , Fadda Costantino , Pinna Ivo , Del Caro Alessandra , Conte Paola , Piga Antonio , Fois Simonetta , Catzeddu Pasquale
Published: May 2018

The effect of the addition of ovine whey powder at 5%, 10%, and 15% on bread quality was studied. Two different types of semolina were used, one being a commercial blend with strong and tenacious gluten (48T) and the other coming from one single cultivar, characterized for having weak and sticky gluten (4T). Two different types of typical Mediterranean bread were produced, pan bread and flat bread, and their quality characteristics were measured, together with their shelf life. The volume of 4T pan bread was improved by the addition of 5% ovine whey powder. In the case of 48T, the volume of bread was negatively affected by the addition of ovine whey powder. Moreover, flat bread made with 4T was more extensible after the addition of ovine whey powder and showed lower starch retrogradation over time than the same type of bread made with 48T. Among the different pan bread types, consumers preferred 4T with 5% of substitution, which also showed an improved cell size distribution in the crumb.
Effect of Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1α on Early Healing in Extraction Sockets
Authors: Lim Hyun-Chang , Thoma Daniel S. , Jeon Mijeong , Song Je-Seon , Lee Sang-Kyou , Jung Ui-Won
Published: May 2018

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF1A) on the early healing (4 weeks) of extraction sockets exhibiting partial loss of the labial bone. Two extraction sockets of the maxillary incisors from each of six dogs were assigned to two treatment modalities: deproteinized bovine bone mineral (i) with 10% collagen (DBBM-C) soaked with HIF1A and covered by a collagen membrane (CM) (HIF group) or (ii) treated with DBBM-C only and covered by a CM (control group). Microcomputed tomography revealed some degree of collapse of the labial contour. The totally augmented volume and new bone volume did not differ significantly between two groups (P>0.05). The histological analysis revealed that the apical area of the socket was mostly filled with newly formed bone, while there was less newly formed bone in the coronal area and incomplete cortex formation. The histomorphometric analysis revealed that the area of newly formed bone was significantly larger in the HIF group than the control group (12.16±3.04 versus 9.48±2.01 mm2, P<0.05), while there was no significant intergroup difference in the total augmented area. In conclusion, even though DBBM-C soaked with HIF1A enhanced histomorphometric bone formation, this intervention did not demonstrate superiority in preventing ridge shrinkage compared to DBBM-C alone. Clinical relevance of these findings should be further studied.
Residency Training in Robotic General Surgery: A Survey of Program Directors
Authors: George Lea C. , O’Neill Rebecca , Merchant Aziz M.
Published: May 2018

Objective.Robotic surgery continues to expand in minimally invasive surgery; however, the literature is insufficient to understand the current training process for general surgery residents. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to identify the current approach to and perspectives on robotic surgery training.Methods. An electronic survey was distributed to general surgery program directors identified by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education website. Multiple choice and open-ended questions regarding current practices and opinions on robotic surgery training in general surgery residency programs were used.Results.20 program directors were surveyed, a majority being from medium-sized programs (4–7 graduating residents per year). Most respondents (73.68%) had a formal robotic surgery curriculum at their institution, with 63.16% incorporating simulation training. Approximately half of the respondents believe that more time should be dedicated to robotic surgery training (52.63%), with simulation training prior to console use (84.21%). About two-thirds of the respondents (63.16%) believe that a formal robotic surgery curriculum should be established as a part of general surgery residency, with more than half believing that exposure should occur in postgraduate year one (55%).Conclusion.A formal robotics curriculum with simulation training and early surgical exposure for general surgery residents should be given consideration in surgical residency training.
An Energy-Balanced Routing Protocol for a Wireless Sensor Network
Authors: Li Lin , Li Donghui
Published: May 2018

The wireless sensor network is an intelligent self-organizing network which consists of many sensor nodes deployed in the monitoring area. The greatest challenge of designing a wireless sensor network is to balance the energy consumption and prolong the lifetime of the network, seeing that the nodes can be powered only by batteries in most conditions. An energy-balanced routing protocol (EBRP) for wireless sensor networks is proposed in this paper. In EBRP, we divide the network into several clusters by using K-means++ algorithm and select the cluster head by using the fuzzy logical system (FLS). Since the previous researches did not demonstrate how to get the fuzzy rules for different networks, we propose a genetic algorithm (GA) to obtain the fuzzy rules. We code the rules as a chromosome, and the lifetime of the network is treated as a fit function. Then, through the selection, crossover, and mutation of each generation, the best offspring can be decoded as the best rule for each network model. Through the simulation, comparing with the existing routing protocols such as low-energy adaptive clustering hierarchy (LEACH), low-energy adaptive clustering hierarchy-centralized (LEACH-C), and stable election protocol (SEP), the EBRP prolongs the network lifetime (first node dies) by 57%, 63%, and 63%, respectively.
Biomimetic Implant Surface Functionalization with Liquid L-PRF Products: In Vitro Study
Authors: Lollobrigida Marco , Maritato Manuela , Bozzuto Giuseppina , Formisano Giuseppe , Molinari Agnese , De Biase Alberto
Published: May 2018

Objective. Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) clots and membranes are autologous blood concentrates widely used in oral surgical procedures; less is known, however, about the liquid formulations of such products. The aim of this in vitro study is to assess the behavior of different implant surfaces when in contact with two liquid leucocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) products.Methods. Six commercial pure titanium discs, of 9.5 mm diameter and 1.5 mm thickness, were used. Three of these samples had a micro/nano-rough surface; three were machined. Three different protocols were tested. Protocols involved the immersion of the samples in(1)a platelets, lymphocytes, and fibrinogen liquid concentrate (PLyF) for 10 minutes,(2)an exudate obtained from L-PRF clots rich in fibronectin and vitronectin for 5 minutes, and(3)the fibronectin/vitronectin exudate for 2 minutes followed by immersion in the PLyF concentrate for further 8 minutes. After these treatments, the samples were fixed and observed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM).Results. Under microscopic observation,(1)the samples treated with the PLyF concentrate revealed a dense fibrin network in direct contact with the implant surface and a significant number of formed elements of blood;(2)in the samples treated with the fibronectin/vitronectin exudates, only a small number of white and red blood cells were detectable; and(3)in samples exposed to the combined treatment, there was an apparent increase in the thickness of the fibrin layer. When compared to the machined surface, the micro/nano-rough samples showed an overall increased retention of fibrin, leading to a thicker coating.Conclusions. Liquid L-PRF products promote the formation of a dense fibrin clot on micro/nano-rough implant surfaces in vitro. The adjunctive treatment of surfaces with the fibronectin/vitronectin exudate could provide support to contact of the fibrin with the surface, though it is not essential for the clot formation. Further studies are necessary to better elucidate the properties and benefits of liquid L-PRF products.
Fractionation of DMSO-Extracted and NaOH-Extracted Hemicelluloses by Gradient Ethanol Precipitation from Neosinocalamus affinis
Authors: Fu Genque , Yue Panpan , Hu Yajie , Li Nan , Shi Zhengjun , Peng Feng
Published: May 2018

Neosinocalamus affinis hemicelluloses were extracted with pure DMSO and 3% NaOH in sequence. The DMSO- and NaOH-extracted hemicelluloses were then successively fractionated by gradient ethanol precipitation. NaOH-extracted hemicellulosic fractions with different branch degree could be separated by gradient ethanol precipitation, while DMSO-extracted hemicellulosic fractions could not. FT-IR spectra showed that DMSO-extracted fractions have more complete structure, while NaOH-extracted fractions have no acetyl at all. The FT-IR and NMR revealed that the DMSO-extracted Neosinocalamus affinis hemicelluloses were 4-O-methyl-glucuronoarabinoxylans consisting of a linear (1→4)-β-D-xylopyranosyl backbone with branches at O-2,3 of acetyl, O-2 of 4-O-methyl-a-D glucuronic acid, and O-3 of arabinose.
TEM Response of a Large Loop Source over the Multilayer Earth Models
Authors: Tiwari A. K. , Maurya S. P. , Singh N. P.
Published: May 2018

The general expression of TEM response of large loop source over the layered earth models is not available in the literature for arbitrary source-receiver positions, except for the case of central loop and coincident loop configurations over the homogeneous earth model. In the present study, an attempt is made to present the TEM response of a large loop source over the layered earth model for arbitrary receiver positions. The frequency domain responses of large loop source over the layer earth model for arbitrary receiver positions are converted into the impulse (time derivative of magnetic field) TEM response using Fourier cosine or sine transform. These impulse TEM responses in turn are converted into voltage responses for arbitrary receiver positions, namely, central loop, arbitrary in-loop, and offset-loop TEM responses over the layered earth models. For checking the accuracy of the method, results are compared with the results obtained using analytical expression over a homogeneous earth model. The complete matching of both of the results suggests that the present computational technique is capable of computing TEM response of large loop source over the homogeneous earth model with high accuracy. Thereafter, the technique is applied for computation of TEM response of a large loop source over the layered earth (2-layer, 3-layer, and 4-layer) models for the central loop, in-loop, and offset-loop configurations and the results are presented in voltage decay form. The results depict their characteristic variations. These results would be useful for modeling and inversion of large loop TEM data over the layer earth models for all the possible configurations resulting from a large loop source.
Alternatively-Activated Macrophages Upregulate Mesothelial Expression of P-Selectin to Enhance Adhesion of Ovarian Cancer Cells
Authors: Carroll Molly J. , Fogg Kaitlin C. , Patel Harin A. , Krause Harris B. , Mancha Anne-Sophie , Patankar Manish S. , Weisman Paul S. , Barroilhet Lisa , Kreeger Pamela K.
Published: May 2018

Peritoneal metastasis of high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) occurs when tumor cells suspended in ascites adhere to mesothelial cells. Despite the strong relationship between metastatic burden and prognosis in HGSOC, there are currently no therapies specifically targeting the metastatic process. We utilized a coculture model and multivariate analysis to examine how interactions between tumor cells, mesothelial cells, and alternatively-activated macrophages (AAM) influence the adhesion of tumor cells to mesothelial cells. We found that AAM-secreted MIP-1β activates CCR5/PI3K signaling in mesothelial cells, resulting in expression of P-selectin on the mesothelial cell surface. Tumor cells attached to this de novo P-selectin through CD24, resulting in increased tumor cell adhesion in static conditions and rolling underflow. C57/BL6 mice treated with MIP-1β exhibited increased P-selectin expression on mesothelial cells lining peritoneal tissues, which enhanced CaOV3 adhesion ex vivo and ID8 adhesion in vivo. Analysis of samples from patients with HGSOC confirmed increased MIP-1β and P-selectin, suggesting that this novel multicellular mechanism could be targeted to slow or stop metastasis in HGSOC by repurposing anti-CCR5 and P-selectin therapies developed for other indications.

Significance: This study reports novel insights on the peritoneal dissemination occurring during progression of ovarian cancer and has potential for therapeutic intervention.

Graphical Abstract: http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/canres/78/13/3560/F1.large.jpg. Cancer Res; 78(13); 3560–73. ©2018 AACR.
Evidence of Intertissue Differences in the DNA Damage Response and the Pro-oncogenic Role of NF-κB in Mice with Disengaged BRCA1–PALB2 Interaction
Authors: Mahdi Amar Hekmat , Huo Yanying , Tan Yongmei , Simhadri Srilatha , Vincelli Gabriele , Gao Jie , Ganesan Shridar , Xia Bing
Published: May 2018

The BRCA1–PALB2–BRCA2 axis plays an essential role in DNA homologous recombination repair, defect in which drives genome instability and cancer development. How cells with defects in this pathway respond to DNA damage in vivo and how tumors develop from these cells remain poorly defined. Here, we analyzed several aspects of the DNA damage response in multiple tissues of Palb2-mutant mice in which the interaction between PALB2 and BRCA1 is disengaged. Without any challenge, the mutant mice showed increased endogenous DNA damage. Following ionizing radiation, the mutant mice displayed higher levels of DNA breaks and stronger induction of p53 and p21, but continued DNA synthesis, reduced apoptosis, and accelerated tumor development. The differences in p21 induction, DNA synthesis, and apoptosis between wild-type and mutant mice were substantially more pronounced in the mammary gland than in the intestine, suggesting a potential contributing factor to the increased risk and the tissue specificity of BRCA/PALB2-associated tumor development. Moreover, the mutant mice showed higher levels of reactive oxygen species and constitutive activation of NF-κB, an antiapoptotic transcription factor inducible by both DNA damage and oxidative stress. Treatment of the mutant mice with an inhibitor of NF-κB reactivated apoptosis and delayed tumor development following radiation. Thus, our results also suggest a prosurvival and pro-oncogenic role of NF-κB in PALB2-mutant cells.

Significance: This study explores novel tumor suppression mechanisms of the BRCA1-PALB2 DNA damage response pathway and implicates NF-κB activation as a protumorogenic event and possible therapeutic target. Cancer Res; 78(14); 3969–81. ©2018 AACR.
ΔNp63γ/SRC/Slug Signaling Axis Promotes Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Squamous Cancers
Authors: Srivastava Kirtiman , Pickard Adam , Craig Stephanie G. , Quinn Gerard P. , Lambe Shauna M. , James Jacqueline A. , McDade Simon S. , McCance Dennis J.
Published: May 2018

Purpose: To investigate the regulation of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and its importance in tumor invasion.

Experimental Design: We use a three-dimensional invasive organotypic raft culture model of human foreskin keratinocytes expressing the E6/E7 genes of the human papilloma virus-16, coupled with bioinformatic and IHC analysis of patient samples to investigate the role played by EMT in invasion and identify effectors and upstream regulatory pathways.

Results: We identify SNAI2 (Slug) as a critical effector of EMT-activated downstream of TP63 overexpression in HNSCC. Splice-form–specific depletion and rescue experiments further identify the ΔNp63γ isoform as both necessary and sufficient to activate the SRC signaling axis and SNAI2-mediated EMT and invasion. Moreover, elevated SRC levels are associated with poor outcome in patients with HNSCC in The Cancer Genome Atlas dataset. Importantly, the effects on EMT and invasions and SNAI2 expression can be reversed by genetic or pharmacologic inhibition of SRC.

Conclusions: Overexpression of ΔNp63γ modulates cell invasion by inducing targetable SRC-Slug–evoked EMT in HNSCC, which can be reversed by inhibitors of the SRC signaling. Clin Cancer Res; 24(16); 3917–27. ©2018 AACR.
Curation of the Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Subset of the Cancer Genome Atlas Is Essential for Accurate Conclusions about Survival-Related Molecular Mechanisms
Authors: Peran Ivana , Madhavan Subha , Byers Stephen W. , McCoy Matthew D.
Published: May 2018

Purpose: Publicly available databases, for example, The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), containing clinical and molecular data from many patients are useful in validating the contribution of particular genes to disease mechanisms and in forming novel hypotheses relating to clinical outcomes.

Experimental Design: The impact of key drivers of cancer progression can be assessed by segregating a patient cohort by certain molecular features and constructing survival plots using the associated clinical data. However, conclusions drawn from this straightforward analysis are highly dependent on the quality and source of tissue samples, as demonstrated through the pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) subset of TCGA.

Results: Analyses of the PDAC-TCGA database, which contains mainly resectable cancer samples from patients in stage IIB, reveal a difference from widely known historic median and 5-year survival rates of PDAC. A similar discrepancy was observed in lung, stomach, and liver cancer subsets of TCGA. The whole transcriptome expression patterns of PDAC-TCGA revealed a cluster of samples derived from neuroendocrine tumors, which have a distinctive biology and better disease prognosis than PDAC. Furthermore, PDAC-TCGA contains numerous pseudo-normal samples, as well as those that arose from tumors not classified as PDAC.

Conclusions: Inclusion of misclassified samples in the bioinformatic analyses distorts the association of molecular biomarkers with clinical outcomes, altering multiple published conclusions used to support and motivate experimental research. Hence, the stringent scrutiny of type and origin of samples included in the bioinformatic analyses by researchers, databases, and web-tool developers is of crucial importance for generating accurate conclusions. Clin Cancer Res; 24(16); 3813–9. ©2018 AACR.
MAPK Reliance via Acquired CDK4/6 Inhibitor Resistance in Cancer
Authors: de Leeuw Renée , McNair Christopher , Schiewer Matthew J. , Neupane Neermala Poudel , Brand Lucas J. , Augello Michael A. , Li Zhen , Cheng Larry C. , Yoshida Akihiro , Courtney Sean M. , Hazard E. Starr , Hardiman Gary , Hussain Maha H. , Diehl J. Alan , Drake Justin M. , Kelly Wm. Kevin , Knudsen Karen E.
Published: May 2018

Purpose: Loss of cell-cycle control is a hallmark of cancer, which can be targeted with agents, including cyclin-dependent kinase-4/6 (CDK4/6) kinase inhibitors that impinge upon the G1–S cell-cycle checkpoint via maintaining activity of the retinoblastoma tumor suppressor (RB). This class of drugs is under clinical investigation for various solid tumor types and has recently been FDA-approved for treatment of breast cancer. However, development of therapeutic resistance is not uncommon.

Experimental Design: In this study, palbociclib (a CDK4/6 inhibitor) resistance was established in models of early stage, RB-positive cancer.

Results: This study demonstrates that acquired palbociclib resistance renders cancer cells broadly resistant to CDK4/6 inhibitors. Acquired resistance was associated with aggressive in vitro and in vivo phenotypes, including proliferation, migration, and invasion. Integration of RNA sequencing analysis and phosphoproteomics profiling revealed rewiring of the kinome, with a strong enrichment for enhanced MAPK signaling across all resistance models, which resulted in aggressive in vitro and in vivo phenotypes and prometastatic signaling. However, CDK4/6 inhibitor–resistant models were sensitized to MEK inhibitors, revealing reliance on active MAPK signaling to promote tumor cell growth and invasion.

Conclusions: In sum, these studies identify MAPK reliance in acquired CDK4/6 inhibitor resistance that promotes aggressive disease, while nominating MEK inhibition as putative novel therapeutic strategy to treat or prevent CDK4/6 inhibitor resistance in cancer. Clin Cancer Res; 24(17); 4201–14. ©2018 AACR.
p16 Controls p53 Protein Expression Through miR-dependent Destabilization of MDM2
Authors: Al-Khalaf Huda H. , Aboussekhra Abdelilah
Published: May 2018

p16INK4A and p53 are two major tumor suppressor proteins that are both upregulated in response to various cellular stresses and during senescence and aging. p53 is a well-characterized transcription factor, while p16INK4A a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor encoded by the CDKN2A gene, and controls the expression of several genes through protein–protein interactions and also via miRNAs. This report demonstrates a p16INK4A-dependent positive regulation of p53 expression, at the protein level, in various human cells as well as in mouse embryonic fibroblasts. p16 suppresses p53 turnover through inhibition of its MDM2-related ubiquitination. This effect occurs through p16-related promotion of the MDM2 mRNA turnover via the p16INK4A downstream effectors miR-141 and miR-146b-5p, which bind specific sites at the 3′ untranslated region of the MDM2 mRNA.

Implications: The current findings show p16INK4A-dependent stabilization of p53 through miR-141/miR-146b-5p–related posttranscriptional repression of MDM2, thus providing new insights into the complex functional link between p16INK4A and p53. Mol Cancer Res; 16(8); 1299–308. ©2018 AACR.