bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Computational Efficiency of Decoupling Approach in Solving Reactive Transport Model: A Case Study of Pyrite Oxidative Dissolution
Authors: Huo Jixiang , Ma Fuheng , Song Hanzhou
Published: November 2017

Pyrite existed widely in nature and its oxidative dissolution might lead groundwater to become acidic, which was harmful to the environment and indeed to artificial building materials. The reactive transport model was a useful tool to predict the extent of such pollution. However, the chemical species were coupled together in the form of a reaction term, which might lead the equations to be nonlinear and thus difficult to solve. A decoupling approach was presented: linear algebraic manipulations of the stoichiometric coefficients of the chemical reactions for the purpose of reducing the number of equation variables and simplifying the reactive source were used. Then the original and decoupled models were solved separately, by both a direct solver and an iterative solver. By comparing the solution times of two models, it was shown that the decoupling approach could enhance the computational efficiency, especially in situations using denser meshes. Using a direct solver, more solution time was saved than when using an iterative version.
Modeling, Simulation, and Analysis of Novel Threshold Voltage Definition for Nano-MOSFET
Authors: Swami Yashu , Rai Sanjeev
Published: November 2017

Threshold voltage (VTH) is the indispensable vital parameter in MOSFET designing, modeling, and operation. Diverse expounds and extraction methods exist to model the on-off transition characteristics of the device. The governing gauge for efficient threshold voltage definition and extraction method can be itemized as clarity, simplicity, precision, and stability throughout the operating conditions and technology node. The outcomes of extraction methods diverge from the exact values due to various short-channel effects (SCEs) and nonidealities present in the device. A new approach to define and extract the real value of VTH of MOSFET is proposed in the manuscript. The subsequent novel enhanced SCE-independent VTH extraction method named “hybrid extrapolation VTH extraction method” (HEEM) is elaborated, modeled, and compared with few prevalent MOSFET threshold voltage extraction methods for validation of the results. All the results are verified by extensive 2D TCAD simulation and confirmed analytically at various technology nodes.
Hawking Radiation-Quasinormal Modes Correspondence for Large AdS Black Holes
Authors: Sun Dao-Quan , Wang Zi-Liang , He Miao , Hu Xian-Ru , Deng Jian-Bo
Published: November 2017

It is well-known that the nonstrictly thermal character of the Hawking radiation spectrum generates a natural correspondence between Hawking radiation and black hole quasinormal modes. This main issue has been analyzed in the framework of Schwarzschild black holes, Kerr black holes, and nonextremal Reissner-Nordstrom black holes. In this paper, by introducing the effective temperature, we reanalyze the nonstrictly thermal character of large AdS black holes. The results show that the effective mass corresponding to the effective temperature is approximatively the average one in any dimension. And the other effective quantities can also be obtained. Based on the known forms of frequency in quasinormal modes, we reanalyze the asymptotic frequencies of the large AdS black hole in three and five dimensions. Then we get the formulas of the Bekenstein-Hawking entropy and the horizon’s area quantization with functions of the quantum “overtone” number n.
Tumor Necrosis Factor-Like Weak Inducer of Apoptosis Activates Type I Interferon Signals in Lupus Nephritis
Authors: Xue Leixi , Liu Lei , Huang Jun , Wen Jian , Yang Ru , Bo Lin , Tang Mei , Zhang Yi , Liu Zhichun
Published: November 2017

Type I interferon (IFN) plays a central role in pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE); tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) has been associated with a pathogenic role in lupus nephritis (LN). Thus we investigated whether TWEAK could induce the activation of type I IFN pathway in LN. We examined this in patient-derived peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) as well as MRL/lpr mice, a murine LN model. Relative to the control cohorts, MRL/lpr mice showed severe histological changes, high index levels of renal damage, and elevated expression of type I IFN-inducible genes. After shRNA suppression of TWEAK, we observed that renal damage was significantly attenuated and expression of type I IFN-inducible genes was reduced in MRL/lpr mice. In parallel, siRNA of TWEAK also significantly reduced the expression of type I IFN-inducible genes in PBMCs relative to control transfections. In PBMCs, TWEAK stimulation also led to expression of type I IFN-inducible genes. Our results illustrate a novel regulatory role of TWEAK, in which its activity positively regulates type I IFN pathway in LN based on preclinical models. Our findings suggest TWEAK could act as a critical target in preventing renal damage in patients with LN.
A Simplified Network Model for Travel Time Reliability Analysis in a Road Network
Authors: Uchida Kenetsu , Kato Teppei
Published: November 2017

This paper proposes a simplified network model which analyzes travel time reliability in a road network. A risk-averse driver is assumed in the simplified model. The risk-averse driver chooses a path by taking into account both a path travel time variance and a mean path travel time. The uncertainty addressed in this model is that of traffic flows (i.e., stochastic demand flows). In the simplified network model, the path travel time variance is not calculated by considering all travel time covariance between two links in the network. The path travel time variance is calculated by considering all travel time covariance between two adjacent links in the network. Numerical experiments are carried out to illustrate the applicability and validity of the proposed model. The experiments introduce the path choice behavior of a risk-neutral driver and several types of risk-averse drivers. It is shown that the mean link flows calculated by introducing the risk-neutral driver differ as a whole from those calculated by introducing several types of risk-averse drivers. It is also shown that the mean link flows calculated by the simplified network model are almost the same as the flows calculated by using the exact path travel time variance.
Effect of High-Dose Vitamin C Infusion in a Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase-Deficient Patient
Authors: Quinn Joseph , Gerber Bryan , Fouche Ryan , Kenyon Katharine , Blom Zachary , Muthukanagaraj Purushothaman
Published: November 2017

Vitamin C supplementation is generally regarded as benign. There has been a resurgence of interest in the general medical community regarding the use of vitamin C most notably in the care of sepsis. Nonetheless, caution must be taken if supraphysiologic vitamin C supplementation is being administered as it should be considered a medication just like any other. We present a case of hemolysis in a glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase- (G6PD-) deficient patient receiving high-dose vitamin C infusions for his rheumatoid arthritis.
A Study on the Improvement of Walking Characteristics of the Elderly with Vibration Stimuli Applied to the Tibialis Anterior Tendon
Authors: Kwak Kiyoung , Kim Huigyun , Kim Dongwook
Published: November 2017

The purpose of this study was to identify the gait pattern of the elderly with aging and to analyze the elderly’s gait changes by the focal tendon vibratory stimulation. A total of 10 elderly males and 15 young adult males participated in this study. Using 3D motion analysis, we analyzed that difference between the elderly gait and young adults gait and the changes of the elderly gait by applying focal vibratory stimuli. As a result, specifically in the early stance, the elderly’s gait was more flexed and the lower extremity extensors of the elderly worked harder. When the focal vibratory stimuli were applied, joint angle of the elderly was induced to that of the young adults. There was a reduction in demands for supporting bodies and progressing gait in the stance phase. This means that focal vibratory stimuli affect the gait of the elderly. Also, the changes of the gait of the elderly varied according to the characteristics of the focal vibratory stimuli. This implies that the activity of the motor may be dependent on vibratory stimuli characteristics.
Directly Converted Human Fibroblasts Mature to Neurons and Show Long-Term Survival in Adult Rodent Hippocampus
Authors: Avaliani Natalia , Pfisterer Ulrich , Heuer Andreas , Parmar Malin , Kokaia Merab , Andersson My
Published: November 2017

Direct conversion of human somatic cells to induced neurons (iNs), using lineage-specific transcription factors has opened new opportunities for cell therapy in a number of neurological diseases, including epilepsy. In most severe cases of epilepsy, seizures often originate in the hippocampus, where populations of inhibitory interneurons degenerate. Thus, iNs could be of potential use to replace these lost interneurons. It is not known, however, if iNs survive and maintain functional neuronal properties for prolonged time periods in in vivo. We transplanted human fibroblast-derived iNs into the adult rat hippocampus and observed a progressive morphological differentiation, with more developed dendritic arborisation at six months as compared to one month. This was accompanied by mature electrophysiological properties and fast high amplitude action potentials at six months after transplantation. This proof-of-principle study suggests that human iNs can be developed as a candidate source for cell replacement therapy in temporal lobe epilepsy.
Modeling of Tumor Growth Incorporating the Effects of Necrosis and the Effect of Bevacizumab
Authors: Drexler Dániel András , Sápi Johanna , Kovács Levente
Published: November 2017

Tumor growth models are important to create an engineering background for cancer treatment either by using the models for simulations and evaluation of treatment protocols or, if combined with control engineering, by designing treatment protocols. A well-defined tumor growth model must describe the physiological processes and the measurements as well. Growing tumors are composed of dead tumor cells (forming the necrotic part) and living, proliferating tumor cells (forming the proliferating part); when tumor volume is measured, these parts are measured together. Most of the known tumor growth models do not consider the modeling of the necrotic part. Starting from a minimal model of the tumor growth under bevacizumab treatment, the aim of the current research is to extend it incorporating the volume and dynamics of the necrotic part and the pharmacodynamics and mixed-order pharmacokinetics of the applied drug. The extended model is validated using measurements with mice as hosts, colon adenocarcinoma as tumor, and bevacizumab as the drug used for treatment. The results show that the extended model can describe the important physiological phenomena and shows a good fit to the average of the measurements.
The eIF4E2‐Directed Hypoxic Cap‐Dependent Translation Machinery Reveals Novel Therapeutic Potential for Cancer Treatment
Authors: Melanson Gaelan , Timpano Sara , Uniacke James
Published: November 2017

Hypoxia is an aspect of the tumor microenvironment that is linked to radiation and chemotherapy resistance, metastasis, and poor prognosis. The ability of hypoxic tumor cells to achieve these cancer hallmarks is, in part, due to changes in their gene expression profiles. Cancer cells have a high demand for protein synthesis, and translational control is subsequently deregulated. Various mechanisms of translation initiation are active to improve the translation efficiency of select transcripts to drive cancer progression. This review will focus on a noncanonical cap‐dependent translation initiation mechanism that utilizes the eIF4E homolog eIF4E2, a hypoxia‐activated cap‐binding protein that is implicated in hypoxic cancer cell migration, invasion, and tumor growth in mouse xenografts. A historical perspective about eIF4E2 and its various aliases will be provided followed by an evaluation of potential therapeutic strategies. The recent successes of disabling canonical translation and eIF4E with drugs should highlight the novel therapeutic potential of targeting the homologous eIF4E2 in the treatment of hypoxic solid tumors.
Role of MMP-1 (-519A/G, -1607 1G/2G), MMP-3 (Lys45Glu), MMP-7 (-181A/G), and MMP-12 (-82A/G) Variants and Plasma MMP Levels on Obesity-Related Phenotypes and Microvascular Reactivity in a Tunisian Population
Authors: Boumiza Soumaya , Bchir Sarra , ben Nasr Hela , Abbassi Ammar , Jacob Marie-Paule , Norel Xavier , Tabka Zouhair , Chahed Karim
Published: November 2017

Aims. The impact of MMP-1 (-519A/G, -1607 1G/2G), MMP-3 Lys45Glu (A/G), MMP-7 -181A/G, and MMP-12 -82A/G variants and plasma MMP levels on obesity and microvascular reactivity in Tunisians.Methods. Our population included 202 nonobese and 168 obese subjects. Anthropometric, biochemical, and microvascular parameters were determined according to standard protocols. PCR-RFLP and ELISA were used to determine the genetic variants and levels of MMPs, respectively.Results. The MMP-3 45Glu (G) allele associates with higher anthropometric values and MMP-3 levels compared to AA genotype carriers (BMI (kg/m2): 30 ± 0.51 versus 27.33 ± 0.8,P=0.004; MMP-3 levels: 7.45 (4.77–11.91) versus 5.21 (3.60–10.21) ng/ml,P=0.006). The MMP-12 -82G allele was also associated with higher BMI values when compared to subjects carrying the AA genotype (31.41 ± 0.85 versus 28.76 ± 0.43,P<0.001). Individuals carrying the MMP-3 45G or MMP-12 -82G variants were also associated with a higher risk for severe forms of obesity (MMP-3: OR = 1.9,P=0.002; MMP-12: OR = 2.63,P=0.003). Similarly, the MMP-7 -181G allele was associated with a higher MMP-7 level and an increased risk for morbid obesity when compared to AA genotype carriers (0.32 (0.31–0.60) versus 0.18 (0.17–0.24) ng/ml,P=0.01; OR = 1.67,P=0.02, resp.).Conclusion. MMP-3, MMP-7, and MMP-12 polymorphisms associate with obesity risk and its severity.
Comparison of Monolateral External Fixation and Internal Fixation for Skeletal Stabilisation in the Management of Small Tibial Bone Defects following Successful Treatment of Chronic Osteomyelitis
Authors: Wang Yicun , Jiang Hui , Deng Zhantao , Jin Jiewen , Meng Jia , Wang Jun , Zhao Jianning , Sun Guojing , Qian Hongbo
Published: November 2017

Background. To compare the salvage rate and complication between internal fixation and external fixation in patients with small bone defects caused by chronic infectious osteomyelitis debridement. Methods. 125 patients with chronic infectious osteomyelitis of tibia fracture who underwent multiple irrigation, debridement procedure, and local/systemic antibiotics were enrolled. Bone defects, which were less than 4 cm, were treated with bone grafting using either internal fixation or monolateral external fixation. 12-month follow-up was conducted with an interval of 3 months to evaluate union of bone defect. Results. Patients who underwent monolateral external fixation had higher body mass index and fasting blood glucose, longer time since injury, and larger bone defect compared with internal fixation. No significant difference was observed in incidence of complications (23.5% versus 19.3%), surgery time (156±23 minutes versus 162±21 minutes), and time to union (11.1±3.0 months versus 10.9±3.1 months) between external fixation and internal fixation. Internal fixation had no significant influence on the occurrence of postoperation complications after multivariate adjustment when compared with external fixation. Furthermore, patients who underwent internal fixation experienced higher level of daily living scales and lower level of anxiety. Conclusions. It was relatively safe to use internal fixation for stabilization in osteomyelitis patients whose bone defects were less than 4 cm and infection was well controlled.
Redesign of the Attention Process of Patients with Rheumatologic Diseases: Assessing the Performance with Analytic Hierarchy Process
Authors: Gorbanev Iouri , Cortes Ariel , Agudelo-Londoño Sandra
Published: November 2017

Objective. To compare the Business process management and the analytic hierarchy process as the tools of process performance assessment. Instruments and Methods. Case study of the attention process of rheumatology patients. Business process management and analytic hierarchy process were applied to assess the redesign of the attention process. The two methods were compared. The data were obtained through personal observations, an interview with a Colombian health insurer’s senior executive, and retrospective documentary analysis. Results. Both methods assessed the process redesign as an improvement. While Business process management made a qualitative evaluation, the analytic hierarchy process allowed for a quantitative approach. Conclusions. Business process management is helpful in process performance assessment because it offers a conceptual foundation. Analytic hierarchy process is a complement which makes the intuitions based on business process management rigorous.
Rare Cause of Recurrent Hypoglycemia: Insulin Autoimmune Syndrome
Authors: Tinmanee Rungsima , Buranagan Rungpailin , Ploybutr Sirirat , Lertwattanarak Raweewan , Sriwijitkamol Apiradee
Published: November 2017

We report a case of insulin autoimmune syndrome associated with several autoantibodies, presenting with recurrent hypoglycemia, predominantly in the postprandial period, which improved by dietary management and spontaneously resolved within two months. Differentiation from other causes of hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia, such as insulinoma, is important to avoid unnecessary invasive procedures or surgical interventions. The 75-gram oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and mixed meal test showed a typical pattern, which may be useful indirect evidence of insulin autoimmune syndrome.
Multiuser Searchable Encryption with Token Freshness Verification
Authors: Sharma Dhruti , Jinwala Devesh C.
Published: November 2017

A Multiuser Searchable Encryption (MUSE) can be defined with the notion of Functional Encryption (FE) where a user constructs a search token from a search key issued by an Enterprise Trusted Authority (ETA). In such scheme, a user possessing search key constructs search token at any time and consequently requests the server to search over encrypted data. Thus, an FE based MUSE scheme is not suitable for the applications where a log of search activities is maintained at the enterprise site to identify dishonest search query from any user. In addition, none of the existing searchable schemes provides security against token replay attack to avoid reuse of the same token. In this paper, therefore we propose an FE based scheme, Multiuser Searchable Encryption with Token Freshness Verification (MUSE-TFV). In MUSE-TFV, a user prepares one-time usable search token in cooperation with ETA and thus every search activity is logged at the enterprise site. Additionally, by verifying the freshness of a token, the server prevents reuse of the token. With formal security analysis, we prove the security of MUSE-TFV against chosen keyword attack and token replay attack. With theoretical and empirical analysis, we justify the effectiveness of MUSE-TFV in practical applications.
Noncovalent Spiropyran Coatings for Photoinduced Wettability Switching
Authors: Bremer Matthias , Reinke Ruprecht , Hesseler Britta , Taale Mohammadreza , Ingwersen Daniela , Schwarzer Stefan , Selhuber-Unkel Christine , Gerken Martina
Published: November 2017

The noncovalent binding of spiropyran to candle-soot-covered surfaces is investigated for wettability switching using a coating procedure realized with a drop casting process of using 0.001 mol/L spiropyran in a 5 : 1 toluene-acetone mixture. Scanning electron microscopy images reveal a resulting surface with spiropyran flakes in the candle soot. A reversible switching with UV light and blue or green light is achieved, starting from an initial contact angle of 130°  ± 9.68°. The highest contact angle difference is 41° and reversibility has been shown for several switching cycles. Hence, our methods provide an easy-to-use strategy to generate surfaces with switchable wettability.
Adrenal Oncocytic Neoplasm with Paradoxical Loss of Important Mitochondrial Steroidogenic Protein: The 18 kDA Translocator Protein
Authors: Ruiz-Cordero Roberto , Gupta Alia , Jayakumar Arumugam R. , Ciancio Gaetano , Nielsen Gunnlaugur Petur , Jorda Merce
Published: November 2017

The adrenal glands produce a variety of hormones that play a key role in the regulation of blood pressure, electrolyte homeostasis, metabolism, immune system suppression, and the body’s physiologic response to stress. Adrenal neoplasms can be asymptomatic or can overproduce certain hormones that lead to different clinical manifestations. Oncocytic adrenal neoplasms are infrequent tumors that arise from cells in the adrenal cortex and display a characteristic increase in the number of cytoplasmic mitochondria. Since the rate-limiting step in steroidogenesis includes the transport of cholesterol across the mitochondrial membranes, in part carried out by the 18-kDa translocator protein (TSPO), we assessed the expression of TSPO in a case of adrenal oncocytic neoplasm using residual adrenal gland of the patient as internal control. We observed a significant loss of TSPO immunofluorescence expression in the adrenal oncocytic tumor cells when compared to adjacent normal adrenal tissue. We further confirmed this finding by employing Western blot analysis to semiquantify TSPO expression in tumor and normal adrenal cells. Our findings could suggest a potential role of TSPO in the tumorigenesis of this case of adrenocortical oncocytic neoplasm.
Shrimp Feed Formulation via Evolutionary Algorithm with Power Heuristics for Handling Constraints
Authors: Rahman Rosshairy Abd. , Kendall Graham , Ramli Razamin , Jamari Zainoddin , Ku-Mahamud Ku Ruhana
Published: November 2017

Formulating feed for shrimps represents a challenge to farmers and industry partners. Most previous studies selected from only a small number of ingredients due to cost pressures, even though hundreds of potential ingredients could be used in the shrimp feed mix. Even with a limited number of ingredients, the best combination of the most appropriate ingredients is still difficult to obtain due to various constraint requirements, such as nutrition value and cost. This paper proposes a new operator which we call Power Heuristics, as part of an Evolutionary Algorithm (EA), which acts as a constraint handling technique for the shrimp feed or diet formulation. The operator is able to choose and discard certain ingredients by utilising a specialized search mechanism. The aim is to achieve the most appropriate combination of ingredients. Power Heuristics are embedded in the EA at the early stage of a semirandom initialization procedure. The resulting combination of ingredients, after fulfilling all the necessary constraints, shows that this operator is useful in discarding inappropriate ingredients when a crucial constraint is violated.
Evaluation of CAMP-Like Effect, Biofilm Formation, and Discrimination ofCandida africanafrom VaginalCandida albicansSpecies
Authors: Pakshir Keyvan , Bordbar Mahboubeh , Zomorodian Kamiar , Nouraei Hasti , Khodadadi Hossein
Published: November 2017

Candida africana asa species recovered from female genital specimens is highly close toC. albicans. The present study was conducted to discriminateC. africanafrom presumptive vaginalC. albicansstrains by molecular assay and evaluate their hemolysin activity, biofilm formation, and cohemolytic effect (CAMP) with vaginal bacterial flora. A total of 110 stock vaginalC. albicansisolates were examined byHWP1gene amplification. Hemolysin activity and the ability of biofilm formation were evaluated by blood plate assay and visual detection methods, respectively.Staphylococcus aureus,Staphylococcus epidermidis, andStreptococcus agalactiaewere used to evaluate the CAMP-like effects in Sabouraud blood agar media. Based on the size of the amplicons (941 bp), all isolates were identified asC. albicans. All samples were able to produce beta-hemolysin. Moreover, 69 out of 110 of the isolates (62.7%) were biofilm-positive, 54 out of 110Candidaisolates (49%) demonstrated cohemolytic effects withS. agalactiae, and 48 out of 110 showed this effect withS. aureus(43.6%). All isolates were CAMP-negative withS. epidermidis. We detected all isolates asCandida albicansand almost half of the isolates were CAMP-positive withS. aureusandS. agalactiae, suggesting that these bacteria increase the pathogenicity ofCandidain vaginal candidiasis.
Application of Autofluorescence for Analysis of Medicinal Plants
Authors: Roshchina Victoria V. , Kuchin Andrei V. , Yashin Valerii A.
Published: November 2017

Autofluorescence of secondary compounds contained in plant secretory cells may be applied to the analysis of medicinal plants for pharmacy. Emission and prevailing fluorescent pharmaceuticals have been estimated in several models of species such as Salvia officinalis, Berberis vulgaris, Humulus lupulus, and Matricaria chamomilla, by luminescence microscopy, microspectrofluorimetry, and confocal microscopy.
Adult-Type Rhabdomyoma of the Larynx: Clinicopathologic Study of an Uncommon Tumor in a Rare Location
Authors: Altissimi Giancarlo , Ralli Massimo , Sementilli Giulio , Fiorentino Francesco , Ciofalo Andrea , Greco Antonio , de Vincentiis Marco , Corsi Alessandro , Cianfrone Giancarlo
Published: November 2017

Rhabdomyoma is an uncommon benign mesenchymal tumor with skeletal muscle differentiation that may occur either in the heart or in extracardiac sites. Even though the head and neck region is the most common area of extracardiac rhabdomyoma, the larynx is rarely involved. We present the case of an 85-year-old woman who reported a 10-day history of breathing difficulties, dysphagia, and dysphonia. A computed tomography scan of the head and neck showed a contrast-enhanced, solid hypopharyngeal-laryngeal neoplasm with well-defined margins causing subtotal obliteration of the right pyriform sinus and a reduction in air lumen of the laryngeal vestibule. The patient underwent complete endoscopic removal of the lesion; histologic examination revealed an adult-type rhabdomyoma based on the histologic features and the immunoreactivity of the neoplastic cells for desmin, myoglobin, and muscle-specific actin but not for cytokeratin, S-100, CD68R, chromogranin-A, and synaptophysin. Since clinical and imaging features are not specific for rhabdomyoma, histologic examination and immunohistochemical analyses play a central role in the differential diagnosis of the adult-type rhabdomyoma from other laryngeal neoplasms. A correct diagnosis is mandatory to avoid inappropriate treatment.
Temporal and Evolving Data Warehouse Design
Authors: Faisal Sidra , Sarwar Mansoor , Shahzad Khurram , Sarwar Shahzad , Jaffry Waqar , Yousaf Muhammad Murtaza
Published: November 2017

The data model of the classical data warehouse (formally, dimensional model) does not offer comprehensive support for temporal data management. The underlying reason is that it requires consideration of several temporal aspects, which involve various time stamps. Also, transactional systems, which serves as a data source for data warehouse, have the tendency to change themselves due to changing business requirements. The classical dimensional model is deficient in handling changes to transaction sources. This has led to the development of various schemes, including evolution of data and evolution of data model and versioning of dimensional model. These models have their own strengths and limitations, but none fully satisfies the above-stated broad range of aspects, making it difficult to compare the proposed schemes with one another. This paper analyses the schemes that satisfy such challenging aspects faced by a data warehouse and proposes taxonomy for characterizing the existing models to temporal data management in data warehouse. The paper also discusses some open challenges.
A Theoretical Analysis of Pore Size Distribution Effects on Shale Apparent Permeability
Authors: Tian Shouceng , Ren Wenxi , Li Gensheng , Yang Ruiyue , Wang Tianyu
Published: November 2017

Apparent permeability is an important input parameter in the simulation of shale gas production. Most apparent permeability models assume a single pore size. In this study, we develop a theoretical model for quantifying the effect of pore size distribution on shale apparent permeability. The model accounts for the nonuniform distribution of pore sizes, the rarefaction effect, and gas characteristics. The model is validated against available experimental data. Theoretical calculations show that the larger the pore radius, the larger the apparent permeability. Moreover, the apparent permeability increases with an increase in the width of pore size distribution, with this effect being much more pronounced at low pressure than at high pressure.
Radiation Noise Separation of Internal Combustion Engine Based on Gammatone-RobustICA Method
Authors: Yao Jiachi , Xiang Yang , Qian Sichong , Wang Shuai
Published: November 2017

In the internal combustion engine noise source separation process, the combustion noise and the piston slap noise are found to be seriously aliased in time-frequency domain. It is difficult to accurately separate them. Therefore, the noise source separation method which is based on Gammatone filter bank and robust independent component analysis (RobustICA) is proposed. The 6-cylinder internal combustion engine vibration and noise test are carried out in a semianechoic chamber. The lead covering method is adopted to isolate the interference noise from numbers 1 to 5 cylinder parts, with only the number 6 cylinder parts left bare. Firstly, many mode components of the measured near-field radiated noise signals are extracted through the designed Gammatone filter bank. Then, the RobustICA algorithm is utilised to extract the independent components. Finally, the spectrum analysis, the continuous wavelet time-frequency analysis, the correlation function method, and the drag test are employed to further identify the separation results. The research results show that the frequency of the combustion noise and the piston slap noise are, respectively, concentrated at 4025 Hz and 1725 Hz. Compared with the EWT-RobustICA method, the separation results obtained by the Gammatone-RobustICA method have very fewer interference components.
A Case of Small Bowel Obstruction and Enterocutaneous Fistulation Resulting from a Mesenteric Haematoma following Blunt Abdominal Trauma
Authors: North Matthew , Aveyard Nicholas , Diya Oyeniyi , Berger Jeremy , Al-Whouhayb Maitham
Published: November 2017

A 23-year-old male with a history of previous abdominal surgery was involved in a road traffic accident. He was discharged after initial assessment but represented several days with small bowel obstruction secondary to a mesenteric haematoma. He underwent resection and recovered well but represented later on the day of discharge with a leaking surgical wound consistent with an enterocutaneous fistula. This was managed conservatively and closed spontaneously after ten days. This case serves to highlight that adhesions from previous surgery can tether the small bowel causing mesenteric injury following blunt-force trauma. It also demonstrates that postoperative ileus can result in an enterocutaneous fistula that has the appearance of an anastomotic breakdown but which resolves more rapidly.
Effect of Peony‐Glycyrrhiza Decoction on Amisulpride‐Induced Hyperprolactinemia in Women with Schizophrenia: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Yang Ping , Li Liang , Yang Dong , Wang Chaoying , Peng Hongli , Huang Huiyong , Liu Xuejun
Published: November 2017

Objective. The aim of this study is to observe the effect of Peony‐Glycyrrhiza Decoction (PGD) on hyperprolactinemia in women with schizophrenia induced by Amisulpride. Material and Methods. A total of 41 female schizophrenia patients receiving Amisulpride were randomly divided into placebo (n = 20) and PGD groups (n = 21). Maintaining the original Amisulpride dose, the two groups were given placebo and PGD, respectively. The levels of Prolactin (PRL) and other hormones were measured on the initial day and at weeks 4 and 8 after treatment. Changes of clinical symptoms in patients with hyperprolactinemia were observed. The PANSS scores were recorded to assess the psychotic symptoms. Results. Compared with placebo group, level of PRL decreased while Progesterone increased remarkably in the PGD group at weeks 4 and 8 (p < 0.01), and level of Estradiol in the PGD group increased significantly at week 8 (p < 0.05). There were no differences in PANSS scores and biochemical indexes between two groups at weeks 4 and 8. Conclusion. PGD can improve symptoms of hyperprolactinemia and hormone levels in women with schizophrenia caused by Amisulpride, without affecting their mental symptoms and biochemical indexes.
P‐glycoprotein (ABCB1) and Oxidative Stress: Focus on Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Sita Giulia , Hrelia Patrizia , Tarozzi Andrea , Morroni Fabiana
Published: November 2017

ATP‐binding cassette (ABC) transporters, in particular P‐glycoprotein (encoded by ABCB1), are important and selective elements of the blood‐brain barrier (BBB), and they actively contribute to brain homeostasis. Changes in ABCB1 expression and/or function at the BBB may not only alter the expression and function of other molecules at the BBB but also affect brain environment. Over the last decade, a number of reports have shown that ABCB1 actively mediates the transport of beta amyloid (Aβ) peptide. This finding has opened up an entirely new line of research in the field of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Indeed, despite intense research efforts, AD remains an unsolved pathology and effective therapies are still unavailable. Here, we review the crucial role of ABCB1 in the Aβ transport and how oxidative stress may interfere with this process. A detailed understanding of ABCB1 regulation can provide the basis for improved neuroprotection in AD and also enhanced therapeutic drug delivery to the brain.
A Study on the Use of Compound and Extracted Models in the High Frequency Electromagnetic Exposure Assessment
Authors: Cvetković Mario , Dodig Hrvoje , Poljak Dragan
Published: November 2017

The paper presents the numerical results for the induced electric field in the various models of the human eye and the head. The comparison between the extracted or the single organ models and the compound organ models placed inside realistic head models obtained from the magnetic resonance imaging scans is presented. The numerical results for several frequencies and polarizations of the incident electromagnetic (EM) plane wave are obtained using the hybrid finite element method/boundary element method (FEM/BEM) formulation and the surface integral equation (SIE) based formulation featuring the use of method of moments, respectively. Although some previous analysis showed the similar distribution of the induced electric field along the pupillary axis obtained in both eye models, this study showed this not to be the case in general. The analysis showed that the compound eye model is much more suitable when taking into account the polarization of the incident EM wave. The numerical results for the brain models showed much better agreement in the maximum values and distributions of the induced surface field between detailed models, while homogeneous brain model showed better agreement with the compound model in the distribution along selected sagittal axis points. The analysis could provide some helpful insights when carrying out the dosimetric analysis of the human eye and the head/brain exposed to high frequency EM radiation.
Virtual Reality Telerehabilitation for Postural Instability in Parkinson’s Disease: A Multicenter, Single-Blind, Randomized, Controlled Trial
Authors: Gandolfi Marialuisa , Geroin Christian , Dimitrova Eleonora , Boldrini Paolo , Waldner Andreas , Bonadiman Silvia , Picelli Alessandro , Regazzo Sara , Stirbu Elena , Primon Daniela , Bosello Christian , Gravina Aristide Roberto , Peron Luca , Trevisan Monica , Garcia Alberto Carreño , Menel Alessia , Bloccari Laura , Valè Nicola , Saltuari Leopold , Tinazzi Michele , Smania Nicola
Published: November 2017

Introduction. Telerehabilitation enables patients to access remote rehabilitation services for patient-physiotherapist videoconferencing in their own homes. Home-based virtual reality (VR) balance training has been shown to reduce postural instability in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). The primary aim was to compare improvements in postural stability after remotely supervised in-home VR balance training and in-clinic sensory integration balance training (SIBT). Methods. In this multicenter study, 76 PD patients (modified Hoehn and Yahr stages 2.5–3) were randomly assigned to receive either in-home VR telerehabilitation (n=38) or in-clinic SIBT (n=38) in 21 sessions of 50 minutes each, 3 days/week for 7 consecutive weeks. VR telerehabilitation consisted of graded exergames using the Nintendo Wii Fit system; SIBT included exercises to improve postural stability. Patients were evaluated before treatment, after treatment, and at 1-month follow-up. Results. Analysis revealed significant between-group differences in improvement on the Berg Balance Scale for the VR telerehabilitation group (p=0.04) and significant Time × Group interactions in the Dynamic Gait Index (p=0.04) for the in-clinic group. Both groups showed differences in all outcome measures over time, except for fall frequency. Cost comparison yielded between-group differences in treatment and equipment costs. Conclusions. VR is a feasible alternative to in-clinic SIBT for reducing postural instability in PD patients having a caregiver.
Laparoscopic Dismembered Pyeloplasty in a Solitary Kidney with Intrarenal Pelvis: Two Challenges in One Case
Authors: Amasyali Akin Soner , Ates Erhan , Kazici Hakan Görkem , Manav Alper Nesip , Erol Haluk
Published: November 2017

Laparoscopic pyeloplasty (LP) for ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) is one of the most appropriate surgical techniques to achieve the optimal goal of minimally invasive surgery. However, urologists hesitate to use the laparoscopic approach in UPJO with solitary kidney or intrarenal pelvis. There are a few published studies on laparoscopic pyeloplasty cases in intrarenal pelvis. However, to the best of our knowledge, the present case is the first in the literature in terms of intrarenal pelvis in a solitary kidney. Generally, YV plasty is the accepted technique instead of dismembered pyeloplasty in UPJO with small or intrarenal pelvis. However, in this report, we showed that dismembered LP can be performed with good results in intrarenal pelvis UPJO, even if it is in the solitary kidney.
Serial Galactose-Deficient IgA1 Levels in Children with IgA Nephropathy and Healthy Controls
Authors: Sanders John T. , Hastings M. Colleen , Moldoveanu Zina , Novak Jan , Julian Bruce A. , Bursac Zoran , Wyatt Robert J.
Published: November 2017

Galactose-deficient IgA1 (Gd-IgA1) is a key pathogenic factor for IgA nephropathy (IgAN) and a potential biomarker for the disease. This study examined serial serum Gd-IgA1 levels over 1 year in 13 children with IgAN and 40 healthy children, to determine whether or not serum Gd-IgA1 levels changed over time. Subjects were younger than 18 years of age. Follow-up measurements were scheduled 6 and/or 12 months later. Analysis of variance and regression models for repeated measures were used to estimate group and time effects. Serum Gd-IgA1 level was higher in initial samples for IgAN patients compared to those of healthy children(P<0.0001). Serum Gd-IgA1 levels did not change over time for healthy controls but increased for IgAN patients(P=0.001). Serum Gd-IgA1 level was elevated for 9 children with IgAN at study entry and remained elevated. Two of the 4 IgAN patients with initially normal Gd-IgA1 levels had a subsequent elevated level. The persistent elevation of the serum Gd-IgA1 level in children with IgAN enhances its utility as a potential diagnostic test for IgAN.
Deep Recurrent Model for Server Load and Performance Prediction in Data Center
Authors: Huang Zheng , Peng Jiajun , Lian Huijuan , Guo Jie , Qiu Weidong
Published: November 2017

Recurrent neural network (RNN) has been widely applied to many sequential tagging tasks such as natural language process (NLP) and time series analysis, and it has been proved that RNN works well in those areas. In this paper, we propose using RNN with long short-term memory (LSTM) units for server load and performance prediction. Classical methods for performance prediction focus on building relation between performance and time domain, which makes a lot of unrealistic hypotheses. Our model is built based on events (user requests), which is the root cause of server performance. We predict the performance of the servers using RNN-LSTM by analyzing the log of servers in data center which contains user’s access sequence. Previous work for workload prediction could not generate detailed simulated workload, which is useful in testing the working condition of servers. Our method provides a new way to reproduce user request sequence to solve this problem by using RNN-LSTM. Experiment result shows that our models get a good performance in generating load and predicting performance on the data set which has been logged in online service. We did experiments with nginx web server and mysql database server, and our methods can been easily applied to other servers in data center.
Activation of Peptidylarginine Deiminase in the Salivary Glands of Balb/c Mice Drives the Citrullination of Ro and La Ribonucleoproteins
Authors: Rodríguez-Rodríguez Mayra , Herrera-Esparza Rafael , Bollain y Goytia Juan-José , Pérez-Pérez María-Elena , Pacheco-Tovar Deyanira , Murillo-Vázquez Jessica , Pacheco-Tovar Guadalupe , Avalos-Díaz Esperanza
Published: November 2017

The goal of the present study was to determine whether peptidylarginine deiminase PAD2 and PAD4 enzymes are present in Balb/c mouse salivary glands and whether they are able to citrullinate Ro and La ribonucleoproteins. Salivary glands from Balb/c mice were cultured in DMEM and supplemented with one of the following stimulants: ATP, LPS, TNF, IFNγ, or IL-6. A control group without stimulant was also evaluated. PAD2, PAD4, citrullinated peptides, Ro60, and La were detected by immunohistochemistry and double immunofluorescence. PAD2 and PAD4 mRNAs and protein expression were detected by qPCR and Western blot analysis. PAD activity was assessed using an antigen capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. LPS, ATP, and TNF triggered PAD2 and PAD4 expression; in contrast, no expression was detected in the control group (p<0.001). PAD transcription slightly increased in response to stimulation. Additionally, PAD2/4 activity modified the arginine residues of a reporter protein (fibrinogen) in vitro. PADs citrullinated Ro60 and La ribonucleoproteins in vivo. Molecular stimulants induced apoptosis in ductal cells and the externalization of Ro60 and La ribonucleoproteins onto apoptotic membranes. PAD enzymes citrullinate Ro and La ribonucleoproteins, and this experimental approach may facilitate our understanding of the role of posttranslational modifications in the pathophysiology of Sjögren’s syndrome.
Neuroinvasive Infection from O117:K52:H-Escherichia colifollowing Acute Pyelonephritis
Authors: Cromlin H. , Rodriguez-Villalobos H. , Deplano A. , Duprez T. , Hantson P.
Published: November 2017

Spontaneous or nosocomialEscherichia colimeningitis remains rare in healthy adults but is still carrying a high mortality rate despite adapted antimicrobial treatment for susceptible strains. A 39-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital with severe subarachnoid haemorrhage complicated by acute hydrocephalus. On hospital day 10, she developedStreptococcus anginosussepticaemia and urinary tract infection due to a multisensitive strain ofE. coli. This infection was successfully controlled by antimicrobial therapy. As a late complication in the neurosurgical ward (day 39), she developed fever, alteration of consciousness, and shock, leading to the diagnosis of bacterial meningitis. The culture of blood, cerebrospinal fluid, and urine grew positive for a multisensitiveE. coli. The strain was identified as O117:K52:H, a serotype that was until now never associated with acute meningitis or brain abscesses. The source appeared to be the urinary tract with the demonstration of acute pyelonephritis. The patient died on day 94 from delayed complications of multiple brain abscesses.
Determinants of Skilled Birth Attendance in the Northern Parts of Ghana
Authors: Dickson Kwamena Sekyi , Amu Hubert
Published: November 2017

Background. An integral part of the Sustainable Development Goal three is to ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive healthcare services which include skilled delivery by the year 2030. We examined the determinants of skilled delivery among women in the Northern part of Ghana. Methods. The paper made use of data from the Demographic and Health Survey. Women from the Northern part of Ghana were included in the analysis. Bivariate descriptive analyses coupled with binary logistic regression estimation technique were used to analyse the data. Results. Region of residence, age, household wealth, education, distance to a health facility, religion, parity, partner’s education, and getting money for treatment were identified as the determinants of skilled delivery. While the probability of having a skilled delivery was higher in the Upper East Region, it was lower in the Northern and Upper West Regions compared to the Brong Ahafo Region. Conclusion. Our findings call for more attention from the Ghana Health Service and the Ministry of Health in addressing the skilled delivery gaps among women particularly in the Northern and Upper West Regions in ensuring attainment of the Sustainable Development Goal target related to reproductive health care accessibility for all by the year 2030.
Addressing Adolescent Depression in Tanzania: Positive Primary Care Workforce Outcomes Using a Training Cascade Model
Authors: Kutcher Stan , Wei Yifeng , Gilberds Heather , Brown Adena , Ubuguyu Omary , Njau Tasiana , Sabuni Norman , Magimba Ayoub , Perkins Kevin
Published: November 2017

Background. This is a report on the outcomes of a training program for community clinic healthcare providers in identification, diagnosis, and treatment of adolescent Depression in Tanzania using a training cascade model. Methods. Lead trainers adapted a Canadian certified adolescent Depression program for use in Tanzania to train clinic healthcare providers in the identification, diagnosis, and treatment of Depression in young people. As part of this training program, the knowledge, attitudes, and a number of other outcomes pertaining to healthcare providers and healthcare practice were assessed. Results. The program significantly, substantially, and sustainably improved provider knowledge and confidence. Further, healthcare providers’ personal help-seeking efficacy also significantly increased as well as the clinicians’ reported number of adolescent patients identified, diagnosed, and treated for Depression. Conclusion. To our knowledge, this is the first study reporting positive outcomes of a training program addressing adolescent Depression in Tanzanian community clinics. These results suggest that the application of this training cascade approach may be a feasible model for developing the capacity of healthcare providers to address youth Depression in a low-income, low-resource setting.