bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of Reconstructed Speech
Authors: Wu Haojun , Wang Yong , Huang Jiwu
Published: January 2017

Both voice conversion and hidden Markov model-- (HMM) based speech synthesis can be used to produce artificial voices of a target speaker. They have shown great negative impacts on speaker verification (SV) systems. In order to enhance the security of SV systems, the techniques to detect converted/synthesized speech should be taken into consideration. During voice conversion and HMM-based synthesis, speech reconstruction is applied to transform a set of acoustic parameters to reconstructed speech. Hence, the identification of reconstructed speech can be used to distinguish converted/synthesized speech from human speech. Several related works on such identification have been reported. The equal error rates (EERs) lower than 5% of detecting reconstructed speech have been achieved. However, through the cross-database evaluations on different speech databases, we find that the EERs of several testing cases are higher than 10%. The robustness of detection algorithms to different speech databases needs to be improved. In this article, we propose an algorithm to identify the reconstructed speech. Three different speech databases and two different reconstruction methods are considered in our work, which has not been addressed in the reported works. The high-dimensional data visualization approach is used to analyze the effect of speech reconstruction on Mel-frequency cepstral coefficients (MFCC) of speech signals. The Gaussian mixture model supervectors of MFCC are used as acoustic features. Furthermore, a set of commonly used classification algorithms are applied to identify reconstructed speech. According to the comparison among different classification methods, linear discriminant analysis-ensemble classifiers are chosen in our algorithm. Extensive experimental results show that the EERs lower than 1% can be achieved by the proposed algorithm in most cases, outperforming the reported state-of-the-art identification techniques.
On the Potential Abuse of IGMP
Authors: Sargent Matthew , Kristoff John , Paxson Vern , Allman Mark
Published: January 2017

In this paper we investigate the vulnerability of the Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP) to be leveraged for denial-of-service (DoS) attacks. IGMP is a connectionless protocol and therefore susceptible to attackers spoofing a third-party victim's source address in an effort to coax responders to send their replies to the victim. We find 305K IGMP responders that will indeed answer queries from arbitrary Internet hosts. Further, the responses are often larger than the requests, hence amplifying the attacker's own expenditure of bandwidth. We conclude that attackers can coordinate IGMP responders to mount sizeable DoS attacks.
Regional diaphragm volume displacement is heterogeneous in dogs
Authors: Greybeck Brooke , Lu Raymond , Ramanujam Arvind , Adeyeye Mary , Wettergreen Matthew , Wynd Shari , Boriek Aladin M.
Published: January 2017

Muscle shortening and volume displacement (VD) are critical determinants of the pressure-generating capacity of the diaphragm. The present study was designed to test the hypothesis that diaphragm VD is heterogeneous and that distribution of VD is dependent on regional muscle shortening, posture, and the level of muscle activation. Radioopaque markers were sutured along muscle bundles of the peritoneal surface of the crural, dorsal costal, midcostal, and ventral costal regions of the left hemidiaphragm in four dogs. The markers were followed by biplanar video fluoroscopy during quiet spontaneous breathing, passive inflation to total lung capacity (TLC), and inspiratory efforts against an occluded airway at three lung volumes spanning the vital capacity [functional residual capacity, functional residual capacity + ½ inspiratory capacity, and TLC in both the prone and supine postures]. Our data show the ventral costal diaphragm had the largest VD and contributed nearly two times to the total diaphragm VD compared with the dorsal costal portion. In addition, the ventral costal diaphragm contributed nearly half of the total VD in the prone position, whereas it only contributed a quarter of the total VD in the supine postition. During efforts against an occluded airway and during passive inflation to TLC in the supine position, the crural diaphragm displaced volume equivalent to that of the midcostal portion. Regional muscle shortening closely matched regional VD. We conclude that the primary force generator of the diaphragm is primarily dominated by the contribution of the ventral costal region to its VD.
A neural locus for spatial-frequency specific saccadic suppression in visual-motor neurons of the primate superior colliculus
Authors: Chen Chih-Yang , Hafed Ziad M.
Published: January 2017

Saccades cause rapid retinal-image shifts that go perceptually unnoticed several times per second. The mechanisms for saccadic suppression have been controversial, in part because of sparse understanding of neural substrates. In this study we uncovered an unexpectedly specific neural locus for spatial frequency-specific saccadic suppression in the superior colliculus (SC). We first developed a sensitive behavioral measure of suppression in two macaque monkeys, demonstrating selectivity to low spatial frequencies similar to that observed in earlier behavioral studies. We then investigated visual responses in either purely visual SC neurons or anatomically deeper visual motor neurons, which are also involved in saccade generation commands. Surprisingly, visual motor neurons showed the strongest visual suppression, and the suppression was dependent on spatial frequency, as in behavior. Most importantly, suppression selectivity for spatial frequency in visual motor neurons was highly predictive of behavioral suppression effects in each individual animal, with our recorded population explaining up to ~74% of behavioral variance even on completely different experimental sessions. Visual SC neurons had mild suppression, which was unselective for spatial frequency and thus only explained up to ~48% of behavioral variance. In terms of spatial frequency-specific saccadic suppression, our results run contrary to predictions that may be associated with a hypothesized SC saccadic suppression mechanism, in which a motor command in the visual motor and motor neurons is first relayed to the more superficial purely visual neurons, to suppress them and to then potentially be fed back to cortex. Instead, an extraretinal modulatory signal mediating spatial-frequency-specific suppression may already be established in visual motor neurons.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Saccades, which repeatedly realign the line of sight, introduce spurious signals in retinal images that normally go unnoticed. In part, this happens because of perisaccadic suppression of visual sensitivity, which is known to depend on spatial frequency. We discovered that a specific subtype of superior colliculus (SC) neurons demonstrates spatial-frequency-dependent suppression. Curiously, it is the neurons that help mediate the saccadic command itself that exhibit such suppression, and not the purely visual ones.
Combining Resistivity and Aeromagnetic Geophysical Surveys for Groundwater Exploration in the Maghnia Plain of Algeria
Authors: Boubaya Djamel
Published: January 2017

The Maghnia plain in western Algeria is filled by Plio-Quaternary and Miocene sediments that rest unconformably on a basement of Jurassic rocks. Electrical sounding (VES), magnetic data, well information, and hydrogeological data have been used to explore for groundwater potential in the Maghnia plain. The interpretation of Schlumberger sounding data was first calibrated with the lithology of available nearby wells. Four geoelectrical layers were identified within the study area. They are a thin near surface topsoil layer with variable resistivities, a moderate resistive aquifer (15–30 ohm-m), a resistive aquifer (40–70 ohm-m), and a conductive clay layer (1–10 ohm-m). Near Sidi Mbarek, the geoelectric section is reduced to three layers: a topsoil layer, a conductive layer corresponding to the Miocene marls, and a deep resistive layer that correlates with the Oxfordian sandstones. The interpretation of VES data and the enhancement techniques of magnetic data enabled the identification of a number of unmapped faults that occur near recharge zones close to adjacent mountains. This study enabled us to study the extension of the known Plio-Quaternary aquifer of the Maghnia plain and to explore the possible existence of a second deep groundwater aquifer in Oxfordian sandstones.
Scaphoid Fracture in a Patient with a Scaphotrapezial Synostosis: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Noureldin Soliman , Ali Mohammed , Fallahi Farshid , Dehler Thomas
Published: January 2017

Introduction.Scaphotrapezial synostosis has been rarely reported in the literature and only one case underwent surgical treatment for scaphoid fracture.Presentation of Case.A 15-year-old male presented with a painful left wrist following a fall. The initial radiographs showed a displaced scaphoid proximal pole fracture and a Scaphotrapezial synostosis. The fracture was then fixed percutaneously with satisfactory outcome.Discussion.Scaphotrapezial synostoses are very rare and most found in patients with multiple congenital anomalies or as part of a hereditary syndrome. They have previously been reported; however, we found only one case reporting a concomitant scaphoid fracture.Conclusion.This is the second case of its kind to report surgical treatment of scaphoid fracture associated with a congenital Scaphotrapezial synostosis.
Machine Learning-Based Parameter Tuned Genetic Algorithm for Energy Minimizing Vehicle Routing Problem
Authors: Cooray P. L. N. U. , Rupasinghe Thashika D.
Published: January 2017

During the last decade, tremendous focus has been given to sustainable logistics practices to overcome environmental concerns of business practices. Since transportation is a prominent area of logistics, a new area of literature known as Green Transportation and Green Vehicle Routing has emerged. Vehicle Routing Problem (VRP) has been a very active area of the literature with contribution from many researchers over the last three decades. With the computational constraints of solving VRP which is NP-hard, metaheuristics have been applied successfully to solve VRPs in the recent past. This is a threefold study. First, it critically reviews the current literature on EMVRP and the use of metaheuristics as a solution approach. Second, the study implements a genetic algorithm (GA) to solve the EMVRP formulation using the benchmark instances listed on the repository of CVRPLib. Finally, the GA developed in Phase 2 was enhanced through machine learning techniques to tune its parameters. The study reveals that, by identifying the underlying characteristics of data, a particular GA can be tuned significantly to outperform any generic GA with competitive computational times. The scrutiny identifies several knowledge gaps where new methodologies can be developed to solve the EMVRPs and develops propositions for future research.
Antibiotic Resistance ofCampylobacterRecovered from Faeces and Carcasses of Healthy Livestock
Authors: Karikari Akosua B. , Obiri-Danso Kwasi , Frimpong Enoch H. , Krogfelt Karen A.
Published: January 2017

Campylobacteris of major significance in food safety and human and veterinary medicine. This study highlighted resistance situation in the area of veterinary public health in Ghana. Using selective mCCDA agar, isolates were confirmed phenotypically on API CAMPY and genotypically by multiplex PCR ofIpxAgene. The susceptibility profile of species to common and relevant antibiotics was determined by the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. Cattle, sheep, goat, and pig faecal samples analysed, respectively, yielded 13.2% (16/121), 18.6% (22/102), 18.5% (25/135), and 28.7% (29/101)Campylobacterspecies while 34.5% (38/110), 35.9% (42/117), 23.9% (32/134), and 36.3% (37/102) were, respectively, recovered from the carcasses. Species identified in faeces wereC. jejuni35.8% (33/92),C. jejunisubsp.doylei4.3% (4/92),C. coli47.8% (44/92), andC. lari12.0% (11/92). Species discovered in carcasses wereC. jejuni83.9% (125/149),C. jejunisubsp.doylei2.0% (3/149),C. coli6.0% (9/149), andC. lari8.1% (12/149). Resistance ranged from 92 to 97% to theβ-lactams, 7 to 69% to the quinolones, 0 to 44% to the aminoglycosides, 97 to 100% to erythromycin, 48 to 94% to tetracycline, 45 to 88% to chloramphenicol, and 42 to 86% to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole as 0% resistance was observed against imipenem.
Heuristic Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm for Uncovering Community in Complex Networks
Authors: Guo Yuquan , Li Xiongfei , Tang Yufei , Li Jun
Published: January 2017

Community structure is important for us to understand the functions and structure of the complex networks. In this paper, Heuristic Artificial Bee Colony (HABC) algorithm based on swarm intelligence is proposed for uncovering community. The proposed HABC includes initialization, employed bee searching, onlooker searching, and scout bee searching. In initialization stage, the nectar sources with simple community structure are generated through network dynamic algorithm associated with complete subgraph. In employed bee searching and onlooker searching stages, the searching function is redefined to address the community problem. The efficiency of searching progress can be improved by a heuristic function which is an average agglomerate probability of two neighbor communities. Experiments are carried out on artificial and real world networks, and the results demonstrate that HABC will have better performance in terms of comparing with the state‐of‐the‐art algorithms.
Analysis on Flow Induced Motion of Cylinders with Different Cross Sections and the Potential Capacity of Energy Transference from the Flow
Authors: Lian Jijian , Yan Xiang , Liu Fang , Zhang Jun
Published: January 2017

The energy in flow induced motion (FIM) was harnessed in recent years. In this study, the energy transfer ratio was derived to estimate the energy transference from the flow to the FIM. Then the FIM characteristics and energy transference of cylinders with different cross sections were experimentally investigated. The main findings are listed as follows. (a) Circular cylinders and diamond prisms both present a self-limited motion. The maximum amplitude ratio of circular cylinder is around 1~1.2 which is higher than that of diamond prism (0.4~0.5). (b) Triangle prisms and right square prisms present a self-unlimited motion. For triangle prism, amplitude ratio increases over 1.8; for right square prisms, amplitude ratio reaches 1.2. (c) The maximum transfer ratios of circular cylinder and triangle prism are 80% and 57%, respectively, which are much higher than those of other prisms, indicating that circular cylinder and triangle prism have better performances in energy transference. (d) The transfer ratio is strongly dependent on the damping and mass; higher damping or mass will promote a higher transfer ratio. (e) Beyond the critical transfer ratios, amplitude variation coefficients are around 10%~30% resulting in a better performance in stationarity.
Controllability Problem of Fractional Neutral Systems: A Survey
Authors: Babiarz Artur , Niezabitowski Michał
Published: January 2017

The following article presents recent results of controllability problem of dynamical systems in infinite‐dimensional space. Generally speaking, we describe selected controllability problems of fractional order systems, including approximate controllability of fractional impulsive partial neutral integrodifferential inclusions with infinite delay in Hilbert spaces, controllability of nonlinear neutral fractional impulsive differential inclusions in Banach space, controllability for a class of fractional neutral integrodifferential equations with unbounded delay, controllability of neutral fractional functional equations with impulses and infinite delay, and controllability for a class of fractional order neutral evolution control systems.
Mitigating Congestion in a Power System and Role of FACTS Devices
Authors: Gupta Madhvi , Kumar Vivek , Banerjee Gopal Krishna , Sharma N. K.
Published: January 2017

Congestion management refers to avoiding or relieving congestion. In transmission lines, congestion management is one of the most important issues for the reliable operation of power system in the deregulated environment. Restructuring has brought considerable changes in all possible domains including electric supply industry. By virtue of restructuring, electricity has now become a commodity and has converted into a deregulated one. The traditional regulated power system has now become a competitive power market. In the present scenario, the real time transmission congestion is the operating condition in which the transfer capability to implement all the traded transactions simultaneously is not enough due to either some expected contingencies or market settlement. Thus, congestion is associated with one or more violations of the physical, operational, and policy constraints under which grids operate. Thus, congestion management is about managing the power transmission and distribution among valuable consumers priority-wise. Placement of FACTS (Flexible Alternating Current Transmission System) devices for generation rescheduling and load-shedding play a crucial role in congestion management. FACTS devices are used to enhance the maximum load ability of the transmission system. FACTS increases the flexibility of power system, makes it more controllable, and allows utilization of existing network closer to its thermal loading capacity without jeopardizing the stability. FACTS technology can boost the transfer capability in stability limited systems by 20–30%. As a result, more power can reach consumers with a shorter project implementation time and a lower investment cost. This review work unites the various publications on congestion management in past few decades.
Analysis of Drought Characteristics in Xilingol Grassland of Northern China Based on SPEI and Its Impact on Vegetation
Authors: Tong Siqin , Bao Yuhai , Te Rigele , Ma Qiyun , Ha Si , Lusi A.
Published: January 2017

This research is based on the standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI) and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) which represent the drought and vegetation condition on land. Take the linear regression method and Pearson correlation analysis to study the spatial and temporal evolution of SPEI and NDVI and the drought effect on vegetation. The results show that (1) during 1961–2015, SPEI values at different time scales showed a downward trend; SPEI‐12 has a mutation in 1997 and the SPEI value significantly decreased after this year. (2) During 2000–2015, the annual growing season SPEI has an obvious upward trend in time and the apparent wetting spatially. (3) In the recent 16 years, the growing season NDVI showed an upward trend and more than 80% of the total area’s vegetation increased in Xilingol. (4) Vegetation coverage in Xilingol grew better in humid years and opposite in arid years. SPEI and NDVI had a significant positive correlation; 98% of the region showed positive correlation, indicating that meteorological drought affects vegetation growth more in arid and semiarid region. (5) The effect of drought on vegetation has lag effect, and the responses of different grassland types to different scales of drought were different.
Observing and Modeling the Vertical Wind Profile at Multiple Sites in and above the Amazon Rain Forest Canopy
Authors: Santana Raoni Aquino Silva de , Dias-Júnior Cléo Quaresma , Vale Roseilson Souza do , Tóta Júlio , Fitzjarrald David Roy
Published: January 2017

We analyzed the vertical wind profile measured at six experimental tower sites in dense forest in the Amazon Basin and examined how well two simple models can reproduce these observations. In general, the vertical wind profile below the canopy is strongly affected by the forest structure. From the forest floor to 0.65h (where h = 35 m is the average height of the forest canopy for sites considered), the wind profile is approximately constant with height with speeds less than 1 ms−1. Above 0.65 to 2.25h, the wind speed increases with height. Testing these data with the Yi and Souza models showed that each was able to reproduce satisfactorily the vertical wind profile for different experimental sites in the Amazon. Using the Souza Model, it was possible to use fewer input variables necessary to simulate the profile.
A Case of Malignant Melanoma of the Uterine Cervix with Disseminated Metastases throughout the Vaginal Wall
Authors: Noguchi Tomoko , Ota Nami , Mabuchi Yasushi , Yagi Shigetaka , Minami Sawako , Okuhira Hisako , Yamamoto Yuki , Nakamura Yasushi , Ino Kazuhiko
Published: January 2017

Malignant melanoma (MM) in the female genital tract accounts for less than 2% of all melanomas, and the vast majority associated occur in the vulva and vagina. Primary MM of the uterine cervix is extremely rare and its prognosis is very poor. We report a case of primary MM of the cervix with dissemination throughout the vaginal wall. A 66-year-old woman presented with postmenopausal bleeding. Gynecologic examination demonstrated a 2 cm polypoid blackish-pigmented tumor on the cervix with multiple small blackish-pigmented lesions throughout the vaginal wall. Cervical Pap smear cytology showed malignant melanoma. MRI and PET/CT did not detect any distant or lymph node metastases. She underwent radical hysterectomy, pelvic lymphadenectomy, and total vaginectomy. The pathological diagnosis was FIGO stage IIIA primary cervical MM. She received adjuvant chemotherapy with 6 courses of dacarbazine, but 6 months later, multiple lung metastases were detected. Despite 4 courses of anti-PD-1 antibody (nivolumab) treatment, she died of the disease 13 months after surgery.
Survival after Abdominoperineal and Sphincter-Preserving Resection in Nonmetastatic Rectal Cancer: A Population-Based Time-Trend and Propensity Score-Matched SEER Analysis
Authors: Warschkow Rene , Ebinger Sabrina M. , Brunner Walter , Schmied Bruno M. , Marti Lukas
Published: January 2017

Background.Abdominoperineal resection (APR) has been associated with impaired survival in nonmetastatic rectal cancer patients. It is unclear whether this adverse outcome is due to the surgical procedure itself or is a consequence of tumor-related characteristics.Study Design.Patients were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. The impact of APR compared to coloanal anastomosis (CAA) on survival was assessed by Cox regression and propensity-score matching.Results.In 36,488 patients with rectal cancer resection, the APR rate declined from 31.8% in 1998 to 19.2% in 2011, with a significant trend change in 2004 at 21.6% (P<0.001). To minimize a potential time-trend bias, survival analysis was limited to patients diagnosed after 2004. APR was associated with an increased risk of cancer-specific mortality after unadjusted analysis (HR = 1.61, 95% CI: 1.28–2.03,P<0.01) and multivariable adjustment (HR = 1.39, 95% CI: 1.10–1.76,P<0.01). After optimal adjustment of highly biased patient characteristics by propensity-score matching, APR was not identified as a risk factor for cancer-specific mortality (HR = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.56–1.29,P=0.456).Conclusions.The current propensity score-adjusted analysis provides evidence that worse oncological outcomes in patients undergoing APR compared to CAA are caused by different patient characteristics and not by the surgical procedure itself.
Chronic Social Defeat Stress Modulates Dendritic Spines Structural Plasticity in Adult Mouse Frontal Association Cortex
Authors: Shu Yu , Xu Tonghui
Published: January 2017

Chronic stress is associated with occurrence of many mental disorders. Previous studies have shown that dendrites and spines of pyramidal neurons of the prefrontal cortex undergo drastic reorganization following chronic stress experience. So the prefrontal cortex is believed to play a key role in response of neural system to chronic stress. However, how stress induces dynamic structural changes in neural circuit of prefrontal cortex remains unknown. In the present study, we examined the effects of chronic social defeat stress on dendritic spine structural plasticity in the mouse frontal association (FrA) cortexin vivousing two-photon microscopy. We found that chronic stress altered spine dynamics in FrA and increased the connectivity in FrA neural circuits. We also found that the changes in spine dynamics in FrA are correlated with the deficit of sucrose preference in defeated mice. Our findings suggest that chronic stress experience leads to adaptive change in neural circuits that may be important for encoding stress experience related memory and anhedonia.
Congested Link Inference Algorithms in Dynamic Routing IP Network
Authors: Chen Yu , Duan Zhe-min
Published: January 2017

The performance descending of current congested link inference algorithms is obviously in dynamic routing IP network, such as the most classical algorithm CLINK. To overcome this problem, based on the assumptions of Markov property and time homogeneity, we build a kind of Variable Structure Discrete Dynamic Bayesian (VSDDB) network simplified model of dynamic routing IP network. Under the simplified VSDDB model, based on the Bayesian Maximum A Posteriori (BMAP) and Rest Bayesian Network Model (RBNM), we proposed an Improved CLINK (ICLINK) algorithm. Considering the concurrent phenomenon of multiple link congestion usually happens, we also proposed algorithm CLILRS (Congested Link Inference algorithm based on Lagrangian Relaxation Subgradient) to infer the set of congested links. We validated our results by the experiments of analogy, simulation, and actual Internet.
Pediatric TSH Reference Intervals and Prevalence of High Thyroid Antibodies in the Lebanese Population
Authors: Gannagé-Yared Marie-Hélène , Balech Nicole , Farah Vanessa , Antar Marianne , Saliba Rindala , Chahine Elise
Published: January 2017

The aims of this study are to establish reference values for TSH in Lebanese schoolchildren; to look at the relationship between TSH and age, gender, BMI, socioeconomic status (SES), and thyroid antibodies (TAb); and to investigate the prevalence of abnormal TAb in this population. 974 Lebanese schoolchildren aged 8–18 years were recruited from 10 schools of different SES. Third-generation TSH, TPO-Ab, and Tg-Ab measurements were performed using the IMMULITE chemiluminescent immunoassay. The mean TSH is2.06±1.05 μUI/ml. TSH values are inversely correlated with agep<0.0001, are higher in boys than in girls (resp.,2.14±1.10and1.98±0.99 μUI/ml,p=0.017), and are positively correlated with BMIp<0.0001. They are also significantly higher in subjects from low-SES schoolsp=0.03and in girls with positive TAbp=0.026. In boys, TSH is independently associated with age, BMI, and schools’ SES (p=0.01,p=0.03, andp=0.026, resp.) while in girls, the association is only significant for age and TAb (p=0.0001andp=0.015, resp.). The prevalence of TAb is 4.3% (3% for TPO-Ab and 2.1% for Tg-Ab). Our results showed higher TSH values in the pediatric Lebanese population compared to western populations. TSH varies according to age, gender, BMI, and SES and is associated in girls with TAb.
Empirical Validation of Heat Transfer Performance Simulation of Graphite/PCM Concrete Materials for Thermally Activated Building System
Authors: Song Jin-Hee , Jin Hye-Sun , Jeong Su-Gwang , Kim Sumin , Song Seung-Yeong , Lim Jae-Han
Published: January 2017

To increase the heat capacity in lightweight construction materials, a phase change material (PCM) can be introduced to building elements. A thermally activated building system (TABS) with graphite/PCM concrete hollow core slab is suggested as an energy-efficient technology to shift and reduce the peak thermal load in buildings. An evaluation of heat storage and dissipation characteristics of TABS in graphite/PCM concrete has been conducted using dynamic simulations, but empirical validation is necessary to acceptably predict the thermal behavior of graphite/PCM concrete. This study aimed to validate the thermal behavior of graphite/PCM concrete through a three-dimensional transient heat transfer simulation. The simulation results were compared to experimental results from previous studies of concrete and graphite/PCM concrete. The overall thermal behavior for both materials was found to be similar to experiment results. Limitations in the simulation modeling, which included determination of the indoor heat transfer coefficient, assumption of constant thermal conductivity with temperature, and assumption of specimen homogeneity, led to slight differences between the measured and simulated results.
Development of a Wearable Device for Motion Capturing Based on Magnetic and Inertial Measurement Units
Authors: Fang Bin , Sun Fuchun , Liu Huaping , Guo Di
Published: January 2017

This paper presents a novel wearable device for gesture capturing based on inertial and magnetic measurement units that are made up of micromachined gyroscopes, accelerometers, and magnetometers. The low-cost inertial and magnetic measurement unit is compact and small enough to wear and there are altogether thirty-six units integrated in the device. The device is composed of two symmetric parts, and either the right part or the left one contains eighteen units covering all the segments of the arm, palm, and fingers. The offline calibration and online calibration are proposed to improve the accuracy of sensors. Multiple quaternion-based extended Kalman filters are designed to estimate the absolute orientations, and kinematic models of the arm-hand are considered to determine the relative orientations. Furthermore, position algorithm is deduced to compute the positions of corresponding joint. Finally, several experiments are implemented to verify the effectiveness of the proposed wearable device.
Shannon’s Energy Based Algorithm in ECG Signal Processing
Authors: Beyramienanlou Hamed , Lotfivand Nasser
Published: January 2017

Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) database is electrocardiograms (ECGs) set from healthy volunteers and patients with different heart diseases. PTB is provided for research and teaching purposes by National Metrology Institute of Germany. The analysis method of complex QRS in ECG signals for diagnosis of heart disease is extremely important. In this article, a method on Shannon energy (SE) in order to detect QRS complex in 12 leads of ECG signal is provided. At first, this algorithm computes the Shannon energy (SE) and then makes an envelope of Shannon energy (SE) by using the defined threshold. Then, the signal peaks are determined. The efficiency of the algorithm is tested on 70 cases. Of all 12 standard leads, ECG signals include 840 leads of the PTB Diagnostic ECG Database (PTBDB). The algorithm shows that the Shannon energy (SE) sensitivity is equal to 99.924%, the detection error rate (DER) is equal to 0.155%, Positive Predictivity (+P) is equal to 99.922%, and Classification Accuracy (Acc) is equal to 99.846%.
Synthesis and Growth Stimulant Properties of 2-Acetyl-3,7-dimethyl-5H-thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidin-5-one Derivatives
Authors: Pivazyan Vergush A. , Ghazaryan Emma A. , Shainova Roza S. , Tamazyan Rafael A. , Ayvazyan Armen G. , Yengoyan Aleksandr P.
Published: January 2017

A convenient, accessible, and high yield method for preparing of 6-methyl-2-thioxo-2,3-dihydropyrimidin-4(1H)-one (1) by treatment of acetoacetic acid ethyl ester with thiourea in sodium methylate was developed. The alkylation of the latter with 3-chloro-pentane-2,4-dione and further regioselective cyclization of intermediate compound (2) in high yield afforded 2-acetyl-3,7-dimethyl-5H-thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidin-5-one (3). The halogenation and some transformations of synthesized thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidine (3) due to its ketone group were carried out to obtain the corresponding carboxamide, carbothioamide, sulfonohydrazide, and oxime and its alkylated derivatives (5). At preliminary biological studies the synthesized compounds have shown growth stimulant properties. The activity of four of them was higher than 70%, compared with heteroauxin.
Fixed‐Time Synchronization for Hybrid Coupled Dynamical Networks with Multilinks and Time‐Varying Delays
Authors: Qiu Baolin , Li Lixiang , Peng Haipeng , Yang Yixian
Published: January 2017

This paper concerns the problem of fixed/finite‐time synchronization of hybrid coupled dynamical networks. The considered dynamical networks with multilinks contain only one transmittal time‐varying delay for each subnetwork, which makes us get hold of more interesting and practical points. Two kinds of delay‐dependent feedback controllers with multilinks as well as appropriate Lyapunov functions are defined to achieve the goal of fixed‐time synchronization and finite‐time synchronization for the networks. Some novel and effective criteria of hybrid coupled networks are derived based on fixed‐time and finite‐time stability analysis. Finally, two numerical simulation examples are given to show the effectiveness of the results proposed in our paper.
Implicit One-Step Block Hybrid Third-Derivative Method for the Direct Solution of Initial Value Problems of Second-Order Ordinary Differential Equations
Authors: Alkasassbeh Mohammad , Omar Zurni
Published: January 2017

A new one-step block method with generalized three hybrid points for solving initial value problems of second-order ordinary differential equations directly is proposed. In deriving this method, a power series approximate function is interpolated at {xn,xn+r} while its second and third derivatives are collocated at all points {xn,xn+r,xn+s,xn+t,xn+1} in the given interval. The proposed method is then tested on initial value problems of second-order ordinary differential equations solved by other methods previously. The numerical results confirm the superiority of the new method to the existing methods in terms of accuracy.
Differentiation between Radiation Necrosis and Tumor Progression Using Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer
Authors: Mehrabian Hatef , Desmond Kimberly L. , Soliman Hany , Sahgal Arjun , Stanisz Greg J.
Published: January 2017

Purpose: Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is a common treatment used in patients with brain metastases and is associated with high rates of local control, however, at the risk of radiation necrosis. It is difficult to differentiate radiation necrosis from tumor progression using conventional MRI, making it a major diagnostic dilemma for practitioners. This prospective study investigated whether chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) was able to differentiate these two conditions.

Experimental Design: Sixteen patients with brain metastases who had been previously treated with SRS were included. Average time between SRS and evaluation was 12.6 months. Lesion type was determined by pathology in 9 patients and the other 7 were clinically followed. CEST imaging was performed on a 3T Philips scanner and the following CEST metrics were measured: amide proton transfer (APT), magnetization transfer (MT), magnetization transfer ratio (MTR), and area under the curve for CEST peaks corresponding to amide and nuclear Overhauser effect (NOE).

Results: Five lesions were classified as progressing tumor and 11 were classified as radiation necrosis (using histopathologic confirmation and radiographic follow-up). The best separation was obtained by NOEMTR (NOEMTR,necrosis = 8.9 ± 0.9%, NOEMTR,progression = 12.6 ± 1.6%, P < 0.0001) and AmideMTR (AmideMTR,necrosis = 8.2 ± 1.0%, AmideMTR,progression = 12.0 ± 1.9%, P < 0.0001). MT (MTnecrosis = 4.7 ± 1.0%, MTprogression = 6.7 ± 1.7%, P = 0.009) and NOEAUC (NOEAUC,necrosis = 4.3 ± 2.0% Hz, NOEAUC,progression = 7.2 ± 1.9% Hz, P = 0.019) provided statistically significant separation but with higher P values.

Conclusions: CEST was capable of differentiating radiation necrosis from tumor progression in brain metastases. Both NOEMTR and AmideMTR provided statistically significant separation of the two cohorts. However, APT was unable to differentiate the two groups. Clin Cancer Res; 23(14); 3667–75. ©2017 AACR.
The Human Microbiome and Cancer
Authors: Rajagopala Seesandra V. , Vashee Sanjay , Oldfield Lauren M. , Suzuki Yo , Venter J. Craig , Telenti Amalio , Nelson Karen E.
Published: January 2017

Recent scientific advances have significantly contributed to our understanding of the complex connection between the microbiome and cancer. Our bodies are continuously exposed to microbial cells, both resident and transient, as well as their byproducts, including toxic metabolites. Circulation of toxic metabolites may contribute to cancer onset or progression at locations distant from where a particular microbe resides. Moreover, microbes may migrate to other locations in the human body and become associated with tumor development. Several case–control metagenomics studies suggest that dysbiosis in the commensal microbiota is also associated with inflammatory disorders and various cancer types throughout the body. Although the microbiome influences carcinogenesis through mechanisms independent of inflammation and immune system, the most recognizable link is between the microbiome and cancer via the immune system, as the resident microbiota plays an essential role in activating, training, and modulating the host immune response. Immunologic dysregulation is likely to provide mechanistic explanations as to how our microbiome influences cancer development and cancer therapies. In this review, we discuss recent developments in understanding the human gut microbiome's relationship with cancer and the feasibility of developing novel cancer diagnostics based on microbiome profiles. Cancer Prev Res; 10(4); 226–34. ©2017 AACR.
Zebrin II Is Expressed in Sagittal Stripes in the Cerebellum of Dragon Lizards (Ctenophorus sp.)
Authors: Wylie Douglas R. , Hoops Daniel , Aspden Joel W. , Iwaniuk Andrew N.
Published: January 2017

Aldolase C, also known as zebrin II (ZII), is a glycolytic enzyme that is expressed in cerebellar Purkinje cells of the vertebrate cerebellum. In both mammals and birds, ZII is expressed heterogeneously, such that there are sagittal stripes of Purkinje cells with high ZII expression (ZII+) alternating with stripes of Purkinje cells with little or no expression (ZII-). In contrast, in snakes and turtles, ZII is not expressed heterogeneously; rather all Purkinje cells are ZII+. Here, we examined the expression of ZII in the cerebellum of lizards to elucidate the evolutionary origins of ZII stripes in Sauropsida. We focused on the central netted dragon (Ctenophorus nuchalis) but also examined cerebellar ZII expression in 5 other dragon species (Ctenophorus spp.). In contrast to what has been observed in snakes and turtles, we found that in these lizards, ZII is heterogeneously expressed. In the posterior part of the cerebellum, on each side of the midline, there were 3 sagittal stripes consisting of Purkinje cells with high ZII expression (ZII+) alternating with 2 sagittal stripes with weaker ZII expression (ZIIw). More anteriorly, most of the Purkinje cells were ZII+, except laterally, where the Purkinje cells did not express ZII (ZII-). Finally, all Purkinje cells in the auricle (flocculus) were ZII-. Overall, the parasagittal heterogeneous expression of ZII in the cerebellum of lizards is similar to that in mammals and birds, and contrasts with the homogenous ZII+ expression seen in snakes and turtles. We suggest that a sagittal heterogeneous expression of ZII represents the ancestral condition in stem reptiles which was lost in snakes and turtles.
Results of Surgical Salvage Treatment for Anal Canal Cancer: A Retrospective Analysis with Overview of the Literature
Authors: Pesi Benedetta , Scaringi Stefano , Di Martino Carmela , Batignani Giacomo , Giudici Francesco , Bisogni Damiano , Tonelli Francesco , Bechi Paolo
Published: January 2017

Background and Aim: Chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is the gold standard treatment for anal cancer, which permits the maintenance of the anal function. However, about 30-40% of patients develop local disease progression, for which surgery represents a good salvage therapy. The aim of this study is to evaluate survival and morbidity rate in patients who undergo salvage surgery in our single institution, with an overview of the literature. Methods: A retrospective study was carried out on patients who underwent surgical treatment of anal canal cancer after failure of CRT. We evaluated overall survival at 1, 3, and 5 years and postoperative morbidity rate. Results: Twenty patients who underwent radical surgery with abdominoperineal resection were included in the study. The survival rates at 1, 3, and 5 years were 75, 60, and 37.4%; with a disease-free survival of 67, 53, and 35%, respectively. There was no postoperative mortality. The morbidity rate was 35%. Conclusion: Surgery represents the recommended therapy for persistent or recurrent anal canal cancer after CRT, with a good survival rate and an acceptable morbidity.
Fecal Volume after Laparoscopic Low Anterior Resection Predicts Anastomotic Leakage
Authors: Hidaka Eiji , Maeda Chiyo , Nakahara Kenta , Shimada Shoji , Mukai Shumpei , Sawada Naruhiko , Ishida Fumio , Kudo Shin-ei
Published: January 2017

Background/Aim: Anastomotic leakage (AL) is a major complication after laparoscopic low anterior resection (Lap-LAR). Many surgeons encounter AL following severe postoperative diarrhea. However, little is known about the relationship between postoperative fecal volume and AL. This study determined whether postoperative fecal volume can predict AL. Methods: A retrospective assessment was performed with data from 176 patients with rectal cancers who underwent Lap-LAR between April 2011 and August 2015. A transanal tube was routinely placed in all cases. The fecal volume from the transanal tube was measured daily. The total fecal volume for 3 days after surgery was compared between the AL and non-AL groups. Results: AL occurred in 11 patients. There were 3 patients with a fecal volume ≥1,000 mL for 3 days after surgery. AL occurred in these 3 patients. In patients with a fecal volume <1,000 mL, the total fecal volume was significantly greater in the AL group than that in the non-AL group (p = 0.0003). The cut-off value of the total fecal volume in AL was 118 mL. Conclusions: The volume of fecal discharge for 3 days after surgery is associated with the incidence of AL, and a fecal volume ≥118 mL may be a reliable predictor for AL.
Complex X-Chromosomal Rearrangements in Two Women with Ovarian Dysfunction: Implications of Chromothripsis/Chromoanasynthesis-Dependent and -Independent Origins of Complex Genomic Alterations
Authors: Suzuki Erina , Shima Hirohito , Toki Machiko , Hanew Kunihiko , Matsubara Keiko , Kurahashi Hiroki , Narumi Satoshi , Ogata Tsutomu , Kamimaki Tsutomu , Fukami Maki
Published: January 2017

Our current understanding of the phenotypic consequences and the molecular basis of germline complex chromosomal rearrangements remains fragmentary. Here, we report the clinical and molecular characteristics of 2 women with germline complex X-chromosomal rearrangements. Patient 1 presented with nonsyndromic ovarian dysfunction and hyperthyroidism; patient 2 exhibited various Turner syndrome- associated symptoms including ovarian dysfunction, short stature, and autoimmune hypothyroidism. The genomic abnormalities of the patients were characterized by array-based comparative genomic hybridization, high-resolution karyotyping, microsatellite genotyping, X-inactivation analysis, and bisulfite sequencing. Patient 1 carried a rearrangement of unknown parental origin with a 46,X,der(X)(pter→ p22.1::p11.23→q24::q21.3→q24::p11.4→pter) karyotype, indicative of a catastrophic chromosomal reconstruction due to chromothripsis/chromoanasynthesis. Patient 2 had a paternally derived isochromosome with a 46,X,der(X)(pter→ p22.31::q22.1→q10::q10→q22.1::p22.31→pter) karyotype, which likely resulted from 2 independent, sequential events. Both patients showed completely skewed X inactivation. CpG sites at Xp22.3 were hypermethylated in patient 2. The results indicate that germline complex X-chromosomal rearrangements underlie nonsyndromic ovarian dysfunction and Turner syndrome. Disease-causative mechanisms of these rearrangements likely include aberrant DNA methylation, in addition to X-chromosomal mispairing and haploinsufficiency of genes escaping X inactivation. Notably, our data imply that germline complex X-chromosomal rearrangements are created through both chromothripsis/chromoanasynthesis-dependent and -independent processes.
Pilot Test of a New Personal Health System Integrating Environmental and Wearable Sensors for Telemonitoring and Care of Elderly People at Home (SMARTA Project)
Authors: Pigini Lucia , Bovi Gabriele , Panzarino Claudia , Gower Valerio , Ferratini Maurizio , Andreoni Giuseppe , Sassi Roberto , Rivolta Massimo W. , Ferrarin Maurizio
Published: January 2017

Background: The increase in life expectancy is accompanied by a growing number of elderly subjects affected by chronic comorbidities, a health issue which also implies important socioeconomic consequences. Shifting from hospital or community dwelling care towards a home personalized healthcare paradigm would promote active aging with a better quality of life, along with a reduction in healthcare-related costs. Objective: The aim of the SMARTA project was to develop and test an innovative personal health system integrating standard sensors as well as innovative wearable and environmental sensors to allow home telemonitoring of vital parameters and detection of anomalies in daily activities, thus supporting active aging through remote healthcare. Methods: A first phase of the project consisted in the definition of the health and environmental parameters to be monitored (electrocardiography and actigraphy, blood pressure and oxygen saturation, weight, ear temperature, glycemia, home interaction monitoring - water tap, refrigerator, and dishwasher), the feedbacks for the clinicians, and the reminders for the patients. It was followed by a technical feasibility analysis leading to an iterative process of prototype development, sensor integration, and testing. Once the prototype had reached an advanced stage of development, a group of 32 volunteers - including 15 healthy adult subjects, 13 elderly people with cardiac diseases, and 4 clinical operators - was recruited to test the system in a real home setting, in order to evaluate both technical reliability and user perception of the system in terms of effectiveness, usability, acceptance, and attractiveness. Results: The testing in a real home setting showed a good perception of the SMARTA system and its functionalities both by the patients and by the clinicians, who appreciated the user interface and the clinical governance system. The moderate system reliability of 65-70% evidenced some technical issues, mainly related to sensor integration, while the patient's user interface showed excellent reliability (100%). Conclusions: Both elderly people and clinical operators considered the SMARTA system a promising and attractive tool for improving patients' healthcare while reducing related costs and preserving quality of life. However, the moderate reliability of the system should prompt further technical developments in terms of sensor integration and usability of the clinical operator's user interface.