bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Public Knowledge and Attitudes towards Bystander Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation in China
Authors: Chen Meng , Wang Yue , Li Xuan , Hou Lina , Wang Yufeng , Liu Jie , Han Fei
Published: March 2017

The rate of bystander CPR is much lower in China than in developed countries. This survey was implemented to assess the current status of layperson CPR training, to analyze the willingness of bystanders to perform CPR, and to identify barriers to improving bystander CPR rates. The questionnaire included individual information, current status of bystander CPR training, and individual’s willingness and attitude towards performing CPR. There were 25.6% laypersons who took CPR training. The majority (98.6%) of laypersons would perform CPR on their family members, but fewer laypersons (76.3%) were willing to perform CPR on strangers. Most respondents (53.2%) were worried about legal issues. If laws were implemented to protect bystanders who give aid, the number of laypersons who were not willing to perform CPR on strangers dropped from 23.7% to 2.4%. An increasing number of people in China know CPR compared with the situation in the past. CPR training in China is much less common than in many developed countries. The barriers are that laypersons are not well-trained and they fear being prosecuted for unsuccessful CPR. More accredited CPR training courses are needed in China. The laws should be passed to protect bystanders who provide assistance.
Finite-Time Passivity and Passification Design for Markovian Jumping Systems with Mode-Dependent Time-Varying Delays
Authors: Ma Chao
Published: March 2017

This paper investigates the finite-time passivity and passification design problem for a class of Markovian jumping systems with mode-dependent time-varying delays. By employing the Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional method, delay-dependent sufficient criteria are derived to ensure the mean-square stochastically finite-time passivity. Based on the established results, mode-dependent passification controller is further designed in terms of linear matrix inequalities, such that the prescribed passive performance index of the resulting closed-loop system can be satisfied. Finally, two illustrative examples are given to show the effectiveness of the obtained theoretical results.
3D Nondestructive Visualization and Evaluation of TRISO Particles Distribution in HTGR Fuel Pebbles Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography
Authors: Yu Gongyi , Du Yi , Xiang Xincheng , Liu Yuan , Li Ziqiang , Wang Xiangang
Published: March 2017

A nonuniform distribution of tristructural isotropic (TRISO) particles within a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) pebble may lead to excessive thermal gradients and nonuniform thermal expansion during operation. If the particles are closely clustered, local hotspots may form, leading to excessive stresses on particle layers and an increased probability of particle failure. Although X-ray digital radiography (DR) is currently used to evaluate the TRISO distributions in pebbles, X-ray DR projection images are two-dimensional in nature, which would potentially miss some details for 3D evaluation. This paper proposes a method of 3D visualization and evaluation of the TRISO distribution in HTGR pebbles using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT): first, a pebble is scanned on our high-resolution CBCT, and 2D cross-sectional images are reconstructed; secondly, all cross-sectional images are restructured to form the 3D model of the pebble; then, volume rendering is applied to segment and display the TRISO particles in 3D for visualization and distribution evaluation. For method validation, several pebbles were scanned and the 3D distributions of the TRISO particles within the pebbles were produced. Experiment results show that the proposed method provides more 3D than DR, which will facilitate pebble fabrication research and production quality control.
Broadband Circular Polarizer Based on Plasmon Hybridizations
Authors: Shi Hong-Yu , Li Wei , Zhu Shi-Tao , Dong Xiao-Li , Zhang An-Xue , Xia Song , Xu Zhuo
Published: March 2017

This paper presents a broadband circular polarizer with a ring/disk cavity structure, which is a broadband application of plasmon hybridizations. The proposed design can convert a linearly polarized wave to a circularly polarized wave from 12.66 GHz to 17.43 GHz within a bandwidth of 30%. The broadband polarization conversion characterization results from the different plasmon hybridization modes induced in the ring/disk cavity. The proposed broadband circular polarizer is demonstrated by both full-wave simulation and measurement.
Quantum Radiation Properties of General Nonstationary Black Hole
Authors: Singh T. Ibungochouba
Published: March 2017

Using the generalized tortoise coordinate transformations the quantum radiation properties of Klein-Gordon scalar particles, Maxwell’s electromagnetic field equations, and Dirac equations are investigated in general nonstationary black hole. The locations of the event horizon and the Hawking temperature depend on both time and angles. A new extra coupling effect is observed in the thermal radiation spectrum of Maxwell’s equations and Dirac equations which is absent in the thermal radiation spectrum of scalar particles. We also observe that the chemical potential derived from scalar particles is equal to the highest energy of the negative-energy state of the scalar particle in the nonthermal radiation in general nonstationary black hole. Applying generalized tortoise coordinate transformation a constant termξis produced in the expression of thermal radiation in general nonstationary black hole. It indicates that generalized tortoise coordinate transformation is more accurate and reliable in the study of thermal radiation of black hole.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Evaluation of the Antibacterial Activity ofAllophylus serratusLeaf and Leaf Derived Callus Extracts Mediated Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Jemal Kero , Sandeep B. V. , Pola Sudhakar
Published: March 2017

Allophylus serratusmediated silver nanoparticles biosynthesis, characterization, and antimicrobial activity were described. The synthesis of silver nanoparticles was confirmed by visual observation: UV-Vis spectrum, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), and Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR). UV-Vis spectroscopy studies showed that the absorption spectra of synthesized silver nanoparticles from leaf and callus extracts had absorbance peak range of 440 nm and 445 nm, respectively. The X-RD pattern revealed the presence of crystalline, dominantly spherical silver nanoparticles in the sample having size ranging from 42 to 50 nm. The XRD peaks 38.2°, 44.1°, 64.1°, and 77.0° for leaf extract and 38.1°, 44.3°, 64.5°, 77.5°, and 81.33° for callus extract can be assigned the plane of silver crystals (111), (200), (220), and (311), respectively, and indicate that the silver nanoparticles are face-centered, cubic, and crystalline in nature. SEM and EDS analysis also confirmed the presence of silver nanoparticles. The FTIR results showed the presence of some biomolecules in extracts that act as reducing and capping agent for silver nanoparticles biosynthesis. The synthesized silver nanoparticles showed significant antibacterial activity againstKlebsiella pneumoniaeandPseudomonas aeruginosa.
The Convergence of a Class of Parallel Newton-Type Iterative Methods
Authors: Huang Qinglong
Published: March 2017

A general iterative process is proposed, from which a class of parallel Newton-type iterative methods can be derived. A unified convergence theorem for the general iterative process is established. The convergence of these Newton-type iterative methods is obtained from the unified convergence theorem. The results of efficiency analyses and numerical example are satisfactory.
On Consensus of Star-Composed Networks with an Application of Laplacian Spectrum
Authors: Huang Da , Jiang Haijun , Yu Zhiyong , Huang Qiongxiang , Chen Xing
Published: March 2017

In this paper, we mainly study the performance of star-composed networks which can achieve consensus. Specifically, we investigate the convergence speed and robustness of the consensus of the networks, which can be measured by the smallest nonzero eigenvalue λ2 of the Laplacian matrix and the H2 norm of the graph, respectively. In particular, we introduce the notion of the corona of two graphs to construct star-composed networks and apply the Laplacian spectrum to discuss the convergence speed and robustness for the communication network. Finally, the performances of the star-composed networks have been compared, and we find that the network in which the centers construct a balanced complete bipartite graph has the most advantages of performance. Our research would provide a new insight into the combination between the field of consensus study and the theory of graph spectra.
Aerobic Exercise Effects on Ocular Dominance Plasticity with a Phase Combination Task in Human Adults
Authors: Zhou Jiawei , Reynaud Alexandre , Hess Robert F.
Published: March 2017

Several studies have shown that short-term monocular patching can induce ocular dominance plasticity in normal adults, in which the patched eye becomes stronger in binocular viewing. There is a recent study showing that exercise enhances this plasticity effect when assessed with binocular rivalry. We address one question, is this enhancement from exercise a general effect such that it is seen for measures of binocular processing other than that revealed using binocular rivalry? Using a binocular phase combination task in which we directly measure each eye’s contribution to the binocularly fused percept, we show no additional effect of exercise after short-term monocular occlusion and argue that the enhancement of ocular dominance plasticity from exercise could not be demonstrated with our approach.
“Black Esophagus” or Gurvits Syndrome: A Rare Complication of Diabetic Ketoacidosis
Authors: Choksi Vivek , Dave Kairavee , Cantave Rulz , Shaharyar Sameer , Joseph Jeevan , Shankar Uday , Kaplan Steven , Feiz Hamid
Published: March 2017

Acute esophageal necrosis (AEN) also known as “black esophagus” or necrotizing esophagitis is a rare syndrome characterized by a striking diffuse patchy or circumferential black appearance of the esophageal mucosa that preferentially affects the distal esophagus and terminates at the gastroesophageal junction. Only 88 patients over a span of 40 years have received this diagnosis, and the prevalence of this disease ranges from 0.001 to 0.2% of cases in literature. It more commonly affects men (4 : 1 ratio) in the sixth decade of life. It is associated with a high mortality rate, approaching 32%. We report a case of AEN presenting in the setting of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), affecting both the proximal and distal esophagus.
PainVision® Apparatus for Assessment of Efficacy of Pulsed Radiofrequency Combined with Pharmacological Therapy in the Treatment of Postherpetic Neuralgia and Correlations with Measurements
Authors: Wang Dong , Zhang Kai , Han ShaoLong , Yu LingZhi
Published: March 2017

Objective. PainVision device was a developed application for the evaluation of pain intensity. The objective was to assess the efficacy and safety of pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) combined with pharmacological therapy in the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). We also discussed the correlation of the measurements.Method. Forty patients with PHN were randomized for treatment with PRF combined with pharmacological therapy (PRF group,n=20) or pharmacological therapy (control group,n=20) at postoperative 48 hours. The efficacy measure was pain degree (PD) that was assessed by PainVision and visual analog scale (VAS), short form Mcgill pain questionnaire (SF-Mcgill), and numeric rate scale sleep interference score (NRSSIS). Correlations between PD, VAS, SF-Mcgill, and NRSSIS were determined.Results. The PD for persistent pain (PP) and breakthrough pain (BTP) at postoperative 48 hours assessed by PainVision were significantly lower in PRF group than in control group (PD-PP,P<0.01; PD-BTP,P<0.01). PD and VAS were highly correlated for both persistent pain (r=0.453,ρ=0.008) and breakthrough pain (r=0.64,ρ=0.001).Conclusion. PRF was well tolerated and superior to isolated pharmacological therapy in the treatment of PHN. PainVision device showed great value in the evaluation of pain intensity and PD had an excellent correlation with VAS and SF-Mcgill.
Clinicopathological Characteristics and Prognosis of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma in Naturally Menopausal Women with Various Durations of Premenarche, Reproductive Periods, and Postmenopausal Stages
Authors: Zhu Xuhang , Yu Bin , Huang Yu-qing , Zhou Jing-nan , Ge Ming-Hua
Published: March 2017

Background. Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) exhibits a higher incidence in women. Due to various ages at menarche and menopause, estrogen levels vary, which may account for the differences in the occurrence, development, and prognosis of female patients with PTC. Objective. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between various durations in different estrogen levels and PTC and to provide important information to guide clinical management and treatment of this disease. Methods. First, we selected naturally menopausal female study subjects diagnosed with PTC at Zhejiang Cancer Hospital from 2007 to 2012 and then compared the differences in clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis among subjects with various lengths of premenarche, reproductive periods, and postmenopausal stages. Results. We found that all patients showed a significantly higher incidence of tumor multicentricity and intrathyroidal dissemination as the time after menopause increased. Additionally, women with shorter (<30) or longer (>38) reproductive lives had increased recurrence rates of PTC. Conclusions. In this study, we did not find any relationship of self-reported menarche and menopausal ages with the prognosis of PTC patients. More importantly, natural postmenopausal PTC patients with shorter or longer reproductive life, compared to the normal groups, had a higher rate of cancer recurrence and the patients with these characteristics could be recommended a more aggressive surgical treatment.
Toothpick inside the Common Bile Duct: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Brunaldi V. O. , Brunaldi M. O. , Masagao R. , Silva C. , Masuda H. , Brunaldi J. E.
Published: March 2017

The incidence and prevalence of foreign body (FB) ingestion are difficult to estimate. Unlike other foreign bodies, the ingestion of a toothpick is very uncommon and carries high morbidity and mortality rates. We report a case of a 73-year-old female patient presenting mid-term epigastric pain. Abdominal ultrasound revealed a slightly dilated common bile duct (CBD) and magnetic resonance showed an irregular filling failure in distal CBD and gallstones. Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography revealed major papilla on the edge of a diverticulum and confirmed the distal filling failure. After sphincterotomy, a partially intact toothpick was extracted from the CBD. Neither fistulas nor perforation signs were found. Literature related to foreign bodies and toothpick ingestion was reviewed and some hypotheses to explain the reported case were created. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a toothpick lodged inside the biliary tract.
Honey Mediated Green Synthesis of Nanoparticles: New Era of Safe Nanotechnology
Authors: Balasooriya Eranga Roshan , Jayasinghe Chanika Dilumi , Jayawardena Uthpala Apekshani , Ruwanthika Ranasinghe Weerakkodige Dulashani , Mendis de Silva Rohini , Udagama Preethi Vidya
Published: March 2017

With the advent of nanotechnology, many related industries rapidly developed over the recent past. Generally, top-down and bottom-up approaches are the two major processes used to synthesize nanoparticles; most of these require high temperatures, vacuum conditions, and harsh/toxic chemicals. As a consequence, adverse effects impacted organisms including humans. Some synthesis methods are expensive and time-consuming. As a corollary, the concept of “green nanotechnology” emerged with the green synthesis of nanoparticles commencing a new epoch in nanotechnology. This involves the synthesis of nanomaterial from microorganisms, macroorganisms, and other biological materials. Honey is documented as the world’s oldest food source with exceptional medical, chemical, physical, and pharmaceutical values. Honey mediated green synthesis is a relatively novel concept used during the past few years to synthesize gold, silver, carbon, platinum, and palladium nanoparticles. Honey acts as both a stabilizing and a reducing agent and importantly functions as a precursor in nanoparticle synthesis. This method usually requires room temperature and does not produce toxic byproducts. In conclusion, honey mediated green synthesis of nanoparticles provides a simple, cost effective, biocompatible, reproducible, rapid, and safe method. The special activity of honey functionalized nanoparticles may provide valuable end products with numerous applications in diverse fields.
Repeatability and Agreement of Central Corneal Thickness and Keratometry Measurements between Four Different Devices
Authors: Kiraly Laszlo , Stange Jana , Kunert Kathleen S. , Sel Saadettin
Published: March 2017

Background.To estimate repeatability and comparability of central corneal thickness (CCT) and keratometry measurements obtained by four different devices in healthy eyes.Methods.Fifty-five healthy eyes from 55 volunteers were enrolled in this study. CCT (IOLMaster 700, Pentacam HR, and Cirrus HD-OCT) and keratometry readings (IOLMaster 700, Pentacam HR, and iDesign) were measured. For statistical analysis, the corneal spherocylinder was converted into power vectors (J0, J45). Repeatability was assessed by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Agreement of measurements between the devices was evaluated by the Bland-Altman method.Results.The analysis of repeatability of CCT data of IOLMaster 700, Pentacam HR, and Cirrus HD-OCT showed high ICCs (range 0.995 to 0.999). The comparison of CCT measurements revealed statistically significant differences between Pentacam HR versus IOLMaster 700 (p<0.0001) and Pentacam HR versus Cirrus HD-OCT (p<0.0001), respectively. There was no difference in CCT measurements between IOLMaster 700 and Cirrus HD-OCT (p=0.519). The repeatability of keratometry readings (J0 and J45) of IOLMaster 700, Pentacam HR, and iDesign was also high with ICCs ranging from 0.974 to 0.999. The Pentacam HR revealed significantly higher J0 in comparison to IOLMaster 700 (p=0.009) and iDesign (p=0.041); however, no significant difference was between IOLMaster 700 and iDesign (p=0.426). Comparison of J45 showed no significant difference between IOLMaster 700, Pentacam HR, and iDesign. These results were in accordance with Bland-Altman plots.Conclusion.In clinical practice, the devices analyzed should not be used interchangeably due to low agreement regarding CCT as well as keratometry readings.
Comparative Study of 27-Gauge versus 25-Gauge Vitrectomy for the Treatment of Primary Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment
Authors: Rizzo Stanislao , Polizzi Silvio , Barca Francesco , Caporossi Tomaso , Virgili Gianni
Published: March 2017

Purpose. To compare the vitrectomy time, clinical outcomes, and complications between 27-gauge (27-G) and 25-gauge (25-G) vitrectomy in patients with primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (PRRD).Methods. Prospective, nonrandomized, comparative, interventional study. Forty consecutive patients with PRRD were recruited. Twenty patients underwent the 27-gauge procedure and twenty patients had the 25-gauge procedure. The main outcome measure of the study was the actual vitrectomy time.Results. The mean duration of vitreous removal was 23.2 min (SD 6.5) with 27-G vitrectomy and 19.6 min (SD 7.3) with 25-G vitrectomy, resulting in a difference of 3.6 min (95% confidence interval (95%CI): −8.0 to 0.8 mins,p=0.11). Mean logMAR visual acuity improved from 1.70 ± 1.18 preoperatively to 0.12 ± 0.14 at final postoperative visit (p<0.001) in the 27-G group and from 1.52 ± 1.15 preoperatively to 0.22 ± 0.30 at final postoperative visit (p<0.001) in the 25-G group. The anatomical success rate after a single operation was 90.0% and 85.0% in the 27-G and in the 25-G groups (p=0.63), respectively. Intraoperative iatrogenic retinal breaks (IRBs) occurred in 2 eyes in the 27-G group and 1 eye in the 25-G group.Conclusions. Twenty-seven-gauge vitrectomy may be a safe and effective surgery for the treatment of PRRD.
Study of Hybrid Localization Noncooperative Scheme in Wireless Sensor Network
Authors: Sumitra Irfan Dwiguna , Hou Rongtao , Supatmi Sri
Published: March 2017

In this paper, we evaluated the experiment and analysis measurement accuracy to determine object location based on wireless sensor network (WSN). The algorithm estimates the position of sensor nodes employing received signal strength (RSS) from scattered nodes in the environment, in particular for the indoor building. Besides that, we considered another algorithm based on weight centroid localization (WCL). In particular testbed, we combined both RSS and WCL as hybrid localization in case of noncooperative scheme with considering that source nodes directly communicate only with anchor nodes. Our experimental result shows localization accuracy of more than 90% and obtained the estimation error reduction to 4% compared to existing algorithms.
Anti-K1 (Kell) Antibody Expressed in Maternal Breastmilk: A Case Report of a Neonate with Multiple Intrauterine Transfusions and Postnatal Exposure to Kell Antibody in Maternal Breastmilk
Authors: DeMoss Patrick , Asfour Mohamed , Hersey Kelly
Published: March 2017

Hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn is a common consideration in newborn medicine, especially among the jaundiced. Maternal breastmilk provides numerous benefits to the infant, including nutrition and immunologic factors. Here, we present an infant who received three intrauterine transfusions for anemia secondary to anti-K1 (Kell), anti-C, and anti-e antibodies and whose maternal breastmilk tested positive for anti-Kell antibodies. The infant required another transfusion at 4 weeks of life for anemia. We review the pathophysiology of anti-Kell antibodies, the immunology of breast milk, and the intersection of these two topics.
Modification of Nonlinear Conjugate Gradient Method with Weak Wolfe-Powell Line Search
Authors: Alhawarat Ahmad , Salleh Zabidin
Published: March 2017

Conjugate gradient (CG) method is used to find the optimum solution for the large scale unconstrained optimization problems. Based on its simple algorithm, low memory requirement, and the speed of obtaining the solution, this method is widely used in many fields, such as engineering, computer science, and medical science. In this paper, we modified CG method to achieve the global convergence with various line searches. In addition, it passes the sufficient descent condition without any line search. The numerical computations under weak Wolfe-Powell line search shows that the efficiency of the new method is superior to other conventional methods.
Waveform Analysis and Optimization for Radar Coincidence Imaging with Modeling Error
Authors: Zhou Xiaoli , Wang Hongqiang , Cheng Yongqiang , Qin Yuliang , Chen Haowen
Published: March 2017

RCI is a novel superresolution staring imaging technique based on the idea of wavefront modulation and temporal‐spatial stochastic radiation field. For RCI, the reference matrix should be known accurately, and the imaging performance depends on the incoherence property of the reference matrix. Unfortunately, the modeling error, which degrades the performance significantly, exists generally. In this paper, RCI using frequency‐hopping waveforms (FH‐RCI) is considered, and a FH code design method aiming to increase the robustness of RCI to modeling error is proposed. First, we derive the upper bound of imaging error for RCI with modeling error and conclude that the condition number of the reference matrix determines the imaging performance. Then the object function for waveform design which minimizes the condition number of the reference matrix is achieved, and the quantum simulated annealing (QSA) is employed to optimize the FH code. Numerical simulations show that the optimized FH code could decrease the condition number of the reference matrix and improve the imaging performance of RCI with modeling error.
A New Approach of Waveform Interpretation Applied in Nondestructive Testing of Defects in Rock Bolts Based on Mode Identification
Authors: Rong Xiaoyang , Lin Peiyuan , Liu Jinyuan , Yang Tianhong
Published: March 2017

Due to the characteristics of dispersion of guided waves, the waveforms recorded in ultrasonic nondestructive testing (NDT) of rock bolts are complicated to interpret. With a goal to increase the inspection sensitivity and accuracy in NDT of rock bolts, an approach of waveform interpretation based on wave modes identification is developed. The numerical simulation of full rock bolt and rock bolts with grout defect by Finite Element Method (FEM) is applied to illustrate the approach; it is found that the sensitive and low attenuation wave modes exist. Laboratory tests on full rock bolt and rock bolt with grout loss using NDT are conducted to evaluate the efficacy of the approach of waveform interpretation. In addition to that, a parametric study was conducted on rock bolt models with different sectional defect size. Based on the waveform interpretation, the mode‐based reflection coefficient R is proposed to evaluate the sensitivity of wave modes to the defect size of sectional area. It is found that the sensitivity of the wave mode does not change with the defect sectional area, and the amplitude depends on the size of the defect.
Factors Associated with the Prevalence of Thyroid Nodules and Goiter in Middle-Aged Euthyroid Subjects
Authors: Dauksiene Dalia , Petkeviciene Janina , Klumbiene Jurate , Verkauskiene Rasa , Vainikonyte-Kristapone Jelena , Seibokaite Audrone , Ceponis Jonas , Sidlauskas Vygantas , Daugintyte-Petrusiene Laura , Norkus Antanas , Zilaitiene Birute
Published: March 2017

The aim of the present study was to determine associations of thyroid hormone levels and different metabolic parameters and anthropometric measurements with volume of nodular and nonnodular thyroid as well as with prevalence of goiter and thyroid nodules in middle-aged euthyroid subjects. Methods. The study consisted of 317 euthyroid subjects aged 48-49 from the Kaunas Cardiovascular Risk Cohort study. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4), and antithyroid peroxidase antibody (ATPO) levels, as well as anthropometric and metabolic parameters and smoking information, were evaluated. Results. In subjects with and without thyroid nodules, thyroid volume correlated with components of metabolic syndrome, body mass index (BMI), smoking, and TSH levels. In the nonnodular thyroid group, thyroid volume was also positively related to serum insulin and HOMA-IR, whereas a negative correlation between thyroid volume and leptin was identified in the nodular thyroid group. The goiter was identified in 12.3% of subjects. Female gender, thyroid nodules, smoking, BMI, and levels of TSH were independent predictors for goiter. Thyroid nodules were found in 31.2% of participants. Female gender, higher TSH levels, and thyroid volume were independent risk factors for thyroid nodules. Conclusions. Female gender, thyroid nodules, smoking, BMI, and TSH levels were identified as potential predictors of goiter. Female gender, TSH levels, and thyroid volume predicted the presence of thyroid nodules.
A Panel of CA19-9, Ca125, and Ca15-3 as the Enhanced Test for the Differential Diagnosis of the Pancreatic Lesion
Authors: Hogendorf Piotr , Skulimowski Aleksander , Durczyński Adam , Kumor Anna , Poznańska Grażyna , Oleśna Aleksandra , Rut Joanna , Strzelczyk Janusz
Published: March 2017

Background. Proper diagnosis of pancreatic lesion etiology is a challenging clinical dilemma. Studies suggest that surgery for suspected pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) reveals a benign lesion in 5% to 13% of cases. The aim of our study was to assess whether routinely used biomarkers such as CA19-9, Ca125, Ca15-3, and CEA, when combined, can potentially yield an accurate test predicting pancreatic lesion etiology. Methods. We retrospectively analyzed data of 326 patients who underwent a diagnostic process due to pancreatic lesions of unknown etiology. Results. We found statistically significant differences in mean levels of all biomarkers. In logistic regression model, we applied levels CA19-9, Ca125, and Ca15-3 as variables. Two validation methods were used, namely, random data split into training and validation groups and bootstrapping. Afterward, we built ROC curve using the model that we had created, reaching AUC = 0,801. With an optimal cut-off point, it achieved specificity of 81,2% and sensitivity of 63,10%. Our proposed model has superior diagnostic accuracy to both CA19-9 (p = 0,0194) and CA125 (p = 0,0026). Conclusion. We propose a test that is superior to CA19-9 in a differential diagnosis of pancreatic lesion etiology. Although our test fails to reach exceptionally high accuracy, its feasibility and cost-effectiveness make it clinically useful.
Dual Fixation of Calcaneal Tuberosity Avulsion with Concomitant Achilles Tendon Rupture: A Novel Hybrid Technique
Authors: Prabhakar Gautham , Kusnezov Nicholas , Rensing Nicholas , Abdelgawad Amr
Published: March 2017

Fracture of the calcaneal tuberosity with a concomitant Achilles tendon rupture presents a difficult challenge for the treating surgeon. The ultimate goal of treatment is to restore function of both the gastrocnemius-soleus complex and the Achilles tendon. This particular subset of fractures occurs often in diabetics and elderly patients with osteoporosis making fixation of the displaced fragment rather complex. If the Achilles tendon disruption is only discovered later once the fracture is healed, subsequent management is difficult with surgical treatment being more morbid. While this is a rare injury, the consequences of a missed chronic Achilles tendon disruption are severe with significant dysfunction. It is therefore important to have a high index of suspicion for concomitant injury and to be prepared for dual fixation. We present a novel hybrid surgical fixation technique, which may be used in this instance.
Optimal Planning of Communication System of CPS for Distribution Network
Authors: Yang Ting , Huang Zhiyong , Pen Haibo , Zhang Yajian
Published: March 2017

IoT is the technical basis to realize the CPS (Cyber Physical System) for distribution networks, with which the complex system becomes more intelligent and controllable. Because of the multihop and self-organization characteristics, the large-scale heterogeneous CPS network becomes more difficult to plan. Using topological potential theory, one of typical big data analysis technologies, this paper proposed a novel optimal CPS planning model. Topological potential equalization is considered as the optimization objective function in heterogeneous CPS network with the constraints of communication requirements, physical infrastructures, and network reliability. An improved binary particle swarm optimization algorithm is proposed to solve this complex optimal problem. Two IEEE classic examples are adopted in the simulation, and the results show that, compared with benchmark algorithms, our proposed method can provide an effective topology optimization scheme to improve the network reliability and transmitting performance.
Telefacturing Based Distributed Manufacturing Environment for Optimal Manufacturing Service by Enhancing the Interoperability in the Hubs
Authors: Manupati V. K. , Krishnan M. Gokula , Varela M. L. R. , Machado José
Published: March 2017

Recent happenings are surrounding the manufacturing sector leading to intense progress towards the development of effective distributed collaborative manufacturing environments. This evolving collaborative manufacturing not only focuses on digitalisation of this environment but also necessitates service-dependent manufacturing system that offers an uninterrupted approach to a number of diverse, complicated, dynamic manufacturing operations management systems at a common work place (hub). This research presents a novel telefacturing based distributed manufacturing environment for recommending the manufacturing services based on the user preferences. The first step in this direction is to deploy the most advanced tools and techniques, that is, Ontology-based Protégé 5.0 software for transforming the huge stored knowledge/information into XML schema of Ontology Language (OWL) documents and Integration of Process Planning and Scheduling (IPPS) for multijobs in a collaborative manufacturing system. Thereafter, we also investigate the possibilities of allocation of skilled workers to the best feasible operations sequence. In this context, a mathematical model is formulated for the considered objectives, that is, minimization of makespan and total training cost of the workers. With an evolutionary algorithm and developed heuristic algorithm, the performance of the proposed manufacturing system has been improved. Finally, to manifest the capability of the proposed approach, an illustrative example from the real-time manufacturing industry is validated for optimal service recommendation.
Comparison of Ramosetron with Palonosetron for Prevention of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting in Patients Receiving Opioid-Based Intravenous Patient-Controlled Analgesia after Gynecological Laparoscopy
Authors: Ahn Eun Jin , Choi Geun Joo , Kang Hyun , Baek Chong Wha , Jung Yong Hun , Woo Young Cheol
Published: March 2017

We aimed to compare the effects of ramosetron and palonosetron in the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in patients that received opioid-based intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV-PCA) after gynecological laparoscopy. We reviewed the electronic medical records of 755 adults. Patients were classified into two groups, ramosetron (group R,n=589) versus palonosetron (group P,n=166). Based on their confounding factors, 152 subjects in each group were selected after the implementation of propensity score matching. The overall incidence of PONV at postoperative day (POD) 0 was lower in group R compared to group P (26.9% versus 36.8%;P=0.043). The severity of nausea was lower in group R than in group P on postoperative day (POD) 0 (P=0.012). Also, the complete responder proportion of patients was significantly higher in group R compared to that in group P on POD 0 (P=0.043). In conclusion, ramosetron showed a greater efficacy in the prevention of postoperative nausea at POD 0 compared to palonosetron in patients after gynecological laparoscopy.
Role of Parental Smoking in Severe Bronchiolitis: A Hospital Based Case-Control Study
Authors: Farzana Rubina , Hoque Mujibul , Kamal Mohammad Shah , Choudhury Md. Moseh Uddin
Published: March 2017

Objective. Bronchiolitis is one of the commonest causes of hospitalization of infants and young children in Bangladesh. About 21% of under 5 children attending different hospitals of Bangladesh have bronchiolitis. Fifty percent (50%) men and three percent (3%) women of Bangladesh are smokers. Parental smoking is an important risk factor for both susceptibility and severity of bronchiolitis. The aim of this study was to find out the role of parental smoking in severe bronchiolitis. Design. Case-control study. Place and Duration of Study. The study was conducted in the Department of Paediatrics, Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh, from July 2013 to December 2015. Patients and Methods. Sixty-four patients admitted into the ward with severe bronchiolitis were enrolled as cases and sixty-four suitably matched apparently healthy children attending EPI centre and outpatient department presenting with nonrespiratory illness were enrolled as controls. Sample size was calculated using Guilford and Frucher formula. The technique was systematic random sampling. Every second case satisfying the inclusion and exclusion criteria was enrolled in the study. Results. The mean age of the patients was 7.53 (SD ± 4.75) months. Forty (62.5%) patients were male and twenty four (37.5%) patients were female. Male-to-female ratio was 1.7 : 1. Most of the cases (60.95%) came from low socioeconomic background. More than half of the cases (53.13%) were not exclusively breastfed babies. Mean length of hospital stay was 6.41 (SD ± 2.82) days. Thirty eight (59%) cases and twenty six (34%) controls were exposed to parental smoking. Result was highly significant (p=0.005). Odds ratio was 2.8 (95% CI from 1.36 to 5.72). Conclusion. Exposure to parental smoking causes a statistically significant (p=0.005, odds ratio = 2.8) increase in the risk of developing severe bronchiolitis in the first year of life.
One‐Dimensional Vacuum Steady Seepage Model of Unsaturated Soil and Finite Difference Solution
Authors: Huang Feng , Lyu Jianguo , Wang Guihe , Liu Hongyan
Published: March 2017

Vacuum tube dewatering method and light well point method have been widely used in engineering dewatering and foundation treatment. However, there is little research on the calculation method of unsaturated seepage under the effect of vacuum pressure which is generated by the vacuum well. In view of this, the one‐dimensional (1D) steady seepage law of unsaturated soil in vacuum field has been analyzed based on Darcy’s law, basic equations, and finite difference method. First, the gravity drainage ability is analyzed. The analysis presents that much unsaturated water can not be drained off only by gravity effect because of surface tension. Second, the unsaturated vacuum seepage equations are built up in conditions of flux boundary and waterhead boundary. Finally, two examples are analyzed based on the relationship of matric suction and permeability coefficient after boundary conditions are determined. The results show that vacuum pressure will significantly enhance the drainage ability of unsaturated water by improving the hydraulic gradient of unsaturated water.
Prediagnostic Calcium Intake and Lung Cancer Survival: A Pooled Analysis of 12 Cohort Studies
Authors: Yu Danxia , Takata Yumie , Smith-Warner Stephanie A. , Blot William , Sawada Norie , White Emily , Freedman Neal , Robien Kim , Giovannucci Edward , Zhang Xuehong , Park Yikyung , Gao Yu-Tang , Chlebowski Rowan T. , Langhammer Arnulf , Yang Gong , Severi Gianluca , Manjer Jonas , Khaw Kay-Tee , Weiderpass Elisabete , Liao Linda M. , Caporaso Neil , Krokstad Steinar , Hveem Kristian , Sinha Rashmi , Ziegler Regina , Tsugane Shoichiro , Xiang Yong-Bing , Johansson Mattias , Zheng Wei , Shu Xiao-Ou
Published: March 2017

Background: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death. Little is known about whether prediagnostic nutritional factors may affect survival. We examined the associations of prediagnostic calcium intake from foods and/or supplements with lung cancer survival.

Methods: The present analysis included 23,882 incident, primary lung cancer patients from 12 prospective cohort studies. Dietary calcium intake was assessed using food-frequency questionnaires at baseline in each cohort and standardized to caloric intake of 2,000 kcal/d for women and 2,500 kcal/d for men. Stratified, multivariable-adjusted Cox regression was applied to compute hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results: The 5-year survival rates were 56%, 21%, and 5.7% for localized, regional, and distant stage lung cancer, respectively. Low prediagnostic dietary calcium intake (<500–600 mg/d, less than half of the recommendation) was associated with a small increase in risk of death compared with recommended calcium intakes (800–1,200 mg/d); HR (95% CI) was 1.07 (1.01–1.13) after adjusting for age, stage, histology, grade, smoking status, pack-years, and other potential prognostic factors. The association between low calcium intake and higher lung cancer mortality was evident primarily among localized/regional stage patients, with HR (95% CI) of 1.15 (1.04–1.27). No association was found for supplemental calcium with survival in the multivariable-adjusted model.

Conclusions: This large pooled analysis is the first, to our knowledge, to indicate that low prediagnostic dietary calcium intake may be associated with poorer survival among early-stage lung cancer patients.

Impact: This multinational prospective study linked low calcium intake to lung cancer prognosis. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 26(7); 1060–70. ©2017 AACR.
Low Cotinine Glucuronidation Results in Higher Serum and Saliva Cotinine in African American Compared to White Smokers
Authors: Murphy Sharon E. , Sipe Christopher J. , Choi Kwangsoo , Raddatz Leah M. , Koopmeiners Joseph S. , Donny Eric C. , Hatsukami Dorothy K.
Published: March 2017

Background: Tobacco exposure is often quantified by serum or saliva concentrations of the primary nicotine metabolite, cotinine. However, average cotinine concentrations are higher in African Americans (AA) compared with Whites with similar smoking levels. Cotinine is metabolized by UGT2B10 and CYP2A6, and low UGT2B10 activity is common in AA, due to the prevalence of a UGT2B10 splice variant.

Methods: UGT2B10 activity was phenotyped in 1,446 smokers (34% AA) by measuring the percentage of cotinine excreted as a glucuronide. Urinary total nicotine equivalents (TNE), the sum of nicotine and 6 metabolites, were determined to quantify smoking dose, and cotinine and 3′-hydroxycotinine were quantified in saliva (study 1) or serum (study 2).

Results: Ninety-seven smokers (78% AA) were null for UGT2B10 activity, and the saliva and serum cotinine levels, after adjustment for TNE and cigarettes per day (CPD), were 68% and 48% higher in these smokers compared with nonnull smokers (P < 0.001). After adjustment for TNE and CPD, salivary cotinine was 35% higher, and serum cotinine 24% higher in AA versus White smokers, but with additional adjustment for UGT2B10 activity, there were no significant differences in saliva and serum cotinine concentrations between these two groups.

Conclusions: UGT2B10 activity significantly influences plasma cotinine levels, and higher cotinine concentrations in AA versus White smokers (after adjustment for smoking dose) result from lower levels of UGT2B10-catalyzed cotinine glucuronidation by AA.

Impact: UGT2B10 activity or genotype should be considered when using cotinine as a tobacco exposure biomarker, particularly in populations such as AA with high frequencies of UGT2B10 nonfunctional variants. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 26(7); 1093–9. ©2017 AACR.
Immune Microenvironment in Microsatellite-Instable Endometrial Cancers: Hereditary or Sporadic Origin Matters
Authors: Pakish Janelle B. , Zhang Qian , Chen Zhongyuan , Liang Han , Chisholm Gary B. , Yuan Ying , Mok Samuel C. , Broaddus Russell R. , Lu Karen H. , Yates Melinda S.
Published: March 2017

Purpose: Recent studies show that colorectal tumors with high microsatellite instability (MSI-H) have increased immunogenicity and response to immunotherapy compared with microsatellite-stable (MSS) tumors. It is not yet clear whether MSI-H endometrial cancer may also benefit from these therapies. It is also unknown whether immune response is equivalent in MSI-H endometrial cancer with sporadic or inherited Lynch syndrome origins.

Experimental Design: Multiplexed fluorescent IHC was used to compare matched MSI-H (n = 60) and MSS (n = 96) endometrial cancer specimens by evaluating immune cell populations in tumor and stroma compartments. Sporadic MSI-H and Lynch syndrome–associated (LS) MSI-H endometrial cancers were also directly compared.

Results: Increased immune cells were present in stroma of MSI-H endometrial cancer compared with MSS, including granzyme B+ cells, activated CTLs (CD8+granzyme B+), and PD-L1+ cells. Granzyme B+ cells and activated CTLs were also increased in the tumor compartment of MSI-H endometrial cancers. Comparing sporadic and LS MSI-H endometrial cancer showed distinct differences in immune cell populations, indicating that mechanisms underlying microsatellite instability alter immune response. Specifically, LS MSI-H endometrial cancer showed increased CD8+ cells and activated CTLs in stroma, with reduced macrophages in stroma and tumor compared with sporadic MSI-H. Sporadic MSI-H had increased PD-L1+ macrophages in stroma and tumor compared with LS MSI-H endometrial cancer.

Conclusions: MSI-H endometrial cancer has increased immune cell infiltration compared with MSS endometrial cancer and the hereditary or sporadic origin of microsatellite instability impacts immune response. Clinical trials to determine the role of immunotherapy in patients with MSI-H endometrial cancer must evaluate Lynch syndrome–related and sporadic MSI-H tumors separately. Clin Cancer Res; 23(15); 4473–81. ©2017 AACR.
Histone Methyltransferase G9a Drives Chemotherapy Resistance by Regulating the Glutamate–Cysteine Ligase Catalytic Subunit in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Liu Chia-Wen , Hua Kuo-Tai , Li Kai-Chun , Kao Hsiang-Fong , Hong Ruey-Long , Ko Jenq-Yuh , Hsiao Michael , Kuo Min-Liang , Tan Ching-Ting
Published: March 2017

Transient chemotherapeutic response is a major obstacle to treating head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). Histone methyltransferase G9a has recently been shown to be abundantly expressed in HNSCC, and is required to maintain the malignant phenotype. In this study, we found that high G9a expression is significantly associated with poor chemotherapeutic response and disease-free survival in HNSCC patients. Similarly, G9a expression and enzymatic activity were elevated in cisplatin-resistant HNSCC cells. Genetic or pharmacologic inhibition of G9a sensitized the resistant cells to cisplatin, increasing cellular apoptosis. Mechanistic investigations indicated that G9a contributes to transcriptional activation of the glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC), which results in upregulation of cellular glutathione (GSH) and drug resistance. In addition, we observed a significant positive correlation between G9a and GCLC expression in tumors of HNSCC patients. Taken together, our findings provide evidence that G9a protects HNSCC cells against chemotherapy by increasing the synthesis of GSH, and imply G9a as a promising target for overcoming cisplatin resistance in HNSCC. Mol Cancer Ther; 16(7); 1421–34. ©2017 AACR.
Does Erythropoietin Regulate TRPC Channels in Red Blood Cells?
Authors: Danielczok Jens , Hertz Laura , Ruppenthal Sandra , Kaiser Elisabeth , Petkova-Kirova Polina , Bogdanova Anna , Krause Elmar , Lipp Peter , Freichel Marc , Kaestner Lars , Birnbaumer Lutz
Published: March 2017

Background: Cation channels play an essential role in red blood cells (RBCs) ion homeostasis. One set of ion channels are the transient receptor potential channels of canonical type (TRPC channels). The abundance of these channels in primary erythroblasts, erythroid cell lines and RBCs was associated with an increase in intracellular Ca2+ upon stimulation with Erythropoietin (Epo). In contrast two independent studies on Epo-treated patients revealed diminished basal Ca2+ concentration or reduced phosphatidylserine exposure to the outer membrane leaflet. Methods: To resolve the seemingly conflicting reports we challenged mature human and mouse RBCs of several genotypes with Epo and Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and recorded the intracellular Ca2+ content. Next Generation Sequencing was utilised to approach a molecular analysis of reticulocytes. Results/Conclusions: Our results allow concluding that Epo and PGE2 regulation of the Ca2+ homeostasis is distinctly different between murine and human RBCs and that changes in intracellular Ca2+ upon Epo treatment is a primary rather than a compensatory effect. In human RBCs, Epo itself has no effect on Ca2+ fluxes but inhibits the PGE2-induced Ca2+ entry. In murine mature RBCs functional evidence indicates TRPC4/C5 mediated Ca2+ entry activated by Epo whereas PGE2 leads to a TRPC independent Ca2+ entry.