bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards a Context-Aware Forwarding Plane in Named Data Networking supporting QoS
Authors: Posch Daniel , Rainer Benjamin , Hellwagner Hermann
Published: January 2017

The emergence of Information-Centric Networking~(ICN) provides considerable opportunities for context-aware data distribution in the network's forwarding plane. While packet forwarding in classical IP-based networks is basically predetermined by routing, ICN foresees an adaptive forwarding plane considering the requirements of network applications. As research in this area is still at an early stage, most of the work so far focused on providing the basic functionality, rather than on considering the available context information to improve Quality of Service (QoS). This article investigates to which extent existing forwarding strategies take account of the available context information and can therefore increase service quality. The article examines a typical scenario encompassing different user applications (Voice over IP, video streaming, and classical data transfer) with varying demands (context), and evaluates how well the applications' requirements are met by the existing strategies.
Can We Make a Cake and Eat it Too? A Discussion of ICN Security and Privacy
Authors: Ngai Edith , Ohlman Börje , Tsudik Gene , Uzun Ersin , Wählisch Matthias , Wood Christopher A.
Published: January 2017

In recent years, Information-centric Networking (ICN) has received much attention from both academic and industry participants. ICN offers data-centric inter-networking that is radically different from today's host-based IP networks. Security and privacy features on today's Internet were originally not present and have been incrementally retrofitted over the last 35 years. As such, these issues have become increasingly important as ICN technology gradually matures towards real-world deployment. Thus, while ICN-based architectures (e.g., NDN, CCNx, etc.) are still evolving, it is both timely and important to explore ICN security and privacy issues as well as devise and assess possible mitigation techniques.

This report documents the highlights and outcomes of the Dagstuhl Seminar 16251 on ``Information-centric Networking and Security.'' The goal of which was to bring together researchers to discuss and address security and privacy issues particular to ICN-based architectures. Upon finishing the three-day workshop, the outlook of ICN is still unclear. Many unsolved and ill-addressed problems remain, such as namespace and identity management, object security and forward secrecy, and privacy. Regardless of the fate of ICN, one thing is certain: much more research and practical experience with these systems is needed to make progress towards solving these arduous problems.
Language Emergence
Authors: Brentari Diane , Goldin-Meadow Susan
Published: January 2017

Language emergence describes moments in historical time when nonlinguistic systems become linguistic. Because language can be invented de novo in the manual modality, this offers insight into the emergence of language in ways that the oral modality cannot. Here we focus on homesign, gestures developed by deaf individuals who cannot acquire spoken language and have not been exposed to sign language. We contrast homesign with (a) gestures that hearing individuals produce when they speak, as these cospeech gestures are a potential source of input to homesigners, and (b) established sign languages, as these codified systems display the linguistic structure that homesign has the potential to assume. We find that the manual modality takes on linguistic properties, even in the hands of a child not exposed to a language model. But it grows into full-blown language only with the support of a community that transmits the system to the next generation. *
Dialect Formation in Isolated Communities
Authors: Schreier Daniel
Published: January 2017

This article explores major processes that operate in new dialect formation, with a focus on the effects of various kinds of isolation of communities and their speakers. A sociolinguistic approach concentrates on competition and selection between transplanted dialect features and mechanisms such as mixing, leveling, simplification, and reallocation. With reference to the established (yet not uncontroversial) concept of the feature pool, the question is how contact between distinct systems gives rise to localized forms. From a more socially oriented perspective, the question is how the integration and segregation of groups contributes to or shapes the emergence and disappearance of dialects. Isolation as a sociolinguistic concept is not thoroughly defined, particularly at the intergroup, societal, or even national level; therefore, geographic, social, and psychological factors need to be discussed and assessed. The processes investigated here are koinéization and dialect/language shift, illustrated with examples from all over the world.
Lysosomal Proteins as a Therapeutic Target in Neurodegeneration
Authors: Mc Donald Jessica M. , Krainc Dimitri
Published: January 2017

Several proteins that are mutated in lysosomal storage diseases are linked to neurodegenerative disease. This review focuses on some of these lysosomal enzymes and transporters, as well as current therapies that have emerged from the lysosomal storage disease field. Given the deeper genetic understanding of lysosomal defects in neurodegeneration, we explore why some of these orphan disease drug candidates are also attractive targets in subpopulations of individuals with neurodegenerative disease.
MDM2 mediates fibroblast activation and renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis via a p53-independent pathway
Authors: Ye Chen , Tang Hui , Zhao Zheng , Lei Chun-Tao , You Chao-Qun , Zhang Jiao , Gao Pan , He Fang-Fang , Chen Shan , Wang Yu-Mei , Zhang Chun , Su Hua
Published: January 2017

It is well recognized that murine double minute gene 2 (MDM2) plays a critical role in cell proliferation and inflammatory processes during tumorigenesis. It is also reported that MDM2 is expressed in glomeruli and involved in podocyte injury. However, whether MDM2 is implicated in renal fibrosis remains unclear. Here we investigated the role of MDM2 in tubulointerstitial fibrosis (TIF). By immunohistochemical staining and Western blotting we confirmed that MDM2 is upregulated in the tubulointerstitial compartment in patients with TIF and unilateral urethral obstruction (UUO) mice, which mainly originates from myofibroblasts. Consistently, in vitro MDM2 is increased in TGF-β1-treated fibroblasts, one of the major sources of collagen-producing myofibroblasts during TIF, along with fibroblast activation. Importantly, genetic deletion of MDM2 significantly attenuates fibroblast activation. We then analyzed the possible downstream signaling of MDM2 during fibroblast activation. p53-dependent pathway is the classic downstream signaling of MDM2, and Nutlin-3 is a small molecular inhibitor of MDM2-p53 interaction. To our surprise, Nutlin-3 could not ameliorate fibroblast activation in vitro and TIF in UUO mice. However, we found that Notch1 signaling is attenuated during fibroblast activation, which could be markedly rescued by MDM2 knockdown. Overexpression of intracellular domain of Notch1 (NICD) by plasmid could obviously minimize fibroblast activation induced by TGF-β1. In addition, the degradation of NICD is strikingly suppressed by PYR-41, an inhibitor of ubiquitin-activating enzyme E1, and proteasome inhibitor MG132. Taken together, our findings provide the first evidence that MDM2 is involved in fibroblast activation and TIF, which associates with Notch1 ubiquitination and proteasome degradation.
Chronic kidney disease promotes chronic inflammation in visceral white adipose tissue
Authors: Xiang Dong Mei , Song Xiu Zhen , Zhou Zhan Mei , Liu Yang , Dai Xiao Yan , Huang Xiang Lan , Hou Fan Fan , Zhou Qiu Gen
Published: January 2017

White adipose tissue plays an important role in the development of metabolic disturbance, which is a common feature in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The effect of CKD on white adipose tissue remains poorly appreciated. Here, we evaluated the inflammatory potential of visceral white adipose tissue in a rat model of CKD. The results showed that production of proinflammatory cytokines and infiltration of macrophage in the tissue were increased significantly in CKD rats compared with sham rats. Moreover, the primary adipocytes and stromal vascular fraction under the condition of CKD could trigger the inflammatory response in each other. Free fatty acid induced robust inflammatory response in ex vivo peritoneal-derived macrophages from CKD rats, which was associated with reduced activity of silent information regulator T1 (SIRT1). Improvement of SIRT1 activity by an activator could alleviate free fatty acid-induced inflammatory response in the macrophages and inflammation in the white adipose tissue. Moreover, oxidative stress occurred in the tissue and linked with the reduced activity of SIRT1 in macrophages and enhanced release of free fatty acid in the tissue. We thus identified CKD as a risk factor for chronic inflammation in white adipose tissue. These observations might open up new therapeutic strategies for metabolic disturbance in CKD via the modulation of adipose tissue-related pathways.
Traditional Cereal Food as Container of Probiotic Bacteria “Lb. rhamnosusGG”: Optimization by Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Gharbi Yahyaoui Asma , Bouzaiene Taroub , Aouidi Fathia , Aydi Abdelkarim , Hamdi Moktar
Published: January 2017

This research paper aims at optimizing three parameters involved in solid state fermentation (SSF) usingLactobacillus rhamnosusGG (LGG) to improve a traditional cereal food “Bsissa” in order to elaborate a new probiotic fermented breakfast cereal. A Box-Behnken experimental design was used and the optimal fermentation conditions were liquid to solid ratio: 1.2 (vw−1), fermentation time: 12 h, and sucrose concentration: 10.48 g (100 g DM)−1. Under these conditions, the viable LGG cells, the free amino nitrogen content, and the total acidity were obtained to be9.1 log10⁡(cfu g-1), 12.95 (mg g−1), and 6.46 (μmol g−1), respectively. After three weeks of refrigerated storage, the viability of LGG in the fermented Bsissa was8.23 log10⁡(cfu g-1). This study shows a new possibility to make an acceptable nonfermented dairy product based mainly on cereals, leguminous plants, spices, and aromatic herbs, which are suitable substrates able to support the high probiotic viability.
A Tool to Simulate the Transmission, Reception, and Execution of Interactive TV Applications
Authors: Carvalho Marques Neto Manoel , Kulesza Raoni , Rodrigues Thiago , Machado Felipe A. L. , Santos Celso A. S.
Published: January 2017

The emergence of Interactive Digital Television (iDTV) opened a set of technological possibilities that go beyond those offered by conventional TV. Among these opportunities we can highlight interactive contents that run together with linear TV program (television service where the viewer has to watch a scheduled TV program at the particular time it is offered and on the particular channel it is presented on). However, developing interactive contents for this new platform is not as straightforward as, for example, developing Internet applications. One of the options to make this development process easier and safer is to use an iDTV simulator. However, after having investigated some of the existing iDTV simulation environments, we have found a limitation: these simulators mainly present solutions focused on the TV receiver, whose interactive content must be loaded in advance by the programmer to a local repository (e.g., Hard Drive, USB). Therefore, in this paper, we propose a tool, named BiS (Broadcast iDTV content Simulator), which makes possible a broader solution for the simulation of interactive contents. It allows simulating the transmission of interactive content along with the linear TV program (simulating the transmission of content over the air and in broadcast to the receivers). To enable this, we defined a generic and easy-to-customize communication protocol that was implemented in the tool. The proposed environment differs from others because it allows simulating reception of both linear content and interactive content while running Java applications to allow such a content presentation.
Corynebacterium striatumBacteremia Associated with a Catheter-Related Blood Stream Infection
Authors: Daisuke Ueno , Oishi Tomohiro , Yamane Kunikazu , Terada Kihei
Published: January 2017

A 49-year-old woman visited our emergency department because of exertional dyspnea due to severe left ventricular functional failure. It progressed to disseminated intravascular coagulation and disturbance of consciousness on day 67 of admission. Gram-positive bacilli were detected from two different blood culture samples on day 67 of admission. An API-Coryne test and sequencing (1~615 bp) of the 16S rRNA gene were performed, and the strain was identified asCorynebacterium striatum. The bacterium was detected from the removed central venous catheter tip too, and the patient was diagnosed with catheter-related bloodstream infection byC. striatum. However, treatment was not effective, and the patient died on day 73 of admission.
The Function of FGFR1 Signalling in the Spinal Cord: Therapeutic Approaches Using FGFR1 Ligands after Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Haenzi Barbara , Moon Lawrence D. F.
Published: January 2017

Extensive research is ongoing that concentrates on finding therapies to enhance CNS regeneration after spinal cord injury (SCI) and to cure paralysis. This review sheds light on the role of the FGFR pathway in the injured spinal cord and discusses various therapies that use FGFR activating ligands to promote regeneration after SCI. We discuss studies that use peripheral nerve grafts or Schwann cell grafts in combination with FGF1 or FGF2 supplementation. Most of these studies show evidence that these therapies successfully enhance axon regeneration into the graft. Further they provide evidence for partial recovery of sensory function shown by electrophysiology and motor activity evidenced by behavioural data. We also present one study that indicates that combination with additional, synergistic factors might further drive the system towards functional regeneration. In essence, this review summarises the potential of nerve and cell grafts combined with FGF1/2 supplementation to improve outcome even after severe spinal cord injury.
A Variant in COX-2 Gene Is Associated with Left Main Coronary Artery Disease and Clinical Outcomes of Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
Authors: Liu Hanning , Xu Zhengxi , Sun Cheng , Gu Dachuan , Teng Xiao , Zhao Yan , Zheng Zhe
Published: January 2017

As a particular severe phenotype of coronary artery disease (CAD), left main coronary artery disease (LMCAD) is heritable. Genetic variants related to prostaglandin metabolism are associated with LMCAD. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), a key synthase in prostaglandin pathways, displays high density in atherosclerotic lesions and promotes early atherosclerosis in CAD progression. We hypothesized that genetic variants in COX-2 gene contribute to LMCAD phenotype susceptibility compared to more peripheral coronary artery disease (MPCAD). In this study, we genotyped COX-2 rs5275, rs5277, and rs689466 of 1544 CAD patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and found that rs5277 C allele carriage was associated with LMCAD (adjusted OR: 1.590; 95% CI: 1.103~2.291; p=0.013). Furtherly, long-term follow-up data suggested that rs5277 C allele carriage increased risk of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) in the whole cohort (adjusted HR: 1.561; 95% CI: 1.025~2.377; p=0.038) and LMCAD subgroup (adjusted HR: 2.014; 95% CI: 1.036~3.913; p=0.039) but not in MPCAD subgroup (adjusted HR: 1.375; 95% CI: 0.791~2.392; p=0.259). In conclusion, we demonstrate that COX-2 rs5277 C allele increases the risk of left main coronary artery lesion and is also correlated with poor prognosis of LMCAD patients with CABG therapy.
Two-Dimensional AOA Estimation Based on a Constant Modulus Algorithm
Authors: Al-Jazzar Saleh O. , Hamici Zoubir , Aldalahmeh Sami
Published: January 2017

We propose a two-dimensional (2D) angle of arrival (AOA) estimator using the algebraic constant modulus algorithm (ACMA). This algorithm was originally introduced to estimate the one-dimensional (1D) AOA. An extension to estimate and automatically pair the elevation and azimuth angles for different sources is derived and proved in this paper. The ACMA method factorises a matrix into two different matrices; one is of constant modulus and contains the azimuth AOA information; however the second was previously ignored. In this paper we will prove that this second matrix contains the elevation AOA information. Thus, 2D AOA estimation is proved possible using the ACMA method. Simulation results are presented to illustrate the proposed method’s performances under different conditions.
Selection and Configuration of Sorption Isotherm Models in Soils Using Artificial Bees Guided by the Particle Swarm
Authors: Bharat Tadikonda Venkata
Published: January 2017

A precise estimation of isotherm model parameters and selection of isotherms from the measured data are essential for the fate and transport of toxic contaminants in the environment. Nonlinear least-square techniques are widely used for fitting the isotherm model on the experimental data. However, such conventional techniques pose several limitations in the parameter estimation and the choice of appropriate isotherm model as shown in this paper. It is demonstrated in the present work that the classical deterministic techniques are sensitive to the initial guess and thus the performance is impeded by the presence of local optima. A novel solver based on modified artificial bee-colony (MABC) algorithm is proposed in this work for the selection and configuration of appropriate sorption isotherms. The performance of the proposed solver is compared with the other three solvers based on swarm intelligence for model parameter estimation using measured data from 21 soils. Performance comparison of developed solvers on the measured data reveals that the proposed solver demonstrates excellent convergence capabilities due to the superior exploration-exploitation abilities. The estimated solutions by the proposed solver are almost identical to the mean fitness values obtained over 20 independent runs. The advantages of the proposed solver are presented.
Disturbed Matrix Metalloproteinase Pathway in Both Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Hussain Ali Aijaz , Lee Yunhee , Zhang Jin-Jun , Francis Paul T. , Marshall John
Published: January 2017

Purpose.Abnormal protein deposits includingβ-amyloid, found in ageing Bruch’s membrane and brain, are susceptible to degradation by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). In ageing Bruch’s membrane, these MMPs become less effective due to polymerisation and aggregation reactions (constituting the MMP Pathway), a situation much advanced in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The likely presence of this MMP Pathway in brain with the potential to compromise the degradation ofβ-amyloid associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has been investigated.Methods.Presence of high molecular weight MMP species (HMW1 and HMW2) together with the much larger aggregate termed LMMC was determined by standard zymographic techniques. Centrigugation and gel filtration techniques were used to separate and quantify the distribution between bound and free MMP species.Results.The MMP Pathway, initially identified in Bruch’s membrane, was also present in brain tissue. The various MMP species displayed bound-free equilibrium and in AD samples, the amount of bound HMW1 and pro-MMP9 species was significantly reduced (p<0.05). The abnormal operation of the MMP Pathway in AD served to reduce the degradation potential of the MMP system.Conclusion.The presence and abnormalities of the MMP Pathway in both brain and ocular tissues may therefore contribute to the anomalous deposits associated with AD and AMD.
A Method for Determination of Metals in Hybrid Metal Oxide/Metal-Carbon Nanotubes Catalysts
Authors: Bok-Badura Joanna , Jakóbik-Kolon Agata , Łamacz Agata , Karoń Krzysztof
Published: January 2017

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs), due to their special structure and unique properties, are still one of the most interesting materials for scientists. Recently, carbon nanotubes were proposed as a new type of carbon support for catalysts. Fe, Pt, Ni, Co, and other metals anchored to CNTs are used in various reactions. Due to the fact that production processes are usually unpredictable and the total amount of metal/metal oxide deposited on the CNTs may only be estimated, the methods for examining the chemical composition are necessary. In this study, fast and simple inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) with slurry nebulization was proposed for metal content determination in hybrid CeZrO2/CNT, Ni-CeZrO2/CNT, and Ni/CNT materials. Slurries were prepared by 30 min ultrasonication of appropriate amount of investigated material in 1% Triton X-100 solution. Optimal range of slurry concentration and optimal RF plasma power were established (40–400 mg L−1, 1.2 kW, resp.). Obtained results proved that this method may be applied for determination of Ce, Zr, and Ni in hybrid CNT-based materials.
Refractive, Topographic, and Aberrometric Results at 2-Year Follow-Up for Accelerated Corneal Cross-Link for Progressive Keratoconus
Authors: Bozkurt Ercüment , Ozgurhan Engin Bilge , Akcay Betul Ilkay Sezgin , Kurt Tugba , Yildirim Yusuf , Günaydin Zehra Karaagaç , Demirok Ahmet
Published: January 2017

Purpose. To report the visual, refractive, and corneal topography and wavefront aberration results of accelerated corneal cross-linking (CXL) during a 24-month follow-up.Methods. Forty-seven eyes underwent riboflavin-ultraviolet A-induced accelerated CXL treatment (30 mW/cm2with a total dose of 7.2 joules/cm2). Uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), spherical and cylindrical values, keratometry (K) measurements (Ksteep,Kflat,Kavg, andKapex), central corneal thickness, and anterior corneal aberrometric analyses including total wavefront error (WFE), total high order aberration (HOA), astigmatism, trefoil, coma, quadrafoil, secondary astigmatism, and spherical aberration were evaluated.Results. The mean UDVA and CDVA were significantly improved at 1 (p=0.003andp=0.004, resp.) and 2 years after treatment (p=0.001andp=0.001, resp.). The meanKsteep,Kflat,Kaverage, andKapexvalues were significantly lower than baseline at 12 months (p=0.008,p=0.024,p=0.001, andp=0.014, resp.) and 24 months (p=0.014,p=0.017,p=0.001, andp=0.012, resp.). Corneal thickness showed a significant decrease at 1 month. Total HOA and coma decreased significantly at the 12-month (p=0.001andp=0.009, resp.) and 24-month visits (p=0.001andp=0.007, resp.).Conclusion. Accelerated CXL (30 mW/cm2) was found to be effective in improving UDVA, CDVA, corneal topography readings, total HOA, and coma aberrations during the 24-month follow-up.
The Use of Biodiesel Residues for Heat Insulating Biobased Polyurethane Foams
Authors: Özveren Nihan , Seydibeyoğlu M. Özgür
Published: January 2017

The commercial and biobased polyurethane foams (PUF) were produced and characterized in this study. Commercial polyether polyol, crude glycerol, methanol-free crude glycerol, and pure glycerol were used as polyols. Crude glycerol is byproduct of the biodiesel production, and it is a kind of biofuel residue. Polyol blends were prepared by mixing the glycerol types and the commercial polyol with different amounts, 10 wt%, 30 wt%, 50 wt%, and 80 wt%. All types of polyol blends were reacted with polymeric diphenyl methane diisocyanates (PMDI) for the production of rigid foams. Thermal properties of polyurethane foams are examined by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and thermal conductivity tests. The structures of polyurethane foams were examined by Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Changes in morphology of foams were investigated by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Mechanical properties of polyurethane foams were determined by compression tests. This study identifies the critical aspects of polyurethane foam formation by the use of various polyols and furthermore offers new uses of crude glycerol and methanol-free crude glycerol which are byproducts of biodiesel industry.
A Derivative Spectrometric Method for Hydroquinone Determination in the Presence of Kojic Acid, Glycolic Acid, and Ascorbic Acid
Authors: Moldovan Zenovia , Popa Dana Elena , David Iulia Gabriela , Buleandra Mihaela , Badea Irinel Adriana
Published: January 2017

A new, simple, and sensitive spectrometric method was developed for hydroquinone (HQ) determination in the presence of other depigmenting agents (kojic acid (KA), glycolic acid (GA), and ascorbic acid (AA)), commonly introduced in skin lightening products. The method is based on the oxidation of the depigmenting agents by potassium dichromate in sulfuric acid medium and subsequent measurement of the amplitude of the first-order derivative absorption spectrum at 268 nm. By applying the zero-crossing method, at this wavelength, the oxidation products of KA, AA, and GA do not interfere in the indirect determination of HQ. Beer’s law was obeyed in the range of 0.22–22 μg·mL−1HQ, with a detection limit of 0.07 μg·mL−1. The developed method was applied with good results for the first time to the rapid determination of HQ in binary, ternary, and quaternary mixtures, thus proving that it could represent an effective tool for various skin lightening products analyses.
Numerical Investigation of Critical Velocity in Reduced Scale Tunnel Fire with Constant Heat Release Rate
Authors: Mouangue Ruben , Onguene Philippe M. , Zaida Justin T. , Ekobena Henri P. F.
Published: January 2017

When a fire occurs in a tunnel in the absence of sufficient air supply, large quantities of smoke are generated, filling the vehicles and any space available around them. Hot gases and smoke produced by fire form layers flowing towards extremities of the tunnel which may interfere with person’s evacuation and firefighter’s intervention. This paper carries out a numerical simulation of an unexpected fire occurring in a one-way tunnel in order to investigate for the critical velocity of the ventilation airflow; this one is defined as the minimum velocity able to maintain the combustion products in the downstream side of tunnel. The computation is performed successively with two types of fuels representing a large and a small heat release rate, owing to an open source CFD code called ISIS, which is specific to fires in confined and nonconfined environments. It is indicated that, after several computations of full-scale fires of 43.103 and 19.103 kJ/kg as heat release rate, the velocities satisfying the criterion of healthy environment in the upstream side of the tunnel are 1.34 m/s and 1.12 m/s, respectively.
Schisandra chinensis and Morus alba Synergistically Inhibit In Vivo Thrombus Formation and Platelet Aggregation by Impairing the Glycoprotein VI Pathway
Authors: Kim Dong-Seon , Irfan Muhammad , Sung Yoon-Young , Kim Seung Hyung , Park Sun Haeng , Choi Young Hyun , Rhee Man Hee , Kim Ho Kyoung
Published: January 2017

Morus alba L. (MAL) extract has been used in traditional medicine for its cardioprotective and antiplatelet effects, while another herbal remedy, Schisandra chinensis (SCC), has been reported to have anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant properties. We evaluated underlying cellular changes exerted by extracts of these plants on platelet function and effects of SCC + MAL on in vivo thrombus formation using AV shunt and tail thrombosis‐length models in rats. In vitro platelet aggregation, granule secretion, and release assays were carried out. The activation of integrin αIIbβ3 and phosphorylation of downstream signaling molecules, including MAPK and Akt, were investigated using cytometry and immunoblotting, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to evaluate changes in platelet shape and HPLC analysis was carried out to identify the marker compounds in SCC + MAL mixture. In vivo thrombus weight and average length of tail thrombosis were significantly decreased by SCC + MAL. In vitro platelet aggregation, granule secretion, release, and integrin αIIbβ3 activation were notably inhibited. SCC + MAL markedly reduced the phosphorylation of MAPK pathway factors along with Akt. HPLC analysis identified four marker compounds: isoquercitrin, astragalin, schizandrol A, and gomisin A. The extracts exerted remarkable synergistic effects as natural antithrombotic and antiplatelet agent and a potent drug candidate for treating cardiovascular diseases.
Vulvovaginal Infralevator Haematoma Mimicking the Second Stage of Labour
Authors: Awoleke J. O. , Ipinnimo O. M.
Published: January 2017

Even though they are quite uncommon, puerperal genital haematomas can be associated with serious maternal morbidity. Key findings are significant perineal pain and, depending on the location, visible swelling. However, attention can be drawn to its progression by the rare occurrence of persistent painful “bearing down” efforts, even after the successful delivery of the baby. The final size of this haematoma and the rare presentation make it truly uncommon. The primary goals of treatment include the prevention of further blood loss, minimizing tissue damage, relieving pain, and reducing the risk of infection. Management is generally conservative for small collections, but surgery is indispensable when they acutely expand in size or are large with worsening symptoms.
A Nonmonotone Projection Method for Constrained System of Nonlinear Equations
Authors: Dang Yazheng , Liu Wenwen
Published: January 2017

This paper deals with the nonmonotone projection algorithm for constrained nonlinear equations. For some starting points, the previous projection algorithms for the problem may encounter slow convergence which is related to the monotone behavior of the iterative sequence as well as the iterative direction. To circumvent this situation, we adopt the nonmonotone technique introduced by Dang to develop a nonmonotone projection algorithm. After constructing the nonmonotone projection algorithm, we show its convergence under some suitable condition. Preliminary numerical experiment is reported at the end of this paper, from which we can see that the algorithm we propose converges more quickly than that of the usual projection algorithm for some starting points.
Phenotypic and Genotypic Analysis of Multidrug-ResistantMycobacterium tuberculosisIsolates from Sudanese Patients
Authors: Sabeel Solima M. A. , Salih Mohamed Ahmed , Ali Manasik , EL-Zaki Salah-Eldin , Abuzeid Nadir , Elgadi Zeinab Abubaker Mohammed , Altayb Hisham N. , Elegail Asrar M. A. , Ibrahim Nuha Y. , Elamin Bahaeldin K.
Published: January 2017

Background.Currently, mutations inrpoB,KatG, andrrsgenes andinhApromoter were considered to be involved in conferring resistance to rifampicin, isoniazid, and streptomycin inMycobacterium tuberculosis(MTB).Objective.The aims of this study were to detect the prevalence of first-line tuberculosis (TB) drug resistance among a group of previously treated and newly detected TB patients, to determine the association between prevalence of multidrug resistance (MDR) and demographic information (age and sex), to explain genes correlated with MDRMycobacterium tuberculosis, and to characterize MTB via 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) analysis.Methods.A hundred MTB isolates from Sudanese pulmonary TB patients were included in the study. The proportional method of drug susceptibility test was carried out on Löwenstein-Jensen media. Multiplex PCR ofrpoBandKatGgenes andinhApromoter was conducted; thenrrsgenes were amplified by conventional PCR and were sequenced. The sequences of the PCR product were compared with knownrrsgene sequences in the GenBank database by multiple sequence alignment tools.Result.The prevalence of MDR was 14.7% among old cases and 5.3% among newly diagnosed cases.Conclusion.Mutations inrrscould be considered as a diagnostic marker.
Module Anchored Network Inference: A Sequential Module-Based Approach to Novel Gene Network Construction from Genomic Expression Data on Human Disease Mechanism
Authors: Muthiah Annamalai , Keller Susanna R. , Lee Jae K.
Published: January 2017

Different computational approaches have been examined and compared for inferring network relationships from time-series genomic data on human disease mechanisms under the recent Dialogue on Reverse Engineering Assessment and Methods (DREAM) challenge. Many of these approaches infer all possible relationships among all candidate genes, often resulting in extremely crowded candidate network relationships with many more False Positives than True Positives. To overcome this limitation, we introduce a novel approach, Module Anchored Network Inference (MANI), that constructs networks by analyzing sequentially small adjacent building blocks (modules). Using MANI, we inferred a 7-gene adipogenesis network based on time-series gene expression data during adipocyte differentiation. MANI was also applied to infer two 10-gene networks based on time-course perturbation datasets from DREAM3 and DREAM4 challenges. MANI well inferred and distinguished serial, parallel, and time-dependent gene interactions and network cascades in these applications showing a superior performance to other in silico network inference techniques for discovering and reconstructing gene network relationships.
A Mathematical Model of Neutral Lipid Content in terms of Initial Nitrogen Concentration and Validation in Coelastrum sp. HA-1 and Application in Chlorella sorokiniana
Authors: Yang Zhenhua , Zhao Yue , Liu Zhiyong , Liu Chenfeng , Hu Zhipeng , Hou Yuyong
Published: January 2017

Microalgae are considered to be a potential major biomass feedstock for biofuel due to their high lipid content. However, no correlation equations as a function of initial nitrogen concentration for lipid accumulation have been developed for simplicity to predict lipid production and optimize the lipid production process. In this study, a lipid accumulation model was developed with simple parameters based on the assumption protein synthesis shift to lipid synthesis by a linear function of nitrogen quota. The model predictions fitted well for the growth, lipid content, and nitrogen consumption of Coelastrum sp. HA-1 under various initial nitrogen concentrations. Then the model was applied successfully in Chlorella sorokiniana to predict the lipid content with different light intensities. The quantitative relationship between initial nitrogen concentrations and the final lipid content with sensitivity analysis of the model were also discussed. Based on the model results, the conversion efficiency from protein synthesis to lipid synthesis is higher and higher in microalgae metabolism process as nitrogen decreases; however, the carbohydrate composition content remains basically unchanged neither in HA-1 nor in C. sorokiniana.
Angioimmunoblastic T-Cell Lymphoma: A Questionable Association with Follicular Dendritic Cell Sarcoma
Authors: Benharroch Daniel , Zekzer Miriam , Nalbandyan Karen
Published: January 2017

An elderly woman presented with generalized lymphadenopathy, several systemic symptoms, and splenomegaly. An inguinal lymph node excision revealed a compound picture. One aspect of the lymph node morphology, including cells with follicular T-helper cell phenotype, was most consistent with angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma. The other component, revealing spindle cells forming whorls with immunostaining for CD21, CD23, and fascin, might be an integral part of this T-cell lymphoma. However, due to the often massive involvement of the nodal tissue by these follicular dendritic cells, these areas were questionably suggestive of involvement by follicular dendritic cell sarcoma. We raise herein the issue of the borderline area between advanced follicular dendritic cell expansion in angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma and a massive follicular dendritic cell proliferation consistent with follicular dendritic cells sarcoma, in the absence of a genomic analysis.
Manufacturer’s R&D Investment Strategy and Pricing Decisions in a Decentralized Supply Chain
Authors: Zhang Hengyun , Hong Dingjun
Published: January 2017

Consider that a manufacturer Stackelberg supply chain consists of an upstream supplier and a downstream manufacturer. The manufacturer purchases a component from the supplier and then transforms it into a final product which is sold in a price and quality sensitive market. The manufacturer considers to make R&D investment to improve the product quality and reduce the production cost. We first investigate and derive the optimal investment strategy and pricing decisions by establishing a three-stage game model. We show that the optimal investment strategy and pricing decisions in the decentralized model may deviate from those in the centralized model. We then propose a mechanism to coordinate the decentralized supply chain, by introducing a profit sharing policy, a production cost sharing policy, and an investment cost sharing policy. Finally, we show that both the supplier and the manufacturer can benefit from participating in the proposed coordination mechanism.
Bifurcation Analysis for an SEIRS‐V Model with Delays on the Transmission of Worms in a Wireless Sensor Network
Authors: Zhang Zizhen , Wang Yougang
Published: January 2017

Hopf bifurcation for an SEIRS‐V model with delays on the transmission of worms in a wireless sensor network is investigated. We focus on existence of the Hopf bifurcation by regarding the diverse delay as a bifurcation parameter. The results show that propagation of worms in the wireless sensor network can be controlled when the delay is suitably small under some certain conditions. Then, we study properties of the Hopf bifurcation by using the normal form theory and center manifold theorem. Finally, we give a numerical example to support the theoretical results.
Trends in Radiation Therapy among Cancer Survivors in the United States, 2000–2030
Authors: Bryant Alex K. , Banegas Matthew P. , Martinez Maria Elena , Mell Loren K. , Murphy James D.
Published: January 2017

Background: Although the number of cancer survivors has increased substantially over the past several decades, the composition of survivors treated with radiotherapy is not well defined. Radiotherapy carries unique long-term toxicity risks for cancer survivors. This study describes the current estimates and future projections of the epidemiology of 5-year cancer survivors who receive radiation therapy.

Methods: We used cancer incidence and survival data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End-Results (SEER) database linked to U.S. Census data to estimate the number of 5-year cancer survivors treated with radiation between 2000 and 2030. Future projections assumed continuing incidence and survival trends based on historical rates.

Results: In 2016, there were an estimated 3.05 million cancer survivors treated with radiation, accounting for 29% of all cancer survivors. The number of radiation-treated cancer survivors is projected to reach 3.38 million by 2020 and 4.17 million by 2030. In 2016, breast (40%) and prostate cancer (23%) composed the majority of radiation-treated survivors, followed by head and neck cancer (5.8%), lymphoma (5.6%), uterine (3.9%), and rectal cancer (3.8%). The percentage of 70 years or older radiation-treated survivors steadily increased between 2000 and 2030.

Conclusions: The next several years are projected to see a large increase in the number of cancer survivors treated with radiation.

Impact: This group of cancer survivors has unique needs given the long-term risks of radiation, and increased research and awareness are required to optimize health of this growing population. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 26(6); 963–70. ©2017 AACR.
Prognostic Factors after Curative Resection for Single-Lesion Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients with Normal Liver Function: A Historical Cohort Study
Authors: Shimoda Mitsugi , Tago Kazuma , Kato Masato , Aoki Taku , Kubota Keiichi
Published: January 2017

Background: Hepatic resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is now established as the treatment most likely to yield the best outcome. We aimed to clarify the risk factors for HCC recurrence after curative resection of single HCC in patients with normal liver function (NLF). Methods: The clinical records of 105 patients with NFL and a single HCC less than 5 cm in diameter who had undergone curative liver resection between April 2000 and January 2013 were investigated. We analyzed risk factors for recurrence of HCC. Results: Forty of the 105 patients suffered recurrence of HCC, and median recurrence-free survival (RFS) was 22.0 (5.1-148.5) months after surgery, and the liver was the most frequent site of recurrence. Univariate analysis showed that limited resection (LR; p = 0.002), the indocyanine green retention rate at 15 min (p = 0.023), C-reactive protein value (p = 0.001), bilirubin value (p = 0.042), neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (p = 0.042), operation time (p = 0.018), and amount of bleeding (p = 0.011) were associated with RFS. Multivariate analysis showed that LR (p = 0.007) was a significant risk factor associated with RFS. Conclusion: LR is a risk factor for HCC recurrence in patients with single-lesion HCC and NLF.
High Body Mass Index Worsens Survival in Patients with Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma after Esophagectomy
Authors: Duan Xiao-Feng , Tang Peng , Shang Xiao-Bin , Jiang Hong-Jing , Zhao Qiang , Yu Zhen-Tao
Published: January 2017

Aims: To investigate the prognostic significance of body mass index (BMI) on the survival of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) after esophagectomy. Methods: Between 2005 and 2008, 291 patients with ESCC who met the inclusion criteria were included in the study. The BMI cut-off values were as follows: 18.5-23 kg/m2 for normal weight; 23-27.5 kg/m2 for overweight; and ≥27.5 kg/m2 for those with obesity. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify prognostic factors for long-term survival. Results: Patients were divided into 3 groups: normal weight (n = 138), overweight (n = 103), and obese (n = 50). The median survival time was 56 months. The 5-year overall survival (OS) rates were 40.8, 44.7, and 20.8% for normal weight, overweight, and obese patients respectively (p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis identified BMI as an independent prognostic factor for OS (p < 0.05). For 179 patients without lymph node metastasis, the 5-year OS rates were 46.5, 50.7, and 27.0% for normal weight, overweight, and obese patients respectively (p < 0.05). Conclusions: A BMI ≥27.5 kg/m2 has a distinctly adverse impact on the long-term survival of ESCC patients after esophagectomy. High BMI is a potential predictor of worse prognosis in ESCC patients, particularly in patients without lymph node metastasis.
Mechanical Thrombectomy in Pregnancy: Report of 2 Cases and Review of the Literature
Authors: Bhogal Pervinder , Aguilar Marta , AlMatter Muhammad , Karck Ulrich , Bäzner Hansjörg , Henkes Hans
Published: January 2017

Background: Mechanical thrombectomy has recently proved extremely effective in improving the outcome of patients with large vessel occlusion. Despite this, questions still remain over certain cohorts of patients that were excluded from the large randomised controlled trials. One such cohort includes pregnant patients. Although thromboembolic stroke is uncommon in pregnancy, the outcome from this pathology can be devastating. Summary: We present 2 cases of mechanical thrombectomy in pregnancy both of which underwent successful flow restoration without complications. We discuss the incidence of stroke in pregnancy, potential pitfalls of imaging, radiation protection issues, and the role of thrombolysis as well as the available literature on mechanical thrombectomy in this cohort. Key Message: Thrombectomy in pregnancy can be performed safely with no significant changes required to the procedure itself. Radiation exposure during the procedure should be minimised and shielding used to prevent scatter radiation to the fetus; however, given the potential risks of thrombolysis in this cohort of patients, mechanical thrombectomy should be considered in all stages of pregnancy.
Distance from Left Renal Vein to Inferior Pancreaticoduodenal Artery: A Landmark for Identifying Inferior Pancreaticoduodenal Artery in Pancreatoduodenectomy
Authors: Tomimaru Yoshito , Tanaka Kaishu , Noguchi Kozo , Hatano Hisanori , Eguchi Hidetoshi , Dono Keizo
Published: January 2017

Background/Aim: During pancreatoduodenectomy, early ligation of major afferent arteries to pancreatic head prior to dissection of the corresponding veins may reduce intraoperative bleeding. Inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery (IPDA), one of the major afferent arteries, is difficult to identify. We measured the distance from left renal vein to IPDA based on preoperative multi-detector row computed tomography (MDCT) images for use as a new landmark for IPDA. Methods: The distance between left renal vein and IPDA was measured in 417 patients using MDCT images. Results: IPDA was identified on MDCT images in 415 out of the 417 patients (99.5%). The root of IPDA was located on cranial side of the root of left renal vein in 88 among the 415 patients (21.2%), and the distance was expressed as negative in these cases. The distance was 6.09 ± 7.46 mm. The distance when IPDA formed a common vessel with first jejunal artery (8.03 ± 6.74 mm; 323 cases, 77.8%) was significantly longer than when IPDA branched directly from superior mesenteric artery (SMA; -0.81 ± 5.74 mm; 62 cases, 15.0%) or posterior and anterior IPDAs branched separately from SMA (-2.04 ± 5.36 mm; 30 cases, 7.2%). Conclusions: The distance between left renal vein and IPDA can serve as a landmark for IPDA identification.
Personalised Medicine for Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Heaney Liam G. , McGarvey Lorcan P.A.
Published: January 2017

Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are prevalent conditions, and despite recent advances and multiple available therapies and interventions, there remains a significant unmet clinical need. In recent years, it has become clear that there is both significant heterogeneity within each of these conditions and additionally significant overlap in many of the clinical and inflammatory features. In parallel, useful clinical and immunological biomarkers which inform about prognosis and response to therapy have emerged in both asthma and COPD. These biomarkers will allow both better targeting of existing treatments and the identification of those patients who will respond to novel therapies which are now becoming available. Biomarkers will also facilitate the identification of novel therapeutic targets for future development. Delivery of precision medicine in airways disease is now feasible and is a core component of a personalised healthcare delivery in asthma and COPD.
Power Quality Improvement in Fourteen Bus System using Non-Conventional Source Based ANN Controlled DPFC System
Authors: Bahamani Akhib Khan , Reddy G.M. Sreerama , Ganesh V.
Published: January 2017

DPFC can be used to improve receiving end voltage of fourteen bus system. This paper shows the conception and simulation of wind and solar based distribution power flow controller for sag compensation and ohmic loss reduction. The objectives of this work are to improve the voltage and reduce the line losses. Fourteen bus systems with DPFC in open loop is simulated. Fourteen bus system with DPFC in closed loop using PI and ANN are also simulated and the results are presented. The comparative study is presented to demonstrate the improvement in dynamic response of ANN controlled DPFC system. ANN is observed to provide better control than has other controllers and improved damping characterises.